Saturday, 27th October 2018 3pm - LÉ James Joyce Returns Home from Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean
The Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Mr. Paul Kehoe T.D., accompanied by the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, today welcomed home the crew of LÉ James Joyce (P62) to Haulbowline Naval Base, Cork. Commanded by Lieutenant Commander Martin Brett, and with a crew comprising of 57 members of the Defence Forces, LÉ James Joyce received a warm welcome from family, friends and colleagues at the wharf.
LÉ James Joyce was the third Irish Naval Service ship deployed to the Mediterranean as part EUNAVFOR-Med, Operation Sophia when she sailed on the 6th of July this year.
The ship completed a 100 day tour of duty with the mission and conducted hailing’s of 214 merchant ships, 6 friendly approach visits and 2 inspections. These activities were all in support of the UN Arms Embargo off the coast of Libya, as part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to disrupt trafficker/smuggler networks within the Mediterranean.
Minister with responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe TD, said of the return:
“The deployment of Irish Naval vessels in the Mediterranean, initially as part of the humanitarian mission, Operation Pontus and subsequently as part of the EU naval mission, Operation Sophia, has been an important element in Ireland's response to the migration crisis in the Mediterranean. It was a privilege for me to greet the 57 personnel on board L.E James Joyce and their families, who I know are looking forward to some well earned quality time together.”
Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Vice-Admiral Mark Mellett stated that:
"The operations completed by the LÉ James Joyce while deployed with Operation Sophia once again illustrate the contribution of the Defence Forces to international peace and security, and our important, prominent role in representing Ireland overseas. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Lieutenant Commander Brett and his team on board the LÉ James Joyce on a highly successful deployment. I would also like to thank the families and friends who greeted the crew at the quay wall today, and indeed, all loved ones, for their sacrifices, and the pride they show in supporting our personnel when they deploy overseas."
Press Release Date: Saturday, 27th October 2018
For Further Information contact:
Press Officer: Comdt. Pat O’Connor
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