The 43-year Naval career of Britain’s most senior sailor, First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, concluded today as he handed over to his successor after nearly four years at the helm.
Admiral Stanhope said it had been “a privilege to serve with and an honour to lead” the Royal Navy, which is now headed by Admiral Sir George Zambellas.
Admiral Stanhope (left) and Admiral Zambellas salute on Victory’s quarterdeck as the former’s flag is lowered for the last time on Nelson’s flagship. Picture: LA(Phot) Keith Morgan
THE torch of Naval leadership today changed hands as Admiral Sir George Zambellas took over as the nation’s most senior sailor – and his predecessor as First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, left the Service after an illustrious 43-year career.
In the great cabin of HMS Victory – where Nelson planned the triumph at Trafalgar over two centuries ago – Admiral Stanhope formally handed over the chains of office to his successor, and his flag was lowered and that of Admiral Zambellas was raised.
The highly-charged ceremony aboard the 18th Century man o’war, which serves as the flagship of the First Sea Lord in Portsmouth Naval Base, followed an emotional final morning in the Royal Navy for Admiral Stanhope.
After discussions with his US and French counterparts – American Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan Greenert and Amiral Bernard Rogel – and the Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir David Richards, Admiral Stanhope made a farewell address to staff at the Royal Navy’s headquarters on Whale Island in Portsmouth.
He told those mustered around Leach Building’s atrium he believed the RN had “a fantastic future”, just as it had provided him with a fantastic career.
He continued: “The Royal Navy’s sense of purpose and strength of ethos have made for a hugely varied and rewarding 43 years, during which I have enjoyed being a part of an organisation that makes a positive difference around the world.
“Throughout, it has been a privilege to serve with and honour to lead such brilliant people – sailors, marines and civil servants.”
After the valedictory speech, Admiral and Lady Stanhope joined patrol ship HMS Smiter for a farewell sail past of warships of the Portsmouth Flotilla, who manned ship, doffed caps and gave three cheers – the Royal Navy’s time-honoured salute.
Admiral Stanhope has been at the helm of the Royal Navy since July 2009. In a career which began in 1970, he commanded two submarines (HMS Orpheus and Splendid), the frigate London and carrier Illustrious.
New First Sea Lord Admiral Zambellas (left) and his predecessor Admiral Stanhope sign the Victory Book on the table where Nelson wrote his famous prayer before Trafalgar. Picture: LA(Phot) Gaz Weatherston
His successor as First Sea Lord joined the Navy in 1980, served as a helicopter pilot, then commanded HM Ships Cattistock, Chatham and Argyll, before taking charge of the UK’s amphibious forces, helping to introduce assault ships Albion and Bulwark into service. Most recently he held the second most senior post in the RN, Fleet Commander.
Paying tribute to his predecessor, Admiral Zambellas said: “We owe Sir Mark a huge debt of gratitude for his unstinting professional, his strategic vision and leadership of the Royal Navy
“He has worked tirelessly for the Service for over 40 years and leaves a legacy of a highly-capable, efficient and globally-deployable future Fleet. It is a privilege to succeed him.”
Surrounded by what Admiral Stanhope called his “maritime family” – his own family, the heads of the French and US Navies and the Royal Navy’s three most senior officers (the incoming First Sea Lord, the Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Phillip Jones and Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral David Steel) – Britain’s outgoing ranking sailor sat at Nelson’s table in the great cabin of his flagship and formally handed over command to Admiral Zambellas.
It was the first time Victory has hosted the ceremony – until last year the veteran of Trafalgar was the flagship of the Second Sea Lord. Today she flies the standard of the First Sea Lord, the Cross of St George.
The last act of Admiral Stanhope’s 43-year Naval career took place on Victory’s cold, damp quarterdeck.
After inspecting a Guard of Honour formed of ratings drawn from the Portsmouth Flotilla, the admiral saluted as his flag was lowered and the strains of Auld Lang Syne, performed by the Band of HM Royal Marines, echoed around the Victory amphitheatre.
With the flag hauled down, it was carefully folded, then 25-year-old AB ‘Jude’ Law, of Victory’s ship’s company,presented it to the outgoing First Sea Lord.
As he and Lady Stanhope departed the ship, senior officers from the three navies and their staffs stood on the side of the quarterdeck to give a final wave.
And then, at the stroke of 1pm, a new Cross of St George was hoisted on Victory. With the flag billowing in the stiff easterly breeze, HMS Victory’s Commanding Officer Lt Cdr Rod Strathern could report to Admiral Zambellas: Your flag flies from Victory’s main mast, Sir.
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