Australia has just graduated its first two Submarine Officers in its domestically hosted Submarine Command Course. This course was created to provide Australia the internal capability of qualifying submarine commanders as its fleet of nuclear capable vessels is set to expand under the AUKUS submarine deal. While they are not expecting delivery of the boats until 2040, the designs are set to be selected in early 2023, with production supported by the U.S. and U.K. to start within five years.
From the Australian Ministry of Defense:
“Australia has successfully launched a sovereign training program to produce its next generation of submarine commanders, with two Royal Australian Navy submariners passing the inaugural Australian Submarine Command Course.
The international-standard course culminated in a rigorous sea-phase that tested participants in undersea and special warfare scenarios.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh said the home-grown capability would better meet Australia’s evolving workforce needs.
“I congratulate the newly qualified submarine commanders for passing the demanding course,” Minister Keogh said.
“The men and women of the Australian Defence Force are our most important capability, so upskilling them to meet our current and future needs is critical.
“Our Navy can’t wait until new capabilities are ready to train the next generation of leaders – these commanders must be fully equipped for when the submarines enter into service.”
The locally designed and delivered Australian Submarine Command Course is one example of how the Navy is evolving to meet workforce growth targets.
“By delivering the course in Australia, the Navy can determine the timing and content of the course and optimise it to meet our requirements,” Minister Keogh said.
Prior to the launch of the course, Australian submarine Commanding Officers had been trained in the UK with the Royal Navy, and then by the Royal Netherlands Navy”.
