LEUT Morgan Pierce (author)
LSIS Bradley Darvill (photographer)
The Australian White Ensign is displayed during a 'Ceremonial Sunset' ceremony held onboard HMAS Arunta as the ship visits Subic Bay, Philippines (Image) >>
While in the Philippines for a recent port visit, Commanding Officer HMAS Sirius, Commander Darren Grogan, Australian Defence Attaché to the Philippines Colonel Bruce Murray and Commanding Officer HMAS Arunta Commander Cameron Steil were pleased to host members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and distinguished guests onboard Arunta for an official reception. The reception was held in Subic Bay whilst Sirius and Arunta conduct a North East Asia Deployment.
Distinguished guests included Philippine Navy Assistant Naval Staff for Education and Training Officer, Captain Ernesto Baldovino, Lieutenant General Jeffrey Delgado of the Philippine Air Force and Captain Vic Smith, United States Naval Attaché to the Philippines.
During his address Captain Baldovino said he was proud to be standing onboard Arunta whose namesake held a special place in his heart. The first Arunta was a Tribal class destroyer that distinguished herself in action during the Second World War, in the very region in which he was born and raised, helping to liberate the country.
"I am looking forward to the future opportunities with our Australian counterparts as we continue to strengthen relationships and interoperability between our two Defence Forces," he said.
<< Able Seaman Boatswains Mate Matthew Parry with his mother at the completion of a 'Ceremonial Sunset' held onboard HMAS Arunta during the ship's port visit to Subic Bay, Philippines (Image)
The evening was also a special experience for Able Seaman Boatswains Mate Matthew Parry as his mother, who currently resides in Angeles City, Philippines, was a special guest for the reception and was able to watch him as member of the guard for the ceremonial sunset.
Her immense pride was on show when her son marched into the reception.
"It was one of my proudest moments, seeing Matthew as a professional member of the guard and a sailor in the Royal Australian Navy was very emotional," Mrs Parry said.
Arunta and Sirius departed Subic on 11 October and have continued on their North East Asian deployment.
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