The US Navy has reactivated a submarine squadron that was disbanded more than a decade ago and relocated it from Hawaii to Western Australia, marking a major milestone in the AUKUS security partnership and the growing strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific.

The newly reestablished Submarine Squadron 3 (CSS-3) will operate from HMAS Stirling near Perth, Australia, after previously being based at Pearl Harbor, where it was decommissioned in 2012. The move supports the development of Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West), an initiative that will see US and UK nuclear-powered attack submarines regularly deployed from Australia beginning in 2027. 

According to the US Navy, CSS-3 personnel will work alongside members of the Royal Australian Navy to establish maintenance, logistics, and operational support infrastructure for future submarine rotations.

The reactivation was announced by the US Pacific Fleet’s submarine force and follows a recent trilateral AUKUS statement confirming that key milestones remain on track. Under the AUKUS agreement signed in 2021, Australia is expected to acquire nuclear-powered submarines and eventually operate its own conventionally armed nuclear-powered fleet. Sources: US Navy, DVIDS, AUKUS Joint Statement.

Why bring back a squadron that no longer exists?

Submarine squadrons serve as operational headquarters responsible for overseeing submarine deployments, maintenance, crew readiness, logistics, and mission support.

While the move may appear administrative, it represents a significant expansion of US submarine infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific. Rear Adm. Chris Cavanaugh, commander of the US Pacific Fleet’s submarine force, said the additional forward-positioned squadron would improve the Navy’s responsiveness and operational flexibility across the region.

Strategically, HMAS Stirling is located in a key position on Australia’s western coast.  The base provides access to the Indian Ocean and sits closer to many Indo-Pacific operating areas than traditional US submarine hubs in Hawaii or the continental United States. The facility is expected to become one of the most important submarine support locations in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Preparing for submarine rotations

The squadron’s return is tied directly to SRF-West, one of the first major operational components of AUKUS.

Beginning in 2027, American Virginia-class and British Astute-class nuclear-powered attack submarines are expected to conduct rotational deployments from HMAS Stirling rather than being permanently based there. The arrangement is designed to increase allied submarine presence in the region while helping Australia develop the expertise needed to operate and maintain its future fleet. 

The effort extends beyond military operations. The US Navy has already established Naval Support Activity Stirling to provide housing, healthcare, logistics, and support services for personnel assigned to the rotational force.

Meanwhile, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard is preparing to establish a dedicated maintenance detachment in Western Australia. According to Navy officials, Australian civilian maintainers and naval personnel are already training in Hawaii, with hundreds expected to participate in submarine maintenance programs.

AUKUS enters a new phase

The reactivation of CSS-3 shows how AUKUS is evolving from a political agreement into a functioning military and industrial partnership.

Rather than focusing solely on future submarine transfers, the alliance is now building the infrastructure, workforce, and maintenance capabilities needed to sustain nuclear-powered submarines in Australia over the coming decades.

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