18 Feb Daily Shipmate

Wednesday, 18 February 2026

This week's editions of Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation Morning Paper are brought to you by Otterson Wealth Advisors and Naval Academy graduate Caleb Cronic '11. Otterson Wealth Advisors of Raymond James is not just a team. It's a vast resource of financial knowledge, with each member bringing their unique expertise to your financial success. Caleb Cronic '11, financial advisor and Naval Academy graduate, is a CIMA-certified pro. His strategic prowess is your asset working towards your financial goals. Ready to begin to your journey? Otterson Wealth Advisors … your goals, our expertise.

1971 - Maj Wayne Hyatt '59, USMC was killed in action when his CH-53D Sea Stallion was shot down near Doi Dian, Thua Thien Province, Vietnam enroute to Marble Mountain, Da Nang Air Base. Four crew and three passengers were aboard the aircraft; he was a member of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 463. For forty-seven years, this loss was officially due to mechanical failure. However, on 8 April 2018 the Deputy Commandant of the Marine Corps (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) approved the awarding of the Purple Heart to Hyatt and the other Marines.

 

1991 - Within three hours and ten nautical miles, the amphibious assault ship Tripoli (LPH-10) and guided missile cruiser Princeton (CG-59) strike mines while conducting operations in the northern Persian Gulf. Tripoli sustains a 16-by-20-foot hole in its forward starboard side below the waterline and minor flooding to six auxiliary spaces. Four crewmembers are injured, but Tripoli remains fully operational. Princeton sustains damage that includes a crack in its superstructure, and is towed to port. Three crewmen are injured.

Academy & Graduate happenings

The passing of Academy Award-winning actor Robert Duvall at age 95 marks the loss of one of America's most respected actors, known for roles that defined generations of film. For the Naval Academy alumni community, his story carries a deeper connection: in addition to attending the Severn School, Duvall's father, RADM William H. Duvall '24, USN (Ret.) was a Naval Academy graduate and career naval officer, shaping Duvall's early life as a Navy “brat.” That legacy of service influenced his perspective and discipline, even as he pursued a career in the arts. RADM Duvall passed away on 14 February 1984. Forty-two years later — almost to the day — his son, Robert, died on Sunday, 15 February 2026, a striking echo that underscores the enduring bond between their lives and legacies. Remembering Robert is not only about celebrating cinematic excellence, but also honoring the enduring ties between military service and the broader American story.

The Fluegel Alumni Center welcomed friends, family and alumni of Navy women's lacrosse for a live recording of the Sing Second Podcast Friday, 13 Feburary. Head coach Cindy Timchal and lacrosse alum Cynthia Lisa '00 joined Sing Second Podcast co-host John Schofield and Anchors Aweigh Podcast host Bill Wagner, for a conversation on leadership and legacy. Team Captain Emma Kennedy '26 and Ava Yovino '26 dropped by to thank the fans, parents and alumni for their support. Lisa reflected on how her experience as a team leader prepared her for success in the Fleet and on the pride she and her teammates feel in helping transition the program from a club sport to a Division I sport at USNA. While that pioneering class drove the effort, Timchal credits the 2000 team as true trailblazers. As the Naval Academy recognizes 50 years of women, their story stands as a powerful example of impact, service and lasting legacy. Listen to the full episode below for their perspective.

Distinguished Graduate JoAnna Sohovich '93 joins Alumni Association & Foundation staff for Fireside Chat

JoAnna Sohovich '93, a 2025 Naval Academy Distinguished Graduate, visited the Fluegel Alumni Center and addressed members of the AA&F staff 17 February to speak about leadership and the principles that guide how she leads her teams. Sohovich, who has held leadership positions with some of the world's leading companies such as Chamberlain Group, Stanley Black & Decker and Honeywell, emphasized the importance of accountability, explaining that strong leadership requires setting clear expectations and consistently holding team members responsible for their commitments and performance. She also highlighted the value of authenticity in leadership, believing that leaders are most effective when they are genuine and transparent, creating an environment of trust and openness. Sohovich serves on the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation Board of Directors and as a member of the Women For Navy Athletics. Her philanthropic projects include the Sohovich Refueling Station in Lejeune Hall that provides nutritional resources and custom tools needed for athletic programs based on training and competition schedules. She is the proud mom of teenaged super-swimmer Xavier.

“A group of 12 USNA graduates, spouses and friends embarked upon the deluxe intimate yacht “World Navigator” cruising from Dubrovnik, Croatia, to Venice, Italy making eight port calls spanning Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. Their travels included ancient walled cities, medieval villages, iconic archaeological sites and stunning Dalmatian Coast landscapes — including smaller idyllic ports that are inaccessible by automobile or large cruise ships. Cynthia and Jim De Francia '63, Beverly and Don Jefferson '73, Audrey and Scott Orren '84, Lori and Bobby Coogan '95 and USNA friends from Washington and Oregon visited several UNESCO World Heritage sites including the seventh-century walled city of Dubrovnik; old town Kotor, Montenegro; the historic ports of Korcula and Hvar; the fourth-century Palace of Diocletian in Split; the archaeological masterpieces within Pula and Rovinj, Croatia and the Škocjan Caves in Slovenia. The graduates from graduating classes spanning four decades loved the teamwork, adventure and camaraderie of traveling with USNA classmates and family! We will definitely be exploiting more of the world with future USNA travel groups!”

