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Second Sea Lord welcomes 64 new sailors into Naval family at HMS Raleigh pass-out
14 November 2025
Ten weeks of transformation from civilian to sailor ended for the recruits of Gould 25/14 intake in HMS Raleigh’s drill shed, where Guest of Honour Vice Admiral Paul Beattie inspected and welcomed them to the Royal Navy family.
Some 64 junior ratings completed their basic training and formally passed out at the Torpoint establishment, ready to begin their professional training in their chosen careers as submariners, chefs, warfare and seamen specialists, aircraft handlers and more.
Typically held on Raleigh’s sprawling parade ground, bad weather moved proceedings into the base’s drill shed, which was packed with loved ones eager to see a milestone moment in the lives of sons, daughters, sisters, brothers.
Ahead of the pass-out parade, Vice Admiral Beattie – who was appointed Second Sea Lord and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff earlier this autumn – he received an update on training and developments at Raleigh, touring the site, meeting recruits of Nelson 25/19 (still going through their basic training) and holding a ‘town hall’ forum with service and civilian personnel.
The highlight – apart from the parade itself – was personally awarding the recruits of Gould 25/14 their Royal Navy epaulettes, formally marking the successful completion of their Initial Naval Training.
The afternoon culminated with the parade, during which Admiral Beattie presented several awards:
- The Captain’s Prize and medal to the best overall recruit during Phase One Training to Aircraft Engineering Technician Khinvasara
- The Ganges Trophy, awarded to the class which demonstrated consistently-high standards throughout training, to Aircraft Engineering Technician Bond on behalf of Gould 25/14 Starboard Class.
- And HMS Raleigh’s Base Warrant Officer (BWO) Warrant Officer 1 Gaz Head received his first Long Service and Good Conduct clasp for 25 years exemplary service.
The ten weeks of initial naval training lay the foundations for a sailor’s career: drill, discipline, order, teamwork, leadership, the all-important task of cleaning, ironing and mustering kit, instilling the Royal Navy ethos into every man and woman, alongside sporting activities, and an insight into naval life and operations.