Nov 25 Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, 25 November 2025

1929 - LT George Cuddihy '18, USN was lost when the fighter plane he was piloting crashed near Anacostia Naval Air Station. He was the Navy's chief test pilot. From the Lucky Bag: “If you want to know anything about Michigan ask George. He is firmly convinced that it is the best place on earth, and delights in boasting of its production of automobiles, furniture, apples and good men.” He graduated with his classmates in 1917 due to the war, but it's unclear what he did prior to his winging as a Naval Aviator in 1921. From then on he was a noted pilot, participating in many races, expositions, and contests (such as landing-to-the-mark competitions). He held the world record for speed in a seaplane over 100 kilometers, with an average of 176.97 miles per hour. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. George was survived by his parents, two sisters, and a brother.

 

1943 - In the early morning hours Destroyer Squadron 23, under the command of CAPT Arleigh A. Burke '23 USN, engages five destroyers under Captain Kiyoto Kagawa off Cape St. George, New Ireland. Burke's squadron, known as the “Little Beavers,” sinks three enemy vessels and damages a fourth without suffering any damage.

 

1950 -Some 300,000 Chinese troops pour across the Yalu River into North Korea, attacking U.S. Army troops in the north and descending upon the First Marine Division, which on 27 November confronts eight Chinese divisions around the Chosin Reservoir. U.S. Navy aircraft join Marine planes in providing vital close air support to the embattled leathernecks.

Academy & Graduate happenings

Want to serve your country and go to the Navy? On Monday, the spotlight is on a Laredoan who is taking his dreams all the way to Annapolis. Eduardo Perez, a current student at the U.S. Naval Academy, is back home and sharing what it takes to get there and what local high school seniors should know if they're thinking about applying. From the application process to expectations and opportunities, Perez is breaking it all down. Although Perez says it has been a challenge being away from home and being the only Laredoan at the academy, he says the experience has been incredible. “Some of the closest friends of my life, people that I've had unique experiences with both in school and in the military side of things — they're really like my second family now,” he said.

USNA AA&F and the Athletic & Scholarship Programs (A&SP) Trustees are partnering 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.

From the Podcast Fleet

Season 6 - Episode 14. It's Thanksgiving week…so here's a little double dip of interviews for you. Dave Gendell, an Annapolis native, wrote Battle at Annapolis…a great book about two Army-Navy games contested on the grounds of USNA in 1893 and 1942. Gendell chats about the games and the impact USNA continues to have on the country through the spectacle of the Army-Navy game. And William Spears '08 just released his book two weeks ago. In Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy: Insights on the Morality of Military Service, Spears presents a compelling case for Stoicism as the moral framework warriors need. He joins the pod to talk about his foray into being an author and a little more about the tenets of stoicism. Chris and John also chat about the upcoming Memphis game...Giving Tuesday and some other great events awaiting us after Turkey Day. That and more on the very best Alumni Association podcast there is. Beat Army...always.

Listen on

Are you going to be okay if you are struggling at the Naval Academy? Ask a member of the comma club! And if you don't know what that means - then you definitely need to listen to the episode! Following the completion of the 12 week exam period, when academic stress peaks as midshipmen look at the possibilities of being UNSAT at the end of the semester, this conversation offers hope and perspective for those facing academic challenges. To talk about the reality of struggling academically at the Naval Academy, I was grateful to talk with Stefan Simkovics '09, a proud member of the comma club, on the most recent episode of the Academy Insider podcast. Stefan's story demonstrates that the grit and resilience you develop at the Naval Academy becomes the foundation for future success. Despite his academic struggles in Annapolis, he has gone on to build a very successful business as the founder/CEO of Rasant/Straps.

Aaaaand we're in the 90s now! (The best decade... kidding.) Please join Jeannette and Shannon as we talk with Kristin (Dryfuse) Barnes '92, F-14 RIO, doctor of naturopathic medicine, Ironman triathlete, author of Haysoos the Honu, and so much more. Ask her how she got her call sign, Rosie... news flash, it's not because of Rosie the Riveter. We're talking about Navy jet squadrons in the 90s, after all. Kristin is brilliant, a crazy impressive athlete, and was one of the first women to enter the F-14 community and knock down barriers right after women were finally allowed into combat aviation. As if that isn't enough, she then went back to school and earned two master's degrees and a doctorate. Her bio is impressive... and talking to her was even more fun than reading her bio! Please join us and listen to her story - and if you're interested, check out her children's book (Haysoos the Honu)!

