The graduation ceremony for Naval Officers Course Batch 152 took place today (Wednesday) at the Navy base in Haifa. The ceremony was attended by the President of the State, Isaac Herzog, the Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the Commander of the Navy, Maj. Gen. David Saar Salama, the Commander of the Navy Training Base, Col. S., commanders, and soldiers.
The moving ceremony was held under the shadow of Operation ‘Lion’s Roar’, in which the cadets took an active part. 43 naval officers, including six female officers, completed the course. During the unique ceremony, which was held in a limited format, the Navy officer pins were revealed and the rank of Lieutenant was awarded to the graduates.
Throughout the course, the cadets of Batch 152 were integrated into various operational activities. As part of Operation ‘Lion’s Roar’, they joined the vessels on which they are to serve and participated in operational activities – covert and overt, in offense and defense – such as targeted assassinations, attacks on infrastructure in Lebanon, defense of the country’s skies, and more.
The course graduates received an academic degree in Political Science/Business Administration/Information Systems from the University of Haifa, and a skipper’s license.
From today onwards, the naval officers will join the command echelon of the Navy, serve as combat commanders on the various vessels of the force, and take part in the war effort.
The President of the State, Mr. Isaac Herzog, said: “We are gathered here today to honor the journey you have undertaken, on the path to the coveted rank and the respected title – naval officers in the Israeli Defense Forces Navy. I look at you, male and female officers, and I see the human anchor of Israel. Before me stands the Israeli mosaic, from all over the country, and from all walks of life. I look at you and feel the Israeli spirit that is already filling the sails.”
“We are in the midst of a campaign that will shape our future here, that will build new partnerships and establish Israel’s position as a port of strength and security,” the President continued. “I say here unequivocally, I am confident in the ability of the State of Israel to win. Let everyone consider what would have happened if we had postponed this campaign for a few years – it would have been much more challenging. And I am convinced of the righteousness of the campaign and its implications and outcomes.”
The Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, said: “We are in the midst of intense fighting, a multi-arena campaign that tests all our capabilities, and requires us to fight bravely to protect the country we have established.”
“The security and strategic reality is changing before our eyes. We are shaping a new security order with our own hands – at sea, on land, and in the air – which will ensure Israel’s victory,” the Chief of Staff continued. “The soldiers and commanders of the IDF are now ensuring Israel’s prosperity for future generations.”
“Today I visited the wounded IDF soldiers at the Rambam Medical Center. I saw the world’s best medical teams dedicated and fighting for the fate and future of each wounded soldier,” Lt. Gen. Zamir noted. “I want to take this opportunity to salute you, the medical teams, who also operate in times of war and danger – saving lives and strengthening social resilience. We will continue to walk alongside the wounded IDF soldiers, in body and soul, who fought with all their might and are now facing a new campaign of rehabilitation and recovery. We will be with them for whatever they need until their rehabilitation and recovery.”
“Dear male and female naval officers, the sea is a critical strategic space for the State of Israel. You are completing a demanding path today and joining the IDF command echelon at a historic moment. You have no time for learning and extended training periods. This is your time, you are required to lead your men and vessels in the face of combat challenges in order to fortify our sovereignty at sea,” said the Chief of Staff.
“Upon entering my role, I declared that the sea and space are the strategic depth of the State of Israel, and that we will strengthen the Navy as an additional long-range strategic arm,” Lt. Gen. Zamir recalled. “The threats against us are spreading deep. In the ‘Hosen’ multi-year plan, we will increase the Israeli naval fleet and expand its capabilities to operate with higher lethality and at greater ranges. In this war, we have also become aware of the depth of the connection between the Israeli Navy and the US Navy in the Middle East. This connection is vital and based on trust, capabilities, and mutual decision-making.”
“Salama, my friend,” the Chief of Staff addressed the Commander of the Navy, “this course is a very special point in time. This is the last completion of the naval officers’ course before your tenure ends. I wish to salute you and the way you have led our Navy in times of ebb and flow in the historical combat of the last two years. Raise anchor, go out to sea, sail safely, and continue to perform miracles for all the people of Israel. You are the ones who adhere to faith and determination – you will ensure victory.”
The Commander of the Navy, Maj. Gen. David Saar Salama, said: “37 officers and six female officers stand on the parade ground in a festive ceremony, in a unique graduation ceremony. And at the same time, in the combat zones along the borders, fighters carry the sword of Israel, fighters carry the spirit of courage and heroism to distant expanses.”
“In recent weeks, the IDF and the Navy within it have been acting with determination against the axis of regional threats, led by the regime in Iran. This is a complex and long struggle, a struggle for our right to live here in security. And in this struggle – the sea has a special role. It is not just a border – it is a space of strategic depth. A space of initiative, maneuver, and power. Above and below the surface of the sea, openly and also far from sight – we operate day and night. We guard Israel’s shipping lanes, protect the coasts and civilians, attack and thwart the enemy.”
“This evening encapsulates twenty-eight months of exceptional effort,” the Commander of the Navy added. “You have faced complex challenges, many tests, and embarked on a demanding journey of learning, experience, and leadership. You set out on a journey and completed one of the most challenging and significant courses in the IDF.”
“You were trained during wartime. From the beginning of the journey until this evening – the roar of cannons was heard. Training in wartime creates a natural connection between sea movements and theoretical study rooms, between a ship’s helm and a classroom board, between weapons and cannons and notebook pages. This is unique training, and in wartime it was even more intensified. Command at sea is the ability to lead people through uncertainty, through darkness, through a storm – with a moral compass that always points in the right direction,” Maj. Gen. Salama continued.
“Family members, you accompanied them along the way – through challenges and moments of success. You were a stable and supportive anchor from home and also the wind in their sails when needed,” the Commander of the Navy addressed the families. “Graduates of Batch 152, go forth and sail, you are the future. Carry the flag of victory and hope for the people of Israel across the seas, continue to strengthen the naval power of the State of Israel, and return safely to home port, good luck.”
Full speech of the Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir
Full speech of the Commander of the Navy, Maj. Gen. David Saar Salama