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'{{Short description|Maritime service branch of the Irish Defence Forces}} {{EngvarB|date=May 2019}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}} {{Infobox military unit | unit_name = Naval Service | native_name = {{nativename|ga|nolink=on|An tSeirbhís Chabhlaigh}} | image = Badge of the Irish Naval Service.svg | image_size = 200px | caption = Emblem of the Naval Service | dates = | country = {{flag|Ireland}} | branch = | type = Navy | role = Defence of the state and protection of its maritime resources | size = 899 personnel <small>(Establishment: 1,094)</small><ref name="strength2020">{{cite web |url= https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2020-11-17/42/ |publisher= Houses of the Oireachtas |title= Defence Forces Strength (Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020) |date= 17 November 2020 |access-date= 28 November 2022}}</ref><br />115 [[Naval Service Reserve|reservists]] <small>(Establishment: 300)</small><ref name="size">{{cite web |url= http://oireachtasdebates.oireachtas.ie/debates%20authoring/DebatesWebPack.nsf/takes/dail2016062100036?opendocument&highlight=733%207,310%201,094 |publisher= Dáil Éireann Hansard |title= Defence Forces Strength (Dáil Éireann Debate – Tuesday, 21 June 2016 – Vol. 914 No. 1) |date= 21 June 2016 |access-date= 26 July 2016 |archive-date= 24 December 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181224183226/https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2016-06-21/ |url-status= live }}</ref><br />6 ships<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2020-11-10a.1007 |title=Written Answers: Department of Defence |publisher=Dáil Éireann Hansard |date=10 November 2020 |access-date=1 June 2021}}</ref><ref name="iristimes2022">{{cite web|url = https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2022/07/08/irish-navy-decommissions-a-third-of-its-fleet/ | publisher= Irish Times | website = irishtimes.com | title = Irish Navy decommissions a third of its fleet | date = 8 July 2022 | accessdate = 8 July 2022 }}</ref> | command_structure = [[File:Badge of the Irish Defence Forces.svg|25px]] [[Defence Forces (Ireland)|Irish Defence Forces]] | garrison = [[Haulbowline]], [[County Cork]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] | garrison_label = Naval base | website = {{URL|www.military.ie/en/who-we-are/naval-service/}} | nickname = | patron = | motto = | colours = [[File:Irish Naval Service Colour.svg|border|150px]] [[File:Irish Naval Service Flag.svg|border|150px]] | colors_label = | march = | mascot = | equipment = | equipment_label = | battles = | anniversaries = | decorations = | battle_honours = <!-- Commanders --> | notable_commanders = <!-- Insignia --> | identification_symbol = [[File:Flag of Ireland.svg|centre|border|100px]] | identification_symbol_label = [[Naval ensign]] | identification_symbol_2 = [[File:Naval jack of Ireland.svg|centre|border|100px]] | identification_symbol_2_label = [[Naval jack]] | start_date = 1 September 1946<ref name="The Defence Forces">{{cite web |url=http://www.military.ie/index.htm |title=The Defence Forces |publisher=Irish Defence Forces |access-date=24 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414014629/http://www.military.ie/index.htm |archive-date=14 April 2010}}</ref> | current_commander = [[Commodore (rank)|Commodore]] Mick Malone<ref>{{cite web |title=Info Centre > General staff > Brigade commanders > FOC Naval Service|url=http://www.military.ie/en/info-centre/general-staff/brigade-commanders/foc-naval-service/ |publisher=Defence Forces Ireland|access-date=25 January 2018}}</ref> | current_commander_label = [[Flag officer|FOCNS]] | ceremonial_chief = President [[Michael D. Higgins]] | ceremonial_chief_label = Supreme commander | colonel_of_the_regiment = | colonel_of_the_regiment_label = }} The '''Naval Service''' ({{lang-ga|An tSeirbhís Chabhlaigh}}) is the maritime component of the [[Defence Forces (Ireland)|Defence Forces]] of [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] and is one of the three branches of the Irish Defence Forces.<ref>The Irish Defence Forces are made up of the Permanent Defence Forces (PDF) – the standing branches – and the [[Reserve Defence Forces]] (RDF). The Naval Service is part of the PDF.</ref> Its base is in [[Haulbowline]], County Cork. Though preceded by earlier maritime defence organisations, the Naval Service was formed in 1946.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.military.ie/naval-service/history/ |title= History of the Naval Service |publisher= Official Defence Forces website |access-date= 7 May 2014 |archive-date= 13 December 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211213160343/https://www.military.ie/naval-service/history/ |url-status= live }}</ref> Since the 1970s a major role of the Naval Service has been the provision of fisheries protection in Ireland's [[exclusive economic zone]] (EEZ).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.military.ie/naval-service/organisation/specialist-units/fisheries-monitoring-centre/ |title= Roles of the Naval Service – Fisheries Monitoring Centre |publisher= Official Defence Forces website |access-date= 7 May 2014 |archive-date= 13 December 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211213160327/https://www.military.ie/naval-service/organisation/specialist-units/fisheries-monitoring-centre/ |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.military.ie/naval-service/history/ |title=Military.ie – Naval Service – History |publisher=Official Defence Forces website |access-date=28 July 2014 |quote=(1999–2001) "Fishery Protection played an important role in the Service's day-to-day operations" (2002–present) ".. addition to the Naval Service's increasing fishery protection output .. |archive-date=13 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213160327/https://www.military.ie/naval-service/history/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.merrionstreet.ie/index.php/2014/05/naming-and-commissioning-ceremonies-for-new-naval-service-vessel-le-samuel-beckett/?cat=4774 |title=Press Release – Naming and Commissioning Ceremonies for new Naval Service Vessel LÉ Samuel Beckett |date=17 May 2014 |publisher=MerrionStreet.ie Irish