A series of firsts marked the arrival of Philippine Navy ship BRP Diego Silang as she sailed into Sydney Harbour for the Australian-led Exercise Kakadu.

The exercise, which involved 31 ships from partner nations, represented a significant milestone in Philippine-Australian defence cooperation.

It was the first time a Philippine Navy ship had ever entered Sydney Harbour.

During the transit, Diego Silang also conducted ‘night steaming in company’, screenplay exercises and replenishment-at-sea approaches with partner nations.

Commanding Officer Diego Silang Captain John Percie A Alcos said: “Kakadu has afforded like-minded navies the opportunity to participate in both capacity-building and confidence-building activities, ensuring the seamless conduct of combined naval operations."

“This also supports the Philippine Navy’s aspiration to be modern, multi-domain, self-reliant and a credible partner in maintaining regional security and stability," he added.

The ship’s executive officer, Commander Allan Mayrel A Luza, said the whole crew was proud to represent their country through these milestones.

“Although there were some challenges during the transit to Sydney due to the adverse sea state, it was still a very valuable experience that built our competence and confidence in our systems,” he said.

'Sourcing supplies in Sydney was new for us. While most things remained the same, we had to adjust.'

Following the long transit, the ship conducted its first resupply in Sydney, led by mess officer Ensign Karylle R Rico.

In addition to her duties as an officer of the watch, Ensign Rico manages the catering, provisions and budgeting for the ship’s company.

“We aim to balance protein, carbohydrates and fibre in every meal, and each week we have at least one international cuisine,” she said.

“Sourcing supplies in Sydney was new for us. While most things remained the same, we had to adjust, particularly with the fish, as the species [are] different from what we usually have in the Philippines.”

While alongside in Jervis Bay, members of the maritime task group conducted a cross-deck visit, joining the crew in singing and dancing.

The ship later hosted a 'boodle fight', a traditional Filipino communal meal where food is laid out on banana leaves and eaten by hand.

“The whole crew comes together to hold boodle fights for events, birthdays and mission success,” Ensign Rico said.

“Because a crew who eat together makes the food taste better.”