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Newly appointed chiefs will ‘modernise the armed forces’

Published on: 18 Dec 2018

A number of senior appointments concerning the upper echelon of the armed services have been announced.

Vice admiral Timothy Fraser CB is to be promoted to admiral and appointed vice chief of the defence staff, in succession to Gordon Messenger, while vice admiral Tony Radakin CB will also become an admiral and appointed first sea lord and chief of naval staff, replacing Sir Philip Jones.

Elsewhere, air marshal Michael Wigston CBE has become air chief marshal to take the role of chief of the air staff, following on from Sir Steven Hillier.

Finally, lieutenant general Patrick Sanders CBE, DSO is to be promoted general and appointed commander joint forces command, in succession to general Sir Christopher Deverell.

Announcing the appointments, defence secretary Gavin Williamson believes this new group of defence chiefs “are the transformational leaders we need in these challenging times”.

“[They are] forward-looking and keen to modernise the armed forces,” he commented.

“The appointment of a new generation of commanders will ensure that Britain remains ready to face the threats of tomorrow and continues to be a major player on the world stage.”