Navy News Editor Chelsea Oakman looks back at memorable stories from 2025. 

Steaming into the eye of the storm

A routine Navy Week open day took an unexpected turn when Tropical Cyclone Alfred threatened the Queensland coast. 

Acting on a request from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, HMAS Choules steamed 740km east of Mackay into severe weather to search for Lithuanian solo adventurer Aurimas Mockus. 

After 36 arduous hours battling multiple sea states, crew members spotted the vessel and rescued the distressed rower.

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Anzac wolf pack hunts subs off WA

Four Anzac-class frigates operated as a coordinated “wolf pack” off the Western Australian coast during ASWEX 25, a high-end anti-submarine warfare exercise designed to sharpen Navy’s warfighting edge.

HMA Ships Warramunga, Toowoomba, Stuart and Arunta worked together with maritime patrol aircraft and Navy helicopters to detect, track and respond to submarine threats in a complex maritime environment.

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Chance unites Navy family in Philippines

A chance conversation during a port visit to Subic Bay led to a remarkable discovery for HMAS Ballarat sailor Leading Seaman Phil Penafiel.

What began as a shared surname revealed a genuine family connection with a member of the Philippine Navy, later confirmed by relatives back home.

An instant bond formed as the pair shared family photos, gifts and explored how their families were connected.

“I’ve done some pretty amazing things in my career, but this one really hit home for me and is definitely a highlight,” Leading Seaman Penafiel said.

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Two navies, three replenishments, seven hours

The South China Sea set the scene for HMAS Ballarat and HMNZS Aotearoa, as the ships conducted replenishments at sea and helicopter cross-deck landings late into the night. 

The engagement formed part of Ballarat’s regional presence deployment, and a mission readiness workup for Aotearoa.

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Patrol boats sail into history

During the past two decades, the Armidale-class became a familiar presence across northern waters, ensuring the integrity of Australia’s maritime domain.

The last three ships were decommissioned in December, closing the book on the Armidale-class and paving the way for the next generation of patrol vessels. 

Cape-class patrol boats and the Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels will continue the mission of protecting Australia’s seas with modern technology and expanded capability.

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