City welcomes Parramatta

HMAS Parramatta gains Freedom of Entry to the city of the same name. Photo: ABMT Marc Gregory

By Graham Davis

The ship’s company of the Navy’s newest warship, HMAS Parramatta (CMDR Michael Noonan), was granted Freedom of Entry to the city of the same name on November 2.

Parramatta residents were treated to the thud of 600 boots on bitumen, the purr of diesels from six tracked armoured personnel carriers, the drone of engines of two RAAF
Caribous and the drum and trumpet sounds of RAN and RAAF bands.

With swords drawn and drums beating, three units of the Australian Defence Force sought Freedom of Entry to the city.

Parramatta is believed to be the only city in Australia where all three armed services have sought freedom to the city at the same time.

The 110 crew members of HMAS Parramatta, led by CMDR Noonan, played a leading part in the ceremony.

The Army’s 1/15 Lancers, a Parramatta unit, led by LTCOL Wayne Higgins, followed them.

A vintage Ferret scout car and six armoured personnel carriers accompanied the Lancers.

The third contingent was made up of the RAAF’s No.38 Squadron led by commanding officer WGCDR John McGarry.

The Amberley-based squadron, now celebrating its 60th anniversa-ry, was once located at RAAF Richmond and maintains strong ties with Parramatta.

Those marching were accompanied by the Sydney detachment of the RAN Band and the Air Command Band.

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