General Sir Gwyn Jenkins officially takes over as First Sea Lord in HMS Victory ceremony

A Royal Marines general has taken command of the Royal Navy in a formal handover ceremony held on board HMS Victory in Portsmouth.

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins becomes the new First Sea Lord – the professional head of the Royal Navy – following his role as Strategic Advisor to the Secretary of State for Defence.

The ceremonial transition took place in the historic Great Cabin of HMS Victory, the oldest commissioned warship in the world.

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He was joined by Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell, Acting Chief of the Naval Staff and Second Sea Lord, for the supersession.

"Leading the incredible sailors, marines and civil servants of the Royal Navy is a true privilege," Gen Sir Gwyn said. 

"I have always been driven by our mission to keep the UK safe – now more than ever we must strengthen our combat readiness, modernise faster and shape the Navy our country needs."

During the ceremony, Gen Sir Gwyn received his sword to then give to HMS Victory so that the flagship remains 'at arms'' – a symbol of the First Sea Lord's authority.

In his new role, he assumes command of more than 30,000 personnel, over 50 warships, nuclear submarines and support vessels, the aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm, and the Royal Marines.

He will oversee key modernisation projects during his tenure, including the continued build of the Type 26 and Type 31 frigates, the cutting of steel for the first Solid Support Ship, the seventh Astute-class submarine entering service, and the ongoing development of the Dreadnought-class.

A graduate of the Advanced Command and Staff Course at Shrivenham, General Sir Gwyn has served in Afghanistan, where he was awarded an OBE, and previously led 3 Commando Brigade.

He also served as Military Assistant to the Prime Minister in 10 Downing Street, worked in the Cabinet Office, and oversaw global operations in PJHQ.

In 2022, he became Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, and in 2024, was appointed Commandant General of the Royal Marines – a role he will continue to hold alongside his duties as First Sea Lord.