HMAS Sydney exercises Freedom of Entry

07/11/2015 Posted by Brian Hartigan 3838 Views 0 Comments decommissioning, HMAS Sydney

Above: Past crew members of HMAS Sydney march through Sydney. Photo by Able Seaman Chantell Brown. MAIN PHOTO: Current crew members are saluted by Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer. Photo by Able Seaman Tom Gibson.

Past and present crew of HMAS Sydney exercised the ship’s right to Freedom of Entry in Sydney yesterday, ahead of the ship’s decommissioning on 7 November.

Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer saluted the crew of HMAS Sydney at the iconic Opera House during the parade.

During the parade officers and sailors marched up Macquarie Street, Sydney with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, band playing and colours flying.

The ceremony of Freedom of Entry to a city originates in medieval times, when a city would show its trust in a group of men-at-arms by allowing them to enter their walls without being disarmed.

Nowadays the right of Freedom of Entry is a symbolic mark of honour and support from a city to a military unit.

HMAS Sydney (IV) has a proud history stretching over 32 years of service.

She served Australia with distinction including active service in Kuwait, East Timor and subsequent deployments to the Middle East Area of Operations.

HMAS Sydney memorabilia and other great gifts from MILITARY SHOP

Sydney will be decommissioned to make way for the Hobart Class Guided Missile Destroyers, which will provide Australia with an improved warfighting capability.