A ROYAL Marine commando looks set to lead the Navy for the first time in history – if King Charles gives his seal of approval.

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins – who lists sailing as a hobby – has been picked as the next First Sea Lord.

1

It is the first time in the navy’s 500 year history that a Royal Marine commando – an amphibious soldier not a sailor – has beaten admirals to the post.

Gen Jenkins commanded the Special Boat Service and raised the alarm over claims that SAS troops were murdering prisoners in Afghanistan.

A defence source hailed Gen Jenkins’ leadership and war-fighting experience as commander of the SBS.

The dad-of-three brokered defence deals with Norway and Germany recently as a strategic advisor to John Healey, the defence secretary.

READ MORE ON THE ROYAL NAVY

SAILOR FREED

Brit Royal Navy sailor pardoned by Bahrain King after desperate plea from mum

‘WORLD SHATTERED’

Mum fears sailor son ‘won’t get out alive’ from Bahrain jail after arrest

A source said it marked “a remarkable comeback” after Sir Kier Starmer rejected Jenkins as National Security Advisor in August.

They said: “The Marines are delighted. They are taking command of the Navy. But the admirals are in mourning.”

Jenkins is set to replace Admiral Sir Ben Key later this year.

A second Royal Marine commando, Lt Gen Rob Magowan, was also reportedly in the running.

Most read in The Sun

HOLIDAY HELL

Brit mum, 28, who died on Turkey hols 'had HEART secretly removed by doctors'

STAR LOST

BBC presenter dies at home as Ian Hislop pays tribute to 'brilliant artist'

EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL

Reaction as scrappy Johnson goal gives Spurs first trophy in 17 years

QUAKE SHOCK

'Terrified' Brits shaken awake by 6.1-mag Crete quake as Tsunami alert issued

They were both interviewed last week alongside senior admirals including Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Martin Connell and the Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Andrew Burns.

A Navy spokesperson said: “The process to appoint the next First Sea Lord is ongoing.

“All senior appointments are announced in the usual way.”

Royal Marine commandos are part of the Navy but specialise in amphibious soldiering – such as storming beaches and arctic warfare – not sailing.

They rely on the Navy’s warships, submarines and aircraft to get them to their operations.

The Navy is normally led by a career Naval officer.

Jenkins was the most senior candidate to apply after jumping two ranks to reach general in 2022.

He was strongly backed by the Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and he was Radakin’s choice to lead the Army – which sparked fury among the rival service and was thrown out by Tory ministers.

Read More on The Sun

BENEFIT BOOST

Universal Credit households can get 10 free days out this half term

LEFT OUT

Harry & William’s uncle leaves behind eye-watering sum in will after death aged 82

It is unclear if he intends to change his rank to admiral when he takes the top naval role.

Jenkins, who commissioned in 1990, lists his hobbies as “sailing, skiing and creative writing”.