Government News Service |access-date=28 July 2014 |quote=The [newest fleet addition] will be used mainly for fishery protection patrols |archive-date=3 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903091038/http://www.merrionstreet.ie/index.php/2014/05/naming-and-commissioning-ceremonies-for-new-naval-service-vessel-le-samuel-beckett/?cat=4774 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defence.ie/WebSite.nsf/WP_sub113 |title=Submission on Defence Green Paper: Towards an Efficient and Effective Fisheries Protection Partnership |publisher=The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority |year=2013 |access-date=16 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314224112/http://www.defence.ie/WebSite.nsf/WP_sub113 |archive-date=14 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://raco.ie/attachments/079_2_2_castingnet.pdf |title=Casting the Net |magazine=Signal |issue=Spring 2004 |access-date=16 June 2016 |date= |archive-date=15 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315010807/http://raco.ie/attachments/079_2_2_castingnet.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Other roles include sea patrol, surveillance, and smuggling prevention.<ref name="roles">{{cite web |url= http://www.military.ie/naval-service/organisation/roles-of-the-naval-service/ |title= Roles of the Naval Service |publisher= Official Defence Forces website |access-date= 7 May 2014 |archive-date= 16 March 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140316165406/http://www.military.ie/naval-service/organisation/roles-of-the-naval-service |url-status= live }}</ref> Occasionally the service undertakes longer missions in support of other elements of the Defence Forces, Irish peacekeepers serving with the United Nations, or humanitarian and trade missions.<ref name="roles"/> From July 2017 the Naval Service has participated in the [[European External Action Service]] mission which focuses a number of EU navies on humanitarian and training roles in the [[Mediterranean]]. This mission entitled "[[EU Navfor Med]]" is the first time Ireland has taken part in a multi-role and multi-national naval operation. Ships in the Irish Naval Service are designated with the [[ship prefix]] of ''[[Long Éireannach]]'' (Irish Ship), which is abbreviated to LÉ. == History == {{main article|History of the Irish Naval Service}} [[File:Irish Naval Service recovering bodies from the Air India Flight 182 disaster.jpg|thumb|Naval Service personnel remove the body of a victim of [[Air India Flight 182]] from [[LÉ Aisling (P23)|LÉ ''Aisling'']] which was sent to search for survivors on 23 June 1985]] === Coastal and Marine Service === The [[Anglo-Irish Treaty]] of 1921 stipulated that the [[Irish Free State]], which in the event came into being in December 1922,<ref name=Articles/> was to be given the responsibility to police its customs and fishing, while Britain and its [[Royal Navy]] would remain in control of Irish waters. In 1923, the Coastal and Marine Service (CMS) was created, and one year later it was disbanded. During the [[Irish Civil War]], in August 1922, a ship belonging to the British & Irish Steam Packet Company, ''Lady Wicklow'', led by Captain Patrick Ryan, was used to bring [[Irish National Army]] troops around the coast to [[Fenit]], the port of [[Tralee]], in County Kerry.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bourke|first1=Dr Edward|title=Early Irish Free State Naval Activity|url=http://lugnad.ie/free-state-navy/|website=lugnad.ie|access-date=6 October 2015|archive-date=27 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627071018/http://lugnad.ie/free-state-navy/|url-status=live}}</ref> This naval involvement technically preceded the foundation of the [[Irish Free State|Irish state]], as at the time Ireland was still part of the [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland]].<ref name=Articles>''Articles of Agreement between Great Britain and Ireland'', 6 December 1921 (Irish Free State established pursuant thereto on 6 December 1922)</ref> Built-in 1890 in Dublin Dockyard, the ship measured {{convert|262|by|34|ft}}. In all, 450 troops, including officers, were landed. Tralee was later captured from local republican forces. {{ship|Irish patrol vessel|Muirchú||2}}, formerly the British armed steam yacht ''Helga'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mii.connect.ie/history/mii/mii.html |title=History of the Maritime Institute of Ireland – Page 2 |access-date=1 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090528085144/http://www.mii.connect.ie/history/mii/mii.html |archive-date=28 May 2009 }}</ref> which had been used by the Royal Navy to shell Dublin during the [[Easter Rising|1916 rising]], was the only CMS ship during this period. The CMS ship ''Muirchu'' continued to patrol Irish fisheries. ''Muirchu'' was re-armed in 1936 and purchased by the Irish government on advice of members of the later named [[Maritime Institute of Ireland]] for fisheries protection. In 1938, the United Kingdom handed over the three [[Treaty Ports (Ireland)|treaty ports]] (Cork Harbour, Bere Haven and Lough Swilly). Consequently, the [[Royal Navy]] withdrew from Cork Harbour in July 1938. ''Fort Rannoch'' was added to the Irish fleet at that time. === Marine and Coastwatching Service === [[File:M1 Irish Motor Torpedo Boat.jpg|thumb|M1 Irish motor torpedo boat]] In 1939 the Irish Government ordered two [[motor torpedo boat]]s (MTBs) from [[Vosper & Company|Vosper Thorneycroft]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://coastmonkey.ie/irish-torpedo-boats-in-the-1940s/ |title=Irish torpedo boats in the 1940s |publisher=Coast Monkey Media |access-date=6 December 2017 |date=29 August 2017 |archive-date=6 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206201318/http://coastmonkey.ie/irish-torpedo-boats-in-the-1940s/ |url-status=live}}</ref> When [[World War II]] began in September 1939 the Marine and Coastwatching Service was set up. In order for Ireland to remain neutral, it became clear that a full naval service would be required. The government consequentially ordered an additional four MTBs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mariner.ie/irish-naval-service-the-birth/ |title=Irish Naval Service – The