Officers get their seal of approval

THE Defence Forces’ top brass were present at Haulbowline naval base yesterday to watch the latest group of young officers being commissioned.

Minister for Defence Tony Killeen, was accompanied to the commissioning ceremony by the Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) of the Defence Forces, Major General Ralph James, and the Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service, Commodore Frank Lynch.

Mr Killeen inspected a guard of honour and then watched as five naval cadets, representing counties Cork, Antrim and Galway, were commissioned as sub lieutenants and ensigns.