GROTON — USS Colorado, built by Electric Boat’s southeastern Connecticut workforce, has been chosen as the first U.S. submarine assigned to a new allied rotational force in Western Australia beginning in late 2027.
The U.S., Australian and British governments announced the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine’s designation for Submarine Rotational Force-West in a joint statement. The planned force at HMAS Stirling is expected to host up to four American submarines and one British submarine on rotation.
Rep. Joe Courtney’s October 26 release connected the selection to Electric Boat’s shipbuilders and tradespeople. The assignment gives a Connecticut-built vessel an inaugural role in AUKUS, the security partnership linking the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom; the reviewed announcement does not establish a new construction contract or a local hiring total.
Colorado is already in Australia for a separate maintenance visit, according to the Australian Submarine Agency and a U.S. Navy Public Affairs release carried by Seapower. That work is intended to build the personnel skills and support systems needed before the rotational force begins. It should not be confused with the start of its late-2027 assignment.
The Navy release says more than 30 trained Australian civilian technicians will work alongside Pearl Harbor shipyard specialists during the maintenance period, with Royal Navy participation. Australian officials describe work using local maintenance equipment and upgraded pier facilities as preparation for sustaining nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines.
The designation concerns a U.S. Navy boat rotating through an Australian base. It does not mean Colorado has been transferred to Australian ownership or that every submarine planned for the force has arrived.
This AI-written report was prepared from the joint government statement, Australian Submarine Agency release, Courtney’s public release and the complete Navy Public Affairs report republished by Seapower. Eastern CT News did not interview officials or observe the maintenance work.
Photo: USS Colorado at HMAS Stirling in an October 27, 2026 arrival photograph carried by Seapower and credited there to PO2 Nicholas. It depicts the maintenance visit, not the future 2027 rotation. The appearance of U.S. Department of War visual information does not imply or constitute Department of War endorsement.