Bridging Oceans, Shaping Future: A Navy Captain’s Journey Reflecting AUKUS Vision

WASHINGTON — Uniting three allied navies under the AUKUS Integration & Acquisition program is a remarkable achievement for Royal Australian Navy Capt. Stephen Hussey. Spanning a career across 50 years, Hussey’s experience in the British Royal Navy, the Royal Australian Navy, and the U.S. Navy positions him as a key figure in this trilateral security effort. This initiative aims to enhance regional security in the Indo-Pacific.

At the age of 66, Hussey’s dedication remains unwavering. “I’m extending for reserve time until I’m 70 so I can continue supporting AUKUS as required,” Hussey shared. His service culminates in 2027, coinciding with the arrival of the first U.S. rotational submarine in Australia, marking a significant milestone for Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West).

Growing up in Yeovil, England, Hussey was inspired by a childhood visit to Royal Navy ships. This experience set the stage for a distinguished career in submarines, spanning both diesel and nuclear-powered vessels. His roles ranged from executive officer on the Resolution-class to serving on the Vanguard-class HMS Vengeance.

Hussey’s journey took a pivotal turn in 2000 when he moved to Australia after a two-year exchange in Sydney. Heserved in the Royal Australian Navy and commanded the HMAS Rankin, a Collins-class submarine. His invaluable experience made him an ideal candidate for the AUKUS project, where he contributes as a capability lead.

The heart of Hussey’s approach lies in fostering collaboration among Australia, the UK, and the U.S. His wide-ranging naval experience highlights the benefits of international cooperation and shared defense goals. “Having served in two navies and spending time on exchange with a third introduced me to the need for, and importance of, multilateral collaboration early in my career,” he noted.

Within the AUKUS framework, Hussey is pivotal in developing the Royal Australian Navy’s nuclear capabilities. He draws on his comprehensive understanding of allied submarine programs to inform strategic decisions for Australia’s future fleet. This approach includes integrating Australian personnel into U.S. naval training through the Personal Exchange Program.

The voyage towards a nuclear-powered fleet demands a cultural shift, what Hussey calls a “nuclear mindset.” This commitment to precision, safety, and operational excellence is critical for Australia to achieve its naval ambitions. With a foundation in nuclear research in Sydney, Australia must expand its expertise to manage a nuclear fleet.

In 2027, as his service concludes, Hussey envisions witnessing the full realization of AUKUS Pillar I. “If you’d asked me five years ago [if Australia would have nuclear-powered submarines], I’d have said I’d never see it in my lifetime,” he said. Now, he is optimistic about Australia’s naval future.

As a legacy of his half-century in service, Hussey received his second Meritorious Service Award Medal for his work on AUKUS. This honor, presented by Rear Adm. Lincoln Reifsteck, acknowledges Hussey’s contributions to Australia’s emerging capabilities. Reifsteck praised Hussey as “a true embodiment of the AUKUS spirit,” emphasizing his impact on allied defense cooperation.