Birth |date=26 March 2012 |publisher=[[National Maritime Museum of Ireland]] |access-date=6 December 2017 |archive-date=6 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206210317/http://www.mariner.ie/irish-naval-service-the-birth/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cTYVDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA19 |title=The Irish Defence Forces since 1922 |date=2012 |isbn=9781780963938 |publisher=Bloomsbury |author=Donal MacCarron |page=19 |quote=''[The] Marine Service in 1939 bought six Vosper motor torpedo boats'' |access-date=6 December 2017 |archive-date=13 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213160326/https://books.google.com/books?id=cTYVDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA19 |url-status=live }}</ref> By the end of 1940 the Irish Marine and Coastwatching Service consisted of six MTBs and four other assorted craft. During the war the service protected fisheries, regulated merchant ships, and laid [[Naval mine|mines]] off Cork and Waterford. In June 1940, an Irish Marine and Coastwatching Service MTB returned to [[Haulbowline#Naval history|Haulbowline]] after making two trips to rescue British and French soldiers during the [[Dunkirk evacuation]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/price-of-fighting-in-the-second-world-war-1.673514 |title=Price of fighting in the second World War |date=6 November 2010 |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |issn=0791-5144 |location=Dublin |language=en |access-date=12 September 2020 |quote=The [motor torpedo boat] crew made two trips across the English Channel, rescuing French and British soldiers |archive-date=13 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213160344/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/price-of-fighting-in-the-second-world-war-1.673514 |url-status=live}}</ref> By 1941 the Marine and Coastwatching Service consisted of 10 craft (6 MTBs plus 4 assorted vessels) and about 300 all ranks. In 1942, the service was renamed the ''Marine Service''. === Naval Service === In September 1946, the Marine Service was formally disbanded and the Naval Service established as a permanent component of the [[Irish Defence Forces]]. The Naval Service purchased three {{sclass2|Flower|corvette}}s from the United Kingdom in 1946 and 1947. The tradition of naming Irish Naval Ships after figures in [[Celtic mythology]] began, and the ships were named {{ship|LÉ|Cliona|03|2}}, {{ship|LÉ|Maev|02|2}} and {{ship|LÉ|Macha|01|2}}. These three ships were to become a key part of the Naval Service in the 1950s and 1960s. The first formal training of Irish naval cadets took place at the [[Britannia Royal Naval College]], Dartmouth, UK, in 1947.<ref>{{cite book|last1=MacCarron|first1=Donal|title=The Irish Defence Forces since 1922|date=2004|publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]]|isbn=9781841767420|page=36}}</ref> In 1970, ''Cliona'' and ''Macha'' were withdrawn from service and scrapped, leaving ''Maev'' as the sole ship in the Naval Service. ''Maev'' was withdrawn from service in 1972.<ref name="RTÉ">[[RTÉ]] documentary: "The Navy"</ref> In 1971, the Naval Service commissioned three armed {{sclass2|Ton|minesweeper}}s: ''Grainne'', ''Banba'' and ''Fola''. [[File:The LE "Deirdre" at Dun Loaghaire - geograph.org.uk - 626538.jpg|thumb|left|LÉ ''Deirdre'', the first purpose-built ship commissioned by the Irish Naval Service]] In 1971, the Naval Service commissioned Verolme Cork Dockyard to build an offshore patrol ship. Named {{ship|LÉ|Deirdre|P20|6}}, it was the first naval vessel purpose-built in Ireland to patrol its waters. The [[exclusive economic zone]] of Ireland was increased in 1976 from {{convert|12|mi}} to {{convert|200|mi}}. The subsequent strain put on the Naval Service prompted funding from the [[European Economic Community]] to acquire five additional vessels, four of which were eventually built. Meanwhile, the former Irish lights vessel ''Isolda'' was purchased to act as a [[training ship]], bearing the pennant number A15 and renamed {{ship|LÉ|Setanta|A15}}. It served until being sold for scrap in 1984. A Danish stern trawler ''Helen Basse'' was also leased for a year, serving under the name LÉ ''Ferdia'', pennant number A16.<ref name="defence_forces_ships">[http://www.military.ie/naval/history/ships/index.htm "Ships – history"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126085948/http://military.ie/naval/history/ships/index.htm |date=26 November 2010 }}, Irish Defence Forces website</ref> The 50th anniversary of the Naval Service took place in 1996. Celebrations included a fleet review by President [[Mary Robinson]]. In 1999, a new ship {{ship|LÉ|Róisin}} was delivered to the Naval Service, marking the beginning of a new class of larger patrol vessels followed by {{ship|LÉ|Niamh|P52|6}}, commissioned in September 2001 replacing LÉ ''Deirdre''. [[File:Best 18 (9576262758).jpg|thumb|LÉ ''Róisín'' cruising off the [[Skellig Islands]] in 2013]] While most missions undertaken by the Naval Service are in Irish waters, on occasion longer missions are undertaken in support of Irish peacekeepers serving with the United Nations, representing Ireland, or in support of Irish trade missions. In 2002, LÉ ''Niamh'' delivered supplies to Irish troops in [[Eritrea]], then continued on a trade promotional tour to India, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Korea, and Japan, becoming the first Irish naval vessel to cross the Equator. In 2006 {{ship|LÉ|Eithne|P31|6}} travelled to Argentina, attending ceremonies connected with the 149th anniversary of the death of Irish-born [[William Brown (admiral)|Admiral William Brown]], founder of the Argentine Navy, and also visited ports in Uruguay and Brazil. In 2010, ''Niamh'' travelled to the Americas, visiting Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico and the United States. In 2010, two new ships were planned for the Naval Service. The first, {{ship|LÉ|Samuel Beckett|P61|6}}, was delivered in April 2014 replacing LÉ ''Emer'', and the second, LÉ ''James Joyce'', replaced LÉ ''Aoife'' in 2015. The option for a third, LÉ ''William Butler Yeats'', was exercised in June 2014 and commissioned in October 2016.