Crown Division
Biography of the Lieutenant GovernorBiography of the Lieutenant Governor
His Excellency Vice Admiral Sir Paul Kenneth Haddacks KCB
Vice Admiral Sir Paul Haddacks was educated at Kingswood School Bath and entered the Royal Navy in 1964. After graduating from Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth he served as a junior officer in frigates and destroyers of the Far East Fleet, taking part in operations concerned with the Indonesian Confrontation and sanctions against the Rhodesian regime.
In 1971 he gained his first command, the new fast patrol boat HMS SCIMITAR. This was followed by specialisation as a warfare officer and deep specialisation in navigation. Sir Paul served as navigating officer in a wide variety of ships and as staff officer, including an appointment as an instructor at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis.
Promoted Commander in 1979 Sir Paul commanded successively the Leander class frigates HMS CLEOPATRA and HMS NAIAD before undertaking a tour in the naval personnel department of the Ministry of Defence.
Promoted Captain in 1984 Sir Paul became the Assistant Director of Naval Plans before gratefully returning to sea as Commanding Officer of the large amphibious assault ship, HMS INTREPID.
After a further appointment in the MOD as Deputy Director of Naval Warfare Sir Paul assumed the historic role and title of Captain of the Fleet. When Kuwait was invaded in1990 he was immediately sent to the Gulf to be Senior Naval Officer Middle East and to command UK maritime forces during Operation Desert Shield.
Promoted Rear Admiral in 1994 Sir Paul began a long spell of duty in NATO, firstly as the Policy Director at the Supreme Headquarters in Belgium and after promotion to Vice Admiral in 1997 as the United Kingdom Military Representative in NATO Headquarters during NATO’s first operations in the Balkans and in Kosovo. During this period Sir Paul also became the first UK Military Representative to the European Union.
With a wealth of NATO experience behind him, Sir Paul was elected in 2001 to become the Director of NATO’s International Military Staff. This appointment took place during a period of unparalleled activity following the 9/11 attacks in the USA, conflict in Afghanistan and conflict in Iraq. During his ten years in NATO Sir Paul was closely involved in much of the Alliance’s evolution from cold war monolith to 21st century security guarantor.
Sir Paul ceased active service with the Royal Navy at the end of 2004 and was sworn in as the 27th Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man on 17 October 2005, the third naval officer to hold this historic post.
Sir Paul is married to Penny who is Canadian by birth and is a Nightingale nurse of St Thomas’ Hospital, London. They have a son, David, who is a senior purser with Princess Cruise Lines. His Excellency’s interests include sailing, golf, history, especially maritime history, sport and travel. He is a member of the Royal Naval Sailing Association and is past President of the Navigation and Direction Officer’s Association and of Navy Netball.
Visits
Invitations to the Lieutenant Governor and/or his wife to attend a function should be made, giving as much notice as possible, by writing to the Private Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor. Requests will be considered at the next weekly planning meeting and acceptance or regret will be communicated in writing.
A Visit Questionnaire requesting more detailed information of what is required of His Excellency and/or Lady Haddacks will be sent to the organiser for completion.
Honours
Nominations should be submitted to the Lieutenant Governor in writing by completing the Honours Nomination Form and attaching letters of support.
All recommendations submitted to the Lieutenant Governor will be carefully considered but it must be appreciated that there can be no guarantee of success. It is wise to submit a nomination at least 12 months before the expected date of an honour.
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