Press release
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin attends Naval Service Commissioning Ceremony
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Last updated on
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin attended this year’s Naval Service Commissioning Ceremony at the Naval Base in Haulbowline, County Cork where 5 Cadets of the 61st Cadet Class were appointed to be Officers of the Permanent Defence Forces.
Addressing the newly commissioned Officers, Tánaiste thanked them for their commitment and service, as they embed themselves into life in the Irish Naval Service:
“Today is a celebration of real achievement for the 61st Cadet Class. It marks a great milestone in the lives of these young officers who have pledged their loyalty to the State and its citizens.
"The people of Ireland can truly be proud of the wonderful work carried out by the Naval Service and I wish the five individuals before me every continued success with their endeavours.”
Tánaiste highlighted the rewarding nature of a career in the Defence Forces, which is demanding career but a fulfilling one:
“As Tánaiste and Minister, I want to say that the State recognises and values you and all of your colleagues: the men and women of Oglaigh na hÉireann.”
Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy stated:
"Today is a very special and proud day for all members of the 61st Cadet Class, a day which represents the successful completion of intensive military training. This day is one of the most important days in the lives of Cadets and their families. It marks the first day of their new career as Officers in the Permanent Defence Forces and I wish them all the very best of luck as they now start a new journey in leadership roles in the organisation."
The 61st Cadet Class were inducted into the Irish Naval Service in September 2021 and began their training in the Officer Training School. In the first two weeks, the cadets were introduced to the Naval Service by spending time on board LÉ William Butler Yeats before moving to the Cadet School at the Military College in the Curragh Camp, Kildare. Here, the Cadets were given basic military training. In December 2021, the 61st Cadet Class moved back to Haulbowline to begin Phase 2 of their Training.
Phase 2 of training commenced in January 2022. This “marinisation” phase saw the Cadets studying navigation while also completing a range of courses such as Engineering, Communications, Fisheries, Gunnery and Strategic Studies.
The cadets joined LÉ Samuel Beckett to commence Phase 3 of their training.
Phase 4 followed, with the 61st Cadet Class studying in the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) in Ringasciddy.
Every day in college, the Cadets also trained and practiced their pilotage skills in the simulators, with the target of becoming competent enough to navigate a ship for the first time. After 22 months of training, the 61st Cadet Class will take the next step in their careers.