Australian Submariner Makes History by Earning Prestigious US Dolphins

In a landmark achievement underscoring the AUKUS trilateral security partnership, Royal Australian Navy submariner James has earned his warfare device, known as the “dolphins.” This milestone was achieved during James’s deployment aboard the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Vermont (SSN 792) in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Cavanaugh emphasized the significance of this event, stating, “It is always an honor to pin dolphins on a Sailor’s uniform and welcome them into an elite community of undersea warfighters. Today’s pinning represents the strength of the alliance and our continued progress under the AUKUS agreement. This was a historic pinning, but it is only the first of many to come.”

The qualification process is rigorous, demanding a profound understanding of submarine systems, compartments, and equipment. Notably, James had previously qualified on a Collins-class diesel-electric submarine, marking him as the first for the Royal Australian Navy to qualify on a nuclear-powered Virginia-class submarine.

James expressed his gratitude, saying, “All of the extra sensors that the boat has, and the fact that we can remain deployed for so long at such high speeds will be game changing for Australia. Qualifying is a culmination of a lot of hard work and a lot of support from the crew. I’m incredibly thankful to everybody that has supported me through this adventure. And it makes me incredibly proud to serve both my navy and your navy.”

At present, more than 100 Royal Australian Navy officers are embedded within the U.S. Navy submarine training pipeline or are stationed aboard U.S. Virginia-class SSNs. The AUKUS Pillar 1 military training initiatives aim to empower Australia with the capability to operate a fleet of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, significantly enhancing regional stability and deterring aggression in the Indo-Pacific.

The USS Vermont has been actively deployed since departing Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, on August 8, and recently arrived in Yokosuka, Japan, on December 9, for a port visit. As part of Submarine Squadron 1, Vermont continues to contribute to undersea warfare capabilities under Submarine Group 7’s direction, spanning the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea.

The U.S. 7th Fleet remains the largest forward-deployed numbered fleet of the U.S. Navy, maintaining regular interactions and operational engagements with allies and partners to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

*Per Royal Australian Navy protocols, submariners’ last names are not publicly released.