A native of Miami, Florida, Rear Adm. Keith B. Davids is a Naval Special Warfare Officer and a 1990 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy.  He earned a Master of Science in Manpower Systems Analysis in 1998 from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College in 2012.

His operational tours include platoon commander tours at SEAL Team Two; element leader and squadron operations officer tours at Naval Special Warfare Development Group; executive officer of SEAL Team Seven; commanding officer of SEAL Team One, and commander of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force, Iraq. He has made numerous operational deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Pacific and Europe.

His shore tours include Naval Post Graduate School, Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group, aide-de-camp for Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; military aide to the President; deputy commander of Naval Special Warfare Group Three; director of training at the Naval Special Warfare Center; director of operations at Naval Special Warfare Command, and director of the White House Military Office.

His ashore commands include Naval Special Warfare Center and deputy commander of Naval Special Warfare Command.

Davids most recently served as commander, Special Operations Command South. Prior to that, he served as deputy director for Joint Interagency Task Force South.

His personal decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (three awards), Bronze Star Medal with Combat V (three awards), Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal with Combat V, and various unit and service awards.