By Mallory Shelbourne | USNI News
A Marine Corps officer is in line to lead the U.S. Naval Academy for the first time in its 180-year history, USNI News has learned.
Lt. Gen. Michael Borgschulte, who is currently the Marine Corps deputy commandant for manpower and reserve affairs, will be nominated to serve as the Naval Academy’s 66th superintendent, two defense officials familiar with the matter confirmed to USNI News.
Vice Adm. Yvette Davids, who has been the superintendent since January 2024, will get renominated for a third star and to serve on the chief of naval operations staff. If confirmed by the Senate, she will serve as the deputy chief of naval operations for operations, plans, strategy and warfighting development, also known as the N3-N5-N7. Vice Adm. Daniel Dwyer, the current N357, will retire next month, USNI News understands.
Historically, the superintendent role has been filled by a U.S. Navy admiral, meaning Borgschulte, if confirmed, would be the first Marine general to serve as the superintendent.
The Marine Corps did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A Navy spokesperson also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Davids was the first female superintendent in the Naval Academy’s history. She’s a career surface warfare officer who graduated from the Academy in 1989, USNI News previously reported.
Davids is married to retired Rear Adm. Keith Davids, a Navy SEAL who was the commander of Naval Special Warfare Command from 2022 to 2024.
Borgschulte is a career aviator who flew helicopters and is a 1991 graduate of the Naval Academy, according to his service biography. Before serving as the deputy commander for manpower and reserve affairs, Borgschulte was 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s commanding general. He deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Statements Regarding Defense Secretary Announcement of Presidential Nominations (DOD)
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced today that the president has made the following nominations:
Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte for reappointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. Borgschulte is currently serving as deputy commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Quantico, Virginia.
Navy Vice. Adm. Yvette M. Davids for reappointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as deputy chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans, Strategy, and Warfighting Development, N3/N5/N7, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Davids is currently serving as superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland.
Statement from Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan:
I offer my sincere congratulations to Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte on his nomination to serve as the next Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy. A decorated combat leader and proud graduate of the Naval Academy Class of 1991, Lt. Gen. Borgschulte brings a wealth of operational experience and strategic insight. If confirmed, he will be the first Marine to hold this prestigious post, a milestone that reflects the strength of our naval integration and the shared ethos of the Navy-Marine Corps team.
The Naval Academy remains one of the most consequential institutions in American public life. It forges leaders of character, men and women of integrity, resilience, and intellect who will guide our Fleet and our Nation through the challenges of an increasingly contested world. Lt. Gen. Borgschulte is uniquely prepared to lead the next generations of naval and marine officers and ensure they are ready for the future fight.
I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to Vice Adm. Yvette M. Davids on her appointment as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans, Strategy, and Warfighting Development (N3/N5/N7). Vice Adm. Davids has commanded at every level and has led with distinction in some of the most complex security environments of our time. Her strategic vision and operational depth will be an exceptional asset to the Navy and the Department of Defense.
Both of these leaders represent the very best of naval service. I thank them for their continued dedication to the development of our Sailors and Marines and congratulate them on these well-deserved nominations.
Statement from Vice Adm. Yvette M. Davids:
“I’m honored to be nominated as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans, Strategy, and Warfighting Development. I look forward to continuing to serve alongside America’s strongest warfighters.”
For information regarding the official announcement of the nominations, https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4249504/secretary-of-defense-general-and-flag-officer-announcements-for-july-18-2025/
Moving in the right direction, finally!👏👏👏