<ref name="2016ship">{{cite news |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/government-to-purchase-third-new-naval-service-ship-1.1826192 |title=Government to purchase third new Naval Service ship |date= 9 June 2014 |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |issn=0791-5144 |location=Dublin |language=en |access-date=9 June 2014 |archive-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714200718/http://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/government-to-purchase-third-new-naval-service-ship-1.1826192 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.rte.ie/news/2016/1017/824698-le-william-butler-yeats/ |publisher= Raidió Teilifís Éireann |date= 17 October 2016 |title= LÉ William Butler Yeats formally enters service |access-date= 26 August 2017 |archive-date= 27 August 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170827044248/https://www.rte.ie/news/2016/1017/824698-le-william-butler-yeats/ |url-status= live }}</ref> The new ships displace over 1,900 tons, have a top speed of 23 knots, a range of 6,000 nautical miles. They are armed with an OTO Melara 76&nbsp;mm/62, and have a longer deck area that can accommodate deep-sea search-and-rescue submarines and unmanned aircraft.<ref>{{cite news |author=Sean O'Riordan |url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/navy-ships-to-carry-deep-sea-robot-subs-194909.html |title=Navy ships to carry deep sea robot subs |newspaper=[[Irish Examiner]] |issn=1393-9564 |location=Cork |language=en |date=24 May 2012 |access-date=24 April 2014 |archive-date=13 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213160329/https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-20194909.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2015, it was announced that the Naval Service would deploy a ship to the Mediterranean to form part of the EU humanitarian response to the [[European migrant crisis]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/taoiseach-sends-off-le-eithne-crew-leaving-for-mediterranean-1.2215471 |title=Taoiseach sends off LE Eithne crew leaving for Mediterranean |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |issn=0791-5144 |location=Dublin |language=en |access-date=5 June 2015 |archive-date=16 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716073142/http://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/taoiseach-sends-off-le-eithne-crew-leaving-for-mediterranean-1.2215471 |url-status=live}}</ref> The fleet flagship, ''Eithne'', left Cork on 16 May 2015 for an eight-week deployment to the region, during which time the ship picked up a total of 3,377 people in the waters between [[Libya]] and [[Sicily]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defence.ie/WebSite.nsf/Release+ID/703F84D5FB464A6380257E850034C23A?OpenDocument |title=Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney, T.D. welcomes the return of the L.É. ''Eithne'' and the arrival of L.É. ''James Joyce'' to Cork |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=17 July 2015 |website=defence.ie |publisher=Department of Defence |access-date=28 October 2015 |archive-date=26 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126223659/http://www.defence.ie/WebSite.nsf/Release+ID/703F84D5FB464A6380257E850034C23A?OpenDocument |url-status=live }}</ref> In July, the mission was extended with the deployment of first, ''Niamh'' from July to September, and then ''Samuel Beckett'' from September until November.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defence.ie/WebSite.nsf/Release+ID/369269AACFB17B6380257E81002CF281?OpenDocument |title=Naval vessel L.É. Niamh departs Cork to assist in the Humanitarian Crisis in the Mediterranean |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=10 July 2015 |website=defence.ie |publisher=Department of Defence |access-date=28 October 2015 |archive-date=26 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126225358/http://www.defence.ie/WebSite.nsf/Release%20ID/369269AACFB17B6380257E81002CF281?OpenDocument |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Naval vessel L.É. Samuel Beckett departs Cork to assist in the Humanitarian Crisis in the Mediterranean |url=http://www.defence.ie/WebSite.nsf/Release+ID/EEC6B0EBBDB9BC4480257ECA0030EED2?OpenDocument |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=24 September 2015 |website=defence.ie |publisher=Department of Defence |access-date=28 October 2015 |archive-date=13 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213160332/https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-defence/?referrer=http://www.defence.ie/WebSite.nsf/Release+ID/EEC6B0EBBDB9BC4480257ECA0030EED2?OpenDocument |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2022, in advance of the proposed arrival of a number of replacement vessels, the fleet's three oldest vessels (''Eithne'', ''Orla'', ''Ciara'') were decommissioned.<ref name="iristimes2022"/> == Organisation == {{Main|Structure of the Irish Defence Forces}} === Naval Headquarters === [[File:Commodore Michael Malone.png|thumb|upright|Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service (FOCNS) Commodore Michael Malone]] The Naval Service is headed by Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service (FOCNS) Commodore Michael Malone who is based at Naval Headquarters (NHQ) in [[Haulbowline|Naval Base Haulbowline]]. NHQ oversees all aspects of the Naval Service, with a number of commands under it: [[Naval Operations Command (Ireland)|Naval Operations Command]] (NOC) and [[Naval Support Command (Ireland)|Naval Support Command]] (NSC). The [[Naval College (Ireland)|Naval College]], like the [[Defence Forces Training Centre|DFTC]] is of an equal footing with the two commands, with all three headed by an officer commanding who report directly to the FOCNS of NHQ. Commodore Malone is the first marine engineer to be appointed as FOCNS, his prior appointment was as Officer Commanding Naval Support Command (OCNSC). === Naval Operations Command === {{main article|Naval Operations Command (Ireland)}} Naval Operations Command is the principal command component of the Irish Naval Service responsible for all day-to-day activities of the service, both at sea and on shore. One of three major command components of the NS this command is responsible for overseeing the