Naval combat cadets graduate from MI

MI joined the Royal Canadian Navy in saluting fifty-two new electro-mechanical engineers and electronics engineers into the ranks on January 12, during the Naval Combat Systems Technician Training Plan (NCSTTP) graduation at the Canadian Forces Station St. John's Drill Hall in Pleasantville

The ceremony was presided over by Commander Lawrence Trim, commanding officer, Canadian Forces Station St. John's; Commander Alan Brown, CFNES Detachment; and Glenn Blackwood, vice-president, Memorial University (Marine Institute).

Newfoundland and Labrador was well represented, with 16 cadets from the province entering the fleet. Graduates have been posted to either Halifax or Esquimalt for further naval training.

The graduates began their studies at the Marine Institute in January 2011 and have completed two years of intense studies. They will now move on to join in the navy as productive weapons engineering technicians.

The relationship between the Department of National Defence and the Marine Institute has been an enormous success for both organizations since its establishment in 1992. With each passing year, more and more naval trainees complete their technical training at the institute and continue on to successful careers in the navy. On average, approximately 100 naval trainees are studying at the Marine Institute throughout the year.