Top general briefed on Rock’s military role

Lieutenant General Sir Chris Deverell visited Gibraltar on Wednesday for the first time since his appointment as Commander of Joint Forces Command.

The Secretary of State for Defence announced General Deverell’s appointment in January and he succeeded General Sir Richard Lawson Barrons in April.

Summarising the visit, Sir Chris said: “I’ve had a fascinating, informative and enjoyable visit to Gibraltar.  What a great place.  The excellent contribution to UK and Gibraltar Defence and Security made by British Forces Gibraltar was very plain for me to see.”

“I look forward already to coming back soon and have every confidence that we can deal with any challenges ahead.”

His challenging schedule only permitted a short stay in Gibraltar but during his visit he managed to various units as well as personally briefing local defence personnel on the MOD’s continuing commitment to Gibraltar’s sovereignty and her ongoing strategic value as a mounting base for other operations.

Joint Forces Command provides the foundation and supporting framework for successful operations by ensuring joint capabilities like medical services, training, intelligence, information systems and cyber operations, are developed and managed effectively and efficiently.

It also provides the command and control for overseas Defence operations and British Forces Gibraltar is one of Joint Forces Command’s Permanent Joint Operating Bases.