19 Feb Daily Shipmate

Thursday, 19 February 2026

1945 - Supported by naval gunfire and aircraft, the Fourth and Fifth Marine Divisions under Lieutenant General Holland M. Smith land on Iwo Jima, Japan, marking the beginning of one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific war. Japanese shore batteries and mortar fire damage a destroyer and four medium landing ships.

1945 - LCDR Frank Peterson '33, USNR was killed in action when his TBF-1C Avenger was shot down by Japanese anti-aircraft fire while attacking Iwo Jima. He left the Naval Academy as a Youngster, and obtained a private pilot's license in 1932 as an employee of the Ludington Flying Service. In 1933 he went to work for a steamship line, but in 1936 he returned to Naval service as an Aviation Cadet. He completed his training in August 1937 and reported to the aviation unit aboard the cruiser USS Omaha (CL 4); the next year he was aboard USS Quincy (CA 39). From 1941 to 1943 he was an instructor at Naval Air Station Pensacola. In January 1943 Frank was ordered back to cruiser duty, this time aboard USS San Francisco (CA 38), where he participated in the attack on Kiska Island in July. By August he was training in torpedo bombers ahead of taking command of Composite Squadron (VC) 77, which was formed in November 1943. In August 1944 the squadron was assigned to the escort carrier USS Rudyerd Bay (CVE 81), from which he was flying when he was shot down. Frank was survived by his wife and three children.

Academy & Graduate happenings

The stories shared by alumnae from 50 years ago are more than a milestone — they are a snapshot of a Brigade navigating change together. As the Academy and military continued to evolve in 1980, classmates learned what it meant to lead, adapt and support one another through a moment few could have imagined.

In the January–February issue of Shipmate, Dr. Pamela (Wacek) Rodgers '80, Sandee (Irwin) Young '80 and Susan (Stapler) Cabral '80 reflect on the camaraderie, challenges and unexpected moments that shaped their four years on the Severn.

It's a story of shared experience, enduring bonds and a class that helped shape the Academy's future. If you haven't revisited this Shipmate magazine issue recently, the online feature is a meaningful way to rediscover the moments that still resonate and impact USNA as we know it today.

Two United States Naval Academy graduates are extending their commitment to service by leading a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting widowed Americans. Christopher Bentley '79, a former Naval Flight Officer in the P-3 community, founded Wings for Widows in 2018 after witnessing the financial uncertainty many face following the loss of a spouse. Now joining him in leadership is Paul “Hank” Scherf '69, who became chairman of the board on 1 January 2026. A naval aviator, Vietnam veteran and former Academy instructor, Scherf later built careers in Silicon Valley and financial planning while dedicating decades to community and veteran service. Together, their shared Annapolis foundation of duty and service guides the organization's mission. Through initiatives like expanded education programs and outreach, Bentley and Scherf will continue to provide practical support and reassurance to thousands each year — a powerful example of alumni leadership making a lasting difference beyond the Fleet.

First-year head coach Jon Perry joins the Anchors Aweigh podcast to discuss what is becoming a historical season for Navy men's basketball. The Midshipmen are one win away from capturing their first outright Patriot League regular season championship since 1997. We also talk to Navy women's lacrosse senior attacker Anna Gotterup, whose older brother is a rising star on the PGA Tour.

Government & Military News

These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy's deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of 17 February 2026, based on Navy and public data. In cases in which a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship.

The U.S. plans to send additional missile launchers to the Philippines to strengthen regional deterrence and support its treaty ally amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific. The deployment is part of broader efforts to enhance joint defense capabilities and improve rapid response options across the archipelago. Chinese officials have criticized the move, warning it could increase instability and escalate competition in the region. U.S. and Philippine leaders, however, frame the decision as a defensive measure aimed at maintaining freedom of navigation and regional security, underscoring Washington's continued focus on countering evolving threats and reinforcing its military posture in the Pacific.

The steady rhythm of hooves carries more than ceremony — it carries memory. The U.S. military's last mounted color guard stands as a living bridge between past and present, where tradition meets purpose in every precise movement. In an era defined by drones, cyber warfare, and rapid modernization, their presence reminds us that identity and morale remain strategic assets. These riders do more than present the colors; they embody continuity, discipline, and the human element behind national defense. For service members and civilians alike, the mounted guard offers a rare, tangible connection to the heritage that underpins today's force. Their mission may look ceremonial, but its impact is enduring — reinforcing pride, preserving history, and ensuring that even as warfare evolves, the story of service is still told in a way you can see, hear, and feel.

Supercarrier surge: U.S. Navy will soon double Ford-class aircraft carrier total

The next chapter of American sea power is unfolding as the U.S. Navy expands its Gerald R. Ford–class aircraft carrier fleet. Built for a security environment defined by long-range weapons and great-power competition, these carriers are engineered to launch more sorties, integrate advanced technologies and operate alongside unmanned systems — all while improving efficiency over their predecessors.Strategically, they provide the United States with sovereign, mobile airfields that can respond to crises without relying on host-nation access. As part of a broader shift toward distributed maritime operations, Ford-class carriers will work in concert with submarines, surface forces and allies to strengthen deterrence, reassure partners and ensure freedom of the seas for decades to come.

Local, Education & other academy news

The VA process can feel complicated — even for veterans who are used to navigating tough systems. What many Naval Academy alumni and families don't realize is that help is already available, and it doesn't cost a thing.

 

VA-accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) are trained experts who guide veterans through the claims process, helping avoid common delays and frustrations along the way.

How VSOs Can Support You
• Identify and organize the right documentation
• Submit claims accurately from the start
• Monitor progress and explain next steps
• Assist with appeals if needed
• Connect veterans to VA health care resources

Best of all, VSO assistance for initial claims is completely free.

Find a VSO Near You

If you know a Naval Academy graduate, family member, or veteran who could benefit, consider passing this along — it could make a meaningful difference.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Navy men's basketball Patriot League regular season champs

After 29 years and a 72–49 win over Lehigh on Tuesday, Navy swept the season series, clinched the No. 1 seed in the 2026 PenFed Credit Union Patriot League, and secured the Patriot League regular-season championship — its first outright crown since 1997. The title marks the fourth time in program history that Navy has finished atop the standings with an outright regular-season championship, joining 1986 and 1987 in the Colonial Athletic Association and 1997 in the Patriot League.

 

"It is special," said first-year head coach Jon Perry of winning the regular season crown. "We have a special group of guys. They are really locked in. We have a higher purpose. We talk about keeping this going and winning one game at a time. I thought our seniors really carried us tonight. Just really proud of them. But this is just one step."

​​Men's Swimming & Diving vs Patriot League Championship - Annapolis, Md. - 10 a.m. / 1 p.m. / 6 p.m.

Women's Swimming & Diving vs Patriot League Championship - Annapolis, Md. - 10 a.m. / 1 p.m. / 6 p.m.

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

Women's Swimming & Diving vs Patriot League Championship – 2nd of 10

Men's Swimming & Diving vs Patriot League Championship – 1st of 10

Women's Lacrosse at Delaware – W 15 - 10

Women's Basketball at Lehigh – L 64 - 75

Men's Basketball vs Lehigh – W 72 - 49

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.

USNA and AA&F Events

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 Alumni Center

22 May – Class of 2026 Graduation & Commissioning, NMCMS

25 May - Run to Honor Reading of the names and multiple Memorial Day Run to Honor Events across the country (Link)

USNA AA&F resources & Links

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