Kabul evacuation leader is made head of Royal Navy

THE Vice Admiral who led the evacuation of 15,000 people from Kabul has been appointed the new head of the Royal Navy.

The Government yesterday announced that Sir Ben Key will become the First Sea Lord, succeeding Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, who was promoted to Chief of the Defence Staff last week.

As Chief of Joint Operations Sir Ben was said to have impressed many with his role in the Operation Pitting rescue mission, which Navy sources described as a “recent highlight” in his distinguished career.

They added that the non-combatant evacuation, which was carried out against a backdrop of a rapid Taliban offensive in Afghanistan, was executed “in pretty extraordinary circumstances and that would be largely recognised”.

Ben Wallace, the Defence Secretary, said Sir Ben, who will be promoted to Admiral, was “an exceptional military officer”.

He said: “As the current Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Sir Ben was one of the key architects of the incredible Op Pitting rescue mission, which weeks ago saw the successful evacuation of over 15,000 British nationals and Afghans from Kabul.”

Mr Wallace added that each day threats at home and abroad “multiply” and that the Armed Forces would continue to modernise to counter such threats directly.

“Under Vice Admiral Key’s leadership, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines are in excellent hands,” he said.

Sir Tony also said that in his new role Sir Ben would continue “the modernisation of the Royal Navy to help ensure we can meet future threats and deliver for the Nation”.

“We live in a period of enormous change and I am delighted to be working with Sir Ben in my new role as Chief of the Defence Staff to ensure the Royal Navy and the rest of Defence are a global force delivering for Global Britain,” he added.

Sir Ben described the promotion as an “honour and privilege”.

He said: “I am excited at the prospect of leading the exceptional sailors and marines of the Royal Navy through the exciting challenges we have ahead.”

Sir Ben pledged to build on the “transformation work” of the Navy that was undergone by his predecessor and would try to continue the “ambitious modernisation” set out in last year’s Integrated Review of defence.

He said: “I have seen close up, as the Chief of Joint Operations, the impact our [globally] deployed Navy has had.

“I am determined we [deliver] on these opportunities, working with allies and partners around the world in support of the government objectives.”