Adm. Yvette Davids first woman nominated to lead Naval Academy

Rear Adm. Yvette Davids has been nominated to become the first female superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy.

A 1989 graduate of the Naval Academy, Adm. Davids was nominated by Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro and Admiral Michael M. Gilday, the chief of naval operations, the Pentagon confirmed Friday. She would be promoted to a three-star admiral and would become the first woman to lead the Annapolis service academy in its 177-year history, if confirmed by the Senate.

Vice Admiral Sean Buck, the current superintendent at Annapolis, is expected to retire following the change of command ceremony.

Adm. Davids’ Navy career has focused on surface ships. She is the first Hispanic woman to command a Navy warship, the frigate USS Curts. She later commanded the USS Bunker Hill, a guided missile cruiser, and Carrier Strike Group 11.

But her promotion and appointment likely will be added to the list of more than 100 vacant Pentagon positions that are on hold. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, Alabama Republican, has blocked the nominations to protest new, more expansive accommodations for service members seeking abortions set by the Pentagon last summer.

Her past assignments include serving as a senior military adviser to the State Department’s top policy official and as chief of staff for U.S. Southern Command.

Adm. Davids is married to Rear Adm. Keith Davids, who was one year behind her at the Naval Academy. He became a Navy SEAL and is commander of Naval Special Warfare Command.