Official daily newsletter of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation
Today in Navy, Marine Corps
and USNA Memorial Hall History
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1865 - The Confederate James River Squadron, consisting of 11 ships led by three ironclads, launches an assault against General Ulysses S. Grant's supply base at City Point, Virginia. The Confederate thrust is thwarted when two ironclads, a gunboat, and a torpedo boat run aground and come under fire from Union shore batteries. The Union monitor Onondaga bombards the grounded enemy ironclads, forcing them to withdraw. This action marks the final battle between ironclad warships during the Civil War. (23–24 January)
1945 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt boards the heavy cruiser Quincy (CA-71), which will carry him to Malta on the first leg of his trip to Yalta in the Crimea for conferences with British Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill and Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin. The Yalta Conference (4–11 February 1945) made important decisions regarding the future progress of World War II and the postwar world.
1960 - Piloted by Lieutenant Don Walsh and civilian Jacques Piccard as part of Project Nekton, the bathyscaph Trieste descended seven miles to the Challenger Deep—located at the southern end of the Mariana Trench—the deepest known point of the Earth's oceans. The world record descent took nine hours.
1968 - While it operates in international waters off the east coast of North Korea, the intelligence collection ship Pueblo (AGER-2) is attacked and captured by North Korean patrol boats. Enemy fire mortally wounds one crewmember and wounds three others, including the skipper, Commander Lloyd Bucher. The crew is taken prisoner and held captive for more than 11 months.
2015 - Maj. Elizabeth Kealey '05, USMC was lost when the UH-1Y Huey she was piloting crashed near Twentynine Palms, California. She was a member of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169. A native of Indiana, Pennsylvania, she was an outstanding student and athlete in high school and, at the Naval Academy, she was a member of the crew team, marathon team and mountaineering club. Kealey was also a member of the Officers' Christian Fellowship, American Society of Mechanical Engineers and Midshipman Action Group. She twice deployed to Afghanistan with the 13th Marine Expeditionary unit. “Betsy” was survived by her mother, sister and brother.
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Academy & Graduate happenings
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Home for all alumni & parent engagement: myUSNA.com
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Over time, alumni and parent communication has spread across Facebook groups, Signal chats and email lists…making it harder to stay informed. myUSNA brings everything together in one organized, secure place. Your class. Your chapter. Your parent groups. SIGs. Volunteer groups. Events. Even specialized groups like USNA Travel: Kaleidoscope. When the entire alumni and parent community is in one digital home, communication becomes clearer and engagement becomes stronger.
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Meet the alum - The Honorable Brendan Rogers '90
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Brendan Rogers is the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Energy, Installations and Environment). He assumed those duties on 23 December 2025. He is responsible for providing oversight and policy for Navy and Marine Corps installations and contingency bases, real estate, infrastructure, energy, resilience, environment, mission readiness, natural and cultural resources, compatibility and encroachment and safety and occupational health. Prior to his appointment, Rogers served in a variety of senior leadership positions in the private sector. Prior to his career in the private sector, Rogers served ten years in the U.S. Navy. As a member of the U.S. Navy SEAL Teams. He received an MBA from Harvard Business School in 2002 and a B.S. degree with honors in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1990.
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Meet the eastern and central region candidates!
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The latest Sing Second Podcast features two Board of Trustees candidates: Jen Tyll '01 & Jeff Griffen '04 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.
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Government & Military News
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USS Zumwalt underway for first time since 2023 after missile refit
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The guided-missile destroyer USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) sailed for the first time in nearly three years after completing a major missile system refit, leaving Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, in mid-January. This underway came after installation of large missile tubes designed for the Navy's Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) hypersonic weapons during its modernization. The operation marks a significant step toward restoring Zumwalt's operational capability in its new hypersonic-strike role. This period underway focused on testing systems and preparing the ship for further trials and eventual deployment.
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Air Force, Navy aircraft to take to the skies for 2026 Super Bowl
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U.S. Air Force and Navy aircraft will perform a joint flyover at Super Bowl LX on 8 February 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, to help mark America's 250th birthday. The formation will include eight aircraft: two Air Force B-1 Lancers, two F-15C Eagles, two Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets, and two F-35C Lightning IIs. The flyover, timed with the national anthem, symbolizes the joint force's readiness and unity. Participants will also take part in community outreach events in the lead-up to the game.
