USS Frank Cable and USS Ohio Dock in Brisbane to Strengthen Naval Ties

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The U.S. Navy submarine tender USS Frank Cable arrived in Brisbane, Australia, on July 26, followed a day later by the Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Ohio. The port visits highlight growing US-Australia defense cooperation and come as both nations mark the upcoming 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day.

Forward-deployed to Guam, the Frank Cable supports submarines across the Indo-Pacific with logistics, maintenance, and weapons systems. Its presence in Brisbane enabled the first-ever visit by an Ohio-class submarine to the city. USS Ohio moored directly alongside the tender, demonstrating the Navy’s ability to sustain undersea operations far from home.

Captain Mike Thompson, commanding officer of Frank Cable, described the visit as a reflection of the “long-standing U.S. and Australian partnership” focused on regional peace and stability. U.S. Consul General Jeremy Cornforth also welcomed the vessels, noting the ship’s previous involvement in Queensland flood relief in 2022.

The port call coincides with Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, the largest military training exercise in the Southern Hemisphere. The joint exercise includes more than a dozen allied nations and focuses on multi-domain operations, interoperability, and combat readiness across air, land, and sea.

During their stay, crew members from Frank Cable hosted formal receptions and took part in community engagement events, including activities at the Queensland Maritime Museum. These efforts are part of ongoing initiatives to deepen ties with local communities and reinforce the strong alliance between the U.S. and Australia.

Brisbane served as a major U.S. submarine base during World War II, supporting more than 70 submarines and several tenders. The return of modern naval assets to the city pays tribute to that legacy while reaffirming the strategic importance of US-Australia cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

The U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, continues to rely on support ships like Frank Cable to maintain readiness across the region. With capabilities ranging from medical care and equipment repair to weapons reload and 3D printing, the tender plays a critical role in sustaining undersea operations and projecting maritime strength.