Displaying items by tag: Tribute Defence Forces

25th June 2020

Cork City Quays Where HSE Paid Tribute to Defence Forces in Battle Against Covid-19

Covid-19: Port of Cork tug Gerry O’Sullivan paying its own water-canon display tribute to the Naval Service flagship LÉ Eithne as the HPV was the last of the six naval vessels deployed under Operation Fortitute. The flagship returned downriver to the Naval Base at Haulbowline and into operational reserve (according to RTE News). In the foreground AFLOAT adds at Albert Quay is berthed Arklow Fame, the last 'sea-going' ship to use the dry-dock in Dublin Port as reported when it closed in 2016, though the Liffey based 'static museum tallship' Jeanie Johnston was the last vessel to use the facility.

In Cork City along the quays the Health Service Executive paid special thanks to the Defence Forces for its support during Covid-19 at a ceremony (yesterday).

Frontline staff and members of the emergency services deployed their blue emergency lights and sirens as LÉ Eithne towed by the Port of Cork's tugboat, Gerry O'Sullivan, departed Albert Quay for its Haulbowline Naval base after 90 days of active service.

The (flagship) vessel was the last of the six naval vessels deployed under the Defence Forces' Operation Fortitude to fight Covid-19 to be stood down.

The ship's Commander Caoimhín Mac Unfraidh said he and his crew were very proud to be called upon to serve their country.

LÉ Eithne, which is 36 years old, was pulled out of operational reserve and put on active duty at Albert Quay in under 36 hours.

For more on the RTE News coverage click here and for footage as the flagship departed downriver to the Naval Base and into operational reserve.

Published in Navy

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