5 Jan Daily Shipmate

Monday, 5 January 2026

 

 

1779 - Stephen Decatur, Jr., destined to become one of the U.S. Navy's most acclaimed combat leaders, is born in Sinepuxent, Maryland.

 

1943 - With air raids against the island having commenced in December 1942, Navy surface ships of Task Force 67 under the command of RADM Walden L. Ainsworth '10, USN, bombard Munda, New Georgia, in the Solomon Islands. During an air attack against the task force, the light cruiser Helena (CL-50) becomes the first ship to employ projectiles equipped with proximity fuses in combat, downing a Japanese dive-bomber.

 

1944 - CDR Maximilian “Max” Schmidt '32, USN, LT Canterbury Pierce '39, and LCDR Donald Scheu '40, USN were killed in action when USS Scorpion (SS 278) was sunk sometime after 5 January 1944. “Max” was the boat's commanding officer and on his 7th war patrol as commanding officer (2nd with Scorpion). He was awarded the Navy Cross and a Silver Star; he was survived by his wife and two children. Canterbury was the boat's executive officer, and he was awarded the Bronze Star. He was survived by his wife. Scheu was the gunnery officer, and was awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star for his wartime service, which included assistant damage control officer of USS Yorktown (CV 5) when she was sunk in the Battle of Midway. He was survived by his parents.

Academy & Graduate happenings

We're excited to share the redesigned 2025 Impact Underway report offering a clearer, more comprehensive look at how donor generosity fuels life on the Yard. This new combined version brings all areas of donor impact into one place, making it easier than ever to see how academic excellence, athletic performance, leadership development and midshipmen support work together. Every program highlighted in the report exists because of our dedicated and thoughtful donors and supporters. From the classroom to the field and every moment in between, your contributions help create the best possible environment for our midshipmen. We invite you to explore the full report and see the scope of impact happening across the Yard. The support of our community plays a vital role in shaping the leaders our nation needs, and we're grateful to everyone who cares about the Academy and its mission.

USNA Glee Club – March 2026 Spring Tour. A Salute to America's 250th Anniversary. All concerts are FREE and no tickets are required. 7–14 March 2026 | Boston, Newport, New York City, Philadelphia

Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) appointed former U.S. ambassador to Norway and the 77th Secretary of the Navy, Kenneth J. Braithwaite '84, as Chairman of their Board of Directors. “It is a pleasure and a privilege to welcome Ambassador Braithwaite into the FMM Board of Director as Chairman,” said Fincantieri Marine Group CEO George Moutafis. “His unique experience and vantage point on our Navy's and Nation's needs will prove invaluable, and we are fortunate to have him.” Braithwaite brings a distinguished career in defense and public service to the role, as well as deep Navy ties. He earned a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

As you think about what you want to lean into during 2026, connection, community and staying close to what shaped you, myUSNA is where the U.S. Naval Academy's heritage meets modern life. It's the place to rejoin your classmates, reconnect with your local chapter, follow SIG events and conversations and join discussions that still reflect the values and traditions you carry forward. Your USNA story doesn't stop or even pause after graduation. It continues, grows, and evolves alongside the community that helped define it. Check out myUSNA today and keep your resolution with a resource made just for you and your fellow alumni. Login to myUSNA.com and stay connected.

Shipmate remains a place of connection, reflection and remembrance. Throughout the year, alumni obituaries are available online, providing a meaningful way to honor our fallen shipmates, classmates and stay connected to your Naval Academy family. This year-round access ensures timely notices and a respectful space to remember lives of service while offering support to the families and classmates they leave behind.

From the Podcast Fleet

The Dark Ages in Annapolis are here! The Winter Break Leave period ends this evening and the Midshipmen will be back for the spring semester. In the most recent episode of the Academy Insider podcast, I talk all about the cold, dark days of January & February in Annapolis. From slipping on an icy Stribling Walk to the glorious automated messages letting me know that there was going to be a 2 hour delay, these months come with struggles and blessings. For all of my grads who have went through multiple dark ages - let me know what your biggest challenge was during that couple month stretch! What should families know about this period?

Government & Military News

U.S. forces carried out a major military operation on 3 January 2026, resulting in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The mission involved a large joint force, with aircraft from the U.S. Marines and the U.S. Navy helping suppress air defenses and protect helicopters carrying the ground force into Caracas. After Maduro and his wife were taken into custody, they were flown to a U.S. Navy amphibious warship, USS Iwo Jima, before being transferred to the U.S. It was later reported from U.S. President Trump that some American personnel were injured, and no aircraft were lost during the operation. U.S. officials say Maduro will now face prosecution in U.S. courts, and the administration states the operation was necessary to enforce existing criminal charges and protect U.S. national security interests tied to regional stability, trafficking and sanctions enforcement.

The centerpiece of the Trump administration's revamp of the U.S. Navy is the largest surface combatant America will build since World War II. The U.S. Navy will buy two new “battleships” as part of the “Golden Fleet” effort, President Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Navy John Phelan announced Monday, 22 December 2025, at Mar-a-Lago. The president said the Navy will start by purchasing two ships and eventually purchase 10, with a goal of 20 to 25 in total for the class with the start of construction planned for 2030. “The U.S. Navy will lead the design, along with me, because I'm a very aesthetic person,” Trump said.

