SST-CCW Annual Lecture: First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key

Wednesday, June 4, 2025
5:15 PM 6:15 PM 17:15 18:15

Pichette Auditorium Pembroke College Oxford, OX1 1DW (map)

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CCW-SST Annual Lecture

Wednesday 4 June, 17.15
Pembroke College, Oxford, OX1 1DW
A drinks reception will follow the lecture. All welcome, no need to book

First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben key

Ben Key joined the Royal Navy in 1984 as a University Cadet, graduating in Physics from Royal Holloway, University of London.  He qualified as both helicopter aircrew and as a Principal Warfare Officer. He has been privileged to command four ships: HMS SANDOWN, HMS IRON DUKE, HMS LANCASTER, and HMS ILLUSTRIOUS. Promoted to Vice Admiral in February 2016, he was the Royal Navy’s Fleet Commander from then until March 2019. He then served as the Chief of Joint Operations, prior to his appointment as First Sea Lord in November 2021. He was awarded the US Bronze Star in 2006 for his service in Baghdad, appointed CBE in 2016 and KCB in 2021. Ben and his wife Elly have 3 children and make their home in Dorset. Much better at talking about sport than actually playing any, he is President of a number of Royal Navy and UK Armed Forces sports.