The LE Aoife will be flying the flag for Waterford, literally and metaphorically, in several Mediterranean ports over the next five weeks.
A flag of the city has been presented to the naval vessel, which has adopted Waterford as its home port, to be displayed on a United Nations overseas mission beginning on Friday.
Departing from Cork, the ship will be carrying out a training cruise and transporting supplies to Irish troops in Kosovo and Lebanon. It will also pay logistics calls to Ibiza, Thessalonica, Beirut and Portimao.
Personnel from the vessel have held discussions with Waterford Chamber of Commerce on ideas to promote the city during the mission. "A naval ship is a very effective projection of a country and its people," says Lieut Cdr Chris Nalty, commanding officer of the Aoife.
"Many local business groups and dignitaries attend onboard functions during the port visits which can act as an excellent marketing facility for Ireland . . . It would be our intention to highlight Waterford and the south-east region in particular."
He added there was a long tradition of recruitment of personnel from the Waterford area and the Naval Service was actively recruiting young men and women into its ranks. Details can be obtained on the lo-call number 1890 262828.
The downside of the ship's forthcoming mission is that it will miss the Waterford Maritime Festival in June.