Preparing for a medieval tradition

Fleet Air Arm, HMAS Albatross and HMAS Creswell personnel are preparing to conduct a Freedom of Entry march through the City of Shoalhaven on October 21, 2022.

CAPTION: Commander Fleet Air Arm Commodore David Frost, left, Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley and Commanding Officer HMAS Albatross Captain Robyn Phillips come together for the signing of the scroll. Story by Midshipman Jordan Moloney. Photo by Petty Officer Justin Brown.

The march dates back to medieval times when trusted military units would be granted permission to enter walled towns to replenish victuals and arms.

A pre-event for the Freedom of Entry, the signing of the scroll, took place recently and in attendance was Commander Fleet Air Arm Commodore David Frost, Commanding Officer Albatross Captain Robyn Phillips, Commanding Officer Creswell Captain Dugald Clelland and Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley.

The signing and later exchange of the scroll will allow Navy’s passage of entry into the town of Nowra.

Numerous major naval activities have been postponed or cancelled since the emergence of COVID-19.

This year, activities have been gradually reintroduced to local communities.

The Freedom of Entry ceremony and march hosted by the City of Shoalhaven will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Fleet Air Arm.

The Fleet Air Arm public open day will be held at Albatross the following day, October 22.

“It is an honour for Creswell and the Royal Australian Naval College to have the opportunity to participate in the Freedom of Entry Parade in support of our colleagues in the Fleet Air Arm and Albatross,” Captain Clelland said.

The Freedom of Entry march provides a chance for locals to show their appreciation and gratitude to the Navy for its service, as well as being part of the celebrations.

“The day after the march, we invite the community to visit the home of Australia’s naval aviators, meet our people and see our capability up close,” Commodore Frost said.

The open day will include aviation and static displays, a performance by the Navy band and stalls from NSW Police Force, Shoalhaven City Council and community groups.

Visit www.navy.gov.au/heritage/museums/fleet-air-arm-museum for further details.

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