MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Brigadier Nick Sawyer, new Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands

Last weekend BFSAI said farewell to outgoing CBFSAI Brigadier Bennett CBE and welcomed Brigadier Sawyer as the new CBFSAI.(Pic BFSAI)

The new Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands, (CBFSAI), is Brigadier Nick Sawyer. Brigadier Sawyer commissioned into the Royal Artillery in 1994 and has served in many different countries, including the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Cyprus and Congo.

 In 1999 he was awarded a Mention in Despatches for gallantry whilst serving in Kosovo. Brigadier Sawyer has served as the Defense Attaché to the Baltic States during the Crimea and Eastern Ukraine crises and was awarded the Medal of Merit by Lithuania and the Order of Merit Third Class by Estonia for services in the Baltic Region.

In his spare time Brigadier Sawyer is interested in fly-fishing, cycle racing, biathlon and cross-country skiing. He has in fact published a number of fishing books.

He holds an Honors Degree in Materials Science from the University of Birmingham, a Master’s Degree in Defense Studies from Kings College London and a Master’s Degree in Military Studies from Cranfield University.

Brigadier Sawyer is married to Melody and they have three children together.

Brigadier Sawyer is replacing Brigadier Barry (Baz) Bennett CBE who was scheduled to leave the Falkland Islands this week, earlier than previously planned.

In a recent Executive Council session, MLA Teslyn Barkman commented in a summary of the meeting “what a huge asset CBFSAI has been to MPA and the Falklands community”. (PN)