Teamwork, trust and tug-of-war

Personnel from HMAS Perth joined maritime forces from across the Indo-Pacific for professional exchanges, relationship building and practical cooperation ashore and at sea.

The ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security Joint Cooperation Activity (JCA) brought together maritime forces in Subic Bay, Philippines.

The JCA marked the culmination of three years of planning and cooperation between the co-chairs, Japan and the Philippines.

The ashore phase included official briefings, subject matter expert exchanges and operational discussions, providing participants with opportunities to share knowledge and perspectives on maritime security.

During the ADMM-Plus sports day, mixed teams from Australia, Brunei, India, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and the US competed in a range of activities at the Subic Bay Sports Ground.

Director for Community and Special Services CMDR Jojit C Siscar, Philippine Navy, welcomed participants to the event.

“Today is more than just a sports competition; it is an opportunity to build friendships, mutual respect and understanding between nations,” CMDR Siscar said.

“Although we come from different nations, sports can unite us as one team.”

RADM Sato Masahiro, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, highlighted the importance of the activity in building mutual trust and understanding.

“This was a wonderful opportunity to meet with each other and deepen our friendships,” RADM Sato said.

“The significance of the ADMM-Plus activities will build our mutual trust and understanding.”

Perth operated alongside ships from the Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Royal New Zealand Navy, Philippine Navy, Republic of Singapore Navy and US Navy, supported by a US Navy P-8A Poseidon.

The sea phase focused on maritime security, environmental resilience, humanitarian assistance and disaster response cooperation.

The activity also highlighted the longstanding relationship between Australia and the Philippines, with the two nations marking 80 years of diplomatic relations this year.

This bilateral relationship is underpinned by longstanding defence and security ties, more than 50 years of development cooperation and strong people-to-people links.

The relationship has continued to grow through practical engagement between the two nations’ armed forces.

Last year, Philippine Navy frigate BRP Diego Silang sailed into Sydney Harbour to participate in Exercise Kakadu alongside more than 30 international warships.