The guard of honour includes S/Lt Andrew Bugler (front), P.O/EA Mick Turnbull, A.S. John Cotter, L/HA Gerard Geaney, A.S Dubheasa Ni Cionnach and A/Mec Niall Brennan.
The ceremonial parade marked the handover of command from Lt Cdr Aedh McGinn to Lt Cdr Dempsey. The L.E. AOIFE was adopted by the Waterford City Council in 1998 and has built ever-closer links since. The event was part of a three-day local recruitment drive organised by the Waterford Naval Reserve, culminating with interviews in the Green Street Barracks. Visits were paid to local secondary schools, including Mount Sion, St Paul’s, De La Salle and Waterpark on Tuesday, with interested students boarding the offshore patrol vessel, which has a crew of 40.

The Naval Service is looking to recruit an additional 120 personnel in 2008. Applicants must be over 17 and under 27. For further information contact Naval Recruiting Office at navyjobs@defenceforces.ie Waterford native and Commanding Officer of Naval Operations Command, Captain Jim Robinson