The USS Minnesota, an American nuclear-powered Virginia-class submarine, has recently arrived off the Western Australian coast for its first of two anticipated visits in 2023. The vessel is docked at HMAS Stirling on Garden Island as part of a training initiative designed for Australian naval officers who are preparing to take command of submarines.
This visit is facilitated by the AUKUS agreement, which promotes collaboration between the navies of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The partnership aims to enhance the sharing of tactics and techniques, including weapons handling.
USS Minnesota’s commanding officer, Jeffrey Cornielle, highlighted the submarine’s extensive capabilities, stating that it can undertake a variety of missions, including submarine tracking and combat operations.
As a significant step for Australia’s naval development, the AUKUS deal includes plans for the country to receive its first Virginia-class submarine in the early 2030s, with the aim of constructing its own nuclear-powered submarines by the early 2040s.
This docking marks an important milestone in the strengthening of defence ties between Australia and the United States, as well as contributing to the broader strategic objectives of the AUKUS alliance.