Official daily newsletter of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation
Thursday, 5 February 2026
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Today in Navy, Marine Corps
and USNA Memorial Hall History
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1942 - The National Naval Medical Center is established at Bethesda, Maryland.
1947 - LT James Cochran '43, USN was lost when his F4U-4 Corsair crashed at sea on while operating from USS Randolph (CV 15). Cochran was born in Cottonburg, Kentucky, though it's not clear if he remained there. In 1938 he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve; about a year later he was appointed at-large to the Naval Academy. After graduating he reported to USS Savannah (CL 42) where he saw combat action in several major operations in the European Theater. He entered flight training in January 1944, but does not appear to have seen combat as a pilot. At the time of his death he was assigned to Fighter Squadron (VF) 82, based at Naval Air Station Quonset Point, Rhode Island. He was survived by his wife.
1951 - In the first successful flight of carrier aircraft across the Atlantic, five AJ Savages of VC-5 fly from Norfolk, Virginia, to Port Lyautey, French Morocco. The nuclear strike aircraft deploy on board Midway-class carriers, which carry atomic weapons. The flight, which includes three squadron P2V Neptunes and is completed in stages, ends on 8 February.
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Academy & Graduate happenings
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Tonight is Ship Selection Night at the U.S. Naval Academy
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Approximately 240 Naval Academy midshipmen in the Class of 2026 who will serve as Surface Warfare Officers (SWOs) upon graduation and commissioning will choose their first ship and homeport during the Academy's annual Ship Selection Night tonight beginning at 6:15 p.m ET at Alumni Hall. Ship Selection is the culmination of the service assignment process for Naval Academy midshipmen assigned to serve as Navy Surface Warfare Officers. Upon reporting to their first ship after graduation and commissioning, they will be in charge of any number of shipboard operations and activities while at sea. The options available to the midshipmen for selection include a variety of Navy ships based out of home ports worldwide. Midshipmen are only permitted to choose from the ship placards still available at the time their name is called. The order in which the midshipmen select from the board is based on their order of merit (OOM), which is their overall rank within the Brigade, based on categories including academics, conduct, aptitude and physical readiness. After selecting, they are greeted by ship representatives and other members of the fleet.
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Get to know more about USNA alumna Lawler '09 part of NASA's 2025 astronaut class
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What does it take for a U.S. Naval Academy graduate to join NASA's astronaut class? How does an online master's degree fit into that journey? The path for Rebecca “Becky” Lawler '09, raises big questions about leadership, engineering, aviation and perseverance. How did her experiences at USNA and Johns Hopkins prepare her for astronaut training? What advice does she share for future engineers and explorers? Get the answers straight from Lawler herself and dive into her full Q&A by clicking the link below to Johns Hopkins Engineering's website.
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Anchors Aweigh Podcast: Previewing Navy women's lacrosse ahead of Friday's season opener
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We preview Navy women's lacrosse ahead of Friday's opener at Virginia. We interview legendary head coach Cindy Timchal and senior co-captain Emma Kennedy and highlight that Navy is the preseason favorite in the Patriot League. We also talk to Navy football players Eli Heidenreich '26 and Landon Robinson '26 about their experiences at the East-West Shrine Bowl.
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Government & Military News
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Bills seek to improve VA benefits for 9/11 survivors, other exposures
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Congressional lawmakers are considering bills to expand Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for those exposed to hazards during service. Proposals include extending VA health care and compensation to Pentagon personnel present in the weeks after 11 September 2001, who aren't covered under current programs; removing the requirement to prove specific radiation doses for “atomic veterans”; and extending benefits to surviving spouses of veterans who died from ALS. These measures were discussed by the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee and could broaden access to health care and disability compensation for thousands of veterans and families with service-connected exposures. VA officials raised concerns about some bill provisions.
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U.S. Navy testing expendable underwater mining drone
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The U.S. Navy is testing a new underwater mining system centered on an expendable unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) designed to be launched from submarines to enhance maritime defense capabilities. Known as the Mining Expendable Delivery Unmanned Submarine Asset (MEDUSA), the program has completed key risk-reduction activities with prototype tests informing critical elements of design such as propulsion, navigation, autonomy and energy management. Developed in partnership with General Dynamics Mission Systems and the Navy's Unmanned Maritime Systems office, MEDUSA aims to meet operational requirements for safe and effective maritime mining missions, expanding the fleet's tactical options undersea.
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Marines drill on establishing arming, refueling point at remote Tinian Island in the Pacific
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The U.S. Marine Corps conducted training in January on remote Tinian Island to establish a forward arming and refueling point (FARP), enhancing expeditionary aviation capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 and VMFA-232 practiced setting up and operating the FARP, giving ground crews and pilots realistic experience supporting aircraft away from main bases. Tinian's proximity to Andersen Air Force Base makes it a strategic location for rapid refueling and power projection. The exercise demonstrated the Marines' ability to deploy and sustain aviation operations in austere environments, reinforcing readiness to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.
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Efforts underway to preserve first WWII Devastator torpedo bomber
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Conservation groups are working to recover and preserve the Douglas TBD-1 Devastator, the U.S. Navy's first torpedo bomber from World War II, which remains submerged off Jaluit Atoll in the Marshall Islands. None of the 129 built survive in museums, making this effort unique. Organizations including the Air/Sea Heritage Foundation, Texas A&M's maritime archaeology center and the Naval History and Heritage Command aim to raise Bureau Number 1515 and conserve it for display at the future National Museum of the U.S. Navy in Washington, D.C. The Devastator played key roles early in the Pacific campaign.
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Local, Education & other academy news
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USAFA graduate named Cadet of the Year
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Gen Ken Wilsbach, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, presented 2d Lt Renata Russell, a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, with the Cadet of the Year award during a ceremony at the Pentagon, 30 January 2026. Russell was selected from nearly 5,000 cadets commissioned into the Air Force nationwide. “To be quite honest, I was shocked,” she said. “I wasn't expecting anything at all.” Russell, now an undergraduate cyber warfare training student at the 333rd Training Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, was the top cadet among graduates from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Officer Training School and Reserve Officer Training Corps.
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MOAA Master Class: Take control of your career
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Whether you are leaving uniform or simply struggling to figure out your next professional steps, our one-hour MOAA Master Class offers the clarity, confidence and tools you need to land your next role.
Open to all ranks and all branches, participants in this free master class will learn:
• How to define your ideal career direction.
• What résumé and LinkedIn strategies will get you noticed.
• Which networking and job search techniques actually work.
• How the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can improve your interview prep.
• How to build a 30-day action plan to kick-start your transition.
Date: 12 February 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET
Location: Online
Can't make the webinar? No problem. Register now and we'll send you a link to the recording.
Take the first step toward your dream career. Spaces are limited — register today at the link below.
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Naval Academy Athletics News & Results
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Men's Squash - Franklin and Marshall - W 6 - 3
Women's Basketball - Lafayette - W 65 - 50
Men's Basketball at Lafayette - W 62 - 46
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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)
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 here.
- 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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