16 Jan Daily Shipmate

Friday, 16 January 2026

Photo of the day

The USNA CNY Parents Club hosted the Annual Shoulder Rub on 21 December 2025 in Minoa, NY. In attendance from left to right are Midshipman Donald Snyder '28, Isaiah Sexton '28, Jack Phelan '28, Ian Cady '28, Henry Callahan '27 and the attending candidate Paolo Simes.

1893 - American settlers in Hawaii, their efforts aided by the presence of Marines landed from the protected cruiser Boston, overthrow the monarchy of Queen Liliuokalani in Honolulu, Hawaii, and establish a provisional government. The Americans, consisting primarily of pineapple growers, establish the Republic of Hawaii the following year. The events contributed to the ultimate annexation of Hawaii by the United States in 1898.

 

1981 - ENS John Kennedy, III '79, USN was lost when the T-2C jet trainer aircraft he was piloting crashed in the Gulf of Mexico during carrier qualifications with USS Lexington (CV 16). The crash occurred en route back to Chase Field Naval Air Station in Beeville, TX. Kennedy's instructor and another student-piloted aircraft accompanied him, however, neither witnessed what occurred to cause the crash. Known as “Spook” or “Skipper” to his classmates, Kennedy had enlisted in the Navy and had been stationed in Japan prior to attending the Naval Academy Preparatory School. He was survived by his parents, two sisters and brother.

 

1991 - Operation Desert Shield became Operation Desert Storm as forces of the allied coalition launched an all-out air campaign against targets in Iraq and occupied Kuwait in an effort to liberate Kuwait and enforce the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. Overall, in the theater of operations, the coalition forces included more than 415,000 U.S. troops.

Academy & Graduate happenings

All week long, our staff has been making gratitude calls, and every conversation has been a reminder of how special this community truly is. As we wrap up our Week of Gratitude, we wanted to say thank you one more time. It's been a privilege to connect with so many of you and to express our sincere thanks for the countless ways you support the U.S. Naval Academy. #GoNavyThankEveryone

Veterans (and those still serving): If you are in search of meaning, fulfillment, the outdoors, and some fantastic mentoring of midshipmen, then consider our annual spring break hike with the Center for Experiential Leadership Development (ELD). USNA is offering one expedition with Outward Bound this year. Outward Bound provides all food and equipment. Mids often ask ELD for more programs that include veterans--they enjoy interacting with us in more informal environments outside of work and school. What better fun, challenging, and rewarding environment exists than the great outdoors? And yes, we all need the unplugged time out in nature for our mental and physical health. If this stokes your interest, please consider joining the Center for ELD and the Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School for a five-day hike from Monday-Friday, 9-13 March 2026. This is the tenth year of the hike, and we plan to take 18 midshipmen, along with approximately 6-8 veterans from USNA (other veterans from outside USNA will also participate). The hike will cover 40-50 miles total. Outward Bound departs from their Baltimore campus by bus to the Harpers Ferry area of the Appalachian Trail. The cost is free. If you are interested in being considered for the hike, please fill out this form by Friday, 20 January 2026.

Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School (CBOBS) was established in 1986. It is a non-profit educational organization serving people of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic status through challenging learning expeditions that inspire self-discovery, both in and out of the classroom. They have since gone on to serve nearly 100,000 students across the Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia region, including the Naval Academy. The Alumni Association & Foundation also participates in an annual expedition with CBOBS in order to build teamwork and cohesion in an experiential learning environment, an experience that provides our staff a better understanding of the experiences and training Midshipmen receive because of alumni philanthropy. The programs managed by the Center for Experiential Leadership Development, such as Outward Bound, at USNA is entirely funded through philanthropy, in collaboration with the Alumni Association & Foundation. Learn more about CBOBS and find out more about how you can support one of the Naval Academy's and AA&F's partners at the link below.

Phil McConkey '79, a former Navy pilot and standout receiver at the U.S. Naval Academy, defied long odds to earn a Super Bowl ring with the New York Giants. After five years flying CH-46 helicopters for the Navy, McConkey pursued his NFL dream at age 27, impressing Giants coaches with his relentless effort and making the team. In Super Bowl XXI, he caught two key passes — including a touchdown — helping the Giants beat the Denver Broncos 39-20. His grit and team-first mentality, shaped by military service, turned skeptics into fans and secured his place in football lore.

From the Podcast Fleet

Meet another Central Region Candidate!

The latest Sing Second Podcast featured Board of Trustees Central region candidate CDR Clay Davis '94, USN (Ret.) 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

The U.S. Navy is redirecting the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln from the South China Sea to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran and regional instability. The move reflects Washington's effort to bolster deterrence and reinforce its military presence in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, which includes the Arabian Gulf and surrounding waters. The Lincoln — a Nimitz-class supercarrier operating with its strike group — is expected to take about a week to reach the region. Officials frame the redeployment as a strategic signal of U.S. readiness in the face of escalating geopolitical pressure.

The U.S. Navy is rapidly integrating unmanned surface vessels (USVs) into its fleet, announcing the creation of three dedicated USV divisions and plans to deploy two medium autonomous ships this year. CAPT Garrett Miller said the Seahawk and Sea Hunter — previously experimental — will now operate under fleet control, with Seahawk joining a carrier strike group soon. These roughly 135-foot USVs will boost surveillance, anti-submarine warfare support, and reconnaissance for manned forces. The Navy has also expanded its small USV inventory and established a dedicated warfare officer track for unmanned systems, signaling a major shift in naval operations.

Local, Education & other academy news

Kristin Cronic '11 is a Jacksonville-based artist and a drawing professor at Jacksonville University. She began exploring her passion for art while serving as an officer in the United States Navy. Her newest series of work, “skin/bones,” will be featured at Touche Gallery in Jacksonville on 16 January. There will be an opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. She joined the Ponte Vedra (FL) Recorder for a short Q&A to discuss her new exhibit.

Maj. Codi Anne Mullen '16 assumed command of Headquarters Company, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, during a ceremony on 13 January 2026, at Camp Courtney. The event marked a new chapter in her career as a logistics officer and commander. Headquarters Company provides personnel and support that allows the brigade's command element to function daily. The company administratively supports the staff responsible for planning, monitoring operations and advising the commanding general. For Maj. Mullen, the assignment brings together years of experience in logistics, operations and command. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Mullen was commissioned in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. She completed The Basic School in 2017 and was designated a logistics officer.

Pack your bags and join fellow USNA alumni and their fellow travelers on a breathtaking 12-night adventure through the British Isles aboard Oceania Marina. Sail from historic Southampton to the dramatic cliffs of Scotland, the charm of Ireland's coastal villages and the story-filled streets of Dublin. Wander Viking towns, Celtic coastlines and vibrant cities — all while enjoying world-class dining, luxury at sea and unforgettable moments with the Naval Academy family. This is more than a trip; it's a shared journey filled with history, beauty, laughter and lifelong memories. Don't miss it!

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

None

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