Officers of the Naval establishments, HMAS Albatross and HMAS Creswell were granted Freedom of Entry to the town of Nowra and the Shire of Shoalhaven on September 21, 1972.

The idea of conferring Freedom of Entry on the Navy came from the Nowra and District Camber of Commerce.

The matter was raised by local real estate agent, Terry Watson, at a Chamber meeting in August 1971.

The Chamber, under the presidency of Mr Evan Davies, wrote several letters to the Shire Council and the Navy in an effort to organise the ceremony.

The then Chamber secretary, Mr Tim Johnston, also held several talks with the Council and Navy as the ceremony started to become more than just an idea.

The Chamber, which was conscious of the role played by the Navy in the community of Shoalhaven, endeavoured to have a Sea Venom aircraft mounted at the southern entrance to the town.

The Shoalhaven and Nowra News reported that on September 21, 1972 the Navy men were in full uniform with swords drawn, bayonets fixed and drums beating.

The personnel marched from the gates of Nowra Showground to the front of the Shire Council Chambers in Junction Street, where the ceremony began at 2pm.

At the invitation of the commanding officer of HMAS Creswell, Captain JD Stevens, shire president John Hatten inspected the Guard.

He then conferred Freedom of Entry on the captains, officers and men of both naval establishments.

The parade was ordered to advance by the Parade Commander, where the right of entry was challenged by the deputy shire clerk, Mr WG Lamond, acting as town marshall, saying "Halt! Who goes there?"

The Parade Commander replied "The captains, officers and men of HMAS Albatross and HMAS Creswell, exercising their right to pass through the town of Nowra and the Shire of Shoalhaven with swords drawn, bayonets fixed and drums beating, band playing and colours flying."

The parade later marched down Junction Street where the salute to the Shire president was given to conclude the ceremony.