An Cosantóir

39 Sgt Leona Walsh and Cpl Ashley Stafford on duty with 102 Squadron Ms Sharon Commins reunited with her parents in Baldonnel after travelling home from Sudan on IRL251. 102 SQUADRON course, but I was conscious not to be too intrusive. I made sure to have recent magazines and newspapers to hand, as I thought after all that happened, it might be nice to catch up on things on the flight home. We didn't have to wait too long and thankfully the team arrived with Sharon Commins, following her successful release from captivity, and we were able to depart Sudan homebound for Ireland. We did have to stop off in Cairo again and at all times, as a crew, we did our best to make our primary passenger feel comfortable and secure. As we were getting closer to home, we got word that there would be a significant media presence in Baldonnel for our arrival. It was dark as we landed into Baldonnel and as the aircraft taxied into park, we could all see a fairly large gath- ering awaiting our passenger. I didn't accompany Sharon off the aircraft so we said our goodbyes at the steps as she made her way to the awaiting welcoming party. I re- member hoping that all would go well for her and I was so glad that we were able to play our part in getting her home safely. There are many things I love about my job, but it is particularly satisfying to be part of special missions like this and the experiences stay with you forever. " Libya Repatriation Flights February 2011 Sgt Leona Walsh – Chief Flight Attendant and NCO IC Passenger Terminal In early 2011, the political situation in Libya was deterio- rating badly in the context of the Arab Spring uprising and associated government responses, which were occurring at that time in the region. It was in this climate of threat and uncertainty that nations decided to take action to as- sist their citizens to leave Libya and be repatriated to their home countries. The sitting Government of Ireland decid- ed to take such action and so it was that the Air Corps was tasked as part of this mission. As a Flight Attendant serving in 102 Squadron, Sgt Leona Walsh was an integral part of the mission team. "We got word that the Gulfstream GIV aircraft was being deployed to assist in the Libya evacuation mission and I was part of the crew. There were already Air Corps aircraft positioned in Malta and we were going down there to assist and support them. I remember we departed from IRL258 parked outside the hangar at night, ready for departure.

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