The Philippine Navy and the Royal Australian Navy held a passing exercise (PASSEX) at sea, which marked the end of the five-day visit of His Majesty's Australian Ship (HMAS) Choules to Subic Bay in Zambales.

The HMAS Choules arrived at the Rivera Wharf on July 6, 2026 where it was welcomed by Philippine Navy personnel.

According to the Philippine Navy, officials from both countries discussed ongoing and future cooperation, including participation in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, typhoon preparedness, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.

The visit concluded with a formal send-off ceremony at Rivera Wharf before Navy personnel from the two countries conducted the PASSEX, a maritime exercise aimed at improving interoperability and operational coordination.

Australia is one of the Philippines' key defense partners. The two countries hold bilateral and multilateral military activities regularly to strengthen maritime security, disaster response capabilities, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.