3 Mar Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, 3 March 2026

This week's editions of Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation Morning Paper are brought to you by Otterson Wealth Advisors and Naval Academy graduate Caleb Cronic '11. Otterson Wealth Advisors of Raymond James is not just a team. It's a vast resource of financial knowledge, with each member bringing their unique expertise to your financial success. Caleb Cronic '11, financial advisor and Naval Academy graduate, is a CIMA-certified pro. His strategic prowess is your asset working towards your financial goals. Ready to begin to your journey? Otterson Wealth Advisors … your goals, our expertise.

Former Naval Academy athletic director Chet Gladchuk was honored with the Touchdown Club of Annapolis' most prestigious award last Thursday night. The presentation took place during the 71st annual football awards banquet, which celebrates excellence in the sport and recognizes outstanding contributors to the football community. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Steve Belichick Coach's Award, named in honor of legendary coach Bill Belichick's father. In a special moment, Bill Belichick personally presented the award to Gladchuk, recognizing his remarkable contributions to Navy athletics and his lasting impact on players, coaches, and the broader football community.

1942 - The USS Asheville Patrol Gunboat 21 lost in action in the Battle of Sunda Strait after taking-on three Japanese warships returning from Pearl Harbor. Leadership of the Japanese navy felt that after their “success” at Pearl Harbor that the American Navy would not muster the resolve to prosecute a war in the Pacific. Based upon the story of the sole survivor of this engagement, estimates are that over one hour and one hundred in-bound rounds were required to silence and to sink the Asheville and thereby clearly demonstrating, in the words of ADM Sam Cox '80, Director Naval History & Heritage Command, that Patrol Gunboat 21 showed the Japanese Navy that "The American Navy Is Willing to Fight".

 

Of the 166 crew members aboard PG 21, 165 perished, five of whom were Academy graduates: LCDR Jacob Britt '29, USN/CO; LT Lion Miles '31, USN/ XO; LTJG John Hays '36, USN; LT Louis Gulliver, Jr. '36, USN; LT Kenneth Pound '37, USN. A memorial to the USS Asheville Patrol Gunboat 21 rests in Asheville's Riverside Cemetery as sponsored by the North Carolina Submarine Foundation (Chris Perrien '74, Noah White '04, Emory Miller '07, Joe Leidig '78, Jeremy Mario P'20).

 

1945 - On Iwo Jima, Japan, Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Jack Williams, despite being wounded and in a partial state of shock, rushes to the side of a wounded Marine, shielding the fallen leatherneck with his own body as he administers aid. He then treats another wounded Marine. While making his way to the rear to have his own wounds treated, Williams is shot and killed. He is posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

 

1978 - CAPT Thomas Tardy '68, USMC was lost when the helicopter he was piloting crashed shortly after takeoff from Hamby U. S. Army Airfield, Okinawa, Japan. He earned his master's degree in systems management at the University of Southern California; he was a naval aviator since 1970. A native of Annandale, Virginia, he was survived by his wife, son, daughter, parents, and brother. (The Alumni Association has lost contact with the family. If you know how to find them please email [email protected].)

 

1995 - A multinational force that includes the Essex (LHD-2) amphibious ready group completes the withdrawal of the last United Nations forces from Somalia.

Academy & Graduate happenings

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) announced the appointment of Jeremy S. Bowen '99 to head the Office of Advanced Reactors. The creation of OAR is part of a larger agency reorganization as directed by White House Executive Order 14300 and is slated for completion in September. “Jeremy is the right leader at the right time for this important role and will be a strong asset in enabling safe and secure nuclear energy for America,” said NRC Chairman Ho K. Nieh, “He has a successful track record in leading new and advanced reactor licensing and is the most qualified person to launch this new office.”

From the Podcast Fleet

Welcome to March, Pod Fans! The way our basketball teams are playing, this March looks to be a pretty fun time on campus. Both teams will host the Patriot League Tournament on the Yard this year, starting with the men this week and women next week. Let's go Dancing! Our Alumni Feature is a good one! Kristi Bickel '07 just wrote a children's book - Rosie's Day on a Warship. That's good SWO reading right there. We talk to Krisiti about her journey to becoming an author. And we chat with her about the upcoming Celebration of 50 Years of Women at USNA. Krisit is in charge of the Comms for the event. She gives us an update. And we chat with John O'Leary '95 about this weekend's Hooley at the Fluegel Alumni Center. Another great opportunity this weekend to connect with the city of Annapolis and the supportive citizens of our town. John talks about the event and why he loves the Fluegel Alumni Center. And finally…we have to acknowledge the events taking place in the Middle East and the military operations taking place in Iran. Chris and John discuss the impact on the current Mids, alumni…and they chat about a pretty impactful correspondence the Supe sent the Brigade as the operations unfolded. That and more on the best Alumni Association podcast there is. Beat Army. Always.

