Dominican Navy sends off midshipmen for Summer 2024 Training Cruise

Santo Domingo.- The Navy of the Dominican Republic held a farewell ceremony for the National Training Cruise for Midshipmen “Summer 2024” at the Sans Soucí Naval Station.

A total of 59 midshipmen (46 men and 13 women) will embark on this journey aboard the Coast Guard vessels “Altair” (GC-112) and “Canopus” (GC-107), as well as the flagship of the Dominican Republic Navy, the High Altitude Patrol Boat “Almirante Didiez Burgos” (PA-301).

During the 18-day cruise, the midshipmen will visit five national ports, applying the knowledge they acquired at the “Vice-Admiral César De Windt Lavandier” Naval Academy.

Vice Admiral Gustavo Betances Hernández, Vice Minister of Defense for Naval and Coastal Affairs, represented the Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General Carlos Luciano Díaz Morfa, ERD, at the ceremony. He was joined by prominent members of the naval high command, including the Commander General of the Navy, Vice Admiral Agustín Morillo Rodríguez, Major General Francisco A. Ovalle Pichardo, ERD, rector of the National Defense University (UNADE), and the Coordinating General Staff of the institution.

Vice Admiral Agustín Morillo Rodríguez emphasized the importance of this training exercise, stating that it will enable the midshipmen to test their capabilities in various areas under the supervision of their instructors. This experience is crucial for developing practical skills in navigation, teamwork, and leadership.

“This training cruise symbolizes the spirit of commitment and patriotism that characterizes our Navy. We are confident that these future officers will return more prepared and strengthened, ready to serve our nation with honor and courage,” said Vice Admiral Morillo Rodríguez.