First Nations Navy personnel have helped celebrate the annual Coming of the Light Festival at Erub Island (Darnley Island) in the Torres Straits.

Leading Seaman Botswain's Mate Joseph Canning and Able Seaman Boatswains Mate Kabai Kabai from HMAS Cairns joined fellow serving First Nations Navy personnel Chief Petty Officer Erol Williams and Leading Seaman Vivian Messa from HMAS Stirling to mark this special event known as 'Keriba Lagaw Biyu' in traditional language.

Navy Indigenous Adviser Commander Michael Henry said the day is of great cultural significance for all Torres Strait Islanders commemorated each year on 1 July.

"It was a special honour for the Navy personnel to attend the festival, and a unique opportunity for them to acknowledge Navy's shared use of the same sea country in which traditional custodians have lived for thousands of years," Commander Henry said.

The culture of Torres Strait Islander communities is heavily influenced by their maritime environment. Located among the 270 islands between Papua New Guinea and the Australian mainland, they made cultural and trade connections that relied heavily on seafaring.

The unique skill sets and knowledge of Australia's First Nations people, including Torres Strait Islanders, have long contributed to the defence of Australia – protecting Country – and Defence capability for well over a century.

When the Japanese military advanced through south-east Asia towards Australia in the Second World War, Torres Strait Islanders found themselves on the front line against the attackers and supported Australia's defence.

The Torres Strait Islands were used as a forward operating base by the Royal Australian Air Force during the war.

The four First Nation Navy personnel spent six days on Erub Island immersing themselves in traditional island culture.

Commander Henry said the Navy recognises how important it is for its First Nations members to stay connected to country and culture, "especially as they may be posted anywhere in the country for their work".

"The Navy is very proud to provide this dedicated opportunity for some of our serving members to return to Country and participate in this year's The Coming of the Light Festival," he said.

The festival originated from the arrival of representatives from the London Missionary Society, accompanied by South Sea Islander evangelists and teachers, on Erub Island on July 1, 1871.

Those people of the Torres Strait Islands who adopted Christian rituals and ceremonies also continued to uphold their connection to the land, sea and sky, practising their traditional customs, and cultural identity referred to as 'Ailan Kastom'.