No wonder there is low morale in Australia's infant nuclear submarine sector https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/05/australian-submarine-agency-morale-crisis-asa-nuclear-submarines The pay is high though.
The newly minted UK trained RAN nuclear engineers might find themselves largely side-lined - waiting 20 years till UK built SSN-AUKUS are available. https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/aussie-submariners-qualify-as-royal-navy-nuclear-engineers/ There being no Aus Virginias likely.
With the America first policy US Virginias might not be based in Australia's Fleet Base West after all. Instead Guam, Hawaii and even Diego Garcia might remain more frequented bases.
There are too few Astutes even for Northern Hemisphere service in the Royal Navy with permanent Astute basing in Fleet Base West or even substantial rotations never a serious prospect.
Current RAN nuclear engineers might serve out their career on Royal Navy subs - less likely on US subs - if Australia is "fired" as a US ally.
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