A FORMER Bromsgrove School student who played a key role in the evacuation of Afghanistan two months ago has been named as the new chief of the British Navy.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace confirmed The Queen had approved the appointment of Vice Admiral Sir Ben Key as the First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff.
Vice Adm Key joined the Royal Navy in 1984 as a University Cadet, subsequently graduating in Physics from Royal Holloway, University of London.
He qualified as both helicopter aircrew and as a Principal Warfare Officer and has seen service around the world in a variety of frigates and destroyers.
From April 2013 to July 2015 he was Flag Officer Sea Training, responsible for recruitment and individual and operational training across the Royal Navy.
Promoted to Vice Admiral in February 2016, he was the Royal Navy’s Fleet Commander from then until March 2019.
Currently serving as the Chief of Joint Operations, he was awarded the US Bronze Star in 2006 for his service in Baghdad, appointed CBE in 2016 and KCB in 2021.
He said it was ‘an honour and a privilege’ to be selected as the next First Sea Lord.
“I have seen close up, as the Chief of Joint Operations, the impact our increasingly globally deployed Navy has had. I am determined we continue to deliver on these opportunities, working with allies and partners around the world in support of the government objectives.
“I am excited at the prospect of leading the exceptional sailors and marines of the Royal Navy through the exciting challenges we have ahead.”
He added he was looking forward to building on the transformation work of his predecessor Adm
Sir Tony Radakin and continuing the ambitious modernisation laid out in the Government’s ‘Integrated Review’.
Mr Wallace praised Vice Adm Key for the part he played in successfully getting 15,000 British nationals and Afghans out of Kabul.
“Sir Ben Key is an exceptional military officer and I have no doubt he will be outstanding in his new post.
“Under Vice Admiral Key’s leadership, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, are in excellent hands.”
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Vice Admiral Sir Ben Key as the next First Sea Lord.
“As a previous Fleet Commander and the current Chief of Joint Operations, he will bring a wealth of operational experience to the role.”
