General News
4 July, 2022
Cairns Freedom Of Entry March
IN a time-honoured tradition, the officers and sailors of Royal Australian Navy operational support base HMAS Cairns have conducted a Freedom of Entry march through their namesake city on Saturday, June 25.
Commanding Officer HMAS Cairns, Commander Alfonso Santos, said the event reminded of the strong connection Navy personnel have with Queensland’s far north community.
“The community in Cairns has supported the Navy since World War II when Cairns was the final port of call for many ships heading to the Pacific – this strong support continues today,” Commander Santos said.
“The Freedom of Entry is an opportunity for Navy to express our appreciation and say how proud we are to call this city our home.”
Approximately 140 members of Ship’s company marched through the city, which included a circuit on the Esplanade, Shields, Abbot and Florence Streets, where the military contingent was challenged and subsequently granted Freedom of Entry.
The granting of the right to Freedom of Entry is the highest accolade a town can award a military unit and dates back to medieval times when trusted military units were granted access to cities to replenish food and arms.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning OAM said the event was an excellent opportunity for community members to get up close and personal with their service personnel.
“We welcome the sailors and officers of HMAS Cairns and express our appreciation for their service to the nation,” Cr Manning said.
“Our shared history is something we look forward to building on well into the future.”
HMAS Cairns has a workforce of approximately 1,000 Defence and civilian personnel with the primary responsibility to provide maintenance, logistic and administrative support for Cairns-based Fleet units, including seven commissioned warships.
HMAS Cairns also provides refit and training support for neighbouring Pacific Island Nations Patrol Boats.
The naval base was originally established as a patrol boat facility in Cairns in 1971 before being commissioned as HMAS Cairns in 1974. The base took up its location on the Northern shore of Trinity Inlet in 1982.
