9 December 2008
Thursday 11 December will be a day to remember for a large number of newly trained Naval Officers, Sailors and Naval Reserve Junior Rates as they all graduate in a combined parade at the Devonport Naval Base.
In front of an audience including their proud families, 12 Naval Officers (including one from the Philippines), 53 Sailors and 10 Naval Reserve Junior Rates will graduate in a combined parade at 10.00 am, Thursday 11 December 2008, at the Devonport Naval Base.
The Graduation Parade is a highlight for the trainees as they finally complete 22 weeks (Officers), 11 weeks (Sailors) and 2 weeks (Naval Reserve Junior Rates) of training respectively and they are all keen to ensure this is a spectacular event for their family and friends.
As well as the formal ceremonial parade the graduates will show off their newly acquired skills with physical training and drill displays. The Navy Band will entertain the guests with a musical repertoire of popular sea shanties.
The newly trained Naval Officers, Sailors and Naval Reserve Junior Rates have completed initial training at the Naval Leadership and Development Group in Devonport. They have received varying levels of 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, and naval excellence; all designed to provide a solid foundation of skills and knowledge for their future Naval careers.
Chief Justice and Launch Lady of the second In Shore Patrol Vessel WELLINGTON, The Right Honourable, Dame Sian Elias, will review the parade and welcome the Officers, Sailors and Naval Reserve Junior Rates into the Navy. She will award prizes for academic and leadership performance, including the Spencer Tewsley Cup and Tankard, presented to the best all round Basic Common Trainee (Sailor).
In his second visit to the Naval Base as Minister of Defence, the Hon Dr Wayne Mapp will present the top prize, the Minister of Defence Sword of Honour, awarded to the General List Midshipman (Officer) who has achieved the highest overall results during initial training.
Police Commissioner Howard Broad will present the J.N. Broad Memorial Trophy to the best overall Naval Reserve Junior Rating.
The graduating Naval Officers and Sailors represent many regions of New Zealand from the far North to the deep South, with a trainee from Philippines, and two originally from Mumbai and the United Kingdom.
The soldiers, sailors, and airmen and women who make up the New Zealand Defence Force are among the best in the world.
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.
Regions represented by the Naval Graduates:
Auckland 17
Wellington 7
Te Awamutu 1
Waihi 1
Taumaranui 2
Ohura 1
Stratford 1
Gisborne 1
Hamilton 1
Otaki 1
Greymouth1
Nelson 1
Opotiki 1
Pokeno 1
Wanganui 2
Te Teko 1
Whangarei 4
Mt Maunganui 2
Christchurch 5
Tauranga 2
Whakatane 2
North Shore 3
Rotorua 3
Palmerston North 1
Hastings 1
Waipu 1
Ruakaka 1
Cambridge 1
Dunedin 1
Invercargill 1
Kapiti Coast 1
Waiouru 1
Masterton 1
Motueka 1
Waikuku Beach 1
Philippines 1
England 1
Mumbai 1
For further information and registrations of interest - please contact Lieutenant Commander Barbara Cassin, Media Adviser Navy - 021 244 0638.