24 Feb Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, 24 February 2026

photos of the day

Parents from the Gulf Coast, North, South and West Texas clubs were here to volunteer at the annual Come and Taco It dinner for all Texas mids at the Academy. It was a fun Presidents Day evening filled with tacos, Dr. Pepper, Blue Bell ice cream and Goode Company pecan pies. The event wrapped up with a Texas trivia game. Companies based in the Lone Star State, like Kendra Scott, Shiner Beer, H-E-B and Buc-ee's, were represented on the prize tables. Parents from four clubs across Texas worked together to serve about 150 midshipmen, bringing a little bit of home to them during the Dark Ages. The event has changed a lot over the years and was brought back after COVID-19 to brighten the spirits of the mids during the long, cold days of winter. At the end of the night, parents' hearts were full, having brought so many smiles to their kids.

1885 - FADM Chester W. Nimitz '05, USN (Ret.) commander in chief of naval forces in the Pacific during World War II, was born in Fredericksburg, Texas.

 

1991 - The I Marine Expeditionary Force and coalition forces began a ground assault on Iraqi defenses in the final chapter of Operation Desert Storm. The 1st and 2d Marine Divisions stormed into the teeth of Iraqi defenses while heavily armored allied forces attacked the Iraqi defenses in Iraq from behind. In 100 hours, U.S. and allied forces defeated the Iraqi Army.

 

1996 - LCDR James Dee '83, USN was lost when the EA-6B Prowler aircraft he was aboard crashed during a routine flight from USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Another of the crew was killed; two survived. They were members of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 135. A test pilot, he had logged over 1,900 hours in 25 different airframes and had 440 carrier landings. “Jambo” had previously attended a year at Manhattan College; later in his career he earned a Master of Science in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee. “Jambo's sense of humor, absolute dedication to the service of his country and his passion for carrier aviation will forever be remembered by his squadronmates, friends and family.” He was survived by his wife, mother, two sisters and brother.

Academy & Graduate happenings

The U.S. Air Force Academy hosted its 33rd annual National Character and Leadership Symposium 20–21 February 2026, centered on the theme “Courage to Lead in the Profession of Arms: Combat & Crisis-Tested Character.” Cadets, faculty and visiting students heard from senior military leaders and veterans who shared lessons on leadership under pressure, resilience and moral courage. Workshops and keynote sessions emphasized applying these lessons in real-world situations and future service. Among the featured speakers was USNA alum CAPT Charlie Plumb '64 ,USN (Ret.) whose experiences at USNA, a Naval Aviator and as a POW added a joint-force perspective to the discussions on character and combat leadership.

BWX Technologies has appointed aerospace and defense executive Dan Jablonsky '91 to its board of directors, effective 2 March 2026, where he will also serve on the audit and finance committee. Jablonsky most recently led propulsion firm Ursa Major as CEO and chairman and previously served as CEO of Maxar Technologies, guiding the company through a major turnaround and $6.4 billion acquisition. A U.S. Navy veteran and U.S. Naval Academy mechanical engineering graduate, he brings deep experience in space and defense to support BWXT's growth strategy in those sectors.

“Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello '99…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the world. This week…as the U.S. moves a second carrier strike group into the Middle East for potential military action against Iran, RADM Mike” Nasty” Manazir '81, USN (Ret.) joins us to discuss the state of Naval Aviation.”

From the Podcast Fleet

The final days of February are upon us…and we've already won the Star Series against Army. A great weekend for Men's and Women's Basketball up in scenic Highland Falls resulted in two Star wins. With those wins, both teams clinched the regular season Patriot League titles and clinched the Star Series for Navy. Sing Second!! We also just got back from a little record-breaking Roadshow in Tennessee. We talk about that. And we have two amazing interviews. Iron Mike Steadman '10 is making it out there in the entrepreneur space. Want a Ted Talk? Mike gives it. From helping to launch the USNA Entrepreneurs Group (who just held an amazing event at the FAC this past week) to being a Brigade Boxing Champ, Mike has stories. You want to hear them. And we chat with Under Secretary of the Navy CAPT Hung Cao '96, USN (Ret.). The Under dishes on his time as a Mid and the Navy & Marine Corps the Class of 2026 is about to join. That and more on the best Alumni Association podcast there is. Beat Army. Always.

Listen to the sing second podcast on

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 23 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 Navy is considering shortening some sailors' second sea tours to improve retention after exit surveys showed operational tempo as the top reason for leaving. Officials are weighing reducing tours from about 50 to 60 months to roughly 36 to 48 months, potentially cutting time away from families by nearly a third. Leaders are also exploring broader quality-of-life changes, including giving sailors more choice in assignments, reducing permanent change-of-station moves and expanding career-path flexibility. Retention remains strong overall, but gaps persist in key senior enlisted billets, prompting personnel planners to pursue new tools and policies aimed at keeping experienced sailors in uniform.

The U.S. military is accelerating efforts to digitize the battlefield, linking sensors, shooters and commanders through integrated networks to speed decision-making and improve situational awareness. The concept emphasizes moving data seamlessly from the tactical edge to higher headquarters, enabling forces to act faster than adversaries in contested environments. Leaders stress that success will depend not just on technology, but on training, doctrine and cultural adaptation across the force. As conflicts grow more complex and data-driven, digitization is becoming as critical to combat power as traditional weapons systems, shaping how future operations are planned, coordinated and executed.

Local, Education & other academy news

There are 78 parent clubs across the country, and they are a fantastic resource that connects families of midshipmen with local support networks and the shared wisdom of those who are navigating, or who have already navigated, the four-year journey. Members gain practical information, encouragement, and opportunities to gather at events, often forming friendships that last well beyond graduation. Find out more about USNA parent clubs and visit myUSNA.com to explore the club nearest you.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Spring football is underway across the American Athletic Conference, and the first 2026 rankings have dropped. As Navy continues offseason work, the early list provides a snapshot of how the league is shaping up heading into the fall. It's only the beginning, but it offers a sense of the landscape and storylines to watch. See the full rankings to find out exactly where Navy sits within the conference.

Women's Golf at El Campeon Collegiate - Howey-in-the-Hills, Fl. - 8:00 a.m

Baseball at Coppin State - Hanover, Md. / Joe Cannon Stadium - 2:30 p.m. Canceled

Women's Golf at El Campeon Collegiate - T-5th out of 11 teams

Army - Navy Star Series: Navy has won the Star Series

Navy leads 13-5-1 (Army - Volleyball, Men's Soccer, Women's Rugby, Women's Cross Country, Wrestling. 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, Men's and Women's Basketball. 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

USNA AA&F resources & Links

Login to MyUSNA | Daily Shipmate Archives | USNA AA&F Obituaries