Brothers-in-arms among newest navy recruits

THERE was some friendly sibling rivalry in the ranks yesterday as “‘brothers-in-arms” were among 37 naval recruits who took part in a passing-out parade at Haulbowline.

Brendan Rogers, 19, and his 24-year-old brother, Anthony, were part of one of the largest recruit classes ever trained by the navy.

The brothers’ father, and some uncles, had also served in the navy.

And with the pair being from the harbour town of Cobh, their career choice came as a no surprise to their family.

Brendan admitted that some sibling rivalry existed. “Sometimes it would push you further to do better,” he said.

Both men said they were looking forward to lengthy careers in the service and both have ambitions to teach recruits.

The passing-out parade was reviewed by Commander Mark Mellett, Commandant of the Naval College, and attended by Commodore Frank Lynch, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service.

The graduates, two of whom were women, ranged in age from 18 to 25.

“These young men and women represent the future direction of the Naval Service,” said Cmdr Mellett.

“In addition to the traditional recruit training, they were the first class to complete naval boarding training, preparing them from an early stage in their careers and for dangerous operations at sea similar to the successful Operation Seabight which saw the capture of 1.7 tonnes of cocaine off the south-west coast last year.”

The recruit class was named after John Barry (1745 –1803) who was an officer in the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War and later in the US Navy.

He is often credited as being “The Father of the American Navy”. He was born in Tacumshane, Co Wexford.

The recruits were given five months of extensive training, which included weapons training, foot drill, arms’ drill, personal survival training, damage control and fire-fighting along with first aid.

They have also spent time at sea onboard the following vessels LE Eithne, LE Aoife, LE Emer and LE Aisling.