Western Australian businesses are supporting the maintenance of a US Navy Virginia Class submarine, demonstrating the growing role Australians are playing in supporting one of the world’s most advanced naval platforms while building the skills and supply chains needed for AUKUS.
Fifteen WA businesses, including WA-owned and operated Australian Safety Engineers (ASE), are providing everything from scaffolding, crane and rigging support to specialist welding equipment, testing and certification, and environmental protection solutions for the Submarine Maintenance Period (SMP) for USS Colorado at HMAS Stirling, south of Perth.
The wharf-side services and shoreside support for the SMP is worth more than $1.0 million to local industry – and is a sign of things to come for future submarine sustainment in WA.
Sustainment is the ongoing work that ensures submarines remain safe, reliable and ready for operations throughout decades of service, from routine maintenance and repairs to major upgrades and specialist engineering support.
The SMP is providing Australian industry and ASC employees with hands-on experience supporting a Virginia Class submarine ahead of the commencement of Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West) next year, when US Virginia Class and UK Astute Class nuclear-powered submarines begin a rotational presence at HMAS Stirling.
SRF-West will provide a critical bridge to Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarine capability, building the skills, experience and infrastructure needed to support the nation’s own fleet.
The SMP will also draw on 60 ASC employees who have trained alongside the US Navy in the United States, building specialist skills and experience working on Virginia Class submarines.
ASC Chief Executive Officer Alex Walsh said the maintenance activity was creating valuable opportunities for Australian industry while strengthening the nation’s future submarine enterprise.
“Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine capability will be built through practical experience, and that is exactly what is happening at HMAS Stirling,” Alex said.
“Western Australian businesses and ASC workers are gaining real experience supporting a Virginia Class submarine, strengthening the industrial capability Australia will need for SRF-West and the decades of submarine sustainment ahead.”
ASE Managing Director Brian Snashall said Australian Safety Engineers is excited about the opportunity to contribute the company’s expertise to the US Navy Virginia Class submarines.
“We look forward to delivering the high standards of service and technical support required to sustain these vessels,” Brian said.
“As the rotational presence of US and UK submarines at HMAS Stirling increases, ASE expects to see growing demand for specialist maintenance and support services, creating opportunities for investment, workforce development, and long-term business growth. ASE is well positioned to support long-term sustainment activities while continuing to invest in our workforce and strengthen our capabilities in Western Australia.”
Meanwhile, Australian businesses continue to progress through a rigorous national qualification program that supports the construction of Virginia Class submarines in the United States.
Established by the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) in partnership with the US Government and delivered by ASC, the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification (DIVQ) Program helps Australian businesses strengthen their systems, processes and technical capability to meet US submarine requirements.
About ASC
ASC is Australia’s sovereign submarine company, responsible for sustaining the Collins Class submarine fleet and supporting Australia’s future submarine capability. ASC delivers services that contribute to Australia’s national security and long-term defence capability.
About ASE
ASE delivers Defence breathing air and gas systems, providing equipment, custom-built solutions, and sustainment services to support critical Defence capabilities.
Photo: ASE staff at the 2026 Indian Ocean Defence and Security summit, Perth, May 2026. Managing Director Brian Snashall is standing on the far left.
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