Official daily newsletter of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation
Welcome to Monday at the Daily Shipmate. A huge weekend for Navy Athletics as Rifle, Indoor Track & Field (Women and Men) and Gymnastics all won Stars vs archrival Army. Alums showed out in force at Halsey Field House for Gymnastics. Left photo, from left to right: CDR Penny Redmon, USN, an active-duty nurse serving in the Brigade Medical Unit; CDR Ty Redmon, USN (Ret.), a former Navy Assistant Men's Gymnastics Coach from 1993–97; Jody Williams '95; Dan Levy '00; and his wife, Brittany Levy. Right photo, Navy Men's Gymnastics team. The Star Series now stands at 11-4-1 in Navy's favor. With this advantage, wins in the next two Star Competitions - Wrestling 20 February at Alumni Hall and Women's Basketball 21 February at Army - will clinch the series for the good guys.
Also below, check out the Sing Second Podcast, featuring an amazing interview with former Navy Football great Cameron Kinley '21. The conversation, however, is about anything but football. It's about leadership. And Cam gives a Ted Talk.
We celebrate Black History Month in February. The Alumni Association & Foundation will join our proud alumni in telling the amazing stories of our African American Alums and the impact they've had on command, citizenship and government around the world.
And please enjoy our multimedia feature on the 50 Years of Women at the Naval Academy. Starting with this current issue of Shipmate Magazine and continuing through Women's History Month in March and the 50 Years of Women Gala at the Fluegel Alumni Center in April, we are proud to bring you the stories of our female alumnae, but also the stories of the strong male classmates and shipmates who played a central role to their success at USNA. Please enjoy a special video message from President and CEO Jeff Webb '95, USNA Women President Linda Postenrieder '82 and USNA Women VP Maegan Nix '97 as they kickoff 50 Years of Women at USNA #StrongerTogether
|
|
Today in Navy, Marine Corps
and USNA Memorial Hall History
|
|
1942 - LT James Clarkson '30, USN was lost when he was overcome by gas in a compartment in which he was working aboard USS Nevada (BB 36), which had been damaged by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. There is one report that he was trapped for two days prior to his death. Following graduation he served aboard various ships. Starting in 1938 as a Lieutenant (j.g.), and later as a Lieutenant, he was commanding officer of “USS Eagle 27 (PE 27),” a patrol-escort vessel. From there he was assigned to USS Nevada. It's unknown if he was aboard during the attack on Pearl Harbor, but he reported to his wife that he'd lost all of his belongings, including the Christmas gifts he'd bought for their children, Margaret (11), James, Jr. (9) and Elizabeth (4). He was survived by his wife, children, parents, two brothers (including Arthur '22) and three sisters. James, Jr. went on to graduate with the class of 1958 and retired as a Lieutenant Commander.
1978 - The launching of the first satellite of the Navy Fleet Satellite Communications System provides improved command and control capabilities for the fleet.
|
|
Academy & Graduate happenings
|
|
USNA AA&F commemorates Black History Month
|
|
During the month of February, we join our nation in honoring the Black Americans whose leadership, service and sacrifice are inseparable from our nation's story.
From the founding of our Republic to today, Black Americans have helped shape our government, strengthen our military, advance our economy and enrich our culture. Their contributions reflect the enduring American principles of liberty, equality and opportunity. Those ideals have been carried forward by generations of Black midshipmen, alumni, faculty and staff who have served with distinction both in uniform and beyond.
Black history is an essential chapter within our American history and this month, we honor the trailblazers who paved the way, recognize those who serve today and look ahead to the leaders who will continue to guide our Fleet, Corps and entire nation forward.
Together, we remain committed to preserving these stories, amplifying these voices and ensuring their legacy endures for generations to come. Follow us on social media, Daily Shipmate, the Sing Second Podcast and all of our digital platforms all month long as we mark 2026's Black History Month.
|
|
Honoring the past. Shaping the future: 50 Years of Women at the Naval Academy
|
|
USNA AA&F is proud to announce the launch of our 50 Years of Women website — a central home for honoring this historic milestone throughout 2026. The site brings together the stories, voices and moments that define five decades of women's leadership and service at the Naval Academy. Throughout the year, site visitors will find original videos, Shipmate Magazine stories and podcast episodes from both the Sing Second Podcast and Waypoints Podcast, all thoughtfully curated in one place. The site will also serve as the definitive destination for information on the 50 Years of Women Conference and Gala this April, ensuring alumni and friends remain connected to every chapter of this recognition. As we reflect on the past 50 years, this platform also looks forward to celebrating the women who continue to drive the Naval Academy forward, in and out of uniform, in the tenets of command, citizenship and government.
