The forward-deployed US Navy submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) and the Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726) have arrived in Brisbane, Australia, for scheduled port visits on 26 and 27 July 2025 respectively. Frank Cable is currently on patrol in the US 7th Fleet area of operations, providing maintenance and logistics support to sustain undersea forces across the Indo-Pacific region.
“Welcome back to Brisbane USS Frank Cable!” US Consul General, Jeremy Cornforth, said. “This return port visit by USS Frank Cable demonstrates the enduring connections forged in 2022 when the ship’s crew supported flood disaster relief efforts in Queensland. These ties symbolize the close partnership between our two nations, including working alongside with our Australian counterparts and engaging with the local community.”
Frank Cable, forward-deployed to Guam, will provide expeditionary intermediate-level maintenance, services, and logistics support to deployed submarines and surface vessels in the Indo-Pacific region. Frank Cable is on patrol supporting the US 7th Fleet, the US Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, operating with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.
“U.S. and Australian forces have a proud history dating back to World War I of working together to further our shared commitment and values of freedom and democracy.” Commanding Officer of Frank Cable, Captain Mike Thompson, stated. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to visit Brisbane to help strengthen our relationship with our allies who share our interest of preserving peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Ohio’s visit is the first Ohio-class submarine to pull into Brisbane. Ohio, homeported in Bangor, Washington, and assigned to Submarine Squadron 19, will conduct routine operations in the US 7th Fleet area of operations. Commander, Submarine Group 7 directs forward-deployed, combat capable forces across the full spectrum of undersea warfare throughout the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea.
The USS Ohio possesses 154 Tomahawk missiles. When ADM asked if the Frank Cable was the submarine tender that would be based at HMAS Stirling to support the Virginia class subs until the base upgrades were completed, the response was that they were unable to comment on future operational matters and AUKUS policy.