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Naval Academy Removes Commandant Less Than Six Months Into Assignment Citing 'Loss of Confidence'

04:34 AM, 11/25/2025

Capt. Gilbert Clark Jr. was relieved as commandant of midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy after Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michael Borgschulte cited a "loss of confidence" in his leadership. Capt. Austin Jackson will serve as interim commandant while the academy begins a search for a permanent replacement. Clark's removal adds to several leadership changes at Annapolis this year amid wider personnel shifts at the Pentagon.

The United States Naval Academy has removed Capt. Gilbert Clark Jr. as commandant of midshipmen, citing a "loss of confidence in his ability to effectively lead" the brigade, the academy announced Monday. Clark had taken the post in June and was relieved by Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michael Borgschulte less than six months into the assignment.

The academy issued a brief statement underscoring standards for leadership:

"The naval service maintains the highest standards for leaders and holds them accountable when those standards are not met."
No additional details were released about the specific reasons for Clark's dismissal. The Navy commonly uses the phrase "loss of confidence" when removing senior officers.

In the short term, Capt. Austin Jackson, a current deputy commandant of midshipmen, will serve as interim commandant while the academy evaluates candidates for a permanent replacement. The academy, located in Annapolis, Maryland, has not announced a timeline for selecting a successor.

Context and recent leadership changes

Clark's removal adds to a series of leadership changes at the academy this year. He succeeded Capt. Walter H. Allman earlier in 2025. Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michael Borgschulte took command in August after Vice Adm. Yvette M. Davids was reassigned in July; Davids was the first woman to serve as superintendent and had led the academy beginning in early 2024. Superintendents are typically expected to serve roughly three years, though that tenure can be shortened by personnel moves.

The academy's turnover comes amid broader personnel shifts at the Pentagon. Recent months have seen several high-profile changes among senior military leaders, and officials say further personnel assessments are continuing.

What we know and what remains unclear

What is confirmed: Capt. Gilbert Clark Jr. has been relieved of duty, Capt. Austin Jackson is the interim commandant, and the Naval Academy cited a loss of confidence as the reason. What remains unknown: the specific incidents or concerns that led to the decision and the timeline for naming a permanent commandant. The academy has provided no further public comment as of Monday.

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Naval Academy Removes Commandant Less Than Six Months Into Assignment Citing 'Loss of Confidence' - CRBC News