HMAS Maitland Getting Freedom of Entry for First time in 11 Years

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Maitland is taking a leap into medieval times tomorrow with officers and sailors from HMAS Maitland exercising their Freedom of Entry to the city.

The tradition goes back to when armed bodies were rarely allowed into cities except in special cases when the landowning nobles would grant them entry.

Granting armed bodies entry then signified a friendship between the two and the expectation the armed group would assist in the defence of the city should the situation arise.

"For a unit to conduct a freedom of entry we have the permission from the city to march through the town with bands playing and weapons drawn. And this is a symbolic evolution that we conduct to reaffirm our commitment not only to Australia but to our namesake city," said Commanding Officer Lieutenant Jonathon Little.

The crew of the HMAS Maitland with their Commanding Officer will be met by The Local Commanding Officer of Police on the corner of Bourke and High Street tomorrow at 10am. They'll then march, under police escort, to Maitland Town Hall.

HMAS Maitland Image navy.gov.au

"The last time we were able to conduct a freedom of entry was 11 years ago. They don't come around too often but that's a testament to the government of Australia's commitment to the protection of our borders," said Lieutenant Little. 

The HMAS Maitland is 50 metres in length with a crew complement of 21 people.  

Lieutenant Litlle says the namesake ship is a small, but pivotal part of the Navy.

"We're used in a variety of missions or roles from maritime to protect our sovereign borders, fisheries, and then any other operation which the Australian Government might require is to conduct."

HMAS Maitland is currently docked in Carrington and will be having an open day on Sunday before they leave.