Royal Navy welcomes its next generation of young leaders on Dartmouth parade ground

The Royal Navy has welcomed 179 civilians-turned-leaders into its ranks from the Officer Corps at the parade ground in Dartmouth.

Held at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC), 139 cadets were successful on the 29-week intensive course and they were joined by seven officers from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, 19 Senior Upper Yardmen (SUY) and 14 warrant officers, who had all been commissioned as officers.

"I've enjoyed my time here tremendously – from the friendships I've made to the self-confidence and military bearing I've gained," said 23-year-old Midshipman Daisy Chambers from Cornwall.

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Taking the salute was the college's Commanding Officer Captain Andy Bray, in his first pass-out parade since he took command of BRNC. 

"Pride, excitement, and anticipation," he said. "These are the emotions I can see in all the Junior Officers as they pass through the college doors and into the Royal Navy today.

"And on behalf of the whole service, we congratulate everyone on completing their training and warmly welcome them to the service."

He went on: "I am proud, not just of the cadets but of all the staff and officers at BRNC who have, yet again, worked tirelessly to train the cadets to be ready for service on the frontline.

"I wish them all good luck and best wishes."

The day marked their first as part of the Royal Naval family – now the successful cadets will begin their careers either in the Royal Navy or the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

The newly commissioned officers will next undergo extensive professional training related to their specific chosen branch or specialisation before embarking on their first deployment.

As guest of honour and inspecting officer, Vice Admiral Andy Kyte told the cadets: "You have an enormous role to play as the future leaders, responsible for the welfare, development and care of the most valuable assets, our sailors, and marines.

"I can think of no more noble or rewarding a profession than that."

Other senior officers and dignitaries attending included Rear Admiral Rex Cox, Commodore David Eagles, the head of the RFA, and Captain Carlos Balcucho of Colombia's Naval Attaché.