Listen 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 2 March 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.

Top U.S. military leaders announced that additional American troops are being sent to the Middle East as part of Operation Epic Fury, the campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure. Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters that this conflict isn't a short mission and the U.S. expects “additional losses.” Four service members have already been killed, and more tactical aviation assets are moving into the region. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed that the fight is large and complex, emphasizing sustained operations to protect U.S. interests while building combat capacity.

U.S. Central Command officials confirmed that the number of American casualties in Operation Epic Fury has increased as the United States continues its military assault on Iran. A previously wounded service member has died, and the remains of two other personnel who were unaccounted for were recovered, bringing the total U.S. military death toll to six. Additionally, 18 American service members have been seriously wounded. Pentagon leaders did not detail how the fatalities occurred but said combat operations are ongoing. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that a projectile penetrated air defenses and hit a fortified position. The identities of the fallen are being withheld pending family notification.

RADM Mike Brookes, speaking to the United States–China Economic and Security Review Commission, warned that China's rapidly expanding nuclear-powered submarine fleet could soon strike “large portions” of the United States from waters protected near China's coast, reflecting major advances in reactor design, sensors and weapons integration. The Chinese Navy has increased production and capability, part of broader efforts by Beijing to modernize and expand its nuclear forces and challenge U.S. naval dominance. The warning underscores growing strategic concerns over China's nuclear posture amid global tensions, including recent conflict and U.S.–Iran-related military actions.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it struck a U.S. ship carrying ammunition for American naval vessels during fighting in the Indian Ocean region, part of what Tehran calls the fifth phase of Operation True Promise 4. The vessel was reportedly hit by drones at the Jebel Ali anchorage and is now out of service due to extensive damage and explosions. The IRGC also said ballistic missiles and drones targeted a U.S. naval base in Kuwait and another support ship carrying fuel was struck. Iran vowed continued offensive actions, while U.S. leaders warned that retaliation would be met with strong force.

Information Warfare Squadron (IWRON) Nine, the second squadron of its kind and the first on the West Coast, was established, Feb. 27. This marks the continuation of a paradigm shift in how the Navy is operationalizing Information Warfare (IW) to provide a decisive advantage to carrier strike group commanders. The establishment of IWRON 9 follows the stand-up of the East Coast pilot squadron, IWRON Two, in December 2025. “This is a pivotal moment in our journey to operationalize Information Warfare.,” said VADM Mike Vernazza '90, commander, Naval Information Forces. “Why are we doing this? The answer is simple: the proliferation of technology and the global evolution of threats is not standing still. The pacing threats we face are increasingly complex, sophisticated, and integrated. They understand the power of information, and they are actively seeking to exploit our vulnerabilities from seabed to space. To maintain our warfighting edge, we must think, act, and operate differently. We must evolve.”

Local, Education & other academy news

LIFELINES | March Focus: Transition Support

Successful transitions don't happen by accident—they're deliberate, disciplined and familiar to every USNA alumnus. This month, LIFELINES focuses on Transition Support through two phases present in every career and life change: Preparation and Execution. Click the link below to discover more.

Meet the staff: William Seiferth

William Seiferth serves as assistant director of regional development at the Naval Academy Foundation, where he advances the mission of the United States Naval Academy through strategic, philanthropic engagement. He is deeply motivated by how closely the Academy is woven into the fabric of Annapolis—from football Saturdays and the Blue Angels to his involvement with Navy Youth Hockey. A Maryland native, Seiferth attended Phillips Exeter Academy before earning dual degrees in finance and risk management from the University of South Carolina. He began his career at a sports agency supporting corporate clients in National Football League contract negotiations, then transitioned into personal finance, building expertise in financial strategy and client advisory services.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

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 E-2 Hawkeye platform. Miller was a standout on the Navy Volleyball team for four years, earning the star over Army her senior season.

The Navy Midshipmen men's and women's swimming and diving teams both captured team titles at the 2026 ECAC Championships in Lewisburg, PA, finishing a dominant weekend atop the standings. The teams sealed their victories on the final day with key individual wins, including 4/c Corinne Warriner in the women's 200 breaststroke, 3/c Noah Robinson in the men's 200 breaststroke and 1/c Evan O'Dea in the men's 200 butterfly. Navy built strong leads throughout the meet, showcasing depth across swimming and diving events and maintaining first place entering the final sessions. The men's squad ultimately won decisively in the team standings, outpacing the field by a wide margin. The sweep highlights a successful championship performance for both programs, emphasizing balance, individual excellence and team depth across the multi-day competition.

Baseball vs Coppin State - Annapolis, Md. - 3:00 p.m.

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