New Head Of Royal Fleet Auxiliary Announced

Captain David Eagles has been announced as the next head of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA).

Capt Eagles, whose official title will be Commodore RFA and Deputy Director Royal Navy Afloat Support, has served with the RFA for more than 30 years.

He will take over from Commodore Duncan Lamb, who assumed the role in 2015, at the end of October.

Speaking on the new appointment, Cdre Lamb said: "My five years of service as Commodore RFA has seen significant change, and while there are still many challenges to be faced, I am confident that Capt Eagles will steer the RFA on a steady course and expand on our reputation as a highly valued support force to the Royal Navy."

Capt Eagles joined the RFA in 1988 and has since served in a wide variety of operational sea-going roles and staff appointments.

His last sea-going command was of RFA Fort Victoria, which, following a period of maintenance was preparing to offer logistical support to the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.

Capt Eagles said: "I am thrilled and proud to be appointed head of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, one of the fighting arms of the Royal Navy.

"I look forward to working with our people to guide the RFA Service through the ongoing challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, while continuing to deliver on world-wide operations and positioning the RFA Service for a bright and secure future."

The RFA delivers worldwide logisitic and operational support to Royal Navy and Royal Marines operations.

It is staffed by merchant sailors and is the civilian branch of the naval service.

Cover image: Captain David Eagles (Picture: Royal Navy).