Official daily newsletter of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation
Today in Navy, Marine Corps
and USNA Memorial Hall History
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1967 - During a ground test at Cape Kennedy, Florida, a fire caused by a spark in the pure-oxygen environment of the Apollo I space capsule kills three astronauts, including LCDR Roger B. Chaffee.
1973 - Twenty-four days after the resumption of peace talks in Paris, France, United States and North Vietnamese negotiators sign an agreement declaring a cease-fire. The terms of the agreement also include the return of all Americans held as prisoners of war and the withdrawal of the remaining American forces in South Vietnam within 60 days.
1979 - LTJG William Becker '75, USN was lost when the A-7E Corsair II he was piloting crashed in the Mediterranean Sea. He was a member of Attack Squadron (VA) 12, operating from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Becker was a native of Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania; in high school he was captain of the swim team, and also participated in the Forensics Club and on the golf team. He was survived by his mother, two brothers and two sisters.
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Academy & Graduate happenings
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Join us in celebrating a remarkable milestone—Madeline Hough turns 101!
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As the wife of CAPT Jack Hough '39, USN (Ret.), she has been a cherished member of the U.S. Naval Academy family for generations. For decades, Mrs. Hough has also proudly worn and safeguarded the POW bracelet of CDR Paul Galanti '62, USN (Ret.), a powerful symbol of her steadfast support for those who serve. Whether sharing stories, honoring tradition or simply embodying the spirit of the Navy community, her warmth and dedication continue to inspire all who know her. Happy 101st, Madeline, and thank you for being such a special part of the Naval Academy family!
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Built at USNA: The Naval Academy roots behind Janjusevic '24 and his cyber mission
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U.S. Naval Academy graduate Strahinja Janjusevic '24 is making waves in maritime cybersecurity at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He works on protecting ships, ports and maritime systems from cyber threats, using technology and policy to prevent disruptions to critical shipping operations. His work often involves applying AI and other advanced tools to detect vulnerabilities and respond to potential attacks before they happen. Janjusevic credits his USNA education with giving him both the technical skills and the strategic mindset needed to tackle complex problems in cyber defense. Coursework in computer science, cyber operations and national security, combined with the Academy's emphasis on mission focus and disciplined problem solving, prepared him to translate theory into actionable solutions. His Academy experience also taught him the importance of teamwork and leadership—skills that help him collaborate across disciplines to strengthen maritime cybersecurity. Through this work, he is bridging technology, policy and national security to protect the global maritime domain.
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Government & Military News
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New hypersonic missiles unveiled for fighter planes, ground systems
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The U.S. is unveiling a new hypersonic missile capability that can be launched from fighter jets, bombers and ground systems, expanding how high‑speed weapons may be used in future conflicts. The medium‑range hypersonic system, unveiled by defense firm Ursa Major, uses a liquid‑rocket engine and modular design that lets it change speed in flight and fit onto many platforms. Company leaders say it's built for rapid production and adaptability to meet warfighter needs. Hypersonic weapons, which travel faster than five times the speed of sound, are a growing focus across the U.S. Army, Air Force and Navy as competition with other nations accelerates.
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13 warships, support ships slated for inactivation this year
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The U.S. Navy is set to inactivate 16 ships in 2026 as older vessels reach the end of their service life and become increasingly costly to maintain. Retirements are part of a broader effort to modernize the fleet, free resources for advanced platforms, and align with evolving national security priorities. Many of the ships are over 30 years old and less capable than newer designs, making this transition critical for fleet readiness.
The following ships are slated for inactivation:
Submarines (2)
- USS Newport News (SSN‑750) – Los Angeles‑class, retired
- USS Alexandria (SSN‑757) – Los Angeles‑class, decommissioning August
Cruisers (2)
- USS Lake Erie (CG‑70) – Ticonderoga‑class, September
- USS Shiloh (CG‑67) – Ticonderoga‑class, September
Dock Landing Ship (1)
- USS Germantown (LSD‑42) – Whidbey Island‑class, September
Littoral Combat Ship (1)
- USS Fort Worth (LCS‑3) – Independence‑class, July
Military Sealift Command / Support Ships (10)
- Includes oilers and roll‑on/roll‑off cargo ships, scheduled for inactivation or transfer out of active service
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President presents Medal of Honor to 100-year-old Korean War veteran during State of the Union
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During the State of the Union address, President Donald Trump presented the Medal of Honor to 100-year-old Korean War veteran Hershel “Woody” Williams in a White House ceremony honoring a lifetime of courage and service. Williams became the first Naval Aviator in 49 years to receive the Medal of Honor and, at age 100, the oldest living recipient, recognized for an historic dogfight with Soviet MiG-15s in 1952. The president praised his bravery and dedication, calling him an American hero whose actions reflect the highest traditions of military service. Williams' recognition highlights both his extraordinary combat achievements and his decades of continued service to veterans and the nation. As one of the last living Medal of Honor recipients from his era, he represents the enduring legacy of sacrifice and valor. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the nation's commitment to honoring those who have shaped its history through service.
