119 Australians march into their new Navy career

25 Jun 2010

A diverse group of 119 Australians graduated today as brand new Officers of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), proudly watched on by their family and friends who had travelled from across Australia and overseas to witness the event.

The new Officers, 26 females and 93 males, range in age from 17 to 52, and have ancestry from 19 countries around the world.

The graduation parade of New Entry Officer Course 42 marks the end of 22 weeks initial entry training at the RAN College for the Officers.

HMAS Creswell’s Commanding Officer, Captain Jaimie Hatcher, has observed the graduates develop as Naval Officers over the past 22 weeks.

‘It is a proud but poignant day for HMAS Creswell, as we farewell the Navy’s newest Officers, and wishing them well in the challenges ahead, as they bid to become the future leaders of the Royal Australian Navy.

‘They are a richly diverse group, with a single common bond – a collective ambition to serve in the Navy and to serve Australia,’ said Captain Hatcher.

The Graduation Parade was reviewed by Vice Admiral Matt Tripovich, AO, CSC, RAN, Chief of Capability Development Group with Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Crane AO, CSM, RAN attending as the Guest of Honour for the event.

During the five month course each of the graduates were trained in areas such as leadership, seamanship, naval history, physical fitness and weapons handling.

The new officers will now move on to the next stage of professional training for their specialisations which include Aviation, Training, Engineering, Seaman, Supply, Medical and Dental.