Navy

It's a family affair as Royal Navy officer cadet brothers pass out at Dartmouth

Two brothers have become Royal Navy Officers at the same time after passing out together from Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) Dartmouth.

A post on the BRNC X account – formerly Twitter – which didn't name the brothers, said: "To pass out of BRNC is special, but to be doing so alongside your brother makes the day just that bit more special.

"We have both enjoyed our time at BRNC, especially IST (initial sea time) on HMS Albion and HMS Tamar, we look forward to our careers as Warfare Officers and joining the Fleet," the pair said in the post.

In total, 165 junior officers graduated from the college after a 29-week training course.

Ninety-six Officer Cadets were on parade, with 12 officers from each of the Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

A further 12 former Royal Navy ratings had been selected for promotion to the Officer Corps, and 12 former Warrant Officers received commissions.

There were also 21 international cadets who passed out and will now return to their countries to carry on their officer careers.

This included personnel from Bahrain, the Bahamas, Egypt, Germany, Jordan, Kuwait, Malta, Montenegro, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, UAE and, for the first time ever, Peru.

Watch: New naval officers' delight as they pass out at BRNC Dartmouth.

Midshipman Katelyn Robinson, who will join HMS Scott to start her professional training as a hydrographic/ meteorological officer, said it was "the proudest day" of her life.

"I am really pleased to pass out in front of my loved ones," she said.

"I am looking forward to the travel opportunities with the Royal Navy and especially getting down to Antarctica, as a picture of HMS Protector was one of the reasons I was inspired to join."

Vice Admiral Guy Robinson, Chief of Staff at Headquarters Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, Virginia, was the guest of honour and Inspecting Officer and was joined by his wife Commodore Mel Robinson, who recently stood down as head of the Maritime Reserves.

The pair watched on as their son, Midshipman Max, was among the new Navy officers passing out.

VAdm Robinson told the new officers the Navy needs leaders "who can navigate" the complexities of new threats and technology.

He also told the family and friends of those passing out they are also "now part of our naval family, and you too will get to experience the pride and emotion that goes with life in the naval service".

"With your support, understanding and love please continue to help your Naval officer as they move forward to the next stage of their careers and beyond," he said.

The families were treated to a flypast by the Supermarine Seafire Mk XVII aircraft, courtesy of the Navy Wings charity.