Bulgarian Navy holds graduation ceremony for newest officer class in Varna

Thirty-five cadets from the "N. J. Vaptsarov" Higher Naval School in Varna have received their first officer ranks as part of the "April 2026" graduating class. The ceremony, held at the Varna Sea Garage, coincided with the 147th anniversary of the Bulgarian Navy.

Lieutenant Viktor Tsenov was the top graduate of the class, specializing in ship engines and mechanisms. The graduates completed five years of training in various specializations, including maritime navigation, communication and radio-technical systems, ship machinery, cyber operations, and mechatronics.

Bulgarian President and Supreme Commander Iliana Jotova presented the diplomas and epaulettes, noting that the new officers enter service during a period of significant challenges to national and regional security, specifically citing ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East and the strategic importance of the Black Sea region.