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Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Mr. Paul Kehoe, T.D., attends Naval Service Commissioning Ceremony of the 55th Naval Service Cadet Class
Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Mr. Paul Kehoe T.D., this afternoon (Friday 14 July 2017) attended the Naval Service Commissioning Ceremony of the 55th Naval Service Cadet Class at the Naval Base, in Haulbowline, Co. Cork.
Speaking at the Commissioning Ceremony, Minister Kehoe congratulated the newly commissioned officers and remarked that “As officers of the Defence Forces, each of you has chosen a very challenging and demanding career. It is one that is also very fulfilling and rewarding. I earnestly hope that you all will enjoy the many positive and enjoyable aspects of military life.”
Minister Kehoe paid tribute to the staff of the Naval College for their work in preparing and training the new officers “They deserve a special mention for the care and dedication, which they brought to the task of developing and nurturing these fine young people for their future careers. The fruits of their labour stand before us today and they can be proud of the good work they have done”.
The Minister also paid tribute to the families and friends of the members of the 55th Naval Service Cadet Class for their support and encouragement.
Earlier today L.É. William Butler Yeats under the command of her captain, Lieutenant Commander Eric Timon, departed the Naval Base, Haulbowline, en route for the Mediterranean. L.É. William Butler Yeats will replace L.É. Eithne in the area of operations.
Minister Kehoe met with the Captain and crew before the departure. The Minister commented “I want to wish Lieutenant Commander Eric Timon and each and every member of the crew of L.É. William Butler Yeats a safe and successful mission. The migrant crisis in the Mediterranean continues to be of great concern to Ireland and to our EU partners. You are travelling to the Mediterranean with my best wishes and with those of the rest of the nation”.
Note for the Editor
Government and Dáil approval was secured earlier this week for the Naval Service deployment under Operation Pontus to transfer to the UN mandated, EU Naval Operation in the Mediterranean EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia. The Triple Lock mechanism of UN, Government and Dáil approval is therefore in place and the transfer will take place at the appropriate juncture following the necessary preparatory work, which may take up to two months.