Royal Navy's latest generation of officers pass out at Dartmouth
The latest generation of naval leaders have joined the ranks of the Royal Navy after the completion of their training at Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth.
The newly-qualified young officers paraded in front of family and friends at the college on Thursday to mark their formal commissioning.
Some 123 officer cadets completed an intensive 29-week course which put them to the test in different locations – the classroom, on Dartmoor, the River Dart and at sea onboard an operational warship.
Also parading were four new Royal Fleet Auxiliary service officers, two international cadets from Qatar and Ghana and 24 former ratings selected for promotion to the Officer Corps, the Navy said. They had completed their own bespoke training course.
In addition, there were 14 members of Dutton Division – who attended the college as part of a commissioning programme for Warrant Officers.
The name of the division is in tribute to Lieutenant Commander Brian Dutton - a highly decorated bomb disposal expert recognised for his bravery in the UK and the Falklands War, the Navy added.
BRNC Dartmouth's Captain Sarah Oakley said: "Today is a significant milestone in the lives of all the officer cadets on parade, and no amount of wind or rain will ever dampen the pride they or their families will feel."
Speaking about the training, she added: "It marks the culmination of their successful journey through Britannia Royal Naval College. For some it is the start of their careers in the Royal Navy, and for others it is just the next exciting step in their already successful career.
"Everyone has memories to share about their experiences during training, that they will cherish as they move forward in their journeys."
VIP inspecting officer Admiral Sir Keith Blount was participating in one of his last engagements before his new role as Nato's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR).
Admiral Blount 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 39 years ago.
"All Royal Navy officers have a special bond with BRNC Dartmouth; it delivers essential training, but also forges relationships that are a bedrock of our careers.
"Those who passed out should be proud of their significant achievements so far and are joining a Royal Navy that has a very bright future. They will now move forward as leaders of our great Navy, working alongside our allies from across the globe with a common purpose."
Ahead of the passing out parade, the newly-qualified officers had to battle the elements in their rehearsal on Wednesday.
The personnel faced 40mph winds and had to remove their headwear during the practice parade, as seen below:
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