U.S. Navy published updated physical fitness assessment guidance requiring active‑duty sailors to complete two official fitness tests each year starting in 2026, restoring the pre‑pandemic schedule and aligning with recent Defense Department directives. Active sailors will undertake these tests in two semi‑annual cycles, while reservists will complete at least one per year. The updated standards also include changes to body composition measurements and policies on assessment failures, with past failures reset to zero at the start of the year. This shift emphasizes sustained readiness and reflects broader efforts to enhance force resilience and operational capability across Navy and Marine Corps communities.

The Marine Corps has started six new drone training programs and eight related certifications to build skills for both armed and unarmed unmanned aircraft systems. These pilot courses are open to Marines of any job specialty, giving more personnel the chance to learn how to operate, lead, instruct or work with drone payloads. The effort supports the Pentagon's larger plan to increase drone use across the force and standardize training as drones become more common in Marine operations. Training hubs are set up across multiple bases, and units must coordinate with leadership to enroll Marines in the available classes.

ADM Stephen Koehler '86, USN, U.S. Pacific Fleet commander, promoted RADM Brad Collins '92, USN, Navy Region Hawaiʻi commander, to the rank of Rear Admiral during a ceremony aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial, 23 December 2025.

Local, Education & other academy news

Rear Admiral Brad J. Collins '92, USN, a USNA graduate and Naval War College alum, is the Commander of Navy Region Hawaii, leading support for Pearl Harbor's strategic base and fleet operations. He's a seasoned naval aviator with key squadron commands, deployments across the Mediterranean, Gulf, and Caribbean, and senior shore roles including test, personnel and regional leadership. His diverse operational and staff experience drives mission readiness — read his full bio to see how his leadership is shaping Navy shore support in the Pacific.

On 16 December, Doug Matthews '67 funded and organized the dedication of a monument dedicated to the 174 USNA graduates who sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War. Above is a short video on the ceremony and below is a picture of the monument.

Gulf to Goat tells the powerful story of the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1975, who came together decades after their service with one shared mission: to give back. Through determination, teamwork and an unbreakable bond forged in service, they exceeded every expectation, raising $165,766 in support of life-changing charities whose impact will last far beyond this moment. This short documentary captures the spirit of endurance, camaraderie and purpose behind Gulf to Goat, a journey that stands for resilience, gratitude and hope. Watch the video above.

Join our speaker, David Heilman, for a 1.5 hour webinar where he discusses, from a clinician's perspective, the ways sexual assault can impact the body, mind and spirit of survivors. Learn what this kind of trauma can look and feel like, and discover tools to combat the effects.

 

When: Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. ET.

Locations: Online webinar

 

Heilman is an experienced trauma counselor who has worked with male veterans at the Worcester, MA Vet Center for ten years. He is also a Marine Corps veteran.

 

This webinar is sponsored by the Survivor Advocacy Network (SAN), a joint-service group which provides healing, connection, advocacy and education to survivors of sexual assault. This webinar is open to male survivors who attended a military service academy (MSA), regardless of graduation status or who participated in any other commissioning program, regardless of program completion status.

 

Questions? Contact Isaac at [email protected] or (301) 787-5288.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Navy's No. 22 Midshipmen capped a historic season with a 35–13 victory over Cincinnati in the 2026 Autozone Liberty Bowl. Senior quarterback Blake Horvath threw two touchdown passes and ran for another, earning MVP honors and leading Navy to its 11th win of the year. Navy's balanced offense included key contributions from Alex Tecza and Eli Heidenreich, while defender Coleman Cauley sealed the win with a late interception return for a touchdown. Navy finished the campaign on a four‑game win streak, highlighted by the Liberty Bowl triumph in Memphis, TN. Navy football concludes their historical season with 11 wins (3rd ever in Navy Football), 21 wins over last two seasons (no G5 team has more), four straight bowl games, all against autonomy 4 teams, back-to-Back Commander-in-Chief (CIC) trophy champions and finished in three-way tie for first place in the American Conference.

Zanai Barnett-Gay, a standout guard for Navy women's basketball, chose to remain with the Midshipmen rather than explore transfer offers ahead of her junior season, emphasizing that the opportunities Navy provides—both athletically and for her post-graduation career—outweighed other options. A Glenn Dale native and preseason Patriot League Player of the Year, she excelled in her first two seasons, earning league honors including Defensive Player of the Year. At service academies, commitment to military service and the institution takes priority over athletics, and Barnett-Gay said she values Navy's structure, lifestyle and leadership development as integral to her decision.

Tickets are nearly sold out so don't miss your chance to see Navy Men's and Women's basketball teams tipoff against Army on Saturday, 24 January 2026 and 11:00 a.m. in Annapolis. Known for its fierce rivalry, electric atmosphere, and unwavering support from military families and veterans, this event will fill Alumni Hall with navy blue and gold pride like never before.

No matchups for Tuesday, 5 January 2026

Women's Basketball at University of South Florida - L 74 - 86

 

Women's Basketball at Boston University - W 77 - 64

Men's Basketball vs Boston U. - W 82 - 77

 

Football vs Cincinnati (Liberty Bowl) - W 35 - 13

 

Men's Basketball at Holy Cross - W 65 - 58

Women's Basketball vs Holy Cross - L 55 - 66

Men's Swimming & Diving at Towson - W 175.5 - 119.5

Wrestling at Soldier Salute - No Team Score

Wrestling at Southern Scuffle - No Team Score

 

Wrestling at Southern Scuffle - 8th of 28 Teams

Wrestling at Soldier Salute - 5th of 19 Teams / 1 Champion

USNA and AA&F Events