First group of Australian submarine workers depart for Pearl Harbor AUKUS training

The first cohort of skilled submarine workers from Port Adelaide-based ASC Pty Limited has departed for Pearl Harbor in Hawaii for comprehensive sustainment training on nuclear-powered submarines.

Around 30 skilled ASC workers are the first to deploy to the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard to directly participate in training in the maintenance of US Virginia-class nuclear‑powered submarines alongside their US counterparts.

The ASC workers from South Australia and Western Australia comprise mechanical fitters and electricians as well as electrical, mechanical and safety engineers and submarine maintenance and battery crew.

This is another step towards the acquisition of the knowledge and knowhow that will be essential to build, operate and sustain the RAN’s future nuclear‑powered submarines. The Submarine Rotational Force – West (SRF-W) is due to open in Western Australia from 2027 and will play host to up to four US and one UK nuclear-powered submarine at a time. ASC will be a strategic partner in the sustainment and joint build of nuclear-powered submarines in Australia, starting with sustainment of US-built Virginia-class and then build and sustainment with the UK of the RAN’s SSN-AUKUS boats.

“These highly skilled workers already have decades of combined submarine experience having sustained our Collins class submarines and now have the opportunity to be upskilled by our US counterparts in sustaining nuclear-powered submarines,” said Minister for Defence Richard Marles MP.

In total, more than 100 Australian shipyard workers at ASC are expected to depart by mid-2025 for naval propulsion skilling at Pearl Harbor. Once they have completed their overseas training they will take up key roles in WA as part of SRF-W, where they will lead the sustainment of US and UK nuclear-powered submarines. They will also pass on their skills and train other ASC workers through their lead roles.

The RAN’s Collins-class submarines will continue operating as Australia transitions to its future  nuclear-powered submarine capability.

All work by Australian personnel in the US or the UK will remain consistent with Australia’s domestic and international legal obligations, including its non-proliferation obligations and commitments.