An Cosantóir

7 100TH ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE TO THE IRISH AIR CORPS As Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, it is my privilege to contribute to this special edition of An Cosantóir magazine, which celebrates the contribution of the Irish Air Corps to the people of this State for the past one hundred years. Since the establishment of the Irish Air Council in 1923 and the subsequent development of an air capability, the Air Corps has been a key com- ponent of Ireland's security architecture and a tangible expression of our National sovereignty. I am extremely proud of the vital role the Air Corps plays in serving the Irish people. In the spirit of the Bremen flight in 1928, the Air Corps have always courageously and selflessly chal- lenged themselves to push the boundaries of their capability in fulfilling the roles assigned by Government. Throughout their 100 years, in con- ducting surveillance patrols, search and rescue missions, air ambulance flights and the myriad of other taskings, the Air Corps have consist- ently demonstrated a tradition of excellence. The foundation for this has been the commit- ment and professionalism of the men and wom- en who have served. Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Séan Clancy This has also been demonstrated in more recent times during the COVID-19 pandemic, when international aviation was all but grounded. The manner in which the Air Corps continued to fulfil their designated roles, while additionally supporting the National testing and vaccination programmes with flights, was a mark of their dedication and professionalism. During this challenging period, airmen and airwomen also supported their Army colleagues by providing flights for those rotating through peace sup- port operations in areas of conflict around the world. The selfless manner with which these recent challenges were met, reflects the spirit of the generations that proceeded and will surely inspire the next generation to make a difference in service. The Centenary of the Air Corps also provides an opportunity to reflect on the future. The Air Corps has had significant investment and modernisation of its fleet. The recent acquisi- tion of the PC-12 fleet has greatly enhanced the capability of the Air Corps and I congratulate all those involved from the Air Corps, the wider Defence Forces and the Department of Defence, who brought this significant project to a conclu- sion. I would also like to commend the work cur- rently being undertaken to replace the CN235's and procure additional rotary-wing aircraft. I look forward to the significant enhancement of capability these projects and the Commission on the Defence Forces will bring to the Air Corps to tackle the future challenges that surely lie ahead. An occasion like the Centenary also gives us pause to reflect and remember those who have gone before us. I want to take this opportunity to remember our former Air Corps colleagues, who are no longer with us. I wish, in particularly, to remember those who have died in the service of the State. Our thoughts and prayers are al- ways with them, their families and their friends. Their contribution to the Air Corps, the Defence Forces and the State will never be forgotten. In conclusion, I would like to thank every mem- ber of the Irish Air Corps for their continued professionalism, loyalty and devotion to duty. As we face the next 100 hundred years, I have no doubt that the serving men and women will meet the challenges encountered with the same spirit and courage by all those who have gone before.

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