Naval Trainees Graduate

In front of an audience including their proud families, 71 trainee sailors will graduate from their Basic Common Training at 10.00 am, Friday 27 March 2009, at the Devonport Naval Base.

Due to retire in late April 2009 and attending his final formal Graduation Parade as Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Ledson will be the Reviewing Officer and will welcome the new sailors into the Navy. He will also award prizes for academic and leadership performance, including the Spencer Tewsley Cup and Tankard, presented to the best all round Naval Trainee.

Another special feature of the Graduation Parade will be the performing of the Royal New Zealand Navy Haka. The Haka talks of the Royal New Zealand Navy core values, the key land marks that surround the Devonport Naval Base and the vision to succeed.

The newly trained sailors have completed initial training at the Navy Leadership and Development Group in Devonport. Over the last 10 weeks they faced a number of challenges, both mental and physical, including the professional skills they will need as sailors to keep themselves, their shipmates and their ships safe.

A foundation of the course has been the physical training such as circuit training, cross country runs and sports. This helps to underpin another vital aspect of basic common training; the development of team work through such activities such as team sports, parade training and practical general drills.

The maritime and naval environment is introduced though activities such as naval history lessons, instruction in naval customs and ceremonies. During their initial training, the trainee sailors learnt discipline, how to look after themselves, their kit and their accommodation, and begin to understand and adopt the Navy core values of Courage, Commitment and Comradeship.

The graduating trainee sailors are from many regions of New Zealand from the far North to the deep South. After a short period of leave, they will return to commence their specialist trade/branch training.

Hometowns of the Graduating Sailors
Auckland areas – 17
Bay of Plenty – 7
Bluff - 1
Invercargill – 3
Waihi/Waihi Beach - 2
East Coast – 10
Napier/Hastings – 8
Ngaruawahia – 1
Taumarunui - 1
Te Awamutu – 2
Nelson – 1
Greymouth - 1
Taranaki – 6
Wellington area - 2
Rotorua/Tokoroa – 3
Rangiora - 2
Whitianga - 1
Kaikohe -1
Waiuku – 1
Opanake - 1