Naval Academy dismisses commandant of midshipmen over 'loss of confidence'

Capt. Austin Jackson, deputy commandant of midshipmen, has assumed duties as the interim commandant, and will be tasked with overseeing the day-to-day conduct, military training and professional development of the service academy’s students.

Published: November 24, 2025 4:06pm

Updated: November 24, 2025 7:16pm

The Naval Academy confirmed Monday that it has dismissed its commandant of midshipmen, just five months after he took the post and marking the latest shakeup for the military academy this year. 

The Naval academy did not specify what led to Capt. Gilbert Clark Jr.'s dismissal but said it was because of a “loss of confidence in his ability to effectively lead the Brigade of Midshipmen," according to a Navy news release.

“The naval service maintains the highest standards for leaders and holds them accountable when those standards are not met,” the school added.

Capt. Austin Jackson, deputy commandant of midshipmen, has assumed duties as the interim commandant, and will be tasked with overseeing the day-to-day conduct, military training and professional development of the service academy’s students.

Earlier this year, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth replaced Naval Academy superintendent Vice Adm. Yvette M. Davids with Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.

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