APRIL 8, 2025 – Strong alliances and partnerships have played a key role in the U.S. efforts to promote peace and stability around the world.
No where is that more evident today than in the enhanced trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States known as AUKUS. AUKUS focuses on promoting a free, open, secure and stable Indo-Pacific region while building on strong trilateral ties. Those ties were on display at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, as the facility welcomed a delegation from Australia.
“Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is proud to play a pivotal role in supporting the AUKUS partnership and its critical initiatives,” said Capt. Michael Oberdorf, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard commander. “As we work together, we are committed to leveraging our world-class infrastructure, expertise, and technical capabilities to help ensure the success of this historic collaboration. The continued modernization of our facilities and our dedication to excellence in submarine maintenance and repair will be essential in advancing the defense and security goals of AUKUS, strengthening not only our own national defense but also the security of the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.”
Rear Adm. Tom Phillips, Head Nuclear Submarine Capability, Australian Submarine Agency (ASA), and Rear Adm. David Mann, Head Virginia, Workforce and Commercial, ASA met with shipyard leadership for a command overview and a presentation on the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP). Following the presentation, the group was presented a SIOP visualization, which focused on the modernization of Dry Dock 1, including the Super Flood Basin and Multi-mission Dry Dock. This provided the Australian delegation with an in-depth understanding of the shipyard’s infrastructure upgrades that are critical to supporting the U.S. Navy and our allies. Australia is working with AUKUS partners on initiatives to build the skills of its workforce across industry to support nuclear-powered submarine workforce.
“Engaging with the AUKUS team here at the shipyard underscores our commitment to not only enhancing our infrastructure but also to strengthening international partnerships in defense,” said Stephen Fahey, Portsmouth’s nuclear engineering and planning manager. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to share information relative to successful planning and execution of a nuclear-powered submarine availability. Additionally, the advancements we are making through the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program are vital for maintaining the readiness of our fleet and supporting our allies, particularly as we collaborate on nuclear-powered submarine capabilities. Together, we are paving the way for a more secure and technologically advanced defense posture.”
AUKUS is driven by two core initiatives, known as pillars. Pillar I initiative is a commitment to support Australia in acquiring conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard plays a key role in supporting this effort, with the AUKUS team visiting the shipyard to collaborate on the necessary infrastructure, expertise, and resources required to advance the project.
Pillar II focuses on the collaborative development of advanced capabilities in six critical technological areas: undersea capabilities, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and autonomy, advanced cyber, hypersonic and counter-hypersonic capabilities, and electronic warfare. This initiative also covers two broader functional areas: innovation and information sharing. With its established history of cutting-edge research and technical expertise, the shipyard is positioned to play an essential role in these areas as well, contributing to the continued advancement of these capabilities and fostering integration among the allied nations.
The Australian delegation also toured USS North Dakota (SSN 784) and several production shops to witness firsthand the technical expertise and resources PNSY offers. The delegation also participated in a detailed production briefing, which included discussions on the planning and execution of nuclear submarine maintenance availabilities. These efforts align directly with the AUKUS initiative, showcasing how PNSY’s ongoing modernization and its technical capabilities will play a pivotal role in supporting the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy and advancing key defense technologies under Pillar I and Pillar II of the partnership.
As America’s leader for attack submarine maintenance, repair and modernization, PNSY is enhancing critical warfighting capabilities by safely delivering first-time quality service, on budget, and on time to the fleet, enabling warfighters to be battle-ready when called upon.