The newest participants of the Australian Defence Force's Navy Indigenous Development Program (NIDP) have been welcomed aboard a major US warship in just their second week on the job.

NIDP receipts were welcomed aboard the US Whidbey Island-class Landing Ship USS Rushmore in Cairns, witness what life is like at sea with one of Australia's key allies.

Two United States Naval Officers showed the 13 participants around the Rushmore, explaining the vessel and its capabilities to the NIDP recruits.

NIDP recruit Talijah Johnson welcomed the introduction to the US Navy, impressed with how the officers and sailors came together as a crew.

Navy Indigenous Development Program recruits on a tour of USS Rushmore during its recent port visit to Cairns. (Image: Leading Seaman Shane Cameron)

"The experience was amazing, it made me really want this career, seeing how the ship worked and the people working together," Johnson said.

This opportunity provided a new perspective for the recruits, regarding not only the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) but other navies as well.

Many of the participants noticed both subtle differences and similarities in the vessel, culture, and systems between the Australian and US navies.

After the tour, the recruits played sport with members of Rushmore ship's company.

Navy Indigenous Development Program recruits with US naval officers on USS Rushmore. (Image: Leading Seaman Shane Cameron)

NIDP recruit Reece Conlon was enthusiastic about the opportunity, aware of the rarity of the experience.

"Not many people get to visit an ally's navy ship," Recruit Conlon said.

"The sport was cool, we got to chat with them [USS Rushmore crew] and hear their stories."

Primarily ran out of Cairns, the NIDP is a residential course designed to develop participants' skills academically, physically, and socially, including self-confidence and leadership.

The course aims to prepare recruits for a fulfilling career in the Royal Australian Navy and life beyond.