State hangers-on flee navy town (4)

I believe the answer is:

avow

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'state' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for avow that I've seen before include "Solemnly promise" , "Declare - affirm" , "Declare a promise of fidelity at the altar" , "Asseverate" , "Make a promise" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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