An American nuclear submarine where one in 10 crew members is Australian has arrived at the Garden Island naval base for a month-long maintenance stopover, ahead of regular AUKUS rotations that begin in 2027.

The USS Vermont and its 134 sailors and officers was welcomed to HMAS Stirling on Wednesday by the Australian Submarine Agency boss who assured locals that stringent safety measures are in place to avoid radiation spills.

“It’s with great pride that I say that there are 13 Australian officers and sailors who are embedded in the ship’s company and have been there for quite some time,” Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead, who is also the ASA Director General, said.

“What Vermont is going to do over the next four weeks will be the most complex maintenance period that any US nuclear submarine h

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