Minister Barr: Say ‘Ahoy’ to USS Canberra

Written by ACT Government

Released 18/07/2023

Say ‘Ahoy’ to USS Canberra

This Sunday (23 July), members of the Royal Australian Navy and the United States Navy will parade through the city as part of the commissioning of USS Canberra, a US Navy warship.

The event, traditionally know as a ‘Freedom of Entry’ ceremony, will include a parade from Veteran’s Park, down Northbourne Avenue, along London Circuit and Constitution Avenue, concluding at the National Convention Centre.

The parade will commence at 10am and take approximately 45 minutes.

100 members of USS Canberra will be accompanied by 100 members of HMAS Canberra on their march through our city.

A key part of a Freedom of Entry ceremony is the ‘Challenge’ of entry. The ACT’s Chief Police Officer, Deputy Commissioner Neil Gaughan APM, will issue the Challenge to the Commanding Officer of USS Canberra, Commander Bobby Barber.

Members of the public wishing to view the parade and the Challenge can head to Civic Square. There, the ACT Chief Police Officer will issue the Challenge and review the parade, before allowing entrance to the city.

Once the ceremony has finished, the contingent will ‘fall out’ at the National Convention Centre.

I encourage Canberrans to join us at Civic Square or along the parade route this Sunday.

As the USS Canberra is the only American naval vessel named after a city outside the USA, this ceremony is a momentous occasion that celebrates our strong partnership with the USA.

Quotes attributable to Brendan Smyth, Commissioner for International Engagement:

“The Freedom of Entry ceremony is a wonderful occasion for the community to come out and see the pageantry of the USS Canberra and HMAS Canberra crews parading together.”

“The commissioning of USS Canberra in Sydney, and the Freedom of Entry ceremony in Canberra, demonstrates the strong partnership and ties between Australia and the US, and our respective navies. We understand that both events are a world first.”

“It’s also an excellent opportunity for the US sailors to see a bit of our great city, connect with their ships namesake and the Canberra community. It’s a great opportunity for the people of Canberra to honour the crew of the ship named for our city.”

Map of parade route

Minister Barr: Say ‘Ahoy’ to USS Canberra