work and mission objectives of all Irish naval vessels at sea who report directly to Naval Operations Command at Naval Base Haulbowline. The command is a direct subordinate to NHQ and is overseen by Officer Commanding Naval Operations Command (OCNOC). The OCNOC reports directly to the head of the Irish Naval Service, the FOCNS. === Naval Support Command === {{main article|Naval Support Command (Ireland)}} Naval Support Command oversees the personnel, logistical and technical resources of the NS, allowing the service to meets its operational and training commitments. Ship procurement, maintenance, repair, provisions, ordnance, food, fuel, personnel and transportation are handled by Naval Support Command. Naval Support Command is headed by Officer Commanding Naval Support Command and reports directly to the FOCNS. === Naval College === {{main article|Naval College (Ireland)}} The Naval College is the principal naval military college in Ireland providing training to cadets, NCO's and recruits of the Irish Naval Service. The Naval College trains and educates personnel for service, providing a mixture of different courses ranging from officer training right through to [[Naval Engineering]]. The Naval College is based out of the Naval Service's headquarters at [[Haulbowline|Naval Base Haulbowline]] but also provides classes and lessons in non-military naval training at the nearby [[National Maritime College of Ireland]] (NMCI) in [[Ringaskiddy]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nmci.ie/index.cfm/page/ins |publisher=National Maritime College of Ireland |title=Irish Naval Service Course Details |access-date=2 January 2017 |archive-date=3 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103094858/https://www.nmci.ie/index.cfm/page/ins |url-status=live }}</ref> The Naval College contains a number of schools providing specialist courses including the Officer Training School, the Military and Naval Operational Training School and the School of Naval Engineering. The Officer Commanding Naval College reports directly to the FOCNS. === Specialist units === The Naval Service has a number of specialist units that handle unique and varied tasks within the service. ==== Diving Section ==== [[File:Naval Service Dive Team (13062306065).jpg|thumb|Members of the [[Naval Service Diving Section]]]] {{main article|Naval Service Diving Section}} The Naval Service Diving Section (NSDS) (Irish: Rannóg Tumadóireachta na Seirbháse Cabhlaigh), formally part of NOC's shore operations section, is a specialist unit of the Irish Naval Service, a branch of the Defence Forces, the military of Ireland. The Naval Service Diving Section specialises in underwater diving tasks for the Naval Service, and since its formation in 1964 has become Ireland's most advanced diving team, aiding other state agencies in various specialist roles.<ref name="NSDS">{{cite web|url=http://www.military.ie/naval/specialists/divers/index.htm|title=Naval Service Specialists – Diving Section|year=2009|access-date=1 October 2009|publisher=Irish Naval Service|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090909073152/http://www.military.ie/naval/specialists/divers/index.htm|archive-date=9 September 2009}} </ref> Various mission roles of the NSDS include search and recovery, underwater survey, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) underwater engineering and military diving training. They have conducted combat diving training for [[Irish Army Rangers|Army Ranger Wing]] members after selecting combat diving as a speciality.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/Ireland/Rangers/Combat_Diving.htm |title=Special Operations' Irish Army Rangers Combat Diving Page |access-date=1 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081228002848/http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/Ireland/Rangers/Combat_Diving.htm |archive-date=28 December 2008 }}</ref> ==== Naval Intelligence Cell ==== The Naval Intelligence Cell, part of the NOC's Intelligence and Fisheries Section, is responsible for the collection, collation and dissemination of naval intelligence and is the naval component of the Defence Forces' [[Directorate of Military Intelligence (Ireland)|Directorate of Military Intelligence]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Naval Operations Command |url=http://www.military.ie/naval-service/organisation/naval-operations-command/ |access-date=2 January 2017 |publisher=Irish Defence Forces |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327102720/http://www.military.ie/naval-service/organisation/naval-operations-command/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ==== Fishery Monitoring Centre ==== The Fishery Monitoring Centre, part of the NOC's Intelligence and Fisheries Section, oversees the identification, monitoring and surveillance of fisheries vessels in Irish waters as part of the [[Vessel Monitoring System]]. The Fishery Monitoring Centre coordinates with fisheries agencies in other countries.<ref> {{cite web |title=Fisheries Monitoring Centre |url=http://www.military.ie/en/naval-service/organisation/specialist-units/fisheries-monitoring-centre/ |access-date=1 January 2017 |publisher=Irish Defence Forces }}</ref> == Roles and capabilities == The Naval Service's military roles and the functions it carries out are more those of a coast guard rather than that of a conventional navy.<ref>MacCarron (2004), p.37</ref> Lacking both anti-submarine and anti-aircraft capabilities, and without standoff weapons such as [[surface-to-surface missiles]], the Naval Service's ability to control Ireland's territorial waters and provide close naval support is extremely limited.{{original research inline|date=April 2014}} Sea lift is also limited and ad hoc.{{citation needed|date=April 2014}} The Naval Service's non-military capabilities in aid to the civil power and other government departments is fishery protection, search and rescue, drugs interdiction and dive support. === Irish territorial waters and EEZ === Since the 1960s Ireland has seen its jurisdiction over the North Atlantic extend from {{convert|3|nmi|lk=in}} (pre-1967) to {{convert|12|nmi}} (pre-1990s). This was increased to {{convert|200|nmi}} again in 1994 when the introduction of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) gave approval to the 1982 [[United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea]] (UNCLOS). This convention grants the state sovereign rights over the seabed, its subsoil and the water adjacent to the seabed within the 200 nautical mile limit. Negotiations are taking place that could see the influence of coastal states extended beyond the 200 nautical miles of EEZs.