The Minister for Defence Mr. Simon Coveney, T.D., attended the ceremony marking the transfer of authority from the current Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant-General Conor O’Boyle to his successor Rear Admiral Mark Mellett. Lieutenant General O’Boyle will retire from the Defence Forces at the end of the month.
Photo: (Lieutenant-General Conor O’Boyle and Minister for Defence Simon Coveney TD)
The ceremony was held in McKee Barracks Dublin, during which time Minister Coveney presented the Distinguished Service Medal (with Honour) to Lieutenant-General O’Boyle.
Paying tribute to Lieutenant-General O’Boyle, the Minister for Defence stated: “I am honoured to be presenting Lieutenant-General O’Boyle with the Distinguished Service Medal (with Honour)” and on behalf of the Government, the Minister thanked Lieutenant-General O’Boyle for “his hard work, commitment, professionalism and dedication which has brought great honour on the Defence Forces and on this Nation as a whole”.
Speaking of Rear Admiral Mellett the Minister stated: “I look forward to having the opportunity to work closely with Rear Admiral Mellett as Chief of Staff”. Rear Admiral Mellett who was appointed to the position of Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) of the Defence Forces in November, 2013 will be promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral to take up his position as the new Chief of Staff with effect from the 29th September.
Photo: (Rear Admiral Mark Mellett)
