Royal Navy Chief: 50th Anniversary Of Nuclear Deterrent 'Biggest Moment' Of 2019

The head of the Royal Navy says the 50th anniversary of Britain's continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent is the service's biggest moment of 2019.

First Sea Lord, Admiral Tony Radakin, also shared his Christmas reflections.

"There are many [high points of the year]," he said.

"If I look at it in a big sense, aircraft carriers are special, but probably the biggest moment is our achievement with continuous at-sea deterrent.

"That's Operation Relentless, and that's now been going on for over 50 years and that is an amazing achievement for a Navy like ours, so that's probably been the biggest highlight of the year."

Admiral Radakin spoke about the Navy's success in the Gulf, and the Naval response, as well as the activities of the Royal Marines - in exercise with the US Marine Corps.

"What we've done with Exercise Baltic Protector - that's the largest maritime, and in particular Royal Marines, effort into the Baltic for several decades."

Admiral Radakin said he was also proud of the Navy's global presence.

"We're responding to the most activity by the Russians for over 30 years, and how we're combating that to keep our nuclear deterrent safe and free.

"And then what we're doing all around the UK coast, and what we're doing around the world - going out to the Far East where we've had a presence with a variety of frigates, destroyers and now HMS Enterprise."

However, personnel, he said, were the most impressive part of the Royal Navy's year.

"If I look at our people, they do amazing things all of the time.

"So it could be Ruth Guest, and she won an award as part of the Women in Defence series, it might be Andrew Durham and his success on Masterchef.

"It might be Melanie Haslam and her representing Great Britain with the bobsleigh team.

"It's Warrant Officer Waring, and what he pulls off in such a short time with the November ceremonies, and then what he manages to pull together with magnificent men and women who then take the guard at the Royal Palaces.

"Whenever I go around the Navy, I come across amazing people doing amazing things and to be a part of that, is what has been to me, the overriding impression throughout the year."

Having taken the reigns from Admiral Sir Philip Jones in June 2019, Admiral Radakin says his time as First Sea Lord has so far been an enjoyable one:

"It's always going to be a huge privilege, but if I'm really honest, it's been enjoyable and I would say very very enjoyable.

"To lead your service is very special.

"It's busy, it's hard work but the people and what we're doing as a Navy makes it very very humbling and immensely enjoyable."

The First Sea Lord shared his 2019 Christmas message for the Royal Navy: "To everybody, it's thank you for what we have achieved this year.

"It's to acknowledge that we would not have achieved that without the support of our friends, our family, and also to acknowledge their sacrifice.

"And for the people who can have a break this Christmas, I want them to have a proper break and make the most of it.

"And for those that are on duty, I want them to know that it's really appreciated, I want them to keep us safe, and I want to thank the sacrifice of their families and friends, because they're the ones that will bear the brunt of it whilst they are away.

"For everybody, I'd like to wish them a Happy Christmas."