{{citation needed|date=July 2012}} Part VI of UNCLOS concerns a coastal state's continental shelf out to {{convert|350|nmi}} from the coastline. In 2007, Ireland became the first country to gain approval for the extension of its continental shelf, to the west of the island, and now has responsibility for an area of some {{convert|141000|nmi2}} – an increase of 100 per cent.{{citation needed|date=July 2012}} Among the tasks mandated to the NSDS include the following;<ref name="NSDS"/> * Search and recovery * Underwater survey * Explosive ordnance disposal * Underwater engineering * Military diving training ===EU Navfor Med=== In July 2017, the Irish government agreed to allowing the Naval Service to join other EU member state navies in [[Operation Sophia]] (the EU operation focused on refugee smuggling in the Mediterranean).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/concern-as-cabinet-approves-irish-navy-role-in-eu-military-operation-1.3151383 |title=Concern as Cabinet approves Irish Navy role in EU military operation |date=11 July 2017 |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |issn=0791-5144 |location=Dublin |language=en |access-date=2 November 2018 |archive-date=13 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213160331/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/concern-as-cabinet-approves-irish-navy-role-in-eu-military-operation-1.3151383 |url-status=live}}</ref> Since 2015 the Irish Navy has had bilateral agreement called [[Operation Pontus]] with the [[Italian Navy]] in regards to Mediterranean search and rescue operations.<ref name="irishtimes10jul2017">{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/irish-navy-to-join-eu-migrant-search-and-rescue-operation-1.3148771 |title=Irish Navy to join EU migrant search-and-rescue operation |date=10 July 2017 |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |issn=0791-5144 |location=Dublin |language=en |access-date=2 November 2018 |archive-date=16 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116051151/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/irish-navy-to-join-eu-migrant-search-and-rescue-operation-1.3148771 |url-status=live}}</ref> In order for Ireland to join the mission it required the passing of the so-called "triple lock system". This requires cabinet, ''[[Dáil]]'' and UN approval.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defence.ie/en/press/press-releases/minister-kehoe-secures-dail-approval-deployment-defence-forces-eu-naval |website=defence.ie |publisher=Department of Defence |title=Press Release – Minister Kehoe Secures Dáil Approval For Deployment of Defence Forces To Eu Naval Mission, Operation Sophia |date=13 July 2017 |access-date=2 November 2018 |archive-date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211130647/https://www.defence.ie/en/press/press-releases/minister-kehoe-secures-dail-approval-deployment-defence-forces-eu-naval |url-status=live }}</ref> In its previous stance the Irish Navy was limited in its remit and sourcing of intelligence due to its lack of participation in [[EU Navfor Med]]. There was also a lack of force protection in the event of an attack on Irish vessels but this changed with the go-ahead for EU participation.<ref name="irishtimes10jul2017"/> == Assets == Until 2014, all Naval Service vessels had been named with (mainly female) names taken from [[Celtic mythology]] and [[Irish folklore]]. However, the four newest in the fleet, LÉ ''Samuel Beckett'' (commissioned 17 May 2014), LÉ ''James Joyce'' (commissioned in September 2015), LÉ ''William Butler Yeats'' (commissioned 17 October 2016) and LÉ ''George Bernard Shaw'' (commissioned 30 April 2019) take their names from Irish literary figures. The [[ship prefix]] ''LÉ'' stands for ''[[Long Éireannach]]'', "Irish Ship" in the [[Irish language]]. === Current fleet === {{Active Irish Naval Service Vessels}} === Other assets === The Naval Service also operates smaller training vessels and rigid-hulled inflatable boats. Air assets to support naval patrols are provided by the [[Irish Air Corps|Air Corps]] with their two [[CASA CN-235]] maritime patrol aircraft and [[AgustaWestland AW139|AW139]] helicopters operated from [[Casement Aerodrome]], Baldonnel, County Dublin. In July 2015, the Irish Naval Service began using an Irish-based [[Communications satellite|satellite communications]] system for its fleet, with new systems and equipment installed on all vessels. The Irish National Space Centre (NSC) at Elfordstown, [[Midleton]], County Cork, and [[County Wicklow]] based company Voyager IP provided the contract.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Riordan |first1=Sean |title=Irish firms to man Navy system |url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/irish-firms-to-man-navy-system-341713.html |access-date=10 July 2015 |newspaper=[[Irish Examiner]] |issn=1393-9564 |location=Cork |language=en |date=10 July 2015 |archive-date=10 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710194256/http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/irish-firms-to-man-navy-system-341713.html |url-status=live }}</ref> === Acquisitions and future === In October 2010, contracts were signed for [[Samuel Beckett-class offshore patrol vessel|two new "offshore patrol vessels" (OPVs)]]. The contract provided an option for a third vessel – which was later taken-up. A fourth vessel in the same class was ordered in June 2016.<ref name="indoJune2016">{{cite news |last1=Brady |first1=Tom |title=State to buy third naval vessel in €200m deal |url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/state-to-buy-third-naval-vessel-in-200m-deal-34806125.html |date=16 June 2016 |newspaper=[[Irish Independent]] |location=Dublin |issn=0021-1222 |language=en |access-date=16 June 2016 |archive-date=16 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616060612/http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/state-to-buy-third-naval-vessel-in-200m-deal-34806125.