Sailor's Philippine homecoming

A first-of-its-kind replenishment at sea (RAS) held special significance for POMT Nimrod Arevalo, who returned to his birth country in Australian uniform.

Conducted in the South China Sea on August 25 as part of a maritime cooperative activity, HMAS Supply completed the RAS with Philippine Navy frigate BRP Diego Silang while the ships maintained a distance of about 54 metres and a speed of 12 knots. 

The activity also involved US Navy vessel USS Santa Barbara.

PO Arevalo was born in Marinduque, the Philippines, before moving to Sydney in 2006 and joining the RAN the following year.

“The opportunity to go on board a Philippine Navy vessel was a very proud and meaningful moment for me,” PO Arevalo said.

“I was able to use my RAN experience to support the Philippine Navy team during the RAS serial, particularly with training, safety and teamwork. 

“It was great to share my knowledge, build trust and work together with fellow Filipino sailors.”

PO Arevalo embarked in Diego Silang as a subject matter expert alongside several other RAN sailors to support the development of the Philippine Navy’s replenishment capability.

The deployment also enabled him to reconnect with family during a port visit to the Philippines.

“On this trip, I was able to surprise my brothers, sisters and in-laws,” he said.

“It was really nice to see them again.”

Now serving as a marine technician in Supply, PO Arevalo is responsible for maintaining and repairing the ship’s engineering systems. 

His role helps ensure the RAN’s replenishment vessels can continue supporting ships at sea by transferring fuel, water and stores, extending operational endurance without the need to return to port.

“One of the highlights of my career is being someone my team can rely on when things go wrong,” he said.

“I enjoy using my experience and practical skills to find solutions, fix problems and improve the ways we do things. I’m proud to support my team, share my knowledge and help get the job done safely and effectively.”

With almost two decades of service in the RAN, PO Arevalo said working alongside Filipino sailors was a career highlight.

“Sharing knowledge, experience and camaraderie with fellow Filipino sailors was a truly meaningful experience,” he said.

CO Supply CMDR Kylie Turnbull said the activity demonstrated the strength of the growing relationship between the two navies.

“The RAS serial highlighted the value of strong partnerships and a shared commitment to professional excellence at sea,” CMDR Turnbull said.

“Through comprehensive planning, highly effective communications and expert mariner skills, all three ships demonstrated high levels of interoperability underpinned by deep respect and mutual trust.

“We are honoured and extremely proud to support the Philippine Navy in developing its replenishment capability.”