Rep. Courtney Celebrates AUKUS Milestone
NORWICH, CT – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) issued the following statement after the U.S. Navy announced the USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) will execute the first ever maintenance activity on a U.S. attack submarine in Australia over the coming weeks. It is also the first time a mixed crew of U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy personnel will jointly perform a Submarine Tender Maintenance Period.
“After months of joint training, and several port calls in Australia from the USS Emory S. Land, today marks the first time that a crew of U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy sailors will work together to conduct maintenance on a U.S. nuclear powered submarine and the first ever U.S. attack submarine to receive maintenance in Australia. This effort marks a key milestone in the AUKUS mission as the United States prepares the Royal Australian Navy to independently steward nuclear powered attack submarines from cradle to grave. Thanks to AUKUS enabling authorities included in the 2024 annual defense bill I championed, our two navies are increasing collaboration and deepening our security partnership to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific.”