Naval service excels in exercise

Exercises continuing off the Cork coast have demonstrated the professionalism of the naval services, Commodore Mark Mellett said yesterday.

He said the thee-day Exercise Rua “has provided an excellent opportunity for the naval fleet to be fully exercised across the full spectrum of maritime operations”.

RUA, the flag officer commanding the Naval Service said, was a shorthand for the strategic vision for the Defence Forces: “We seek to be continuously Relevant, Useable, and Adaptable to the State.

“The work of the men and women on the LÉ Niamh has once again demonstrated to me the immense professionalism of the naval service and has epitomised the enduring high standards across the entire fleet.”

Poor weather conditions in recent days slightly hindered some of the exercises, which conclude today off Cork Harbour.

The annual fleet operations are geared to test and enhance the naval service’s operational readiness. Naval officers practiced armed boarding parties, fire fighting, search and rescue drills and conventional naval manoeuvres.

The air corps was due to perform helicopter winching operations yesterday, but could not take part due to poor visibility and heavy fog.

Seven navy vessels are involved in Exercise Rua — LÉ Eithne, LÉ Niamh, LÉ Ciara, LÉ Aisling, LÉ Róisín, LÉ Emer, and LÉ Aoife — with an average of 40 members on each.