We are thrilled to congratulate General Sir Gwyn Jenkins on his appointment as the First Sea Lord, a distinguished and well-deserved milestone in his illustrious military career.

General Jenkins commissioned into the Royal Marines in 1990 and has since built an impressive career. Early in his service, he served with the Commando Logistics Regiment and competed for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines in cross-country skiing. He also saw operational service in Northern Ireland with 42 Commando RM, where his leadership and commitment to duty began to shape his future path.

Throughout his career, General Jenkins has held a range of key roles that demonstrate his strategic acumen and dedication to service. A graduate of the Advanced Command and Staff Course at the Military College Shrivenham, where he completed a master’s degree in Defence Studies in 2004, he later went on to serve as Lieutenant Colonel overseeing global operations in PJHQ. In 2009, he became a Commanding Officer, and upon completing this tour, he was promoted to Colonel and deployed to Afghanistan. His exceptional service in Afghanistan earned him an OBE.

In 2012, General Jenkins returned to the UK to serve as the Military Assistant to the Prime Minister in No. 10 Downing Street, a position he held for two years. He then completed the Higher Command and Staff Course and was promoted to Brigadier, taking on the role of Deputy National Security Advisor for Conflict, Stability, and Defence at the Cabinet Office. In 2017, he returned to military service as the Commanding Officer of 3 Commando Brigade, overseeing exercises and operations around the globe.

General Jenkins was promoted to Major General in 2019, where he took on key roles, including Assistant Chief of Naval Staff in the Royal Navy and later commanding a tri-service organisation. His leadership extended further when he was appointed Vice Chief of the Defence Staff in August 2022 and promoted to General. In his role as Strategic Advisor to the Secretary of State for Defence, General Jenkins was instrumental in negotiating the UK’s Defence Agreement with Germany and reinforcing the UK’s strategic partnership with Norway.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, General Jenkins took the salute at last year’s Beating Retreat, an event that highlighted his deep connection with the traditions of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. We were also delighted to meet General Jenkins when he joined us for an edition of View from the Bridge, and we look forward to working with him in his new role as the First Sea Lord. His wealth of experience and leadership will undoubtedly continue to inspire and strengthen the Royal Navy and Royal Marines community.

 

Watch a View from the Bridge with General Sir Gwyn Jenkins

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to General Sir Gwyn Jenkins and look forward to the exciting future ahead under his leadership.