TODAY IN NAVY, MARINE CORPS
AND USNA MEMORIAL HALL HISTORY
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1945 - The first contingent of WAVES arrives in Hawaii. Eventually 4,009 women serve there, the only post outside the continental United States to which women are permanently assigned during World War II.
1945 - CDR George Davis '34, USN was killed in action when USS Walke (DD 723) was heavily damaged by kamikazes while covering minesweeping operations in Lingayen Gulf. Though horribly burned, CDR Davis remained in command until his ship's survival was assured. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty…”
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ACADEMY & GRADUATE HAPPENINGS
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Welcome 2025 - A New Year greeting card from USNA AA&F!
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As we sail into the new year, we reflect on the remarkable year that was 2024. Navy football delivered unforgettable victories, reclaiming the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy and securing an exciting Bowl win over the Oklahoma Sooners. These moments filled us with pride and reminded us of the strength and unity of the USNA community. However, 2024 also brought loss, as we mourned the passing of President Jimmy Carter '47, along with other beloved alumni. Their contributions continue to shape our legacy, and their absence is deeply felt. As we look to the future, let's honor these memories and embrace the new opportunities ahead. We invite you to take a trip down memory lane with us and the USNA community to reflect on more 2024 highlights by viewing our New Year card here.
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Jimmy Carter's early days at the Naval Academy
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Two years out of Annapolis, a young officer in the Navy was up on the tower of a submarine during a horrible storm. A wave washed that officer off and reports said he luckily took hold of a 5-inch deck gun and was able to get himself back up on the tower. Had he missed that grab, he would have been lost at sea. That young officer went on to become the 39th President of the United States. "Fate has a strange way of working because he survived that, we have everything that followed," said Rear Admiral Samuel Cox '83.
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Heightened security at U.S. Naval Academy and NSA Annapolis: Public access suspended amid increased force protection measures
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As a results of recent activity in the U.S., the United States Naval Academy and NSA Annapolis will increase Force Protection measures. The following restrictions to USNA and NSAA access are effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice: General Public Visitation is suspended effective Friday, 03 January 2025 at 9 a.m.; Visitation related to a Naval Academy Sponsored Event is still permitted, but all individuals will be vetted through the Visitor Control Center at Gate 1 unless otherwise coordinated; Trusted Traveler, which is the ability of a credentialed individual with base access to escort a non-credentialed individual, is immediately suspended (Unless associated with a Naval Academy Sponsored Event).
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Retired Rear Admiral Frank Thorp announces candidacy for Annapolis Ward 8 Alderman
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Retired Rear Admiral Frank Thorp '81 has declared his candidacy for the Ward 8 Alderman seat in Annapolis. Thorp, a 1981 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, served as the Navy's Chief of Information and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense during his distinguished 28-year military career. Following his retirement, he held senior positions in both the corporate and non-profit sectors, including serving as President & CEO of the U.S. Navy Memorial. A lifelong Annapolis resident, Thorp has been actively involved in the community, notably as a board member of the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park since 2019.
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GOVERNMENT & MILITARY NEWS
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SECNAV Del Toro Names destroyer after carrier Intrepid
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Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro '83 named the sea service's newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Intrepid (DDG-145), the latest to carry that name in the fleet, according to a Friday Navy announcement. The destroyer will be the fifth vessel to carry the name, Del Toro said while aboard museum ship Intrepid, a former aircraft carrier now resting in New York's waters.
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Breaking down the number of veterans in the 119th Congress
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When lawmakers convene the 119th Congress on Friday, the group will boast 100 military veterans among their members, the largest such caucus in eight years. Sixteen new veterans will join 84 incumbent members of Congress with military experience.
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The USNA Alumni in the 119th Congress
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The Naval Academy will proudly boast two U.S. Senators and five Representatives in the new Congress. Learn more about them below:
Senator Todd Young - Indiana - Todd attended the United States Naval Academy, where he played varsity soccer and was elected a class officer. Todd graduated with honors in 1995 and accepted a commission in the U.S. Marine Corps. After training as a rifle platoon commander, Todd served as an intelligence officer, spending time on the U.S. southern border.
