Admiral Sir Keith Blount, KCB, OBE, FRAeS

Admiral Sir Keith Edward Blount KCB OBE served most recently as NATO’s Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR). He was NATO’s second in command for all operational matters and was based in the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium. He joined the Royal Navy in 1984 and qualified as a helicopter pilot and instructor before focusing on command. Half of his 42 year career has been spent in command roles, including four warships, and senior positions in NATO, the European Union and other international coalitions. As a Rear Admiral he was the head of aviation in the Royal Navy and was accountable for the build and introduction to service of the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers. On promotion to Vice Admiral, he served for four years as NATO’s Maritime Commander. He has a Master of Arts in Defence Studies and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Plymouth. He has also received a number of national awards including an operational Legion of Mer