The Navy Names the First Woman to Ever Lead a Naval Academy

The US Navy has made history by nominating Rear Adm. Yvette Davids to become the first female superintendent of the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. Pending confirmation by the US Senate, she will take over running the service academy in the summer of 2023.

About Rear Adm. Yvette Davids

Rear Adm. Davids has had an impressive career spanning over 30 years in the Navy. She became a naval officer in 1989 and has commanded several Navy warships, including the USS Curts, which made her the first Hispanic American woman to command a US Navy warship. She was also one of the first Hispanic-American women to command a carrier strike group. Her assignment to Curts made history and opened the door for more diversity in the Navy.

Historic Accomplishment for Women in the US Military

Davids’ appointment marks yet another historic first for women in the US military. The US Military Academy at West Point remains the only service academy that has never had a female leader. The appointment of Rear Adm. Davids to the Naval Academy follows the groundbreaking appointments of Rear Adm. Sandra Stosz as the first woman to lead the US Coast Guard Academy in 2011, Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson as the first female superintendent of the US Air Force Academy in 2013, and retired Coast Guard Rear Adm. Joanna Nunan as the first female superintendent of the US Merchant Marine Academy in December.

The appointment of Rear Adm. Davids to lead the US Naval Academy is significant, not only because she will be the first woman to hold the position, but also because of her personal connection to the institution. Davids graduated from the academy back in 1989, and her husband, Rear Adm. Keith Davids, graduated in 1990. The couple were both members of the academy’s sailing team, making their appointment a homecoming of sorts. Furthermore, they are believed to be the Navy’s first married couple to both become admirals.

Rear Adm. David Awaiting Confirmation

While Rear Adm. Davids’ nomination is expected to be confirmed quickly by the Senate, all general and flag officer promotions are being delayed by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala. He is opposing the Pentagon’s recently announced travel and leave policies for troops searching reproductive care and is blocking military nominees from quick confirmation. Tuberville’s objection significantly delays confirmations, as the Senate has to find floor time to hold roll-call votes on over 180 nominees who would normally be approved in a voice vote in a single batch.

In conclusion, Rear Adm. Yvette Davids’ nomination as the first female superintendent of the US Naval Academy is a historic moment for the Navy and the US military. Her appointment marks yet another step towards greater diversity and inclusion in the military, and her personal connection to the institution will undoubtedly make her an effective leader. While the Senate confirmation process may be delayed, it is only a matter of time before Rear Adm. Davids takes the helm of the US Naval Academy, and we look forward to seeing the impact she will have on the institution and the Navy as a whole.

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