Nov 20 Daily Shipmate

Thursday, 20 November 2025

1895 - Indiana (BB-1), the first battleship to bear a hull number and the first of the so-called first-class battleships featuring centerline turrets, is commissioned. It is the first of a class of three battleships that includes Massachusetts (BB-2) and Oregon (BB-3). All are in commission by July 1896.

 

1943 - Under the overall command of VADM Raymond A. Spruance '06, USN, the ships of the Central Pacific Force support Operation Galvanic, the assault by Marines and Army troops against the Gilbert Islands. Task Force 54, under the command of Rear Admiral Richmond Kelly Turner, is responsible for the amphibious landings, and meets its greatest challenge at Tarawa Atoll, where a reef prevents many landing craft from carrying Marines all the way to the beach. While supporting the landings the aircraft carrier Independence (CVL-22) is torpedoed by a Japanese aircraft, and the destroyer Ringgold (DD-500) is damaged by shore batteries.

 

1974 - LT David Lumsden '69, USN was lost when the A-6 Intruder he was piloting crashed during nighttime landing practice near Whidbey Island, Washington. “A Navy Junior, Dave hails from just about everywhere but calls San Francisco his home.” At the Naval Academy he was a qualified Scuba instructor and completed jump school. Following graduation he served aboard USS Eversole (DD 789) off Vietnam, then completed flight training. Prior to reporting to an operational squadron, he completed his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Georgia. The flight where he was killed was his first with his squadron, Attack Squadron (VA) 95. David was survived by his parents and brother.

Academy & Graduate happenings

The firsties learn their service assignments today during lunch. We wish the Class of 2026 good luck as they learn of their assignments in the Navy and Marine Corps after graduation.

The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation and the Athletic & Scholarship Programs (A&SP) Trustees partner with the Naval Academy Athletic Association (NAAA) partners to raise private "Margin of Excellence" resources to support the priorities of the Physical Mission of the Naval Academy. Over 95% of Navy Athletics' annual budget comes from external, non-government resources. These contributions can be designated to each one of the 36 varsity sports, club sports, or the Fund for Athletic Excellence. Navy Athletics Giving Day - formerly referred to as “Giving Tuesday” - is 2 December 2025. Your gifts in support of this campaign are an investment in the Physical Mission and are essential in allowing Navy Athletics to fulfill its mission of leadership development and excellence in competition. Sustained support to the Physical Mission provides the resources necessary for all programs to successfully compete for and win championships.

The Nov/Dec issue of Shipmate Magazine will be in mailboxes just after Thanksgiving. Here's a sneak peek at Jeff Webb's reflections typically found at the beginning of every issue. Jeff's letter touches on legacy on display this fall in Annapolis, riding with the Class of 1975 as they completed a 1,200- mile fundraising Gulf To Goat bike ride and mention of new Superintendent LtGen Michael J. Borgschulte '91, USMC (who is this issue's feature story and cover photo) and his leadership team and their commitment to mission accomplishment on the yard amidst the challenges of a government shutdown. Remember, the digital issue of Shipmate is a great resource for reading your favorite content online and helping the environment.

Last Saturday, in the Brigade of Midshipmen Chapel, 40 Gold Star families gathered for our Honor Our Fallen Heroes event. This year's setting offered a sense of reverence and reflection that shaped the entire day. USNA AA&F President and CEO Jeff Webb '95 opened the ceremony by speaking to the importance of this event for our Alumni Association and Foundation, and our enduring commitment to honoring every member of our alumni community. LtGen Dave Beydler '81, USMC (Ret.), followed as our guest speaker, sharing powerful words about the strength that comes from gathering together, and how being in this community helps us continue to learn about and celebrate the loved ones we have lost.

 

With a single strike of a bronze bell, each family's hero was called and remembered by name, a poignant echo of gratitude for their service and a tribute to the ultimate sacrifice they made. The solemn notes of “Taps” soon followed, creating a moment which held the entire Chapel in quiet, stillness and reflection.

 

We met with and talked to the widow of CAPT Brian Bourgeois '01, USN, and the sister of LT Brendan Looney '04, USN, who spoke about what this gathering means to them and how it helps them stay connected to the legacy of their loved ones and why this community matters. Their reflections added a deeply personal layer to the day and we invite you to watch their stories in the video above.

 

As we honored the Bourgeoises, the Looneys and all the families who joined us, we were reminded that the service and sacrifice of their loved ones is never forgotten. We say their names each day and ensure their legacy lives on in all we do. We remain humbled, grateful and steadfast in our promise to remember them—today and always.

From the Podcast Fleet

Greg Morgenthaler, senior associate athletic director for equipment operations, provides the inside scoop on the specialty uniforms that Navy football will wear for the 126th Army-Navy Game. Mike James, publisher of The Mid Report and color commentator for the Navy Football Radio Network, reviews the huge upset of South Florida. And how about Navy women's basketball beating Florida from the powerful Southeastern Conference!

ICYMI the Sing Second Shipmate Podcast is your all-access pass to the story of how we build every issue

Join Shipmate's Editor-in-Chief Jimmy DeButts, Digital Communications Director Emily Lucht and Executive Communications Director John Schofield as they spill where story ideas come from, how we decide what earns a spot in the magazine, what should be the cover photo for the issue, and how we mix print digital and video to create one big storytelling machine. You will hear the behind the scenes moments, the journey to find thee perfect interview, the meeting of USNA alumni and sharing of their stories, the surprises and the gems that never made it to print. Plus, enjoy a sneak peek at what is coming next including changes that might shape the future of Shipmate. If you like knowing the why and how behind the stories this is your go-to listen.

