Deputy Admiral Yvette David, who made history as the first woman to lead the US Naval Academy, has been reassigned, according to a recent announcement from the Department of Defense.
She will now serve as the deputy chief of naval operations in charge of planning, strategy, and combat development.
Marine Corps Vice Admiral Michael J. Borglute has been appointed to take over her previous position.
Navy John C. Phelan remarked, “The Naval Academy is a crucial institution in American public life. It shapes the character, integrity, resilience, and intelligence of leaders who guide our fleet and country through increasingly challenging global circumstances.”
Phelan further noted, “Vice Admiral Borglute is well-suited to lead the next generation of Navy and Marine officers, preparing them for future conflicts.”
Typically, a supervisor at the Naval Academy holds the position for at least three years, although it can be shorter. David, a graduate of the Annapolis, Maryland Academy in 1989, has led the institution since January 2024.
Her reassignment follows reports of changes overseen by Defense Secretary Pete Hegses, who is implementing reforms within top military ranks. This comes after Trump’s decision to replace Co-Chief of Staff CQ Brown Jr. in February with Lieutenant General Dan “Razin” Caine.
The administration also dismissed the chief of naval operations, Lisa M. Francetti, the first woman to hold that position. Moreover, Trump removed Linda Fagan from her role as the first female U.S. Coast Guard commander.
Phelan congratulated David on her new appointment, praising her distinguished leadership in complex security environments. “Her strategic vision and operational depth are significant assets for the Navy and the Department of Defense,” he stated.
David expressed her gratitude in a statement, saying it was an honor to be nominated for the new role. “We look forward to continuing to support America’s most powerful fighter planes,” she added.
