Australian Chief of Navy Inspects New Officers

One hundred naval officers graduated this week from the Royal Australian Naval College, HMAS Creswell, concluding 20 weeks’ initial training for the 77 men and 23 women. The graduating class was reviewed by the outgoing Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs.

The new officers will now move to specialist training throughout the fleet, or undertake tertiary studies at Australian Defence Force Academy. Graduates intend to specialise in a wide range of fields, including logistics, warfare, medical, dental and engineering.

Today’s graduation is a milestone for Creswell, as it is the first graduating class to have trained in groups under the new divisional names Clarkson, Getting, Moran, Rankin and Waller. These divisions commemorate Australia’s own naval history, rather than shared history with Great Britain.

Trainees’ time at Creswell involves an intense period of both practical and theoretical instruction. It includes the history and ethos of the Royal Australian Navy, as well as an introduction to communications, logistics and naval systems.

In addition, all trainees undergo weapons instruction, qualify in first aid, are introduced to fire-fighting and ship damage repair, as well as qualifying in small boats. All of this practical training was reinforced by two weeks on board HMAS Choules.

This was the Chief of Navy’s last Passing out Parade prior to taking up his appointment as Vice Chief of the Defence Force.

HMAS Creswell trains over 3500 personnel annually, including reserve and full-time officers, as well as providing further professional development for Officers and Senior Sailors.

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Press Release, June 20, 2014; Image: Australia