Victory! Naval Recruit Class 689 Completes Training

Comprehensive Maritime Training, IBS, and Others: 1,328 Participants Completed

The Naval Education Command held a graduation ceremony on the 10th for the 689th class of naval recruits who enlisted on January 30 and completed six weeks of training.

The 1,328 graduates underwent physical training and completed ▲comprehensive maritime survival training ▲field education ▲Inflatable Boat Small (IBS) training ▲combat swimming, among other courses.

The Education Command operated a family rest area for the graduates' families attending the pre-ceremony event and arranged recruitment promotions, displays of combat uniforms and other clothing, as well as congratulatory performances by the military band and honor guard.

The ceremony, which began with the national pledge, included the chanting of the victory slogan, graduation report, award presentations, a speech by the commander, and the reading of thank-you letters to parents.

On this day, the national anthem was sung by five descendants of national veterans, including Private Jeong Ho-cheol, as representatives.

At the graduation ceremony of the 689th Navy Recruit Class at the Naval Education Command, Commander Lee Seong-yeol (right), Commander of the Naval Education Command, is awarding the Naval Education Commander's Medal to Private Kim Tae-wook.
[Photo by Naval Education Command]

During the award presentation, Private Kim Tae-uk received the Education Commander's Award, Private Seo Young-hwan received the Basic Military Training Unit Commander's Award, Private Kang Myung-hoon received the Cadet Commander’s Award, and Private Choi Min-sung received both the Recruit Training Battalion Commander’s Award and the Naval Battle Award.

Among the graduates were Privates Song Chae-ho and Seo Woo-won, who hold dual U.S. citizenship.

They collectively stated, “We enlisted in the Navy to live proudly as honorable Koreans.”

Private Song said, “I decided to serve in the Navy to fulfill my rightful duty as a citizen of the Republic of Korea,” adding, “I will do my best in the duties assigned to protect the homeland’s seas.”

At the graduation ceremony for the 689th Navy recruits held at the Navy Education Command parade ground, a recruit's family is celebrating the graduation. [Photo by Navy Education Command]

Private Kim Eun-jae, representing the 689th class, read a letter expressing the trainees’ determination and gratitude.

Private Kim said, “The 689th naval recruits enlisted with different backgrounds, thoughts, and personalities, but after six weeks of training, we are now comrades,” and added, “As strong naval warriors, we will scatter wherever the Navy calls and do our best for the nation and our families.”

Commander Lee Sung-yeol of the Education Command said, “The trainees have become elite sailors through overcoming physical and mental limits in cold weather,” and stated, “Now, the 689th naval recruits will overcome rough waves for the Republic of Korea and their loved ones and blossom as guardians of the homeland’s seas.”

Afterward, the 689th naval recruits will receive specialized training at various subordinate educational institutions of the Naval Education Command to enhance their expertise in their respective specialties, and then be assigned to their units for duty.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.