The Philippine Navy welcomed His Majesty’s Australian Ship Choules during its port visit to Subic from July 6 to 10, in a bilateral engagement aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation between the Philippines and Australia.
The visit began with an arrival ceremony at Rivera Wharf, where Commander Mervyn N. Nesperos PN, director of the Offshore Combat Force Training Center, led the Philippine Navy contingent composed of senior officers and enlisted personnel.
On July 6, HMAS Choules Commanding Officer Commander Paul Alexander Hardman RAN and his delegation paid a courtesy call on Philippine Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Joe Anthony C. Orbe PN at the Philippine Fleet Headquarters.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed current and future areas of cooperation, including participation in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise, typhoon preparedness, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response initiatives.
Hardman thanked the Philippine Navy for the warm reception and hospitality extended to the ship and its crew.
As part of the port visit, the Royal Australian Navy hosted a dinner reception aboard HMAS Choules, attended by Philippine Fleet Deputy Commander Commodore Lorenzo H. Bolor Jr. PN and selected Philippine Fleet personnel.
The visit will conclude on July 10 with a formal send-off ceremony at Rivera Wharf, followed by a Passing Exercise between the two navies.
The Philippine Navy said the activity reflects the continued commitment of both sides to improving interoperability, operational coordination, and maritime security cooperation.
The engagement also highlights the enduring defense partnership between the Philippine Navy and the Royal Australian Navy, as both countries work to promote peace, stability, and a free and open Indo-Pacific.