Kontreadmiral Henrik Ryberg, who has led the Royal Danish Navy (Søværnet) since April 2023, has announced his retirement from the Danish Armed Forces at the end of November. After more than 40 years of service, Ryberg expressed that it is a great privilege to conclude his career as the head of the navy, especially during a period when the future fleet is taking shape.

Henrik Ryberg’s career includes several leadership positions, notably five years as the head of the Danish Defence Academy (Forsvarsakademiet), as well as significant roles in the Ministry of Defence’s Personnel Agency (Forsvarsministeriets Personalestyrelse) and the Defence Command (Forsvarskommandoen). He also served as the deputy commander on the frigate “Niels Juel” from 1999 to 2001.

Particular attention was drawn to Ryberg this spring when the frigate “Iver Huitfeldt” experienced technical failures during a drone attack in the Red Sea on March 9. The attack, which involved 15 drones from the Houthi movement, revealed system failures and defective munitions, although four drones were successfully shot down. At the time, Ryberg maintained that the ship was properly prepared for the mission and that such failures can occur.

While Henrik Ryberg values the period in which the foundation for the future fleet is being laid, and looks back on a strong defense identity and esprit de corps within the navy, he acknowledges that it will be bittersweet to bid farewell to his colleagues.

Who will succeed Ryberg as the head of the navy is yet to be determined.