Royal Navy welcomes Vice Admiral Steve Moorhouse as new Fleet Commander
Vice Admiral Steve Moorhouse has formally taken up the post of Royal Navy Fleet Commander following a ceremony on the historic ship HMS Victory.
"It is a huge honour to be appointed as the next Fleet Commander, taking responsibility for the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the Royal Navy, and I am immensely proud to lead such a dedicated and professional force, whose service and commitment are felt around the world," he told attendees at the ceremony in Portsmouth.
VAdm Moorhouse previously led the UK Carrier Strike Group on its maiden global operation in 2021, as well as commanding Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers HMS Lancaster and HMS Ocean.
Who is VAdm Moorhouse?
VAdm Moorhouse joined the Royal Navy in 1991 as a University Cadet and first specialised in Airborne Early Warning with 849 Squadron.
He then served on HMS Illustrious in a wide variety of environments, from the southern Indian Ocean to the Baltic.
Later in his career, he was also the first sea-going Commanding Officer of HMS Prince of Wales.
What does the role of Fleet Commander involve?
As Fleet Commander, he becomes the Royal Navy's most senior operational commander, overseeing all operational elements of the Royal Navy - ships, submarines, Fleet Air Arm, Royal Marines and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
He also acts as Joint Commander for the North Atlantic Operating areas at a time of heightened global security concerns.
"With the government's commitment to invest in defence, the next few years offer incredible opportunity to continue the transformation of the Fleet, from seabed to space and with inspiring leadership, agility and innovation, my focus will be to ensure we are ready to meet the challenges of a more contested world," he said.
Posting on X, VAdm Moorhouse said he had got straight to work since taking over the role from VAdm Burns, first of all visiting the crew of HMS Duncan.
Previous Fleet Commander leaves after four years
The outgoing Fleet Commander, Vice Admiral Andrew Burns, was given a traditional farewell as he left Navy Command Headquarters in Portsmouth following four years in the role.
He previously served as Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff, commanded the Amphibious Task Group and was Commander United Kingdom Strike Force and Rear Admiral Surface Ships.
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