Admiral Sir Ben Key has taken over from Admiral Tony Radakin as First Sea Lord.
According to the Royal Navy here, he took over as First Sea Lord from Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, whose 29 months at the helm end as he moves on to become the new Chief of Defence Staff.
“He formally handed over command of more than 30,000 men and women, more than 90 warships, nuclear submarines and support vessels, the helicopters and jets of the Fleet Air Arm and the elite Naval infantry of the Royal Marines to the man who has been Chief of Joint Operations and a former Fleet Commander.
During his command, Admiral Key will see the lead ships of two new classes of frigate – submarine hunter HMS Glasgow, the first of eight Type 26 warships and general purpose HMS Venturer, the maiden Inspiration-class/Type 31 vessel – enter the water and will continue the transformation of the Royal Navy spearheaded by his predecessor, re-shaping the Service to meet the challenges and demands of the mid-21st Century.
The historic setting of HMS Victory’s great cabin was the venue for the transfer of office. Proceedings then shifted to Victory’s quarterdeck and the last act of the ceremony, where Admiral Radakin’s standard was lowered and Admiral Key’s flag raised in its place.”
Can anyone explain the Admiral’s role in causing Maj Gen Matthew Holmes to lose his job?
Nope, next question!
Big shoes to fill. Good luck and best wishes.
Tough job.
But at least there are decent ships in build now as well as Astute, T45, QEC, Albions, Bays, Tides and retiring LIFEX’d T23……
So there is a very good, if smallish, fleet forming up.
Smallish, is a very kind way of saying it. Alarmingly deficient or perilously inadequate. Foolishly weak is my preferred description. At a time when NATO is unstable and GB once again has global commitments. But what do I know.
Fit oars to his desk. We may need him at sea to protect our carriers.