President Barack Obama has appointed a new Superintendent for the U.S. Naval Academy, a school meant to train the Navy's leaders of the future.

According the Associated Press, Obama named Rear Adm. Walter Carter to lead the Annapolis, Md. Navy school. Carter is a former Naval Academy Superintendent and a "Top Gun" pilot and his appointment comes at a time when the U.S. military is trying to end sexual assault throughout its divisions.

Carter is a Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Leadership Award recipient, an honor given to recognize high ethical standards.

"I believe that all Americans have an expectation that everyone in the fleet, enlisted sailors through admirals, will behave ethically and professionally, especially as we complete 40 years as an all-volunteer force," Carter told the Shipmate, the school's alumni magazine, two years ago. "These lapses erode the trust and confidence of not only the crew within the fleet, but also, the American people in us as their Navy."

Carter graduated from the Academy in 1981 and became a naval flight officer in 1982. In 1985, he graduated as part of what is now known as the last F-4 Phantom class from the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School.

If the U.S. Senate approves the appointment, Carter will succeed Vice Adm. Michael Miller, who was named the school's 61st Superintendent in 2010. Miller's impending retirement will mark the end of a 40-year Navy career, the Baltimore Sun reported.

Like Miller did, Carter will have to find a way to leave his mark on the Academy. Under Miller, the Naval school bolstered its cyber defense, security and the Academy now offers a major in cyber operations. The school is planning to soon build a Center for Cyber Security Studies.

Neither Carter nor the White House made commented publicly on the appointment.