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Military bases must bolster natural disaster planning to mitigate risks, report finds
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A U.S. Government Accountability Office report found that many military bases lack adequate planning and data tracking for natural disasters, even as extreme weather and other events have cost the Department of Defense more than $15 billion in damages over the past decade. The report examined 12 installations that suffered major damage from earthquakes, floods, wildfires, hurricanes and typhoons and found gaps in how costs are tracked and resilience is planned. It recommends expanding data collection, improving guidance, and using resilience information in installation master plans to better prepare bases for future disasters. The Pentagon agreed with the recommendations.
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Local, Education & other academy news
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Navy Football releases 2026 schedule
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The 2026 season is shaping up to be electric for the Navy Midshipmen football, who return a veteran core after an 11-win campaign packed with trophies and momentum. Fans will pack Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium for five home games, while big road tests and two neutral-site showdowns add intrigue. Highlights include a Halloween clash with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football at Gillette Stadium and a stretch run featuring Memphis and Charlotte. The season crescendos with college football's most iconic rivalry, the Army-Navy Game, Dec. 12 at MetLife Stadium—setting the stage for another thrilling chapter.
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Navigate your VA benefits with confidence
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From healthcare and disability benefits to education and home loans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers lifelong support for USNA alumni. We've gathered key VA resources in one place, organized by need, so you can quickly find what matters most. Explore direct links, learn what you're eligible for, and take the next step with confidence. Start here to access the benefits you've earned and ensure you're making the most of every available resource today.
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Naval Academy Athletics News & Results
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85th Annual Brigade Boxing Championships take place tonight
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Tonight, the Naval Academy comes alive as midshipmen face off in the 85th Annual Brigade Boxing Championships! In classic Blue vs. Gold matchups, the Brigade's top fighters battle through three intense, fast-paced two-minute rounds for glory, bragging rights and this year's titles. As many alumni know, boxing is more than a sport at USNA, it's a rite of passage, testing skill, endurance, grit,and teamwork, which showcases the heart and discipline that define every midshipman. Everything happens at 7:00 p.m. ET in Alumni Hall. AND, Daily Shipmate will be your front-row seat: full recaps, action-packed photos and highlight reels next week will bring every knockout, block and Blue vs. Gold showdown to life. Make sure your fellow alumni are signed up for the daily publication so they don't miss a second of the action and other important USNA, Navy, Marine Corps and USNA AA&F news!
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Navy Letterwinners Association newsletter
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On behalf of the Navy Letterwinners Association, we hope you enjoy the latest edition of our monthly newsletter. In this issue, you will find feature stories about Gymnastics "Highest Bar" Awards Dinner, women's basketball Zanai Barnett-Gay '27, and track & field coach Jamie Cook. It's been a busy month! The Midshipmen clinched the Army/Navy Star Series, presented by USAA, with incredible victories from gymnastics, rifle, men's and women's indoor track & field, as well as both basketball teams! Singing second is what we do! This is turning out to be one unbelievable first year for our new Director of Athletics Michael Kelly. Men's Basketball and Women's Basketball have both claimed the #1 seeds in their respective Patriot League tournaments. Come out and support Navy Basketball as they host the first round of the tournament. In other news, our lacrosse teams are off to great starts, with women's lacrosse taking down then #10 UVA, while men's lacrosse came from behind for a huge upset against #11 Penn State. Men's and Women's Swimming & Diving swept the Patriot League Championships. Navy rifle has posted some of their own amazing records and are now heading back to the NCAA Championships.
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- Men's Squash vs CSA Team Divisional Championship - Philadelphia, Pa. - TBA
- Women's Swimming & Diving at ECAC Championship — Lewisburg, Pa. — 10 a.m. / 6 p.m.
