THIRTEEN non-commissioned Naval Service officers made history yesterday when they became the first members of the Defence Forces to be presented with degrees at the National Maritime College.

SIX naval cadets were commissioned yesterday in the presence of Minister for Defence Willie O’Dea.

EVEN though Roberta O’Brien grew up almost 100 kilometres from the nearest coastline, it hasn’t stopped the Tipperary native from making history with the Irish Naval Service.

IT was anchors away for the Navy’s 21 newest recruits, including one young man who proudly followed his father and two brothers into the service.