Navy

'Proud' Families Back In Person As Officer Cadets Pass Out At BRNC Dartmouth

"Proud" was the buzzword as friends and families were welcomed back to Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) Dartmouth to watch the latest group of Royal Naval Officer Cadets pass out.

The 47 Officer Cadets have completed 29 weeks of intensive training – in the classroom, on Dartmoor, the River Dart and at sea on board an operational warship.

The latest group of Royal Naval Officer Cadets have passed out at @DartmouthBRNC! ?

It was the first passing out parade in front of family and friends at the college in a year.

Those graduating will join the @RoyalNavy or @RFAHeadquarters. ⚓

More: https://t.co/WL5O5mrGnk pic.twitter.com/UftDoDJQBo
— Forces News (@ForcesNews) August 12, 2021

They were joined on parade by 19 new officers for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary service and 15 former ratings selected for promotion to the Officer Corps – both groups had completed bespoke training courses.

Passing out parades have been live-streamed through the pandemic, but family and friends were back in person on Thursday for the first time since last August.

Vice Admiral Paul Bennett took the salute almost 36 years to the day after joining the college himself as an Officer Cadet, one of his last engagements before he retires.

He said: "It was a huge privilege to take the salute on this special day, it brought back memories of standing on the parade ground myself 36 years ago."