"Stop! Who comes here?" rang out the voice of Acting Inspector Michael Morier of the Queensland Police Service, bringing to a stop a contingent of Air Force's Combat Support Group.
"Aviators of 95 Wing exercising their right to march through the city of Redlands, swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, band playing, colours flying," Executive Officer 95 Wing, Wing Commander Ric Peapell, announced.
Wing Warrant Officer Korey McGregor stepped forward and presented the scroll to Acting Inspector Morier, who acknowledged the privilege and right of the Wing to pass with the council and mayor's authority.
The contingent then continued their march, saluting Officer Commanding 95 Wing, Group Captain Kylie Green, and Mayer Jos Mitchell, as a 36 Squadron C-17A Globemaster III flew overhead.
Ten years after being granted freedom of entry to Redland City, 95 Wing reinvigorated its longstanding relationship with the citizens of the city with its second parade.
Group Captain Green said the freedom of entry allowed the Air Force to show appreciation for community support.
"This parade provides an excellent opportunity for 95 Wing to show its appreciation to the citizens of Redland City and the greater Queensland community for its ongoing support and goodwill toward the Royal Australian Air Force," Group Captain Green said.
The granting of freedom of entry is the highest honour a town or city may bestow on a military unit in recognition of its exceptional service to a local community.
Mayor Jos Mitchell said Redland City had a long association with the ADF, particularly Air Force.
"Armed service personnel, including Australian and US Army radar units, were stationed on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) with gun emplacements built at Point Lookout," Mayor Mitchell said.
Units from 95 Wing established a number of displays, giving the community a chance to interact with ADF personnel.
Young people comprised a large portion of the crowds, including Aaron Bain, who was impressed by the activities.
"The Globemaster going across the top of the parade was pretty cool," he said.
The parade finished at Anzac Centenary Park bringing together the community and returned service people, including many members from the Redlands RSL.
