Nov 21 Daily Shipmate

Friday, 21 November 2025

1947 - The F9F-2 Panther, prototype for naval aviation's front-line fighter aircraft of the Korean War and a continuation of Grumman's famed “Cat” series of fighters, makes its first flight.

 

1979- ENS Steven Herning '79, USN was lost when his TA-7C Corsair II had an engine failure at low level and crashed during simulated close air support training for troops in the field at Ft. Irwin. He was a temporary member of Air Development Squadron (VX) 5 and a special crew observer on the flight while awaiting naval aviator training. It was two days short of his 23rd birthday. Steven was from Las Vegas, Nevada, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery with his father, who was a Colonel in the US Air Force and who predeceased Steven by a year. He was survived by his mother.

Academy & Graduate happenings

More than 1,000 midshipmen in the Class of 2026 received their service assignments today in Bancroft Hall at the Naval Academy. Roughly 79% percent of midshipmen in the Class of 2026 received their first choice, with a combined 94% receiving their first or second choice. Midshipmen who will commission as Surface Warfare Officers will select their first ships during our annual Ship Selection Night scheduled for later this winter. The Class of 2026 has 796 total Navy and 267 total Marine Corps assignments for a total of 1,063.

 

Maj Megan M.McClung '95, USMC, was honored earlier this summer when the Mission Viejo Post Office was officially redesignated as the Major Megan McClung Post Office Building. A Marine Corps Public Affairs Officer, McClung was killed in action by an IED in Ramadi, Iraq, on 6 December 2006 — the first female Marine officer and first female Naval Academy graduate killed in the Iraq War. She earned the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and other honors. The naming was codified in Public Law 118-112, signed on 25 November 2024.

We are very excited to have USNA grad, CAPT Anthony "Tony/Spin" Spinler '91, USN (Ret.), to serve all our alumni as Director Alumni Support Services. CAPT Spinler enlisted in the Navy after high school and retired from the Reserves in 2020. During his Navy career he led Seabee Battalions in both Iraq and Afghanistan. His civilian career has included NASA, biotech, Oil & Gas, utility, residential and private equity industries with executive roles leading a $300M global product line, various startup c-suite roles, and owning a franchise.

 

It was the first Navy watch party this year that a young Marine, having just left active duty, with his wife and toddler, had moved to Houston to attend a Rice MBA program. Tony engaged him with questions to support him dealing with the VA, obtaining various Texas veteran benefits, and his career thoughts. An alumni stepped in and said, “Anthony, do you know what you need to do? This! You are so passionate about helping vets.” And now he and his wife, Dana, are moving to Annapolis to bring that passion to USNA AA&F.

 

When we think of every day after graduation, what do our alumni need? Career guidance, mentoring, and development to reach the highest level of leadership in the military (Active and Reserve), government and industry. Making transitions into these roles and institutions including becoming owners, investors and philanthropists. Not only for them, but also spouses, and dealing with the VA and health issues that are increasingly more important to 1991+large number alumni. But the Alumni Association and Tony can't do all of this personally for 69,000+ alumni. He will be engaging alumni and vetted resources who are also passionate about supporting USNA alumni. Is that you or an organization you know? Reach out and let's do it together.

Get ready for an unforgettable close to our Vietnam War series. This issue highlights the intense, varied challenges faced by Surface Warfare Officers and unveils one of the most powerful love stories to emerge from the era. In the featured video, we spotlight alum Skip Thaeler '70 and how the Vietnam War ultimately led him to the love of his life. During the conflict, their letters vanished—lost to time and turmoil. Decades later, the truth resurfaced, revealing a bond that distance, danger and fate could never break. Today, we celebrate this remarkable couple and wish them a joyful 50th anniversary. Explore the full story in Shipmate and don't miss your exclusive sneak peek at the video above.

From the Podcast Fleet

The team breaks down the 41-38 upset of South Florida. Former Navy great Keenan Reynolds said this is the team we've been hoping to see all season. Former Navy great Eric Kettani heaps praise on the defense. Producer Chris Servello listened to the game via the Navy Football Radio Network and says the broadcast team is top-notch.

Government & Military News

The bow of the future USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826) left Newport News Shipbuilding this week and is en route to General Dynamics Electric Boat, where the submarine will be assembled and tested, USNI News has learned.

The Marine Corps is testing new mobility systems to evaluate how well the Seaglider prototype performs in situations where traditional rescue methods struggle due to speed, access, or stability constraints. The demonstrations showed that the craft can rapidly transition between high-speed flight and low-speed sea operations, allowing rescuers to reach casualties, board them directly from the water, and depart without requiring specialized infrastructure.

The US Navy has received the future USS Harvey C. Barnum, Jr. (DDG 124), an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, from General Dynamics Bath Iron Works shipyard in Maine. The ship is named in honor of retired US Marine Corps Colonel Harvey C. Barnum, Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient recognized for actions during the Vietnam War. The delivery on 17 November 2025, marks the official transfer of ownership from the shipbuilder to the U.S. Navy.

Local, Education & other academy news

Continuing a long-standing tradition, the USNA Glee Club combines with the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, and world-class soloists to present selections from Handel's beloved Messiah on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon conducted by Dr. Aaron Smith, USNA Director of Musical Activities. This beautifully elegant concert has been broadcast on public television stations nationwide.

 

Where: Main Chapel

USNA AA&F has donated 204 pounds of food so far—about 170 meals—but we still need 796 pounds to reach our goal! Just 7–8 pounds per person can make a huge difference for families, kids, seniors and even military members in need.

Deadline: November 28th. Let's rally and crush this goal - together!

From Annapolis to every corner of the globe, Shipmate magazine continues to bring generations of alumni together through stories of service, leadership and legacy. Over the past year, we've worked diligently to uphold that tradition—updating addresses and profiles, refining our mailings and enhancing the digital magazine experience. Our commitment is simple: to preserve Shipmate for every member today, tomorrow and for the generations that follow. Login to USNA.com and confirm your contact information and view the Shipmate digital magazine.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Now is the perfect time. The page gives you quick access to every Navy Athletics away event throughout the year. Each matchup is organized by major city or state, making it easy to find games near you or plan ahead for future travel. Keep this resource handy so you never miss a chance to support Navy Athletics on the road.

Navy captured two N-Stars, knocked off No. 25 USF in football and thumped Florida in women's basketball. Get caught up on that and more in a weekend to remember. Now, let's do it again this weekend.

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.

Men's Water Polo vs (7) Mercyhurst - Bronx, N.Y. - 4:30 p.m.

Women's Volleyball at American (PLT-SF) - Washington, D.C. - 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, 22 November
Men's Water Polo Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference– Bronx, N.Y. – TBD

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

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

Men's Cross Country at NCAA Championship – Columbia, Mo. – 11:10 a.m.

Men's Basketball vs NJIT – Annapolis, Md. – Noon

Men's Squash vs Bowdoin – Annapolis, Md. – 2:00 p.m.

 

Men's Water Polo Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference– Bronx, N.Y. – TBD

Rifle vs Alaska Fairbanks – West Point, N.Y. – 9:00 a.m.

Men's Squash vs Bates – Annapolis, Md. – 10:00 a.m.

Women's Basketball at Richmond – Richmond, Va. – 2:00 p.m.

Women's Volleyball vs Colgate / Army (PLT-F) – Washington, D.C. – 3:00 p.m.

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

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