"Wonderful surprise": Chief of Defence Staff leaves post celebrating career on Portsmouth ship he started on
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A distinguished Admiral who has enjoyed a stellar 40-year career has left his post as the Chief of Defence Staff.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin has officially handed over the role to his successor Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton. To mark his departure, Adm Radakin and his family embarked on a symbolic journey up the River Thames aboard HMS Blazer.
He once commanded the Portsmouth-based P2000 vessel. Adm Radakin said: “My abiding reflection from my four years as CDS is that the Armed Forces have stepped up to deliver all that was asked of them, at home and abroad. They are magnificent. Thank you to them, and their families, and the Civil Servants who support them.
“These are extraordinary times, but the United Kingdom remains safe through the commitment of everyone in Defence. Britain has been the beneficiary of a remarkable defence construct for the past 75 years, based on our status as a nuclear power, our membership of the world’s largest and strongest alliance – NATO – and our relationship with America. It is something to be celebrated, elevated, strengthened and preserved for the next 75 years.
“It is a wonderful surprise to be mark my final day as CDS by returning to my first command HMS Blazer. Her ship’s company are every bit as curious and excited as I was when I was in their position, and the future of the Service is in safe hands.”
One of the Royal Navy’s most junior commanders, Lieutenant Jack Dilworth, hosted the visit in what was a considered a fitting tribute to a leader who guided the armed forces through a turbulent period in global security.
“It is a real privilege and honour to be able to celebrate Admiral Radakin’s retirement from the service, taking him back to remember where it all started in HMS Blazer,” Lt Dilworth said. “We hope he and his family looked back fondly on all his achievements as we escorted him along the Thames.”
Adm Radakin was the first naval officer to hold the Chief of Defence Staff role since Admiral Sir Michael Boyce 20 years ago. His four years in charge spanned four Prime Ministers, a General Election, the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and the accession of King Charles III.
In early 2022, he travelled to Moscow to confront his Russian counterpart, General Gerasimov, over the build-up of forces on Ukraine’s border. Following the Russian invasion, he played a pivotal role in rallying NATO nations to deliver military aid to Ukraine, including the significant expansion of UK-led training programmes.
He proceeded to forge close relationships Ukrainian Generals Zaluzhnyi and Syrski, producing a framework with France’s General Thierry Burkhard called the Coalition of the Willing - aimed at supporting the Eastern European nation if the war stops. Considered a reformer, he played a pivotal role in the formation of the Strategic Defence Review. The reforms promise hybrid combat air wings for the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers, and other improvements.
Adm Radakin served as First Sea Lord from June 2019 until early November 2021. He was commissioned into the Royal Navy in 1990, commanding ships across the globe. Operational tours included the Iran/Iraq Tanker War, security duties in the Falklands, NATO operations in the Adriatic, countering smuggling in Hong Kong and the Caribbean, and three command tours in Iraq.
Adm Radakin said: “Looking back over my 40 years in the Navy, I am more convinced than ever the Armed Forces offers an amazing career for young people today. To all those at the start of their careers in the Royal Navy, Army and RAF, my message is to be bold, be ambitious, be demanding of yourselves and of your leadership, and always keep pushing to go further and faster.”
After officially taking up command as Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton said: “It is an honour to begin my role as Chief of the Defence Staff today. I will work tirelessly to combat the threats the UK faces whilst fulfilling the integral role the Armed Forces play in protecting our personnel, our allies and operations worldwide.”