Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine workforce continues to grow with the graduation of four Australians from the United States (US) Navy’s Radiological Controls Technician Qualifying School (RCTQS) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY).
The first group’s successful completion of the six-month specialised training marks another milestone in building the workforce needed for Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program.
The program provided the ASC Pty. Ltd technicians with the theoretical and practical-skills that will be required to support the successful delivery of conventionally-armed nuclear-powered submarines.
Director-General of the Australian Submarine Agency Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead says the students gain invaluable experience during their time in the US.
“These students get world-class training and experience in the US which supports Australia to be ready when UK and US submarines rotate to Western Australia,” said Vice Admiral Mead.
The ASC technicians will be responsible for ensuring adherence to radiological controls requirements and standards during operation and maintenance of naval nuclear propulsion plants at nuclear shipyards and maintenance activities.
RCTQS instructor Donald Sweeney commended the Australian students’ focus and commitment to the intense and demanding program.
“The Australian students were well prepared, focused, and committed from day one. They continue to exceed expectations at every step and are well positioned to perform their roles in their home country. I look forward to hearing about their future success,” said Donald Sweeney.
The ASC technicians started the training in the autumn of 2024 after spending three months training at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard (PHNSY). Over the next three years, approximately ten ASC employees will enter the RCTQS program.
The opportunity to train and work side-by-side with American trainees builds Australia’s technical expertise and readiness to keep US submarines rotating to HMAS Stirling as part of Submarine Rotational Force – West (SRF-West) ready to operate.
ASC technician Steve acknowledges the knowledge gained and the professional relationships forged.
“We are more confident than ever in our ability to meet Australia’s regulation requirements and to uphold the responsibility imposed upon us in our duties to maintain the integrity and viability of the program,” said Steve.
Australia currently has around 130 civilian submarine maintainers training at PHNSY to maintain nuclear-powered submarines. PHNSY is the lead maintenance activity for SRF-West and charged with ensuring the Australian personnel are ready to conduct maintenance on US submarines starting from as early as 2027.
RCTQS trainees are sent to Norfolk, Virginia, where the US Navy has established a centralised high-quality training facility. It ensures that when submarines start rotating to Western Australia, we have suitably qualified people ready to assist.
More details about the workforce initiatives underway to support the maintenance of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines can be accessed here: https://www.asa.gov.au/jobs-careers.