Authored by Jerry Zhu via The Epoch Times,
The United States has named the first nuclear-powered submarine to be deployed to Western Australia under the AUKUS defense agreement, marking a significant milestone in Australia's plan to operate its own nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
The Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Colorado (SSN 788) is seen before at the commissioning ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., on March 17, 2018. Dana Jensen/The Day via APThe Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Colorado (SSN 788) will be the first vessel assigned to SRF-West at HMAS Stirling, with the rotational deployment scheduled to begin in late 2027.
The announcement was made on Oct. 27 by Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and UK Secretary of State for Defence Wes Streeting.
SRF-West will see up to four U.S. Virginia-class submarines and one British Astute-class submarine rotate through the Western Australian naval base.
Australian Submarine Agency Director-General Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead said the announcement demonstrated progress in implementing the AUKUS agreement.
"The designation of the first submarine assigned to SRF-West signals the transition from planning to implementation," he said.
Mead said the presence
