A Historic Intake for the Royal Australian Navy

On June 16, 2022, the Royal Australian Navy received its largest intake of new officers. 193 graduates completed their passing out parade from the Royal Australian Naval College, a great boost to the leadership ranks of the Royal Australian Navy.

Coming from all walks of life, the new officers bring a wide range of personal strengths and attributes to their new positions, bringing a great range of skills to the RAN ranks.

Making significant Navy history, this intake was not only the largest overall intake in history but also saw the largest number of female officers graduate in a single intake. Women were strongly represented, with females making up one-third of the graduate intake. This new record is a testament to the continual push for more women in the Defence Force and within leadership positions across the services and the changing role of women across the defence forces.

Members of New Entry Officers' Course 66 stand at attention during their graduation ceremony at HMAS Creswell. Photo: Leading Seaman Ryan Tascas. 

During the 19 weeks at the Royal Australian Naval College, graduates worked together to gain transferable skills and increased confidence from the leadership, teamwork, challenges, and individual development exercises completed as part of the intensive training program. Challenging graduates mentally, physically and intellectually to help prepare them for the next step in their career and journey with the Navy.

During their graduate parade, the new officers paraded for the reviewing officer Acting Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Chris Smith, who issued his congratulations to them on their achievements over the course.

The new graduates expressed their excitement at getting to begin this next chapter of their journey, which will see them undertake specialist training and further study as they go onto a wide range of careers across the Navy.

The Navy Shop congratulates the 193 graduates on their achievements and looks forward to continuing to support them throughout their careers with field gear, ceremonial swords, and more. We are honoured to have supported the Royal Australian Navy for decades and express our congratulations to the graduates on this achievement as they embark on their next challenges.