Darwin storms Top End

The ship’s company of HMAS Darwin enjoy taking part in a freedom of entry parade through Darwin.

Bella and friend enjoy the family concert featuring the Navy band.

As part of Navy Week activities, the ship’s company of the Royal Australian Navy guided missile frigate, HMAS Darwin, marched into their namesake city on October 15

Led by Darwin’s CO, CMDR Ken Burleigh, the ship’s company used its privilege of freedom of entry into Darwin and marched through the city streets with swords drawn, drums beating, bands playing and colour’s flying in a salute to the city.

“The ship’s company are very happy to be back in our namesake city, the city of Darwin,” CMDR Burleigh said.
“It is always a special occasion for the ship’s company to join in community events and an honour to conduct the freedom of entry.”

The Lord Mayor of Darwin, Peter Adamson along with the Commander Northern Command, CDRE Cam Darby, took the salute in front of a crowd Darwin residents.

Through its British heritage, the Australian Defence Force has maintained the

tradition of accepting the freedom of entry to a city or town by its units, as was the case with HMAS Darwin and the City of Darwin.

ABMUSN Tracy Burke performs with the RAN band in Raintree Park.

Freedom of entry is bestowed upon an armed body, to signify the true bonds of friendship and often the expectation that the armed body on whom the honour was bestowed, would assist in the defence of the city or town.

Navy Week in Darwin was also supported by the acclaimed Royal Australian Navy Band which held a free lunchtime concert in Raintree Park.

The Navy Band also supported HMAS Darwin ship’s company during its freedom of entry parade.
Navy people also participated in a wide range of community-based activities such as sailors donating blood to the Red Cross Blood Bank, serving breakfasts for primary school students, and providing a day out to the Territory Wildlife Park for local children.

 

 

 

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