The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Band Melbourne took part in Samoa's Independence Day celebrations, marching side-by-side with the Royal Samoan Police Band through the streets of the capital, Apia.
Attended by Samoa's Prime Minister, Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa, and other key leaders, the Independence Day parade on June 2 marked the nation's historic achievement when, in 1962, it became the first Pacific island nation to gain independence.
RAN Band officer in charge, Lieutenant Commander Nathanael Maxwell, said it was an honour for the band to be part of the special day, bringing together community, culture and international friendship.
"There is such a strong sense of pride in Samoa, and it's a privilege to be invited to share that," Lieutenant Commander Maxwell said.
"Music brings people together, and it's one of the many ways our two nations connect so naturally."
In the lead-up to the big day, the seven-piece RAN Band joined in peer-to-peer musical workshops with their Samoan counterparts, making sure every note, step and salute was in sync.
The collaboration builds upon the success of a previous visit in July 2024, when the RAN Band was deployed on board HMAS Choules, during its south-west Pacific regional presence deployment.
The visit aimed to strengthen Australia's relationship with its Pacific neighbours; Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
"Our relationship with the Samoan Police is more than just working on security in the region," Lieutenant Commander Maxwell said.
"We've built genuine friendships over the years and a shared love of music is a big part of that."
