Flag Officer, Carriers and Amphibious Ships
Flag Officer, Carriers and Amphibious Ships (FOCAS) was a senior Royal Navy post that existed from 1970 to 1979. However, its antecedents date to 1931.
| Flag Officer, Carriers and Amphibious Ships | |
|---|---|
Ensign of the Royal Navy | |
| Admiralty, Ministry of Defence | |
| Reports to | Commander-in-Chief Fleet |
| Nominator | Secretary of State for Defence |
| Appointer | Prime Minister Subject to formal approval by the Queen-in-Council |
| Term length | Not fixed (typically 1–4 years) |
| Inaugural holder | Rear-Admiral Reginald G. H. Henderson |
| Formation | 1970-1979 |
A Flag Officer with specific responsibilities for command of aircraft carriers within the Royal Navy was first established in September 1931 with the appointment of Rear-Admiral Reginald Henderson as Rear-Admiral, Aircraft Carriers. He was succeeded by Rear-Admiral the Hon. Sir Alexander R. M. Ramsay later Vice-Admiral, Aircraft Carriers. The post was held by successive flag officers under the titles listed below. In June 1968 the post Rear-Admiral, Carriers was renamed to Flag Officer, Carriers and Amphibious Ships (FOCAS). The post was renamed Flag Officer, Third Flotilla in December 1979.
The office holder reported to different senior flag officers during its existence including the Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet, the Commander-in-Chief, Western Fleet and finally the Commander-in-Chief Fleet.