On 19 July 2017, The Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, visited the joint Irish-Finish Battalion (IRISHFINBATT) in south Lebanon.He was briefed on the operations of the battalion and the situation in the AOR.
Later on, he visited the Irish monument in the village of Tibnine where he laid a wreath in honour of the 47 Irish peacekeepers who have lost their lives while serving in UNIFIL since 1978.
He also visited the Irish platoon on the BLue Line and received a comprehensive situational brief.
Vice Admiral Mellett ended his tour at UNIFIL Headquarters in Naqoura where he was received by UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Michael Beary and the UN Mission Leadership.