March 6, 2024

In the Shadow of War, 41 Cadets Finish the Naval Officers' Course

IDF: The graduation ceremony for the 148th Naval Officers' Course took place this evening (Wednesday) at the Naval Base in Haifa. The ceremony was led by the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, the Commander in Chief of the Israeli Navy, Vadm. David Saar Salama, the Commander of the Naval Training Base, Capt. Tamir Shemesh, with the attendance of other commanders, soldiers, families and invited guests.

The course was completed by 35 male and six female naval officers. During the ceremony, naval officer pins were presented and the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade (LtJG.) was awarded to them. The ceremony took place against the backdrop of the war, during which the Israeli Navy is playing a significant part in combat across all fronts, engaging in both defensive and offensive missions, and assisting the IDF's ground forces with striking and surveillance operations.

At the beginning of the war, the cadets set sail and joined the fight aboard various naval vessels where they are expected to serve. The cadets carried out various operational missions, both covert and overt, across multiple arenas, becoming an integral part of the IDF's efforts. The graduates of the course received an academic degree in Political Science from the University of Haifa and a Skipper's License (to operate a 30-meter vessel).

The role of a naval officer combines maritime combat and command over the Israeli Navy's maritime forces. Starting today, the naval officers join the Israeli Navy's command ranks and will serve as commanders on the Israeli Navy's various vessels.

From the speech of the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi:

"At the beginning of this journey, you would not have imagined that you would end it in such a complex reality – a reality of a multi-arena war. The IDF has been operating on land, in the air, and at sea for over one hundred and fifty days in multiple arenas, and has made significant achievements every day along the way toward achieving the war's objectives. We started at a difficult point and paid a heavy price in blood, but we regained our composure, and since then, the IDF has been operating with great determination for the future of our security and for the defense of our home.

Control over the maritime arena is essential for Israel's security: from securing Israel's economic waters, through protecting strategic assets, to striking the enemy's infrastructure, operatives, and maritime capabilities in arenas both near and far. These are just some of the central missions that the Israeli Navy is responsible for.

This time period illustrates more than anything the great significance of the uniform and the responsibility upon your shoulders as commanders. You are now joining the fight and the command ranks in the IDF and are becoming, in practice, the protectors of the people and of the land.

The entire IDF is committed to preserving the legacy of the fallen soldiers and to protecting the homeland. We will act in the same spirit of determination and dedication in which they operated, and ensure at all times that their sacrifice was not in vain. There is no way to do so other than to enlist for meaningful service, to wear the uniform and to be commanders."

From the speech of the Commander in Chief of the Israeli Navy, Vadm. David Saar Salama:

"As soon as the war broke out, you set out, sailed on missile ships and submarines, acted to fortify the maritime defensive lines and Israel's strategic maritime assets. You integrated into the offensive efforts from the sea, in special operations. You started your command journey earlier than usual and gained rich combat experience that will not be forgotten.

In the midst of a historic test for the people of Israel, we are upholding the generational oath - from generation to generation - to defend the homeland, to maintain Israel's freedom, to ensure the existence of the nation.

Upon accepting a role, it is customary to say - We are entering the role with great awe, understanding the magnitude of the responsibility.' After October 7th, this statement has taken on a much more significant meaning. Starting tomorrow - you are returning to the ships and to the submarines. I am confident and trust that the magnitude of the challenge is clear, I am confident and aware that the weight of the responsibility is present.

The challenge is also clear to us. We are learning, drawing lessons, and improving all the time in order to continue providing complete maritime security for the people of Israel."