The UK Ministry of Defence has dismissed Admiral Sir Ben Key, the former First Sea Lord, terminating both his service and his commission after a disciplinary investigation concluded that his conduct "fell far short of the values and standards expected" of Royal Navy personnel. Key, 59, was suspended in May when allegations surfaced that he had an affair with a female subordinate, breaching the Navy’s strict rules on relationships within the chain of command. The episode marks the first time in the service’s five-century history that its chief has been removed for misconduct. Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said the armed forces "investigate all allegations of inappropriate behaviour and will take robust action regardless of seniority." Key, who is married with three children, acknowledged the findings, saying he "deeply regrets" his actions and "fully accepts the Defence Council’s decision." General Sir Gwyn Jenkins of the Royal Marines has been appointed acting First Sea Lord while the Navy selects a permanent successor. Key, who led the 2021 Kabul evacuation and was knighted the same year, retains his pension but has been stripped of the rank and titles associated with active service.