The ships company of the RAN's latest warship, HMAS ARUNTA (CMDR Greg Yorke), has exercised the RAN's right of Freedom of Entry into the City of Hobson's Bay (Williamstown).

ARUNTA has completed her final sea trials and was commissioned RAN on December 12.

With more than 150 members of the ship's company ready to take final delivery, it was a good opportunity to re-establish the strong links the RAN has always had with the Williamstown community.

In August Mayor of Hobson's Bay City Council, Councillor Brad Mattheson, wrote to CN to suggest that the ship's company of an ANZAC Class ship being built at Williamstown be granted Freedom of Entry to the city.

Ships that are not commissioned can not officially march as a ship so it was decided that Freedom of Entry would be granted to the RAN as a whole and exercised by ARUNTA on behalf of CN.

This will allow other ANZAC Class stand-by crews of the future to exercise the same right through Williamstown on behalf of the CN in future.

CDRE Yorke leads ARUNTA's Ships Company through Williamstown

On October 11, 130 men and women of ARUNTA marched through the streets of Williamstown with "swords drawn, bands playing, and colours flying".

The RAN Band - Melbourne provided its usual super service and ARUNTA was joined by a platoon of Naval Reserve Cadets from TS VOYAGER at Williamstown.

The official challenge was conducted by Chief Superintendent Bill Braffy with the salute taken by the Mayor, CMDR Yorke and CDRE Stapleton (DGLOGOPS (N) Melbourne).

The event attracted great interest both locally and nationally with hundred of Williamstown locals lining the streets.

"Williamstown has a very long and traditional maritime heritage and a warm relationship with the Navy and it gives me great pleasure to present them with the Freedom of Entry to our city," Cr Mattheson said.