New Fleet Commander for Royal Navy

As the Royal Navy’s previous Fleet Commander has moved up the ladder to become the First Sea Lord, the Navy has welcomed his successor at a handover ceremony in Portsmouth, UK.

Vice Admiral Ben Key CBE is taking up the role from outgoing Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Sir Philip Jones KCB  who is to be promoted Admiral and appointed First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff.

The outgoing Fleet Commander is succeeding  Admiral Sir George Zambellas who will step down in April 2016.

The ceremony took place on HMS Dauntless with the signing of the official handover documents held on the flight deck in front of the ship’s company and family members.

VAdm Key said: “It is a great privilege to take command of the Fleet, building on all that has been achieved by my predecessor. In recent years the sailors and marines of the Naval Service have consistently delivered success on operations.”

“I am determined to support the Fleet to ensure it can continue to do so. In an uncertain world we must be ready and able to fight and win, and the men and women in the front line must be supported to do so. I very much look forward to playing my part in this.”

VAdm Key joined the Royal Navy in 1984, qualifying as both helicopter aircrew and as Principal Warfare Officer.

He has commanded four ships – minehunter HMS Sandown, Type 23 frigates HMS Iron Duke and HMS Lancaster and aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious.

Shore appointments have included MOD, an advisor to the Iraqi Director Joint Staff in Baghdad, PJHQ and HQ AIR Command.

His most recent role was as Flag Officer Sea Training responsible for recruiting, individual and operational training.

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