Official daily newsletter of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation
Today in Navy, Marine Corps
and USNA Memorial Hall History
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1909 - Administrative reform within the Department of the Navy results in the creation of four divisions within the department, dealing with fleet operations, materiel, inspections, and personnel. Each is headed by an “aide” who reports directly to the Secretary of the Navy and advises him on matters pertaining to his specific division. Admiral of the Navy and USNA graduate from the Class of 1858 George Dewey endorses the plan, and Congress grants it a trial period of one year. As part of the reorganization, Secretary of the Navy George von Lengerke Meyer also restricts the terms for bureau chiefs to eight years. In 1915, the post of aide for operations develops into that of Chief of Naval Operations.
1921- Over Norfolk, Virginia, the non-rigid C-7 completes the first flight of an airship inflated with helium gas, which becomes standard on Navy airships in place of highly flammable hydrogen.
1942 - LTjg Warren Engstrom '42, USN was killed in action when USS Northampton (CA 26) was sunk by Japanese forces during the Battle of Tassafaronga. Nicknamed “Bud” at the Naval Academy, his Lucky Bag entry in part: “Superior, Wisconsin, is where he hails from—superior, academically, is what he's hailed as.” Both his parents were born in Finland; his mother came to the United States when she was three and his father when he was 19. Warren was survived by them, a sister, and a brother. A ship, USS Engstrom (DE 50), was named in his honor. Though he and his classmates were commissioned less than a year earlier (December 19, 1941), he was the 22nd of them to be lost in military operations. (He is also the only known alumni of any class to have been an operational loss or killed in action on December 1st of any year.)
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Academy & Graduate happenings
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ICYMI - Ron Terwilliger '63 recognized with Urban Land Institute 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award
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The Urban Land Institute Southeast Florida/Caribbean is proud to recognize USNA Distinguished Graduate Mr. J. Ronald Terwilliger '63 – Chairman Emeritus of Trammell Crow Residential Company as the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. The organization's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a top leader within the real estate community who has had a transformational impact on the region and the land use industry and whose body of professional and civic work exemplifies the mission and values of ULI – an enduring commitment to responsible development and building thriving, sustainable communities.
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The Salvation Army of North Texas and Community Leaders Gather for the Annual Doing the Most Good Luncheon on Veteran's Day
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At The Salvation Army's “Doing the Most Good” Luncheon on 11 November 2025, community leaders and donors came together with one shared purpose: giving back to North Texas families in need. The USNA community was proudly represented by Distinguished Graduate Mr. Steve Reinemund '70, who served as a keynote speaker, along with CAPT Chris Cassidy '93, USN (Ret.), USNA Alumni Association Board Central Region Trustee Mr. Darryl Smith '88 and other USNA alumni who were also in attendance. Additional distinguished attendees included Sheree Davis, who served as Luncheon Chair, and her husband Rick Davis, supporting her leadership role; Denise and Ray Nixon, who served as Honorary Chairs, lending their guidance and visibility to the event; and Charlotte Jones, co-owner and Chief Brand Officer of the Dallas Cowboys, overseeing marketing, fan engagement, and community outreach for the organization. Each contributed their leadership to advance the mission. Their continued service reflects the Academy's commitment to helping others, and their leadership along with the generosity of all attendees fueled critical year-end support for food assistance, housing, recovery programs, and resources for veterans and vulnerable families.
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Tomorrow is Giving Day 2025
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Navy Athletics Giving Day - formerly referred to as “Giving Tuesday” - is tomorrow, 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. 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.
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Navy welcomes new PEO (U&W) leader to drive unmanned systems, weapons forward
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RADM Tony Rossi '94, USN, assumed command as Program Executive Officer for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons (PEO (U&W)) from RADM Stephen Tedford during a ceremony 21 November at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Rossi, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former P-3 pilot, brings extensive experience to the role. His prior assignments include serving as a test pilot, holding program management roles for the P-8 and MQ-4C Triton programs, leading the Navy International Programs office and most recently, serving as Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC).
