On a bright August morning in Annapolis, Maryland, the U.S. Naval Academy witnessed a moment that will be etched in its 180-year legacy: Lt. Gen. Michael Borgschulte, a Marine Corps officer, took command as superintendent—a first in the institution’s storied history. The ceremony, held on Friday, August 15, 2025, marked a turning point for the academy, signaling both a respect for tradition and a readiness to embrace change in an increasingly complex world.
Borgschulte’s appointment comes after a distinguished career in the Marine Corps, most recently as deputy commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs in Quantico, Virginia. He is no stranger to the academy’s hallowed grounds, having graduated from the Naval Academy himself in 1991. Now, as the 66th superintendent, he is tasked with shaping the next generation of Navy and Marine Corps officers at a time when global challenges demand both resilience and adaptability.
During the change of command ceremony, Borgschulte addressed the assembled crowd with a clear sense of purpose. “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 echoed through the ranks of midshipmen, faculty, and visiting dignitaries, setting the tone for a tenure focused squarely on service and leadership.
The significance of Borgschulte’s appointment was not lost on those in attendance. According to the Associated Press, Secretary of the Navy John Phelan offered high praise for the new superintendent, describing him 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 characterize Borgschulte as a “military hybrid of modern tactics and ancient attitudes,” a blend of forward-thinking strategy and time-honored values that many believe is essential for today’s military leaders.
Borgschulte’s leadership credentials extend beyond the battlefield. As deputy commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, he oversaw what Phelan called “the highest recruitment and retention in Marine Corps history.” This achievement is no small feat in an era when military service faces stiff competition from civilian opportunities and shifting societal attitudes. Phelan expressed confidence that Borgschulte would bring this culture of “winning and warfighting” to the academy, challenging midshipmen to rise to the occasion. “Get ready, midshipmen. It’s time to buckle your chinstraps,” Phelan declared, according to the Associated Press—a rallying cry that resonated with both the seasoned officers and the newest recruits.
This year’s graduating class is a testament to the academy’s enduring mission. In 2025, the institution commissioned 776 new Navy ensigns and 258 second lieutenants in the Marine Corps, according to official figures cited by the Associated Press and corroborated by other outlets. These young officers will soon take up posts around the world, carrying with them the lessons learned in Annapolis and the expectations of a nation that relies on their commitment and courage.
Borgschulte’s arrival comes as the academy bids farewell to another trailblazer: Vice Adm. Yvette Davids, who in January 2024 became the first woman to serve as superintendent. Davids is now moving to the Pentagon, where she will serve as deputy chief of naval operations for Operations, Plans, Strategy and Warfighting Development. Her tenure was marked by distinction and a steady hand during times of transition. Secretary Phelan made a point to recognize her contributions, stating, “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.”
The seamless transition between these two leaders speaks to the academy’s ability to honor its traditions while remaining open to progress. Davids’ move to the Pentagon is seen by many as a natural progression for a leader of her caliber. As Phelan noted, her “experience, operational record and strategic mind” are precisely what the Navy needs as it navigates the challenges of the coming years. Meanwhile, Borgschulte’s appointment signals a growing recognition of the Marine Corps’ vital role within the broader naval community—an acknowledgment that the challenges of tomorrow will require collaboration across service branches and a willingness to break new ground.
For Borgschulte, the path forward is both clear and daunting. The world that today’s midshipmen will inherit is marked by rapid technological change, shifting geopolitical alliances, and threats that are as unpredictable as they are persistent. In his own words, Borgschulte emphasized the need to prepare officers “for the challenges of an increasingly complex world.” That means not only instilling technical proficiency and tactical acumen, but also fostering the kind of ethical leadership and critical thinking that have long been hallmarks of the Naval Academy experience.
The change in leadership at Annapolis comes at a time when military academies across the United States are re-examining their missions and methods in light of evolving societal expectations. The appointment of the first Marine Corps superintendent is seen by many as a sign that the academy is willing to adapt—without sacrificing the core values that have defined it for nearly two centuries.
Yet, for all the talk of history and tradition, the real measure of Borgschulte’s success will be found in the lives and careers of the men and women who pass through the academy under his watch. As he takes up his new post, Borgschulte carries the weight of expectation—not just from his superiors and peers, but from a nation that looks to Annapolis for leadership in times of uncertainty.
In Annapolis, the future is always on the horizon. With Lt. Gen. Michael Borgschulte at the helm, the U.S. Naval Academy stands poised to meet it head-on, guided by the lessons of the past and the promise of a new generation.