SAN DIEGO – Rear Adm. Milton J. Sands III relieved Rear Adm. Keith B. Davids as commander of Naval Special Warfare Command during a ceremony at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado on Aug. 2.
Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations, attended the ceremony and provided welcoming remarks by thanking Davids for his innovative leadership in ensuring Naval Special Warfare (NSW) provides access and capabilities to the warfighter.
“You provided options to our nation’s decision makers every single day, keeping our most elite warriors–our naval commandos–at the forefront of the changing character of war, finding, testing and using new technologies and innovating to ensure that we would be postured and ready to respond to any threat anytime and anywhere,” said Franchetti. “Keith, you will leave behind an incredible legacy through those that you have trained, mentored and led, but you will also be known for your laser focus on prioritizing and reinvigorating the connection between the Fleet and Naval Special Warfare. This is a game changer for our nation.”
Davids assumed command of Naval Special Warfare Command in August 2022.
“As we speak, our teammates are conducting sensitive maritime missions in multiple theaters around the globe,” Davids said. “They are closing gaps in national intelligence, strengthening strategic partnerships, helping friends and allies build their resilience, and fielding new capabilities that make the naval commando force extremely valuable to both the Joint Force and the Navy.”
The ceremony marks the end of a two-year command tour for Davids, whose operational tours include commander tours at SEAL Team Two, an executive officer of SEAL Team Seven and commanding officer of SEAL Team One.
“Life’s greatest gift is doing hard work that is worth doing with people you love,” Davids said to his friends, family, and staff. “The Navy and the Special Operations communities have allowed me to enjoy that for over three decades. To cap it off, serving with all of you has been the biggest honor of my life.”
Davids welcomed Sands and his family and spoke to the journey that lies ahead under his leadership.
“Today marks the dawn of a new chapter,” said Davids. “NSW’s future is extremely bright with Rear. Adm. Milton ‘Jamie’ Sands at the helm. I have no doubt you will continue to thrive under his strategic vision and leadership.”
NSW is the nation’s premiere maritime special operations force and is uniquely positioned to extend the fleet’s reach and deliver all-domain options for naval and joint force commanders.
