Community
8 February, 2024
Fifty happy returns for region’s naval base
HMAS Cairns is 50-years-old. The Royal Australian Navy celebrated the birthday last Friday. HMAS Cairns was first established as a patrol boat facility in 1971 and commissioned as HMAS Cairns in 1974.
The base was moved in 1982 and now sits on the site of a former navy ship repair yard, originally built at the outbreak of World War II.
HMAS Cairns hosts about 800 navy and civilian personnel and is the home port for six naval vessels. The base provides maintenance, logistic and administrative support for Cairns-based fleet units and its responsibility extends from Rockhampton to Thursday Island.
Commanding officer Commander Alfonso Santos said the anniversary was about celebrating naval history and the connection between navy’s people and the surrounding Cairns region.
“The people of HMAS Cairns value our relationship with the local community,” he said.
“We appreciate every opportunity to support our neighbours in Far North Queensland, including during the recent floods. Defence personnel conducted flood rescues and re-supply operations throughout the region which was really rewarding work.”
Anniversary celebrations included a formal parade ceremony known as divisions, reviewed by the commander of the Australian fleet, Rear Admiral Christopher Smith.
