The Commander of the Devonport flotilla met the men and women who may serve on his ships in the future during a visit to HMS Raleigh.
Commodore (Cdre) Rob Bellfield, who is in overall Command of all the ships based at Devonport Naval Base, was introduced to members of Cunningham Division in the sixth week of their 10 week initial naval training course. He spoke to them about their training and the part they play in maintaining operational capability.
A former Commanding Officer of the Royal Navy training base, Cdre Bellfield was invited back to the establishment as the guest of honour for the passing-out-parade.
Addressing the parade he said, "It is an absolute honour, and pleasure, to be here today to celebrate the culmination of ten very hard weeks of phase one training here at Raleigh.
“All those kit inspections, the 2.4km runs around the astro turf, the Swedish PT in the Gym, the log run, the hike carrying heavy packs across Dartmoor, more rounds, more kit inspections; but most importantly it has been the opportunity to meet new people, to be part of a team, to lead a team, to join an organisation with a long and distinguished history and sense of identity. Welcome to the Royal Navy.”
The parade marked the successful completion of training for 53 newly qualified Naval ratings, which included 20 Engineering Technicians who had joined the Royal Navy under the Nuclear Undergraduate Apprentice Scheme, destined for careers beneath the waves.
The scheme offers a fully-funded engineering degree on a tailored career and promotion to Petty Officer within four years.
Cdre Bellfield took command of the Devonport Flotilla in August 2017. He was the Commanding Officer of HMS Raleigh from 2014 to 2016.
