Navy ‘totally prepared’ for tough role in Operation Sophia

The crew of LÉ William Butler Yeats is fully trained and equipped to deal with a new role in Operation Sophia, according to the ship’s commander.

Before the vessel slipped out of Haulbowline yesterday, Lieutenant Commander Eric Timon said his 59-strong crew, which includes two Army medics, had been preparing for the mission since January and was involved in “particularly intensive training” during the past month.

“Today I’m deploying on the Operation Pontus humanitarian mission. Should there be any rehatting [by switching in mid-mission to Operation Sophia] we are totally prepared.”