Official daily newsletter of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation
Supporting the Brigade: SPPA packs annual Dark Ages care packages
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On Saturday, 24 January, members of the USNA Southeastern Pennsylvania Parents Association (SPPA), held our annual Dark Ages Care Packages assembly. It was a fun afternoon filling bags for the 54 SPPA Midshipmen and everyone enjoyed working together as Navy parents on a common mission.
Many hands made light work as members pitched in to label bags, open all the donation boxes, put together boxes for the succulent plants, fill mugs, write notes of encouragement and fill every bag to the brim. Our Midshipmen received more than 40 items in their bags including a custom SPPA mug, candy, cookies, snacks of all varieties, small toys, a succulent plant and Grub Hub gift cards. All of the items were donated by the club and our SPPA families.
One of the families left the venue, drove to USNA and organized some Midshipmen on the Yard to get all of the bags delivered to rooms in Bancroft that night before the big snowstorm hit the East Coast. SPPA hoped that the Midshipmen felt the support of the entire SPPA community behind them when they received their care packages and that they brightened their spirits during the Dark Ages!
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Today in Navy, Marine Corps
and USNA Memorial Hall History
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1980 - 1stLt Stephen Scott '77, USMC was lost when the A-4 Skyhawk he was piloting crashed immediately after takeoff at Yuma, Arizona. A native of Daly City, California, Stephen was a varsity member of both the football and baseball teams at Juniper Serra High School; that school inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 2002. At the Naval Academy he was a starter on the football team for two years; against Notre Dame his 1/c year he had eight catches for over 100 yards. Stephen was survived by his fiancée, parents, three sisters, and three brothers.
1982 - Operating from the aircraft carrier Nimitz (CVN-68), VF-84 completes the first deployment of the Tactical Air Reconnaissance Photographic System. TARPS equips some F-14s to provide medium- and low-altitude reconnaissance for the fleet.
2013 - The U.S. Missile Defense Agency conducted the first live test of an in-orbit satellite missile tracking system when a missile from USS Lake Erie (CG-70) intercepted a medium-range ballistic missile.
2017 - As part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation against ISIS, Carrier Air Wing 8 aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77) begins launching airstrikes on targets in Syria.
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Academy & Graduate happenings
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Clearing the vision barrier: Inside Walter Reed's refractive surgery program
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As a U.S. Naval Academy midshipman in the early 1980s, Dr. Joseph Pasternak '84 missed his chance to fly by a single line on the eye chart. He could see well with glasses, but the rule then was more unforgiving than it is now: U.S. Navy pilots needed to see 20/20 without them. “I was off by a letter or two in one eye. That was it. If you weren't 20/20 uncorrected, you could be a naval navigator but not a pilot,” he said. Today, Pasternak, a retired U.S. Navy Captain and a cornea specialist, is the director of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center's Refractive Surgery Center, where a small team of surgeons and technicians uses advanced laser technology to help warfighters meet vision standards without the aid of glasses or contact lenses. Pasternak said thousands of Naval Academy graduates have passed through the center while working to meet the vision standards for their chosen careers.
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Glaros '20 assumes command of USVRON-31, first CO of unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron
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On 22 January 2026 at Naval Air Station North Island, LT Konstantine Glaros '20, USN, formally assumed command of Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron Three Detachment 31 (USVRON-31), becoming the first junior officer to command an unmanned surface vessel squadron in direct support of deployed naval forces.
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In case you missed it: USS Constitution Museum names Draeger '93 as president & CEO
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The USS Constitution Museum announced in October 2025 that its Board of Trustees has unanimously appointed Jeff Draeger '93 as the Museum's next President and Chief Executive Officer. Draeger brings a rare blend of museum leadership experience, a distinguished naval career and operational expertise across nonprofit and corporate sectors. His commitment to service and learning aligns deeply with the Museum's mission and will serve visitors, partners, and the broader community. Draeger joins the Museum from the Seattle Art Museum, where he served as Interim CEO following his tenure as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing a three-site institution with an annual budget of nearly $40 million and a staff of approximately 350.
