A ceremonial sunset and graduation parade for New Entry Officer Course 58 was held at the at Jervis Bay base to mark the end of five months of initial training.

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, reviewed the parade and said Navy’s newest officers will be a welcome addition to the Fleet.

“This graduating class has demonstrated their ability to quickly adapt and learn new skills,” Vice Admiral Barrett said.

“These skills will serve them well as they continue throughout their careers and bring online all of Navy’s new capabilities.

“This class is entering navy on the cusp of our greatest capability renewal in a generation and will serve our nation well as they deliver this capability for decades to come.” 

Commanding Officer of HMAS Creswell, Captain Charles Huxtable, said the members of the graduating class were motivated, professional men and women, who exhibited navy values and signature behaviours throughout their training.

“This class follows in a great tradition of high calibre members joining navy through the Naval College,” Captain Huxtable said. 

“The trainees performed well during the intensive practical and theoretical instruction and are now prepared for their entry to the Fleet.

“They have each grown significantly as individuals as well as coming together as a team in the finest traditions of the Royal Australian Navy.”

Over the New Entry Officers’ Course, students are introduced to leadership principles, communications, seamanship and small boat handling, sailing, logistics and naval systems as well as the history, traditions and ethos of the navy.

The course includes instruction in physical fitness, weapons instruction, firefighting, and ship damage repair and all graduates become qualified in first aid.

Graduates will now progress to specialised training in aviation, engineering, maritime warfare, maritime logistics, intelligence, law, training systems, medical and nursing.