PRIDE, passion and excitement was on display at the spiritual home of the Royal Navy’s Officer Corps today as it welcomed nearly 180 new leaders into the Naval family.
The parade ground at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, overlooking the picturesque Devon town, was filled with men and women ready to embark on careers in the Royal Navy and its supporting arm, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
They passed out together at a ceremony observed by friends and family having completed weeks of intensive training.
Some 139 Officer Cadets successfully completed the principal 29-week intensive course which turns civilians into junior naval officers, testing them in a variety of scenarios: in the classroom, on Dartmoor, the River Dart and at sea on board an operational warship.
They were joined on parade by seven officers from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, 19 Senior Upper Yardmen (SUY) and 14 warrant officers, all commissioned as officers.
Among those passing out in front of friends and family was Midshipman Daisy Chambers, a psychology graduate who will now be embarking on a career as a warfare officer.
“I’ve enjoyed my time here tremendously – from the friendships I’ve made to the self-confidence and military bearing I’ve gained,” said the 23-year-old from Cornwall.
“But the highlight of my time was my Initial Sea Training aboard patrol ship HMS Tamar – we were fortunate enough to visit Tahiti, the Pitcairn Islands, Sydney and New Zealand.”
Daisy will return to Dartmouth next month to begin her Initial Warfare Officer Foundation course IWO(F).
Taking the salute was the College’s Commanding Officer Captain Andy Bray, overseeing his first pass-out parade since taking charge of BRNC shortly before Christmas.
“Pride, excitement, and anticipation. These are the emotions I can see in all the Junior Officers as they pass through the college doors and into the Royal Navy today. And on behalf of the whole service, we congratulate everyone on completing their training and warmly welcome them to the service,” he said.
“I am proud, not just of the cadets but of all the staff and officers at BRNC who have, yet again, worked tirelessly to train the cadets to be ready for service on the front line. I wish them all good luck and best wishes.”
Guest of Honour and inspecting officer for proceedings was Vice Admiral Andy Kyte, Chief of Defence Logistics and Support, responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of a Defence-wide strategy for support, covering logistics, engineering, and equipment.
A logistician with over 35 years’ service, the Admiral told cadets: “You have an enormous role to play as the future leaders, responsible for the welfare, development and care of the most valuable assets, our sailors, and marines. I can think of no more noble or rewarding a profession than that”.
Other senior officers and dignitaries attending included Rear Admiral Rex Cox, Commodore David Eagles, head of the RFA, Captain Carlos Balcucho, Colombia’s Naval Attaché, who donated prizes.
The newly commissioned officers will now undergo extensive further professional training specific to their chosen branch or specialisation before embarking on their first ship, submarine, or aircraft to serve across the globe.
