And so I come to my last day of 44 years of uniformed service to my country. With a heavy heart I will not be returning to the Coast Guard but staying on in Somalia. After a decade as Director probably enough.
Chris Reynolds
2,633 posts
Chris Reynolds
@Crickie2
Former Director of the Irish Coast Guard 2007 - 2017, 2017 - 2023 Head of EU Mission to Somalia, 2023 -24 UN Maritime Security Lead in Malaysia.
Ireland
Joined November 2013
- Pleasure to extend my appreciation to the Somali police Commissioner in recognition of his leadership and constant professionalism.
- Getting in some rugby before tonight's match here in Mogadishu. Come on Ireland🥵
- Last year the Police Bomb Disposal Team had no sniffer dogs. So they found the cleverest stray pups in Mogadishu and trained them themselves. Went to see them in action today with the deputy Commissioner and DG of the Ministry.
00:00 - Proud to have handed over a refurbished dormitory to the Police Commissioner so that the police can train an extra 140 officers per training cycle. That's 560 more police officers each year. project manager a fellow Irishman Hugh Moody.
- irishtimes.com/business/2024/… Never mind the legal complexities I am blue in the face advising the department, as the man who ran the last 3 SAR Heli procurements, that they do not have the time left between now and June 2025 to safely, and I stress safely, transition to new machines.
- After 6 years in Somalia I presented my last 6 monthly report to the EU Member States this week. No idea what I will be doing next year but hopefully something useful?
- I offered my pro bono support to the Department to help sort the mess out but was strongly declined. someone in there needs to take a grip.
- Some more pics from yesterday and meeting with Minister of Defence, Land Forces Commander, Deputy CoS and Admiral of the Navy.
- So great Christmas present for my son Peter Reynolds. Image from his camera on the outside of the separation of third stage launch vehicle with the James Webb telescope - camera built and designed in Dublin. Extra joy for the Reynolds household today
- Great to be invited to Parliament to listen to the development of Irelands defence capabilities and later discuss all things security with Deputy Cathal Berry and Senator Craughwell in more casual surroundings
