Brian Llewellyn Davies, decorated Navy officer

Brian Llewellyn Davies, a rear admiral in the U.S. Navy, died peacefully at home in Norfolk, Va., Dec. 30, 2023, after a five-and-a-half-year battle with ocular melanoma.

Brian was born Nov. 5, 1969, in Wilmington. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was a Trident scholar and earned a bachelor of science degree in ocean engineering in 1991. A member of the 27th Company and an accomplished coxswain on the USNA crew team, Brian maintained lifelong friendships with his classmates and teammates. Following his time at the Naval Academy, he earned a master of science in acoustics from Pennsylvania State University. 

Brian proudly served as a U.S. Navy submarine officer for more than 32 years, with assignments on both fast attack and ballistic missile submarines.  As commanding officer of the USS Jimmy Carter, he led a crew of 200 sailors while out of communication with the rest of the world for months at a time. Brian demonstrated a quiet competence, steadfastness, and devotion that drew others to him as a true leader. He later served as commodore of Submarine Squadron 11, and as a flag officer, he was commander of Submarine Group 2, with additional duties as deputy commander of Second Fleet. Brian accepted any challenge and was regarded as a professional who took work seriously but did not take himself too seriously.

Brian’s decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, and Legion of Merit (five awards), among many others. Throughout his career, he was known for his integrity and kindness. Brian was an empathetic, caring leader who always helped those around him and looked out for their well-being. He truly was a sailor's sailor. 

An avid runner, Brian found happiness and peace on the trails, on the roads, and on a treadmill in a submarine beneath the depths. He shared his joy in running with family and friends over many miles, from 5Ks to 50-mile ultramarathons. Brian loved Orioles baseball, whether listening to a game on the radio, watching a game in the ballpark, or just chatting baseball with his dad. 

Brian was a devoted husband, father, son, and friend. He had a warm smile and contagious laughter, and relished quality time with his loved ones. Brian always saw the good in others. He was faithful and gracious, and exuded positivity in every facet of his life. Brian was a shining light who made a profound difference in the lives of many. 

Brian is survived by his wife of 16 years, Kacey Hickey Davies; daughter, Caitlin Elizabeth Davies; mother and father, Sandy and Harry Davies; brother, Keith Davies (Bianca); and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Brian was loved by many who will forever miss his earthly presence.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 18, at the Brigade of Midshipmen Chapel, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md., followed immediately by inurnment at USNA Cemetery.  A Requiem Eucharist will be celebrated at his home parish at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 27, Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Memphis, Tenn., with visitation beginning at 10 a.m.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the USNA Foundation, 301 King George St., Annapolis, MD 21402, earmarked for Navy Crew in memory of RADM Brian Davies '91, usna.com/give?fund=94140000; or Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 N Randolph St., Ste. 225, Arlington, VA 22203, in memory of RADM Brian Davies, nmcrs.org.