MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Helicopter Veteran of the Falkland 's War becomes Scotland's new Admiral

Rear Admiral Wilcocks and Rear Admiral Johnstone-Burt

The Royal Navy has today appointed a new Flag Officer for Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland. He is Rear Admiral Tony Johnstone-Burt, a helicopter pilot in the Falklands War and later the captain and commander of a Type 23 frigate.

He succeeds Rear Admiral Philip Wilcocks, another Falklands veteran, who is moving to Portsmouth to become the Royal Navy's Chief of Staff Capability. Rear Admiral Johnstone-Burt joins from his current job as Deputy Commander Joint Helicopter Command Headquarters at Land HQ in Wilton. He will fly his Flag from HM Naval Base Clyde in Faslane. He will also be Flag Officer Reserves. He said: "There is so much going on at HM Naval Base Clyde at the moment â€" we are building the best military accommodation in the country; we await the arrival of the world's newest and best submarines â€" and in our troubled world the value of our Reserves is seen to be more and more important." In a glittering career Rear Admiral Johnstone-Burt has commanded the Type 23 frigate HMS Montrose and the amphibious helicopter carrier HMS Ocean. Rear Admiral Wilcocks said: "I have only been at HM Naval Base Clyde for a short time â€" eight months â€" but I have seen a huge amount of work in progress. "The Base provides the United Kingdom with a solid strategic base for its national and international safety and it has forged decades long strong links with the local communities which are much treasured and appreciated. "I will miss the Base but I know that I am passing the reins on to a solid character with a proven track record." Rear Admiral Johnstone-Burt will live in Helensburgh with his wife Rachel and their five children (and two black Labradors).(RN)