Official daily newsletter of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation
Thursday, 12 February 2026
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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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Navy Lacrosse represents in Key West
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Cold in Maryland? Not in Key West. Former Navy Lax alums (pictured left to right) Skip Miller '77, Roger Sexauer '80 and Jeff Johnson '81 met up with Navy Sports beat writer and Anchors Aweigh podcast host Bill Wagner in Key West this week.
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Today in Navy, Marine Corps
and USNA Memorial Hall History
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1906 - During the farewell ball held for the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1906, Bandmaster Charles A. Zimmerman plays a new class march titled “Anchors Aweigh.” A member of the Class of 1907 later provides the lyrics and the tune eventually becomes the official song of the sea service.
1947 - Cusk (SS-348) launches a Loon missile—the American adaptation of Germany's V-1 rocket of World War II—becoming the first U.S. submarine to launch a guided missile.
1988 - While operating in the Black Sea, the guided missile cruiser Yorktown (CG-48) and the destroyer Caron (DD-970) approach Soviet territorial waters, exercising their right of innocent passage. They are intercepted by two Soviet patrol frigates, which, after exchanging messages, close and bump the port quarters of the American ships. The incident sparks a flurry of diplomatic exchanges.
1975 - LTJG Richard Hormel '71, USN was lost when his A-7E Corsair crashed while on a routine flight training mission from Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. While in high school he was on the team that won the Florida State Championship, which was played in the Orange Bowl. At the Naval Academy he was a standout member of the 150 lb football team. He was survived by his parents.
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Academy & Graduate happenings
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Meet the Mid: A&SP MIDN 1/C Warren Stephens
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Warren Stephens is from Mobile, Alabama and was selected to become a Navy Pilot—an achievement he considers his proudest accomplishment. One of his favorite memories at the Naval Academy was an unforgettable moment when he and his roommate, Dalibor Spanjevic, successfully caught a mouse in their room using an empty whey protein container after a chaotic and surprising sequence of events.
As an A&SP Foundation Scholar and Prep Student, Stephens credits the program with giving him the opportunity to earn admission to the Naval Academy. His year at Georgia Military College helped him adjust to being away from home, experience military college life and handle college-level academics, all of which prepared him well for the Academy. Exposure to the Army side of military life also gave him valuable perspective and strengthened his desire to join the Navy. His advice to incoming plebes is simple: keep going, because it will all be worth it.
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Trailblazers exhibit marks 50 Years Of Women at the U.S. Naval Academy at Museum of Historic Annapolis
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A new special exhibit recognizing 50 years of women at the U.S. Naval Academy is now open at the Museum of Historic Annapolis, highlighting the experiences and accomplishments of Naval Academy alumnae who helped shape generations of military leaders. Historic Annapolis announced the opening of Trailblazers: 50 Years of Women at the U.S. Naval Academy, now on display in the museum's Community Gallery at 99 Main Street, a short walk from Annapolis City Dock. The exhibit is presented in partnership with USNA Women, an alumnae network.
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Anchors Aweigh Podcast - Previewing Navy baseball, which opens the season this weekend in North Carolina
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We preview Navy baseball, which opens the season this weekend down in North Carolina. We talk to head coach Chuck Ristano and senior captain Victor Izquuerdo about the team. Navy swept all four Star Series competitions held last Saturday and we review the results.
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Government & Military News
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Navy interested in expanding shipyard capacity in San Diego to remain battle ready
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The U.S. Navy is exploring ways to expand shipyard capacity in San Diego to help reduce extended maintenance delays and keep the fleet ready for global commitments, according to local reporting. With a significant portion of the fleet homeported or serviced on the West Coast, additional dry docks, repair space, and industrial infrastructure could shorten turnaround times for routine overhauls and modernization work, helping ships return to operational status faster. Navy leaders, including the Chief of Naval Operations, have expressed concern about prolonged deployments and maintenance backlogs tied to limited shipyard throughput — a bottleneck the expansion aims to address.
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Navy Public Affairs renames, realigns to deliver more capable forces
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The Navy has reorganized and renamed its expeditionary public affairs force to improve communication alignment with the fleet. The Navy Public Affairs Support Element (NPASE) Headquarters is now Navy Public Affairs Command (NPAC), and its subordinate units are redesignated as Fleet Public Affairs Centers (FLTPACENs). NPAC will serve as the primary command overseeing public affairs and visual information policy, training, and global support under the Office of the Chief of Information. The change establishes new commanding officer roles and strengthens the Navy's ability to organize, train, and deploy public affairs professionals worldwide, ensuring consistent and effective storytelling of naval operations.
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U.S. Navy on the hunt for strike drones that can launch from any warship
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The U.S. Navy is seeking long-range strike drones that can be launched from a wide range of surface warships, not just aircraft carriers, to address gaps in strike capability and munition capacity. The Defense Innovation Unit's RIMES solicitation calls for reusable unmanned systems able to carry heavy payloads and operate hundreds of miles from ships without large flight decks. These drones would give destroyers, littoral combat ships, and future frigates greater reach and flexibility while maintaining tactical punch in contested environments. The effort reflects a growing emphasis on unmanned strike options to enhance naval power projection.
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Local, Education & other academy news
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Attn: USNA alumni, family, sponsors and friends: Your invite to our Travel Showcase!
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You're invited to an exciting new event, the 1st Annual USNA Travel Showcase! Join us at the Fluegel Alumni Center in Annapolis, MD, on 13 March 2026, from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. ET for an afternoon filled with inspiration, exploration and exclusive travel opportunities.
At the showcase, you'll be able to:
- Meet our top tour operators in person
- Discover incredible new trips, including journeys to The Arctic Circle, Rio de Janeiro, The Cook Islands, and many more destinations around the world
- Enjoy amazing door prizes and special offers for tours booked in 2026 and 2027
Your $10 registration includes beer, wine soft drinks and appetizers—perfect for mingling and planning your next adventure. This event is open to all USNA Alumni, their families, sponsor families and friends. We'd love to see you there and help you start planning your next unforgettable trip. Questions? Please contact [email protected].
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Time is running out - don't miss tomorrow's kickoff gathering with Navy Women's Lacrosse
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Get ready for an evening of Navy pride and excitement! Join us tomorrow night, Friday, 13 February at 6:30 p.m. at the Fluegel Alumni Center. 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 time is running out!
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Will we see you at SACC next week?
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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.
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Naval Academy Athletics News & Results
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Women's Basketball vs Bucknell - W 66 - 4
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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
- 11 Mar - GSMC Social & Business Mtg. Brudergarten - 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM EDT22725 Duke St, Leonardtown, MD 20650 - Online event - Join here
- 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
- 17 Mar – Beyond Commissioning Event, Mitscher Auditorium
- 18 Mar – Beyond Commissioning Event, Mitscher Auditorium
- 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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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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