Article Details
|
RAF Chief becomes the new Chief of Defence Staff 28 April 2006  print friendly page
|
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup takes over as Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) today. He succeeds General Sir Michael Walker who has been in post since May 2003.
On his last day as Chief of the Defence Staff, 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.
"The abiding memory for me of my many visits to units overseas is the cheerfulness and good humour that I encountered on each occasion. I have also been struck by the very high professional regard in which our people are held by everyone whom I have met.
"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."
Air Chief Marshal Stirrup was Chief of the 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 Sultan of Oman's Air Force. More recently, in September 2001, Air Chief Marshal Stirrup took up the post of UK National Contingent Commander for Operation VERITAS, the UK's contribution to the US-led operation in Afghanistan.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock 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."
Notes to editor:
1. Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, previously Chief of Joint Operations (CJO), is now the Chief of the Air Staff.
2. A full biography of Air Chief Marshal Stirrup is attached.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup
GCB AFC ADC DSc FRAeS FCMI RAF
Chief of the Defence Staff
Air Chief Marshal Stirrup was educated at Merchant Taylors' School, Northwood and the Royal Air Force College Cranwell, and was commissioned in 1970. After a tour as a Qualified Flying Instructor he served on loan with the Sultan of Oman's Air Force, operating Strikemasters in the Dhofar War. Returning to the United Kingdom in 1975 he was posted to No 41(F) Squadron, flying Jaguars in the Fighter Reconnaissance role, before taking up an exchange appointment on RF-4C Phantoms in the United States. He then spent two years at Lossiemouth as a flight commander on the Jaguar Operational Conversion Unit, and subsequently attended the Joint Service Defence College in 1984. He commanded No II(AC) Squadron, flying Fighter Reconnaissance Jaguars from Royal Air Force Laarbruch, until 1987 when he took up the post of Personal Staff Officer to the Chief of the Air Staff. He assumed command of Royal Air Force Marham in 1990, just in time for Operation GRANBY, and then attended the 1993 Course at the Royal College of Defence Studies. He completed No 7 Higher Command and Staff Course at Camberley prior to becoming the Director of Air Force Plans and Programmes in 1994. He became Air Officer Commanding No 1 Group in April 1997 and was appointed Assistant Chief of the Air Staff in August 1998. He took up the appointment of Deputy Commander-in-Chief Strike Command in 2000. At the same time he assumed the additional roles of Commander of NATO's Combined Air Operations Centre 9 and Director of the European Air Group. He spent the last few months of his tour, from September 2001 to January 2002, as UK National Contingent Commander and Senior British Military Advisor to CINCUSCENTCOM for Operation VERITAS, the UK's contribution to the United States led Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan. Air Chief Marshal Stirrup was appointed KCB in the New Year Honours List 2002 and took up the post of Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Equipment Capability) in March 2002. He became Chief of the Air Staff, on promotion, on 1 August 2003, and was appointed GCB in The Queen's Birthday Honours List 2005. Air Chief Marshal Stirrup became Chief of the Defence Staff on 28 April 2006.
Air Chief Marshal Stirrup is married with one son and enjoys golf, music, theatre and history.
|
Related Links:
|