Official daily newsletter of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation
A message to the Brigade from the Superintendent
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LtGen Michael Borgschulte '91, USMC, Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy, sent the correspondence below to the Brigade of Midshipmen 28 February following the start of U.S. military operations against Iran. This is being shared with the Alumni and Daily Shipmate readers with the permission of USNA.
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Brigade of Midshipmen,
As you have seen in the news, our Joint Force has begun military operations against Iran. For decades, Iran has waged a proxy war against American forces and our partners across the Middle East. The events now unfolding are historic. They are consequential. And they demand serious reflection from all of us.
For some of your company mates who have only recently graduated, this is no longer theoretical. It is not a case study. It is not a classroom discussion. It is real. They are likely participating in these operations today, standing watch, flying sorties, leading Sailors and Marines, executing missions on behalf of our great country. They are carrying the weight of decisions that matter.
Soon enough, that responsibility will be yours.
This moment should sharpen your perspective. The fate of nations, the stability of regions, and the lives of your fellow Americans are not abstract ideas. They rest in the hands of officers who are competent, disciplined, and morally grounded. The fate of the Iranian people, like so many populations caught under regimes that choose hostility over peace, will ultimately be shaped in part by how professionally and decisively American forces conduct themselves.
You've heard me talk about warfighting and our focus on it. What you are seeing in the news is an example of why we must be ready. Warfighting is not a slogan. It is the core purpose of our Navy and Marine Corps. It requires intellectual rigor in the classroom, physical toughness on the field, and professional seriousness in every training evolution.
It requires leaders who understand history, technology, human behavior, and the moral weight of command. It requires officers who can think clearly under pressure and act decisively in uncertainty. This is not a time for distraction. It is not a time for complacency.
It is a time... to double down.
Double down academically, master your disciplines. Whether you study engineering, cyber, political science, or literature, your ability to think critically will shape your effectiveness in combat.
Double down athletically, physical resilience underpins combat effectiveness. The demands placed on junior officers in operational units are unrelenting. Double down professionally, treat every formation, every brief, every watch, and every leadership opportunity as preparation for the day when the stakes are real.
Our mission remains clear: to develop midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically and to imbue you with the highest ideals of duty, honor, and loyalty. Those ideals are not ornamental. They are operational necessities.
History does not ask whether we feel ready. It simply arrives. We are not simply another college, our responsibility is far greater. We will continue to prepare you accordingly.
With Respect,
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Your Supe
LtGen Michael J. Borgschulte, USMC
66th Superintendent
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Today in Navy, Marine Corps
and USNA Memorial Hall History
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1867 - Jacob Zeilin, Colonel Commandant of the Marine Corps from 30 June 1864, was this date promoted to the rank of Brigadier General Commandant, the first time Congress authorized this rank for the Marine Corps. The statute, however, was repealed in June 1874 so that the rank of Commandant would again revert to colonel upon Zeilin's retirement.
1899 - ADM George Dewey is promoted to the rank of Admiral of the Navy, the only man in the history of the U.S. Navy to ever hold that rank.
1946 - Marines from Treasure Island Marine Barracks, under the command of Warrant Officer Charles L. Buckner, aided in suppressing the three-day prison riot at Alcatraz Penitentiary in San Francisco Bay. WO Buckner, a veteran of the Bougainville and Guam campaigns, ably led his force of Marines without suffering a single casualty.
1965 - The United States initiates Operation Rolling Thunder, the sustained bombing of North Vietnam that lasts until President Lyndon B. Johnson calls a bombing halt in October 1968. Rolling Thunder is designed to strike targets incrementally and with gradually increasing intensity in response to the actions of the North Vietnamese in hopes of discovering their breaking point. It does not prove successful.
1968 - Richard Schenk '63, U.S. Agency for International Development was killed in a land mine explosion in the District of Due Pho, Province of Quang Ngai, Vietnam. He had been employed with USAID for the previous 20 months, with over a year spent in Vietnam. He was raised in the St. Louis area, and left the Academy in February of his plebe year. He attended the University of Missouri, Harris Teachers College, and graduated from Southern Illinois University. He was survived by his parents and is buried in Missouri.
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Academy & Graduate happenings
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Updated USNA Access and Force Protection Information
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Please see the updated gate hours implemented to alleviate peak traffic congestion onto the installation. Due to increased Force Protection measures, there may still be delays at the gates. Please exercise patience and plan accordingly by allowing additional travel time and ensuring proper identification is readily available for inspection.
