Navy’s newest officers graduate

Navy’s newest junior officers have graduated from the Royal Naval College at HMAS Creswell as part of New Entry Officer Course (NEOC) 61.

CAPTION: The reviewing officer of the New Entry Officers Course 61 graduation parade, Deputy Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Mark Hammond, inspects the guard at HMAS Creswell. Photo by Chief Petty Officer Cameron Martin.

The 134 Australian and five international graduates — the last for 2019 — marched proudly on to the parade ground, wearing the ceremonial uniforms of Australian midshipmen, sub lieutenants and lieutenants in front of family and friends.

NEOC 61 rounds off an exceptionally busy year for the Royal Naval College with a record 297 naval officers graduating this year.

Commanding Officer HMAS Creswell Captain Warren Bairstow said the training these latest graduates faced would soon be tested as they became junior leaders throughout our fleet.

“Over the past five months the men and women of NEOC 61 have gone from being civilians, and in some cases junior sailors, to young leaders ready to serve at sea as naval officers,” Captain Bairstow said.

“They have demonstrated to their instructors and to each other that they’re ready to take the next step, to accept the obligations and responsibilities that come with being a member of the lethal fighting force that is the Royal Australian Navy.

“Over their careers, they will represent Australia on global operations and exercises and they will be responsible for protecting Australia and our national interests in a cutting-edge fleet.

“Today’s graduates join a Navy workforce that is growing steadily, with more than 14,500 Navy members currently serving the nation.”

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