RTÉ News joins the Irish Navy and Air Corps in an exercise known as 'Operation Madonna'.
'Operation Madonna' was a week long combined naval and air exercise off the Cork coast. The operation took place between Fastnet Rock and Mine Head with the purpose of involving ships in a number of tasks which they might be required to undertake at short notice during a normal patrol. The exercise is also designed to further the training of personnel in combined naval-air exercises.
One task involves landing a Dauphin helicopter on the small landing pad on board the LÉ Eithne. Senior naval officers gave a demonstration to Minister for Defence Michael J Noonan. The Minister got to fire one of the ship's guns. Also on board was the Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Tadgh O'Neill. along with officials from the Department of Defence. The LÉ Eithne's helicopter crew demonstrated their capabilities with a rescue mission.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 2 September 1987. The reporter is Tom McCaughren.