- Men's Swimming & Diving at ECAC Championship — Lewisburg, Pa. — 10 a.m. / 6 p.m.
- Baseball vs St. Bonaventure — Annapolis, Md. — 3:00 p.m.
- Men's Soccer at UMBC — Baltimore, Md. — 7:00 p.m.
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Saturday, 28 February:
- Intercollegiate Sailing at Nelson Roltsch Team Race — New Orleans, Louisiana — All Day
- Intercollegiate Sailing vs Navy Open Team Race — Annapolis, Maryland — All Day
- Intercollegiate Sailing at DC Open Team Race — Washington, D.C. — All Day
- Men's Squash vs CSA Team Divisional Championship — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — TBA
- Women's Triathlon at Clermont Draft Legal — Clermont, Florida — 8:00 a.m.
- Rifle vs GARC Championship — West Point, New York — 9:00 a.m.
- Women's Lacrosse vs #7 Florida — Annapolis, Maryland — 9:30 a.m.
- Men's Swimming & Diving at ECAC Championship — Lewisburg, Pennsylvania — 10 a.m. / 6 p.m.
- Women's Swimming & Diving at ECAC Championship — Lewisburg, Pennsylvania — 10 a.m. / 6 p.m.
- Men's Tennis vs LIU — Annapolis, Maryland — 10:30 a.m.
- Men's Track & Field vs Patriot League Indoor Championship — Boston, Massachusetts — 11:00 a.m.
- Women's Track & Field vs Patriot League Indoor Championship — Boston, Massachusetts — 11:00 a.m.
- Men's Lacrosse at Boston University — Boston, Massachusetts — 12:00 p.m.
- Men's Gymnastics at University of Illinois / Greenville — Champaign, Illinois — 1:00 p.m.
- Baseball vs St. Bonaventure — Annapolis, Maryland — 1:00 p.m.
- Men's Tennis vs Richmond — Annapolis, Maryland — 1:30 p.m.
- Women's Basketball at Colgate — Hamilton, New York — 2:00 p.m.
- Men's Basketball vs Colgate — Annapolis, Maryland — 4:00 p.m.
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Sunday, 1 March
- Men's Squash vs CSA Team Divisional Championship — Philadelphia, Pa. — TBA
- Intercollegiate Sailing vs Navy Open Team Race — Annapolis, Md. — All Day
- Intercollegiate Sailing at Nelson Roltsch Team Race — New Orleans, La. — All Day
- Intercollegiate Sailing at DC Open Team Race — Washington, D.C. — All Day
- Women's Triathlon at Clermont Draft Legal — Clermont, Fla. — 8:00 a.m.
- Rifle vs GARC Championship — West Point, N.Y. — 9:00 a.m.
- Women's Swimming & Diving at ECAC Championship — Lewisburg, Pa. — 9 a.m. / 4 p.m.
- Men's Swimming & Diving at ECAC Championship — Lewisburg, Pa. — 9 a.m. / 4 p.m.
- Women's Tennis vs George Washington — Annapolis, Md. — 10:00 a.m.
- Men's Track & Field vs Patriot League Indoor Championship — Boston, Mass. — 11:00 a.m.
- Women's Track & Field vs Patriot League Indoor Championship — Boston, Mass. — 11:00 a.m.
- Baseball vs St. Bonaventure — Annapolis, Md. — 1:00 p.m.
- Women's Tennis vs Saint Joseph's — Annapolis, Md. — 2:00 p.m.
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MARCH
- 6 Mar – U.S. Naval Academy Athletic & Scholarship Policy Review Committee Meeting, Bastian
- 7–15 Mar – U.S. Naval Academy Spring Break
- 7 Mar – USNA Glee Club Spring Performance – USS Constitution - 11 a.m.
- 7 Mar – USNA Glee Club Spring Performance – St. Cecilia Parish Church, 18 Belvidere Street, Boston, MA – 7:30 p.m.
- 7 Mar - Naptown Events St. Patrick's Day Parade Hooley - Fluegel Alumni Center - 5 p.m.
- 8 Mar – USNA Glee Club Spring Performance – St Mary / St Catherine of Siena, 46 Winthrop Street, Charlestown, MA – 3 p.m.
- 10 Mar – USNA Glee Club Spring Performance – Naval War College, Spruance Auditorium, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI – 6 p.m.
