Information AboutAlan West |
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Educated at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth , West joined the Navy in 1965 and has served on 14 different ships, commanding three of them. In 1980 he was promoted to Commander and took command of the Frigate HMS ''Ardent'' , which was sunk on May 21, 1982, during the Falklands War . West was the last to leave the sinking ship and was subsequently awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his leadership. West was made Rear Admiral in February 1994. In February 1996 he became Commander United Kingdom Task Group . In October 1997 he was promoted to Vice Admiral and Chief Of Defence Intelligence . West was knighted in 2000. He became a full Admiral in November 2000 when he took up the post of Commander-in-Chief Fleet , NATO Commander-in-Chief East Atlantic and NATO Commander Allied Naval Forces North . West was appointed as First Sea Lord and Chief Of The Naval Staff in September 2002. Admiral West was also a member of the Defence Council and Admiralty Board as well as First And Principal Naval Aide-de-Camp to Her Majesty The Queen . West has now agreed to become the first Chancellor for Southampton Solent University, formerly Southampton Institute. The appointment will be celebrated with a formal installation ceremony on Wednesday, 28 June 2006 at Southampton Guildhall. The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the University, and one of its most prominent ambassadors. In his role, Sir Alan West will confer degrees at graduation ceremonies and represent the University nationally and internationally. The Vice-Chancellor (currently Professor Roger Brown) is the University’s chief executive and academic leader. The Pro Chancellor will continue to act as Chair of the Board of Governors. Sir Alan West will become Chancellor of Southampton Solent University at probably the most exciting period in its history. As one of the UK's newest universities, Southampton Solent University has a strong reputation nationally and internationally with a focus on accessibility and preparing students for the world of work. Sir Alan West’s appointment also reflects the strength of the University's maritime provision, including its Warsash Maritime Centre, which is renowned for its high quality education, training, research and consultancy services to the maritime and offshore industries. EXTERNAL LINKS
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