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Service Academy Athletes and the Path to the Pros
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Rayuan Lane '25, is playing in the National Football League (NFL) for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Lane, who was selected by Jacksonville in the 2025 draft, was the first beneficiary of the latest government policy on service academy graduates pursuing professional sports. Section 557 of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act amended the statutes defining the agreement signed by service academy midshipmen and cadets and their resulting military obligations. These amendments authorize the secretaries of the military departments to transfer to the Selected Reserve as commissioned officers not more than three cadets or midshipmen from each service academy who obtain positions in professional sports. This transfer enables those athletes to participate in professional sports while fulfilling their service obligation through efforts to recruit and retain members of the armed forces.
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MyUSNA: Designed for Connection, Not Distraction
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On Facebook and other social media platforms, your feed is filled with ads, trending topics and content you never ask for. MyUSNA removes the noise, leaving space only for meaningful conversations that matter to you. It is focused, intentional and built to support meaningful alumni connections and engagement. Every time you log in, you know the content you see is shared by alumni and relevant to your Academy community.
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ICYMI: Sing Second Shipmate - Episode 3 - Nov/Dec Issue
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John Schofield is joined by Jimmy DeButts from Shipmate Magazine and Emily Lucht from the digital comms side of the house to bring you the latest issue of Shipmate in audio form. The podcast was recorded prior to Thanksgiving, and we're sharing it now for you to enjoy after the holiday while you wait for the magazine to be delivered to your mailbox. It's already online if you cannot wait until the published copy arrives. Now...HOLD YOUR HORSES. This is not an audiobook. But we walk you through this latest issue of the mag, give you behind- the-scenes context to the stories and add additional color to our great articles. In this issue of the mag...The New Supe! Featured on the cover, LtGen Michael Borgschulte '91, USMC allowed total access to Jimmy for an introductory interview. He lays out his priorities and introduces himself to the alumni. We also discuss a great feature on 50 years of the Prisoner Exchange program. We hear from some of the OGs who spent a semester at West Point in 1975-1976...and some recent alums. We also chat about the latest Legacy of Valor: Vietnam stories and 5 Good Minutes with VADM John Nowell '84, USN (Ret.) about being the President and CEO of the Navy Memorial. Enjoy the discussion. Thank you for reading - and listening to - the best alumni magazine in the country.
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Academy Insider: Inside Naval Academy Medical and Dental Services
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Worried about what happens if your midshipman gets sick or injured while at the Naval Academy? Concerned about medical care during leave periods? The most recent episode of the Academy Insider podcast powered by the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation provides essential insights into the comprehensive healthcare system supporting midshipmen throughout their Academy experience. As someone who navigated this system firsthand, I share practical knowledge and some personal stories about my medical and dental care while at the Naval Academy and in the fleet. We talk about everything from routine checkups to emergency situations, giving you the confidence to understand how your midshipman's health needs are managed.
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Government & Military News
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Marine Corps reaches retention goal in just a month
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In just a few weeks, the Marine Corps hit its 2026 fiscal year retention goals, “earlier than ever before,” Marine Corps Commandant Gen Eric Smith announced. The Marine Corps' leaders shared the news in a new video featuring Smith and Marine Corps SgtMaj Carlos A. Ruiz. The announcement video was produced in October, showing how quickly the Marine Corps did hit their goal, but the video was not released until this past week due to the lengthy government shutdown. “While a few MOSs remain open, the overwhelming majority of our retention goals have already been achieved,” Smith said, referring to military occupational specialties.
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Navy Cancels Constellation-class Frigate Program, Considering New Small Surface Combatants
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The Navy is walking away from the Constellation-class frigate program to focus on new classes of warships the service can build faster, Secretary of the Navy John Phelan announced Tuesday on social media. Under the terms negotiated with shipbuilder Fincantieri Marinette Marine, the Wisconsin shipyard will continue to build Constellation (FFG-62) and Congress (FFG-63) but will cancel the next four planned warships. “We are reshaping how the Navy builds its fleet. Today, I can announce the first public action is a strategic shift away from the Constellation-class frigate program,” reads the statement from Phelan. “The Navy and our industry partners have reached a comprehensive framework that terminates, for the Navy's convenience, the last four ships of the class, which have not begun construction.”
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Air Force F-16 pilot awarded Silver Star for actions in the Middle East
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An Air Force officer who led a squadron of F-16s in multiple combat missions in the Middle East over the last year was awarded the Silver Star for his actions. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach presented the honor to Lt. Col. William “Skate” Parks on Wednesday, 26 November Parks earned the award, the nation's third-highest for valor, for combat operations earlier this year while commanding the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron in the skies over Yemen.
