Sailing into the Philippines was extra special for one sailor aboard HMAS Ballarat.
Able Seaman John Concepcion saw his father for the first time in 10 years when Ballarat docked in Subic Bay as part of their three-month regional presence deployment.
"Seeing my dad for the first time in 10 years was amazing," Able Seaman Concepcion said.
His father travelled three hours from Cavite Province, north of Subic, to meet the ship.
After an emotional meeting on the wharf, Able Seaman Concepcion spent an evening catching up with his father and two siblings.
"I haven't seen him since I was 14, so he's shorter than I remember," Able Seaman Concepcion said.
"Dad got to see me in uniform, which was pretty special.
"I'm the first member of my family to join the military, so I felt really proud being able to see Dad and take some photos with him in front of Ballarat."
'Seeing my dad for the first time in 10 years was amazing.'
Able Seaman Concepcion explained that family is very important in Filipino culture.
"I'm very close to my family, and dad and I talk a lot, but it can be hard when both of us are away so much," he said.
Able Seaman Concepcion's father is a merchant mariner and spends a significant amount of time at sea, which is why the pair have not seen each other since 2014.
"I came to the Philippines at the beginning of the year, but didn't get to see dad as he was away," Able Seaman Concepcion said.
"Even though I don't see him much, I like that we have something more in common now, with both of us working on ships.
"I can't really talk directly about my work for security reasons, but Dad and I are both watchkeepers on ships at sea, which is pretty cool."
Ballarat spent three days alongside in Subic Bay conducting engagements with the Philippine Navy, before heading back to sea for further patrols and exercises as part of their regional presence deployment.
Regional presence deployments play a vital role in Australia's security and prosperity by protecting our interests, preserving a rules-based international order, enhancing cooperation and relationships with partners and allies, and developing capability and interoperability.
