General Sir Gwyn Jenkins has become the Royal Navy’s First Sea Lord, taking charge of the UK’s Senior Service in a formal handover ceremony aboard HMS Victory’s historic Great Cabin in Portsmouth.
Joined by Acting Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell, General Jenkins assumed command in a tradition-steeped supersession, marking a new chapter for the Royal Navy.
‘We must strengthen our combat readiness’
“It is a huge honour to formally start in the role of First Sea Lord today,” he said.
“Leading the incredible sailors, marines and civil servants of the Royal Navy is a true privilege… we must strengthen our combat readiness, modernise faster and shape the Navy our country needs.”
Previously Strategic Advisor to the Secretary of State for Defence, General Jenkins played a key role in advancing the UK’s defence agreements with Germany and Norway. His appointment sees him command over 30,000 personnel, the Royal Marines, and the Royal Navy’s surface fleet, submarines, and air arm.
HMS Birmingham
His tenure will coincide with several critical milestones, including progress on the Type 26 and Type 31 frigates, the Dreadnought-class submarines, and the first Solid Support Ship’s construction. Among them is the new HMS Birmingham, one of the next-generation Type 26 frigates that will strengthen the UK’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
A veteran of Afghanistan and former leader of 3 Commando Brigade, Jenkins has served at the highest levels of defence planning and policy, including posts in No. 10 and the Cabinet Office. Promoted to General and Vice Chief of the Defence Staff in 2022, he took on the dual role of Commandant General Royal Marines in 2024, which he continues to hold.
His leadership is expected to steer the Royal Navy through a period of modernisation, strategic recalibration and operational readiness amid global maritime uncertainty.
