Christmas came early for the latest group of Cadets to complete training at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) as they stepped out on parade before their families and friends.
The final passing-out-parade of the year marked the formal commissioning of 184 Royal Navy Officers, who had successfully completed their 30-week induction.
They were joined on the parade ground by 20 Senior Upper Yardmen promoted from the ranks, 19 Officer Cadets from nine overseas nations and 14 new Officers for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service.
With the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Plymouth playing festive music, Vice Admiral Duncan Potts, Director General Joint Force Development and Defence Academy, inspected the passing-out-platoons and took the salute.
Captain Jol Woodard ADC, the Commanding Officer of BRNC, said: “These Cadets have been tested to the limit and beyond, in the classroom, on Dartmoor, on the River Dart and at sea.
"As part of that they spent six weeks embarked alongside the Ship’s Companies of HMS Albion, HMS Ocean and a number of other ships to help the Cadets understand life at sea and how the departments on a warship work together to maintain operational capability.
"The Cadets have worked hard throughout to achieve the required standards and can enjoy two weeks with their families and friends, before that hard work starts again in the New Year, as they begin the next stage of their training.”
Budding pilot, Midshipman Nick Stafford, from Plymouth, was among those passing-out. The 25-year-old said: “The course has been a very rewarding experience.
"There have been tough times, but that’s how it’s meant to be, and it’s been a test of physical and mental endurance. When you get to the end the feeling of achievement is exhilarating.”
It’s been another busy year for BRNC. Over 400 newly-qualified Young Officers have been delivered to the Fleet this year, along with 45 internationals. The Royal Naval Leadership Academy, based at BRNC, has also provided nearly 7,000 training places to Officers and Ratings across its sites.
