Dec 16 Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, 16 December 2025

1944 - Task Force 38 aircraft sink the Japanese freighter Oryoku Maru in Subic Bay, Philippines, unaware that it is carrying more than 1,600 Allied prisoners of war en route to Japan.

 

1953 - LTjg Fred Troescher, Jr. '49, USN was lost when his PB-4Y patrol bomber crashed during low-level penetration of Typhoon Doris. He was a part of Weather Squadron One (VJ-1), flying from Anderson Air Force Base, Guam. Eight other officers and men aboard were also killed. Fred was a native of Youngstown, Ohio, and graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy, Pennsylvania. He was married sometime in 1950 to Carolin, and together they had two boys. (The younger son was born a week after Fred's death.) Fred was survived by them, his parents, and two sisters.

 

1998 - With Iraqi President Saddam Hussein obstructing weapons inspections, the United States launches Operation Desert Fox, sustained air strikes against Iraqi facilities devoted to the development of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. Aircraft from the carrier Enterprise (CVAN-65), joined by seven ships carrying Tomahawk cruise missiles, participate in the operation, the first day of which is conducted entirely by the Navy. The operation, which marks the first time women naval aviators have flown combat missions, does not force Iraq to readmit weapons inspectors. (16–19 December)

 

2023 - USS Carney (DDG-64) successfully intercepts 14 drones launched by the Yemen-based terrorist organization, the Houthis.

Photo Highlight

Silence, service and remembrance defined last Friday, 12 December, at the U.S. Naval Academy. Alongside more than 100 volunteers, USNA AA&F took part in Wreaths Across America, a tradition observed each year ahead of the Army-Navy game to honor our fallen alumni. Midshipmen stood shoulder to shoulder with alumni, families and community members at the Naval Academy Cemetery and Columbarium, placing wreaths with care and reverence. Each one marked a life of courage and sacrifice in defense of our freedoms. Our deepest gratitude to all who made it possible to ensure every hero was remembered and every resting place was honored.

Academy & Graduate happenings

The U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) and U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation (USNA AA&F) are proud to announce a $15 million commitment from Dr. Ernst Volgenau '55 and his wife, Dr. Sara Lane Volgenau, and the Volgenau family. The Volgenau family's transformative gift will establish an endowment for the USNA Physics Department, fund essential renovations for the auditorium in Mahan Hall, and support multiple academic initiatives that will expand opportunities for midshipmen and faculty for years to come. Together, these investments reflect a landmark commitment to USNA's mission to educate and prepare future leaders of the nation. The endowment to support the newly named Volgenau Physics Department will ensure lasting support for innovation, giving midshipmen, faculty, and staff ongoing access to advanced resources, research opportunities, and programs that develop the next generation of leaders.

Amid the twinkling lights, festive posts and endless ads on social media, it's easy to get lost in the social media noise. myUSNA is different. It's a place designed for connection, not distraction—where meaningful conversations and alumni stories shine brighter than any holiday light. Focused, intentional and built for the Academy community, every time you log in, you'll find content shared by fellow alumni that truly matters. This season, give yourself the gift of connection with myUSNA.

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 15 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.

Congress wants the Department of Defense to study psychological effects of working with uncrewed weapons. Nestled inside the large National Defense Authorization Act currently making its way through the legislature is a section calling for a “comprehensive study” on how working with uncrewed aerial systems impacts troops' mental health. The defense bill, which passed the House and is awaiting a vote in the Senate, covers everything from pay increases to upgrading an award to the Medal of Honor. Section 737 of this year's NDAA calls for an “assessment of the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, burnout, moral injury, and other mental health conditions” among troops who either directly operate UAS, better known as drones, as well as indirectly deal with them. Defense Scoop first reported on the measure in the NDAA calling for the study.

Navy Secretary John Phelan attended the Army‑Navy game in Baltimore where Navy beat Army 17‑16 and spoke about Navy shipbuilding goals during a radio interview. He highlighted that the president wants the Navy to focus on putting more hulls in the water, stressing that sea power is essential for national strength. Phelan said his priorities include expanding shipbuilding, improving equipment, and ensuring better housing and conditions for sailors and Marines. His remarks reflect broader efforts to accelerate ship production and technology adoption in the fleet.

