Marching into line, the recruits of Cornwell Division were given the order they have been longing to hear for the past ten weeks.
"For the final time... dismissed!"
As they threw their caps into the air, proud family and friends clapped and cheered, marking the end of Royal Navy basic training for the 52 passing out.
From a starting division of 61, those passing out battled with the sweltering heat as they stood on HMS Raleigh's parade ground for more than 90 minutes yesterday afternoon.
They were inspected by Rear Admiral John Westbrook as their family and friends looked on.
Speaking after the parade, Divisional Training Officer Warrant Officer Dickie Bays said the Port and Starboard classes had been "above average". "It's been emotional but we've made it. I think they have been an above-average group – I will see them in the Fleet."
Beaming Kathleen Kennedy, mother of Honicknowle recruit Chris, said: "Seeing him on parade was fantastic – I was very proud."
Her son, a former Army soldier, said: "It was lovely, it was a bit much in this heat but it's all done now.
"Training was completely different to what I expected and completely different from the Army."
He added: "It's been really good but I can't wait to get out of here, if only for a few days."
