U.S. Submarine Tender Set to Bolster AUKUS Strategic Milestone

The U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy have embarked on a significant collaborative effort. Over the next several weeks, Australian technicians will perform maintenance on a U.S. Navy nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine (SSN) during a Submarine Tendered Maintenance Period (STMP).

This STMP signifies a crucial step toward Australia’s readiness to operate, maintain, and support a fleet of conventionally armed SSNs. This moves towards achieving Pillar 1 of the AUKUS security partnership involving Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. “We’ve had a productive collaboration with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Fleet Support Unit (FSU) since January,” noted Capt. Brent Spillner, commanding officer of the Emory S. Land.

Within a short period, Australian sailors swiftly began working alongside U.S. technicians. Currently, U.S. Sailors are embedded in the FSU West workshops at HMAS Stirling. This collaborative effort has allowed both navies to exchange valuable knowledge. Moreover, Australian sailors are taking on key management roles for the STMP. “Our navies are benefiting from this interoperability,” Spillner added.

Over 30 Australian sailors will conduct most of the maintenance work under U.S. supervision, including a mast replacement and a significant hydraulic valve replacement. Additionally, they will carry out the simulated removal of a heavy pump from the submarine.

For the first time, Australian workers will perform maintenance on an American SSN in Australian waters. This milestone is part of a long-standing partnership aimed at developing Intermediate-Level Maintenance capabilities for Australian SSNs. Cmdr. Derek Fletcher highlighted the exceptional integration of RAN sailors within the U.S. repair department, emphasizing the demonstrated interoperability.

Since Emory S. Land’s deployment commenced, 176 U.S. Sailors have partaken in 18 community relations events, investing considerable hours in various Australian cities. Plans for additional community events and tours in Western Australia are underway. Lt. Cmdr. Mark Miller, Emory S. Land’s chaplain, expressed gratitude for the warm reception received by U.S. Sailors, marking this deployment as a memorable experience.

Emory S. Land continues to support the U.S. 7th Fleet, providing essential maintenance and logistical support to deployed submarines. Guam remains the home base for the U.S. Navy’s only submarine tenders, including Emory S. Land and USS Frank Cable (AS 40), both playing critical roles in maintaining operational readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.

For more information about the USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), visit the official Navy website.