Leading Defence Forces role for Naval Service leader

Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has promoted a Naval Service leader to the position of Defence Forces deputy chief of staff for the first time in the State's history.

Commodore Mark Mellett was confirmed in the new position by Cabinet today, following Mr Shatter's nomination.

The promotion is perceived as a recognition of the strategic importance of the maritime economy, and the Naval Service’s role in patrolling one of Europe’s largest sea areas.

The development also means that the three military wings of Army, Naval Service and Air Corps hold the top three jobs in the Defence Forces. Brig Gen Ralph James of the Air Corps was appointed a deputy chief of staff in 2010.

Cmdr Mellett, who holds a distinguished service medal for drug interdiction, has been associated with developing the Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster in Cork, which is focusing on ocean energy research and innovation partnerships.

From Mayo, Cmdr Mellett joined the Naval Service in 1976 and his first command was the LÉ Orla in 1992, followed by the LÉ Ciara in 1997 and the flagship LÉ Eithne in 2005.