Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) has honoured Commodore Michael Malone, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service (FOCNS) at a ceremony attended by the Tánaiste, Simon Coveney TD, and CIT President, Dr Barry O’Connor.

CIT’s Faculty of Engineering & Science honoured the current Head of the Irish Naval Services at the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) in Ringaskiddy this week.

Commodore Malone was promoted to his present rank, and into the post of Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service (FOCNS), in 2017.

He is the first Marine Engineer to be appointed as FOCNS.

Commodore Malone was commissioned as an officer in 1983 while undertaking a degree in Marine and Plant Engineering at CIT.

After graduating from CIT in May 1985, Commodore Malone continued his education at a host of prestigious international institutions including the Royal Naval Engineering College in Plymouth and the Pearl Harbour Naval Shipyard, USA.

“As a graduate of CIT, it is an honour to receive this prestigious award,” said Commodore Malone.

“CIT is recognised nationally and internationally as a centre of excellence in education and it has provided me with the foundations to excel in my chosen career.

Michael Loftus, Head of the Faculty of Engineering & Science at CIT said, “Commodore Malone is a trailblazer in his chosen profession and a fantastic role model for future generations of STEM leaders.”