Cerberus’ DGE 205 graduates

Head DPE, RADM Brian Adams hands the certificate to Dux of the class RCTSTD John Watts. Photo by LSPH Phillip ‘Rex’ Hunt

By LEUT Ray Smith

A graduation ceremony is packed with pride, expectation and excitement. and the graduating class of Moran Division General Entry 205 was no exception.

It was a proud moment for the many family and friends who came to HMAS Cerberus, many from far corners of the country, to see the graduation parade. It was also a proud moment for the Recruit School staff, under the command of CMDR Mark Hill that turned this motley crew into an extremely well presented and perfectly drilled squad.

The excitement of having successfully mastered their first ‘test’ infectious, and the feeling of expectation of the challenges that lay ahead in their new career was palpable.

The reviewing officer was Head DPE, RADM Brian Adams. In his address to the class RADM Adams said that he started his naval career as a General Entry Recruit and encouraged the new sailors to aspire to the same heights as part of the Navy family.

The Dux of the class was RCTSTD John Watts, conspicuous also for being the only recruit with three long service badges and a long service medal with clasp!

It would be fair to say that John had a head start on his classmates. He joined the Army in 1980. After spending time as a steward with the Army he joined the Army Reserve and then the RAAF Reserve.

Indeed, some were heard to remark that he has finally seen the light and joined the correct service!
The fact is that RCTSTD Watts ran out of options. Most of his earlier postings were taken over by civilian contractors and there were limited opportunities for an experienced steward such as he.

John is very proud to be a sailor in the Navy and shared the day with his parents and family. He now moves to the School of Catering at HMAS Cerberus to complete his category training and more adventures beyond.

The Naval Band’s Victorian detachment contributed to the formality and substance of the passing out parade and entertained the assembly with precision marching and stirring tunes.

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