An Australian Submariner serving aboard USS Vermont (SSN 792) has become the first Royal Australian Navy officer to be awarded a US Navy submarine warfare device or dolphins.
"It is always an honor to pin dolphins on a Sailor's uniform and welcome them into an elite community of undersea warfighters,” said the Commander of Submarine Group Seven, Rear Admiral Chris Cavanaugh.
“Today’s pinning represents the strength of the alliance and our continued progress under the AUKUS agreement. This was an historic pinning, but it is only the first of many to come.”
There are currently more than 100 Royal Australian Navy officers in the US Navy submarine training pipeline or assigned to US Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines. In order to qualify for dolphins, a sailor is required to demonstrate a strong understanding of all submarines systems, compartments, and equipment.
"All of the extra sensors that the boat has, and the fact that we can remain deployed for so long at such high speeds will be game changing for Australia," said Lieutenant Commander James who was awarded the dolphins.
“[Qualifying] is a culmination of a lot of hard work and a lot of support from the crew. I'm incredibly thankful to everybody that has supported me through this adventure. And it makes me incredibly proud to serve both my navy and your navy.”