Page 3 - Signal Winter 2019

Vol 17 Issue 2 Winter 2019
COVER:
The L.E. Samuel Beckett, one of the new-generation P60 class of Offshore Patrol Vessels.
Cover image courtesy of A-Seaman Davy Jones (NS Photographer)
EDITOR:
Ruairi Kavanagh
CONSULTING EDITORS:
Comdt (Ret’d) Conor Lynch Comdt Conor King
DESIGN AND LAYOUT:
Marjolaine Gonet
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT:
Alan Donnelly
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Peter Shaughnessy Irish Air Corps Department of Defence Defence Forces Press Office Ben Kelly
Capt Justin Barry A-Seaman Davy Jones (NS Photographer)
Comdt (Ret’d) Declan Daly
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RACO OPINION
Association General Secretary Conor King looks back on a challenging and eventful year for both RACO and the Defence Forces . . . . . . . . . .
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HIGH LEVEL IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
A look at Government’s high-level plans to address the remuneration
and retention crisis within the Defence Forces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SLÁNDÁIL 2020
A look at the Slándáil security and defence conference which is scheduled for next February and promises a deep analysis of the nation’s resourcing requirementsandpoliciesintermsofstatesecurity. . . . . . . . . . . . .
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. . . . . . . .
SIGNAL hears from Executive Officer (XO) LT (NS) Brian Smith on this unique and the myriad of functions it covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SIGNAL talks to Lt Cdr David Lyons, OiC Naval Dockyard,
about his role in managing the naval flotilla’s base at Haulbowline . . . . . . .
We talk to Naval Lieutenant Cian Ryan, Marine Engineering Officer aboard the LE George Bernard Shaw. Lt Ryan was also heavily involved in the build and delivery of this new vessel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ON THE BRIDGE
FIRST OFFICER
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SHORESIDE
MARINE ENGINEERING
BENEATH THE WAVES
The work of the Naval Service Diving Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A TRADITION & A FUTURE
SIGNAL talks to Lt Cdr (Ret’d) about his career in the Naval Service
and his view of the current challenges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ARQ
We talk to former naval officers who have set up a bespoke engineering business and how their military careers and skills learned continue to benefit them . . . . .
RACO BIENNIAL DELEGATE CONFERENCE 2019
RACO held its BDC in September at Killashee Hotel in Naas. Report and photos .
INSIDE THE EAS
Commandant (Ret’d) Declan Daly provides a fascinating insight into the work
of the EAS in this extract from his book on the subject . . . . . . . . . .
Commandant (Ret’d) Cathal Berry gives his views on the current retention and morale issues in the Defence Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Captain Justin Barry gives a snapshot of the UAVs currently operating with the Defence Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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THE THIN GREEN LINE
EYE IN THE SKY
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