US nuclear submarine docks off WA coast

An American nuclear-powered submarine has docked off the Western Australian coast in the first of two planned visits this year.

The USS Minnesota, a Virginia-class submarine, arrived in Perth for a training program for Australian naval officers preparing to take command of a submarine. 

Mooring at HMAS Stirling on Garden Island, the stealthy, state-of-the-art vessel is in Australia under the AUKUS deal, which is providing the US, UK, and Australian navies the chance to swap tactics, including weapons handling.

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"The submarine is capable of conducting all types of missions, submarine tracking… and combat obviously," Jeffrey Cornielle, USS Minnesota Commanding Officer told 9News.

Australia's first Virginia-class submarine under the AUKUS deal will arrive from the United States in the early 2030s, before the first nuclear-powered submarine built here is expected to be completed by the early 2040s.

The USS Minnesota's visit is one of two slated for this year.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.