Senator Tim Sheehy - Montana - A 2008 Naval Academy graduate, Tim was the first Midshipman to participate in the U.S. Army Special Operations exchange program and the first to graduate from the elite U.S. Army Ranger School. Immediately after graduation, Sheehy was commissioned into the U.S. Navy and completed SEAL training.
Congressman Scott Franklin - Florida, 18th District - Scott is a 1986 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and holds an MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is also a graduate of the Air Command & Staff College and Wharton's Executive Leadership Development Program.
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill - New Jersey, 11th District - After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1994, Congresswoman Sherrill spent almost 10 years on active duty in the United States Navy. She flew missions throughout Europe and the Middle East as a Sea King helicopter pilot, worked on the Battle Watch Floor in the European Theater during the Iraq invasion, and served as a Flag Aide to the Deputy Commander in Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
Congressman Nick LaLota - New York, 1st District - Nick was first sworn into office in January 2023. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 2000. Nick entered the Navy and attained the rank of Lieutenant. As a Surface Warfare Officer, Nick served as Assistant Operations Officer on the USS Curts and as a Tactical Action Officer on USS Carl Vinson, a nuclear powered Aircraft Carrier.
Congressman Chris Deluzio - Pennsylvania, 17th District - The district includes all of Beaver County and parts of Allegheny County. Congressman Deluzio is an Iraq War veteran, voting rights attorney, and union organizer. He received a Bachelor of Science degree with merit from the United States Naval Academy in 2006. Following graduation from the Naval Academy, Congressman Deluzio was commissioned as an active-duty surface warfare officer in the U.S. Navy.
Congressman Jake Ellzey - Texas, 6th District - The district encompasses all of Ellis, Navarro, Anderson, Hill, Cherokee, and parts of Tarrant, Dallas, Freestone, and Johnson counties. After graduating from the Naval Academy in 1992, Jake went on to serve his country for 20 years as a helicopter pilot and as a fighter pilot in F-14s and F/A-18s. He concluded his military service as the Air Boss on the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier. During his career, Jake was deployed nine times, with five combat tours, including a ground tour in support of SEAL Team 5 in Iraq.
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LOCAL, EDUCATION & OTHER ACADEMY NEWS
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This week's travel feature: Provence
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As part of our commitment to lifelong learning, the Alumni Association & Foundation offers unique group travel opportunities. These alumni travel programs combine educational forums and excursions to places of historical and cultural interest. With our experienced partners, fabulous itineraries, easy sign-ups, and plenty of pre-departure information, we make travel easy and fun.
Pleasures of Provence - Aix-en-Provence beckons for this small-group, seven-night journey to southeastern France! Visit Avignon, Arles, Marseille, the wine-making village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and picturesque Provençal villages. Each day unveils authentic French experiences — marvel at Roman monuments, meander through fabled cobblestone streets and walk in the footsteps of Paul Cézanne. Plus, participate in unique cultural rituals such as truffle hunting and wine tastings! Includes first-class hotels and a generous meal plan. May 6-14, 2025.
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Proposal could let Army, Navy play 13th regular season game to fortify future College Football Playoff hopes
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The NCAA Football Oversight Committee is expected to consider allowing Army and Navy to each play an extra regular-season game prior to the American Athletic Conference championship game in early December, multiple sources told CBS Sports. Not counting that championship game, such a move would mean both service academies would play 13 total games, including their traditional rivalry game the second weekend of December. Such a change would require the NCAA to modify its rules that limit teams to 12 regular-season games.
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US Air Force Academy mourns loss of cadet following brief battle against 'aggressive' brain tumors
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The US Air Force Academy said it is mourning the sudden loss of a cadet after she died earlier this week following a brief battle against aggressive brain tumors. According to USAFA, Cadet 1st Class K. Emily Jean Foster, 23, of Eagle, Idaho, passed away on Tuesday while at home with her family. According to Cadet Foster's family, she arrived home for Thanksgiving with “extreme exhaustion and severe headaches.” Her family said in mid-December, they learned she had two “highly aggressive and advanced brain tumors,” and she passed away on New Year's Eve.
