26 Feb Daily Shipmate

Thursday, 26 February 2026

1945 - TBM Avengers of VC-82 from the escort carrier Anzio (CVE-57), in concert with the flattop's escorts, sink the Japanese submarines I-368 and RO-43 off Iwo Jima, Japan. Meanwhile, the destroyer escort Finnegan (DE-307) sends the Japanese submarine I-370 to the bottom south of Iwo Jima, Japan.

 

1967 - A-6 Intruders from the carrier Enterprise (CVAN-65) conduct the first aerial mining of the Vietnam War, planting the underwater weapons in the mouths of the Song Ca and Song Giang rivers in an effort to stop the flow of enemy supplies into South Vietnam. Additionally, the cruiser Canberra (CAG-2) joins the destroyers Benner (DD-807) and Joseph Strauss (DDG-16) in bombarding 16 targets near Thanh Hoa in North Vietnam, the first time that naval gunfire has been employed in the conflict without provocation by the enemy. On 1 March, enemy shore batteries score hits on Canberra, damaging it slightly.

 

1980 - LTJG William Readman '77, USN was lost when the EA-6B Prowler he was co-piloting crashed short of the runway at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. He was a member of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130. Readman had been a naval aviator since March 1979. A native of International Falls, Minnesota, he was survived by his parents and his sister.

Academy & Graduate happenings

In this episode of The Naval Aviation Ready Room podcast, host CAPT Ryan Keys '95, USN (Ret.) interviews fellow alum Dave Lorenzo '64, a United States Marine Corps fighter pilot and Vietnam veteran. Lorenzo shares his path from United States Naval Academy graduate to F-8 Crusader pilot, recounting being shot down over Laos on his 98th combat mission. He reflects on combat aviation tactics, transitioning to a commercial airline career and later serving as a docent at the National Naval Aviation Museum. The conversation highlights resilience, mentorship and his ongoing passion for inspiring future aviators, ending with a memorable Academy ring story.

CAPT Ryan Leary turned over as Commander, Destroyer Squadron Two Three (COMDESRON 23) with CAPT Scott Wilbur '01, USN during a change of command ceremony held on the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63), 20 February. Wilbur is a native of Cape Cod, Mass. and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in May 2001. He previously served as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer on USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) during the ship's extended maintenance period and re-integration to the Fleet. He also served as the Operations Officer at Carrier Strike Group Eleven. His deployments include Pacific, Southern and Central Command areas of responsibility.

As the U.S. Naval Academy enters the 50th year of women on the Yard, few stories better capture the determination, versatility and leadership of that pioneering generation than that of Cheryl Dolyniuk Carlan, Class of 1983. A three-sport varsity athlete who earned an extraordinary 12 varsity letters in volleyball, swimming and rowing, Carlan helped lay the foundation for women's athletics at Annapolis while simultaneously setting the standard for excellence across the Brigade.

Naval Base Kitsap honored the service of CAPT John Hale '98, USN at a ceremony 20 February, as the reins were handed over to CAPT Alexander Baerg '00, USN as NBK's new commanding officer. Hale graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1998 and began his 27-year career as a naval officer. While commanding officer at NBK, Hale's top priorities were improving the quality of day-to-day support activities and ensuring long-term infrastructure modernization efforts. At NBK, Hale advocated for the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program, which is ongoing, and the replacement of the NBK-Manchester fuel storage tank, with completion of the project estimated for 2030. Baerg is from Everett and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2000.

Government & Military News

During a recent naval exercise, a U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet launched a stealthy Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile that contributed to sinking a decommissioned warship, highlighting advances in carrier-based strike capability. The event underscored how the missile's low-observable design, onboard sensors and autonomous targeting allow it to operate in contested environments with limited external guidance. Officials framed the test as a demonstration of modern maritime warfare tactics and joint force integration rather than the destruction of the target itself. The exercise showed how air wings can deliver long-range anti-ship power, signaling a shift beyond older weapons and reinforcing evolving strategies for future naval conflicts.

U.S. forces captured the oil tanker MT Bertha in the Indian Ocean, marking the third “shadow fleet” vessel interdicted after being tracked from the Caribbean. The ship, previously sanctioned for ties to a Chinese management company and linked to Iran's shadow fleet, was operating under a Cook Islands flag. According to the Pentagon, the operation involved a maritime boarding supported by helicopters, demonstrating the U.S. ability to enforce sanctions far from home waters. The seizure is part of a broader campaign targeting tankers connected to Venezuelan oil shipments, with other recently captured vessels including Veronica III and Aquila II.

Veterans and lawmakers are urging the Department of Veterans Affairs to formally rescind a controversial new disability ratings rule issued Feb. 17 that would have medical examiners rate disabilities based on how well a veteran functions while on medication rather than the untreated severity of their condition. Critics argue the rule could lower compensation and force veterans to choose between health care and benefits. VA Secretary Doug Collins said the department will not enforce the rule, and VA Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence later said they plan to abandon it. However, the rule remains on the books and has not yet been officially revoked.

CarMax, the nation's largest used‑car retailer, agreed to pay at least $420,000 to settle allegations that it illegally repossessed vehicles owned by U.S. service members, the Justice Department announced. Officials say CarMax violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act by repossessing cars without obtaining required court orders, sometimes even after being told the owner was in military service. At least 28 military members will receive $15,000 each plus any lost equity in their vehicles, and CarMax will pay a civil penalty to the U.S. government. The company did not admit wrongdoing but has pledged stronger compliance and improved policies.

Local, Education & other academy news

Edge Total Intelligence appointed RADM William E. Chase III '90, USN (Ret.) to its Industry Advisory Council on 25 February 2026. The company said the advisor brings 33+ years of cyber, information warfare and command-and-control expertise to its real-time digital twin and decision intelligence platforms. Chase is a nationally recognized authority in cybersecurity, information warfare and command-and-control operations, with more than 33 years of distinguished service advancing cyber mission readiness across the U.S. Navy and Joint Force. Chase is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and holds a Master of Science in Information Technology from Carnegie Mellon University.

Annapolis' St. Patrick's Parade is set to return on Sunday, 8 March 2026, with a new route that begins on West Street and continues toward downtown. Organizers said the parade will step off at 1:00 p.m. ET. This year's parade will start on West Street at Amos Garrett Boulevard. From there, it will proceed down West Street, circle around Church Circle, then continue down Northwest Street to Calvert Street and St. John's Street. The 14th annual Annapolis St. Patrick's Parade is produced by Naptown Events, which will also sponsor the Hooley at the Naval Academy Alumni Center on 7 March. Information about the parade and Hooley, including tickets for the Hooley, is available at stpatricksweekend.com. John O'Leary '93, founder of the parade and Naptown Events, said, “It's an honor to be hosting our 14th annual St. Patrick's Day festivities. The parade route may be different this year, but we intend on bringing Annapolis the same rousing good time you've been enjoying these last 14 years!”

Tomorrow, Friday, 27 February, is your final opportunity to secure your spot for the 1st Annual USNA Travel Showcase! Alumni, family, sponsors and friends, don't miss your chance to join us at the Fluegel Alumni Center in Annapolis, MD, on 13 March 2026, from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. ET for an afternoon of inspiration, exploration and exclusive travel opportunities.

 

At the showcase, you'll be able to:

Your $10 registration includes beer, wine, soft drinks and appetizers—perfect for mingling and planning your next adventure. Open to all USNA alumni, their families, sponsor families and friends.

 

Questions? Contact [email protected]

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Men's Basketball at Loyola, Maryland - W 78 - 51

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