Aboard the USS Minnesota, a submarine gliding off the Western Australian coast, sonar operators are getting used to new sounds, including playful dolphins. This isn’t just any training mission—it’s a significant moment in expanding the U.S. submarine presence in the region.
Currently, the USS Minnesota is stationed in Guam but will be one of four Virginia-class submarines based at a naval base in Western Australia starting in 2027. This move is part of the AUKUS partnership, which aims to enhance Australia’s nuclear submarine capabilities and strengthen alliances in the Indo-Pacific.
Onboard, the crew relies on advanced technology, using video game-style joysticks to analyze images from a high-tech photonic mast instead of a traditional periscope. Life undersea is quite different—they can spend up to 100 days away from sunlight and primarily communicate with families through emails to maintain stealth.
Commander Jeffrey Corneille describes the Virginia-class submarines as “the most advanced warship in the world.” He emphasizes their role in deterrence, reassuring his crew that “if someone wakes up and they say ‘Is today the day?’ we guide them toward ‘Maybe not.’”
By mid-year, around 50 to 80 U.S. Navy personnel will arrive at the HMAS Stirling base, which is undergoing an impressive $5 billion upgrade. Two years from now, this number will grow significantly, with hundreds of additional personnel and support staff expected.
The strategic location of HMAS Stirling is important for U.S. interests. As Peter Dean, director of Foreign Policy and Defence at the United States Studies Centre, explains, “Defending the Indian Ocean against rising Chinese capabilities is critical.” The Pentagon has shielded the Virginia-class program from budget cuts, underscoring its importance in U.S. military strategy, especially as the focus shifts toward the Indo-Pacific.
Elbridge Colby, a key Pentagon official, noted in a recent Senate hearing that these submarines are “absolutely essential” for U.S. defense, especially regarding Taiwan. He spoke about increasing production rates to meet U.S. needs and fulfill commitments to Australia under the AUKUS agreement.
The USS Minnesota’s home port moved from Hawaii to Guam in November, bringing it closer to Taiwan and enhancing its tactical capabilities. Recent maneuvers by a Chinese naval group, which engaged in live-fire drills near Australia, showcased China’s increasing assertiveness in the region.
Under AUKUS, Australia is investing heavily in its defense infrastructure, planning to acquire two used Virginia-class submarines in the next decade and develop a new class of nuclear-powered submarines with the UK. Currently, there are about 115 Australians in the U.S. Navy, training for positions on Virginia submarines, along with another 130 focused on submarine maintenance.
With global security dynamics rapidly changing, Australia’s commitment to bolstering its defenses is more crucial than ever. The partnership with the U.S. signals a proactive approach to meet present and future challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
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