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1,500 U.S. Marines and Japanese troops to train on first island chain defense next month
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About 1,550 U.S. Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force troops will participate in “Iron Fist 26,” a bilateral training exercise focused on defending key terrain along the First Island Chain in the Indo-Pacific next month. The drills aim to improve interoperability, maneuver, logistics, and combat readiness between American and Japanese units as regional security challenges grow. Activities will include coordination of ground forces and support elements to practice defending maritime approaches and littoral areas. The exercise builds on expanding U.S.–Japan military cooperation to reinforce deterrence and defense capabilities in the region.
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Local, Education & other academy news
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The greenest party in Annapolis is BACK!
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Back by very popular demand, Naptown Events is bringing back the St. Patrick's Parade Hooley—and in 2026, it's bigger, louder and more Irish than ever. On 7 March, Annapolis turns green as the Hooley returns to the Fluegel Alumni Center with new energy and a brand-new VIP tent designed to elevate the celebration.
Date: 7 March 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Expect more live Irish-inspired music, more dinner, and an open bar flowing freely all night. With an absolutely stacked band lineup and the debut of a never-before-seen VIP experience, this is the all-access pass to the most legendary St. Patrick's celebration in the state of Maryland. Do not miss this!
This isn't just a party—it's a full-scale Irish hooley. Tickets are limited and disappearing fast, this event will sell out.
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Pack your sense of adventure and save the date
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The first-ever USNA Alumni Travel Showcase sets sail at the Fluegel Alumni Center on 13 March 2026. Chart a course through the full 2027 alumni travel schedule, meet tour operators dockside and secure exclusive early booking offers. Along the way, enjoy door prizes, destination inspiration and insider insights to help plan your next great journey. Registration opens in a few weeks—keep an eye on Daily Shipmate for when it's time to come aboard. Until then, explore the voyages waiting for you in 2026 and start mapping out your next adventure.
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Naval Academy Athletics News & Results
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Navy Athletics stands 80th out of 365 schools in the Learfield Directors Cup
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Navy Athletics currently ranks 80th out of 365 schools in the 2025-26 Learfield Directors' Cup standings after the fall sports season. The Midshipmen scored 78 points, led by football (51 points, finishing 23rd nationally) and men's cross country (27 points, 33rd). This total places Navy second among American Athletic Conference teams and second in the Patriot League. The Learfield Directors' Cup, awarded annually by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), measures broad athletic success across NCAA sports using points based on championship finishes or polls.
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Army-Navy basketball is a go for Saturday
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Here is fan information for Saturday's Army-Navy men's and women's basketball doubleheader in Alumni Hall. Both games will be televised on the CBS Sports Network. Additionally, the women's game will be carried on WNAV and the men's game will air on both WNAV and WFED. **Note** This is NOT a star game. As Army and Navy play each other twice every season in basketball as members of the Patriot League, only one matchup per year is designated as the Star Game. The Star games for basketball will be held Feb 21st at Army. Saturday Game Times - 10 a.m. - Doors open to fans; 11 a.m. -- women's game; 1:30 p.m. -- men's game.
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Friday, 23 January 2026:
- Men's Squash vs. CSA National Collegiate Individual Championship – New York City, N.Y. – TBA
- Men's Swimming & Diving vs. Columbia – Annapolis, Md. – Noon
- Men's Lacrosse vs. Virginia (Scrimmage) – Annapolis, Md. – 12:00 p.m.
- Men's Lacrosse vs. Marquette (Scrimmage) – Annapolis, Md. – 4:00 p.m.
- Women's Tennis vs. Richmond – Annapolis, Md. – 6:00 p.m.
- Wrestling at Bloomsburg – Bloomsburg, Pa. – 6:00 p.m.
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Saturday, 24 January 2026:
- Men's Squash vs. CSA National Collegiate Individual Championship – New York City, N.Y. – TBA
- Rifle vs. West Virginia – Annapolis, Md. – 9:00 a.m.
- Men's Tennis vs. Niagara – Binghamton, N.Y. – 10:00 a.m.
