Ship strengthens ties with namesake region

The streets of Port Lincoln, SA, came alive with naval tradition on October 24, as Navy's newest offshore patrol vessel, HMAS Eyre, exercised its first freedom of entry.

Supported by the RAN Band, officers and sailors marched through the city with drums beating, colours flying and swords drawn.

The ceremony recognised the close relationship between the ship and the Eyre Peninsula, whose name it carries.

Local residents stood shoulder to shoulder with visitors lining the streets to witness the parade and celebrate the connection between Navy and the community.

CO Eyre LCDR Amy Brauns said the freedom of entry was a significant milestone for the ship's company.

“Freedom-of-entry ceremonies are steeped in tradition and represent the confidence and goodwill a community places in its military,” she said.

“For the women and men of Eyre, it was a privilege to march through Port Lincoln, our ceremonial home port, and celebrate our connection with its people.

“Wherever we sail, the ship carries the Eyre Peninsula with her.”

Port Lincoln Mayor Diana Mislov said the ceremony recognised both Navy's contribution to Australia's security and the special bond between the community and Eyre.

Dating back centuries, the freedom-of-entry tradition originated when cities granted trusted military units permission to enter through their gates.

Today, it remains a symbol of mutual respect between military organisations and the communities they serve.

Throughout the visit, members of the ship's company visited local schools, including the Clontarf Foundation Academy, and joined students from Port Lincoln High School for a game of touch football.

The crew also hosted students, ADF candidates, local veterans and community dignitaries on board for guided ship tours, offering a firsthand look at life in Navy and the capabilities of the offshore patrol vessel.

The visit formed part of the RAN’s commemoration of 125 years of naval service to Australia.

See more images from the freedom-of entry celebrations.

Read about the full-circle moment for Eyre navigator.