The U.S. Navy’s elite “Silent Service” turned heads in Brisbane, Australia, on Sunday, July 27, when the Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Ohio surfaced for a scheduled port visit. This marked the first time a submarine of its class entered Brisbane’s waters, prompting the Navy to call it “historic.”
The visit coincides with the upcoming 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day, commemorating the end of World War II’s Pacific theater, and reflects the deep, enduring naval ties between the United States and Australia.
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Brisbane once served as a major hub for U.S. submarines during the Second World War, hosting over 70 submarines and multiple submarine tenders. Now, eight decades later, the port is once again playing a key role in supporting undersea operations. This time, it’s in the context of growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
Why the visit matters
The USS Ohio isn’t alone along Australia’s east coast. It was joined by the submarine tender USS Frank Cable, which docked a day earlier. Submarine tenders such as Frank Cable make things like forward-deployed maintenance and resupply for submarines possible, increasing the Navy’s operational reach without needing to return to a homeport.
Normally, the Navy stays quiet about the movements of its guided-missile submarines (SSGNs) — and for good reason. There are only four of these converted Ohio-class subs in existence. Publicly announcing the port visit was a calculated move, one likely meant to project strength and reassure allies.
The Navy says the visit will include tours for local leaders and distinguished guests, along with volunteer engagements by sailors from both vessels. But the real message lies beneath the surface: in the capability and presence of a submarine built to deliver quiet, powerful and precise force from beneath the waves.
From nuclear deterrent to tactical workhorse
The USS Ohio was the first submarine of its class and originally designed to carry nuclear-armed Trident ballistic missiles. Following the end of the Cold War, the Navy converted four of these subs –– Ohio, Michigan, Florida and Georgia –– to carry conventional Tomahawk cruise missiles instead.
In this new role, Ohio can launch up to 154 Tomahawks and host up to 66 special operations personnel and their equipment. The conversion also included repurposing two launch tubes into lockout chambers for covert missions; essentially giving SOF units like Navy SEALs the ability to enter or exit the boat from below the surface.
This transformation from a strategic nuclear deterrent to a flexible, tactical strike platform is keeping the Ohio highly relevant in modern maritime operations, even after more than 30 years of service.
Ohio in the Indo-Pacific
The arrival of the Ohio comes at a time of increased Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific, which is leading to a corresponding boost in U.S. submarine activity in the region. Earlier in July, the Navy redeployed two fast-attack submarines, the USS Toledo and USS Indiana, from their East Coast home ports to Hawaii. The moves signal a larger shift toward bolstering undersea capabilities in the Pacific theater.
The Ohio’s port call also overlapped with Talisman Sabre 2025, a multinational military exercise hosted across Australia that includes missile drills and joint operations meant to enhance readiness against regional threats, namely the People’s Liberation Army Navy, the official name of China’s maritime forces.
While the U.S. Navy did not confirm whether the Ohio’s visit is directly connected to the war games, its presence underscores the U.S. commitment to freedom of navigation and security in the region.
What about AUKUS?
This historic visit also reinforces the evolving U.S.-Australia-U.K. partnership under the AUKUS agreement. Although the pact is currently under review by the Trump administration, its original goal was to equip Australia with conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
The arrival of Ohio in Brisbane — a nuclear-powered submarine moored in an allied port — could be viewed as a symbol of the operational vision AUKUS aims to deliver.
The commanding officer of the USS Frank Cable, Captain Mike Thompson, said, “We are grateful to have the opportunity to visit Brisbane to help strengthen our relationship with our allies who share our interest of preserving peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”
A message sent loud and clear
Guided-missile submarines like Ohio are designed to operate undetected, but their impact becomes unmistakable when they surface in strategic locations. This port visit may have come during “a routine deployment,” but it was also a show of capability, deterrence and an enduring partnership.
Whether conducting strike missions, deploying special forces, or simply reminding adversaries of American reach, the USS Ohio’s presence off Australia’s coast speaks volumes.