- Men's Track & Field vs. Penn Elite – Philadelphia, Pa. – 11:00 a.m.
- Women's Track & Field vs. Penn Elite – Philadelphia, Pa. – 11:00 a.m.
- Women's Basketball vs. Army – Annapolis, Md. – 11:00 a.m.
- Women's Swimming & Diving at James Madison – Harrisonburg, Va. – Noon
- Women's Tennis vs. Morgan State – Annapolis, Md. – Noon
- Men's Basketball vs. Army – Annapolis, Md. – 1:30 p.m.
- Men's Gymnastics vs. Navy Open – Annapolis, Md. – 2:00 p.m.
- Men's Tennis at Binghamton – Binghamton, N.Y. – 3:00 p.m.
- Wrestling at American – Washington, D.C. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, 25 January 2026:
- Men's Squash vs. CSA National Collegiate Individual Championship – New York City, N.Y. – TBA
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Navy leads 7-4-1 (Army - Volleyball, Men's Soccer, Women's Rugby, Women's Cross Country. Navy - Men's Golf, Men's Cross Country, Sprint Football, Men's Rugby, Men's and Women's Swimming, Football. Tie - Women's Soccer)
Reminder - The Star Series schedule will return to the Daily Shipmate schedule February 2nd as there are no Star matchups in January. Beat Army!
Remaining Star Matchups:
7 Feb - Rifle - West Point - 9:00 a.m.
7 Feb - Gymnastics - Annapolis - 2:00 p.m.
7 Feb - M. Indoor Track & Field - Annapolis - TBA
7 Feb - W. Indoor Track & Field - Annapolis - TBA
20 Feb - Wrestling - Annapolis - 7:30 p.m. - Alumni Hall
21 Feb - W. Basketball - West Point - 11:00 a.m.
21 Feb - M. Basketball - West Point - 1:30 p.m.
27-29 Mar - Baseball - West Point - TBA
4 Apr - W. Tennis - Annapolis - 11:00 a.m.
11 Apr - M. Outdoor Track & Field - West Point - TBA
11 Apr - W. Outdoor Track & Field - West Point - TBA
11 Apr - M. Lacrosse - West Point - TBA
11 Apr - W. Lacrosse - Annapolis - 12:00 p.m.
18 Apr - M. Tennis - Annapolis - 1:00 p.m.
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JANUARY
- 23 Jan – Roadshow Visit with SC Midlands Chapter + NAPC of SC
- 24 Jan – Roadshow Visit with Central Savannah River Chapter + NAPCs of SC & GA
- 24 Jan – Roadshow Visit with SC Lowcountry Chapter + NAPC of SC
- 25 Jan – Roadshow Visit with Charleston Chapter + NAPC of SC
- 24 Jan – USNA Band Performance - Pullo Family Performing Arts Center, York, PA – 7 p.m. - more info
- 25 Jan – USNA Band Performance - Maryland Hall, Annapolis, MD – 3 p.m. - more info
- 28 Jan – USNA Band Performance - Keystone Korner Baltimore, Baltimore, MD – 7 p.m. -more info
- 30 Jan – USNA Band Performance - Kaplan Hall at the Center for the Arts, Towson, MD – 7 p.m. - more info
FEBRUARY
- 1 Feb – USNA Band Performance - Avalon Theatre, Easton, MD – 3 p.m - more info
- 5 Feb – Class of 2026 Ship Selection, Alumni Hall
- 6 Feb – GSMC Annual Dinner - 6 to 10 p.m. – 21890 Society Hill Rd, Leonardtown, MD 20650
- 11 Feb – GSMC Social & Business Mtg. Brudergarten – 5 to 6 p.m. ET
- 14 Feb – Commissioning 101, Fluegel
- 17 Feb – Hazing to Harassment to Sexual Assault: Trauma's Impact on Male Survivors - 7 to 8:30 p.m. ET - Register for this event
- 19 Feb – USNA Entrepreneurs event – 5 to 8 p.m. – Fluegel Alumni Center
- 19–20 Feb – Service Academy Career Conference – Atlanta
- 20 Feb – Roadshow Visit with Chattanooga Chapter + NAPCs of Middle TN & Eastern TN
- 21 Feb – Roadshow Visit with Knoxville-Oak Ridge Chapter + NAPC of Eastern TN
- 22 Feb – Roadshow Visit with Nashville Chapter + NAPC of Middle TN
- 27 Feb – Brigade Boxing Finals, Alumni Hall
MARCH
- 6 Mar – U.S. Naval Academy Athletic & Scholarship Policy Review Committee Meeting, Bastian
- 7–15 Mar – U.S. Naval Academy Spring Break
- 7 Mar – USNA Glee Club Spring Performance – USS Constitution - 11 a.m.
