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Admiral Sir Benjamin John Key, KCB, CBE, ADC (born 7 November 1965) is a senior Royal Navy officer. He has served as First Sea Lord since November 2021. [2] He has commanded HM Ships Sandown , Iron Duke and Lancaster , and deployed on operations to Kosovo and Iraq .
- 1984–present
- Royal Navy
- Biography
- First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff
Educated at Bromsgrove School, Ben 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 as a junior officer saw service around the world in a variety of frigates and destroyers.
He has been privileged to command four ships: the mine hunter HMS SANDOWN, the frigates HMS IRON DUKE and HMS LANCASTER, and the aircraft carrier HMS ILLUSTRIOUS.
Shore appointments have included Resources and Plans in MOD, an advisor to the Iraqi Director Joint Staff in Baghdad, the UK’s Permanent Joint HQ, and HQ Air Command. He has also served as Principal Staff Officer to the Chief of Defence Staff. From April 2013 to July 2015 he was Flag Officer Sea Training, responsible for recruiting as well as 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. He then served as the Chief of Joint Operations, prior to his appointment as First Sea Lord in November 2021. He was awarded the US Bronze Star in 2006 for his service in Baghdad, appointed CBE in 2016 and KCB in 2021.
The First Sea Lord is the professional head of the Royal Navy and a member of the Defence Council. He is responsible to Secretary of State for the fighting effectiveness, efficiency and morale of the Naval Service.
As a member of the Defence Council, the First Sea Lord supports the Secretary of State in the management and direction of the Armed Forces through prerogative and statutory powers. As a member of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, he advises CDS on maritime strategy and policy. He has a collective responsibility for providing strategic direction to the department, managing performance and ensuring that defence delivers the required outputs.
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Nov 8, 2021 · The torch of Naval leadership today changed hands as Admiral Sir Ben Key became the nation’s most senior sailor. Aboard Nelson’s flagship Victory, he took over as First Sea Lord from Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, whose 29 months at the helm end as he moves on to become the new Chief of Defence Staff.
Nov 8, 2021 · Adm. Ben Key became the nation’s most senior sailor aboard flagship HMS Victory. Royal Navy Photo. A new head of the U.K. Royal Navy has taken command, the Ministry of Defence announced on Monday.
Oct 17, 2023 · Admiral Sir Ben Key: Thank you very much, sir. Dr. Jones: Well, welcome to CSIS. I wanted to begin by highlighting that this is the anniversary week of Admiral Horatio Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar in 1805 against the combined fleets of the French and Spanish navies. How are you celebrating the Royal Navy victory?
May 5, 2022 · First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key has spoken at the Sea Power Conference, in London, hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Ladies and gentlemen, guests who are present and also online, I'm delighted to welcome you to this year's Sea Power conference at Arundel House.
Feb 16, 2022 · Seth G. Jones: Thank you for attending. I have the distinct honor of welcoming Admiral Sir Ben Key, who is the – who has been serving in the Royal Navy for 38 years. He is the first sea lord. He began his role as first sea lord and chief of naval staff in November of 2021. Prior to this he served as chief of joint operations.
