Dec 9 Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, 9 December 2025

This week's editions of Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation Morning Paper are brought to you by Otterson Wealth Advisors and Naval Academy graduate Caleb Cronic '11. Otterson Wealth Advisors of Raymond James is not just a team. It's a vast resource of financial knowledge, with each member bringing their unique expertise to your financial success. Caleb Cronic '11, financial advisor and Naval Academy graduate, is a CIMA-certified pro. His strategic prowess is your asset working towards your financial goals. Ready to begin to your journey? Otterson Wealth Advisors … your goals, our expertise.

CDR Christopher "BOOT!" Gavieres - CVN 78 Air Operations Officer

CDR Arlen "JV" Connolly - HSM-70 Commanding Officer

CDR Matthew "Fancy" Galamison - VAQ-142 Commanding Officer

CDR Ricky "LOLO" Lefils - VFA-37 Commanding Officer

CDR Flannery "Flanimal" Macynski - HSM-70 Executive Officer

1938 - A prototype shipboard radar, designed by the Naval Research Laboratory, is installed on board the battleship New York (BB-34). During World War II, shipboard radar proves a tremendous advantage in combat between U.S. and Japanese warships.

 

1957 - LTjg Roy Bruner, Jr. '56, USNR was lost when the seaplane he was aboard crashed shortly after taking off from Corpus Christi, Texas. Nine crewmen were killed; they were members of Patrol Squadron (VP) 48 enroute to Baltimore from San Diego. Roy resigned from the Naval Academy in February 1954 (3/c year) because he was “deficient in studies.” He “attended Navy flight training” and was commissioned in July 1956. His father was a retired Navy captain, and his older brother, John, was a graduate of the Class of 1948. Roy was survived by them both and his mother.

 

1992 - Operation Provide Hope, one of the largest humanitarian operations in history, begins in Somalia, with SEALs (Sea, Air, Land) and Marine reconnaissance forces the first to go ashore. Supporting the effort to provide food to the starving population of the African nation, which is racked by violence between competing warlords, are ships of the Tripoli amphibious ready group and the carrier Ranger (CVA-61). The ships also monitor air traffic and guide aircraft to the Somali capital of Mogadishu. During the ensuing months, Navy ships rotate service in the waters off Somalia until American forces withdraw in March 1994.

Academy & Graduate happenings

Ever wondered what a tour of West Point would look like? Check it out at the video above.

Heading into Annapolis for the Army-Navy festivities? Don't forget to load up for your tailgates at alumni-owned and operated Mills Fine Wine and Spirits in Downtown Annapolis. At Mills, Jerry and Jen are constantly evolving their product selection to seek out the very best for their customers. “We pride ourselves in the quality of our large selection of $10 wines and in our great selection of boat and travel friendly products. Save time by calling ahead… we'll meet you at your dock, home or tailgate with your selections in Annapolis. For Private Parties and Special Occasions, we work with any budget and most caterers, and love to help with wine/food pairings to create unforgettable combinations!” Jerry and Jen are 1994 alums of the Naval Academy and former Surface Warfare Officers. Support an alumni-owned business. Come to their tastings on Fridays and Saturdays. Or meet a Wine Consultant while you're in town.

Every year at the Army–Navy Football game, one of the most anticipated traditions is the “prisoner exchange”, and this year marks the 50th year of the exchange program between the Naval Academy and West Point. At midfield, a handful of United States Military Academy cadets and the United States Naval Academy midshipmen are ceremonially returned back to their home side of the stadium after spending the fall semester at their rival academy.

Lt. Grace Hove '21, a native of Stanley, N.D., serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21 (HSC-21) at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, California. Hove graduated from Powers Lake High School in 2017 and the U.S. Naval Academy in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in computer science. The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Stanley. “My family and my hometown have a very strong work ethic, and I was always driven to do more and be involved in sports, clubs or a job,” Hove said.

The weather may have been cold, but that did not keep the Brigade from showing up and firing up Army Week. A drone show lit up the sky with a tribute to the Navy's 250 year celebration, the Navy logo and other iconic images that honor all things USNA. Things really started to heat up when Superintendent LtGen Michael Borgschulte '91, USMC, took the stage. He did not simply offer words of inspiration. He energized the crowd with a confident and uplifting message that set the tone for the week. His presence brought the Brigade together, sparked real excitement, and ended with the rallying cry everyone came to hear: Beat Army!

From the Podcast Fleet

Day two of the Army Week pod-a-thon hits hard with a little Monday night recording from friend of the pod and sponsor Dry 85. We chat a little but more about the Monday pep rally, the chilly forecast for Saturday and a discussion about favorite Army-Navy game memories. Jason Salata '94 and Don Bouchard '86 from BlackSea stop by the bar to say hi. They'll be featured on the Wednesday pod. ANd our feature interview is former boss to Chris and John - Admiral Harry Harris '78, USN (Ret.). We talk to Harry about the heady days on the N3 staff at the Pentagon, his time as INDOPACOM and Ambassador to South Korea, but also about his three years chairing the Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Award (DGA) selection. AA&F just selected the next set of DGs this weekend…and we will announce them Wednesday. ADM Harris gives us some perspective on the honor it was to chair a group with such a tall and important task. That and more on the best Alumni Association & Foundation Podcast there is. Beat Army…always!