|
|
Women's Lacrosse is coming to the Fluegel Alumni Center!
|
|
Get ready for an evening of Navy pride and excitement! On 13 February at 6:30 p.m., join us at the Fluegel Alumni Center to meet the reigning Patriot League Champion Navy Women's Lacrosse team! Chat with the coaches and team captains, hear insider stories and get a sneak peek at what's ahead for this championship squad. Fans of all ages are welcome to engage, ask questions and show their blue and gold support. Plus, don't miss a live broadcast of the Sing Second Podcast with the coaches, captain and alumni at 7:15 p.m. It's an unforgettable night for Navy fans—pre-registration is required, so grab your spot now!
|
|
Sing Second Podcast featuring former Navy Football great and member of the Alumni Association Board of Trustees, Cameron Kinley '21
|
|
February marches on and announces itself with authority here on Super Bowl Weekend. Pats vs Seahawks? Yawn. We're talking about FOUR STAR MATCHUPS this weekend with Navy battling Army in Rifle, Indoor Track and Field (Women & Men) and Gymnastics. We chat about the new Atlas Restaurant opening in the old Stevens Hardware building - Admiral's Cup. And we have an AMAZING interview with Cam Kinley '21. Circle this interview, people. Bookmark it and send it to your friends. Cam Kinley has it figured out. Capital Gazette Sports Editor and Anchor's Aweigh Podcast Host Bill Wagner joins Sing Second to interview Cam about his playing days, being Class President during the 2021 COVID ROM year, putting on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers uniform and why he serves now on the Board of Trustees. Cam talks about leadership, giving back and whether politics might be in his future.That and more on the best Alumni Association podcast there is. Beat Army. Always.
|
|
Academy Insider: Super Bowl Sunday at USNA
|
|
This episode of the Academy Insider podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at how midshipmen celebrate Super Bowl Sunday inside Bancroft Hall, even during the demanding Dark Ages period. Drawing on personal experience from four Super Bowls as a midshipman, the host explains how Dahlgren Hall is transformed into a shared game-day hub, giving mids a rare chance to relax, connect, and enjoy a taste of normalcy. The episode blends tradition, morale, and memories—then invites alumni to reflect on and share their own Super Bowl Sundays at the Naval Academy.
|
|
Government & Military News
|
|
Meet the pilots who executed the rare Navy-Air Force Super Bowl flyover
|
|
Before the Seattle Seahawks claimed the Superbowl LX Champions title, USNA Alums LT Caleb Champion '20, USN, and LCDR Kevin Grier '15, USN, took to the skies in yesterday's awe-inspiring Navy–Air Force national anthem flyover, showcasing the skill, precision and professionalism of Naval aviators on one of the world's biggest stages. Their breathtaking formation reminded everyone that some of the most remarkable feats happen above the field, long before the first snap. The Super Bowl LX flyover featured a rare joint Navy–Air Force formation of eight aircraft, including Air Force B-1 bombers and F-15C Eagles alongside Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets and F-35C Lightning IIs. Beyond precision timing and months of coordination, the formation symbolized joint service unity and interoperability while also marking the nation's lead-up to America's 250th birthday. The flyover honored the military's enduring role since 1776 and showcased teamwork, trust, and shared commitment across services on one of the world's biggest stages.
|
|
Pentagon says it's cutting ties with Harvard, ending military training
|
|
The Pentagon said Friday it is cutting ties with Harvard University, ending all military training, fellowships and certificate programs with the Ivy League institution. The announcement marks the latest development in the Trump administration's prolonged standoff with Harvard over the White House's demands for reforms at the Ivy League school. Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement Friday that Harvard "no longer meets the needs of the War Department or the military services." "For too long, this department has sent our best and brightest officers to Harvard, hoping the university would better understand and appreciate our warrior class," Hegseth said. "Instead, too many of our officers came back looking too much like Harvard — heads full of globalist and radical ideologies that do not improve our fighting ranks."
