General Sir Gwyn Jenkins KCB OBE RM has been appointed as the new First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, as well as Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty, marking a historic first for a Royal Marine to take on the role.
The appointment was confirmed by Defence Secretary John Healey, who stated that His Majesty The King has approved the decision.
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “I warmly congratulate General Sir Gwyn Jenkins on his selection as the next First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff. As the first Royal Marine appointed to the role, this is a hugely significant moment for the Royal Navy.”
General Jenkins has had a distinguished career both in the military and within government. His leadership and operational expertise make him well-suited to guide the Royal Navy through the challenges of modern defence.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, commented: “I am very pleased to welcome General Jenkins as the next First Sea Lord. As one of the outstanding Royal Marines of his generation, he brings with him a wealth of operational and organisational expertise.”
Radakin also noted that Jenkins’ appointment reflects a closer integration between the Royal Marines and the Royal Navy, particularly in how they operate and combat evolving threats.
Reflecting on his new role, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins expressed his gratitude, stating: “It is an honour to be selected as the next First Sea Lord. I feel extremely privileged to lead the exceptional sailors and marines of the Royal Navy at this pivotal time for UK Defence.”
Jenkins spoke on the importance of accelerating the Navy’s transformation into a modern, conflict-ready force: “Throughout my career, I have always been motivated by the vital role the Royal Navy has in keeping our nation safe. To do that now, we need to accelerate our return to a war-fighting force that is ready for conflict, expand our modernisation efforts, and deliver the Royal Navy our nation needs.”
Its good to see Royal’s ability to think out of the box coming into is own we now have 2 firsts, the 1st RM to take command of the Navy also we have an RM as CO of RAF Marham the home of the F35. Let us hope that Royal can take the position of Chef of Defence staff that way we might get some one with the will power to stand up for the UK’s armed forces and not be brow beaten into yet more cuts.
Perfect timing to take a tour of the fleet in Portsmouth in the newly painted LC.
“Standing firm and proud in the best tradition of the RN”.
Radakin. ” Closer integration with RN, how they operate to combat evolving threats.”
Closer?
They’ve had Ocean taken.
They’ve taken the 2 LPDs
They’ve taken a Bay.
They’ve taken the 4 LCAC.
They’ve disbanded most Landing Craft Squadrons, and what LCVP LCU we have left cannot be used in the number they were as there are no longer the ships to deploy them.
They’ve reduced arctic training.
They’ve reduced the CHF by moving Merlin in to replace a larger number of S King HC4s.
The RM do at least have two new nice shiny IW types and some pocket Drones.
So how exactly are they closer? I can only think of Four Twos conversion from Green ops to Maritime, which was years ago anyway.
I find utter twaddle like this mystifying.
That’s before what SDR has install for the Corps and the rest of U.K. defence. A pretty grim picture but i am sure lots of jam will be promised for tomorrow.
Unsurprisingly there seems to be some signs that the Russians are building up there forces in the north and just when we will be at our weakest in that theatre.
Come on mate – they now have the white ensign on their very expensive Crye uniforms…. what more proof do you need?
They didn’t need as many Merlins as HC4 anyway – because they cut the numbers.
Think outside the box 😉
That guy looks angry.