13 Jan Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

1962 - LT Wallace Mechling '57, USN was lost when the A-3 Skywarrior he was piloting crashed on a mountain in central Luzon, Philippines. He was flying from USS Coral Sea (CVA 43); the other two men aboard were also killed. A native of Norman, Oklahoma, Wallace's father was a graduate of the Naval Academy Class of 1927 and was commanding officer of the NROTC unit at the University of Oklahoma in 1955. Wallace was survived by his parents, an older brother and a younger sister.

 

1969 - In the largest amphibious assault of the Vietnam War, the Seventh Fleet Amphibious Ready Group, supported by naval gunfire that includes the 16-inch guns of the battleship New Jersey (BB-62), puts 2,500 Marines ashore on the Batangan Peninsula, South Vietnam. Operating in concert with U.S. and South Vietnamese Army troops, the leathernecks screen some 12,000 Vietnamese civilians and kill 239 Viet Cong. (13 January–9 February)

 

1993 - Allied aircraft, including 35 from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk (CVA-63), strike Iraqi missile sites in response to a violation of the southern no-fly zone. Four days later the destroyers Caron (DD-970), Hewitt (DD-966) and Stump (DD-978), operating in the Persian Gulf, launch 45 Tomahawk cruise missiles against the Zaafaraniyah nuclear fabrication facility near Baghdad.

 

2010 - In response to the tragic 7.0-magnitude earthquake that rocked Haiti and claimed the lives of an estimated 300,000 Haitians, the Navy deployed USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and USS Bataan (LHD-5) to provide relief. During Operation Unified Response, the Navy provided 33 vessels, assisted in search and rescue efforts and delivered basic supplies, including medicine, water and food.

Academy & Graduate happenings

This week during our Week of Gratitude we pause to say thank you to everyone who has chosen and continues to support the United States Naval Academy and the Brigade of Midshipmen. Your generosity, advocacy and belief in the Academy and our mission makes a lasting difference. While the federal government provides a strong foundation for our future Naval and Marine Corps leaders, your support fills the Margin of Excellence and makes possible the experiences, programs and opportunities that shape these future officers and leaders. Because of you the Academy can continue to prepare men and women of character to serve our nation with honor, courage and commitment. Thank you!

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From the Podcast Fleet

The latest Sing Second Podcast features two Board of Trustees candidates: LtCol Devin Winklosky '93, USMC (Ret.), and Darryl Smith '88, both running for the Board of Trustees. Hear what each hopes to do if elected.

 

The podcast team is sitting down with each Board of Trustee candidate for the next few weeks to learn why they want to serve and what they hope to contribute. John Schofield leads these conversations to give candidates space to share their perspective and vision for the USNA Alumni Association.

 

Listen to the latest episode of the Sing Second Podcast to learn more.

Listen on

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 12 January 2026, 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.

The U.S. Navy's Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group recently conducted live-fire drills and routine operations in the South China Sea, a region claimed by China but regarded by the U.S. as international waters. The exercises, including testing of the carrier's defensive systems, followed Chinese military drills around Taiwan. U.S. naval officials describe the deployment as part of regular 7th Fleet patrols designed to deter aggression, reinforce alliances, and support a free and open Indo-Pacific, while demonstrating commitment to regional stability amid rising geopolitical tensions.

General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), a business unit of General Dynamics, has been awarded a $988 million U.S. Navy contract to modernize key command, control, communications, computers, combat, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems across the fleet. The deal, awarded in December, includes a one‑year base period with four additional one‑year options and a six‑month extension. GDIT will provide integration, engineering, procurement, logistics and installation services on guided‑missile ships, aircraft carriers, Coast Guard vessels and other platforms to enhance operational effectiveness and readiness. The work supports the Navy's efforts to keep its systems up‑to‑date and mission capable.

Local, Education & other academy news

A long-vacant restaurant space near Annapolis Mall will soon have a new tenant, with World of Beer set to open in the former Applebee's location on Monday, 12 January 2026. The franchise is expanding its Maryland footprint with the new Annapolis-area spot, joining existing locations in Bethesda, Owings Mills and Rockville. The concept centers on a large beer selection, with more than 300 varieties offered in cans and bottles and roughly 40 rotating taps, including options from Maryland breweries alongside national and international labels. World of Beer's menu is built around pub-style favorites designed to pair with the beverage list. Offerings include items such as beer-battered fish and chips, beer cheese nachos and soft pretzels served with mustard and beer cheese.

 

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

None

Men's Basketball at American — L - 51 - 65

The Star Series schedule will return to the Daily Shipmate schedule 2 February as there are no Star matchups in January.

USNA and AA&F Events