Special week in namesake city

HMAS Brisbane returned to her namesake city for a port visit that combined tradition and community engagement as part of Navy’s commemoration of 125 years of service.

The visit began on May 28, as the ship made her way through Moreton Bay to the Port of Brisbane.

It was a proud moment for LEUT Stevie Barrie, who began her Navy journey in Brisbane more than two decades ago.

“Coming back to Brisbane on board Brisbane is a full-circle moment for me,” LEUT Barrie said.

“I joined the Navy here as a 17-year-old, and to return 23 years later, older, wiser and able to share this with my family, is something I never imagined when I started.”

On May 29, ship’s company exercised freedom of entry into Brisbane, one of the oldest and most significant ceremonial honours a city can bestow.

CO Brisbane CMDR David Mason led as the guard of honour, with the Navy ensign unfurled and the Brisbane Buoy in tow, as crowds lined the streets to cheer on the officers and sailors.

The ship’s company marched through the city centre, accompanied by the RAN Band, before the ceremonial review in King George Square.

There, the Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner delivered a civic address.

“To see the crew of HMAS Brisbane marching through the streets of this city, the flag flying, swords drawn and drums beating, is truly something special for me and for the city of Brisbane,” he said.

“Wherever this ship sails, whether through the Indo-Pacific, through waters near and far, in exercises or in service, she carries Brisbane with her.

“I know that the people of Brisbane are proud of you. We are proud that you serve in a ship that bears our name.”

The centrepiece of the visit came on May 31, when the ship’s open day exhausted the full allocation of 4500 free admissions, the community eager to tour the ship, meet the crew and learn more about life at sea.

CMDR Mason said the open day was a highlight for the crew and the community alike.

“It is really exciting to bring HMAS Brisbane to its namesake port,” he said.

“When the public come on board they are able to see how some of the sailors live, which is always a point of interest.

“This port visit is all about us being able to give back to the community of Brisbane.”

The open day was supported by personnel from HMAS Moreton and the RAN Band Queensland, along with Defence exhibits and community partners.

For AB Cameron Fittkau, the homecoming was professional and deeply personal.

“My parents and brothers visited HMAS Brisbane during an open day years ago and were blown away by the ship,” AB Fittkau said.

“For them to now see me serving on board makes this visit even more special.”