 General Sir Michael Walker, the most senior officer in the British military, handed over the reins to a new Chief of the Defence Staff Friday, the Ministry of Defence in London confirmed.| Thank you and fare thee well, General Walker. |
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup took up the post as General Walker bowed out after three years during which he has overseen operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans. Air Chief Marshal Stirrup, who was confirmed in the post in March last year, has been Chief of the Air Staff since August 2003. He was commissioned into the Royal Air Force in 1970.Taking up the post today, he said in a statement: "The men and women of the (UK) 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." Air Chief Marshal Stirrup is replaced as Chief of the Air Staff by Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, previously Chief of Joint Operations. | Welcome, Chief Marshals Stirrup and Torpy. |
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