US nuclear sub visits WA

A United States Navy nuclear submarine visited Western Australia this week, calling in at HMAS Stirling for resupply.

CAPTION: United States Nuclear Submarine USS Springfield berthed outboard of USS Frank Cable at Fleet Base West, Western Australia. Photo by Leading Seaman Richard Cordell.

USS Springfield, a Los Angeles Class submarine commanded by Commander Andrew Domina, paid a logistical port visit to Fleet Base West, Rockingham, Western Australia, greeted by US Consulate General Perth David Gainer on Saturday 23 April.

While alongside Fleet Base West, the submarine tied up outboard of USS Frank Cable, a United States Submarine Tender, which is also visiting Fleet Base West.

The 110m-long, 6000-tonne submarine was launched in 1992 and extensively upgraded in 2004/5.

USS Springfield, with a compliment of 140, transferred home ports from Pearl Harbor to Naval Base Guam just last month.

Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Michael Noonan said it had been more than two years since a USN submarine has visited Australia.

“This visit reflects our ongoing commitment and alliance and is a clear demonstration of the strong bilateral ties between our two navies that go back more than a century,” Vice Admiral Noonan said.

“While in port, Springfield will conduct exercises with US and Australian sailors, showcasing the capabilities of the submarine force and the importance of communication and interoperability between our navies.”

USS Springfield’s crew members were said to be looking forward to enjoying local attractions and hospitality, and a number of submariners were volunteering in the WA community.

USS Frank Cable, attached to the US Seventh Fleet and also based in Guam, was recently in Brisbane where her crew lent a hand with flood-cleanup operation.

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