Gate 1:
- Open for vehicular traffic (inbound/outbound) from 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
- Open for vehicular traffic (outbound only) from 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- VCC remains closed. No pedestrian entry via the VCC; only pedestrian entry at Gate 1 is via turnstiles for credentialed personnel.
Gate 8:
- Remains open for vehicular & pedestrian entry.
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Midshipmen get ISS insights from USNA Astronauts
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CAPT Frank L. Culbertson Jr. '71, USN (Ret.) and CAPT Michael Lopez-Alegria '80, USN (Ret.) spoke to midshipmen and high school junior ROTC students about the 25-year history of the International Space Station (ISS) and the future of human habitation in space. Culbertson highlighted the collaborative international effort behind the ISS and shared his own research, including growing cancer cells in microgravity. Lopez-Alegria discussed plans to decommission the ISS in 2030 and replace it with new commercial modules, emphasizing lessons learned from decades of cooperation. Both stressed the importance of sustaining international partnerships as the U.S. pursues missions to the Moon and Mars. MajGen Charles F. Bolden Jr. '68, USMC (Ret.) moderated the Astronaut Convocation, which included several former astronauts including CAPT Ken S. Reightler '73, USN (Ret.), Col Robert D. Cabana '71, USMC (Ret.), CAPT Michael J. Foreman '79, USN (Ret.), CAPT Christopher J. Cassidy '93, USN (Ret.), and CAPT Pierre J. Thuot '77, USN (Ret.).
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Government & Military News
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Correction: The 100-year-old Korean War Navy veteran pilot recognized during the State of the Union address and received the Medal of Honor is CAPT Royce Williams, USN (Ret.). Williams was mistakenly misidentified in Friday's Daily Shipmate.
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U.S., Israel launch 'major combat operations' in Iran
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The United States and Israel launched coordinated “major combat operations” against Iran on Saturday, 28 February 2026, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. Announced by President Trump, Operation Epic Fury involves air and missile strikes on military and strategic sites. U.S. officials warned Americans could face casualties and urged Iranians to challenge their government. The operation follows years of rising tensions over Iran's nuclear and missile programs.
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Three U.S. troops killed, five seriously wounded in actions against Iran
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Three U.S. service members were killed and five were seriously wounded during combat operations against Iran, U.S. Central Command confirmed Sunday, marking the first American combat fatalities in the current conflict. Additional personnel with minor injuries are being returned to duty as units continue actions under Operation Epic Fury. The identities of the fallen are being withheld pending next‑of‑kin notifications, and details remain limited as the situation evolves. We honor these brave Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation. They will never be forgotten.
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Nine Iranian naval ships have been destroyed and sunk, President says
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1 March 2026, President Trump announced U.S. forces have destroyed and sunk nine Iranian naval vessels and largely struck Iran's naval headquarters amid escalating military operations against Iranian forces. He stated the strikes are part of ongoing efforts to degrade Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation and the Strait of Hormuz. The president also vowed to continue targeting remaining Iranian naval assets. These claims follow heightened tensions and strike activity in the region, with U.S. Central Command involvement and force posture adjustments underway.
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U.S. confirms first combat use of LUCAS one-way attack drone in Iran strikes
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The U.S. military confirmed its first combat use of LUCAS one-way attack drones during airstrikes on Iran on 28 February 2026, part of Operation Epic Fury. These “kamikaze” drones, inspired by Iran's Shahed‑136, were produced by Arizona-based SpektreWorks and are designed for low-cost, high-impact attacks. They were deployed alongside strikes targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities, missile and drone launch sites, air defense systems and military airfields. CENTCOM officials said this marks a significant milestone in using autonomous, expendable drones in major combat operations, demonstrating their potential to complement traditional air power in modern conflicts.
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Local, Education & other academy news
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Air Force football's Isaac Hubert enters Wing Open, becomes Air Force Academy's heavyweight boxing champ
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Isaac Hubert found himself bloodied and exhausted after the first round of his heavyweight bout during Friday night's Wing Open at AFA. A glimpse of his football teammates turned the tide. “I knew I was losing,” said the outside linebacker who, for one night, turned into a boxer and beat senior Thomas Kensinger with a referee-stopped victory in the third round at a sold out Clune Arena. “I was super tired. But my corner was facing the football team and I saw them going berserk and bringing the energy, and that refueled me and allowed me to keep going.” Hubert wasn't a total novice in the ring. He was exposed to it in boxing class at the academy and his father, Rob Hubert '96, was on Navy's boxing team for four years. Hubert's mother is also a USNA alum, Amy Hubert '95.
