Chief of Navy Inspects Navy’s Newest Officers

Nineteen weeks since walking through the gates of HMAS Creswell to start initial training, 85 officers have joined the ranks of the Royal Australian Navy. Friends and family were on hand to share in the achievements of the new officers.

Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, AC was in attendance as Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral, Tim Barrett AO, CSC, RAN, reviewed the parade.

Commanding Officer HMAS Creswell, Captain Stephen Hussey RAN, 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,” Captain Hussey said.

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

Graduate Midshipman Joshua Mavin, 20 from Brisbane, was on the path to becoming an Olympic swimmer when he decided to change lanes. He will now be posted to HMAS Watson and is hoping to become a Maritime Warfare Officer.

“I wanted a job that would take me around the world; that provided a sense of camaraderie and would push me to the limits just like swimming did. Weighing all those up the navy just made sense,” Midshipman Joshua Mavin said.

“My ultimate career goal for the navy is fairly simple; I want to make a difference.”

HMAS Creswell is the home of naval officer training. Over 19 weeks, graduates are trained in areas such as leadership and the ethos of the Royal Australian Navy, seamanship, communications, logistics, naval systems, naval history, physical fitness and weapons handling.

Students are also qualified in first aid, fire-fighting at sea, ship damage repair and small boat handling.

Graduates will now progress to specialised training in aviation, engineering, Maritime Warfare, Maritime Logistics, Intelligence, Law, Training Systems, Medical and Nursing.

Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20163136