Page 13 - Signal Winter 2019

On The Bridge
SIGNAL talks to Lieutenant Commander Mike Brunicardi, commander of the LE James Joyce, about the potential of the new P60 craft and the challenges and rewards of life with the Naval Service.
I joined the Naval Service as a Cadet in September 2001, as a member of the 41st Naval Cadet Class. Following my Cadetship I was commissioned as Ensign in 2003. This then led me to USAC to complete my Honours Bachelor of Science in Earth and Ocean Science. In 2006, I completed my Naval Watch Keeping qualification and took up my first posting as a qualified Officer. At sea, I have filled the appointments of Gunnery Officer, Navigation Officer, Executive Officer and currently I am Officer Commanding L.E. James Joyce. While posted ashore I have worked in the National Fisheries Monitoring Centre as Database Manager and Training Officer, Staff Officer in Naval Headquarters, and both the Staff Officer and OiC of the Naval Operations Command Centre. My last appointment before rotating back to sea in January 2019 was OiC of the Officer Training School in the Naval College.
What is your current role and how does the position rotate in terms of sea and land-based appointments?
My current appointment is Officer Commanding (OC) L.E. James Joyce, and I have command responsibility for a crew of forty five personnel, across all ranks and departments. This appointment commenced for me in January 2019, having spent three years ashore since my last sea rotation. The Naval Service where possible tries to maintain a two years out (at sea), two years ashore policy. Throughout the history of the Navy this has not always been the case, but experience has shown that this model works for the NS and tries to accommodate the needs of its personnel. I currently command personnel who have to do extended sea time due to personnel shortages (due to both recruitment and retention issues in different departments and
ranks). This is a leadership challenge for me as a Commanding Officer, and I must ensure that these personnel are supported and given clarity and certainty in their appointments and proposed rotation ashore dates. The single point of failure for any operational unit is its personnel, therefore, a ships company are critical, as without them we cannot put to sea. Communication is a key enabler for me as OC, and routine briefings provide a platform to inform the crew about the patrol plan, to provide updates on higher command’s intent, and most importantly, for me to listen to the crew and provide clarity on any issues or grievances they may have.
What are the best aspects of your role and what have particular career highlights been to date?
I’ve been lucky to enjoy a diverse and challenging career, and I would have to view my current role as OC L.E. James Joyce as being a career highlight to date. It has always been a personal ambition to have the privilege of commanding an operational unit. Experience has shown that while every day is a challenge, it is highly rewarding to work with a fantastic crew of diverse and talented personnel from across the island of Ireland and the EU. Reflecting on career highlights, there have been a few stand-out moments.
In 2014, during my time as Executive Officer on-board LE Niamh, I was the OiC of the Naval Boarding Team that interdicted the Sailing Vessel “Makayabella”, which was carrying 290 million euro of cocaine bound for the Irish and European Markets. This Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre for Narcotics (MAOC-N) Intelligence led operation was coordinated by the Joint Task
| ON THE BRIDGE |
Mr Josh Rylah, Harbour Master (at Port of London Authority) and Lt Cdr Michael Brunicardi (OC L.E. James Joyce)
| WINTER ‘19 | | 13