Australia’s new Defence Chief has declared US nuclear-powered submarines will have “enduring access” to Perth’s HMAS Stirling naval base, comparing their impending arrival to America’s naval presence here during World War II. On Tuesday when launching the 2026 Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy, Admiral Hammond was also questioned about the SRF-West program. It is enduring access,” Admiral Hammond told reporters in Adelaide, echoing Minister Marles’ statement last week. “So, in the context of the conversation around Submarine Rotational Force-West here is a degree of evolution not just revolution there as well.” During an earlier speech to the Australian Defence Science, Technology and Research Summit, Admiral Hammond also praised Ukraine’s success in fighting Russia’s attempted invasion that began in 2022.