28/04/2006
New Chief of Defence Staff takes over post
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup has taken over as Chief of Defence Staff, taking over from General Sir Michael Walker.
Air Chief Marshal Stirrup was Chief of Air Staff between August 2003 and April 2006. He was commissioned into the RAF in 1970.
Since then, he has undertaken a wide number of roles, seeing action in the Dhofar War whilst 'on loan' to the Sultan of Oman's Air Force.
More recently, he took up the post of UK National Contingent Commander for Operation VERITAS, the UK's contribution to the US-led operation in Afghanistan, in September 2001.
Commenting on his appointment, Air Chief Marshal Stirrup said: "It is a very great honour to become Chief of the Defence Staff. The men and women of the Armed Forces continue to demonstrate today the qualities of professionalism, skill, dedication and courage that have been their hallmark for so many years. Their service to their country is something of which all of us can and should be proud, and it is an enormous privilege to be asked to lead them."
Commenting on his last day, General Sir Michael Walker said: "As I hand over the reins of the Chief of Defence Staff to Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, I offer my personal thank you and congratulations to the British Service personnel whom it has been my immense privilege to lead during my time in office. My 3 year tenure has seen our Armed Forces heavily engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as in the Balkans and elsewhere throughout the world.
"These 3 years have not been without sacrifice, and one cannot help but feel a deep sadness for the losses that have occurred. I know that they have not been in vain, but rather for a greater international good. And, as I handover, I do so confident that Britain's defence remains in excellent hands."
(KMcA/CD)
Air Chief Marshal Stirrup was Chief of Air Staff between August 2003 and April 2006. He was commissioned into the RAF in 1970.
Since then, he has undertaken a wide number of roles, seeing action in the Dhofar War whilst 'on loan' to the Sultan of Oman's Air Force.
More recently, he took up the post of UK National Contingent Commander for Operation VERITAS, the UK's contribution to the US-led operation in Afghanistan, in September 2001.
Commenting on his appointment, Air Chief Marshal Stirrup said: "It is a very great honour to become Chief of the Defence Staff. The men and women of the Armed Forces continue to demonstrate today the qualities of professionalism, skill, dedication and courage that have been their hallmark for so many years. Their service to their country is something of which all of us can and should be proud, and it is an enormous privilege to be asked to lead them."
Commenting on his last day, General Sir Michael Walker said: "As I hand over the reins of the Chief of Defence Staff to Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, I offer my personal thank you and congratulations to the British Service personnel whom it has been my immense privilege to lead during my time in office. My 3 year tenure has seen our Armed Forces heavily engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as in the Balkans and elsewhere throughout the world.
"These 3 years have not been without sacrifice, and one cannot help but feel a deep sadness for the losses that have occurred. I know that they have not been in vain, but rather for a greater international good. And, as I handover, I do so confident that Britain's defence remains in excellent hands."
(KMcA/CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 March 2009
Britain Hands Basra Over To US Troops
British troops have begun their official withdraw from Iraq today as Basra was formally handed to the US army. In a handover ceremony, attended by the head of Britain's armed forces, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, and US General Ray Odierno, a British military pennant was symbolically raised and lowered over the southern Iraq town.
Britain Hands Basra Over To US Troops
British troops have begun their official withdraw from Iraq today as Basra was formally handed to the US army. In a handover ceremony, attended by the head of Britain's armed forces, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, and US General Ray Odierno, a British military pennant was symbolically raised and lowered over the southern Iraq town.
28 April 2014
MoD Names Five Service Personnel Killed In Helicopter Crash
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed the names of the five service personnel who lost their lives following the crash of a Lynx helicopter in southern Afghanistan on 26 April 2014.
MoD Names Five Service Personnel Killed In Helicopter Crash
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed the names of the five service personnel who lost their lives following the crash of a Lynx helicopter in southern Afghanistan on 26 April 2014.
10 October 2003
Service held for Iraq war dead
A service of remembrance for those who served and died in the recent campaign in Iraq has been held at St Paul's Cathedral in the City of London today. The service was led by the Queen, and included over 900 servicemen and women who served in the Gulf, and some 250 relatives and friends of the 51 soldiers who died during the conflict.
Service held for Iraq war dead
A service of remembrance for those who served and died in the recent campaign in Iraq has been held at St Paul's Cathedral in the City of London today. The service was led by the Queen, and included over 900 servicemen and women who served in the Gulf, and some 250 relatives and friends of the 51 soldiers who died during the conflict.
09 February 2005
Former PSNI chief appointed as HM Chief Inspector
Former PSNI Chief Constable, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, has been appointed as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary. Sir Ronnie was appointed as one of Her Majesty's inspectors in 2002. He will succeed Sir Keith Povey, who became Chief Inspector in September 2001.
Former PSNI chief appointed as HM Chief Inspector
Former PSNI Chief Constable, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, has been appointed as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary. Sir Ronnie was appointed as one of Her Majesty's inspectors in 2002. He will succeed Sir Keith Povey, who became Chief Inspector in September 2001.
28 April 2010
Local Air Traffic Control Applauded
The successfully-run British Isles-wide system of airspace control was this week held up as an example of best practice in dealing with air navigation. Ireland's Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey has called on Europe to look at how the UK and Ireland cooperate in air navigation, after the disruption caused by the volcanic ash plume.
Local Air Traffic Control Applauded
The successfully-run British Isles-wide system of airspace control was this week held up as an example of best practice in dealing with air navigation. Ireland's Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey has called on Europe to look at how the UK and Ireland cooperate in air navigation, after the disruption caused by the volcanic ash plume.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.