SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES — Rear Adm. Yvette Davids relieved Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener as acting Commander, Naval Surface Forces and acting Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet during a change of command ceremony Aug. 18 at Naval Base San Diego, pier 2 with USS Princeton (CG 59) in the background.
Davids assumes the duties as acting commander after serving as Director, Learning to Action Drive Team.
“Vice Admiral Kitchener led us through some impressive organizational changes, a global pandemic, forward deployed operations, and all the while tirelessly advocating for you, the Surface Warrior and your ships,” said Rear Adm. Davids. “My charge to you as we keep a steady strain on our jobs and initiatives; take care of your people, conduct safe operations, and get ready to take to the fight when your command is called.”
A native of San Antonio, Texas, Davids is a 1989 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a bachelor of science in oceanography. She is also a 2002 graduate of the Naval War College with a master of arts in national security and strategic studies and a 2012 graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces with a master of science in national resource strategy. Davids has served in a variety of operational command and staff leadership positions as a Surface Warfare Officer.
The ceremony marked the end of Kitchener’s more than 38-year naval career. He and his staff were responsible for ensuring the readiness of 94 ships and 45 shore commands since August 2020.
“There is nothing in my career that I have enjoyed more than being your commander,” said Kitchener. “I am proud to have served alongside all of you and trust you will continue the unfinished work. You must continue the unfinished work, the enduring mission, to make our Surface Navy; the ships, Sailors, families, and institutions, ready for the fight. You must make us better without ever losing sight of the “mission.” Everything you do must make us more ready, better teammates and superior warfighters.”
Kitchener implemented significant changes to ensure the Surface Force is the most powerful seagoing force the world has ever known. These changes include the implementation of the Surface Force Manning Experience (SURFMEX) aimed at optimizing crew skillsets on surface ships, the Surface Analytics Group (SAG), the establishment of Surface Readiness Groups (SURFGRUs) in fleet concentration areas, the formation of Surface Maintenance Operation Centers (S-MOCs), and he created an enduring campaign for the Surface Force’s North Star Goal of 75 mission capable ships to be ready on any given day. All of these initiatives enhanced the warfighting readiness and the culture of the Surface Force.
The mission of CNSP is to man, train, and equip the Surface Force to provide fleet commanders with credible naval power to control the sea and project power ashore.