He assumed Command of his first Ship, HMS SEVERN in July 2014 deploying on the Atlantic Patrol Task (North) in the Caribbean for eight months, the first time this deployment had been undertaken by an Offshore Patrol Vessel. Relinquishing Command of HMS SEVERN in

December 2015 he assumed Command of HMS CLYDE from January to August 2016. He was appointed MBE in the 2016 Queen’s Birthday Honours list and promoted to the rank of Commander in June 2016. He assumed Command of HMS IRON DUKE in November 2016.

During his Command, Banfield led IRON DUKE through a BALTOPS deployment as well as undertaking Carrier Strike exercises with the USS GEORGE BUSH. A brief period as Commander of the Royal Navy Presentation Team followed prior to attending ACSC. On

graduation he joined the MoD in the Finance and Military Capability, Capability Strategy team. This busy period saw planning for and implementation of the Integrated Review. After two years

in this assignment Banfield assumed the role of DACOS (Ops) in November 2021 on promotion to Captain. Completing his time in the Maritime Operations Centre in Oct 2023, Banfield

attended HCSC 24 prior to assuming the role of Commander SATURATED in May 2024.