Navy welcomes new First Sea Lord

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On 7 February 2006, the Ministry of Defence welcomed Admiral Sir Jonathon Band KCB as the new First Sea Lord.

Admiral Sir Alan West GCB DSC ADC (left) hands over to the new First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Jonathon Band KCB.
[Picture: POA (PHOT) Flo Foord]

Admiral Band's full title will be First Sea Lord, Chief of Naval Staff, and Principal Naval Aide-de-Camp to the Queen. He succeeds Admiral Sir Alan West GCB DSC ADC, who was appointed on 17 September 2002.

The First Sea Lord, or "1SL", is the professional head of the Royal Navy. He is personally accountable to the Secretary of State for Defence for the delivery of military capability generated by the Navy, the fighting effectiveness and efficiency of the the forces in being and the morale of his personnel. He is also the chairman of the Navy Board, which has responsibility for the day-to-day running of the Navy.

Taking over his new post in a handover ceremony, Admiral Band said:

"I am delighted to be taking on the appointment of First Sea Lord; there is plenty to be done as one of the top team in the MoD and head of the Royal Navy. These are challenging but fascinating times for Defence and the Navy."

MoD Link