What’s happening?
HMAS Brisbane returned to its namesake city for a port visit, celebrating naval tradition and community connections. The visit formed part of the Royal Australian Navy’s commemoration of 125 years of service.
The ship arrived on 28 May, crossing Moreton Bay on a grey autumn morning before entering the Port of Brisbane. For many crew members, returning to Brisbane carried strong personal meaning because of their family and local connections.
The ship’s company exercised its freedom of entry into Brisbane on 29 May. Commanding Officer Commander David Mason led the guard of honour through the city centre. The Royal Australian Navy ensign was unfurled, while the Brisbane Buoy was carried before cheering crowds.
The Royal Australian Navy Band accompanied the officers and sailors to King George Square. A ceremonial review was then held before the assembled public and city representatives.
Later that evening, Brisbane hosted a formal reception aboard the ship. Defence representatives, community leaders and local stakeholders attended the event, which included a ceremonial sunset.
The visit continued on 31 May with a community open day. Families, veterans and local residents toured the ship, met its crew and learned about life at sea.
Why it matters?
Freedom of entry is one of the oldest ceremonial honours a city can grant a military unit. The Brisbane ceremony recognised the close relationship between the city and the Navy ship carrying its name.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the ship represented Brisbane wherever it served.
“To see the crew of HMAS Brisbane marching through the streets of this city, the flag flying, swords drawn and drums beating, is truly something special for me and for the city of Brisbane,” he said.
“Wherever this ship sails, whether through the Indo-Pacific, through waters near and far, in exercises or in service, she carries Brisbane with her.
“She carries our identity, our values and our spirit. Perhaps nothing captures that spirit more than the motto of this city, ‘Aim at Higher Things’.
“And our city’s motto sits proudly on the warship named in Brisbane’s honour.
“I know that the people of Brisbane are proud of you, we are proud that you serve in a ship that bears our name.”
The visit also recognised generations of Australian sailors and the legacy of earlier ships bearing the Brisbane name.
Local Impact
The open day gave Brisbane residents a close look at the ship and the daily lives of its sailors. Visitors included families with young children, Navy veterans and people curious about maritime service.
Some veterans had served aboard earlier HMAS Brisbanes, adding another connection between the current crew and previous generations.
Commander Mason said welcoming the public aboard was an important part of the port visit.
“It is really exciting to bring HMAS Brisbane to its namesake port,” he said.
“When the public come on board they are able to see how some of the sailors live, which is always a point of interest.
“This port visit is all about us being able to give back to the community of Brisbane.”
Personnel from HMAS Moreton, Defence and the Royal Australian Navy Band Queensland supported the open day.
By the Numbers
- The open day exhausted its full allocation of 4,500 free admissions, showing strong community interest in the ship.
- Lieutenant Stevie Barrie returned to Brisbane 23 years after joining the Navy as a 17-year-old in Deception Bay.
- Able Seaman Cameron Fittkau has served for seven and a half years, including six years aboard landing helicopter docks.
Zoom In
For Lieutenant Stevie Barrie, arriving aboard HMAS Brisbane marked a personal homecoming. She began her Navy journey in Deception Bay more than two decades earlier.
“Coming back to Brisbane on board Brisbane is a full-circle moment for me,” Lieutenant Barrie said.
“I joined the Navy here as a 17-year-old, and to return 23 years later, older, wiser, and able to share this with my family, is something I never imagined when I started.”
The visit also held deep meaning for Able Seaman Cameron Fittkau from Eatons Hill. It was his first return alongside his home port outside the COVID period.
“Returning to Brisbane on board HMAS Brisbane is a really proud moment for me and my family,” Able Seaman Fittkau said.
“I’ve been in the Navy for seven and a half years, but this is my first time alongside my home port outside of COVID.”
His family had previously visited HMAS Brisbane during an earlier open day and had been impressed by the ship.
“My parents and brothers visited Brisbane during an open day years ago and were blown away by the ship.
“For them to now see me serving on board makes this visit even more special.”
Able Seaman Fittkau had originally planned to follow his father into the Australian Army. However, information about the Navy’s future ships and systems changed his plans.
“I originally planned to join the Army like my dad, but after hearing about Navy’s future ships and systems, I changed direction,” he said.
“I spent six years on the landing helicopter docks and always hoped for a destroyer posting, so serving in Brisbane is something I’m really proud of, and I can’t wait to see my family and friends.”
Zoom Out
HMAS Brisbane is one of the Royal Australian Navy’s Hobart-class guided missile destroyers. It carries advanced sensors, the Aegis combat system and a broad range of maritime capabilities.
These systems allow the ship to operate with partner navies and contribute to regional security. The ship continues the legacy of two previous vessels that also carried the Brisbane name.
Each earlier ship served during a different period of Australian naval history. The current HMAS Brisbane carries that connection into modern maritime operations.
What To Look For Next?
HMAS Brisbane will continue representing its namesake city during exercises, operations and service with partner navies.
Future port visits could create more opportunities for residents to meet the crew and learn about naval service. They may also strengthen the relationship between Brisbane and the ship carrying its name.
