Press release
Naming And Commissioning Ceremonies For New Naval Service Vessel Lé William Butler Yeats
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
Today, An Taoiseach Mr. Enda Kenny, T.D. attended the naming and commissioning ceremonies for the new Naval Service ship, LÉ William Butler Yeats on Galway Quayside. He was accompanied by Minister with Responsibility for Defence Mr. Paul Kehoe, T.D. The naming ceremony was carried out by a member of the Yeats family.
In his address, An Taoiseach said that “It is a great pleasure for me as Taoiseach to welcome the new ship to the Naval Service Fleet as it commences what I am sure will be a long and productive career in service with the Defence Forces”.
He commended everyone involved in the build project of the ship. He particularly thanked the main contractor Babcock Marine Appledore, part of the Babcock International Group in the United Kingdom, members of the Naval Service and the Department of Defence and everyone who played a part leading to the arrival of this very impressive Naval Service vessel into Galway today.
An Taoiseach also said that “The naming and commissioning carried with it a great sense of pride and anticipation for all Naval Service personnel. LÉ William Butler Yeats will be a tremendous asset to the Naval Service. I know that the ship’s first captain, Lieutenant Commander Eric Timon and his crew are looking forward to working up the new ship to its full potential”.
Commenting on the role of the Naval Service he added “the Naval Service presents a wide range of challenging roles to all of its personnel, now more than ever before. Naval Service ships assert the integrity of our territorial waters. The Naval Service’s capacity to continue to serve has been significantly enhanced by LÉ William Butler Yeats entering operational service”.
Minister Kehoe said ‘’the role of the Naval Service is a complex and challenging one and it makes an important contribution across a wide variety of roles assigned by Government. In recent times, the Naval Service has distinguished itself internationally with the important work being carried out in the Mediterranean Sea.’’
In concluding Minister Kehoe said “The acquisition of modern new vessels, combined with a continuous process of refurbishment and repair of the existing fleet, will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained.”
Mr. Kenny, joined by Mr. Kehoe, extended their very best wishes and that of the Government to the Captain and crew of LÉ William Butler Yeats.
ENDS