SPECTACULAR HMAS GASCOYNE FREEDOM OF ENTRY PARADE IN EXMOUTH MAKES FOR A SCHOOL HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHT

Published on Monday, 11 October 2021 at 5:00:00 PM

For the first time in 19 years, visitors and residents alike have been able to witness the HMAS Gascoyne Freedom of Entry in Exmouth. With the last conduction on 21 September 2002, Exmouth became a busy showground this last weekend, nodding its head to the town’s origin and history within the defence world.

The two-day event kicked off with some friendly rivalry Friday evening: A Touch-Football Game between “Townies” and “Shipsters” at the local Oval attracted a crowd of approx.200 spectators, with the local team triumphing over the visitors with 10 to 5.

On Saturday long-term locals, residents and visitors then witnessed the HMAS Gascoyne in full display: Swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating and colours flying, the crew of 46 marched through the town. The ship’s company stepped off from the Exmouth Cenotaph and was “challenged” at the Kennedy Street Mall by Shire of Exmouth Chief Executive Officer Ben Lewis.
Once the response to the challenge had been given by Gascoyne Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Geoff Crane, the parade continued on its route to Federation Park where the ship’s company mingled with the local community at an impromptu concert by the RAN Band.

ABOUT THE HMAS GASCOYNE
The HMAS Gascoyne (II) is the fourth of the six Huon Class Minehunters (MHC). She was launched on 11 March 2000 and is based in Sydney at HMAS Waterhen, operating under its motto “Return to the Sea”.
A large minehunter by world standards, the 720 tonne, 52.5 metre MHC is propelled by a V8 diesel engine driving a controllable pitch propeller in transit, and three retractable thrusters while minehunting. Gascoyne is the second RAN ship to carry the name. HMAS Gascoyne (I) was Australia's first River Class Anti-Submarine Frigate that served with distinction during World War II. In October 1944, while surveying for the US landings at Leyte Gulf, Gascoyne (I) experienced 39 air attacks and saw 30 Japanese aircraft destroyed. In July 1945, she provided bombardment support for the Australian troop landings in the Balikpapan area of Borneo.”

More information: https://www.navy.gov.au/hmas-gascoyne-ii

COMMENTS ATTRIBUTED TO THE SHIRE PRESIDENT - MATT NIIKKULA

"Exmouth was first established as a defence support town, and its close ties to the Navy is proudly cherished by our Locals, both old and new. As one of my last official duties, I am particularly proud to bestow this ancient honour as a recognition of exceptional service to Australia, WA and the North West Cape. I am sure that witnessing the HMAS Gascoyne, being granted "Freedom of Entry" will be an event many visitors, long-term locals and current residents will remember fondly.”

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