YOKOSUKA, Japan -- The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) arrived at HMAS Stirling, Australia, Jan. 30, for a scheduled port visit.

Texas is visiting HMAS Stirling as part of their routine patrol in the Indo-Pacific to demonstrate U.S. Navy’s ongoing commitment to theater security cooperation and friendship with partner navies.

"Australia is one of America’s greatest friends and most loyal allies in the Pacific,” said Cmdr. Mike Dolbec, USS Texas commanding officer. “Our longstanding alliance is a force for stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and around the globe, and I and my crew welcome the opportunity to do our part to strengthen that relationship, while getting to know Australian submariners on a more personal level.”

During their port visit, Texas will have the opportunity to give tours to dignitaries and media, including the U.S. Ambassador to Australia. Additionally, the crew will engage in a series of community relations events and enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

“Throughout the planning of this port visit, our friends in the Australian Navy and the larger Perth community have been responsive and kind," said Dolbec. "I am honored to welcome our Australian friends on board, and I'm certain that our time here will be memorable for my entire crew, who have been looking forward to this visit."

For many crewmembers, this is their first time visiting Australia, and the opportunity to visit some of the iconic sites in Stirling excited them the most. “We arrived here right on the heels of Australia Day, and 232 years after the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Harbor,” said Master Chief Machinist’s Mate (Auxiliary) Charles B. Cardell, Texas Chief of the Boat. “We’re excited to join in the celebration of Australia’s diversity, ingenuity and progress, and to be in one of Australia’s most vibrant cities!"

“I look forward to enjoying the sunniest capital city in Australia and taking advantage of as many outdoor activities as I can,” said Texas Corpsman, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Michael A. Peralta. “Also, being a beloved 49ers fan, I am extremely happy to have the opportunity to watch the Super Bowl alongside the football fanatics of Australia and support their hometown kicker who has helped lead them to the big game!”

Virginia-class submarines are built to dominate the world's littoral and deep waters while conducting anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations forces support; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; irregular warfare and mine warfare missions. Their inherent stealth, endurance, mobility and firepower directly enable them to support five of the six maritime strategy core capabilities: sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence.