NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) – Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) hosted a press conference in Newport News Friday afternoon, alongside the Australian Ambassador to the U.S. and the U.S. Under Secretary of the Navy, to discuss the Australia-U.K.-U.S. (AUKUS) agreement in which Australia will purchase U.S. Virginia-class submarines.
“This is a transformational moment,” said Australian Ambassador Kevin Rudd, discussing the need for strong alliances, especially in his country’s part of the world.
“Peace and stability do not come easily. They come through hard work, and they come through the courage of our men and women in uniform.”
Australia will purchase at least three, and as many as five of the submarines that are built partially here in Newport News, and partly in Connecticut. Nearly two dozen of the Virginia class subs have been commission so far, and the estimated cost to build one is $3.5 billion.
Kaine says this will help project American expertise and stability around the globe.
“We can take advantage of our own defense-industrial-base expertise, we share best practices, and we work together in common to promote regional security in the Indo-Pacific and elsewhere.”
Admiral Daryl Caudle, Commander of US Fleet Forces, came up through the submarine force. He says the Virginia class Is unmatched its capabilities, stealth, and intelligence gathering.
“We will be able to give (the Australian Navy) a true submersible and actually work with them to build their own, which will allow them to have this world class over match that we enjoy today in the US,” he said.
Australian submariners hope to hit the water running. They have already trained on Virginia class submarines and they’re familiar with the technology. They expect to take deliver of the Virginia class subs beginning sometime after 2030.
Earlier this year, Australia announced it wants to replace its conventionally powered submarines.
Huntington Ingalls Industries in Newport News is one of just two shipyards that combine efforts to make the Virginia Class sub, along with General Dynamics Electric Boat in Connecticut.
Senator Kaine is leading legislation to formally implement the AUKUS agreement and ensure it creates jobs, spurs economic growth, and benefits the defense community in Virginia.
According to a press release from Sen. Kaine’s office, he has long advocated for shipbuilding, and last month helped pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) out of SASC.