London – Portsmouth (Agencies): General Sir Gwyn Jenkins has officially assumed command of the Royal Navy as First Sea Lord, following a formal supersession ceremony aboard HMS Victory in Portsmouth. The event, held in the historic Great Cabin of Admiral Nelson’s flagship, was attended by senior naval leaders, including Acting Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell.
Jenkins, who previously served as Strategic Advisor to the Secretary of State for Defence, becomes the first Royal Marines officer to hold the prestigious position. His tenure comes at a time of heightened focus on combat readiness, shipbuilding, and technological transformation within the UK’s naval forces.
“It is a huge honour to formally start in the role of First Sea Lord today,” Jenkins stated during the handover. “Leading the incredible sailors, marines, and civil servants of the Royal Navy is a true privilege. Now more than ever, we must strengthen our combat readiness, modernise faster, and shape the Navy our country needs.”
As First Sea Lord, Jenkins will oversee more than 30,000 personnel, over 50 warships, submarines, and support vessels, as well as the Fleet Air Arm and Royal Marines. His leadership is expected to guide the operational debut of the Type 26 and Type 31 frigates, the cutting of steel for the first Fleet Solid Support ship, and the entry into service of the seventh Astute-class submarine. He will also supervise the continued development of the Dreadnought-class strategic deterrent.
A graduate of the Advanced Command and Staff Course, Jenkins has held senior roles across the UK’s military and government, including operational command in Afghanistan, where he was awarded the OBE. His career has also included key positions at No.10 Downing Street and the Cabinet Office.
Jenkins previously served as Vice Chief of the Defence Staff in 2022 before being appointed Commandant General of the Royal Marines—a role he will retain alongside his new position as head of the Royal Navy.