Commandant, Acting Chief of Naval Operations, Superintendents, members of the Secretariat, General and Flag Officers, former Secretaries of the Navy, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, distinguished guests, Academy faculty and staff, good afternoon. Since 1845, the United States Naval Academy has forged leaders of consequence. They have trained, molded, and developed our Nation’s finest warfighters to lead in battle and guide our Fleet—a mission of immense importance to our country and our way of life. Its alumni have become Admirals, Generals, Ambassadors, Nobel Prize winners, Medal of Honor recipients, and Cabinet and Service secretaries. They have become leaders in industry, members of Congress, and even a President of the United States. (Jimmy Carter) This institution has shaped the best of the best with precision and purpose unmatched anywhere in the world. Today, we are fortunate to add a new chapter in the history of this esteemed institution. We gather here to celebrate the formal transfer of responsibility of the Superintendent a role that impacts and molds our next generation of accountable, adaptable, and innovative men and women who will lead in the Fleet and, if necessary, fight and win our nation’s wars. We also get to witness something unprecedented. For the first time in its history, the mantle of leadership is being transferred from a Sailor to a Marine from Vice Admiral Yvette Davids, US Naval Academy Class of 1989, to Lieutenant General Michael Borgschulte, Class of ‘91.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Naval Academy is one of the most important leadership and training institutions in our great country. From my perspective, it’s the most important. It is where the academic rigor of world class science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and the humanities meets the uncompromising demand for moral courage, physical toughness, and mental resilience. Critical to that mission is the role of the Superintendent. More than a College President, the Superintendent is a living example of what we expect in every midshipman: a leader of character, a steward of the Navy’s core values, and a mentor to the next generation. They are a role model for everyone stationed here on the yard from the most junior Sailor to the senior-most faculty members and military officers. And, they are a great liaison with the wonderful city of Annapolis whose been home to the Naval Academy since its inception.

As Secretary of the Navy, I have had the privilege of watching Vice Admiral Davids fulfill all those roles with distinction.

With her today are: Her husband, Rear Admiral (retired) Keith Davids. Her boys: Kai and Kiernan. Her mom: Magda. Her sister: Lynette.

Vice Admiral Davids pursued excellence at every turn and ensured this yard advanced its mission. Her leadership elevated the culture and infrastructure here, instilling mutual respect across the Academy and the fleet. And, since becoming Supe, the Academy had a great record on the Football field beating the Air Force, the Army, and Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl! That’s a damn good track record, Admiral. These accomplishments are reflections of a culture you’ve instilled here. And, they are exactly why I’ve asked you to take on an even larger responsibility at the Pentagon. I believe my most sacred duty as Secretary is to pick the right people to lead … to select and promote the right people and put them on the right seat, on the right platform. Douglas Macarthur said: “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others.” As I looked around for the most qualified candidate to be the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans, Strategy and Warfighting Development, I found the best person for the role was Vice Admiral Davids. VADM Davids’ experience, operational record, and strategic mind made her the natural fit for the job and will serve her and the Navy well in this future role. She is best equipped to guide our Navy through the challenges of this decade from a new era of warfare defined by drones, artificial intelligence, and autonomy to strategic competition with near-peer adversaries. Her selection was not a statement about anything other than excellence and readiness. I know she will miss Annapolis, but our Navy needs her for a different mission. I am grateful for her willingness to accept the challenge. Congratulations and Bravo Zulu on a job well-done, Admiral. I look forward to seeing you in the Pentagon.

Vice Admiral Davids’ appointment created a leadership vacancy at the Naval Academy. For this post, I again focused solely on merit and someone whose leadership will sharpen the edge of our future fleet. As Secretary of the Navy, I am charged with nominating a Superintendent with strong leadership credentials to be approved by the Secretary of Defense, appointed by the President, and confirmed by the Senate to guide this institution. Lieutenant General Borgschulte is that leader.

With him today are: His wife: Geeda, a doctor. His sons: Ryker and Torben His sister: Donna and her son: Aiden.

Lieutenant General Borgschulte is a decorated naval aviator and veteran of three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan who has led Sailors and Marines at all levels. He is someone who his fellow Marines described as a military hybrid of modern tactics and ancient attitudes. He just concluded an excellent tour as Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, where he oversaw the highest recruitment and retention in Marine Corps history. He will build on the successes of Vice Admiral Davids and previous superintendents by further cultivating a culture of winning and warfighting here at the Academy. A Marine Major Doug Zembiec, AKA the Lion of Fallujah, put it best: “it wasn't about how many men and women you brought to the battle, but who they are.” Lieutenant General Borgschulte’s leadership philosophy is focused on “the who they are.” He is focused on shaping midshipmen into leaders you want to follow in battle. His ethos: Mission first, people always … ruthlessly focusing on high standards, high expectations, and strict discipline. All traits and skills we need to continuously strengthen and improve at the Academy. Since earning his commission in 1991, Lieutenant General Borgschulte has never lost his connection with his alma mater, dedicating himself to leading and mentoring generations of midshipmen. He even wore the blue and gold #38 as a linebacker on the football team and holds the title of the Senior most Marine on the team. I have no doubt that Lieutenant General Borgschulte will raise the game for the next generation of naval officers and ensure they are ready for the future fight. He will become the first Marine to hold this prestigious position, a historic milestone that underscores the close bond of the Navy-Marine Corps team. Welcome home, General. The Naval Academy is in great hands. Get ready, Midshipmen … it’s time to buckle your chin straps.

With this change of command, we are reaffirming the standards that have carried this institution through 180 years of service. I take great pride in the leaders we are selecting today. They represent not just the best of the Navy, but the best of America, individuals who have risen through the ranks by earning the respect of their leaders, peers, and subordinates alike. From John Paul Jones to Chester Nimitz to the sailors and Marines who serve today, our success has always depended on a simple truth: right people, on the right seat, and on the right platform. By the way: Lieutenant General Borgschulte you have some big shoes to fill … Vice Admiral Davids won the Commander’s cup as Supe. I expect you to do the same … being a former linebacker brings certain performance expectations. I also hear you’re thinking of putting the pads on once again and issuing MREs on the chow line. I don’t think either of those are good ideas. Go Navy, beat Army. God bless all of you, God Bless our Navy-Marine Corps team, and God Bless the United States of America.