Members of HMCS Cabot flaunted their Freedom of the City today with a parade through downtown streets and special ceremony at its naval complex on the south side of St. John’s harbour.

It was all in an effort to recognize the 100th anniversary of establishment of the naval reserve service in Canada.

Events began bright and early at 8 a.m. with a visit to City Hall where Mayor Danny Breen formally granted freedom of the city to the unit, which was followed by the parade.

The company then moved to their complex on the other side of the harbour where a re-commissioning ceremony was held for the unit, which also played out at other naval reserve posts across the country.

Members of HMCS Cabot mark 100th anniversary of the Naval Reserve in Canada with re-commissioning ceremony at Cabot’s naval complex on the south side of St. John’s harbour. ⁦@VOCMNEWS⁩ pic.twitter.com/VGPw954O0r

— Brian Callahan (@briancallahan67) September 23, 2023

David Botting is commander of HMCS Cabot.

“This is just an opportunity for us to recognize the 100th anniversary of the naval reserve, and the important part that we here in St. John’s play in supporting the navy by providing trained personnel to meet navy missions throughout the world.”

HMCS Cabot was commissioned in 1949 to formally establish representation in the Royal Canadian Navy for the country’s newest province.