Passing out parade takes place at BRNC

The Fleet Commander, Vice Admiral Ben Key CBE has taken the salute at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) as the latest group of Officer Cadets marked their formal commissioning in front of their families and friends.

The Passing Out Parade signified the successful end of training for 148 newly qualified Officers.

On parade were 108 Officers destined for a career in the Naval Service including 21 Officers promoted from the ranks and 13 new Officers for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary service.

The parade also included 19 International Students from Albania, Angola, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Oman, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates who regularly send their Officer Cadets for training at BRNC.

The Commanding Officer of Britannia Royal Naval College, Captain Jolyon Woodard RN said:  “We hold three Passing Out Parades each year and each one is a special occasion, not only for the Officer Cadets and their families, but also for my staff who have worked hard to support the young men and women as they have made the transition from civilians into military leaders.

"The Cadets have been tested on Dartmoor, on the River Dart, in the classroom and at sea.

"They have been stretched mentally and physically.

"They have met the high standards we require of them and can now look forward to an exciting future within the Fleet.”

We hold three Passing Out Parades each year and each one is a special occasion, not only for the Officer Cadets and their families, but also for my staff who have worked hard to support the young men and women as they have made the transition from civilians into military leaders.

Captain Jolyon Woodard

Also taking part in the parade were Officer Cadets at varying stages of their training. The musical accompaniment was provided by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Plymouth.

Dignitaries from other Navies and organisations were among the VIP guests.