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Army athletics director Mike Buddie resigns post to take same job at Texas Christian
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A new year will mean new leadership for the athletics program at West Point. Mike Buddie has resigned his post as athletics director for Army to accept the same position at Texas Christian University. Buddie has held the position at West Point since spring of 2019. Buddie is expected to assume his TCU duties effective immediately.
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NAVAL ACADEMY ATHLETICS NEWS & RESULTS
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Winter Break Athletic Matchups
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THURSDAY, DEC 19
Women's Basketball v Delaware - W 79-69
SATURDAY, DEC 21
Men's Basketball at Coppin State - L 68-60
Wrestling v American University - W 24-21
FRIDAY, DEC 27
Football v Oklahoma - Armed Forces Bowl - W 21-20
SUNDAY, DEC 29
Men's Basketball at William & Mary - L 82-76
MONDAY, DEC 30
Wrestling vs Soldier Salute - 5th place (out of 11 teams); 1 Champion - Josh Koderhandt (141)
THURSDAY, JAN 2
Men's Basketball v American - W 81-58
Women's Basketball at American - W 66-59
SATURDAY, JAN 4
Men's Swimming & Diving v Towson - W 158-125
Men's Squash at Western London, Ontario - L 8-1
SUNDAY, JAN 5
Men's Basketball v Lafayette - W 71-70
Women's Basketball at Lafayette - W 71-49
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JANUARY
11 Jan - Recent Grad Social - Pensacola, FL
11 Jan - Pensacola Chapter roadshow – Pensacola, FL
12 Jan - So. Alabama Chapter & NAPC of Alabama roadshow - Spanish Fort, AL
13 Jan - So. Mississippi Chapter & NAPC of Mississippi roadshow - Biloxi, MS
13-17 Jan - Naval Academy AA&F Week of Gratitude
14 Jan - Louisiana Chapter & NAPC of Louisiana roadshow - Metairie, LA
15 Jan - Atlanta Chapter & NAPC of Georgia roadshow - Atlanta, GA
FEBRUARY
15 Feb - Commissioning Week 101, Fluegel
MARCH
12-13 Mar - SACC Atlanta
21 Mar - Distinguished Graduate Award Ceremony and Dinner, USNA (T)
27-29 Mar - Naval Academy Minority Association, (NAMA) Leadership Forum
30-31 Mar - Volunteer Leader Summit
APRIL
5 Apr - Annapolis Cup - USNA v St. John's Croquet Match
10-12 Apr - Class of 1955 - 70th Reunion
11 Apr - Athletic & Scholarship Programs Spring Meeting - Fluegel Alumni Center
24-27 Apr - Class of 1970 - 55th Reunion
30 Apr - USNA Capstone Day
30 Apr - USNA Foundation Spring Board of Directors Welcome Reception
MAY
1 May - USNA Foundation Spring Board of Directors Meeting, Fluegel
2 May - US Naval Academy Athletic and Scholarship Program Spring Meeting, TBD
6-8 May - Class of 1957 - 70th Reunion
7-9 May - USNA Alumni Association Spring Board of Trustees Meeting, Fluegel
8-9 May - SACC Washington DC
23 May - Class of 2025 Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony, NMCMS
JUNE
26 Jun - USNA Induction Day, Class of 2029
AUGUST
21-22 Aug - SACC San Diego
28-31 Aug - Class of 1960 - 65th Reunion
30 Aug - Navy vs VMI, NMCMS, Annapolis, MD
OCTOBER
2-5 Oct - Class of 1990 - 35th Reunion
2-5 Oct - Class of 1995 - 30 Reunion
4 Oct - Navy vs Air Force, NMCMS, Annapolis, MD
23-26 Oct - Class of 1965 - 60th Reunion
23-26 Oct - Class of 1975 - 50th Reunion
25 Oct - Naval Academy Homecoming
25 Oct - Welcome Home Event, Fluegel
30 Oct - Council of Class Presidents Fall Meeting
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