Dean Hapi (18), now ordinary stores accountant, and David Nicol (18), now an ordinary seaman combat specialist, were two of their intake of 62 who graduated from their basic common training, senior media adviser navy - defence communications group Lieutenant Commander Barbara Fleissner said.
The newly trained sailors completed initial training with the navy's Leadership Development Group in Devonport. During an 11-week period they faced several challenges, both mental and physical, including the professional skills they would need as sailors to keep themselves, their shipmates and their ships safe, Lt-cmdr Fleissner said.
‘‘A foundation of the course has been the physical training such as circuit training, cross-country runs and sports. This helps to underpin another vital aspect of basic common training; the development of team work through activities such as team sports, parade training and practical general drills,'' Lt-cmdr Fleissner said.
The new graduates are enjoying a holiday before they take up specialist training.
Mr Hapi would specialise as a naval stores accountant and Mr Nicol would specialise as a naval seaman combat specialist, she said.
Mr Hapi's mother Pauline said her son became interested in joining the navy in his fifth form year at Menzies College. During his last year at college he went on a week-long navy adventure, which cemented his desire to join the service, Mrs Hapi said.
He joined the navy at the beginning of the year, but because he had childhood asthma he was sent back home after three days for further medical testing, Mrs Hapi said.
Once given the all clear he returned to the navy and gained an average pass rate of 97 per cent.
‘‘He did pretty good,'' Mrs Hapi said.
Mr Nicol, who was a former Gore High School pupil, said joining the navy was a family tradition and he was the third generation to join. He had also taken part in a navy adventure, he said.
He said he thoroughly enjoyed the experience and could not wait to go back.
