SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Royal Australian Navy's His Majesty's Australian Ship (HMAS) Choules docked at the Naval Operating Base (NOB) here on 6 July 2026 as part of a port visit to the Philippines.

The Philippine Navy welcomed HMAS Choules during its visit from 6 to 10 July, reaffirming the enduring maritime partnership between the Philippine Navy and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

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's welcoming contingent composed of senior officers and enlisted personnel.

On 6 July, 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, both sides discussed ongoing and future areas of cooperation, including participation in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise, typhoon preparedness, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) initiatives. Commander Hardman also expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to the ship and its crew.

As part of the engagement, 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 port visit concludes on 10 July with a formal send-off ceremony at Rivera Wharf, followed by a Passing Exercise (PASSEX), highlighting the continued commitment of both navies to enhancing interoperability and operational cooperation.

The visit underscores the strong and enduring partnership between the Philippine Navy and the Royal Australian Navy. Through sustained bilateral engagements, both navies continue to strengthen maritime security cooperation, improve operational readiness, and promote peace, stability, and a free and open Indo-Pacific.