In a bid to test Cadets fitness and swimming proficiency in a combat environment, the Nigerian Naval College Onne has conducted Ironman Exercise for the Nigerian Defense Academy’s cadets of 71 Regular Course undergoing midshipman training in the College.
The Ironman exercise is the maiden edition in the Nigerian Navy featured contests by the cadets in boat rowing (watermanship), 3km endurance jogging, obstacle crossing and combat swimming.
The exercise initiated by the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command is in line with the College drive to improve on its training mandate.
The Special Guest of Honour, the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu flagged off the exercise at the College waterfront. The cadets competed in 4 syndicates; syndicates A, B, C and D. They rowed for a distance of 400 meters, approximately 0.216 nautical miles.
They came alongside and immediately embarked on 3km running round the base and its environs. Subsequently, they run to cross the obstacle and proceeded to the NN Swimming Pool Onne where they swum 50 meters to the finish point using different strokes of their choice.
While emphasizing the importance of the exercise, Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu described the Navy as a unique arm of service because of its ability to conquer both the waters, the lands and the air as contained in the Nigerian Navy Maritime Strategy.
He said that the courage and capacity exhibited by the cadets is a testimony of what the Navy is. He described the Nigerian Navy personnel as special people capable of conquering all the environments stretching from the Exclusive Economic Zone to the backwaters.
He added that it is important for the cadets to know this capability at this stage of their training before they are commissioned as officers.
He stressed that having passed through the Ironman exercise they are ready for deployment everywhere onboard or ashore. This is because the exercise boosts their confidence and endurance to transverse the terrain and the capability to cross any obstacle before them.
He expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise and urged the Commandant of the College, Commodore Bob-Manuel Effiong to maintain the tempo. He described all the cadets as winners for their ability to carry themselves along to complete the race. He also thanked the corporate friends of the Nigerian Navy for their presence and friendship.
The climax of the event was presentation of prizes, awards and trophies to the deserving winners. The categories were; the Ironman, the iron lady overall best squadron in swimming and overall best squadron in watermanship and Ironman.
