People drive success, says Chief of Defence Staff and First Sea Lord during visit to Navy HQ

In his first visit to Navy Command HQ since assuming the role as Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton said personnel should be "proud" of what they do, describing their contribution as "extraordinary".  

He joined First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins as he set out his direction for defence to the assembled service personnel, civil servants and contractors at Navy Command.  

Sir Rich said: "The way the world works for the United Kingdom and our allies to prosper is under threat.

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"What you do matters more than in previous years, but we are also honest about the challenges and the difficult decisions which are coming in the next few years." 

The visit came as part of the 1SL's 100-day sprint to improve the service, with a focus on nuclear, leadership, agility and innovation.

"The threat to our way of life is real, and we heard the Chief of Defence Staff highlight the need for the United Kingdom to have a strong Royal Navy, and his unwavering belief in a hybrid Navy – one that is leading the way across defence," said Sir Gwyn.  

"We are passionate that our people are imperative to the success of defence."