In the Shadow of War, 41 Cadets Finish the Naval Officers' Course

Full Translated Speech Given by Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi at the Ceremony:

"Commander in Chief of the Israeli Navy,
General Staff of the Israeli Navy,
Dear families,
Dear graduates,
Distinguished guests,

Twenty-eight months of one of the most unique and complex training programs in the IDF come to a successful conclusion today. Forty-one of our finest sons and daughters have proven with their hard work that they are fit and worthy of receiving the great responsibility that comes with command.

The journey to this moment, to this special occasion, was not easy. You were required to overcome numerous physical and mental challenges. You were required to think, decide, and act. At first watch and in the depths of the night, you set out on exhausting drills, you devoted yourselves to acquiring skills, and to strengthening readiness for war. Now, equipped with quality training and a determination to do good for the defense of the state, you will begin your journey as commanders in the Israeli Navy.

At the beginning of this journey, you would not have imagined that you would end it in such a complex reality – a reality of a multi-arena war. The IDF has been operating on land, in the air, and at sea for over one hundred and fifty days in multiple arenas, and has made significant achievements every day along the way toward achieving the war's objectives. We started at a difficult point and paid a heavy price in blood, but we regained our composure, and since then, the IDF has been operating with great determination for the future of our security and for the defense of our home.

Control over the maritime arena is essential for Israel's security: from securing Israel's economic waters, through protecting strategic assets, to striking the enemy's infrastructure, operatives, and maritime capabilities in arenas both near and far. These are just some of the central missions that the Israeli Navy is responsible for.

During the approval of operational plans, in the command centers, and at various headquarters, I observe the Israeli Navy's activities and feel great pride in the quality of its soldiers and the bravery of its commanders. Often, the power of the Israeli Navy integrates with the activities of the forces on land and in the air, enabling the IDF to carry out complex operations and activities beyond the imagination. The inter-branch collaboration amplifies the IDF's qualitative advantage in our challenging region.

One might ask how we continue to train during war and why we hold ceremonies. Training during war is twice as important as that of routine times. The IDF is required to continue to operate and develop its command ranks and to build up its force for future developments. We fight with strength in today's war and build the force with determination and skill for the challenges of the future. Here today, we paused for a moment to show our appreciation for you, graduates of the Naval Officers' Course.

This time period illustrates more than anything the great significance of the uniform and the responsibility upon your shoulders as commanders. You are now joining the fight and the command ranks in the IDF and are becoming, in practice, the protectors of the people and of the land.

Despite the many achievements in the war, we paid heavy prices and lost many commanders and soldiers. The entire IDF is committed to preserving the legacy of the fallen soldiers and to protecting the homeland. We will act in the same spirit of determination and dedication in which they operated, and ensure at all times that their sacrifice was not in vain. There is no way to do so other than to enlist for meaningful service, to wear the uniform and to be commanders.

From here, we also wish a complete recovery, in both body and in mind, to those wounded, and continue to do everything in our power to return all the hostages home.

Dearest families sitting in the audience, moved and proud of your sons and daughters. On the foundation you built, the wonderful men and women who today become officers and commanders were raised. You cast the mold of values in which they were shaped and developed and you were their compass and the mast in their sails. You have my great appreciation, dear families.

On this occasion, I want to thank you - the commanders of the course - for the professional training, for your devotion, and for your willingness to invest everything necessary for the shaping of the naval command ranks of the Israel Defense Forces.

Dear graduates, the end of the course is not the end, but the beginning of a challenging mission that comes with great demands and challenges. You have chosen to take upon yourselves the heaviest responsibility – responsibility to the mission and the people.

Wear the naval officer's badge with pride, carry out your missions with determination, and return home safely.

I am proud of you and I have faith in you.

Rise and sail, rise and succeed!"