Philip Jones (UK), Head of EUNAV Somalia Anti-Pirate Operation

(B2) Javier Solana, the EU's High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, has confirmed the appointment of a Briton - a senior Navy officer, Rear Admiral Philip Jones* - as head of the future military operation against pirates (referred to as EuNav for convenience), off Somalia. A Briton will therefore be at the head of this operation. Logical situation after the acceptance by the British of the command (1) of this operation, at the cost of some difficulties (2). This is indeed the first time that the headquarters of Northwood (3) will be activated. Operational planning has already begun and Javier Solana hopes for a launch (or rather a full operation of the operation) in December.

Jones was until recently head of the Royal Navy in Scotland, at the Clyde naval base (north-west of Glagow, which notably houses the submarine nuclear deterrent), before leaving last September to take command of the headquarters of the British maritime forces at Whale Island, near Portsmouth. Born in Bebington (Cheshire) and living in Petersfield (Hampshire), he graduated in Geography from Mansfield College, Oxford, and started sailing with the HMS Fearless, in the South Atlantic. He thus traveled the Caribbean, the Far East and the Gulf. He also served on the Britannia. Commander in 1994, on the frigate HMS Beaver, he was appointed captain in 1999 and returned to sea with the Hms coventry, deployed in the Caribbean in the fight against drugs.

On the people side, it should be noted that little Philip grew up near the sea since his father was one of the managers of the Camell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead. And his wife is a music teacher. They have three children.

* And not vice-admiral, as I wrote for a moment, on the basis of completely official information. Nb: it is this rank that appears in the press release from the High Representative of the EU (in French AND in English). It is this grade that is also reproduced in black and white on the text of the Joint Action that I was able to consult...). Who knows if he will not be promoted to this rank soon...

(NGV)

Read also:
(1) The format of the EuNav anti-piracy operation (Somalia) is becoming clearer
(2) An NL frigate takes over from the Canadians, the British complain
(3) Headquarters for EUNav Somalia: Northwood and Djibouti?