Subic Bay Freeport — The Royal Australian Navy conducted a port visit at the Naval Operating Base of the Philippine Fleet here.

According to the Philippine Fleet, HMAS Toowoomba carried out a port call at the Subic area on 13 February and is scheduled to remain until February 16 as part of the Philippine Navy’s continuing efforts to strengthen navy-to-navy relations with its Australian counterpart.

Upon arrival at Rivera Wharf at the Port of Subic, HMAS Toowoomba was accorded arrival honors and formally welcomed by a Philippine Navy delegation led by Commander Marlon A. Paca-Anas PN, Director of the Fleet Special Services Office.

The visiting delegation, headed by HMAS Toowoomba Commanding Officer Commander Alicia Harrison, later paid a courtesy call on Philippine Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Joe Anthony C. Orbe PN.

Discussions centered on expanding maritime cooperation, enhancing interoperability, and identifying opportunities for future joint activities between the two navies.

The port visit also features Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) aboard HMAS Toowoomba. Fleet personnel are participating in specialized workshops on Replenishment at Sea (RAS) and seaworthiness—key operational areas that support sustained maritime operations and readiness.

The engagement likewise sets the stage for the upcoming Exercise Kakadu, further strengthening multilateral maritime cooperation and professional ties among participating navies. Through these initiatives, both forces continue to enhance collective capabilities in support of regional maritime security and stability.

The visit underscores the shared commitment of the Philippine Navy and the Royal Australian Navy to deepening maritime collaboration, improving operational interoperability, and advancing mutual efforts toward a secure and stable maritime domain.