Dedicating his life to the service of two nations, Australian Army Major Bayani Fernandez is now ensuring the two countries he loves are successfully integrated during Exercise Alon 25.
Born in Manila, Major Fernandez served 20 years in the Armed Forces of the Philippines before migrating to Australia with his family in 2008. He has since been at the forefront of the Australian-Philippines defence partnership as both countries do more to demonstrate their shared commitment to collective security within the region.
Major Fernandez first deployed to the Philippines as a liaison officer during Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2023. He has returned to the Philippines on Exercise Alon - a bilateral training activity between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the ADF - to reprise his role as a liaison officer within Joint Task Force 661 while also working as a battle watchkeeper in the exercise's Combined Fusion Cell.
Major Fernandez said his role was more than just providing a mutual understanding of language and culture between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the ADF, it was also about coordinating operational effects.
"When I talk to the Filipinos, they want Australia to be part of more exercises," Major Fernandez said.
"They want us to be here, and they want us to help them provide more capability during these uncertain times. I think that's a huge opportunity for us to show our capability and help wherever we can."
While reflecting on the totality of his time in service, Major Fernandez said it had been a true honour and a privilege to serve in both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the ADF.
"The opportunities for my family and I have been tremendous," Major Fernandez said.
"As a Filipino Australian, my heart is tied to both countries. As a soldier, I would do everything I can within my power to ensure the security of Australia and the Philippines. If that means being here to work where I am to ensure our forces are talking to each other and sharing information, then I am right where I am needed to be."
Conducted from August 15 to 29, Exercise Alon is the largest overseas military exercise for Australia in 2025. The exercise enables both nations to practise multi-domain warfighting and collaborating on regional security.
More than 3600 personnel are participating in Exercise Alon including members of the ADF and Armed Forces of the Philippines, as well as elements of the Royal Canadian Navy and the United States Marine Corps' Marine Rotation Force - Darwin.