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Local, Education & other academy news
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Army-Navy Game: President Trump says he will attend in Baltimore
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President Donald Trump announced during an event at the White House on Thursday that he will attend the 126th Army-Navy Game, being held 13 December at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. Trump revealed the news while conducting a Thanksgiving day teleconference with United States service members.
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"Battles at Annapolis" Army-Navy Book Signing
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Annapolis author David Gendell's latest non-fiction book is "Battles at Annapolis" and focuses on the two most recent Army-Navy football games played on the grounds of the Naval Academy (1893 and 1942). 1963 Navy Football team captain and former USNA Superintendent RADM Tom Lynch '64, USN (Ret.), contributes the book's foreword. Kick off Midnight Madness with the author and the admiral... Gendell and Lynch will be at the Boatyard Bar & Grill from 5-6 p.m. ET on Thursday, 4 December 2025 selling and signing copies of "Battles at Annapolis." The book is available at all the usual online outlets and for sale locally at Old Fox Books and at the USNA Mid Store. Thursday, 4 December 2025, 5-6 p.m. ET; Boatyard Bar and Grill - 400 Fourth Street, Eastport.
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Beat Army Watch Party at the Fluegel Alumni Center in Annapolis
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Gear up for Game Day for our third annual exclusive Beat Army Watch Party – the perfect way to kickoff the most anticipated game of the Navy football season with fellow Navy fans. Enjoy delicious food, drinks, door prizes, a football pool, swag, photo ops and plenty of spirited camaraderie. Whether you missed out on tickets to catch the game in Baltimore or just want a comfortable place to cheer on the navy blue and gold, our doors open one hour before kickoff. Tickets include all festivities, with food and drink packages available. Private viewing areas are also an option. Register today We anticipate a sold out party. Do not wait - register today!
Registration (myUSNA.com login required).
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Naval Academy Athletics News & Results
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Navy Football Shuts Down Memphis in Second Half for 28-17 Win
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Alex Tecza rushed for 103 yards and two touchdowns, Blake Horvath threw for 100 yards and ran for 54, while the Navy defense pitched a shutout in the second half as Navy (9-2, 7-1) defeated Memphis (8-4, 4-4) 28-17 in front of 27,082 at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis. With the win, Navy earned at least a share of the American regular season title. Navy recorded five sacks and six tackles for a loss on the night including a career-high two sacks by Luke Pirris. It also marked the first time in 52 games that Memphis was held under 20 points in a game.
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26 November - 1 December Results:
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Men's Basketball vs. Gardner‑Webb – W 84 - 51
Football at Memphis – W 28-17
Men's Basketball at UNCW - L 87 - 57
Men's Basketball vs SE Louisiana – L 69-65
Women's Basketball vs. Manhattan – W 59 - 52
Women's Basketball vs. Duquesne – L 69 - 67 OT
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)
Remaining Star Matchups
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 - 11:00 a.m.
21 Feb - M. Basketball - West Point - 1:30 p.m.
27-29 Mar - Baseball - West Point - TBA
4 Apr - W. Tennis - Annapolis - 11:00 a.m.
11 Apr - M. Outdoor Track & Field - West Point - TBA
11 Apr - W. Outdoor Track & Field - West Point - TBA
11 Apr - M. Lacrosse - West Point - TBA
11 Apr - W. Lacrosse - Annapolis - 12:00 p.m.
18 Apr - M. Tennis - Annapolis - 1:00 p.m.
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DECEMBER
6 Dec - Distinguished Graduate Selection Committee Meeting, Fluegel
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
JANUARY
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
FEBRUARY
14 Feb - Commissioning 101, Fluegel
19 Feb - USNA Entrepreneurs event, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Fluegel
MARCH
13 Mar - Alumni Association Travel Showcase
27 Mar - Council of Annual Giving Spring Meeting, TBD
APRIL
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
MAY
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
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The Daily Shipmate is a news product intended to share news about the Naval Academy, the Naval Services, and our members. We are apolitical as an organization and will strive to bring forward relevant news on a wide variety of issues. Just because we include an article does not mean we endorse its content, author, or news organization.
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