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Orion Financial appoints alum as CIO
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Orion Financial today announced the appointments of Daren "DJ" Purnell Jr. '05 as Chief Information Officer and Scott Sorin as Chief Revenue Officer, strengthening its executive team to support innovation, growth and member experience. Purnell Jr has joined Orion Financial as CIO and is reinforcing the organization's commitment to secure, modern systems in an increasingly data-driven financial landscape. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Purnell holds an MBA and PhD from George Washington University and a Master's degree in Data Science from Northwestern University. Most recently, he served as Deputy Director of Data and Chief Data Officer for the Office of Financial Research at the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
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Government & Military News
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Marines on target to meet recruiting, retention goals
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The U.S. Marine Corps is on track to meet its Fiscal Year 2026 recruiting goal, despite a shrinking pool of eligible young Americans, Marine Corps recruiters told attendees at WEST 2026. As of 21 January, percent of the target had already shipped to boot camp, and a strong delayed-entry pool positions the Corps well for the year ahead. Marines have also nearly met their active-duty retention mission, with more than 14,000 reenlistment packages accepted — ahead of goals and earlier than in at least two decades. Command leaders attribute success to focused recruiting efforts and retention initiatives under Talent Management reforms.
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VA reorganization projected to cost at least $312 million
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A major restructuring of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is projected to cost at least $312 million over five years, with an initial investment of about $521 million, according to congressional testimony. The initiative, called the Restructure for Impact and Sustainability Effort (RISE), aims to streamline administrative layers and improve delivery of services and clinical care, but VA leaders initially described it as “cost neutral” to lawmakers. Lawmakers questioned funding plans and transparency during budget hearings, as the VA seeks to reallocate resources while maintaining its fiscal 2026 budget, raising questions on implementation and oversight.
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U.S. Navy completes first-ever F-16C structural sustainment repair, delivering aircraft ahead of schedule
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The U.S. Navy has completed its first Programmed Structural Sustainment Repair (PSSR) on an F‑16C Viper, delivering the aircraft eight months ahead of schedule — a historic milestone for Naval Aviation sustainment. Led by the Adversary and Specialized Aircraft Program Office (PMA‑226) and Fleet Readiness Center Southwest, the effort established depot‑level repair capabilities from scratch in just 18 months, far faster than typical timelines. The F‑16C, used as a cost‑effective adversary aircraft for pilot training including TOPGUN, can now remain safe and mission‑ready for decades. The accelerated repair work enhances fleet readiness and expands sustainment capacity for future aircraft support.
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Autonomous systems may take man out of minefields for U.S. Navy
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The U.S. Navy is increasingly looking to autonomous systems and robotics to handle dangerous mine countermeasure missions and other high‑risk tasks, aiming to keep sailors out of harm's way, according to retired CAPT David Chase at the 2026 WEST Conference. Navy leaders discussed how unmanned technologies — from autonomous underwater vehicles to robotic sensors — could perform hazardous duties such as mine detection and clearance that historically required direct human involvement. These systems align with broader Navy efforts to integrate autonomy into ships, submarines and aircraft, supporting future operations where minimizing risk to personnel and enhancing operational effectiveness are paramount.
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Destroyer USS Truxtun, oiler USNS Supply collide in SOUTHCOM
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The U.S. Navy's guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG-103) and the fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE-6) collided on Wednesday during a replenishment-at-sea operation in the Caribbean Sea while assigned to U.S. Southern Command. Two personnel sustained minor injuries and are in stable condition, and both vessels reported they are continuing to sail safely. The collision — occurring as the ships maneuvered side-by-side to transfer supplies — is under investigation by Navy authorities. Replenishment-at-sea is a complex but routine operation critical to sustaining deployed naval forces.
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Local, Education & other academy news
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If you've noticed that registration links in Daily Shipmate and across our social platforms lead to myUSNA.com, don't worry, that's intentional. We're making event registration, information and alumni engagement easier and more convenient for you to access. Anytime. Anywhere. Day or night. MyUSNA brings everything together in one organized, digital home: your class, your chapter, SIGs, volunteer groups, event registration and more. We even have specialized communities sharing photos and videos of their USNA Alumni Travel together over at USNA Travel: Kaleidoscope. When our entire alumni community connects in one place, communication becomes clearer, engagement becomes stronger and staying involved becomes simpler than ever. Check it out today! Visit myUSNA.com and see where all things USNA alumni live.
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Get the very best USNA gear and support alum-and parent-owned businesses at usna.com's shop
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Get your Navy gear from Forever Firstie, shop for amazing art from Easel on Stribling, get your class and reunion gear from VSA and much much more. AA&F is happy to partner with these businesses and endeavors as we strive to connect you - the alumni - with the best gear and business connections.
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Navy Letterwinners Association Spring Tailgate
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Come reconnect with your former teammates and support Navy Women's Lacrosse! You and a guest are invited to join us for a FREE Navy Letterwinners Tailgate during the Army-Navy Women's Lacrosse Star Game.
When: Saturday, 11 April 2026
Time:
- 11 a.m. ET - Food and drinks (beer, wine, and soft drinks) served
- 12:00 p.m. ET - Game start
Location: Northwest Class Ring Tent inside Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (NMCMS)
All former varsity and club athletes, receiving this email, are invited! The tailgate will remain open throughout the duration of the game. Additional guest passes for the tailgate are available for purchase in the RSVP form below. Admission to the game is FREE, however there is a $10 charge to park at NMCMS. Please
RSVP for the free Navy Letterwinners Tailgate by Thursday, 2 April 2026. If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please contact Caitlin Kane at [email protected] or (410) 293-8761.
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Naval Academy Athletics News & Results
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Navy Women make Patriot League history
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Navy women's basketball improved to 12-1 in Patriot League play with a commanding 66-43 victory over Bucknell, securing the program's first-ever 10-game Patriot League winning streak. Reigning Patriot League Rookie of the Week Zoe Mesuch led the Midshipmen with 17 points, while Demos added six points, three blocks and a season-high two steals. Defensively, Navy delivered one of its strongest performances of the season, blocking a season-high seven shots and forcing 20 turnovers. The Mids will look to keep the momentum going when they host Colgate on Senior Day this Saturday at 3 p.m.
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Friday 13, February
- Men's Track & Field at David Hemery Valentine Invitational – Boston, Mass. – 10:30 a.m.
- Men's Tennis vs Saint Joseph's – Annapolis, Md. – 1:00 p.m.
- Men's Tennis at NJIT – Newark, N.J. – 2:00 p.m.
- Men's Track & Field at Darius Dixon Memorial Invitational – Lynchburg, Va. – 2:00 p.m.
- Women's Track & Field at Darius Dixon Memorial Invitational – Lynchburg, Va. – 2:00 p.m.
- Baseball at Queens – Charlotte, N.C. – 4:00 p.m.
- Men's Squash vs Drexel (Mid-Atlantic Squash Conference Championship) – Charlottesville, Va. – 6:30 p.m.
- Men's Gymnastics at All-Academy Championship – Fort Worth, Texas – 7:30 p.m.
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Saturday 14, February:
- Offshore Sailing at Southern Collegiate Offshore Regatta – Charleston, S.C. – All Day
- Men's Track & Field at Darius Dixon Memorial Invitational – Lynchburg, Va. – 8:30 a.m.
- Women's Track & Field at Darius Dixon Memorial Invitational – Lynchburg, Va. – 8:30 a.m.
- Men's Tennis vs Hampton – Annapolis, Md. – 9:00 a.m.
- Rifle at The Citadel – Charleston, S.C. – 9:00 a.m.
- Women's Track & Field at David Hemery Valentine Invitational – Boston, Mass. – 10:30 a.m.
- Men's Squash vs MIT (Mid-Atlantic Squash Conference Championship) – Charlottesville, Va. – 11:00 a.m.
- Women's Tennis at Virginia Tech – Blacksburg, Va. – 11:00 a.m.
- Women's Lacrosse vs Villanova – Annapolis, Md. – 11:00 a.m.
- Men's Tennis vs Villanova – Annapolis, Md. – 12:00 p.m.
- Men's Basketball at Colgate – Hamilton, N.Y. – 12:00 p.m.
- Men's Lacrosse at Towson – Towson, Md. – 12:00 p.m.
- Baseball at Queens – Charlotte, N.C. – 1:00 p.m.
- Women's Basketball vs Colgate – Annapolis, Md. – 3:00 p.m.
Sunday 15, February:
- Men's Squash vs Mid-Atlantic Squash Conference Championship – Charlottesville, Va. – TBA
- Offshore Sailing at Southern Collegiate Offshore Regatta – Charleston, S.C. – All Day
- Rifle at The Citadel – Charleston, S.C. – 9:00 a.m.
- Women's Tennis vs Villanova – Annapolis, Md. – 10:00 a.m.
- Baseball at Queens – Charlotte, N.C. – 12:00 p.m.
- Women's Tennis vs George Mason – Annapolis, Md. – 2:00 p.m.
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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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