The ship’s company of Royal Australian Navy’s Adelaide-class frigate HMAS Newcastle exercised Freedom of Entry during a recent visit to their namesake city.
In addition to the Freedom of Entry, the officers and sailors took part in traditional Anzac Day dawn service and march and a range of community activities.
Commanding officer Newcastle Commander Mark Sirois said the ship’s company were delighted and honoured by the warm welcome received from the community.
“HMAS Newcastle and the City of Newcastle have maintained a strong relationship since the ship was commissioned in the city in 1993,” he said.
“We’re very proud of our commitment and achievements in maritime security and we bear the name Newcastle with a great deal of pride.
“The visit was an opportunity to reconnect with the people of Newcastle and we were thrilled with the reception we were given, ” Commander Sirois said.
The port visit commenced with a traditional seven-gun salute afforded to Newcastle from historic Fort Scratchley on entry in to Newcastle Harbour.
Newcastle returned the salute using her three-pound saluting guns.
The ship’s company were involved in a number of events including the lighting of the Anzac Eternal Flame at Nobby’s Beach and the Anzac Day church service.
Commander Sirois said the visit was twelve months in the making.
“But the opportunity to experience Anzac Day in Newcastle and represent the wider Australian Defence Force to such a special community was one that I’m sure we won’t soon forget,” he said.