Senior Naval Staff

 

The First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff is the head of the entire Naval Service. He presides over the Navy Board, which also includes the Second Sea Lord, the Fleet Commander, the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy), the Finance Director (Navy), and the Non-Executive Director.

Together, they use their hard-won knowledge and experience to oversee all aspects of the Royal Navy’s activities, from operations and administration to personnel and logistics.

First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral Sir Ben Key KCB CBE

As the professional head of the Royal Navy, the First Sea Lord is responsible for delivering the Navy that Defence and the Nation demands; maintaining the fighting effectiveness, efficiency and morale of the Naval Service.

Second Sea Lord and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff: Vice Admiral Martin Connell CBE

The Second Sea Lord focuses on the Navy's longer term future - people, equipment and infrastructure. This includes overseeing all 'people matters' - recruiting, training, diversity, welfare and support for families.

Fleet Commander: Vice Admiral Andrew Burns CB OBE

The Fleet Commander ensures the Naval Service is fit to fight; overseeing the generation and operation of the ships, submarines and aircraft undertaking the tasks directed by Defence.

Our governing bodies

Admiralty Board

Admiralty Board

Chaired by the Secretary of State for Defence, the Admiralty Board is made up of senior Royal Navy personnel, government ministers and civil servants from the Ministry of Defence. It is responsible for all the officers, ratings and commandos of His Majesty's Naval and Marine forces.

Navy Board

The Navy Board is the body responsible for running the Royal Navy. Made up of the most senior personnel in the Naval Service, its principal duty is to ensure that the Royal Navy is fit to defend the United Kingdom and its interests.