Clandestine US submarine flexes muscle at Aussie port
"Silence is victory," it reads.
The US submarine arrived in Brisbane waters on the weekend before docking at the city's port, a first ever visit to the city by a vessel in its class.
The Ohio - a nuclear-powered guided missile submarine - is visiting Brisbane to coincide with the upcoming 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific on August 15 - which marks the end of World War II in the region.
Brisbane hosted over 70 US submarines and three submarine tenders during the War.
But this kind of firepower in Queensland waters is a rare sight as the 170 metre long, 13 metre wide vessel rests adjacent to the USS Frank Cable.
Captain Eric Hunter describes the submarine as a "deterrent and geopolitical force" as media are escorted in to see the ship's internal machinery.
The control station boasts screens, buttons, and steering instruments enabling officers to plunge the submarine in excess of 200m underwater.
The 165 total people aboard operate in hushed voices.
Silence is victory and remaining undetected is always the goal.
One of the vessel's navigational officers uses an Xbox remote when showing how external cameras scan around the boat.
"Complete independence," he says, when describing what makes his job 'incredible'.
Living away from family, friends and natural light isn't easy. Navy personnel sometimes go 90 days without seeing the sun.
Living quarters host eight or nine people in tiny bunks.
The 24-hour cycle aboard offers eight hours of work, eight of sleep, and eight to study, upskill or play cards, board games or watch movies with other staff.
Taco Tuesday is a favourite of the three allocated meals per day.
Across the four decks, other operational areas include a torpedo room, a dedicated team to the vessel's auxiliary and engine function and missile function deck.
The Ohio has 12 sailors responsible for 22 missile tubes, each carrying seven each.
Aboard are 154 guided missiles ready to launch at any moment.
Throughout the tour, two things are constant for the ship's captain: pride and accomplishment.
"Watching them( sailors) refine their skills and accomplishments is eye watering," the 48-year-old skipper tells AAP.
"We have a very competent crew."
The Ohio's arrival follows that of the USS America a fortnight ago when the amphibious assault ship docked at the port and a trilateral agreement was signed between the United States, Japan and Australia.
Ohio-class submarines are 18,750 tons submerged and the largest submarines ever built for the US
The United States Chargé d'Affaires Erika Olsen and Australian Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO will mark the 80-year anniversary of victory in the Pacific aboard the USS Frank Cable on Wednesday.
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