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Constructed by [[Appledore Shipbuilders|Babcock Marine]] in the UK to VARD Marine's PV90 design, the first ship, ''Samuel Beckett'', was delivered in May 2014. The second ship, ''James Joyce'', was delivered in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ihs.com/events/exhibitions/dsei-2013/news/day-4/Irish-OPV-build-makes-progress.aspx |title=Irish OPV build makes progress |publisher=ihs.com |access-date=8 October 2013 |archive-date=17 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917060147/http://www.ihs.com/events/exhibitions/dsei-2013/news/day-4/Irish-OPV-build-makes-progress.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> The third, ''William Butler Yeats'', was floated out in March 2016 and delivered later that summer.<ref name="2016ship"/> A fourth, named ''George Bernard Shaw'', was delivered in late 2018, and commissioned in April 2019.<ref name=thejournal.ie-le-george-bernard-shaw-launch">{{cite web |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/le-george-bernard-shaw-launch-waterford-4612805-Apr2019/ |title=Ireland's fourth offshore patrol vessel, the LÉ George Bernard Shaw, has been officially commissioned |date=30 April 2019 |first=Stephen |last=McDermott |work=[[TheJournal.ie]] |location=Dublin |access-date=30 April 2019 |archive-date=13 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213160358/https://www.thejournal.ie/le-george-bernard-shaw-launch-waterford-4612805-Apr2019/ |url-status=live }}</ref> These ''Samuel Beckett''-class OPVs replace the older vessel classes, such as the [[LÉ Emer (P21)|''Emer'' class]]. A number of these purchases were informed by a Whitepaper on Defence which expected acquisition of three new naval vessels over 10 years from 2015 to 2025.<ref name="examinerWhitepaper">{{cite news |url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/fund-defence-tzo-prevent-terror-attacks-says-simon-coveney-350477.html |newspaper=[[Irish Examiner]] |issn=1393-9564 |location=Cork |language=en |title='Fund Defence to prevent terror attacks' says Simon Coveney |date=27 August 2015 |access-date=29 August 2015 |archive-date=26 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126190758/http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/fund-defence-tzo-prevent-terror-attacks-says-simon-coveney-350477.html |url-status=live }}</ref> As well as the acquired and ordered OPVs, the whitepaper covered a multi-role vessel (MRV) – which would be potentially enabled for helicopter operations and have a freight carrying capacity – to replace the flagship LÉ ''Eithne''.<ref name="examinerWhitepaper"/> In 2017, a delegation of [[Department of Defence (Ireland)|Department of Defence]] (DoD) officials and members of the Defence Forces visited New Zealand to inspect the [[Royal New Zealand Navy]] (RNZN) multi-role vessel {{HMNZS|Canterbury|L421|6}}; it was suggested that a vessel of this type, capable of accommodating and deploying a full infantry company either by [[landing craft]] or helicopter, and with a fully equipped hospital, was what the Defence Forces were looking for, for the type of military and humanitarian missions undertaken by Ireland.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/navy-considers-200m-multi-role-ship-460791.html |title=Navy considers €200m multi-role ship |last=O'Riordan |first=Sean |newspaper=[[Irish Examiner]] |issn=1393-9564 |location=Cork |language=en |date=12 October 2017 |access-date=1 November 2017 |archive-date=7 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107011636/http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/navy-considers-200m-multi-role-ship-460791.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Plans expected that LÉ ''Ciara'' and LÉ ''Orla'' be replaced with similar vessels,<ref name="examinerWhitepaper"/> but with [[Mine countermeasures|counter-mine]] and [[Counter ied|counter-IED]] capabilities.<ref name="whitepaper">{{Cite report |date=August 2015 |title=White Paper on Defence 2015 |url=http://www.defence.ie/WebSite.nsf/WP2015E |publisher=Department of Defence (Ireland) |page=68 |access-date=29 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201032254/http://www.defence.ie/WebSite.nsf/WP2015E |archive-date=1 February 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In August 2021, the ''Irish Examiner'' reported that the DoD was considering acquiring two former RNZN [[Lake-class inshore patrol vessel]]s. If acquired, it was speculated that these vessels would be based on the east coast and operate mainly in the [[Irish Sea]] with the primary role of fisheries protection in light of [[Brexit]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40357757.html |title=Department of Defence looking to buy New Zealand naval ships |newspaper=[[Irish Examiner]] |issn=1393-9564 |location=Cork |language=en |date=2021-08-12 |access-date=2021-12-13 |archive-date=25 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125214306/https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40357757.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By March 2022, the DoD had confirmed the acquisition of two such retired RNZN vessels, [[HMNZS Rotoiti (2007)|HMNZS ''Rotoiti'']] and [[HMNZS Pukaki (2008)|HMNZS ''Pukaki'']], for €26 million. The ships are due be transported from [[New Zealand]] to Ireland in 2023. The two vessels are intended to replace LÉ ''Orla'' and LÉ ''Ciara'' and reportedly require less crew to operate.