Vice Admiral Keith Blount is to be appointed NATO’s Deputy
Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR), demonstrating the UK’s
continued leadership in the Alliance. For the past three years,
he has been Commander of NATO’s Maritime Command.
Vice Admiral Blount will take up the appointment in the rank of
Admiral in succession to General Sir Tim Radford in July 2023.
Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe serves as the second in
command to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe and concurrently
as the deputy head of Allied Command Operations. This is the
first time the role has been held by a representative from the
Royal Navy.
Defence Secretary said:
I am delighted to congratulate Vice Admiral Keith Blount on his
promotion to Admiral and appointment as Deputy Supreme Allied
Commander Europe.
His appointment demonstrates the United Kingdom’s unwavering
commitment to NATO and our leadership in European defence. I pay
tribute to the contribution Vice Admiral Blount has made to the
Royal Navy and the Alliance in his career to date. He
brings extensive leadership experience and has served on
operations across the globe alongside our allies and partners. I
look forward to continuing to work with him and NATO.
Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said:
Vice Admiral Blount’s appointment as Deputy Supreme Allied
Commander Europe is testament to his leadership of NATO’s
Maritime Forces at this pivotal time for European security.
It also reflects the United Kingdom’s commitment to the Alliance
on land and in the air, our exceptional nuclear contribution, our
growing cyber capabilities, and our pivotal role on NATO’s
northern flank, all of which make Britain the leading European
ally.
Vice Admiral Keith Blount said:
It is an absolute honour to have been selected to succeed General
Sir Tim Radford as the next Deputy Supreme Allied Commander
Europe.
He has been instrumental in guiding NATO’s work at a critical
time for the Alliance and its Partners and I look forward to
maintaining the momentum.
The strength of NATO lies with its people and we have a highly
skilled and dedicated team that is laser focused on our
collective defence.
