US Navy Establishes NSA Stirling in Australia to Support AUKUS

8 June 2026

(Image credit: US Navy)

As of May 30, the US Navy has established a new naval support activity in Perth, Western Australia, as part of AUKUS, the enhanced trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This move follows the trilateral Joint Statement on May 30 confirming that key milestones continue to be met for Submarine Rotational Force – West (SRF-West).

Naval Support Activity (NSA) Stirling will provide support services and programs for US service members, civilian personnel, contractors, and their families assigned to SRF-West, which will support the rotational presence of US and UK nuclear-powered fast attack submarines at Australia’s HMAS Stirling base in Western Australia.

“Establishment of NSA Stirling with our AUKUS partners demonstrates our command mission to support the Fleet, warfighter, and family,” said Vice Adm. Scott Gray, Commander, Navy Installations Command. “By providing essential services to US personnel and their families, NSA Stirling will enhance rotational submarine force readiness.”

Navy Region Japan was tasked in October 2024 to stand up NSA Stirling. SRF-West is established with the approval of and at the invitation of the Australian Government.

“We are currently in the early stages of establishing NSA Stirling,” said Rear Adm. Ian Johnson, commander of Navy Region Japan. “While there is still much work ahead, we are confident in our ability to accomplish this task through strong collaboration with our AUKUS partners.”

NSA Stirling will provide robust support for US service members, civilians, and their families, connecting US personnel to quality housing, healthcare, childcare, and recreation to ensure their well-being during their assignment.