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American sub crew soak up WA

The USS Albuquerque approaches HMAS Stirling naval base. Pictures: Royal Australian Navy

The Perth Zoo, Fremantle Markets, Margaret River wineries and sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Just some of WA's delights on the agenda for a group of submariners from USS Albuquerque, which arrived at HMAS Stirling naval base this week for exercises with the Royal Australian Navy.

The nuclear-powered submarine carries a crew of about 140 sailors and its commander Trent Hesslink said WA was known in the US submariner community for its "great people, weather and hospitality".

The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine is considered one of the most technologically advanced submarines.

It measures about 109m long and weighs more than 6250 tonnes when submerged.

Albuquerque was commissioned in 1983 and is on its final six-month deployment before being decommissioned.