SIX local naval personnel are embarking on the next stage of their careers after completing their initial officer training at the Royal Australian Naval College, HMAS Creswell.
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Sub Lieutenant Joshua Hynes, of Jervis Bay, Sub Lieutenant Luke Deering of Ulladulla, Midshipman Lachlan Murray of Callala Beach, Midshipmen Benjamin Wealleans and Zachary Smith of Ulladulla and Midshipman Joshua Gorrie of Gerringong were among 100 officers who graduated.
Sub Lieutenant Hynes was awarded the Australian Naval Institute prize, while Sub Lieutenant Deering was the Rear Admiral Hammond Sword winner.
Both prizes recognise outstanding leadership, discipline and positive influence on their peers.
Sub Lieutenants Hynes and Deering will undertake their formal training as maritime warfare officers at HMAS Watson, in Sydney.
They will be joined by Midshipmen Wealleans and Smith who will spend six months in the fleet before undertaking their tertiary studies at the Australian Defence Force Academy.
Midshipman Murray will remain in the local area at HMAS Albatross, starting training as an aviation warfare officer, before also going to the Defence Force Academy.
Midshipman Gorrie will attend the Defence Force Academy prior to starting pilot training.
“It was exciting to be graduating NEOC 50,” said Sub Lieutenant Hynes.
“I’m sad to be saying goodbye to some very good friends, but excited to step into a new and challenging phase of my training.”
Trainees’ time at Creswell involves an intense period of both practical and theoretical instruction.
It includes the history and ethos of the RAN, as well as an introduction to communications, logistics, weapons, seamanship and naval systems.
The graduation parade of 77 men and 23 women was reviewed by Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs.