Adm. Phil Davidson assumed command of U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF), Dec. 19, following his promotion to the rank of Admiral.
The small ceremony was officiated via teleconference by Adm. Bill Gortney, commander of U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Gortney was relieved as the commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Nov. 21.
The acting commander, Vice Adm. Nora W. Tyson, returns to her duties as the USFF deputy commander.
Davidson, a surface warfare officer and a 1982 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, has served in a variety of command positions, including most recently as commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, as well as deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Navy Forces Africa.
His previous assignments as a flag officer in Norfolk include duties as the director of Maritime Operations, U.S. Fleet Forces from February 2012 to September 2013, and command of Carrier Strike Group Eight/Eisenhower Strike Group from August 2009 to September 2010.
In his remarks Davidson outlined his vision for Fleet Forces Command and thanked his predecessor, Gortney, for having framed the organizing principles, the analytical underpinnings, and the fleet processes that generate fleet readiness.
Press release, Image: US Navy