Future Navy leaders graduate from training
4 December 2009
The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, today welcomed 77 new officers into the Royal Australian Navy during a graduation ceremony in HMAS Creswell.
The parade, reviewed by Air Chief Marshal Houston, marked the end of the five-month New Entry Officer Course for the graduates.
The 77 graduates, ranging in age from 18 to 44, come from diverse backgrounds including a former accountant, a theatre nurse and a professional actor.
Air Chief Marshal Houston wished all the graduates a long and rewarding career in the Navy.
"You all stand on the threshold of the most marvellous and honourable adventure – serving your nation’s Defence Forces as a commissioned officer," Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
"I welcome you all to the ranks of the Royal Australian Navy - an organisation that is proud of its achievements and traditions and that offers a lifestyle like no other.
"I join your families and friends in wishing you the best in your future studies and careers in our Navy."
The graduates will move on to their next stage of training within their specialised fields and will eventually take up a range of careers within Navy including Helicopter Pilots, Navigators and Engineers.
The Royal Australian Naval College, HMAS Creswell, is the home of Navy Officer training, instructing new entry officers in leadership, seamanship, weapons, naval history, and physical fitness along with Navy's values and traditions.
The College is undergoing a $83.6 million dollar redevelopment which will see the heritage-listed Cerberus House refurbished and Geelong House reconstructed, providing modern training facilities and a large auditorium.
Additionally a new gymnasium will be constructed, and the Royal Australian Navy School of Ship Survivability and Safety fitted out with technologically advanced Leak Stop Repair and Fire Fighting Simulation units.
Further images available at the Navy images gallery. Video (2:15 mins) available at YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30za967oOf0
