Navy’s newest recruits set sail

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.

A total of 19 men and two women, representing nine different counties, took the salute from Captain James Robinson (DSM), Officer Commanding Naval Operations Command, at their passing-out parade in Haulbowline, Co Cork, yesterday.

Among them was Karl Malone, 20, from Cobh, Co Cork, who was making it a family affair. His father Robert, a petty officer, and two brothers Gareth, 24, and David, 22, are also in the Navy.

“I had a great-grandfather in the Air Corps and an uncle in the Army. So I’m keeping up a strong military tradition,” Karl said.

The recruits completed a 16-week training course which included time at sea, physical education, parade training, weapons training, sea survival, seamanship and basic military skills

When they return to the Naval College after a short break they will undergo specialised training in their chosen areas of information and communications technology, logistics, seamanship, or marine engineering.

On completion of these courses, they will be ready to take up appointments on any of the eight operational ships.

The thoughtful recruits also raised 12,000 for Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin and the Mick O’Connell Fund.

The passing-out parade routine included a special drill display, the highlight of which was the class members forming themselves into the shape of an anchor.

James Lahive from Church St, Cork, won the best recruit award, while Patrick Foley from Midleton, Co Cork, was deemed to have the best kit.

It was a clear sweep for the county, with best shot going to Hayden Walsh from Shanagarry and best shot on the general purpose machine gun awarded to Anthony O’Beirnes from Cobh.