HMAS Cairns open day attracts record crowds

As HMAS Cairns opened its gates to record crowds during the Cairns Defence Week open day, where more than 3000 visitors experienced first-hand the people, capability and traditions of Navy.

Celebrating Navy’s 125th anniversary, Cairns Defence Week brought together Navy personnel, local leaders and the Far North Queensland community to highlight Cairns’ important role in Australia’s maritime security and regional operations.

Throughout the week, the community joined personnel for a range of activities, including visits by CN VADM Matt Buckley and COMAUSFLT RADM Chris Smith, a ceremonial sunset at the Cairns Cenotaph, the official reception and the open day.

Addressing personnel at Cairns and opening Cairns Defence Week, VADM Buckley said Navy’s 125th anniversary was an opportunity to recognise the people who have shaped one of Australia’s oldest and most trusted national institutions.

“Our Navy is one of our most trusted national institutions. It’s as old as our federation itself,” VADM Buckley said.

“The fact that our Navy is made up of amazing sailors and officers, and our public servants that support us, and has been going for more than a century, is something to reflect on.”

CO Cairns CMDR Andrew Thorpe said Cairns Defence Week also recognised the organisations and communities whose support enables Navy to deliver its mission.

“While Navy delivers capability in defence of our nation, our success depends on our strong partnerships and the trust of the communities we serve,” CMDR Thorpe said.

“Here in Far North Queensland, we are fortunate to enjoy that support, and the record attendance at this year’s open day reflects the community’s strong interest in the Navy and the important role we play in Australia’s maritime security and regional operations.”

Visitors enjoyed tours of HMAS Diamantina, which has just returned from Operation Render Safe, where the minehunter helped locate World War II-era explosive remnants of war in the Pacific.

There were also fast-boat rides, performances by the RAN Band and the opportunity to meet the sailors who live and serve from Cairns.

Among the visitors were retired Navy veterans Clive and Ingrid Hausmann, who joined the RAN in 1962 and 1974 respectively.

Travelling through Queensland on a Can-Am Spyder motorcycle road trip, they made an unplanned stop at the open day and were thrilled to be part of Navy’s 125th anniversary celebrations.

For many younger visitors, the day offered their first glimpse into life in the Navy. One young boy, inspired by the sailors he met, asked his mother whether he would have his own name on his uniform when he became a sailor.

RADM Chris Smith said Cairns’ success was built not only on its people and capability, but also on the support of the local community.

“No Navy succeeds alone. Behind every sailor stands a family and behind every family stands a community,” he said.

“To the people of Cairns and Far North Queensland, thank you for the support you have provided our Navy personnel and their families.

“Your friendship, partnership and commitment are invaluable. You help make Cairns more than a naval base, you help make it home.”