139th Naval Officer Candidate Class Begins Training ... Officers Equipped with Intelligence, Character, and Courage

Eighty-three Naval Academy officer candidates have set sail on their journey to become naval officers equipped with intelligence, character, and courage.

The Naval Academy held the 139th Naval Officer Candidate Entrance Ceremony on the morning of September 23 at Ungpo Auditorium, Naval Academy, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongnam.

The 139th Naval Officer Candidate Entrance Ceremony is being held at Ungpo Auditorium, Naval Academy, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongnam. Photo by Lee Seryeong

The 139th class, which enlisted on September 15, consists of 62 male and 21 female officer candidates. During the entrance ceremony, they expressed their aspirations, saying, "I will not give up," "I will do my best," "I will see it through to the end," and "I will give my all."

Having enlisted on September 15, these candidates will undergo a three-phase, ten-week training program starting with this entrance ceremony. The phases include soldierization, officerization, and navalization.

The soldierization phase, conducted during weeks 2 to 7, includes activities such as marching training, combat swimming, Marine Corps field training, and field education that covers shooting, CBR (chemical, biological, and radiological) training, and basic guerrilla warfare exercises.

During the officerization phase in weeks 8 and 9, the focus is on developing the basic qualities, sense of honor, and inner leadership required of junior officers. As part of this, the candidates participate in an "Honor Run," covering 13.9 kilometers to symbolize their commissioning class, 139.

In the navalization phase during weeks 10 and 11, the candidates enhance their understanding and sense of belonging to the Navy through visits to major naval units and ships, as well as meetings with senior officers.

The 139th class of Naval Academy cadets are saluting the battalion commander during the entrance ceremony held at Ungpo Auditorium, Naval Academy, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongnam. Photo by Lee Seryoung

Upon completing all phases of the program, the officer candidates will be commissioned as ensigns on December 1, following their commissioning ceremony on November 28.

Lieutenant Colonel Noh Seunggyun, Commander of the Officer Education Battalion, said, "There will be fierce storms and high waves ahead of you before you reach the port of commissioning, but do not be afraid. I look forward to seeing every member of the 139th class of officer candidates proudly commissioned as naval officers, with not a single dropout."

He added, "I wish for the health and strong success of all officer candidates. You are the Republic of Korea Navy, and you are the Republic of Korea."

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