An $8 billion operation is underway south of Perth, where the United States plans to establish a year-round base for up to five nuclear-powered submarines. This initiative, known as Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West), will involve more than 1,000 American military personnel and their families. The project marks a significant step in the AUKUS agreement, which aims to enhance military cooperation between Australia, the UK, and the US.

Jonathan Mead, chief of the Australian Submarine Agency, noted that planning for the operation is well advanced. He mentioned that officials are even negotiating quarantine arrangements for the pets of US submariners, emphasizing the importance of family for service personnel. "US service personnel very much like their pets," Mead said.

The SRF-West initiative will see up to four US Virginia-class submarines and one UK Astute-class submarine rotating through HMAS Stirling for maintenance and repairs starting in 2027. This phase is described as the "crawl phase" of the AUKUS agreement, which will eventually lead to Australia acquiring its own nuclear-powered submarines.

Vice Admiral Mead stated that up to 1,200 US and UK personnel, along with their families, will be stationed in Perth. They will be accommodated at HMAS Stirling or in nearby suburbs, where Defence is constructing hundreds of houses to alleviate pressure on the local housing market. Additionally, negotiations are in progress to grant American spouses work rights during their two-to-three-year postings.

Andrew Hastie, a former soldier and Shadow Home Affairs Minister, highlighted that this initiative will not merely involve a rotation of US sailors. "There'll be a permanent presence at HMAS Stirling, and they'll be integrated into our community," he said. Unlike other military collaborations in remote areas, this operation will take place in Perth's densely populated southern suburbs, raising potential community sensitivities.

The SRF-West initiative will represent the second-largest American military presence in Australia, following the annual rotation of US Marines through Darwin. Defence Housing Australia is currently managing 640 properties near HMAS Stirling and plans to double its Rockingham property portfolio over the next five years through construction and acquisitions.

Construction is already visible at the naval base, with trucks transporting materials for a multi-billion-dollar upgrade. This includes extending wharves and building a small nuclear waste facility, along with ensuring an uninterrupted power supply. Vice Admiral Mead confirmed, "We are on track to receive the first US and UK submarines in 2027." He plans to meet with local residents next week to discuss the project as part of a broader community engagement strategy.

As the project progresses, Hastie expressed concerns that the Western Australian and federal governments are not adequately communicating the details of the AUKUS agreement. He emphasized the need for transparency regarding the impact of the US military presence on local schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.