Government & Military News

A 22-day multinational expedition aboard the E/V Nautilus discovered 13 World War II shipwrecks in “Iron Bottom Sound” off Guadalcanal. Highlights include the bow of USS New Orleans and the Japanese destroyer Teruzuki, both imaged for the first time. Using advanced mapping from an uncrewed surface vessel and remotely operated vehicles, the team produced the highest-resolution seafloor maps ever of this historic battlefield, shedding new light on the pivotal naval battles of the Solomon Islands campaign.

The U.S. Army is planning a long-term strategy when it comes to dealing with disinformation. A new unit, part of U.S. Army Pacific, is tasked with taking on information warfare from enemies, with a goal rapidly responding and debunking influence campaigns in the region. Earlier this month the Army officially activated the 1st Theater Information Advantage Detachment, or 1st TIAD, and this past week shared additional details on the nature of the unit and how it will operate. Based out of Fort Shafter, Hawaii, the 1st TIAD comprises 65 soldiers across five teams, specializing in “cyber, intelligence, psychological operations, public affairs, electronic warfare, civil affairs, and information operations,” according to the Army.

CAPT Eddie J. Park '00, USN, was relieved by CAPT Patrick J. Sullivan as commanding officer of the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) during a change of command ceremony on the ship's flight deck, 24 November. Park served as Tripoli's fifth commanding officer from April 2025 to November 2025. Expeditionary Strike Group Seven (ESG 7) commander, RADM Tom Shultz presided over the ceremony. In his remarks, Shultz praised Park's leadership. “I could not have been more confident in knowing that the Tripoli team was being guided by a leader that understood what it means to be ready for combat operations, the sacrifices and tough choices you have to make when you're in combat, and perhaps most importantly, what to do and how to lead when faced with adversity,” said Shultz.

Local, Education & other academy news

CAPT Eddie J. Park '00, USN, is from Seoul, South Korea and is a native of New York City. A 2000 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, he was designated a Naval Aviator upon completion of flight training in June 2002.

You've watched it on TV—now experience the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in person! Giant balloons, marching bands and floats come to life from a VIP viewing area with brunch and cocktails in hand. Stay three nights at the New York Hilton Midtown and top off your holiday with tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Make Thanksgiving 2025 unforgettable—feel the excitement, see it up close and create memories you'll never forget. Spots are limited!

BlueMagnet is a private, invite-only network built for Naval Academy alumni across every stage of service and career. Whether you're building a Navy career, navigating command challenges, balancing family or preparing for a career move, BlueMagnet connects you directly to mentors, hiring managers and peers who understand the path. Our Founding Cohort is capped at 1,000 members, with priority for those 0–24 months from a transition or career change — the most active users who deliver immediate outcomes for mentors, members and sponsors.

Not within that window but want in? Join the waitlist and be first in line as we scale.

Alumni-owned Businesses holiday Deals

Sarah Martella '15 has turned her passion for sports and adventure into Fair Winds Sporting Co., creating gear that's as dependable and spirited as the USNA community itself. This holiday season, she's offering 25% off everything to fellow alumni from 28 November–2 December with code BEATARMY at checkout. It's the perfect opportunity to grab quality gear while supporting a fellow Midshipman.

Kristin Cronic '11 has spent years transforming her memories of life on the Yard into the beloved paintings featured through her studio, Easel on Stribling. Her work captures the moments every Midshipman knows by heart, and this holiday season, she's giving back to the community that shaped her. Kristin is offering 20% off sitewide, available 28 November–2 December with code HOLIDAY2025—the perfect chance to bring home one of her iconic USNA pieces.

James “Biff” Parreira '11 took his love of good food and Navy tradition and poured it into Hangar Bay Spice, crafting blends inspired by the flavors and camaraderie found across the Fleet. This holiday season, he's excited to share those tastes with the USNA community. Biff is offering a special seasonal deal starting 26 November at 8:00 a.m. and running through 30 November at midnight EST—a perfect time to stock your galley with his signature spices or add some new flavors to your cooking this holiday season. And remember, you can use code USNA11 for 11% off, anytime.

