New Chief of Defence Staff appointed

Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup has been appointed the new Chief of the Defence Staff.

He will take up the post in May 2006 in succession to general Sir Michael Walker.

Air Chief Marshal Stirrup, who has been Chief of the Air Staff since August 2003, said his appointment was a “great honour”.

He added: “The men and women of the armed services 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.”