Captain Dean Bassett is the new commanding officer of Devonport-based HMS Bulwark.

He is taking over the amphibious assault ship from Cpt Andrew Burns, who has left to become personal staff officer to General Sir Richard Barrons, Commander Joint Forces Command, in Northwood.

Cpt Bassett said: “I am honoured to be taking command of HMS Bulwark and I am looking forward to the challenges of 2014 and beyond.

“I have inherited a fine ship and ship’s company and I am confident that we will deliver on all that is required of the fleet flagship.”

Cpt Bassett began his Royal Naval service in 1991 and has previously commanded the patrol vessel HMS Dasher and Bristol University’s Royal Naval Unit.

Most recently he commanded the Plymouth-based Type 23 Frigate HMS Monmouth on operations with international partners in the Middle East providing global maritime security in the region.

His shore assignment highlights include being Flag Lieutenant to the First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff at the Ministry of Defence in London, as well as an appointment on the staff at the UK’s Joint Force Headquarters, where he deployed to a number of operational theatres including Iraq as part of multi-national forces operating in Baghdad.

Immediately prior to joining, Cpt Bassett was a staff officer within the plans division of the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in North London.