On the Necessity of a navy
Now, I do have to admit to a certain bias here. I am a HUGE naval buff, as anyone who knows me in person will be able to confirm. Still, I woke up a few weeks ago to a news item that would have been major news in any country, much more so in a small island nation like Ireland. LÉ Niamh, an Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Irish Naval Service, supported by patrol aircraft from the Irish Air Corps and her sister ship Roisin, stopped and boarded the yacht Makayabella about 200 nautical miles west of Mizen Head. The ship was found to be carrying cocaine bales worth an estimated 80 million Euros. LE Niamh (P52) moored at Haulbowline Naval Base. This boarding operation, described as a "textbook" operation by Irish Navy officials is undoubtedly a huge success, and highlights the professionalism of the men and women of the Naval Service. However, the operation also highlighted something else - The value of a well equipped and funded navy. And that, sadly, is something th...