In the warm waters of the Top End, three ships proved the word friendship cannot be written without partners or naval vessels.
Two of the Royal Australian Navy's patrol boats, HMA Ships Cape Pillar and Cape Solander, joined the Republic of the Marshall Islands Ship (RMIS) Jelmae for a formation sail in Darwin.
With just metres between metal and shallow water, every order during a formation sail has to be exact. A single misjudgement could force a costly correction - or worse.
The impressive formation departure was not the only noteworthy moment of the day. Cape Pillar's navigating officer Lieutenant Leroy Lidbetter served on the bridge of Jelmae as her pilot for the entry and departure into HMAS Coonawarra's basin area.
"Stepping onto Jelmae's bridge was a reminder for me that good seamanship and mariner skills are a universal language among friends," Lieutenant Lidbetter said.
"Sure, we come from different nations and experiences, but when operating at sea together, trust and clear communication is everything."
'Good seamanship and mariner skills are a universal language among friends.'
Following the departure from Darwin Harbour, the three ships participated in a series of officer-of-the-watch manoeuvres, demonstrating a shared ability to manoeuvre in close proximity to one another with precision.
Lieutenant Lidbetter remained on Jelmae for the serials, assisting her bridge team and learning skills from his Marshall Islands counterparts - a unique opportunity to share skills and opportunities with one another.
Commanding Officer Cape Pillar Lieutenant Commander Ben Couch said the opportunity to sail with the international ship was a privilege.
"Working together with partners like the Marshall Islands is essential for a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region," Lieutenant Commander Couch said.
"It was a pleasure to sail in company with RMIS Jelmae. Her ship's company are fine mariners.
"While this was the final Guardian-class patrol boat delivered through the Pacific Maritime Security Program, RMIS Jelmae demonstrated the outstanding capability that is underpinned by enduring regional coordination and cooperation."
For the crew of Jelmae, the visit marked another step in deepening maritime cooperation with Australia, strengthening their ability to patrol and protect their Pacific waters.
The skills sharing underpins a 30-year commitment between Australia and her Pacific partners, which saw the delivery of Jelmae as the 23rd vessel to the Republic of the Marshall Islands under the Pacific Maritime Security Program.
