The Earl of Sandwich was not a naval officer; the First Lord of the Admiralty was the chair of the Board of Admiralty, which was a committee formed to undertake

The Earl of Sandwich was not a naval officer; the First Lord of the Admiralty was the chair of the Board of Admiralty, which was a committee formed to undertake the duties of the office of Lord High Admiral. The Board of Admiralty had responsibility for the administration of the Royal Navy. Operational command was (and remains) the responsibility of the Sea Lords; the most senior serving officer of the Royal Navy is the First Sea Lord.