Capt. Clinton A. Cornell, a bomb-disposal specialist turned senior commander, has been tapped as the U.S. Naval Academy’s 92nd Commandant of Midshipmen, the academy announced this week. Cornell, a 2001 Naval Academy graduate and native of Dickson City, Pennsylvania, is expected to take the reins in June at an assumption-of-command ceremony. As commandant, he will oversee the day-to-day military training, discipline and professional development of roughly 4,400 midshipmen in Annapolis, essentially steering the day-to-day life of the Brigade.
Official announcement and the role
According to a U.S. Naval Academy news release, Cornell currently serves as commander of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group ONE in San Diego and was selected to lead the Brigade of Midshipmen. "I am honored to serve as Commandant of Midshipmen," Cornell said in the announcement. The academy notes that the commandant functions much like a dean of students, responsible for the daily conduct, training and professional development of midshipmen, only with a distinctly military edge.
Cornell's résumé
Cornell is a member of the Naval Academy’s Class of 2001, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, and he later completed a master’s in national security studies at the National War College. His career includes sea and shore tours across explosive-ordnance-disposal, diving, riverine and special-operations assignments, along with command of EOD Mobile Unit TWO and staff work with U.S. Special Operations Command. His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal and a Bronze Star with a combat distinguishing device, according to the U.S. Naval Academy.
Leadership shake-up at Annapolis
Cornell’s selection follows a period of turnover in Bancroft Hall. In November 2025, Capt. Gilbert Clark Jr. was relieved of duty after senior leaders cited a loss of confidence in his ability to lead, as reported by Stars & Stripes. Deputy Commandant Capt. Austin Jackson stepped in as interim commandant while Navy leadership searched for a permanent replacement.
What’s next for midshipmen
Academy officials say Cornell plans to put a spotlight on readiness and resilience as he returns to Annapolis, with midshipmen getting their first clear read on his priorities at the June assumption-of-command ceremony, according to Eye On Annapolis. That handover is expected to set the tone for the Brigade as seniors head toward commissioning and the academy looks ahead to the next academic year.
For Annapolis and the wider midshipman community, Cornell’s appointment ends a stretch of interim leadership and installs an officer whose operational background is rooted in expeditionary and ordnance missions. The academy’s public affairs office included contact information with the announcement for media seeking more details.
