Naval trainees graduate after 13 week course

In front of an audience including their proud families, 67 trainee sailors will graduate from their Basic Common Training at 9.30 am, Friday 6 May 2011, at the Devonport Naval Base.

As well as the formal ceremonial parade the graduates will show off their newly acquired skills with physical training, weapons handling and ceremonial drill displays.

Ms Amy Adams –National Member of Parliament for Selwyn, is the Reviewing Officer for the Parade and will welcome the new sailors into the Navy. She 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 is 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.

Background

The newly trained sailors have completed initial training at the Navy Leadership and Development Group in Devonport. Over the past 13 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. After a short period of leave, they will return to commence their specialist trade/branch training.

Hometowns of the Graduating Sailors:
Invercargill
Paeroa
Te Puke
Auckland
North Italy
Palmserton North
Timaru
South Kaeo
Picton
Waiuku
Kaikohe
Porirua
Wanganui
Christchurch
Kaukapakapa
Rahotu
Warkworth
Gisborne Kawhia
Richmond/Nelson
Whakatane
Hamilton
Mosgiel
Taihape
Whangaporaoa
Havelock North
Napier
Tauranga
Woodend
Hawera
New Plymouth
Te Anau
Huntley
Ohakune
Te Aroha