A ROYAL Marine commando looks set to lead the Navy for the first time in history – if King Charles gives his seal of approval.
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins – who lists sailing as a hobby – has been picked as the next First Sea Lord.
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It is the first time in the navy’s 500 year history that a Royal Marine commando – an amphibious soldier not a sailor – has beaten admirals to the post.
Gen Jenkins commanded the Special Boat Service and raised the alarm over claims that SAS troops were murdering prisoners in Afghanistan.
A defence source hailed Gen Jenkins’ leadership and war-fighting experience as commander of the SBS.
The dad-of-three brokered defence deals with Norway and Germany recently as a strategic advisor to John Healey, the defence secretary.
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A source said it marked “a remarkable comeback” after Sir Kier Starmer rejected Jenkins as National Security Advisor in August.
They said: “The Marines are delighted. They are taking command of the Navy. But the admirals are in mourning.”
Jenkins is set to replace Admiral Sir Ben Key later this year.
A second Royal Marine commando, Lt Gen Rob Magowan, was also reportedly in the running.
They were both interviewed last week alongside senior admirals including Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Martin Connell and the Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Andrew Burns.
A Navy spokesperson said: “The process to appoint the next First Sea Lord is ongoing.
“All senior appointments are announced in the usual way.”
Royal Marine commandos are part of the Navy but specialise in amphibious soldiering – such as storming beaches and arctic warfare – not sailing.
They rely on the Navy’s warships, submarines and aircraft to get them to their operations.
The Navy is normally led by a career Naval officer.
Jenkins was the most senior candidate to apply after jumping two ranks to reach general in 2022.
He was strongly backed by the Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and he was Radakin’s choice to lead the Army – which sparked fury among the rival service and was thrown out by Tory ministers.
It is unclear if he intends to change his rank to admiral when he takes the top naval role.
Jenkins, who commissioned in 1990, lists his hobbies as “sailing, skiing and creative writing”.