U.S. Submarine Tender Enhancing AUKUS Partnership in Australia
The U.S. Navy submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) recently arrived at HMAS Stirling in Australia, marking a significant milestone in the AUKUS security partnership. This deployment highlights the ongoing collaboration between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom to strengthen maritime security in the region.
Supporting Submarine Maintenance and Sovereignty
The mixed crew of U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy personnel onboard the USS Emory S. Land will engage in a Submarine Tendered Maintenance Period (STMP) over the next few weeks. Australian technicians will perform maintenance on a U.S. Navy nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine (SSN) that is scheduled to visit the port. This collaboration is a crucial step towards Australia’s ability to operate, maintain, and support a fleet of conventionally armed SSNs, which is a key component of Pillar 1 of the AUKUS partnership.
Captain Brent Spillner, commanding officer of the Emory S. Land, expressed the productive knowledge exchange between the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Navy Fleet Support Unit (FSU). The close cooperation between the two navies has enabled Australian technicians to work alongside their U.S. counterparts on real submarine repairs, showcasing the effectiveness of the partnership.
More than 30 Australian sailors will be responsible for executing the majority of planned maintenance work under the supervision of U.S. personnel. This includes tasks such as replacing a mast in the submarine’s sail, replacing a key hydraulic valve, and conducting simulated removal of a large pump from within the boat. The hands-on experience gained during the STMP will enhance the capabilities of both navies to support each other’s fleets in the future.
Enhancing Interoperability and Partnership
The deployment of the USS Emory S. Land has provided sailors from the U.S., Australian, and British navies with valuable opportunities to collaborate and work together. Commander Derek Fletcher, repair officer aboard the Emory S. Land, highlighted the interoperability demonstrated by sailors from all three AUKUS partners, who have been providing repair services to vessels from each nation.
Since the beginning of the deployment, U.S. Sailors have participated in numerous community relations events, investing time and effort into the local communities of Darwin, Cairns, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. The engagement with local communities not only strengthens ties between the sailors and the residents but also showcases the commitment of the U.S. Navy to building positive relationships in the region.
The visit to HMAS Stirling will see U.S. Sailors engaging in additional community relations events throughout the region, further solidifying the bonds between the sailors and the Australian communities. The unique experiences and interactions during this deployment will leave a lasting impact on the sailors, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the strong partnership between the U.S. and Australia.
Promoting Regional Stability and Cooperation
The presence of the USS Emory S. Land in Australia underscores the commitment of the U.S. Navy to promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region. As part of the U.S. 7th Fleet, the largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, the Emory S. Land plays a vital role in operating with allies and partners to maintain regional stability and security.
Guam, home to the U.S. Navy’s only submarine tenders, Emory S. Land and USS Frank Cable (AS 40), serves as a strategic hub for maintaining submarines and providing logistical support to ships in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation. The forward-deployed submarine force, consisting of Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines and submarine tenders, is capable of meeting global operational requirements, ensuring a robust maritime presence in the region.
The ongoing deployment of the USS Emory S. Land exemplifies the commitment of the U.S. Navy to strengthening partnerships, enhancing interoperability, and promoting regional security. The collaboration between the U.S., Australia, and the UK through the AUKUS partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to upholding maritime security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.