An Cosantóir

11 100TH ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE TO THE IRISH AIR CORPS A Chaidre, It is a great honour as Uachtaráin PDFORRA to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Air Corps, and reminisce with great pride on the rich, varied, brave and some tragic history of the service. It is at times like these that we remember all those who have lost their lives in service to our nation, especially the tragedy at Tramore in 1999 where 4 Air Corps members lost their lives while carrying out mankind's greatest act of compassion, risking all so that others might live. Since its formation in 1922, our Air Corps has progressed through time and technology from post WW1 "Stringbag" aircraft at the birth of our nation to the cutting-edge technology of our modern day Pilatus PC-12 ISTAR aircraft and soon to arrive Airbus Military C295 maritime patrol aircraft. The Air Corps has carried out a huge variety of roles throughout its history, including Search and Rescue for 40 years, no less than fourteen Distinguish Service Medals and other meritorious awards were awarded to air crew members who risked their lives in the pursuit of the ideals of the international Search and Rescue Motto "That Others Might Live / Go Mairidis Beo". Martin Keane President PDFORRA The first Air Ambulance in 1964 which was carried out by an Alloutte III helicopter which has developed into the dedicated Emergency Aeromedical Service (EAS) based in Custume Barracks, Athlone. In 1991, maritime patrols were extended to up to 8 hours and an operational radius in excess of 850 miles, when the dedicated maritime patrol aircraft CASA 235 were introduced to the service to patrol Irelands Exclusive Economic Zone out to 200 nm. In 1997, the Air Corps provided support to the Garda Air Support Unit. In addition, the Air Corps performed resupply flights to overseas missions with personnel and stores, aerial and ground photography, transportation of government Ministers and officials throughout the world, Aid to Civil Power and support to Army and Naval operations. The Air Corps looks forward to expanding its role with its new ISTAR capacity and to the future, what the Commission on the Defence Forces may bring. Air Corps personnel have constantly featured in Defence Forces overseas missions culminating in 2008 when Air Corps personnel filled the first Air Corps specific appointments in the Bn HQ S3/S5 Operations / Planning Cell on the EUFOR TChad and subsequent UN MINURCAT missions. As the Air Corps history evolved, so too has representation which through leadership, courage and collaboration between all stake- holders in the defence community, helps achieve better outcomes for all involved. As members of today's Air Corps, you represent the very best of Óglaigh na hÉireann and we are proud to represent you. A debt of gratitude is also owed to the families and loved ones of members, who continue to play a vital role in seeing the Air Corps takes its place on the world stage. So, to finish, I would to like to congratulate and commemorate all members of the Air Corps past and present. The diverse nature of the Air Corps' missions, continues to attract talented young Irishmen and women to an interesting and challenging career. The Air Corps motto is just as apt today as it was 100 years ago, "FORFAIRE AGUS TAIRISEACHT" "Vigilance and Loyalty"

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