Adm. Phil Davidson is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. He is a 1982 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Naval War College with a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies, and a Bachelor of Science in Physics. Davidson is the 25th commander of 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. 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.

His sea service assignments include command of Carrier Strike Group 8/Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, USS Gettysburg (CG 64) and USS Taylor (FFG 50).

Ashore, 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 (SRAP) at the State Department; and deputy director for Strategy and Policy in the Joint Staff/J-5.

Earlier in Davidson's 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 personal, service, unit and campaign awards.