The First Sea Lord is the senior admiral and professional head of the British Royal Navy. He also holds the title of Chief of the Naval Staff and is known by the abbreviations 1SL/CNS.

The current First Sea Lord is Admiral Sir Alan West (appointed 2002)

History

Prior to 1809 naval officers had occasionally served as First Lord of the Admiralty, or president of the Board of Admiralty. However, after this time the office was invariably held by a civilian politician.

The title of First Sea Lord was first given to the senior naval officer on the Board of Admiralty in 1828. The title was retained when the Board of Admiralty was abolished in 1964 and its functions integrated into the Ministry of Defence

See also

• List of First Sea Lords