Vice admiral is a flag officer rank of the British Royal Navy and equates to the NATO rank code OF-8. It is immediately superior to the rear admiral rank and is subordinate to the full admiral rank. Naval personnel could be advanced to the rank of vice-admiral, normally from rear-admiral, whilst on active service, on the Reserved List (liable to be recalled to duty at short notice) or on the Retired List.
The Royal Navy has had vice admirals since at least the 16th century. When the fleet was deployed, the vice admiral would be in the leading portion or van, acting as the deputy to the admiral.
Serving Vice Admirals
Christopher Gardner (promoted 2019) Richard Thompson (promoted 2020) Guy Robinson (promoted 2021) Andrew Burns (promoted 2021) Martin Connell (promoted 2022) Philip Hally (promoted 2022) Mike Utley (promoted 2023) Paul Marshall (promoted 2023) Andrew Kyte (promoted 2023)
See also List of serving senior officers of the Royal Navy.