The Defence Forces back in force for SeaFest 2018

Sgt George Foley and Cillian Scanlon from Milltown at SeaFest 2017. The Defence Forces are back in force for SeaFest 2018 in Galway from 29th June to 1st July. Photo: Andrew Downes, xposure.The popular Defence Forces display will return to Galway Harbour for SeaFest 2018, taking place from Friday 29th June to Sunday 1st July.

The Defence Forces, as well as the Naval Service and Air Corps will provide a current equipment and capabilities display, and an Irish naval vessel will also be open for tours.

Commandant Paddy Sheahan said the Defence Forces is delighted to support Seafest 2018, as the previous festivals in 2016 and 2017 were such a positive experience.

"SeaFest is a great opportunity for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to positively engage with members of the public, informing them of the Defence Forces relationship to the ocean, whether we are sailing on the high seas or high above it in our Maritime patrol aircraft!

"The Naval Service is the State's principal seagoing agency maintaining a constant presence 24 hours a day, 365 days a year throughout Ireland's enormous and rich maritime jurisdiction, upholding Ireland's sovereign rights. The public can come and take a tour of one of these ships and get a sense of what life is like aboard. We will also have a comprehensive display of military equipment from armoured tactical vehicles to infantry equipment," Commandant Sheahan said.

The Defence Forces display will include a selection of current Defence Force equipment and vehicles. Units from 1 Brigade involved in the display include:

• 1 Brigade Artillery Regiment: Displaying 105mm Arty Gun, 120mm Mortar, RBS 70, Radar Equipment
• 1 Brigade Cavalry Squadron: Displaying Light Tactical Armoured Vehicle, MOWAG Armoured Personnel Carrier
• 1 Brigade Military Police: Displaying Military Police vehicles and bikes and investigation equipment.
• 1 Brigade Ordnance Group: Displaying Explosive Ordnance Disposal equipment and vehicles.
• 1 Cn Cois (1st Infantry Barracks – Mellow Barracks (Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa): Displaying a selection of Infantry equipment and weapons.

The Defence Forces 1 Brigade Military Band will also perform over the weekend.

For more information, follow SeaFest on Facebook and Twitter and keep an eye on https://seafest.ie

SAVE THE DATE
SeaFest 2018 – Galway
Friday 29th June – Sunday 1st July