Official daily newsletter of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation
Wednesday, 11 February 2026
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The Daily Shipmate content is independently produced and reflects the views and opinions of its creators. It is not officially affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the United States Naval Academy or any of its affiliates. 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 strive to present relevant news on a wide variety of issues. Inclusion of an article does not constitute an endorsement of its content, author or the originating news organization. Certain materials contained herein are obtained from third-party websites and creators, and the information provided is based on these sources. Content in this publication may be sponsored.
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Your Annapolis Plans, Made Easy
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February is the perfect time to book a plan to stay connected to the Yard. Fair Winds offers alumni a beautifully restored historic home in downtown Annapolis—just one block from USNA, Main Street, and the waterfront.
Ideal for weddings, milestone weekends, reunions, and meaningful return visits, Fair Winds blends Navy heritage with modern comfort and is proudly owned and operated by two USNA graduates. Prime dates fill early— set your course and explore availability at fairwindsdta.com.
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Today in Navy, Marine Corps
and USNA Memorial Hall History
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1898 - ENS Joseph Breckinridge, Class of 1895, USN was lost when he drowned after falling overboard from the gunboat Cushing (Torpedo Boat #1) near Cuba. His family was prominent; his father retired a Major General and his uncle served in Congress (and appointed him to the Naval Academy). Breckinridge was the first son and second child of twelve children, though three of his siblings died in infancy. His only post-graduation assignment was as a Naval Cadet aboard the battleship Texas. USS Breckinridge (DD 148) was named for Joseph; the ship was sponsored by his niece. His classmates erected a plaque in his honor in Memorial Hall. It reads in part: “Both sure and steadfast.” He was survived by his parents and eight siblings.
1922 - BGen John H. Russell was appointed U.S. High Commissioner and personal representative of the President to the government of Haiti. This nine-year assignment placed this future Commandant in supreme command of both the occupying American force and the Haitian Gendarmerie.
1965 - In the aftermath of the Viet Cong bombing of an Army enlisted barracks at Qui Nhon, South Vietnam, which kills 23 Americans and injures 21 others, carrier aircraft again strike targets in North Vietnam. Operation Flaming Dart II, launched from the decks of Hancock (CVA-19), Coral Sea (CVA-43), and Ranger (CVA-61), hits North Vietnamese barracks near Chan Hoa.
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Academy & Graduate happenings
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Vecchiolla '77 charts QinetiQ US's flight plan: People, systems and mission delivery
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Tom Vecchiolla '77, USN (Ret.), former U.S. Navy naval aviator and acquisition leader, is charting a new direction as President and CEO of QinetiQ US. After a 22-year Navy career that included senior acquisition roles and Capitol Hill experience, Vecchiolla took the helm of the defense technology company to strengthen its operational foundation and mission delivery. He emphasizes deep assessment, adaptability, and a people-first leadership approach to position QinetiQ US for growth and enhanced customer service. Under his guidance, the company aims to innovate and deliver agile, high-impact solutions for government and defense customers.
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Young '98 named new jetport manager for Doña Ana County, Texas
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The Doña Ana County International Jetport has a new manager, who is a former Navy aviator. Jody Young '98 was announced as the new jetport manager by County Manager Scott Andrews earlier this week. In this role, Young will be responsible for the management, promotion, coordination and supervision of the daily operations of the Jetport in Santa Teresa. He served honorably for 20 years and retired from the U.S. Navy in 2018. His military career included multiple deployments in support of Operations Northern and Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom and Pacific Partnership 2010. He holds a bachelor of science degree in engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and a master of business administration degree in materiel logistics support management from the Naval Postgraduate School.
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Government & Military News
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Chinese carrier-based fighter seen equipped with new supersonic anti-ship missile
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China's carrier-based J-15 fighter has been observed carrying a new supersonic anti-ship missile capable of long-range maritime strikes, according to recent reports. The missile, seen mounted under the aircraft's wings in photos circulating online, appears designed to travel at supersonic speeds and engage naval targets at extended distances. This development suggests China is expanding strike options for its carrier aviation beyond traditional roles, enhancing the People's Liberation Army Navy's ability to threaten surface vessels far from shore. The sighting underscores Beijing's ongoing efforts to modernize its naval strike capabilities and project power in contested waters.
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Navy leader wants to move faster and leaner instead of turning to aircraft carriers in crisis
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The U.S. Navy's top uniformed officer wants to convince commanders to use smaller, newer ships and other assets for missions instead of consistently turning to huge aircraft carriers — as seen now in the American military buildups off Venezuela and Iran. Adm. Daryl Caudle's vision — what he calls his “Fighting Instructions” — calls for the Navy to deploy more tailored groups of ships and equipment that would offer the sea service more flexibility to respond to crises as they develop. Caudle spoke to The Associated Press before the rollout of the new strategy, which comes as the Trump administration has moved aircraft carriers and other ships to regions around the world to address emerging concerns.
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Elfreth releases 2025 Defense Report
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Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released her 2025 Defense Report. **Elfreth represents the district in which the Naval Academy resides** In her first year in Congress and serving on the Committee, Elfreth set out to visit every major military installation in Maryland. The report presents reflections from each installation tour, along with the wins secured in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and outlines next steps she plans to take in the coming years. “As the only Marylander in the House or the Senate serving on a committee focused explicitly on national security and defense issues, I am committed to building upon their distinguished legacy and continuing to deliver wins on behalf of our servicemembers, our state, and our nation.”
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Beer and wine at chow halls of the future? Commanders will decide
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The Army is considering allowing beer and wine sales in future chow halls as part of a campus-style dining pilot, with final decisions left to installation commanders. The initiative aims to modernize dining facilities, improve quality of life, and increase participation, with any alcohol sales funded by contractors and benefiting Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs. While the pilot is Army-led, the concept could influence how the Navy and Marine Corps approach dining modernization, installation amenities, and quality-of-life initiatives, particularly as the services compete for talent and explore new ways to improve the day-to-day experience of service members.
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Local, Education & other academy news
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Join us this Friday for Women's Lacrosse at the Fluegel Alumni Center!
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Get ready for an evening of Navy pride and excitement! Join us this Friday, 13 February at 6:30 p.m. at the Fluegel Alumni Center. This is your chance to meet the reigning Patriot League Champion Navy Women's Lacrosse team leaders! 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!
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Naval Academy Athletics News & Results
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Longtime Navy assistant hired as next Archbishop Spalding (Md.) HFC
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R.B. Green, a longtime assistant coach for Navy football, has been hired as the next head football coach at Archbishop Spalding High School in Maryland. Green spent 13 seasons with the Midshipmen, including a decade coaching defensive backs, before moving to the high school ranks. He succeeds Kyle Schmitt, who left to coach tight ends at the University of Maryland. Archbishop Spalding's program is coming off a successful season, finishing as one of the state's top teams. Green's experience with Navy's defensive traditions and leadership development is expected to be a major asset in his new role.
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Women's Basketball vs Bucknell - Annapolis, Md. - 7:00 p.m. ET
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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.
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FEBRUARY
- 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
- 20 Feb – Brigade Boxing Quarter Finals - Halsey Hall - 4:30 p.m.
- 21 Feb – Brigade Boxing Semi Finals - Halsey Hall - 3 p.m.
- 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 - 7:00 p.m.
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
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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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