On Wednesday 16th June 2021 the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity had the pleasure of hosting Vice Admiral Sir Ben Key, Chief of Joint Operations, in conversation with our Vice President, Stephen Watson.
Watch the video to gain a fascinating insight into the defence of the United Kingdom from one of the Royal Navy’s most senior Officers. Since the formation of the Permanent Joint Headquarters in 1996, after the first Gulf War, Sir Ben is the tenth officer and third sailor to hold this pivotal role as Chief of Joint Operations (CJO). He was knighted in 2020 for his 'outstanding contribution representing the Royal Navy and the UK's defence'.
You can watch the exclusive interview here.
In this appointment, CJO and his staff exercise operational command of UK forces assigned to overseas joint and combined operations on land, at sea and in the air; and provides politically aware military advice to the MOD in order to achieve the UK’s strategic objectives on operations.
In candid conversation with Stephen, Vice Admiral Sir Ben discusses the challenges and triumphs of bringing the UK’s services together, as well as the future of diplomacy and defence.
