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Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Mr. Paul Kehoe,T.D., Attends the Air Corps Commissioning Ceremony, of the 35th Air Corps Cadet Class at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel

The Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe today attended the Commissioning Ceremony of the 35th Air Corps Cadet Class at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.

 

The 35th Air Corps Cadet Class comprised of seven Cadets, James Brennan, Seán Curran, Fiachra McGoldrick, Ronan O’Leary, Eric Lawless, Daniel McKeown and Lauren Cusack. Lieutenant Cusack is the first female cadet to be commissioned into the Air Corps since 2004. All seven were commissioned as officers of the Permanent Defence Force, following the completion of their Cadetships. These seven officers will now continue on to complete their flight training to become flight officers.

 

Addressing the seven newly commissioned Air Corps officers, Minister Kehoe said: 

We stand here today with young leaders who through rigorous academic, practical and physical education training, have been determined suitable for commissioning as Officers of the Air Corps.

 

He went on to say:

The solemn oath you took today, to be faithful to the Irish State and to uphold the Constitution, marks you out from many other professions. Today’s ceremony is an important milestone in the education and training of the 35th Air Corps Cadet Class and represents the culmination of your cadetships which began in September2016. Standing before us are seven leaders who -through rigorous academic, practical and physical education training - have been determined suitable for commissioning as Officers of the Air Corps. Ladies and Gentlemen, the 35th Cadet Class is made up of seven young people from different backgrounds and experiences. These newly-commissioned officers will now complete their flight training, moving forward to receive their “wings”, which will mark another important milestone in their careers. I know I speak on behalf of everyone in Government when I wish them every success”

 

Minister Kehoe also acknowledged the staff of the Military College and the Flying Training School involved who prepared the cadets for duty as Air Corps officers:

The fruits of their labour stand before us today and they can be proud of the good work they have done.