- 10 Mar – AA&F Engagement Roadshows – Wichita Chapter + NAPC of KS& MO
- 11 Mar – AA&F Engagement Roadshows – KC Metro Chapter + NAPC of KS& MO
- 11 Mar - GSMC Social & Business Mtg. Brudergarten - 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM EDT22725 Duke St, Leonardtown, MD 20650 - Online event - Join here
- 12 Mar – AA&F Engagement Roadshows – Des Moines (NAPC of Iowa )
- 12 Mar – USNA Glee Club Spring Performance – St. Ignatius Loyola, 980 Park Avenue, New York, NY – 8 p.m.
- 13 Mar – AA&F Engagement Roadshows – Omaha Chapter + NAPC of Nebraska
- 13 Mar – Alumni Association Travel Showcase
- 14 Mar – USNA Glee Club Spring Performance – St. Patrick's Church, 242 S 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA – 7 p.m.
- 14 Mar – AA&F Engagement Roadshows – St. Louis Chapter + NAPC of Greater St. Louis, Eastern MO and So IL
- 17 Mar – Beyond Commissioning Event, Mitscher Auditorium
- 18 Mar – Beyond Commissioning Event, Mitscher Auditorium
- 27 Mar – Council of Annual Giving Spring Meeting, TBD
- 27 Mar – U.S. Naval Academy Athletic & Scholarship Executive Committee Meeting, Bastian
APRIL
- 10 Apr – Athletic & Scholarship Program, Spring Trustee Mtg, NMCMS
- 10 Apr – U.S. Naval Academy Spring Formal Parade, Worden Field
- 10 April – USNA Glee Club and Pipes and Drums Salute to America's 250th with Dallas Symphony Orchestra in Dallas, TX – 7:30 p.m.
- 11 April – USNA Glee Club and Pipes and Drums Salute to America's 250th with Dallas Symphony Orchestra in Dallas, TX – 7:30 p.m.
- 12 April – USNA Glee Club and Pipes and Drums Salute to America's 250th with Dallas Symphony Orchestra in Dallas, TX – 2 p.m.
- 16–19 Apr – 50 Years of Women at USNA Celebration Conference and Gala, Fluegel Alumni Center
- 17 Apr – U.S. Naval Academy Spring Formal Parade, Worden Field
- 18 Apr – Annapolis Cup Navy Croquet vs St. Johns, St. Johns College
- 19-22 Apr - Sea Air and Space Expo - Washington, DC
- 22 Apr - Bonds of Gold Ceremony - FAC
- 23 - 26 Apr - AA&F Engagement Roadshows - Arizona Chapter + NAPC of Arizona (Phoenix); Southern Arizona Chapter + NAPC of Arizona (Tucson); Northern Arizona Chapter + NAPC of Arizona (Flagstaff); New Mexico Chapter (Albuquerque); Intermountain Chapter + NAPC of Utah (SLC)
- 24 Apr – U.S. Naval Academy Dedication Parade, Worden Field
- 24 Apr – Council of Annual Giving Spring Meeting
- 24–26 Apr – Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show
- 26 Apr – Navy SEAL Foundation Annapolis Frogman Swim – Severn River – 8:30 a.m.
- 28 Apr – Council of Class Presidents Spring Meeting
- 29 Apr – AA & FDN Board of Directors & Trustees Joint Session
- 29 Apr – AA&FDN Board of Directors & Trustee Welcome Reception
- 29 Apr – USNA Capstone Senior Project Day, Various Locations
- 30 Apr – U.S. Naval Academy Foundation Spring Board of Directors Meeting, Fluegel Alumni Center
- 30 Apr – U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustees Committee Meeting, Fluegel Alumni Center
- 30 Apr – U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustees Welcome Dinner
MAY
- 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
- 22 May – Class of 2026 Graduation & Commissioning, NMCMS
- 25 May - Run to Honor Reading of the names (Link) and multiple Memorial Day Run to Honor Events across the country (Link)
JUNE
- 17–18 Jun – USNA Entrepreneurs Summit 2026, Fluegel Alumni Center
- 24–25 Jun – Class of 2030 I-Day Processing, TBD
- 25 Jun – Class of 2030 I-Day Picnic, TBD
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USNA AA&F resources & Links
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The Daily Shipmate is a news product intended to share news about the Naval Academy, the Naval Services and our members. We are apolitical as an organization and will strive to bring forward relevant news on a wide variety of issues. Just because we include an article does not mean we endorse its content, author, or news organization.
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