It was a day of poise, professionalism, and precision as three partner nations sailed and flew in formation off the west coast of the Philippine island of Luzon during the latest multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA).

From February 15 to 16, HMAS Toowoomba sailed with Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua, Philippine Navy frigate BRP Diego Silang, and United States Navy destroyer USS Dewey.

Together, the ships practiced officer-of-the-watch manoeuvres and replenishments at sea.

Overhead, the activity was supported by a Philippine Navy AW109 helicopter, Royal Australian Navy MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, Philippine Air Force FA-50PH and A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

Royal Australian Navy ships conducting regional presence deployments are routinely involved in MCAs with the Philippines and other partner nations, demonstrating their commitment to regional security.

Commanding Officer HMAS Toowoomba Commander Alicia Harrison thanked the Philippines for the opportunity to work together to strengthen the security partnership.

“We value our ongoing close cooperation with the Philippines and partner nations in the region,” she said.

'It’s not every day you get to sail up close and in formation with a next generation guided-missile frigate from a partner nation.'

Commander Harrison said it was especially rewarding for her crew to witness the handling and capability of Diego Silang, which was commissioned in December 2025.

“It was a wonderful treat for my crew to see the newest addition to the Philippine Navy in action. It’s not every day you get to sail up close and in formation with a next generation guided-missile frigate from a partner nation,” Commander Harrison said.  

“This strong cooperation between the Philippines, United States and Australia demonstrates how the ability to work together is critical to supporting a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.” 

Before the latest MCA, a joint Philippines-Australian replenishment at sea workshop was held during a port visit to Subic Bay.

Toowoomba Boatswain Chief Petty Officer Tyler Thomson said the MCA was a great opportunity to put theory to practice.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for our crew to provide some real-world experience and exposure to our Philippine Navy counterparts,” Chief Petty Officer Thomson said.

Chief Petty Officer Thomson said the activity allowed partner nations to build upon shared tactics, techniques and procedures, to enhance interoperability and readiness to respond to shared security challenges.

“This type of training not only ensures that our skills stay focused, but allows us to enhance interoperability between close regional partners, enabling us to work together safely and effectively in the future,” Chief Petty Officer Thomson said.

The multilateral MCA between Australia, the Philippines and the United States demonstrated a shared commitment to transparently promote and strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

It also demonstrated a shared commitment to upholding international law during freedom of navigation and overflight, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.