WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors, continues his push for confirmation of Rear Admiral Yvette M. Davids to become Vice Admiral and the first female Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy. Republican senators, led by Senator Tommy Tuberville has put the transition of the USNA in limbo, along with other promotions for career, nonpartisan military officers because he dislikes the Department of Defense’s support of military members’ access to critical health care that is available to most civilians.
Recently, Senator Tuberville blocked Senator Cardin’s request for unanimous consent for the confirmation of Rear Admiral Yvette M. Davids. A USNA graduate (’89), Rear Admiral Davids is exceptionally qualified and has had a distinguished career at sea highlighted by commanding multiple U.S. warships, as well as a Carrier Strike Group.
Before the confirmation was blocked, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin delivered a speech on the Senate Floor, outlining the critical need to prioritize our military over partisan politics.
“Delaying this promotion is a gratuitous self-inflicted wound to our national security,” said Senator Cardin.
As Senator Tuberville blocked the motion, he suggested an unprecedented and ill-advised alternative to vote on each nomination individually. Senator Cardin returned to the floor to provide a rebuttal.
“If we follow the course that he is suggesting, those plebes that are entering this month at the Naval Academy will be in their second year before we can get around to voting for the nomination,” said Senator Cardin. “I regret that we are playing politics with our military and our ability to defend our nation.”
The full video of the floor speeches can be found at this link.
The incoming class of 2027 reports to the Naval Academy for induction on June 29, 2023, and the fall semester begins on August 24, 2023. The last time a Naval Academy Superintendent did not have a summer change of command was over 59 years ago in 1964 when the incumbent Superintendent had a heart attack that resulted in early retirement.
