The US Navy has designated the USS Colorado (SSN 788) as the first US Navy Virginia-class fast-attack submarine assigned to Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West) beginning in late 2027.
The announcement comes ahead of the United States Submarine Maintenance Period, which begins later this week and is intended to demonstrate Australia's growing capacity to maintain US and UK nuclear-powered attack submarines.
SRF-West is expected to host up to four US fast-attack submarines and one UK fast-attack submarine on a rotational basis at HMAS Stirling, a Royal Australian Navy base in Western Australia.
The initiative aims to prepare Australia to operate, maintain, and regulate its own conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability. It will also support submarine deployments by expanding maintenance options and sustainment infrastructure in the region for AUKUS partners.
Established at Australia's invitation and by mutual agreement, SRF-West will operate under applicable international agreements between the United States, Australia, and the UK, including the U.S.-Australia Force Posture Agreement.
Activities under SRF-West will comply with the AUKUS partners' respective international obligations, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and Australia's obligations under the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, also known as the Treaty of Rarotonga.
"The selection of USS Colorado (SSN 788) as the first submarine assigned to SRF-West in 2027 marks a significant milestone for AUKUS Pillar I and is a decisive step in strengthening collective deterrence in the Pacific," according to the officials.