Fleet Commander reviews Ship's Company Divisions at HMS Raleigh

Over 450 Officers, Ratings and Recruits were on parade at HMS Raleigh as the establishment held its final full Ship’s Company Divisions of the year.

Vice Admiral Ben Key, the Fleet Commander, was the guest of honour. He inspected the 58 members of Cunningham Division, who were marking the successful completion of their initial naval training course, and took the salute as staff and trainees marched passed.

With eight recruits from the Caribbean passing-out on the day, the VIP guests included His Excellency The High Commissioner of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Mr Cenio Lewis. 

His Excellency spent the day at HMS Raleigh learning about Initial Naval Training for Ratings and was able to meet other Commonwealth recruits at varying stages of their training.

Captain Ellie Ablett, the Commanding Officer of HMS Raleigh, said: “It was a privilege to welcome the Fleet Commander and our VIP guests to Raleigh. We hold full Ship’s Company Divisions at least once per term, allowing our VIP, my senior team and I the chance to inspect and review all those serving at HMS Raleigh. 

“The passing-out-parade is always a proud occasion, not just for the Recruits and their families and friends, but also for the whole training team who have guided these recruits through the transition from civilians into military personnel.” 

This was HMS Raleigh’s 34th passing-out-parade of the year, with three more to go before the establishment enjoys some leave over the festive period.