- 7 Mar – USNA Glee Club Spring Performance – St. Cecilia Parish Church, 18 Belvidere Street, Boston, MA – 7:30 p.m.
- 8 Mar – USNA Glee Club Spring Performance – St Mary / St Catherine of Siena, 46 Winthrop Street, Charlestown, MA – 3 p.m.
- 10 Mar – USNA Glee Club Spring Performance – Naval War College, Spruance Auditorium, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI – 7 p.m.
- 12 Mar – USNA Glee Club Spring Performance – St. Ignatius Loyola, 980 Park Avenue, New York, NY – 8 p.m.
- 14 Mar – USNA Glee Club Spring Performance – St. Patrick's Church, 242 S 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA – 7 p.m.
- 11–15 Mar – AA&F Engagement Roadshows – St. Louis Chapter + NAPCs of Greater St. Louis, Eastern MO and So IL; KC Metro Chapter + NAPC of Kansas & Missouri; Wichita Chapter + NAPC of Kansas & Missouri; Omaha Chapter + NAPC of Nebraska; NAPC of Iowa
- 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
APRIL
- 10 Apr – Athletic & Scholarship Program, Spring Trustee Mtg, TBD
- 10 Apr – U.S. Naval Academy Spring Formal Parade, Worden Field
- 10 April – USNA Glee Club and Pipes and Drums Salute to America's 250th with Dallas Symphony Orchestra in Dallas, TX – 7:30 p.m.
- 11 April – USNA Glee Club and Pipes and Drums Salute to America's 250th with Dallas Symphony Orchestra in Dallas, TX – 7:30 p.m.
- 12 April – USNA Glee Club and Pipes and Drums Salute to America's 250th with Dallas Symphony Orchestra in Dallas, TX – 2 p.m.
- 16–19 Apr – USNA Women's Conference and 50th Gala, Fluegel Alumni Center
- 17 Apr – U.S. Naval Academy Spring Formal Parade, Worden Field
- 18 Apr – Annapolis Cup Navy Croquet vs St Johns, St Johns College
- 22 Apr - Bonds of Gold Ceremony - FAC
- 23 - 26 Apr - AA&F Engagement Roadshows - Arizona Chapter + NAPC of Arizona (Phoenix); Southern Arizona Chapter + NAPC of Arizona (Tucson); Northern Arizona Chapter + NAPC of Arizona (Flagstaff); New Mexico Chapter (Albuquerque); Intermountain Chapter + NAPC of Utah (SLC)
- 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
- 26 Apr – Navy SEAL Foundation Annapolis Frogman Swim – Severn River – 8:30 a.m.
- 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 Locations
- 30 Apr – U.S. Naval Academy Foundation Spring Board of Directors Meeting, Fluegel Alumni Center
- 30 Apr – U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustees Committee Meeting, Fluegel Alumni Center
- 30 Apr – U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustees Welcome Dinner
MAY
- 1 May – U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustees Spring Meeting
- 4-8 May - Naval Academy Great Class Challenge
- 7–8 May – Service Academy Career Conference, Washington, DC
- 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
JUNE
- 17–18 Jun – USNA Entrepreneurs Summit 2026, Fluegel Alumni Center
- 24–25 Jun – Class of 2030 I-Day Processing, TBD
- 25 Jun – Class of 2030 I-Day Picnic, TBD
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The Daily Shipmate is a news product intended to share news about the Naval Academy, the Naval Services and our members. We are apolitical as an organization and will strive to bring forward relevant news on a wide variety of issues. Just because we include an article does not mean we endorse its content, author, or news organization.
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