25 Feb Daily Shipmate

Wednesday, 25 February 2026

1862 - The Union ironclad Monitor, which one observer likens to a “cheese box on a raft” and another calls “a mere speck, like a hat on the surface,” is commissioned. It departs the New York Navy Yard two days later, but is forced to turn back because of a steering failure.

 

1955 - 1st Lt John Allard '53, USAF was lost when the T-33 jet trainer he was flying crashed north of Victoria, Texas, while serving with the 723rd Fighter-Bomber Squadron. A native of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Allard attended the University of Missouri before entering the Naval Academy. After graduating, he completed Air Force jet training and served at bases including Malden, Greenville and Nellis, earning a reputation as a promising young pilot. Allard had recently finished jet gunnery training near Las Vegas and was slated for advanced instruction and an instructor assignment. He was 23 years old and was survived by his wife, Ann, and their infant daughter, Karen, as well as his mother; his father predeceased him.

 

1960 - An R6D Liftmaster carrying members of the Navy Band collides with a Brazilian airliner over Rio de Janeiro. Sixty-four people, including thirty-eight on board the Navy aircraft, are killed. The only survivors are three Navy men.

Academy & Graduate happenings

The Naval Academy's 85th Annual Brigade Boxing Championships takes place Friday, 27 February at 7 p.m. in Alumni Hall. Midshipmen square off in traditional Blue vs. Gold matchups, competing in three two-minute rounds as the Brigade's top fighters look to claim this year's titles. Every midshipman at the Naval Academy laces up the gloves at least once during their four years. Boxing is a required part of the physical education curriculum during youngster year, a rite of passage that tests grit as much as skill. The academy's boxing team competes in invitational matches each fall and spring, along with a steady slate of intramural fights. The season builds toward the Brigade Boxing Championships, where members of the team share the ring with midshipmen from across the Yard. Standouts advance to regional competition, chasing a spot at the National Collegiate Boxing Association Championships held each spring. For more information on Brigade Boxing at the Naval Academy and this semester's tentative boxing schedule, please visit the link below.

The Anne T. Rutherford Exemplary Community Volunteer Award was presented to USNA alum and A&SP Trustee Bob Ravener '81 during the annual ceremony hosted by Franklin Tomorrow, recognizing a lifetime of service and leadership. The award honors an individual whose sustained volunteer efforts have made a lasting impact on the community. Ravener has supported numerous civic and nonprofit organizations, including the Downtown Franklin Rotary and Friends of Franklin Parks. Organizers praised his dedication to strengthening local initiatives, mentoring fellow volunteers and advancing projects that benefit residents. The ceremony celebrated individuals whose commitment continues to shape and support the community.

From the Podcast Fleet

Navy women's basketball coach Tim Taylor joins the podcast to talk about beating archrival Army in the Star game for the first time since 2018. Taylor also reviews what has been a tremendously successful season that has seen the Midshipmen clinch at least a share of the Patriot League regular season championship. We also put the spotlight on Navy men's and women's swimming and diving, which swept the Patriot League Championships.

Government & Military News

The United States has ordered nonessential personnel and some family members to depart the U.S. Embassy in Beirut as tensions with Iran continue to rise. Officials described the move as a precaution aimed at protecting personnel amid growing concerns about regional instability and the potential for escalation involving Iranian-backed groups. The embassy will remain open with core staff maintaining diplomatic and security operations. The decision comes as the U.S. reviews force protection measures and monitors developments across the Middle East, underscoring ongoing efforts to balance diplomatic presence with safety as the situation evolves.

The U.S. Department of Defense is testing commercial drones to decide which ones are safe and reliable for military use. Through its “Blue UAS” program, the Pentagon checks drones for cybersecurity, performance and compliance with U.S. laws—especially to avoid risky foreign parts. About 25 companies are being evaluated, and a public list now shows more than 50 approved drone models, with some cleared for real-world missions. Testing is happening at Fort Benning. The goal is to make buying drones faster, strengthen U.S. manufacturing, and expand the military's drone fleet over the next few years.

The U.S. Air Force and General Atomics successfully completed a live manned-unmanned flight exercise pairing an F-22 Raptor with an MQ-20 Avenger drone at Edwards Air Force Base, California. During the test, the F-22 pilot used autonomy software and a tactical data link to direct the MQ-20 on waypoint routes, combat air patrols and simulated threat engagements. The drone executed its missions autonomously while maintaining continuous communication with the fighter. The exercise demonstrated the MQ-20's ability to act as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft, extending sensor reach and mission capability while the piloted aircraft retains command authority.

Virtual tech in Marine communications school saves time, money

A new virtual training system at the U.S. Marine Corps Communications-Electronics School is reducing costs and speeding up instruction by allowing Marines to practice troubleshooting and operating complex gear in a simulated environment. The program recreates real-world scenarios without requiring physical equipment, cutting maintenance expenses and freeing up classroom resources. Instructors can also tailor scenarios to specific missions, giving students more repetitions and immediate feedback. Leaders say the approach improves readiness while saving both time and money, and it could expand to other technical training pipelines if results continue to be positive.

Local, Education & other academy news

Alum takes command on USS Preble

CDR Andrew Vann '09 relieved CDR Paul Archer as commanding officer of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) during a change of command ceremony at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, 20 February 2026. "To the incredible crew of USS Preble, it is with a profound sense of humility and purpose that I take command today," said Vann. "We accept a legacy of excellence, forged by those who stood this watch before us, and we will build upon it. Together, we will uphold the highest standards of our naval service and ensure this warship remains the most formidable fighting force on the seas. The course is set, our mission is clear, and I am honored to serve with you." Vann, a native of Florida, graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Men's Basketball at Loyola, Maryland - Baltimore, Md. - 7:00 p.m.

Women's Golf at El Campeon Collegiate - T-4th 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 - Fri 4:00 p.m., Sat - 2:00 p.m., Sun - 1:00 p.m.

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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