Steaks in the States with mates

HMAS Sydney crew members welcomed Hawaii-based RAN colleagues to an informal BBQ while alongside at Pearl Harbor, for the close of Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC).

Most of the RAN members currently posted to Pearl Harbor are part of the history-making AUKUS program in which Australia will acquire conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.

The program is the most significant industrial and technical endeavour in Australia’s history.

Australian submariners in Hawaii are posted to US Navy fast-attack, nuclear-powered submarines after completing training at the US Navy’s Submarine Schools.

RADM Terence Morrison, currently embedded in the US Pacific Fleet as Deputy Director Maritime Operations, said the gathering of Aussies in Hawaii was a great opportunity to reconnect before Sydney’s crew set sail for an RPD.

“It’s an opportunity for the Aussies based here to catch up with their mates from HMAS Sydney. It was great for Sydney to host it and bring as many of the Aussies here, who could make it, together, to check up on each other and just talk about Australia,” he said.

RADM Morrison said there were about 100 submariners based out of Pearl Harbor, with about half at sea at any one time.

The Australians are learning the fundamentals of operating nuclear-powered submarines in the lead-up to Australia establishing a sovereign conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet in the early 2030s.

Among this pioneering group is LCDR James, one of the first RAN submariners to arrive in the US under the AUKUS partnership.

“My journey started in South Carolina, took me through Connecticut, and finally to Hawaii,” LCDR James said. 

“There were just three of us back in Hawaii in 2024. It is incredible to see how much our presence has expanded since then.” 

For the past two years, LCDR James has been posted to a US submarine, learning everything he can about reactor safety and submarine operations.

He will soon transfer to a shore posting in Washington, DC, to broaden his expertise in a regulatory capacity.

“The goal is to absorb every lesson from the US Navy’s regulatory frameworks and bring that operational experience back home,” LCDR James said.

“This ensures our own sovereign capability is built on the safest and most robust foundation possible.”

According to LCDR James, RAN submariners have quickly forged a strong reputation within the US Navy – recognised for their work ethic, positive attitude and easy-going nature.

“We are all deeply passionate about the AUKUS program and establishing this capability in Australia,” he said.

“It is a no-fail endeavour for us, and the bonds we are building now with our partners will ensure our success for decades to come.”