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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1917 - Two days after Germany announces a policy of unrestricted submarine warfare around the British Isles, the United States severs diplomatic relations with the German government.
1919 - Symbolizing postwar interest in integrating aviation into fleet operations, CAPT George W. Steele, Jr. '00, USN, assumes command of the Fleet Air Detachment, Atlantic Fleet. Included among the detachment's ships is the battleship Texas (BB-35), which incorporates a wooden turret-top platform from which flying experiments are carried out using Sopwith Camel aircraft at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
1960 - LT James Baldwin '55, USN was lost when the S2F Tracker plane he was aboard “crashed into the sea after take-off from the carrier USS Yorktown near Hawaii… Baldwin was commander of the aircraft. Also missing are two crew members. One survivor was picked up shortly after the mishap.” He was a member of Air Anti-Submarine Squadron (VS) 23. “Tommy” was from Hot Springs, Arkansas, and attended Southeastern Oklahoma State College before entering the Academy. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and mother.
2024 - The United States and the United Kingdom, with the support of other allies, launch an attack against 13 Houthi locations. The Navy contributed F/A-18 fighters from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) and launched Tomahawk land attack missiles from USS Gravely (DDG-107) and USS Carney (DDG-64).
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Academy & Graduate happenings
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Meet the the Mid: Athletic & Scholarships MIDN 1/C Tommy Tereschuk
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Meet the Mid is an exciting feature in Daily Shipmate that spotlights the journeys of our Athletic and Scholarship Programs (A&SP) students at the Naval Academy. Each story shares a glimpse into their experiences, growth and aspirations, highlighting how opportunity, preparation and perseverance shape the next generation of leaders for the Navy Fleet and Marine Corps.
Tommy Tereschuk is from Kailua, HI, and is assigned as a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO). He is most proud of representing his family and hometown at the Naval Academy. His favorite memory was a spring break backpacking trip with the Travis Manion Foundation during his 3/C year, where he connected with veterans and fellow Midshipmen and was inspired by their stories and perspectives. He credits A&SP with giving him the opportunity to attend the Naval Academy and shaping the person he is today through the people he met. Tereschuk's advice to incoming plebes is to fully embrace their time at the Academy by exploring new places, building strong bonds and making the most of every opportunity, because the four years pass quickly and are truly invaluable.
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Gov. Spanberger appoints Maxwell '91 as new Department of Veterans Services commissioner
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CAPT John Maxwell '91, USN (Ret.) has been appointed Virginia's new commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services by Governor Abigail Spanberger. Maxwell brings 28 years of Navy experience, having previously led the DVS from 2020 to 2022. After his prior tenure, he founded the Veteran Community Network of Central Virginia and served as COO of the Chimney Trail Foundation, both supporting veterans. Aiming to connect veterans and their families with benefits, healthcare, employment, housing and education, Maxwell draws on his Naval Academy foundation and military leadership to guide Virginia's veteran programs.
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Purdue graduates help lead nuclear energy's resurgence
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ENS Ryan Hogg '24, USN is contributing to the resurgence of nuclear energy through advanced research and innovation at Purdue University. Building on his Naval Academy foundation and Navy service, Hogg is pursuing cutting-edge nuclear engineering projects aimed at expanding safe, reliable and clean energy solutions. His work includes developing technologies for next-generation reactors and training future nuclear engineers, helping address global energy challenges. By combining military discipline with technical expertise, Hogg exemplifies how Naval Academy alumni are shaping the future of the nuclear workforce and advancing America's energy capabilities.
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Attention Central and Eastern Region Members
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The 2026 U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustees Central and Eastern Regional Trustee elections are approaching, and it's time to get to know the candidates who are running to represent you.
The candidate information page includes candidate biographies and campaign podcasts, giving your the opportunity to hear directly from each candidate and learn about their background, experience and vision for serving the Alumni Association.
Voting opens in two weeks, Tuesday, 17 February, and closes 27 March. Eligible members will receive an email from YES Elections, the Association's election manager, with instructions for voting online.
Important Election Notice: Voting will be conducted electronically only. There will be no paper ballots or phone-in voting. A current and valid email address must be on file with the Alumni Association to receive a ballot. Members are encouraged to review and update their contact information at USNA.com before voting opens.
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Central Region includes the following states: OH, MI, IN, IL, WI, MN, KY, TN, AL, MS, LA, AR, MO, IA, ND, SD, NE, KS, OK, TX, and the Americas excluding continental states in other regions, including the Caribbean.