Listen on

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Government & Military News

These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy's deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of 8 December 2025, based on Navy and public data. In cases in which a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship.

Important health care enrollment deadlines are looming for those in the U.S. military community. Don't miss these health care coverage deadlines listed at the link below.

A 21-year-old who had been in the Marine Corps for less than one year died this week in a training mishap in California, the service announced Friday. Private First Class Tanner Rubio died Wednesday in an unspecified tactical vehicle incident at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA, according to a statement from the 1st Marine Division.

Information Warfare Squadron (IWRON) Two, a first-of-its-kind unit designed to operationalize Information Warfare (IW) capabilities and provide decisive decision advantage to Carrier Strike Group Commanders, was established, 5 December. This command is being stood up as part of a 48-month pilot program that received unanimous approval at the Fleet Commanders' Readiness Council (FCRC) in June of 2025. “This isn't just another ceremony, this is a paradigm shift in how we fight and win in the 21st century,” said VADM Mike Vernazza '90, USN commander, Naval Information Forces.

Local, Education & other academy news

Celebrate the season at the Brigade Holiday Market today in Dahlgren Hall from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET. Midshipmen, families and the Annapolis community come together to shop handcrafted gifts—by parent clubs, chapters and local artisans—and Navy and Marine Corps gear featuring alumni-owned business, all while supporting the Brigade of Midshipmen.

 

*Please note: Parking will be prohibited in Kelly Court (lot located off SW Arcade RD) tomorrow.

“Sundown to Eleven" is the new documentary from director George Retelas, is now streaming free on YouTube. The film stars Richard “Dick” Miralles, the last surviving member of the U.S. Navy's Air Group 11, who passed away on 13 November 2025, at age 101. Its release fulfills Miralles' final wish: that the film debut publicly on Pearl Harbor Day to honor his fallen WWII comrades. The documentary follows Miralles as he embarks on a deeply personal final mission—uncovering the fate of “Sundowner” fighter pilot Frederick R. Schrader '35, who was shot down in his Hellcat during the Pacific War. With the help of lead investigator Matt Robins '04 and volunteers from the USS Hornet Museum, along with the support of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Miralles' returns to Pearl Harbor eight decades after his service. Along the way, he revisits battle sites, takes to the skies in a Dauntless dive-bomber and reflects on the cost of service and the power of remembrance. Blending the suspense of a cold case with the soul of a cross-country odyssey, “Sundown to Eleven” is a moving tribute to the enduring sacrifice of Gold Star families. Watch the film at the video link above.

The UConn Huskies and Army West Point Black Knights are set to compete in the 4th annual Wasabi Fenway Bowl at Fenway Park on 27 December, with the game televised nationally on ESPN. “We're looking forward to watching the UConn Huskies and Army Cadets face off in this year's Wasabi Fenway Bowl,” said Michael Welts, Chief Marketing Officer of Wasabi Technologies.

College football returns to Annapolis this December as the Pitt Panthers and East Carolina Pirates are set to face off in the 2025 Go Bowling Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The game is scheduled for Saturday, 27 December, with an 11 a.m. kickoff and national television coverage on ESPN. Tickets for the National Capital Region's annual bowl game are on sale now.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Today's Matchups: No matchups

Navy leads 6-4-1 (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, Men's and Women's Swimming. Tie - Women's Soccer)

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.

USNA and AA&F Events

8 Dec - Beat Army Pep Rally - Farragut Field - 6:00 p.m.

9 Dec - USNA Holiday Market - Dahlgren Hall - 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

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 - Wreaths Across America - USNA Cemetery - 9:00 a.m.

12 Dec - 13th Company Ball Run - T Court - 11:30 a.m.

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

16 Dec - Army/Navy Fall Sports Bell Ringing - T Court - TBD

18 Dec - USNA December Graduation

 

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.

22-26 Jan - AA&F Engagement Roadshows - Central Savannah River Chapter + NAPC of South Carolina & NAPC of Georgia; SC Lowcountry Chapter + NAPC of South Carolina; Charleston Chapter + NAPC of South Carolina; SC Midlands Chapter + NAPC of South Carolina

 

14 Feb - Commissioning 101, Fluegel

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

20-22 Feb - AA&F Engagement Roadshows - Nashville Chapter + NAPC of Middle Tennessee; Chattanooga Chapter + NAPCs of Middle & Eastern TN; Knoxville-Oak Ridge Chapter + NAPC of Eastern Tennessee

 

12-15 Mar - AA&F Engagement Roadshows - Arizona Chapter + NAPC of Arizona; Southern Arizona Chapter + NAPC of Arizona; Northern Arizona Chapter + NAPC of Arizona; New Mexico Chapter; Intermountain Chapter + NAPC of Utah

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