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Former Volleyball Captain receives Wings of Gold in Pensacola
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Congratulations to ENS Averi Miller '24, who received her wings and was designated VT-4 Top Graduate in a ceremony at the Naval Aviation Museum 27 February in Pensacola. Miller will next report to Norfolk for more training in the P-8 platform. Joining her at the winging ceremony were her parents, Matt and Kim Miller. Miller was a standout on the Navy Volleyball team for four years, earning the star over Army her senior season.
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Naval Academy Athletics News & Results
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Another Historic Win: Navy Men's and Women's Basketball become Patriot League Regular Season Champions in same season
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In a historic season for Naval Academy basketball, both the men's and women's teams captured outright Patriot League regular-season championships in 2025‑26. The women's team clinched the title with a 73‑63 road win over Colgate, led by 2/c Zanai Barnett‑Gay's career-high 31 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals, marking their first regular-season crown since 2014. The men's team finished 25‑6 overall and 17‑1 in league play, topping the Patriot League with a senior-led 85‑69 win over Colgate. This rare double highlights Navy's program strength, sets momentum for postseason play, and celebrates a milestone season for both squads.
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Recap of the 85th Annual Brigade Boxing Championships
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Thirteen exciting and evenly matched bouts were contested in the 85th Annual Brigade Boxing Championships on Friday night, 27 February in Alumni Hall in front of an estimated crowd of 2,000. The winners of each men's and women's weight classes will advance to the National Intercollegiate Championships contested among 40 college teams in Charlotte 9-11 April. In addition to the winners Saturday, 1/c Steve Brunache received the Most Outstanding Boxer award, 2/c Pape Daouda Traore was named the Most Improved Boxer and 3/c Naima Phillips walked away with the Sportsmanship trophy. The event was attended by approximately 100 former USNA alumni boxers who remain connected to the team.
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- Men's Squash vs CSA Team Divisional Championship — W 6 - 3
- Intercollegiate Sailing vs Navy Open Team Race — Completed
- Intercollegiate Sailing at Nelson Roltsch Team Race — Completed
- Intercollegiate Sailing at DC Open Team Race — Completed
- Women's Triathlon at Clermont Draft Legal — NTS
- Rifle vs GARC Championship — 3rd of 6; 4729 points (Aggregate)
- Rifle vs GARC Championship — 3rd of 6; 2376 points (Air Rifle)
- Women's Swimming & Diving at ECAC Championship — 1st Place
- Men's Swimming & Diving at ECAC Championship — 1st Place
- Women's Tennis vs George Washington — W 7 - 0
- Men's Track & Field vs Patriot League Indoor Championship — 1st of 9 Teams
- Women's Track & Field vs Patriot League Indoor Championship — 3rd of 10 Teams
- Baseball vs St. Bonaventure — W 4 - 0
- Women's Tennis vs Saint Joseph's — W 7 - 0
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Friday, 27 February:
- Men's Swimming & Diving at ECAC Championship – 1st Place
- Women's Swimming & Diving at ECAC Championship – 1st Place
- Baseball vs St. Bonaventure – W 5‑4
- Men's Squash vs Middlebury – W 5‑4
- Men's Soccer at UMBC – Completed
Saturday, 28 February:
- Intercollegiate Sailing at Nelson Roltsch Team Race – Completed
- Intercollegiate Sailing vs Navy Open Team Race – Completed
- Intercollegiate Sailing at DC Open Team Race – Completed
- Women's Triathlon at Clermont Draft Legal – 3rd of 6; 4729 points
- Rifle vs GARC Championship (Smallbore) – 2nd of 6; 2353 points
- Women's Lacrosse vs #7 Florida – W 14‑11
- Men's Tennis vs LIU – W 6‑1
- Men's Track & Field vs Patriot League Indoor Championship – 1st of 9 Teams
- Women's Track & Field vs Patriot League Indoor Championship – 2nd of 10 Teams
- Men's Lacrosse at Boston University – L 10‑15
- Men's Gymnastics at University of Illinois / Greenville – 310.3, 3rd of 3 teams
- Baseball vs St. Bonaventure – L 0‑12
- Men's Tennis vs Richmond – L 1‑6
- Women's Basketball at Colgate – W 73‑63
- Men's Basketball vs Colgate – W 85‑69
- Men's Squash vs MIT – L 3‑6
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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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