HMAS Supply Port Visit Strengthens Philippine-Australian Naval Cooperation
Subic, Zambales – The Philippine Navy (PN) welcomed the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) contingent aboard His Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Supply (A195), the lead ship of the Supply-class auxiliary oiler replenishment vessels, for a five-day port visit to Subic, Zambales, from August 19 to 24, 2026, further strengthening maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two navies.
The engagement commenced with a Meeting Procedure at Sea in the vicinity of Grande Island, followed by a Welcome Ceremony at Rivera Wharf, Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Commander Jose Maria V Santos PN, Chief of Staff, Sealift Amphibious Force, PF, PN, served as the PN representative and led the welcoming contingent, joined by senior officers and enlisted personnel of the Philippine Fleet, Philippine Navy.
The visit included a courtesy call by Commander Kylie Turnbull RAN, Commanding Officer of HMAS Supply, and delegation on the Commander, Philippine Fleet (PF), Commodore Raul A Regis PN, represented by Deputy Commander, Philippine Fleet, Commodore Lorenzo H Bolor Jr PN. Also present was Commodore Junjie B Tabuada PN, Commander, Sealift Amphibious Force, PF, PN.
During the courtesy call, Commodore Bolor welcomed the Australian contingent and expressed appreciation for the visit. Both sides discussed previous Australian naval ship visits, the first Replenishment-at-Sea (RAS) conducted with a sister ship of HMAS Supply, and potential future training opportunities to further enhance naval cooperation and interoperability.
The port visit will conclude on August 24 with a formal Send-Off Ceremony at Rivera Wharf, followed by a Passing Exercise (PASSEX), providing both navies an opportunity to further enhance interoperability and operational coordination at sea.
The visit underscores the longstanding partnership between the Philippine Navy and the Royal Australian Navy and their shared commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation, enhancing operational interoperability, and contributing to peace and stability in the region.
