Another British Warship bound for Cork

by A. K. Murray Mon Sep 03, 2007 07:55

Funny that, we send our lads to america and no protests

http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=17570

"MANHATTAN, N.Y. (NNS) -- Color guard members from Naval Reserve Center (NRC) Bronx, N.Y., marched proudly along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan as part of the 244th New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade March 17.

The four-member color guard was followed by crew members of the Irish navy's ship L.E. Roisin (P-51), who were in the city as part of a goodwill tour in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Preceding the Color Guard was the Tomas MacDonogh Pipe Band.

"The whole parade began as a military event," said color guard member Personnelman 2nd Class Rosario Eliezeo. "To be part of something that represents so many people of so many different heritages and backgrounds is an honor, because it represents the makeup of America, and the makeup of our military," Eliezeo continued, "If you look around, it's not only the Irish that are here. There are people from all walks of life, and we're here to show our support to all of them."

With more than 1 million spectators and 150,000 marchers, the New York City St. Patrick's Day parade is considered to be, by some, the oldest, largest and best in the world. For members of the NRC Bronx Color Guard, the thrill of marching past cheering crowds through the heart of Manhattan was a moment they will not soon forget.

"I'm from New York City, so to actually be here in one of these parades is a very big honor for me," said Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Earris Dupree Jr.

The 13-year Navy veteran feels that being a part of the color guard was something he was destined to do.

"Sometimes you just know that you are supposed to be doing something," Dupree said. "For me, this is my calling - to show the public what a great Navy we have and to show our support of them, as well."

Supporting the public wasn't the only goal of the color guard, but also supporting their fellow Sailors of the Irish navy. Having pulled into port March 14, the Irish sailors hosted various functions aboard their ship for visitors and guests prior to performing in the parade. For many of them, life in the "Big Apple" was a shock, but a pleasant one.

"It's massive, absolutely massive," said Irish Able Rate Engineer David Culleton. "I haven't gotten enough time to see everything, it's just too big. I love it, though, and can't wait to come back."

This is the first time the crew of L.E. Roisin, homeported at Haulbowline Island in the Cobh of Cork, participated in New York's St. Patrick's Day parade, or any parade outside of Ireland, and the crew was somewhat apprehensive at first. But it didn't take long for the Irish sailors to feel welcomed.

"We've had a great time here, and [we're] looking forward to getting out and meeting even more people," said L.E. Roisin Executive Officer Lt. Brian Matthews. "Everyone here has been very friendly toward us and the whole experience has just been really, really good."

http://military.ie/navy/history/index.htm

"During the nineties the Service maintained it’s Resupply Missions to Lebanon, Cyprus and the former Yugoslavia; ensuring that the needs of Irish Peacekeepers were always met. After the success of LE Eithne’s visit to the USA in 1986 it was decided to send the vessel back to the USA to an International Naval Review in 2000, which was held in New York. This also included visits to Boston, Halifax and Bermuda."

by Sceptic Sun Sep 02, 2007 00:07

The ship is visiting because it has been invited. Any protestors should take up their grievance with those who invited it. Our Navy makes similar visits to different countries all the time. There are British hooligans but they are not the ones in the navy. The hooligans are outside the navy. Also we have plenty of hooligans of our own and in my experience there are even worse than the British variety. Note it is the navy not the British army or British soldiers like have been referred to above.

by janey mack Sat Sep 01, 2007 23:32

go on home british soldiers go on home

by Capn Mackey Fri Aug 31, 2007 20:03

Join the British army and see the world. Meet interesting people and kill them.