Royal Navy Jack Speak

Friday 3 July - to Greenwich, for a surprise dining-out of the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, who hands over the reins to Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope on 21 July.  He knew he was invited to dinner, but it was meant to be a small affair at HMS PRESIDENT, by Tower Bridge.  On arrival there, though, he was ambushed, abducted, bundled into a University RN Unit ship and taken down the Thames to be greeted at the Old RN College by the Princess Royal, Hon Rear Admiral Sir Don Gosling, Admiral Band’s family, and about 300 Officers and Warrant Officers of the RN and RM in the Painted Hall.  It was a terrific event, and a cracking way to give Admiral Band a send-off after nearly 3.5 years in the biggest and undoubtedly most demanding job in the Navy.  That said, I think it’s probably about the 10th farewell dinner and at least the 4th surprise he’s enjoyed in the last few weeks…