New Fleet Commander appointed to Royal Navy
The Royal Navy has welcomed its newly-appointed Fleet Commander and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff at a handover ceremony in Portsmouth.
Admiral Sir George Zambellas (left) hands over to Vice Admiral Philip Jones
Vice Admiral Philip Jones takes up the role from outgoing Fleet Commander Admiral Sir George Zambellas who will continue in his NATO role, Commander Maritime Command, at Northwood in North West London.
Addressing Royal Navy personnel Vice Admiral Jones said it was an immense privilege to be invited to take up the role and that it was a proud moment for himself, his wife and three children. He said:
I’m lucky to find myself taking over the Fleet Commander role at a time when there are so very many professional, energetic and, above all, committed people on the Navy Command team.
A team committed to generating and supporting maritime forces operating on a front line that stretches from the South Atlantic to the northern Gulf, from the Strait of Hormuz to the Caribbean, and from the coastline of Somalia to the vehicle checkpoints of Nad ‘Ali in Helmand.
Admiral Sir George Zambellas (left) with Vice Admiral Philip Jones [Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Keith Morgan, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]
Vice Admiral Jones said that he would continue to make the strongest possible case for future investment in the Royal Navy in order to ensure the nation’s security and prosperity.
The incoming Fleet Commander added that the Royal Navy was held in high regard by other navies and that few other nations were able to match the range of activities carried out by the Royal Navy. He said:
We are in that place because we - more than anyone else in Defence - understand our business and we understand our environment, where the land, sea and air all meet.
And while we understand the need to seek continuous improvement, we are smart enough to try and do it in manageable steps. That is key to our success.
Vice Admiral Jones also thanked Admiral Zambellas for leaving a powerful legacy which is operationally-focused and hungry to succeed in all areas.