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/b679d-announcement-of-the-purchase-of-two-inshore-patrol-vessels-ipvs-from-the-new-zealand-government/ | publisher = Department of Defence | website = gov.ie | title = Announcement of the purchase of two Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs) from the New Zealand Government | date = 13 March 2022 | accessdate = 13 March 2022 }}</ref> === Decommissioned === [[File:Irish Naval Service badges, museum.jpg|thumb|Badges of various decommissioned INS ships, [[National Maritime Museum of Ireland]]]] [[File:Irish Naval jack.JPG|thumb|upright|The Irish naval jack flying from the bow of LÉ ''Aoife'' while docked in Dublin]] The following vessels have served in the service's fleet:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.military.ie/naval-service/history/fleet-history |title=History; Naval Service |publisher=Irish Defence Forces |access-date=24 April 2014}}</ref> * {{ship|LÉ|Macha|01}} (1946–1970) * {{ship|LÉ|Maev|02}} (1946–1972) * {{ship|LÉ|Cliona|03}} (1947–1970) * {{ship|LÉ|Grainne|CM10}} (1971–1987) * {{ship|LÉ|Banba|CM11}} (1971–1984) * {{ship|LÉ|Fola|CM12}} (1971–1987) * {{ship|LÉ|Deirdre|P20}} (1972–2001) * {{ship|LÉ|Setanta|A15}} (1976–1984) * {{ship|LÉ|Ferdia|A16}} (1977–1978) * {{ship|LÉ|Emer|P21}} (1978–2013) * {{ship|LÉ|Aoife|P22}} (1979–2015) * {{ship|LÉ|Aisling|P23}} (1980–2016) * {{ship|LÉ|Eithne|P31}} (1984–2022) * {{ship|LÉ|Orla|P41}} (1989–2022) * {{ship|LÉ|Ciara|P42}} (1989–2022) == Weapons == {| class="wikitable" ! style="text-align: left; background: #aabccc; width:13%;"|Name ! style="text-align: left; background: #aabccc; width:10%;"|Origin ! style="text-align: left; background: #aabccc; width:12%;"|Type ! style="text-align: left; background: #aabccc; width:7%;"|Caliber ! style="text-align: left; background: #aabccc;width:8%; "|Photo ! style="text-align: left; background: #aabccc;width:50%;"|Notes |- ! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | '''[[Pistol]]''' |- | [[Heckler & Koch USP]] | {{GER}} | [[Semi-automatic pistol]] | 9×19mm | [[File:First-year H&K USP 9mm (32415150000) modified.png|120px]] | Standard service pistol<ref>{{cite news |first=Don |last=Lavery |url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/defence-forces-to-turn-tomb-raiders-26363067.html |title=Defence Forces to turn 'tomb raiders' |date=2 September 2006 |newspaper=[[Irish Independent]] |location=Dublin |issn=0021-1222 |language=en |access-date=29 April 2013 |archive-date=24 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150624102415/http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/defence-forces-to-turn-tomb-raiders-26363067.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | '''[[Assault rifle]]''' |- | [[Steyr AUG]] | {{AUT}} | [[Assault rifle]] | 5.56×45mm | [[File:AUG A1 508mm 04.jpg|120px]] | Standard [[service rifle]] since 1989 |- ! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | '''[[Battle rifle]]''' |- | [[FN FAL]] | {{BEL}} | [[Battle rifle]] | 7.62×51mm | [[File:FN-FAL belgian.jpeg|120px]] | Only used for [[Line thrower|line throwing]] |- ! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | '''Machine gun''' |- | [[FN MAG]] | {{BEL}} | Machine gun | 7.62×51mm | [[File:Irish Defence Forces GPMG (4815975558).jpg|120px]] | Fitted onboard Naval Service ships for close range weapons support and anti-air point defence. Can also be mounted on [[RHIB]]s |- | [[M2 Browning machine gun|M2 Browning .50 heavy machine gun (HMG)]] | {{USA}} | Machine gun | 12.7×99mm (.50) | [[File:Machine gun M2 1.jpg|120px]] | Fitted onboard Naval Service ships for close range weapons support and anti-air point defence |- ! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | '''[[Autocannon]]''' |- | [[Rheinmetall Rh 202]] | {{GER}} | [[Autocannon]] | 20×139mm | [[File:LÉ Róisin starboard 20 mm Rheinmetall Rh 202 Helsinki.JPG|120px]] | Fitted onboard all Naval Service ships for close range weapons support and anti-air point defence |- ! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | '''[[Naval artillery|Naval gun]]''' |- | [[OTO Melara 76 mm]] | {{ITA}} | [[Autocannon]] | 76×900mmR | [[File:LÉ Róisin Otobreda 76 mm Helsinki 3.JPG|120px]] | Main weapon mounted onboard {{ship|LÉ|Róisín}}, {{ship|LÉ|Niamh}}, {{ship|LÉ|Samuel Beckett}}, {{ship|LÉ|James Joyce}}, [[LÉ William Butler Yeats (P63)|LÉ William Butler Yeats]] and [[LÉ George Bernard Shaw (P64)|LÉ George Bernard Shaw]] |} == Personnel and ranks == {{main article|Irish Defence Forces rank insignia}} As of May 2016, there were 1,094 personnel of all ranks in the Naval Service,<ref name="size"/> plus approximately 150 in the [[Naval Service Reserve]].<ref name="NSR">{{cite web |url=http://oireachtasdebates.oireachtas.ie/debates%20authoring/debateswebpack.nsf/takes/dail2016011300092?opendocument#WRFF02150 |publisher=Office of the Houses of the Oireachtas (Hansard) |title=Written Replies Nos. 437 to 450 – Defence Forces Reserve |date=13 January 2016 |access-date=26 July 2016 |archive-date=11 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011004946/http://oireachtasdebates.oireachtas.ie/debates%20authoring/debateswebpack.nsf/takes/dail2016011300092?opendocument#WRFF02150 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Naval Service is headed by a general officer commanding (GOC) known as the "flag officer commanding the naval service" (FOCNS), who holds the rank of [[Commodore (rank)|commodore]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Naval Service > Organisation|url=http://www.military.ie/naval-service/organisation/|publisher=Defence Forces Ireland|access-date=12 July 2015|archive-date=1 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701201945/http://www.military.ie/naval-service/organisation/|url-status=live}}</ref> Non-military training takes place alongside Mercantile Marine personnel at the [[National Maritime College of Ireland]] in [[Ringaskiddy]], near to the Haulbowline base.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nmci.ie/index.cfm/page/historyofnauticaltraininginire |title=History of Nautical Training in Ireland |publisher=National Maritime College of Ireland |access-date=24 April 2014}}</ref> {{Irish Naval Service rank insignia}} == See also == * [[Irish Coast Guard]] * [[Marine Institute Ireland]] * [[List of Irish state vessels]] * [[List of navies]] == Footnotes == {{Reflist|30em}} == External links == {{wikiquote}} {{commons category|Irish Naval Service}} * [http://www.military.ie Official Defence Forces website] * [http://www.military.ie/naval-service/ Official Naval Service website] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20090528085144/http://www.mii.connect.ie/history/mii/mii.html Maritime Institute of Ireland – History] {{Irish Naval Service |state=expanded}} {{Irish Defence Forces}} {{Navies in Europe}} [[Category:1946 establishments in Ireland]] [[Category:Irish Naval Service| ]] [[Category:Military of the Republic of Ireland]]'