CDF, ADML Chris Barrie presents MIDN David Cartlidge with his graduation certificate. CDF is accompanied by CO, CAPT Andrew Cawley and David's mum Janet. Photo by ABPH Kaye Adams

The RAN College HMAS Creswell has graduated the largest intake of new entry officers in its history.

One hundred and five officers passed out of the College in what was the culmination of two days of ceremonies. These began with a Ceremonial Sunset on Thursday 27 and then the Passing Out Parade itself, reviewed by the Chief of the Defence Force, ADML Chris Barrie, in one of his last official engagements before leaving the Navy and the ADF. Admiral Barrie himself joined the Naval College in 1961.

Visitors to the Ceremonial Sunset saw the tradition of the Australian National Flag and the Navy's White Ensign lowered together, to the music of the Royal Australian Navy band and the salute of an armed guard. The evening gun was fired, signalling the last night the class of officers would have as initial trainees.

The passing out parade, which was held the following morning, saw the new class arrayed in their finest uniforms and assembled once again as an armed guard. They were joined by their instructors and staff of the Royal Australian Naval College, under the command of CAPT Andrew Cawley, on the quarterdeck of the college. Many distinguished visitors both Service and civilian also watched the parade, as well as families and friends of the trainees.

A sad note in the proceedings was the mention of the death of one of the trainees some weeks before graduation. MIDN Robert Maguire died in a car accident.

At the end of the parade, a march past. ADML Barrie took the salute. The award of prizes and a flyover followed. The new officers then celebrated with CDF, the college staff, members of their family and friends.

By LEUT Tom Lewis