Like mother like daughter

NEOC 27 graduate SBLT Sophie White. Photo by Phil Barling

By LCDR Mick Gallagher and Raveena Carroll

It was a case of ‘mother like daughter’ when SBLT Sophie White graduated from the New Entry Officer Course 27 (NEOC 27) at HMAS Creswell.

SBLT White’s mother is the Honourable Justice Margaret White, a Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland. To the RAN, she is CMDR White, a recent Legal Officer recruit to the Navy Reserve.

Sophie’s father is Dr Michael White QC, the Executive Director of the Centre for Maritime Law at the University of Queensland and a former navy commander.
Both parents were present to see their daughter graduate in a traditional passing out parade at the College.

“The past six months have tested me mentally and physically and I feel a sense of achievement in having completed my naval officer training,” said SBLT White.

The CO of Creswell, CAPT Andrew Cawley, said each of the 57 officers who graduated should be proud of their achievement in completing NEOC 27.

“The aim of the course was to give each of the new officers the skills and training they will need to become leaders within the RAN. For many of the trainees this was their first experience of Navy life and customs, and that in itself was a great learning experience.

“I wish each and every one of them continued success throughout their Navy careers,” said CAPT Cawley.

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