Freedom of Entry to HMAS Stirling took place in the City of Rockingham, WA on Saturday 9 September. Freedom of Entry is the highest accolade a city can bestow, reiterating Rockingham’s commitment to the home port of Australia's submarines. The relationship the Navy has with the City of Rockingham, as the site of Australia’s largest naval base HMAS Stirling, is highly valued and deeply respected.
The Freedom of Entry was held alongside a defence-themed Community Festival, which took place following the completion of the parade.
The honour of being granted Freedom of Entry to the City of Rockingham was underscored by Commanding Officer of HMAS Stirling, Captain Ken Burleigh.
“We are proud to be a part of the Rockingham community. Being granted Freedom of Entry means a lot to the Navy personnel who serve at HMAS Stirling,” Captain Burleigh said.
Amongst the attendees was City of Rockingham Mayor Deb Hamblin, who was thankful and appreciative of the strong, continued relationship with Navy personnel at HMAS Stirling.
“For more than 40 years the City of Rockingham has fostered a strong relationship between Defence and local community industries”, Mayor Hamblin said.
“Thank you to the Police, to HMAS Stirling, to the City of Rockingham to all the dignitaries, to the stall holders with thanks to Street Hassle Events and to the military and their families and to all those in the community who came out to watch the Freedom of Entry”.
The Freedom of Entry comes at a key moment for HMAS Stirling and Rockingham, as their role in AUKUS is set to ramp up over the coming decade. From 2027, Submarine Rotational Force West (SRF-W) will host four US and one UK nuclear-powered submarine at HMAS Stirling under the trilateral AUKUS partnership.