Two Royal Australian Navy (RAN) members have been forging connections at sea on board the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force frigate JS Kumano.
Lieutenant Craig Grant and Able Seaman Isabella Anderson embarked on deployments, along with 21 other RAN members, to gain familiarisation with Australia's incoming new frigate class and reinforce an already strong partnership.
For Maritime Logistics Chef Able Seaman Anderson, the experience brought together her professional skills and personal passions.
"I love to cook and to go overseas, travel and have new experiences," she said.
"It's been a great opportunity to see how the Japanese run things."
Working in Kumano's galley proved a standout aspect.
"The highlight has been working with the Japanese chief chef, learning their techniques and swapping recipes," she said.
Able Seaman Anderson also reflected on how the smaller crewing requirements of Kumano affected crew dynamics on board.
"It feels relaxed on board, because less crew is required everybody is more focused on their specialist duties," she said.
"There is only one mess on board, so the crew all eat together. You can be sitting down having your lunch and the next thing you know you are joined by the commanding officer."
'This absolutely takes the cake and has been an incredible opportunity.'
Lieutenant Grant, who volunteered as a liaison officer in Kumano during Exercise Kakadu, described his integration with the Japanese crew as seamless.
"They considered us very much part of the crew, which was great," he said.
With the RAN placing personnel on board Japanese platforms, he "jumped at the chance" to extend his time in Kumano.
Joining the RAN in his late 20s, Lieutenant Grant has long held an interest in Japan.
"Being a passionate Japanophile, semi-linguist and cultural expert, I'm doing everything I can to make a visit to somewhere in Japan as part of my career," he said.
Reflecting on the deployment, he described it as a career-defining experience.
"This absolutely takes the cake and has been an incredible opportunity," he said.
After his time on board Kumano, Lieutenant Grant will return to his role as a staff officer with Commander Support Force, though he has applied to return to sea to advance his maritime logistics qualifications.
He also hopes to be part of the commissioning crew for Australia's first Mogami-class frigate, due to arrive in December 2029.
"My superiors in Support Force have been incredibly supportive of my career, encouraging me to take on opportunities like this," Lieutenant Grant said.
