This month the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator welcomed Naval Reactors to its Canberra Headquarters.
Naval Reactors is responsible for the United States’ naval nuclear-powered fleet and is a key partner under the AUKUS agreement.
During the visit, Director of Naval Reactors, Admiral William J. Houston met with Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator Director-General, Mr Michael Drake, to discuss strategic priorities and regulatory matters relating to Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program.
Admiral Houston heard about major lines of effort across the agency, including licensing activities at Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia and HMAS Stirling in Western Australia.
During 2026, Mr Drake will take part in a major licensing activity at a United States’ nuclear-powered submarine shipyard, in an ongoing effort to uplift Australia’s naval nuclear propulsion regulatory and licensing capability.
The visit reinforces a shared commitment to the highest standards of nuclear safety regulation for Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program.
