Youngest Commanding Officer in a generation takes reins at Britannia Royal Naval College

Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth has welcomed its youngest Commanding Officer in 25 years.

Thirty-nine-year-old Captain Andrew Bray will oversee the training of hundreds of Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary officers each year, plus scores of cadets from Britain's international partners and allies.

He takes the reins from his predecessor Captain Sarah Oakley, who left Dartmouth for the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Whitehall.

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Capt Bray is the first logistics officer to take charge and holds a post previously occupied by names such as legendary submariner and VC-winner Martin Dunbar-Nasmith, former first sea lord Sir Julian Oswald and Admiral Sir Nicholas Hunt, the father of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.

He began his naval career as a cadet in September 2002  since when he has served around the world in survey ship HMS Scott, destroyer HMS Dragon and the UK's largest warship, the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales.

Capt Bray said: "I am delighted to be taking command of the college today. I would like to thank Captain Oakley for all she has done for the college, cadets, staff and our community.

"At a time when the importance of the Navy could not be more apparent to our way of life and national security, I look forward to joining the team and the local community as we work together to lead, mentor and train our future leaders."

Capt Oakley took charge of the 118-year-old institution in May 2022 and said her time at the top had been a privilege and one she would always remember.

She told Forces News that the presence of Ukrainians at the training college has inspired other cadets.

"We had a Ukrainian cadet pass out at the last passing out parade in the summer and we’ve got two more Ukrainian cadets, a male and a female, training here at the moment," she explained.

"Knowing that in 29 weeks they will be passing out in the summer here and then returning to their country and going back into a warzone, that speaks volumes to the other cadets here.

"It’s trying to make that a reality for them, but knowing that their counterparts are going back into that situation I think will really make them think about their future careers and how important it is."

Capt Oakley said of her time at BRNC Dartmouth: "The opportunity to inspire and train the next generation of naval officers is one I have relished.

"I am reassured by the commitment and dedication of the individuals who have chosen to make a career in the Royal Navy. I would like to thank all the staff, officers and local community for their support during my tenure."