US Navy sets up support hub at HMAS Stirling for AUKUS personnel
A new US military hub has begun operations at Western Australia’s HMAS Stirling naval base ahead of the arrival of hundreds of American personnel for the start of AUKUS submarine rotations.
A new US military hub has begun operations at Western Australia’s HMAS Stirling naval base ahead of the arrival of hundreds of American personnel for the start of AUKUS submarine rotations next year.
The Naval Support Activity (NSA) Stirling was quietly established by the US Navy late last month, as part of the AUKUS security partnership with Australia and the United Kingdom.
From next year, US and British nuclear-powered submarines are scheduled to begin regular deployments to HMAS Stirling under Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West), before Australia acquires its own Virginia-class boats in the 2030s.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Establishment of NSA Stirling with our AUKUS partners demonstrates our command mission to support the Fleet, warfighter, and family,” US Vice Admiral Scott Gray, Commander, Navy Installations Command, said in a statement.
“By providing essential services to U.S. personnel and their families, NSA Stirling will enhance rotational submarine force readiness.”
Earlier this month Pentagon boss Pete Hegseth confirmed US Navy sailors would begin arriving at HMAS Stirling this year as part of SRF-West, which is on track to formally begin in 2027.
“Just this month I authorised the establishment of naval support activity Stirling, submarine squadron 3 and the lead maintenance activity to support SRF-West,” the US Secretary of War said.
Maintenance work will be done at HMAS Stirling, with American and UK crews — and their family members — staying at Garden Island and in the Rockingham area.
In October 2024 the US military’s Navy Region Japan was tasked with establishing NSA Stirling as part of SRF-West preparations approved by the Australian Government.
“We are currently in the early stages of establishing NSA Stirling,” said US Rear Admiral Ian Johnson, commander of Navy Region Japan.
“While there is still much work ahead, we are confident in our ability to accomplish this task through strong collaboration with our AUKUS partners.”
NSA Stirling is expected to provide “robust support” for US service members, civilians, and their families, connecting personnel with housing, healthcare, childcare, and recreation services.
