March 28, 2007
In front of an audience including their proud families, 60 Naval Ratings will graduate from eleven weeks of intensive naval training this week. The ceremony will be held at 10:30 am on Friday 30 March 2007 at the Navy Leadership and Development Group in Devonport.
Over the last eleven weeks they have received training in general service knowledge, kit maintenance and presentation, naval ceremonial and parade training, physical education and recreational training, weapon training, basic seamanship, situational self-leadership, sea survival, damage control and fire fighting, first aid, shipboard terminology and routines, naval excellence and team building - all designed to provide a solid foundation of skills and knowledge for their naval careers.
Naval Captain, Captain Ross Smith, will review the parade, welcome the trainees into the Navy and award the prizes. Up for grabs are prizes for outstanding academic and sports performance, including the top prize – The Spencer Tewsley Cup and Tankard, presented to the best all round trainee.
The trainee graduates represent the whole of New Zealand from Southland to Bay of Islands, Te Araroa to New Plymouth, Christchurch to Kaikohe and Taupo to Te Puke – most regions have at least one representative.
On completion of the Graduation Parade, the 60 new trainees will enjoy a brief period of leave with their families before returning to the Naval Base to commence basic branch and trade training.
ENDS
For further information please contact Lieutenant Commander Barbara Cassin, Public Relations Manager Navy, Ph: (09) 4455002 or Mob: 021-2440638