Page 19 - Signal Winter 2019

First Officer
SIGNAL talks to the Executive Officer (XO) of the LE George Bernard Shaw, LT (NS) Brian Smith about his work as XO on one of the Naval Service’s newest vessels and the challenges therein.
Having qualified as a Naval Bridge Watch-keeping Officer in 2011, I spent two years onboard LÉ Ciara as Navigation and Communications Officer.
Returning ashore in March 2013, I took up an appointment as 2 I/C Naval Communications Centre. During this appointment, I completed a number of courses related to my role, including the International Signal Communications Officers Course in HMS Collingwood UK, as well as an MSc in Communications Technology Management in conjunction with the Defence Forces CIS Corps. In 2015, I returned to sea as Navigation, Communications and Gunnery Officer onboard LÉ Orla. In September 2016, I returned ashore to work as 2 I/C Naval Computer Centre.
In June 2018, I got the opportunity to take up the role of XO Desig P64 (LÉ George Bernard Shaw).
What is your current role and how does the position rotate in terms of sea and land-based appointments?
My current role is Executive Officer and 2 I/C LÉ George Bernard Shaw. Having commenced my appointment during the ships build phase in June 2018, I am due to rotate ashore in June 2020, having completed two years in the appointment.
What are the best aspects of your role and what have particular career highlights been to date?
The best aspect of my current role is having the flexibility to run the unit internally. Operating on the instructions of the ships Officer Commanding (Captain), I have the flexibility to run the unit as I see fit in order to achieve his Command Aim. This flexibility allows me to adapt to situations as they arise, and implement solutions to achieve the overall aim. This of course is made much easier by the dedicated and competent staff onboard, who collectively have ensured the ship achieved Operational Capability since the ship was returned to Ireland in October 2018 following construction in Appledore UK.
The highlights of my appointment so far has been the visit of An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD onboard for a two day sea acquaint, which gave us as a Naval Service, the opportunity to showcase the day to day work we do over the horizon. This was a positive and engaging experience which was embraced by all onboard.
What are the unique aspects of the XO position and what are its particular challenges?
As the ships XO, everything the ships does or fails to do is your responsibility. Therefore by its broad nature, the role provides conflicting demands and all decisions must be made with due consideration to the effect they will have on all departments on board.
The role requires you to have knowledge of all matters affecting the ships Operation Capability but you must also be conscious that you cannot get too involved in all matters. It is difficult at times to withdraw your attention on a specific issue, however, the
experienced Officer and NCO staff onboard keep you appraised as situations develop allowing you to have more of a “big picture” mentality in an oversight capacity.
Have these challenges been exacerbated by the retention crisis (ignore if this is an awkward question)?
The role of XO deals with all personnel related matters, in particular the adequate manning of the ship. While the retention crisis has posed some issues for the Naval Service as a whole, forward projection of potential manning issues onboard usually results in solutions to issues before they arise. To this end, our Unit has remained fully operational despite challenges in terms of retention of personnel.
What has the acquisition of new vessels meant for career opportunities for Officers such as yourself in terms of career opportunities.
The acquisition of new vessels have made the service much more attractive from a career perspective, both in terms of technology advancement of the new vessels but also the exceptional standard of cabins and recreational facilities onboard.
For an Officer in the Service, how do you feel career progression opportunities could be refined and improved? Are there any particular training or learning opportunities that could be examined that would benefit both individuals and the Service as a whole?
Having joined in 2006, I feel like I have availed of considerable opportunities thus far in my career, completing numerous courses and continuous education as well as serving in a wide range of appointments.
Greater exposure working with other Navies would most definitely be welcomed, and from speaking will colleagues that have spent time in the Mediterranean, the engagement with other Navies there has proved very positive in benchmarking ourselves against other such organisations.
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