2005-2006

News Release

REF NO.: 28

SUBJECT: Marine Institute and Canadian Navy to hold Graduation

DATE: September 22, 2005

The Canadian Navy will welcome 21 new marine engineering technicians into its ranks when the Marine Institute and the Canadian Forces Naval Engineering School, St. John’s, hold its Marine Engineering Technical Training Plan (METTP) graduation at 11 a.m., September 23 at the Canadian Forces Station St. John’s Drill Hall in Pleasantville.

Commander Robert Harvey, commandant of the Canadian Forces Naval Engineering School, Halifax, will be the guest of honour for the graduation ceremony.

The graduating class comes from Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. This province continues its strong representation in the navy with 12 Newfoundlanders heading to the fleet. The graduates will be moving to Halifax, NSor Esquimalt, BCfor further naval training prior to being assigned to naval ships sometime later this year.

The two-year METTP program trains naval recruits to operate, monitor, and maintain advanced propulsion systems in Canada’s navy. The Marine Institute will award technician diplomas to the graduates in marine engineering.

The relationship between Department of National Defence and the Marine Institute has been a success for both organizations since its establishment in 1992. With each passing year, more and more naval trainees complete their technical training at the Institute and continue on to successful careers in the navy. In any given year, approximately 150 naval trainees study at the Marine Institute.

The presence of the naval training in St. John’salso makes a significant economic contribution to the region. In 2002-03, over $11 million was generated in the region through spending.

The media is invited to attend the ceremony and speak with navy representatives and graduates.

- 30 -