An Cosantóir

| 25 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE of a team that travelled to NZ to observe the opera- tion of this class of vessel and to determine how they would integrate into the Irish Navy and ensure we deliver our essential roles to the State. What has been your most challenging moments so far in your career? I would have encountered the most challenging period in the navy as a young married man, when I had to leave my two young children behind when I was heading to sea on patrol. I was fortunate to have spent the first two years of each of my children's lives at home with them. However, I was compelled to spend the subsequent two years at sea. It was exceed- ingly difficult to leave them. My wife and I planned our family in conjunc- tion with my sea rotation to spend the first two years at home with both of our children. The situation became somewhat more manageable at that time, as the children were slightly older each time I returned from sea. I am convinced that my wife's assistance was indispensable in my pursuit of this profession. What has been the most valuable lesson being into the DF has taught you? As an eighteen-year-old, I would have been quite reserved. I would have lacked a small amount of confidence, a lesson that I have since acquired. The Potential NCO Course changed me. The course instils in you the confidence to address a class and deliver a lesson, as well as give you the ability to speak in public. This is a life skill that you will have for the rest of your life, and not just something that is beneficial to the Navy or the DF. We dedicate five and a half months to a course that is essentially a character-building course for new NCOs. It essentially prepares you for life in service and outside it. What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self? Well, the advice I would have given myself at the age of 18 would have been to stay an additional year in school and complete my Leaving Cert. I believe you need the Leaving Certificate results at some stage in your life, maybe to pursue a trade or different career. I did return in the 1990s and successfully completed my Leaving Cert. However, it is undoubtedly more convenient to remain in school and complete the task at that time rather than returning to it later in life and trying to balance work, family time and education. What's your favourite thing about being in the Naval Service? The individuals with whom I work with are undoubtedly my favourite thing about being in the Naval Service. Fortunately, a significant number of them continue to serve alongside me to this day. It is the individuals you encounter over the years, the diverse personalities, and the lifelong com- panions you make. They are genuinely real friends for life. Additionally, I am particularly fond of the job's diversity. The Navy offers a multitude of opportunities. Also, the assistance provided in the event of an unforeseen circumstance are invaluable. Those supports are not always available in civilian life, where there is often a disconnect between the employer and the employee. I believe you are more highly regarded and supported in the DF. Plus, it is good fun! What is your favourite quote? "Amateurs train until they get it right, but professionals train until they can't get it wrong" You worked in New Zealand with the IPV's, can you tell us what that experience was like? It was a wonderful experience. I had never anticipated visiting New Zea- land on the opposite side of the world. However, when this opportunity presented itself, I was delighted to travel to that location. The general region bears a striking resemblance to Ireland. A significant number of individuals in that region exhibit characteristics similar to those of the Irish. The Irish Navy is comparable in size to the RNZN. Consequently, we shared a great deal in common. I found the task that we were assigned to perform in NZ to be really enjoyable. It was certainly not a tourist experience or a holiday. We were housed in Newport, a town on the outskirts of Auckland, where we worked daily on the two IPVs, acquiring a comprehensive understanding of their systems and a deep understand- ing of their capabilities. Since we returned to Ireland and the ships were delivered to the Navy, it was our responsibility to train our people on how to manage and operate the ships. That was a significant obligation but one I embraced and enjoyed. From your time at FORST (Fleet Operational Readiness Standards and Training) what new standards and initiatives were recently implemented? FORST is accountable for maintaining the operational standards and training of the naval fleet. It comprises of approximately a team of ten individuals and reports to the Officer Commanding Naval Operations (OCNOC). The FORST team ensure ships and crew are at a standard that is safe to proceed to sea and undergo Maritime Defence and Security Operations (MDSO). FORST set standards on ships evolutions and moni- tor ships performing a wide range of tasks, including deck evolutions, firefighting and damage control, Replenishment at Sea (RAS), towing operations, naval gunnery shoots, navigation, and medical care, to men- tion a few. During my tenure, FORST would have implemented a new line throwing system, towing system and new life jackets. In sports gear on LÉ Aisling SCPO MCCormack and the team on the IPV's Chilling with the IPV team At Man of War bay at anchor

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