An Cosantóir

8 It gives me great pleasure to be able to contribute to this special anniversary edition of An Cosantóir. This is a celebration for all of the men and women who have served since the foundation of our marine services over three quarters of a century ago. The Marine and Coastwatching Service was born in 1939 with an aim to protect Ireland's neutrality in the midst of World War II. Based at Haulbowline, the home of the Irish Navy, the service continued until 1946 when the Marine Service transitioned to the permanent maritime component of the Defence Forces. It is this historic moment in 1946 that we celebrate seventy-five years later, which gives us a chance to reflect on the achievements of the Naval Service and of the men and women who have served with honour and pride. It is apt that this year of celebration coincides with such a time of regeneration for the Navy. Investment in our fleet, on our island and in our resources is helping to future proof the service and prepare us for the years ahead. At this special time we can recognise the rich history that has gone before and prepare for the busy and exciting future ahead. The Naval Service is always moving forward, modernising, diversifying and becoming more relevant so as to be best suited to face the challenges of our island nation. Sitting on the periphery of Europe, dependent on the sea for the majority of trade, it is of utmost importance that sea lines of communication are protected and safeguarded. The Navy is responsible for patrolling an area over 10 times the size of Ireland's landmass. As the principle seagoing agency of the state, the Navy meets our National and International commitments on a daily basis. Conducting Maritime Defence and Security Operations, the Navy protects Ireland's interests at and from the sea through defending the State, Maritime Interdiction Operations, Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering and fishery protection while working closely with our National, European and International partners. For decades the personnel of the Naval Service have put their own safety second to fulfilling these duties and protecting the State and its inhabitants. Arms shipments onboard the MV Claudia and fishing vessel Marita Ann were intercepted in operations in the 1970s and 1980s. Ships crews answered the call in difficult and arduous conditions to rescue and recover those involved in events such as the Fastnet Disaster, the Air India Disaster, the HMCS Chicoutimi and the tragic loss of Coastguard Helicopter crew Rescue 116. From 2015 until 2018, the Navy rescued over 18,000 migrants in the Mediterranean as part of Operations Pontus and Sophia. Some of the largest drug shipments into Europe were either intercepted by the crews of the Naval Service; such as on the sailing vessels Dances with Waves and Makayabella, or Naval Service intelligence has been instrumental in their interception; such as in the recent case of the fishing vessel Odyssey. Most recently, the Navy was involved in supporting the HSE as part of Operation Fortitude in tackling the COVID19 pandemic, and in providing assistance in the wake of the HSE cyber security incident. The roles the men and women of the Navy undertake are as many as they are varied. Underpinning our achievements over the last seventy-five years has been our personnel and their families at home. I would like to take this opportunity to thank, not only those who have served in the Naval Service, but those who have supported them. The mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, family and friends who have held the fort at home, who have also sacrificed so that others could serve. This year is a celebration for all of you. COMMODORE MICHAEL MALONE FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING NAVAL SERVICE 75TH ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE TO THE IRISH NAVAL SERVICE FOCNS Commodore Michael Malone Flag officer Commanding Naval Service

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