Navy To March Through Burnie This Weekend
26 March 2010
Up to two hundred sailors and officers the Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Manoora will march proudly into their adopted community of Burnie tomorrow to observe the centuries old tradition of 'Freedom of Entry'.
This is Manoora's first visit to her adopted community since 2002, and her fourth visit since commissioning in November 1994.
Led by the Commanding Officer of Manoora, CMDR Stephen Dryden, RAN, the Ship's Company will march from the seaward end of Wilson Street where they will be challenged by the Burnie Police Area Commander, Commander Geoffery Smith. The parade will then present a formal salute to the Mayor, Alderman Alvwyn Boyd.
"The Freedom of Entry parade will be a wonderful opportunity for HMAS Manoora to greet the people of their adopted region and continue the strong ties the ship and the Navy has with Burnie and Tasmania," said Commander Dryden.
"This event is an excellent opportunity to further strengthen the bond of friendship between the RAN and the very welcoming community of Burnie."
According to CMDR Dryden, the tradition of the Freedom of Entry originated in the 11th century when towns or cities were protected from attack by a perimeter fence or wall.
"The granting of permission for a formed body of armed men to enter a city became a mark of the trust and confidence in which that body was held by the citizens of the city," CMDR Dryden said.
"We, in return, are privileged that the City of Burnie has adopted our ship and bestowed the Freedom of Entry on us. It is an honour we value greatly as it reflects the very special relationship that exists between our ship and this city."
HMAS Manoora is a helicopter-capable amphibious transport ship. Her primary role is to transport, lodge ashore and support an Army contingent of up to 450 troops, their vehicles and equipment. Manoora is the second RAN ship to carry the name. The first was a former coastal passenger ship requisitioned during World War II. HMAS Manoora (I) was active throughout the Pacific Theatre seeing extensive action, including the landings at Morotai, Leyte Gulf, Lingayen Gulf, Tarakan, Brunei Bay and Balikpapan.
