History was made in Annapolis on Friday, August 15, 2025, when Lt. Gen. Michael Borgschulte officially took the helm as the 66th superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy. In a ceremony steeped in tradition and significance, Borgschulte became the first Marine Corps officer to ever hold the position in the academy’s 180-year history, marking a new chapter for the storied institution that has long served as a crucible for America’s naval leaders.
Borgschulte’s appointment is more than just a personal achievement—it’s a moment that reflects the evolving nature of military leadership and the growing prominence of the Marine Corps within the broader naval service. Before this historic nomination, Borgschulte served as deputy commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs in Quantico, Virginia, a role that saw him deeply engaged in the recruitment, retention, and readiness of Marine personnel. His experience, according to Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, is nothing short of exemplary.
During the change-of-command ceremony, Secretary Phelan offered a glowing endorsement, describing Borgschulte as “a decorated naval aviator and a veteran of three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan who’s led sailors and Marines at all levels.” Phelan went on to note that Borgschulte “is someone who his fellow Marines describe as a military hybrid of modern tactics and ancient attitudes.” It’s an apt characterization for a leader tasked with both honoring tradition and steering the academy through the complexities of a rapidly changing world.
Borgschulte himself, a Naval Academy graduate from the class of 1991, addressed the assembled crowd with a sense of purpose and humility. “The academy exists not to pursue academic rankings or institutional accolades—yes, we have those—but to fulfill a sacred mission, and that’s to develop the next generation of Navy and Marine Corps officers who will protect and defend the freedoms we as Americans so often take for granted,” he said, as reported by the Associated Press. His words struck a chord with attendees, many of whom have watched the academy evolve over decades but remain steadfast in its core mission.
This year, the Naval Academy commissioned 776 Navy ensigns and 258 second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. These new officers, fresh from the rigors of Annapolis, now join the ranks of those charged with safeguarding the nation’s interests on the seas and beyond. Borgschulte’s leadership arrives at a time when the demands on military officers are more complex than ever—requiring not just tactical proficiency, but also adaptability, ethical grounding, and strategic foresight.
“Get ready, midshipmen. It’s time to buckle your chinstraps,” Secretary Phelan quipped during the ceremony, signaling both the seriousness and the excitement of the moment. His remarks underscored the expectation that Borgschulte will foster what he called “a culture of winning and warfighting here at the academy.” That culture, Phelan pointed out, has already been evident in Borgschulte’s previous roles, where he oversaw the highest recruitment and retention rates in Marine Corps history.
Borgschulte’s appointment also coincides with another milestone in the academy’s progression toward greater diversity and inclusion. He replaces Vice Adm. Yvette Davids, who made history herself as the first woman to serve as superintendent when she assumed the role in January 2024. Davids, widely respected for her operational acumen and strategic vision, is now moving to the Pentagon to become the deputy chief of naval operations for Operations, Plans, Strategy and Warfighting Development.
Secretary Phelan was effusive in his praise for Davids, noting that she “fulfilled her role with distinction and she is the best person for the Pentagon post.” He added, “Vice Adm. 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.” Her tenure at Annapolis was marked by a commitment to both excellence and progress, qualities that will undoubtedly inform her new responsibilities in Washington.
The transitions at the top of the Naval Academy reflect a broader trend within the U.S. military: the increasing recognition that leadership must be both rooted in tradition and responsive to new challenges. Borgschulte’s career embodies this duality. As a decorated aviator and combat veteran, he’s no stranger to the realities of modern warfare. But his approach, as described by colleagues, also draws on the timeless values of honor, courage, and commitment that have defined the academy since its founding in 1845.
For the midshipmen currently enrolled at Annapolis, Borgschulte’s leadership offers both continuity and fresh perspective. His own journey—from a young graduate in 1991 to the highest echelons of Marine Corps leadership—serves as a testament to the possibilities that await those who pass through the academy’s gates. And as the first Marine Corps officer to lead the institution, he brings a unique lens to the task of preparing future officers for the unpredictable challenges of the 21st century.
The appointment has resonated well beyond the walls of the academy. Alumni, current students, and military observers alike have noted the significance of a Marine taking the helm at a time when joint operations and inter-service collaboration are more critical than ever. The U.S. Naval Academy, long a bastion of Navy tradition, is now visibly embracing the full spectrum of sea service leadership.
Looking ahead, Borgschulte has made it clear that his priorities will remain aligned with the academy’s foundational mission. While academic achievement and institutional prestige are important, he insists that the heart of the academy’s purpose is to “develop the next generation of Navy and Marine Corps officers.” It’s a mission that, as he reminded all in attendance, is vital to the nation’s future security and prosperity.
As the sun set over Annapolis on Friday evening, it was clear that the U.S. Naval Academy stands at a crossroads—one where tradition meets transformation, and where new leaders are called upon to honor the past while shaping the future. With Lt. Gen. Michael Borgschulte at the helm, the academy’s sacred mission continues, fortified by fresh vision and unwavering resolve.