Government & Military News

On 26 March 2025, the oldest aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy slipped its moors and sailed out of San Diego Bay on its last deployment. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) was the first in a series of nuclear super carriers that have remained the centerpiece of American power projection. This last deployment comes 50 years after the ship was commissioned at Naval Station Norfolk. These are the stories of the origin of the first class of nuclear carrier and the first sailors who served aboard the first deployment.

The number of major accidents involving military aircraft spiked in 2024, internal Pentagon figures show, and a series of high-profile aviation mishaps with deaths and the loss of aircraft in 2025 suggest the disturbing trend may be continuing. Across the military, the rate of severe accidents per 100,000 flight hours rose 55% in the 2024 budget year compared with four years earlier. The Marine Corps saw the highest increase, nearly tripling its rate over the same period. The data, which was released by the Defense Department to Congress and provided exclusively to The Associated Press, tracks Class A mishaps — the most serious accidents, which result in death or a permanent full disability.

Army Secretary Daniel P. Driscoll and the Army's top general have been sent to Ukraine by the Trump administration to meet with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to restart discussions about potential peace talks with Russia, according to a U.S. official. Driscoll is set to meet with Zelenskyy, Ukraine's prime minister and other top Ukrainian military officials to talk through a potential peace process and to discuss the United States' position on the possibility of peace talks. "Secretary Driscoll and team arrived this morning in Kyiv on behalf of the administration on a fact finding mission to meet with Ukrainian officials and discuss efforts to end the war," Col. Dave Butler said in a statement on Wednesday confirming his trip.

Local, Education & other academy news

The U.S. Naval Academy held the 33rd Annual Angel Tree ceremony in Nimitz Library earlier this week. Enjoy the photos from this special event.

Battelle, a global leader in science and technology solutions, today announced the appointment of two distinguished professionals to its Board of Directors: ADM Craig Faller '83, USN (Ret.) former Commander of U.S. Southern Command, and Adele Gulfo, a globally recognized healthcare executive and board member. Faller brings decades of leadership experience in national security and defense strategy. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Faller holds a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering and a Master's in National Security Affairs (Strategic Planning) from the Naval Postgraduate School. During his distinguished military career, Faller served as Commander of U.S. Southern Command, where he oversaw U.S. military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Small Business Saturday in Annapolis takes place on November 29, featuring over 200 local businesses. The holiday season continues with Artist Sunday, the Chocolate Binge Festival, and the Grand Illumination on November 30. Free and discounted parking options are available throughout the holiday season in downtown Annapolis. This event highlights the importance of supporting local businesses. Downtown Annapolis features a variety of locally owned shops, eateries, and entertainment venues along Main Street, Maryland Avenue, State Circle, West Street, and the City Dock area. The area is decorated for the holidays, creating a welcoming and festive environment.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Men's Squash vs Dickinson - W 8 - 1

Women's Basketball vs Rider - W 67 - 56

Women's Swimming & Diving - Navy Fall Invitational - Annapolis, Md. - 10 a.m. / 6 p.m.

Men's Swimming & Diving - Navy Fall Invitational - Annapolis, Md. - 10 a.m. / 6 p.m.

 

Army - Navy Star Series: Tied 4-4-1 (Army - Volleyball, Men's Soccer, Women's Rugby, Women's outdoor. Navy - Men's Golf, Men's Cross Country, Sprint Football, Men's Rugby. Tie - Women's Soccer)

 

6 Dec - M. Swim & Dive - Annapolis - Noon

6 Dec - W. Swim & Dive - Annapolis - Noon

13 Dec - Football - Baltimore, Md. - 3:00 p.m.

7 Feb - Rifle - West Point - 9:00 a.m.

7 Feb - Gymnastics - Annapolis - 2:00 p.m.

7 Feb - M. Indoor Track & Field - Annapolis - TBA

7 Feb - W. Indoor Track & Field - Annapolis - TBA

20 Feb - Wrestling - Annapolis - 7:30 p.m. - Alumni Hall

21 Feb - W. Basketball - West Point - TBA

21 Feb - M. Basketball - West Point - TBA

11 Apr - M. Outdoor Track & Field - West Point - TBA

11 Apr - W. Outdoor Track & Field - West Point - TBA

TBA - Baseball - Annapolis

TBA - M. Lacrosse - West Point

TBA - W. Lacrosse - Annapolis

TBA - M. Tennis - Annapolis

TBA - W. Tennis - Annapolis

USNA and AA&F Events

19-20 Nov - SACC Chicago

20 Nov - Naval Academy Service Assignment Notification

27 Nov - Navy Football @ University of Memphis, Liberty Bowl, Memphis, TN

 

5/6 Dec - American Conference Football Championship Game, TBD

6 Dec - Distinguished Graduate Selection Committee Meeting, Fluegel, TBD

10 Dec - Greater Southern Maryland Chapter Social & Business Mtg. - 5-6 p.m. - Brudergarten, 22725 Duke St, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Online event: https://meet.google.com/toh-nvgs-yvn

12 Dec - Greater Southern Maryland Chapter - 8:30-10 a.m. - Taphouse, 1637 23418 Three Notch Rd, California, MD 20619, USA

13 Dec - Army-Navy, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD

 

4 Jan - USNA Semester Leave ends

6 Jan - USNA Classes Begin, Spring Semester

10 Jan - Pensacola Chapter Congressional Academy Day - 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. - National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, Fl.

24 Jan - Thriving as Leaders Award Recognition, Fluegel (TBD)

 

14 Feb - Commissioning 101, Fluegel

19 Feb - USNA Entrepreneurs event, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Fluegel