Irish Naval Service
What are we and what do we do
The Irish Naval Service is the State's principal seagoing agency with a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. It is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. Defence roles include defending territorial seas, deterring intrusive or aggressive acts, conducting maritime surveillance, maintaining an armed naval presence, ensuring right of passage, protecting marine assets and contributing to a blockade if required. The Naval Service must also be capable of supporting Army operations by sea lift and close naval support.
Underpinned by the authority of international law, Irish Naval Service vessels carry with them unique characteristics as an expression of State sovereignty and political will at sea. The Naval Service conveys a signal of State commitment in the sea areas over which the Irish State exercises sovereignty has sovereign rights and in the sea areas beyond, where the State has an interest.
The Irish Naval Service is based in Haulbowline, Co. Cork. It has an authorised maximum strength of 1,144 personnel and comprises a flotilla of eight ships. The key characteristics of the Naval Service flotilla are those of a rapid reaction, flexible and multi-capable force able to sustain the maximum number of patrol days within the constraints of the resources available. Click here http://www.military.ie/naval/ships.htmfor more information on Irish Naval Service ships.
