12 Jan Daily Shipmate

Monday, 12 January 2026

1847 - Lieutenant John A. Dahlgren reports for duty at the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography. During his subsequent tour he founds the Ordnance Establishment and begins work on the revolutionary gun design that will lead many to call him the “Father of American Naval Ordnance.” In remembrance of his contributions to the U.S. Navy, Dahlgren Avenue on the Washington Navy Yard carries his name, as does Dahlgren Hall at the U.S. Naval Academy. Several U.S. Navy ships, and a Navy base—Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division—have also been named in his honor.

 

1945 - The submarine USS Swordfish (SS 193) was sunk, probably by enemy vessels, off the Ryukyu Islands. Among the 89 officers and men killed were five alumni: CDR Keats Montross '35, USN (commanding officer), LCDR Daniel Baughman, Jr. '39, USN (navigator), LCDR John Pye '39, USN (executive officer), LT Robert Daly '43, USN, and LTJG Robert Janes '44, USN. Montross had previously commanded a submarine that was used in the qualification of submariners; this was his second war patrol in command of Swordfish. He was survived by his wife. Baughman was commanding officer of a torpedo boat division and later a squadron, both of which were active in combat in the South Pacific. He was survived by his wife. Pye, the boat's executive officer, was survived by his wife and parents. His father, USNA 1901, retired a vice admiral later in 1945; his brother, LT William Pye, Jr. '28, USN, died in a plane crash in 1938. Robert “Rosy” Daly was from Manhattan and was survived by his wife, parents and two brothers. Janes was from Manhattan Beach, California, and was survived by “Mrs. Shirley Janes;” unable to determine her relation.

1973 - An F-4 Phantom II flown by Lieutenant Victor T. Kovaleski and Lieutenant James A. Wise of VF-161 from the carrier Midway (CVB-41) shoots down a MiG-17 over the Tonkin Gulf, the last air-to-air kill scored by Navy aircraft during the Vietnam War.

 

2016 - Iranian forces seize two U.S. Navy riverine patrol boats off Farsi Island after the Navy vessels strayed into Iranian waters. Iran releases all 10 sailors the following day.

Academy & Graduate happenings

Week of gratitude: sharing thanks across the Naval Academy community

We're celebrating our seventh annual Week of Gratitude from 12–15 January, a dedicated time to thank alumni, parents and friends for their generosity, advocacy and continued belief in the Academy's mission. The week focuses on expressing appreciation and strengthening connections across the community. You are invited to share your personal stories, reflections or moments that capture why the Academy matters to you, either by email or on social media. Your shared voices help highlight the impact of the Naval Academy community and the meaningful role supporters play in its success. Email your story directly to [email protected], or share on social media and tag @usnaalumni on Facebook or Instagram.

Sneak peek: January/February Shipmate cover

In this issue of Shipmate Magazine: Coverage of 50 Years of Women at the Naval Academy begins with Answering the Call: A frantic race to admission for the Class of '80 alumnae. Plus, a special reunion as the Class of '91 returns Ellis '79's football jersey and Home Base: Alumni help rebuild the Tun — birthplace of the Marine Corps.

 

The January-February issue will arrive in mailboxes around 30 January 2026. Opt in to Digital Shipmate and get your issue delivered to your inbox up to two weeks before the print edition hits mailboxes.

Honoring shipmates year-round

Alumni obituaries are available online 24/7/365, providing a meaningful way to honor fallen shipmates and classmates, stay connected to your Naval Academy family and support the families they leave behind.

From the Podcast Fleet

The Navy Football Podcast team closes out the 2025 season by reviewing the convincing victory over Cincinnati in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. We also look ahead to the future of Navy football in 2026 and beyond. Among the discussion points is the future of the Army–Navy Game and talk of expanding the College Football Playoff.

Academy Insider: VGEP explained — start your master's while at the Naval Academy

Voluntary Graduate Education Program (VGEP)! One of the coolest programs at the Naval Academy, VGEP allows Midshipmen to start their graduate education while they are still a Midshipman in their Firstie year. To learn more about the program, check out the most recent Academy Insider podcast episode.

Government & Military News

Navy sees most sailor deaths in a decade, Safety Command data show

Fiscal Year 2025 saw the highest number of sailor deaths in a decade, according to Naval Safety Command data, with most fatalities occurring off duty in vehicle and motorcycle mishaps. Navy leaders say the findings are driving renewed focus on safety education, risk awareness, and prevention across the Fleet. The data is being used to strengthen training, reinforce personal responsibility, and expand outreach aimed at protecting Sailors both on and off base. Officials emphasized that understanding when and how incidents occur is a critical step toward reducing future losses and building a stronger culture of safety throughout the force.

Local, Education & other academy news

Smart travelers like you know the value of planning ahead. Whether it's savoring gourmet cuisine aboard your cruise or strolling through Europe's storied streets, now's the time to map out your 2027. Book between now and 31 January 2026, and receive up to $500 per stateroom on any applicable 2027 departure, courtesy of GoNext. Let's make your next alumni voyage the journey of a lifetime.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Men's Basketball at American — Washington, D.C. — 7:00 p.m.

Men's Squash at Middlebury — W 5 - 4

Men's Swimming & Diving vs Delaware – W 266–87

Men's Swimming & Diving vs Kenyon – W 290–63

Men's Swimming & Diving vs Princeton – L 151–202

Women's Swimming & Diving vs Delaware – L 152–201

Women's Swimming & Diving vs Kenyon – W 187.5–165.5

Women's Swimming & Diving vs Princeton – L 84–268

Men's Track & Field vs Princeton (Indoor) – T 89–89

Men's Squash at Amherst – L 4–5

Men's Basketball vs Lafayette – W 76–50

Women's Basketball at Lafayette – W 97–58

Men's Gymnastics vs Springfield College – W 307.65–306.10

Women's Track & Field vs Princeton (Indoor) – L 71–106

Men's Squash at Williams — L - 1-8

USNA and AA&F Events