{"id":38137,"date":"2023-08-23T21:22:02","date_gmt":"2023-08-23T21:22:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2023\/08\/23\/naval-surface-forces-get-new-commanding-officer\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T20:01:01","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T20:01:01","slug":"naval-surface-forces-get-new-commanding-officer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/naval\/2023\/08\/23\/naval-surface-forces-get-new-commanding-officer\/","title":{"rendered":"Naval Surface Forces get new commanding officer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Rear Adm. Yvette Davids<\/a> is now the acting commander of Naval Surface Forces and Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Davids relieved Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener, who is retiring following 38-years of service in the Navy, during a ceremony Friday at Naval Base San Diego. Kitchener became the so-called SWO boss in August 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under Kitchener\u2019s leadership, the service ushered in the Surface Manning Experience program<\/a>, or SURFMEX, which aims to place sailors in the right jobs at the right times using an analytics-based approach for detailing. He also instituted a campaign for 75 surface ships to remain mission-capable at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVice Admiral Kitchener led us through some impressive organizational changes, a global pandemic and forward deployed operations \u2014 all the while tirelessly advocating for you, the surface warrior, and your ships,\u201d Davids said, according to a Navy news release. \u201cMy charge to you as we keep a steady strain on our jobs and initiatives: Take care of your people; conduct safe operations; and get ready to take to the fight when your command is called.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\t