HMAS Cairns open day: How base is changing?
The shape of one of the countries most strategically important naval bases is changing with HMAS Cairns undergoing major changes to accommodate the naval vessels of the future. How you can get a look inside.
Cairns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The shape of one of Australia’s most strategically important naval bases is changing with the facility undergoing major changes to accommodate the naval vessels of the future.
And on Saturday the public will have the opportunity to see for themselves at the HMAS Cairns Open Day from 9am to 2pm.
Sitting on the northern shore of Trinity Inlet, just a kilometre from the central business district of Cairns, lies HMAS Cairns.
It’s this strategic location that has brought the base into focus for National Defence.
HMAS Cairns is undergoing an important transformation under the leadership of recently appointed Commanding Officer, Commander Andrew Thorpe, to better support the upkeep of both Australian and regional patrol boats.
“The Australian Government has invested heavily in reinforcing Cairns as a key component in sustaining the maintenance of the surface fleets of many of our key allies and partners in the southwest Pacific,” CMDR Thorpe said.
“The navy Capability Infrastructure Sub-program (NCIS-8A) is currently in progress, enhancing infrastructure and maritime works for the base and adjacent sites.
“The project is supporting the introduction into service of the Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels and the refurbishment of logistics, maintenance, and cadet facilities, which are expected to be completed by late 2026.”
The open day this year will feature The Royal Australian Navy Sail Training Ship (STS) Young Endeavour, which is visiting Cairns on its final circumnavigation of Australia.
Fast boat rides, engineering and weapons displays as well as food and entertainment and opportunities to talk with sailors about navy life, will all be part of the exciting free event.
“The open day is a fantastic opportunity to thank the Cairns community for their ongoing support and provide practical insights into what a modern navy looks like and how it operates,” CMDR Thorpe said.
With responsibility extending from Rockhampton, some 890km south of Cairns, to Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, Cairns supports Cairns-based fleet units, visiting ships and resident units, providing deeper level maintenance support and training for neighbouring Pacific island nations.
“We’re frequently receiving visits from not only our partners in the Pacific, but ships from the Royal navy, the United States navy and others, building close ties and increasing the opportunities that come with interoperability.”
The spirit of working together is also seen in the integration of uniformed, public service and contractor workforces at Cairns.
“Our partnership with the people of Cairns is indisputable – we are integrated into this community, our success is their success, our opportunities are theirs.
“Our families are Cairns’ families – we are integrated into our community, schools, sport and the fabric of North Queensland culture.”
More Coverage
Originally published as HMAS Cairns open day: How base is changing?
‘It’s really rewarding’: Mum gives back after loss
When Mel Allen became a sole parent to three young children in 2017, she leaned on a support network of friends and a local veterans organisation. Now, she dedicates her time working for the organisation to support families in the same position as hers.
‘Car enthusiast’ ‘freaked out’ and sped from police in Port Douglas
A young car enthusiast has been fined nearly $9000 and disqualified from driving after he “freaked out” and fled from police in Port Douglas when they turned on their lights and sirens.