Navy welcomes its newest officers at HMAS Creswell

Twenty weeks since walking through the gates of HMAS Creswell to start initial training, 104 naval officers graduated today.

Friends and family were on hand to share in the achievements of the 82 men and 22 women.

Honouring a long-standing commitment to the New Entry Officers, Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin reviewed the parade, hosted by Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett.

“While we celebrate the achievements of the officers on parade today, our thoughts are also with the family and friends of a sailor who died during a port visit in the Middle East region,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

Students on the New Entry Officers Course 54 were introduced to the history and ethos of the Royal Australian Navy in the 20 week course.

They were also introduced to communications, logistics and naval systems and underwent weapons instruction, qualified in first aid, fire-fighting, ship damage repair and achieved qualifications in small boat handling.

Commanding Officer Creswell Captain Stephen Hussey said while there were some standout trainees, he was buoyed by the quality and motivation of the new officers.

“The Navy’s future is bright with this calibre of talent undertaking a service career,” he said.

“The trainees performed well during the intensive practical and theoretical instruction and they are well prepared for their entry to the fleet.”

Graduate, Lieutenant Alistair Oakes, 26, from Wollstonecraft, New South Wales, said he was looking forward to joining the fleet as a legal officer.

“I am excited about building upon what I have learnt and I have been fortunate to be posted to HMAS Kuttabul, in Sydney, so I will also be returning to my fiancée and family,” he said.

HMAS Creswell is the home of naval officer training.

Graduates are trained in areas such as leadership, seamanship, communications, naval history, physical fitness and weapons handling.

The graduates will now progress to specialised training in aviation, engineering, maritime warfare, maritime logistics, chaplaincy, law, medical and dental disciplines..

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