The Royal Navy has welcomed nearly 150 new leaders into its family as they formally commissioned as officers.
Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard and Commodore Suzi Nielsen, the Royal Navy’s Deputy Director People Delivery, were guests of honour, joining friends and family members at Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth for the first passing-out parade of 2025.
They were treated to the finest of naval traditions, pomp and ceremony to mark the formal commissioning of 148 men and women as Officers in His Britannic Majesty’s Navy.
Some 122 of those on parade were completing their transition from the civilian world to junior naval leaders, having completed 29 weeks of arduous training in the classroom, on Dartmoor, the River Dart and at sea on board an operational warship.
Also on parade were 19 Senior Upper Yardmen, selected from the ranks for the Officer Corps, and seven warrant officers, commissioning to lieutenant.
The minister told the new officers that they joined the Service at a time both of great challenges given the global political situation, but also great opportunities.
Midshipman Huw Bones from Gosport will now complete his specialist instruction at HMS Sultan in his hometown to become a marine engineer for the Navy’s flotilla of nuclear submarines.
The 21-year-old has thoroughly enjoyed the training experience, as he follows in the footsteps of his father who spent 27 years in submarines as a weapons engineer.
“It’s hard to pick the best bits of training because there are quite a few,” he enthused. “I was fortunate enough to join HMS Trent and witness training on the staggeringly beautiful island of Malta.
“I’ve taken command of a boat, conducted searches for (mock) homemade bombs, and even if the final assessment was one of the most challenging weeks of my life, the struggle just made the highs feel that much higher.”
Twenty-four-old Midshipman Imogen White from Chelmsford on Essex now goes on to complete her training as a logistics officer.
“I’ll never forget the rewarding feeling you get after completing final exercises,” she said. “Looking back at how you pushed through in the tough moments and celebrating with those who have gone through it with you is really special.”
Captain Andy Bray, Captain Britannia Royal Naval College, said he took pride and pleasure in seeing a new generation of naval officers, surrounded by loved ones, complete their training.
Urging them to follow the example of the college’s new motto – Lead with Courage, added to celebrate the 120th birthday year of the famous naval institution – he told those passing out:
“This is just the start of the journey, but I know their service as an officer will be dutiful, filled with excitement and reward. Everyone on the parade ground has worked extremely hard and should be proud of what they have accomplished. I wish them all the very best of luck.”