Minutes from the heart of Rockingham, Fleet Base West is located at HMASStirling on Garden Island and is the Royal Australian Navy’s largest base in Australia.
At present, 12 fleet units including Anzac Class frigates and Collins Class submarines are stationed here, along with an additional 70 units including the Submarine Training and Systems Centre, Submarine Escape Training Facility (one of only six in the world), Clearance Diving Team Four, and the Defence Communications Station Perth.
Under the planned Navy Capability Infrastructure Sub-Program, HMAS Stirling will become homeport to additional Hunter Class frigates, Arafura Class offshore patrol vessels and SSN-AUKUS class submarines when they come into service. This will result in significant expansion, sustainment and maintenance opportunities in the coming years.
As part of the AUKUS program announced in March 2023, HMAS Stirling will continue to be the home of Australian submarines. The base will be receiving frequent port visits from the UK and US nuclear-powered submarines (SSN) from the second half of 2023, rotational presence from as early as 2027 and housing of Australia's first SSN capability - the US Virginia class submarine from the early 2030s.
The Australian Government will invest up to $8 billion over the next decade to expand HMAS Stirling, creating around 3,000 direct jobs and in turn, supporting growth of the local economy. This includes wharf upgrades, operational maintenance, logistics and training facilities, and other opportunities for supporting infrastructure outside of HMAS Stirling.