In front of an audience which included proud families, invited guests and representatives from the New Zealand Defence Force, 25 Naval officers and 65 sailors graduated in a combined parade on Friday 9 December at Devonport Naval Base.
In his first visit to the base, Defence minister Phil Goff reviewed the parade, presented prizes and welcomed the graduates to the Navy and the New Zealand Defence Force.
The graduating trainees represent New Zealand from Invercargill to Kaitaia. Two Fijian naval officers also completed training.
All the graduates have undertaken initial training under the Captain Fleet Personnel and Training in Devonport.
The training period covered diverse and challenging areas from fire fighting, sail training, sea survival, sword and pack drill, to naval history and traditions. After many hours (and miles) of physical fitness training through to classroom instruction and leadership and management skills, all has been designed to provide a foundation of skills and knowledge for their future Naval careers.
The top prize for the best overall graduating officer is the Minister of Defence Sword of Honour, awarded to Midshipman Andrew Hogg. The top prize for sailors is the Spencer Tewsley Cup and Tankard, presented to the best all round new entry trainee, Ordinary ElectronicTechnician S. Winikerei. A number of other prizes were also be awarded at the parade.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand Army has 30 new officers following an Officer Cadet Graduation Parade at Waiouru, also held on 9 December. The Chief Justice of New Zealand, Dame Sian Elias, reviewed the parade, which was attended by Chief of Army Major General Jerry Mateparae and Land Component Commander Brigadier Warren Whiting, as well as friends and family of the graduating officers.