Local, Education & other academy news

Looking for the perfect read this holiday season? Lucky Bag of Books is a treasure trove of fiction and non-fiction, featuring works by alumni, stories about alumni, and titles for every interest—including children's books. When you shop through our special Amazon link, a portion of your order comes back to support our Academy community. Give the gift of stories this season and share a little holiday magic with every page.

USNA Entrepreneurs, Inc. was founded to help U.S. Naval Academy alumni launch, grow, and succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors. We unlock potential by harnessing the power of a like-minded network that understands the journey. Invest. Ignite. Impact. We are dedicated to actively investing in the talents and innovative ideas of our fellow USNA alumni. By providing a robust support system, we aim to unlock and amplify the latent potential within our community. Our platform serves as a vital conduit, enabling members to both offer and receive guidance, share valuable experiences, and access essential resources. Save the date for the next Entrepreneurs Summit 17-18 June at the Fluegel Alumni Center. Registration will open in the coming weeks.

Save the Date: 2027 Alumni Travel Showcase & Schedule Reveal

The 2027 Alumni Travel schedule is shaping up to be one of our most exciting yet, with Go Next Cruises newly added and additional tours continuing to roll out through February. Mark your calendar for an exciting announcement at the 1st Annual Alumni Travel Showcase at the Fluegel Alumni Center on 13 March 2026. This event will unveil the full 2027 travel schedule, give you the chance to meet tour operators in person and unlock special early booking discounts. Enjoy door prizes, travel inspiration and insider details to help plan your next adventure. Registration opens in early 2026 so stay connected with us here in Daily Shipmate.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

USNA and AA&F Events

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

18 Dec - USNA December Graduation

 

2 Jan - Navy v Cincinnati - Liberty Bowl - 4:30 p.m.

4 Jan - USNA Semester Leave ends

5 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.

14 Jan - Greater Southern Maryland Chapter Social & Business Mtg. - Brudergarten - 5:00PM EST -

22725 Duke St, Leonardtown, MD 20650 - Online event: https://meet.google.com/toh-nvgs-yvn

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

 

5 Feb - Class of 2026 Ships Selection, Alumni Hall

14 Feb - Commissioning 101, Fluegel

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

19-20 Feb - Service Academy Career Conference - Atlanta

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

27 Feb - Brigade Boxing Finals, Alumni Hall

 

6 Mar - U.S. Naval Academy Athletic & Scholarship Policy Review Committee Meeting, Bastian

7 - 15 Mar - U. S. Naval Academy Spring Break

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

16 Mar - Beyond Commissioning Event, location TBD

23 Mar - Beyond Commissioning Event, location TBD

27 Mar - Council of Annual Giving Spring Meeting, TBD

27 Mar - U.S. Naval Academy Athletic & Scholarship Executive Committee Meeting, Bastian

 

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

10 Apr - U.S. Naval Academy Spring Formal Parade, Worden Field

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

17 Apr - U.S. Naval Academy Spring Formal Parade, Worden Field

18 Apr - Annapolis Cup Navy Croquet vs St Johns, St Johns College

24 Apr - U.S. Naval Academy Dedication Parade, Worden Field

24 Apr - Council of Annual Giving Spring Meeting

24-26 Apr - Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show

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

29 Apr - USNA Capstone Senior Project Day, Various Location

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.

11 – 12 May - Class of 2029 Sea Trials

13 May - Class of 2029 Herndon Climb

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

16 May - Class of 2027 Ring Dance, Dahlgren

17 – 22 May - U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2026 Commissioning Week

19 May - USMC Select Ceremony & Awards

19 May - Glee Club Concert, Main Chapel

20 May - Blue Angels Flight Show, Hospital Point

21 May - Class of 2026 Color Parade, Worden Field

21 May - Prizes & Awards Ceremony. Alumni Hall

21 May - President Circle Sip Sip Soiree, Fluegel

22 May Class of 2026 Graduation & Commissioning, NMCMS

 

17 – 18 Jun - USNA Entrepreneurs Summit 2026, Fluegel Alumni Ctr

24 – 25 Jun - Class of 2030 I – Day Processing, TBD

25 Jun - Class of 2030 – I- Day Picnic, TBD