|
|
Trump Turns to U.S. Military Leaders for Diplomatic Efforts on Iran and Ukraine
|
|
President Donald Trump has taken the unusual step of tapping military leaders for high-level diplomacy, sending the top U.S. commander in the Middle East to talks over Iran's nuclear program and positioning the Army secretary as a key negotiator on ending the Russia-Ukraine war. ADM Brad Cooper '89, USN, head of U.S. Central Command, for the first time joined indirect U.S.-Iran talks Friday in Oman, appearing in his dress uniform as a reminder of the American buildup of military might in the region. As Army Secretary Dan Driscoll reprised his role at Russia-Ukraine talks this week, he worked to keep the conversation going with Ukrainian officials in the downtime between sessions, according to a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive talks.
|
|
Local, Education & other academy news
|
|
Secretary Troy Meink announces Air Force Academy superintendent to depart, urges focus on technical skills
|
|
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink urged Air Force Academy leaders Thursday to focus on updating technical training to be ready for advanced artificial intelligence systems and collaborative combat aircraft. He also announced a change in leadership. “Everyone who comes out of the academy should have a solid technical background,” Meink said during a meeting of the Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors in Washington, D.C. Amid his call to improve training, Meink announced the senior leadership at the academy will be changing. A new superintendent will be installed in the coming months, Meink said. Replacing Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind this year would be a year ahead of the usual three- to four-year term. Bauernfiend was sworn in in June 2024.
|
|
ICYMI: 2026 USNA Alumni Association Board of Trustees Central and Eastern Regional Trustee elections are next week
|
|
Attention Central and Eastern Region Members: 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 you the opportunity to hear directly from each candidate and learn about their background, experience and vision for serving the Alumni Association.
Voting opens next week, 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.
- 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.
- 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.
|
|
Will we see you at SACC next week?
|
|
Get ready, graduates — your career takes off 19–20 February in Atlanta! The Service Academy Career Conference (SACC) is where ambition meets opportunity. Two explosive days of career fairs, powerhouse networking, expert sessions, resume revamps and pro headshots put YOU in front of the people ready to hire proven leaders. Don't just plan your year — own it, dominate it, make it happen. This is where your next big move starts. Show up. Stand out. Launch your future.
|
|
Naval Academy Athletics News & Results
|
|
Men's Basketball at Bucknell - Lewisburg, PA - 6:00 p.m.
|
|
Friday, 6 February:
- Men's Lacrosse vs Iona – W 17‑7
- Women's Lacrosse at #10 Virginia – W 12‑10
Saturday, 7 February:
- Rifle at Army – W 5904‑5839
- Men's Track & Field vs Army‑Navy Star Meet – W 98‑83
- Women's Tennis vs Liberty – L 2‑5
- Men's Squash at Chatham – W 9‑0
- Women's Basketball at American – W 86‑58
- Women's Tennis vs Mount St. Mary's – W 6‑1
- Men's Gymnastics vs Army – W 308.20‑303.00
- Women's Track & Field vs Army – W 94‑87
- Men's Basketball vs American – W 82‑73
- Men's Tennis vs Mount St. Mary's (Md.) – W 6‑1
- Men's Tennis at Monmouth – L 0‑7
Sunday, 8 February:
- Wrestling vs Bucknell - W 19 - 18
|
|
Navy leads 11-4-1 (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, Men's and Women's Indoor Track & Field, Rifle, Gymnastics. Tie - Women's Soccer)
Remaining Star Matchups:
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.
|
|
FEBRUARY
- 11 Feb – GSMC Social & Business Mtg. Brudergarten – 5 to 6 p.m. ET, 22725 Duke St, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Online event registration.
- 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.
- 10 Mar – AA&F Engagement Roadshows – Wichita Chapter + NAPC of KS& MO
- 11 Mar – AA&F Engagement Roadshows – KC Metro Chapter + NAPC of KS& MO
- 12 Mar – AA&F Engagement Roadshows – Des Moines (NAPC of Iowa )
- 12 Mar – USNA Glee Club Spring Performance – St. Ignatius Loyola, 980 Park Avenue, New York, NY – 8 p.m.
- 13 Mar – AA&F Engagement Roadshows – Omaha Chapter + NAPC of Nebraska
- 13 Mar – Alumni Association Travel Showcase
- 14 Mar – USNA Glee Club Spring Performance – St. Patrick's Church, 242 S 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA – 7 p.m.
- 14 Mar – AA&F Engagement Roadshows – St. Louis Chapter + NAPC of Greater St. Louis, Eastern MO and So IL
- 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
|
|
USNA AA&F resources & Links
|
|
Do you know someone else who would like to receive the Daily Shipmate? Forward them this email and tell them to click the button below to sign up.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
