Congratulations to the Graduates of the 39/19 Basic Specialisation Course 1

"Your training doesn't end here. Hone your skills as a team and as a ship because that is how we fight as warriors of the navy." - ME7 Koh Cheok Wei, Commander Naval Military Expert Institute

Congratulations to the graduates of the 39/19 Basic Specialisation Course 1! While their navy journey is only just beginning, we recognise their hard work and effort thus far, and we celebrate this milestone with them. BZ!

The navy looks forward to seeing you grow onwards and upwards!

Commander NMI (second from right) with the best trainees for 39/19 BSC1: (from L to R) ME1 Rayner Tan (Electrical and Control Systems), PTE Magnus Lim (Supply), and ME1 Clement Chin (Weapon Systems - Control). BZ to all the best trainees!

ME1 Howard Tan was a non-swimmer before he joined the navy. With sheer determination, guidance from the swimming instructor, and unwavering encouragement from his peers, ME1 Tan learnt the basics and gained his confidence as a swimmer.

His newfound swimming skills were soon put to the test when the trainees had to complete the Aquaton, a 1km swim followed by a 5km run, at the end of the 5-day Summative Exercise (SUMEX).

It was tough.

While almost all of his peers had nearly completed the 5km run, ME1 Tan was still trying to finish the swim. But he never gave up. Under close supervision, ME1 Tan slowly but steadily finished lap after lap. Even after completing the swim, ME1 Tan told the instructors that he wanted to complete the 5km run. So what did the instructors and his peers do? They ran alongside him to complete the Aquaton together!

"My instructor ME3 Toh Yew Wan (pictured right) is a role model to me. He motivates us with words of encouragement, shares his past shipboard experiences, and inspires us with his positive mindset."

Like most regulars, the navy is ME1 Lim Jun Cheng's first full-time job. Even though he had prior experience working part-time, ME1 Lim can already see the difference between those part-time jobs and his current profession.

"It is not an ordinary 9-to-5 job. If we are called to respond, be it any time or any day of the week, we sail. I am excited about what lies ahead after BSC1."