Government & Military News

Our amazing partner, USAA has a fantastic sweepstakes and YOU should enter! The winner of the Miles of Memories Sweepstakes can win up to $10,000 for a trip anywhere in the U.S. with the option to bring up to three travel companions. This sweepstakes runs through 5 April 2026.

The U.S. struck three boats Monday that were allegedly carrying illicit narcotics, killing 11 people in the strikes, U.S. Southern Command announced Tuesday. Two of the strikes were against boats in the Eastern Pacific, each killing four men. The third, conducted against a boat in the Caribbean, killed three people. The strikes were on vessels operated by unnamed “designated terrorist organizations,” according to the SOUTHCOM post on social media site X. On Friday, SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis Donovan directed a strike on an unnamed “designated terrorist organization” in the Caribbean. Three people were killed.

Top enlisted leaders from all U.S. military services told lawmakers there is no evidence that allowing women in combat roles has lowered standards or harmed readiness. During a Senate hearing, they emphasized that women must meet the same gender-neutral requirements as men and that unit performance has not declined. The comments came amid a Pentagon-ordered review of combat effectiveness and integration. Some lawmakers voiced concern the review could lead to policy reversals, while others are pushing legislation to codify women's eligibility for combat roles. Leaders across the services reiterated that readiness and performance remain the priority, regardless of gender.

Local, Education & other academy news

One of the top American Winter Olympic athletes in Team USA history finally achieved a gold medal on Monday. It came in the women's monobob competition at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, as she was just able to hang on to the top spot in the event. Meyers Taylor put together a time of 59.51 to launch herself ahead of teammate Kaillie Humphries for first place. It's the first gold medal for Meyers Taylor. She tied Bonnie Blair as the most decorated female Winter Olympian in Team USA history. Both women have six total medals. Meyers Taylor is the daughter of Eddie Meyers '82.

Hormel Foods has appointed Will Bonifant '97 as Group Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, effective 9 March 2026. He will oversee global procurement, manufacturing, logistics, engineering and supply chain innovation. Bonifant joins from The Hershey Company, where he led international supply chain operations across the U.S., China, Europe and Asia. He previously served eight years as a U.S. Navy submarine officer, managing leadership and nuclear power roles aboard the USS Georgia and as a nuclear power regulator specializing in electrical engineering and instrumentation. Bonifant holds degrees from the U.S. Naval Academy, Georgia Tech and Wharton.

From USNA 2005 alum and Annapolis resident Chris Yenias '05, welcome to the Know Your Neighbor Podcast. Know Your Neighbor is a podcast about slowing down and actually hearing it. In a world full of hot takes and highlight reels, these are honest, in-person conversations with the people you see every day but might never talk to.Veterans, founders, teachers, therapists—each episode shares a story that may inspire you, surprise you, challenge you or remind you we've all got more in common than we think. Steve Samaras is the owner and founder of Zachary's Jewelers in Annapolis, Maryland. His iconic store in the heart of downtown's main street has become a local institution, known for more than just fine jewelry. Samaras's approach to business is rooted in personal values, genuine care for people and a belief that success doesn't require sacrificing who you are. His story is one of craftsmanship, community and building something lasting the right way.

If you've felt the energy of a signature event at USNA AA&F, you've likely experienced Cylc's work—whether you realized it or not. She's the quiet conductor behind the scenes, turning big ideas into moments that bring the U.S. Naval Academy community together.

 

Her connection to Annapolis runs deep. Since moving there as a child, the Academy has been a constant thread—first as a student at St. Mary's, then as an intern, a midshipman sponsor and eventually a Navy spouse after meeting her husband at McGarvey's Saloon & Oyster Bar. By the time she joined the team, it felt less like a job and more like stepping into a story already in progress.

 

At home, that story is loud, busy and joyful. Weekends mean sideline cheers for six kids, carpools fueled by coffee and a household rhythm set to lacrosse schedules. In quieter moments, she reaches for a book—often returning to "Make Your Bed" by William H. McRaven for perspective.

 

One of her proudest chapters came in Ireland, helping orchestrate events around the Navy–Notre Dame game. For Cylc, the work has never been just logistics. It's about creating spaces where tradition, pride, and people meet—and making those moments feel effortless.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

​​Men's Golf vs Watersound Invitational – Panama City, Fla. – 9:00 a.m.

Women's Swimming & Diving vs Patriot League Championship – Annapolis, Md. – Noon / 5:00 p.m.

Men's Swimming & Diving vs Patriot League Championship – Annapolis, Md. – Noon / 5:00 p.m.

Women's Lacrosse at Delaware – Newark, Del. – 3:00 p.m.

Women's Basketball at Lehigh – Bethlehem, Pa. – 6:00 p.m.

Men's Basketball vs Lehigh – Annapolis, Md. – 7:00 p.m.

Men's Golf vs Watersound Invitational – 12th / 12 Teams

Baseball vs Delaware State – W 12 - 0

Men's Lacrosse vs VMI – W 19 - 12

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)

 

 

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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