US assigns nuclear submarine to Australia under AUKUS as China expands Pacific footprint

The Pentagon has announced that the USS Colorado will be the first US Navy submarine in Australia's rotational force. This initiative aims to enhance military presence and deter China's naval influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The USS Colorado is scheduled to join Submarine Rotational Force-West at HMAS Stirling in 2027. The move is part of the trilateral AUKUS security partnership among Australia, the UK, and the US.