Ryan Curry '03, is the founder of The Cover Keeper, creating innovative products to help Midshipmen and alumni protect and maintain their combination covers. This holiday season, he's excited to offer the USNA community a special 20% off sitewide deal. Simply use code TURKEY20 at checkout. Whether keeping your own cover in top shape or gifting a fellow alum, now is the perfect time to shop at TheCoverKeeper.com and celebrate tradition.

Christopher Hodges '87 has dedicated himself to preserving and celebrating the traditions of the Naval Academy through Annapolis Classics, offering timeless gifts and keepsakes for the USNA community. This Black Friday, he's giving back to fellow alumni with a special deal: receive one free deep-engraved stainless steel money clip or business card holder (a $29 value) with any order placed on 28 November. Plus, 10% of your purchase supports the Alumni Association and your class, if identified. Shop now at Annapolis Classics and bring a piece of the Yard home this holiday season.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

In October, Navy Women's Basketball (NWB) held an Alumnae Weekend, and 30 former NWBers attended. Events on Friday included a team practice and team dinner. On Saturday, attendees watched the team's preseason scrimmage and cheered on Navy football vs. FAU. At the team dinner hosted by Coach Taylor in the Terwilliger Center, each alumnae introduced themselves to the current players and expressed what NWB meant in their lives and professional development. Stories were told, laughs were had, and links between former players and the current team were forged.

 

USNA Women Board Member and NWB Alumni, Adrienne Maeser '06, recognized Karen West Kane '89 for stepping up to coach a NAPS women's team into existence in 2001-2002, where she left an indelible mark on members of that team during the cold Newport winter and beyond. She was awarded a vintage NAPS jacket which paired nicely with her USNA Women scarf. Next up for NWB alumnae and all USNA Women: come cheer on NWB vs. Army on 24 January 2026, at 11:00 (Alumni Hall). NWB is ranked #1 in the preseason Patriot League poll!

Navy Women's Tennis alumnae returned to the Yard 14-15 November. Friday evening included a reception and dinner presented by Women for Navy Athletics and USAA and supported by Exiger. There was also an alumnae match as well as on-field recognition during the Navy football vs. USF game. Forty alumnae attended in addition to their families and coaches!

Men's Basketball vs. Gardner‑Webb – Alumni Hall, Annapolis, Maryland – 4:00 p.m.

Football at Memphis – Memphis, Tennessee – 7:30 p.m. ET

Men's Basketball at UNCW – Wilmington, North Carolina – 3:00 p.m.

Women's Basketball vs. Manhattan – Alumni Hall, Annapolis, Maryland – 1:00 p.m.
Women's Basketball Liberty vs. Duquesne – Alumni Hall, Annapolis, Maryland – 3:30 p.m.

Women's Basketball vs. Duquesne – Alumni Hall, Annapolis, Maryland – 1:00 p.m.
Women's Basketball Manhattan vs. Liberty – Alumni Hall, Annapolis, Maryland – 3:30 p.m.

Army - Navy Star Series: Tied 4-4-1 (Army - Volleyball, Men's Soccer, Women's Rugby, Women's Cross Country. 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

 

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

 

13 Mar - Alumni Association Travel Showcase

27 Mar - Council of Annual Giving Spring Meeting, TBD

 

10 Apr - Athletic & Scholarship Program, Prizes & Review Committee Mtg, TBD

16 – 19 Apr - USNA Women's 50th Gala, Fluegel

24 Apr - Council of Annual Giving Spring Meeting

28 Apr - Council of Class Presidents Spring Meeting

29 Apr - AA & FDN Board of Directors & Trustees Joint Session

29 Apr - AA&FDN Board of Directors & Trustee Welcome Reception

30 Apr - U.S. Naval Academy Foundation Spring Board of Directors Mtg, Fluegel

30 Apr - U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustee Committee Meeting, Fluegel

30 Apr - U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustee Welcome Dinner

 

1 May - U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustee Spring Meeting

7– 8 May - Service Academy Career Conference, Washington, D.C.

15 May - Class of 2026 1/ C out-processing, Alumni Hall

18 – 22 May - U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2026 Commissioning Week

21 May - President's Circle Sip Sip Soiree

22 May - Class of 2026 Commissioning and Graduation