Naval Service - Organisation
The Naval Service comprises a Headquarters, an Operations Command, a Support Command and the Naval Service College.
Headquarters
Naval Headquarters (NHQ) is co-located with Naval Operations and Naval Support Commands on Haulbowline Island in Cork Harbour. The Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service (FOCNS) who holds the rank of Commodore, operates from NHQ. He is the Defence Forces Senior Officer with responsibility for maritime matters. His responsibilities include:
- Overall command over the maritime resources in defence of the State
- Policy advice to the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces on all maritime matters
- Accountability for Naval Service budgets.
He has a number of Staff Officers and non-Commissioned Officers to assist him in exercising command over the Naval Service and to provide strategic direction to current and future activities.
Naval Operations Command
Naval Operations Command is tasked with the conduct of all operations afloat and ashore by the Naval Service including the operations of Naval Service ships. The Officer Commanding Naval Operations Command (OCNOC), reporting to FOCNS, commands the operational resources of the Naval Service both afloat and ashore.
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Naval Support Command
Naval Support Command is tasked with the support of the Naval Service afloat and ashore. The Officer Commanding Naval Support Command (OCNSC), reporting to FOCNS, commands the Personnel, Logistic and Technical support resources in the Naval Base, in order to enable the NS fulfill its Operational and Training commitments.
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Naval College
The Naval College is responsible for the training of all personnel in the Naval Service. The Commandant Naval College reports directly to FOCNS on all matters related to Naval Service training.