Leadership

General Gwyn commissioned into the Royal Marines in 1990. His time as a junior officer was spent in the Commando Logistics Regiment, competing for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines in cross-country skiing and on operations in Northern Ireland with 42 Commando RM. 

In May 2025 he became the first Royal Marine to be appointed to his current role as First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff

As the Chairman of the Navy Board, he’s responsible for the fighting effectiveness, efficiency and morale of the Naval Service - and for supporting the management and direction of the whole Armed Forces.

Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Paul Beattie is responsible for the delivery of the Royal Navy's future capabilities, strategy, and long-term programme, as well as being the Principle Personnel Officer. 

VAdm Beattie began his naval career in 1989, and after multiple promotions over the years, he became Director Naval Staff in 2021, focusing on driving the delivery of effort to improve outcomes on operations and lived experience for RN sailors. 

A graduate of the US Naval War College and the UK Higher Command and staff course, he holds a MSc in Leadership and Management.

Having commanded the UK Carrier Strike Group on its maiden global operation in 2021. He has also commanded various warships including Type 23 frigate HMS Lancaster, the Landing Platform Helicopter HMS Ocean and both Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.

Other roles include Formation Command with CTF150, a multi-national task force charged with delivering security across the western Indian Ocean.