Subic Bay Freeport — The Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Choules docked at the naval operating base here for a five-day port visit aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation between Australia and the Philippines.

The amphibious landing ship’s visit, which concludes Friday, underscores the defense partnership between the two nations amid efforts to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

The visit began with an arrival ceremony at Rivera Wharf led by Philippine Navy Cmdr. Mervyn Nesperos, director of the Offshore Combat Force Training Center.

Following the arrival, HMAS Choules Commanding Officer Cmdr. Paul Alexander Hardman paid a courtesy call to Rear Adm. Joe Anthony Orbe, commander of the Philippine Fleet, at the fleet’s headquarters.

During the meeting, officials discussed ongoing and future bilateral operations, including participation in the Rim of the Pacific exercise, typhoon preparedness, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response initiatives.

Hardman expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended to his crew.

The Royal Australian Navy also hosted a dinner reception aboard the HMAS Choules, attended by Philippine Fleet Deputy Commander Commodore Lorenzo Bolor Jr. and other naval personnel.

The port visit will conclude Friday with a formal send-off ceremony at Rivera Wharf, followed by a passing exercise at sea to enhance interoperability and operational cooperation between the two navies.