Steel joined the Royal Navy in 1979.[2] His early career was spent in a variety of sea and shore appointments, including as the Fleet Legal Adviser. In December 1999, while serving in the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible, he was awarded a Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in support of operations in Kosovo and Macedonia earlier that year.[3] In November 2005 he assumed command of HM Naval Base Portsmouth and in that capacity was honoured for his "inspirational leadership" during the Government's savings review of Naval Bases in 2007.[4] He was also appointed Chief Naval Logistics Officer and Aide-de-Camp to Her Majesty The Queen.[5]
In November 2008 Steel was appointed Director of Service Personnel Policy (Pay and Allowances) at the Ministry of Defence and,[6] in April 2010, he was promoted to rear admiral and appointed Naval Secretary.[7] He was promoted to vice admiral and appointed Second Sea Lord in October 2012.[8]
Among his other commitments Steel is a trustee of the Nuffield Trust for the Forces of the Crown,[17] and President and Chairman of Trustees of the Union Jack Club.[18][19]
He is President of the Church of England Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Clubs and Housing Association,[20] Patron of the Boleh Sailing Trust,[21][22] a vice-president of the Marine Society & Sea Cadets,[23][24] and an ambassador for the Woodland Trust.[25][26]