The Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin has charged the Nigerian Navy to continue to play its role in defending the territorial integrity of the country.
General Olonishakin gave the charge during the passing out parade of graduates of the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School in Rivers State.
Uche Okoro reports that the Olonisakin was the special guest of Honour and reviewing officer at the passing out parade of the training school.
Also in attendance were the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas and representatives of the chiefs of Defense and Air Staff.
The Nigerian navy basic training school in Onne, Rivers State was founded in 1975 and this is the 25th time the 42 year old institution is churning out finished products into the Navy.
This batch comprises 1025 males and 134 females making a total of 1159 ratings, which the Navy says were painstakingly drawn from all states of the federation including Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the Chief of Defense Staff the entry of these ratings into the Nigerian navy is coming at a time when the military is facing significant operational challenges.
Within their 6-month training period, the ratings were introduced to core naval subjects such as swimming, seamanship, navigation, parade drills and weapons handling.
They also received training in the basic subjects of English, mathematics and French.
Meanwhile in response to the need to accommodate more personnel entering the
Nigerian navy, the Chief of Defense Staff also commissioned three housing blocks of 40 rooms each for ratings under training.
Also commissioned for use were two other residential blocks of 28 rooms each for officers.
