Navy

The New Head Of The Royal Marines

The Royal Marines has a new head after a ceremonial handover at Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, near Exeter.

Major General Martin Smith MBE handed over the role of Commandant General Royal Marines (CGRM) to Major General Robert A Magowan CBE, during a formal ceremony.

As he handed over, after two years in the role, Maj Gen Smith reflected on his time as CGRM:

“It has been an enormous privilege to lead the Royal Marines; to play my small part in conditioning the environment which sets our Marines up for success. As 352 years of history reminds us, this is very much a work in progress.”

Maj Gen Magowan joined the Royal Marines in 1989 and, after his initial years as a troop commander, commanded R-Company in Comacchio Group, which is part of 43 Commando Royal Marines in Scotland.

This was followed by a posting to America and deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

After appointments in the Cabinet Office and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, he assumed command of 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group RM at Stonehouse, Plymouth, who returned to Afghanistan.

This was followed by a year as Chief of Staff to the National Contingent Commander in Kabul in Afghanistan and a spell in Naval personnel strategy, before taking command of the Joint Forces Intelligence Group in 2015.

Maj Gen Magowan is the 65th Commandant General of the Royal Marines. He said:

“This is an enticing era of change, both for the Royal Marines and the Naval Service of which we are a part... There are challenges to overcome, but that is normal and we must be comfortable with it. "

"These are challenges that we will face as a Naval Service and also in close concert with our allies, not least the US and Royal Netherlands Marine Corps, and I feel honoured that their commandants are present here today. It sends a powerful message of mutual strength and support."

Maj Gen Magowan has the additional responsibilities of Commander United Kingdom Amphibious Forces, and Operation Commander of the European Union Naval Force Somalia.

He lives in Surrey with his wife and two young daughters.

The supersession ceremony was attended by representatives from the UK, US and Dutch military, including: Commandant of the United States Marines Corps, General Robert Neller; Commandant General of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps, Brigadier General Van Sprang; the Royal Navy’s Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Jonathan Woodcock and the Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Ben Key.

Cover: Major General Martin Smith MBE (left) hands over the role of Commandant General Royal Marines (CGRM) to Major General Robert A Magowan CBE (right).