Addressing the Complexities, Contradictions, and Conundrums of the U.S.-China Relationship

Admiral Philip S. Davidson

Admiral Philip S. Davidson is a 1982 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Naval War College with a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies, and a bachelor’s degree in physics. He is the 25th commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (formerly the U.S. Pacific Command), America’s oldest and largest military combatant command, located in Hawaii.

As a surface warfare officer, he has deployed across the globe in frigates, destroyers, cruisers, and aircraft carriers. In his most recent assignment, he served as commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command/Naval Forces U.S. Northern Command. Admiral Davidson also served as commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), while simultaneously serving as deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Africa. On land, Admiral Davidson served in fleet, interagency, and joint tours as a flag officer; director, Maritime Operations, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; senior military advisor to the Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan at the State Department; and deputy director for Strategy and Policy in the Joint Staff/J-5.

Earlier in his career he served in policy, strategy, and operations billets on multiple tours with the U.S. Pacific Fleet staff, Navy staff and the Joint staff, and as the Navy’s military aide to the vice president of the United States. His decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V,” a Superior Honor Award from the U.S. Department of State, and other individual, service, unit, and campaign awards.