Change in command for British forces stationed in Cyprus as Army takes lead

A new chapter begins for British Forces Cyprus as Major General Tom Bewick of the British Army formally takes over command from Air Vice Marshal Peter Squires of the Royal Air Force.

The ceremonial handover took place at HQ British Forces Cyprus in Episkopi, where the two senior officers marked the transfer of authority with a symbolic handshake.

Maj Gen Bewick was officially sworn in as Administrator of Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia in a ceremony at Flagstaff House in Episkopi.

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As the new Commander British Forces Cyprus (CBF), he will oversee all Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force personnel stationed on the island.

The role also includes administrative leadership of the Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs), the British sovereign territory on Cyprus, where responsibilities range from policing and law to environmental management.

Command of British Forces Cyprus alternates every three years between the Army and RAF.

Before this appointment, Maj Gen Bewick served as General Officer Commanding the Army's recruitment and training programmes.

Maj Gen Bewick said he was "extremely lucky" and privileged to be in Cyprus.

"It's a critical part of the world," he explained. "We are all aware of what's going on regionally and globally at the moment.

"I'm really looking forward to working with all components of UK military force that are based here on the island.

"But it really is just as important working with the High Commission and the relationship with the Republic of Cyprus and all of our allies and partners both here on the island and regionally."

He said of AVM Squires: "Peter has given me the most wonderful handover. I'm very fortunate to have known many of the previous administrators.

"I've had plenty of advice coming in, not least of which to make sure both I and my family are able to enjoy everything Cyprus has to offer, but really to enable all those who are based here alongside their families to enjoy themselves as well.

"It's a really critical set of jobs here to do – but oh my goodness, we're lucky to be here."

A ceremonial occasion

A number of ceremonial moments marked the handover. As the flag was lowered to the sound of Sunset, military personnel presented the RAF's two-star pennant to the outgoing commander.

Emergency vehicles from the SBAs police and fire service escorted AVM Squires along a route lined by members of the military and civilian community.

Reflecting on his time on the island in a farewell interview with BFBS Cyprus, AVM Squires said: "It's been a blast. I'm desperately going to miss the place, the food, and the people."

He praised his team and their families for their commitment during a busy period that included major operations such as the evacuations of British nationals from Sudan and Lebanon.

"It’s been a unique experience both running the overseas territory and dealing with all the operations that we have achieved over the last years," he said.

Alongside his wife Clare, he also thanked the Cypriot community for its warmth and hospitality during their time on the island.

AVM Squires now returns to the UK to take up a new post with the Military Aviation Authority at Abbey Wood in Bristol.