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In a significant demonstration of the enduring Australia–United States alliance, two US Navy vessels – the forward-deployed submarine tender USS Frank Cable and the USS Ohio, a guided-missile submarine – have arrived in Brisbane for scheduled port visits.
USS Frank Cable arrived on 26 July, followed by USS Ohio on 27 July, marking a major moment in bilateral maritime cooperation. Notably, this visit represents the first time an Ohio Class submarine has moored in Brisbane, a city steeped in US naval history and significance.
The dual port visit underscores the growing strength of the US–Australia security partnership as the region prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day on 15 August a date marking the end of World War II in the Pacific and the shared sacrifices of US and Australian forces.
“Welcome back to Brisbane USS Frank Cable,” US consul-general Jeremy Cornforth said. “This return port visit by Frank Cable demonstrates the enduring connections forged in 2022 when the ship’s crew supported Queensland’s flood disaster relief. These ties symbolise the close partnership between our two nations – working side by side with our Australian counterparts and engaging with the local community.”
During World War II, Brisbane played a vital role as a major submarine hub for the US Navy, hosting more than 70 submarines and three submarine tenders.
Today, the arrival of USS Frank Cable and c pays tribute to that legacy while reinforcing ongoing defence cooperation between Australia and the United States.
Captain Mike Thompson, commanding officer of FUSS Frank Cable, emphasised the strength of the alliance, saying, “US and Australian forces have a proud history dating back to World War I, working together to uphold shared values of freedom and democracy. We are grateful to visit Brisbane to help strengthen our relationship with our allies and continue our shared mission of preserving peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.”
As part of the port visit, the crews of both vessels will engage in community outreach activities and volunteer work with local service groups, reflecting the commitment of US forces to community engagement while abroad. In addition, Ohio will host tours and engagement events for local and national leaders, with a reception held aboard USS Frank Cable.
The arrival of USS Ohio, supported logistically by USS Frank Cable, also showcases the unique operational capabilities of the US Navy’s submarine tenders, which are designed to provide expeditionary maintenance, logistics and command support to deployed submarines.
USS Frank Cable, which is forward-deployed to Guam, plays a critical role in maintaining undersea readiness throughout the Indo-Pacific, operating under the US 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet.
The USS Ohio, based out of Bangor, Washington, is assigned to Submarine Squadron 19 and is currently conducting routine operations under Commander, Submarine Group 7, which directs US submarine activities across the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.
The Brisbane visits by USS Frank Cable and USS Ohio are part of an ongoing pattern of cooperation between the US Navy and Royal Australian Navy, supporting a shared commitment to regional stability, defence interoperability and a free and open Indo-Pacific.
