SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — His Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Choules completed a four-day port visit to Subic Bay from July 6 to 10, reinforcing maritime cooperation between the Philippine Navy and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

The Philippine Navy welcomed the Australian vessel during an arrival ceremony at Rivera Wharf, led by Commander Mervyn N. Nesperos, director of the Offshore Combat Force Training Center, together with senior officers and enlisted personnel.

On July 6, HMAS Choules Commanding Officer Commander Paul Alexander Hardman and his delegation paid a courtesy call on Philippine Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Joe Anthony C. Orbe at the Philippine Fleet Headquarters.

During the meeting, officials discussed ongoing and future areas of bilateral cooperation, including participation in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise, typhoon preparedness, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) initiatives.

Hardman also expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended by the Philippine Navy to the ship and its crew.

As part of the visit, the Royal Australian Navy hosted a dinner reception aboard HMAS Choules, attended by Philippine Fleet Deputy Commander Commodore Lorenzo H. Bolor Jr. and selected Philippine Fleet personnel.

📸 Commodore Lorenzo H Bolor Jr PN, Deputy Commander, Philippine Fleet, presents a memento to Commander Paul Alexander Hardman RAN, Commanding Officer of HMAS Choules, during the Royal Australian Navy-hosted dinner aboard HMAS Choules..

The visit concluded on Friday, July 10 with a formal send-off ceremony at Rivera Wharf, followed by a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) aimed at enhancing interoperability and operational coordination between the two navies.

The Philippine Navy said the port visit highlighted the longstanding partnership between the Philippine Navy and the Royal Australian Navy, with both forces continuing to strengthen maritime security cooperation, improve operational readiness, and support peace, stability, and a free and open Indo-Pacific. (PR)

TOP 📸: The Philippine Navy rendered arrival honors to His Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Choules as it arrived at Rivera Wharf, Subic Port for a port visit on July 06, 2026. (Photos courtesy of The Philippine Fleet)