For the first time in history, a Philippine Navy ship has sailed into Sydney Harbour.
As part of the multinational, Australian-led Exercise Kakadu, BRP Diego Silang entered Sydney Heads alongside 31 ships from partner nations, marking a significant milestone in Philippine-Australian defence cooperation.
Australia and the Philippines have continued to elevate their cooperation through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, since the announcement in 2023, but this marked the first time their ship sailed further south than Cairns.
On board were two Philippine Navy officers proud to share in the historic moment with their fellow crewmates, and to reflect on a country they have come to know well.
Lieutenant Junior Grade Janrey Artus, the ship's navigational officer, and Lieutenant Junior Grade Dione Mae Umalla, the anti-surface warfare officer, both have strong personal ties to Australia, having previously visited and trained through navy-to-navy exchanges.
The experience not only deepened their professional expertise but also their connection to Australia and its people.
Lieutenant Junior Grade Artus undertook 18 months of training at HMAS Watson. Standing on the bridge as the ship passed Bradleys Head and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, the moment carried special meaning for him.
Lieutenant Junior Grade Umalla is a trailblazer in her own right. She is one of the few women to graduate from the Philippine Military Academy since it began admitting female cadets in 1995, and did it as valedictorian.
Her time during the New Entry Officer Course (NEOC) at the Royal Australian Naval College left a lasting impression.
"I loved my time in NEOC 67. I was able to relive being a midshipman again; it was refreshing and a wonderful experience," Lieutenant Junior Grade Umalla said.
"The friendships I built in Australia and the trust between our navies show that this relationship is about people as much as it is about defence.
"When we operate together, it feels seamless because we understand each other, both professionally and culturally."
Diego Silang joined vessels from 18 other nations for the Kakadu Fleet Review in Sydney Harbour, highlighting strong regional maritime cooperation and the deep partnerships fostered through Kakadu.
