LAS CALDERAS, PERAVIA – In a significant event for the nation’s maritime defense, the Dominican Republic Navy celebrated the graduation of 272 cadets on Saturday, January 17. The ceremony, held at the prestigious Las Calderas Naval Base—renowned as the cornerstone of the country’s naval training—marked the culmination of an intensive six-month program designed to enhance the Navy’s operational capabilities.
Presiding over the proceedings was Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, ERD, the Minister of Defense. In his official capacity, he administered the formal oath of service, officially integrating the new cohort into the active ranks of the Navy. The event also featured Vice Admiral Juan B. Crisóstomo Martínez, Commander General of the Navy, who personally presented the top graduate award.
Captain José Agustín José Vásquez, Director of the Naval Training Center, detailed the rigorous curriculum that blended academic instruction, technical expertise, and military discipline. He underscored the core values instilled in every graduate: discipline, honor, and unwavering loyalty, which form the bedrock of their future careers.
Special recognition was accorded to Cadet Brayni Rodríguez Rodríguez, who was distinguished as the Honorary Graduate for her exceptional academic achievements and exemplary conduct throughout the training. The newly minted sailors, now specialists in diverse fields including marine infantry, mechanics, electricity, communications, computer science, nursing, and logistics, are set to be deployed across various institutional services.
The graduation was attended by a host of civil and military dignitaries, alongside proud family members. The formal event concluded with a religious blessing, symbolizing the collective pride in the graduates’ commitment to serving and strengthening the Dominican Republic and its Armed Forces.