Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has visited HMS Raleigh Friday 31 March to take the salute at the passing-out-parade.
The Princess was the guest of honour at the parade, which marked the successful completion of Initial Naval Training for 44 recruits, who now move on to their professional training to become engineers, warfare specialists, medics and communication and information specialists.
After inspecting the guard, the Princess was invited to address the 500-strong parade, which also included members of HMS Raleigh’s Ship’s Company and recruits at various stages of their training.
In her address Her Royal Highness commended the recruits on their turnout and congratulated them on their high standards.
She said: “Parade and drill are probably the epitome of teamwork. This is very much the beginning of what I know will be an exciting career.
“Here you have learned the basics of Naval life and the importance and emphasis that is placed on knowing, understanding and living up to the requirements of the Naval core values.”
Her Royal Highness also thanked the training staff at HMS Raleigh and the families and friends of the recruits, watching from the stands. She said: “It’s very encouraging to see so many family and friends here today to share in your passing-out.
“I hope today is a proud occasion for all of you. I know that you’re support for these young men and women today is very important to them as they move out into the Fleet.
“Separation is an inherent part of Naval life and knowing one has the support of loved ones left behind is of vital importance.”
Her Royal Highness concluded by wishing the recruits well for the next stage of their training. “So my congratulations on passing-out today at the end of such an intensive course, which I suspect was very different from anything you’ve ever done before, especially being away from home; and which would have taken a great deal of personal effort and determination.
“I hope you all enjoy the next phase of your specialist training, which will equip you for what will be a challenging and very satisfying career. My best wishes to you all.”
During the ceremony The Princess Royal presented prizes to the top recruits and medals to members of HMS Raleigh’s Ship’s Company recognising long service.
Among them was Master-At-Arms (MAA) Ian Gritt who received the clasp to his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. MAA Gritt, who lives in Plymstock, is set to retire later this year after a 38-year career.
his time in the Royal Navy he has served on five warships and at numerous shore establishments. MAA Gritt is currently working in the Initial Naval Training school at HMS Raleigh passing on his vast experience to today’s recruits.
He said: “It was an absolute privilege to receive the bar to my Long Service and Good Conduct medal from Her Royal Highness in the presence of my wife, Stephanie, the Ship’s Company and the future generation of young sailors.
“I am very humbled and this occasion completes many years of fond memories.”
The Princess Royal last visited HMS Raleigh in 2002. During that visit she met Lieutenant Commander (Lt Cdr) Lynda Brown, the current Officer-in-Charge of Initial Naval Training, who back then was a Petty Officer instructor.
Lt Cdr Brown said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic to have Her Royal Highness here today.
“I can’t believe it was 15 years since I was last on parade when The Princess Royal was here. It’s been an exciting today for the recruits, the Ship’s Company and all the families who have made their way down to the passing-out-parade.
“I’m so proud of the passing-out classes. They been here for 10 weeks and have worked so hard from day one until today and they have achieved so much.
“I’m very proud, they should be proud and their families should be proud too.”
The Princess Royal has a long association with the Royal Navy and currently holds the rank of Admiral as Chief Commandant for Women.
She has special relationships with HMS Talent and HMS Albion, and is also Commodore-in-Chief for Portsmouth.