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Eastern Region includes the following states: ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, PA, DE, WV, NC, SC, GA, FL, and areas east of the U.S. East Coast to longitude 61° east.
Your mailing address on file must be within one of these regions to vote.
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Government & Military News
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Trump administration latest: Partial government shutdown to continue until at least Tuesday
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The U.S. political landscape was dominated by a partial federal government shutdown as Congress struggled to agree on funding, with disputes centered on immigration enforcement and reforms. Nationwide “ICE Out” protests continued against the Trump administration's immigration policies, fueled by recent controversial enforcement actions. President Trump announced plans to close and renovate the Kennedy Center for two years, sparking criticism. The Justice Department released millions of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, with prosecutors saying no further charges would be pursued. Immigration rights groups filed lawsuits over the administration's visa bans, and political tensions remained high as lawmakers negotiated funding solutions.
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Constellation-Class Died So FF(X) Could Live: The U.S. Navy's New Frigate Philosophy.
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The U.S. Navy has moved away from the Constellation-class frigate, ending a program plagued by rising costs, design instability, and schedule delays. Originally envisioned as a high-end escort with Aegis radar and vertical launch missiles, Constellation proved too complex and expensive to deliver at scale. In its place, the Navy is pursuing FF(X), a new frigate concept based on the proven Coast Guard National Security Cutter hull. FF(X) emphasizes affordability, faster production, and lower risk, focusing on patrol, escort, and maritime security missions while freeing larger combatants for high-end warfare.
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The U.S. Navy Must Decide Now to 'Scrap' or Save a 100,000 Ton Nuclear Nimitz-Class Aircraft Carrier
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The U.S. Navy is facing a tough choice with the aging USS Nimitz (CVN-68) as it nears the end of its planned service life after five decades. Leaders must decide whether to invest in a major life-extension overhaul—which would be costly, time-consuming, and tie up limited shipyard capacity—or retire the carrier and rely on newer Ford-class ships arriving on schedule. A lighter modernization could bridge capability gaps but won't match Ford-class systems. The decision hinges on carrier availability, industrial capacity, strategic risk, and whether extending Nimitz justifies the expense given broader fleet demands.
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Local, Education & other academy news
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Ravens to hire Navy defensive coordinator P.J. Volker to a role on Jesse Minter's staff
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Jesse Minter is building a solid staff, and he's landing a star from the college football ranks. Jeff Zrebiec reports that the Ravens are working to finalize a deal with Navy defensive coordinator P.J. Volker to join Jesse Minter's staff as a defensive assistant. Minter and Volker are close friends, and their coaching relationship goes back to stints at Georgia State and Indiana State. Volker just completed his seventh year at the Naval Academy, coaching the linebackers, and his third as the Midshipmen's defensive coordinator.
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USNA Alumni Travel Showcase - Registration is now open!
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The 1st Annual USNA Alumni Travel Showcase is officially open for registration. This is your opportunity to be first in line for what's next in alumni travel in 2027.
Join us on 13 March 2026 at the Fluegel Alumni Center for a premier event unveiling the entire 2027 USNA Alumni Travel schedule. This is your exclusive chance to connect directly with tour operators, ask questions, gather insider insights and take advantage of special early-booking discounts available only to Showcase attendees.
The Travel Showcase is designed to inspire and inform—whether you're planning a future trip or ready to book now. Attendees will enjoy travel-focused programming, door prizes and detailed previews of destinations around the world, along with guidance to help you plan confidently and intentionally.
You'll also learn about travel opportunities available in 2026 and 2027, so you don't have to wait to begin your next adventure.
Secure your spot now and start planning your next journey with the USNA alumni travel community.
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Naval Academy Athletics News & Results
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Yesterday's Results: None
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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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FEBRUARY
- 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
- 13 Feb - Women's Lacrosse Season Kickoff, Fluegel Alumni Center - 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
- 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.
- 7 Mar - Naptown Events St. Patrick's Day Parade Hooley - Fluegel Alumni Center - 5 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, NMCMS
- 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 – 50 Years of Women at USNA Celebration Conference and 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
- 19-22 Apr - Sea Air and Space Expo - Washington, DC
- 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
- 25 May - Run to Honor Reading of the names (Link) and multiple Memorial Day Run to Honor Events across the country (Link)
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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USNA AA&F resources & Links
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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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