006/98 14 January 1998 CHANGE AT THE TOP FOR ROYAL NAVY Admiral Sir Michael Boyce KCB OBE, currently the Commander-in-Chief Fleet, is to become First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff in succession to Admiral Sir Jock Slater GCB LVO ADC in October 1998. This appointment carries with it membership of the Admiralty Board of the Defence Council. NOTE TO EDITORS: Admiral Sir Michael BOYCE (54) was born in Capetown, South Africa. He joined the Royal Navy in 1961 and qualified as a Submariner in 1965, spending the next seven years in HM Submarines Anchorite, Valiant and Conqueror, and qualifying in this time as a Torpedo and Anti-Submarine specialist. During his RN career he has commanded HM Submarines Oberon, Opossum and Superb, and the frigate HMS Brilliant. His appointments have included Director of Naval Staff Duties, Flag Officer Sea Training, Flag Officer Surface Flotilla and Second Sea Lord and Commander-in- Chief Naval Home Command. On 24 September 1997 Admiral Boyce assumed his current appointment as Commander-in-Chief Fleet with the accompanying NATO appointments of Commander-in-Chief Eastern Atlantic and Commander Allied Naval Forces Norhtwestern Europe. ENDS