An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 19 and Aidan Webster from 1 Bde Engr. The battalion is marshalled by RSM Mick Dillon, who is on his final trip overseas as he retires next year. The battalion consists of three manoeuvre companies, A Coy (111 Finnish and Estonian), B Coy (108 Irish troops), and Recce Coy (80 Irish troops), supported at HQ by the Battal- ion Support Group comprised of 133 medical, logistics, engi- neering, transport, catering, CIS, and MP personnel. Not only is there an increase in Irish personnel in camp and on the OPs but there is also a significant increase in infrastructural and logistical support. The Irish transport fleet is increased to 30 vehicles, ten of these being armoured. Two Nicro- soft water treatment units and five 500 KVA generators have been installed in the camp and a new kitchen was constructed in October that produces 1,300 meals a day. After the briefing, the troops of 2-45 paraded for the transfer of authority ceremony, which was attended by the aforementioned dignitaries and Mr Ciaran Murphy, Asst Sec, DoD; Ms Audrey O'Reilly, Private Secretary to the Minister; Mr John Coughlan, Special Advisor to the Minister; and Ms Margaret O'Leary, ISDP Branch, DoD; representatives from the Finnish Embassy; Maj Gen- eral Jorma Ala–Sinkala, Chief of Staff, Army Command, Finland; unit commanders from Sector West; representatives of the LAF; and key leaders from the local communities. Before Commander Sector West completed the official transfer of authority the parade was addressed by OC FinnIrishBatt, Lt Col Vasio Vainio, who welcomed the distinguished guests to the ceremony for the transfer of authority from Finland to Ireland and the transfer of command from himself to Lt Col Howard. He then spoke about Ireland and Finland's long history of peacekeeping, with Finland starting in 1956 and Ireland two years later in 1958. He recalled that it was 2006 when Irish and Finnish troops first served together as a unit, in UNIFIL, and mentioned many of the places they have served together since then, such as the EUBG, KFOR, and Lebanon. In 2012 Finland and Ireland commenced service as a unit in Sector West and now the unit also has soldiers from Estonia, which, Lt Col Vainio said, put three countries with "highest peacekeeping standards". He said that all of this would not be possible without the co-operation of the LAF and the key community leaders. He finished by thanking the LAF for their co-operation and the Commander Sector West, Brig Gen Ugo Cillo, for his support, and wished Lt Col Howard every success with his new command. Brig Gen Cillo started his address to the parade by remem- bering the 47 Irish and 11 Finnish soldiers who gave their lives while peacekeeping in Lebanon, especially "at this time" the three Irish soldiers who were killed on Tibnine Bridge in 1982. He went on to say: "It is a great pleasure for me to attend, on behalf of the Force Commander, this transfer of authority parade and I wish to say goodbye to the FinnIrishBatt and welcome the IrishFinnBatt." Brid Gen Cillo also complimented both countries for their con- tribution to peacekeeping and for the way the outgoing unit had co-operated with the LAF and the local community to bring about a safe and secure environment. After wishing Lt Col Howard every success as OC IrishFinnBatt, he officially transferred command and authority to him by hand- ing over the UN flag. Lt Col Howard expressed his appreciation, saying: "It is an hon- our and a pleasure to command this IrishFinn battalion" The ceremony concluded with Brig Gen Cillo taking the salute from Irish, Finnish, Estonian and Fijian soldiers, who marched past to a great selection of Irish airs. Later that evening Minister Kehoe addressed the Irish soldiers at Post 2-45. He told them that it had been "an absolute pleasure to be present at the historic occasion of the transfer of authority" and that attending the march past in Donegal had been "a very proud moment" for him. He went on to say: "I am always impressed by what the Irish troops do. The local population say how grateful they are for the presence of the Irish in the area." He wished a "happy and prosperous Christmas" to those who would be staying in Lebanon and expressed his appreciation for "the commitment the Defence Forces give over Christmas". He fin- ished by wishing Lt Col Howard "a very successful tour of duty". An Cosantóir team would like to thank the members of 109 Inf Bn for the hospitality shown to them during their visit to post 2-45. It is an honour and a pleasure to command this IrishFinn battalion " " Sgt Maj Mick Dillon. Sgt Deckie Higgins, who is currently on his 12th Overseas trip. COS Vice Admiral Mark Mellett Signs the visitors book with Ambassador Cole and Minister Paul Kehoe TD. Able Seaman Aaron O'Connor, chatting with Minister of State Paul Keogh TD.

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