(6/3/2019) City of Fremantle to grant Navy Freedom of Entry

The City of Fremantle will grant the Royal Australian Navy’s 220-strong crew of the HMAS Success Freedom of Entry to the city this Saturday 9 March.

Donned in their white uniforms, the ship’s company will march through the streets of Fremantle with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing and banners flying.

In a tradition that dates back to ancient Rome, the granting of Freedom of Entry was considered the highest honour a city could bestow on a military unit. Today, a mostly ceremonial tradition, granting Freedom of Entry is a way for local governments to honour a distinguished unit of the Armed Forces, strengthening the ties between community and servicemen and women.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said it was a great privilege to grant Freedom of Entry to Commanding Officer Captain Darren Grogan and all officers and sailors of HMAS Success, especially on the ship’s final ever visit to Fremantle.

“This is HMAS Success’ final Freedom of Entry march before she will decommission after 33 years of service in June 2019,” Mayor Pettitt said.

“It’s going to be a momentous occasion for Fremantle and I encourage the community to come down and witness this historic march through the city.”

The parade will depart from Pioneer Park at 9am and continue along Market Street and South Terrace up to the Fremantle Markets. The traditional halt and challenge will take place near The Monk and former Hungry Jacks site.

HMAS Success Commanding Officer Commander Darren Grogan said it was a great honour for his ship’s company to be granted Freedom of Entry to the City of Fremantle.

“The Royal Australian Navy has had a close relationship with Fremantle for many years,” he said.

“Dating back to Navy’s early days, we have always enjoyed a warm welcome from the people of Fremantle, and that reception is still very evident today.

“Given that Success was first granted Freedom of Entry to Fremantle at the beginning of her life, it seems appropriate that we are here once again on the ship’s decommissioning deployment.”

HMAS Success is the largest ship built entirely in Australia for the Royal Australian Navy, weighing 18,000 tonnes fully loaded and 157.2m in length.

For more information about the Freedom of Entry parade, visit the What’s On page on the City of Fremantle’s website.