Silence is victory: US super-sub slips into Brisbane

3 months ago 18

By Fraser Barton

July 30, 2025 — 4.41pm

A small emblem on the control panel of the USS Ohio reminds navy personnel how and why they operate.

“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.

Ohio-class submarines are the largest ever built for the US, and now there’s one in Brisbane.

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.

The USS Ohio is sitting beside the USS Frank Cable in Brisbane.

Brisbane hosted more than 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”.

The control station boasts screens, buttons, and steering instruments enabling officers to plunge the submarine to depths of more than 200 metres.

The 165 people on board operate in hushed voices – silence is victory so 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.

When describing what makes his job “incredible”, he says “complete independence”.

But living away from family, friends and natural light isn’t easy. Navy personnel sometimes go 90 days without seeing the sun.

The living quarters host eight or nine people in tiny bunks, while the 24-hour cycle on board consists of 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 for the vessel’s auxiliary and engine function, and a missile function deck.

The Ohio has 12 sailors responsible for 22 missile tubes, each carrying seven guided missiles each.

The Ohio’s arrival follows that of the USS America a fortnight ago.

Throughout the tour, two things are constant for the ship’s captain: pride and accomplishment.

“Watching them [the sailors] refine their skills and accomplishments is eye-watering,” the 48-year-old skipper says. “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, the largest ever built for the US, have a displacement of 18,750 tonnes when submerged.

The US Charge d’Affaires, Erika Olson, and Australia’s Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO, were due to mark the 80-year anniversary of victory in the Pacific aboard the USS Frank Cable on Wednesday.

AAP