Today’s defence news includes the appointment of Sir Nick Carter as Chief of Defence Staff and the decommissioning of HMS Ocean, while the countdown to RAF 100 continues.
HMS Ocean decommissioned
The Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Scotsman, Press and Journal, The Daily Star, The Daily Mirror, and The Daily Record, all cover HMS Ocean being decommissioning by Her Majesty the Queen, with the Times and The Telegraph both featuring photos of the Queen at the ceremony on their front pages.
The Daily Mirror includes a statement from the Queen, in which she told the ship’s crew: “I know that, like me, you will always treasure your memories of HMS Ocean.”
RAF 100
BBC Radio 4 Today reported from RAF Marham, ahead of the 100th anniversary of the RAF on April 1. Presenter Sarah Montague was given an aerial tour in a Tornado, which provided an opportunity to talk about the Dambusters squadron being reformed to fly the new F-35s.
The Times, The Daily Mail and The Sun all report The Chief of the Air Staff giving an ' RAF at 100' speech at the Royal Aeronautical Society, in which he said Britain’s Armed Forces must be ready to fight states such as Russia in Space.
Sir Nick Carter appointed as Chief of Defence Staff
The Sun, Sky News, Press Association and MailOnline all carry stories on their websites following this morning’s announcement that the Army’s current Chief of General Staff, Sir Nick Carter, has been promoted to become the MOD’s Chief of Defence Staff.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
General Carter has been an exceptional Chief of the General Staff, leading the Army at a time of rapid change, with troops deployed to deter Russian aggression and protect our NATO allies in the east. He has also overseen the delivery of vital training to help Iraqi Security Forces defeat Daesh.
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