U.S. Navy Submarine Visits Perth, Western Australia

United States Navy submarine USS Asheville is visiting Perth, Western Australia for combined training exercises with Royal Australian Navy submarine forces as part of a regularly scheduled patrol in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine docked at HMAS Stirling Naval Base on Garden Island, near Rockingham.

U.S. Consul General Perth Siriana Nair said the USS Asheville’s visit demonstrates the close and ongoing cooperation between the U.S. and Australia.

“Our alliance has existed for more than a century and is active today around the world, including here in Western Australia,” Consul General Nair said.

“I am proud to see our sailors working together, side by side, strengthening our capabilities at sea and building close friendships.”

USS Asheville’s Commanding Officer Commander Thomas Dixon said crewmembers were eager to work with their Australian allies.

“Australia has no closer friend than the United States. Together, we are deterring aggression and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” Cmdr. Dixon said.

U.S. Embassy Australia Naval Attaché Captain Kevin Quarderer said: “This cooperation builds on the longstanding and exemplary service of the Australian submarine force and it is truly an honor we are training together in Perth.”

The last U.S. Navy submarine to visit Perth was USS Mississippi in November. This followed the USS Frank Cable and USS Springfield visits in April 2022.

Facts

• Named for Asheville, North Carolina
• Los Angeles-class, nuclear-powered submarine
• Cmdr. Thomas Dixon: biography

Imagery & Multimedia

• Imagery: High resolution arrival photos and video available here
• File footage: Via U.S. Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) website

Background

Fact sheet: “U.S. Navy Attack Submarines”.The Navy has three classes of nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) in service. Los Angeles-class submarines are the backbone of the submarine force, with approximately 40 in commission. Read more.

About the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program: The Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program provides militarily effective nuclear propulsion plants and ensures their safe, reliable and long-lived operation. This mission requires the combination of fully trained U.S. Navy men and women with ships that excel in endurance, stealth, speed, and independence from supply chains. Throughout the Program’s history there has never been a reactor accident, nor any release of radioactivity that has had an adverse effect on human health or the quality of the environment. The Program’s standards and record surpass those of any other national or international nuclear program. Read more.