Login
iscover
Personnel from the Anzac Class frigate have marched through the streets of Perth as part of a long-standing military tradition.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
Approximately 140 members of the crew of HMAS Perth (III) have marched up Murray Street Mall with ceremonial swords drawn and drums beating, exercising their right to Freedom of Entry.
Personnel were welcomed by locals, represented by the City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas.
The time-honoured tradition commemorates exercises dating back to the medieval period, whereby military units would be granted access to walled towns to replenish their resources.
Commanding Officer HMAS Perth, Commander Tony Nagle noted the importance of the ceremony.
“It is such an honour for us to march through the streets of our namesake city,” CMDR Nagle said.
“It is rare to serve in a ship that is home-ported in the city it is named after, and we are excited to reconnect with Western Australia.”
HMAS Perth is currently undergoing a major upgrade ahead of the commencement of sea trials and certification early next year.
The upgrades, which form part of the Anzac Midlife Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP), involve updating the ageing platform systems, communications, installation of the Long-Range Air Search Radar and general maintenance.
Upgrades of the eight Anzac Class frigates are scheduled to be completed by 2023.
“HMAS Perth is one of eight Anzac Class frigates which represent an incredible capability for Navy,” CMDR Nagle added.
“We are proud to represent Perth and we want our city to be proud of us as we carry on this tradition into the future.”
[Related: Assault ship, frigate set sail for Indo-Pacific Endeavour]
