18 September 2008
In front of an audience including their proud families, 32 trainee sailors will graduate from their Basic Common Training at 10.00 am, Friday 19 September 2008, at the Devonport Naval Base.
Former Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral (retd) Peter McHaffie is the Reviewing Officer for the Parade and will welcome them into the Navy. He will also award prizes for academic and leadership performance, including the Spencer Tewsley Cup and Tankard, presented to the best all round Naval Trainee.
The newly trained sailors have completed initial training at the Navy Leadership and Development Group in Devonport. Over the last 10 weeks they faced a number of challenges, both mental and physical, including the professional skills they will need as sailors to keep themselves, their shipmates and their ships safe.
A foundation of the course has been the physical training such as circuit training, cross country runs and sports. This helps to underpin another vital aspect of basic common training; the development of team work through such activities such as team sports, parade training and practical general drills.
The maritime and naval environment is introduced though activities such as naval history lessons, instruction in naval customs and ceremonies. During their initial training, the trainee sailors learnt discipline, how to look after themselves, their kit and their accommodation, and begin to understand and adopt the Navy core values of Courage, Commitment and Comradeship.
The graduating trainee sailors many regions of New Zealand from the far North to the deep South. After a short period of leave, they will return to commence their specialist trade/branch training.
Hometowns of the Graduating Sailors
Auckland – 12 Mt Maunganui – 1 Bluff – 2
Rotorua/Mangakino – 3 Taupo/Whakatane – 2 Nelson – 2
Te Puke – 1 Wellington – 2 Tolaga Bay – 1
Hamilton – 2 Kerikeri – 1 Hastings/Napier – 3
ENDS
Media are invited to attend the Graduation Parade to be held at the Naval College Parade Ground, off Jim Titchener Drive, Devonport.
Photo ID is required for entry to the Base.
Photos of the prizewinners will be sent to hometown papers. For further information - please contact Lieutenant Commander Barbara Cassin, Navy Public Relations Manager (Navy) 021 244 0638.