Naval Special Warfare Command Welcomes New Leadership in Dynamic Change of Command Ceremony

Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Lisa Franchetti, delivered opening remarks at a significant ceremony, acknowledging the distinguished contributions of Adm. Keith Davids to Naval Special Warfare (NSW). She praised his innovative leadership and his role in advancing the capabilities of naval commandos, ensuring their alignment with evolving warfare dynamics.

Gen. Bryan P. Fenton, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, presided over the ceremony and highlighted Davids’ unwavering commitment to adapting NSW to new challenges. He pointed out the transformative changes Davids implemented to maintain NSW’s relevance, survivability, and lethality.

“During his tenure, Davids prepared the next generation of naval commandos for an unpredictable and complex global landscape,” Fenton remarked. “Our commandos continually push the boundaries of possibility, offering strategic options and dilemmas to adversaries around the world.”

Davids’ command began in August 2022, during which he intensified NSW’s collaboration with Fleet, Joint, and Coalition partners, maintaining its readiness to counter global threats. “Our teams are currently engaged in sensitive maritime missions worldwide, enhancing national intelligence, and strengthening strategic alliances,” Davids noted.

The ceremony wrapped up Davids’ two-year command, which saw him leading at various levels of Special Operations. His service includes commanding SEAL Team One and serving as the Deputy Director for Joint Interagency Task Force South, among other roles.

Reflecting on his career, Davids stated, “The greatest gift in life is doing meaningful work with people you care about. Serving with the Navy and the Special Operations community has been the honor of my life.”

Davids welcomed Rear Adm. Milton “Jamie” Sands, who will succeed him. Sands, a Farmington, Connecticut native and a 1992 U.S. Naval Academy graduate, expressed gratitude for a seamless transition and committed to maintaining a steadfast focus on the force’s evolution and its core values.

“We will continue to produce and deploy the world’s finest maritime special operations force. Our priorities and approaches will shape our evolution,” Sands stated, emphasizing the centrality of character, grit, and professionalism in their mission.

Naval Special Warfare consists of over 10,000 personnel, including Sea, Air, and Land operators, Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen, and various support staff. NSW is pivotal in extending the fleet’s reach, providing all-domain options to naval and joint force commanders.