4 Mar Daily Shipmate

Wednesday, 4 March 2026

1925 - An act of Congress establishes the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) with units initially established at six universities the following year. To this day, NROTC provides a cadre of capable officers for the naval service.

 

1971 - LT Michael Collins '64, USN was killed in action in South Vietnam. He was the Platoon Leader of X-Ray Platoon, SEAL Team One. An elite swimmer – he placed fourth in the 100-meter freestyle at the National Outdoor Championships in 1964 – he served his first operational tour aboard USS John S. McCain (DL 3). He completed Underwater Demolition Team Replacement Accession training in November 1966. He had been with SEAL Team One since July 1969. Collins was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for preventing “almost certain disaster for the entire platoon at the hands of a vastly outnumbering force” on 30 January 1971. He was survived by his parents and brother. (The Alumni Association has lost contact with the family. If you know how to contact them please email [email protected].)

 

2001 - The aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), the first naval vessel named for a living president, is christened by former First Lady Nancy Reagan.

 

2002 - During Operation Anaconda, Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Britt Slabinski leads a reconnaissance team to the top of Takur Ghar, Afghanistan, where the team comes under heavy fire, with one service member being ejected from the insertion helicopter. Senior Chief Slabinski immediately initiated a daring rescue mission and repeatedly exposed himself to deadly fire while directing his team. When they were forced from their position, Senior Chief Slabinski carried a seriously wounded service member through deep snow. For the next 14 hours, he stabilized the casualties and continued to fight until his team was extracted. For his courage and bold leadership, Senior Chief Slabinski was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Academy & Graduate happenings

Attention Naval Academy alumni, parents and supporters in the greater Wichita, Kansas City, Des Moines, Omaha and St. Louis area: USNA AA&F is going to be in your area next week. Join us for networking, camaraderie and Navy pride as you connect with fellow alumni and parents. This is your chance to hear firsthand from AA&F staff about the exciting updates on new programs and initiatives designed to support the Naval Academy, the Midshipmen and our alumni and parent communities. Most importantly, we're eager to hear from you about how AA&F can better support our chapters, parent clubs and all alumni. Don't miss this opportunity to engage, learn and celebrate what it means to be part of the Naval Academy family.

 

Click your chapter/club area below to get more info and to register for a show near you.

myUSNA is managed by professionals who understand the traditions, culture and needs of our community, including alum Isaac Phillips '19, who works behind the scenes and is always ready to help. Plus, our communications teammates are joining the team to deliver service-first support those who have served. You're not talking to a bot or a help desk that doesn't know the community. This is your network—managed by people who get it.

Government & Military News

President Trump signaled that the U.S. Navy may escort commercial oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz to protect them from threats amid rising regional tensions and threats from Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) against vessels in the strategic shipping lane crucial for global energy supplies. The president also proposed offering military “war insurance” or political risk coverage to maritime companies to help stabilize a market shaken by attacks on ships and rising costs. However, the U.S. Navy has told industry leaders it currently lacks the availability to immediately provide such escort missions.

China is making a strategic shift toward building all-nuclear-powered submarines, according to U.S. Navy intelligence leadership. While the People's Liberation Army Navy already operates one of the world's largest submarine forces—largely diesel-electric boats—it is rapidly expanding nuclear submarine production after years of investment in shipyard capacity. This includes next-generation attack subs (e.g., Type 095) and ballistic missile subs (Type 096), which will offer greater endurance, stealth and strike reach. The transition boosts China's undersea capabilities and could enable it to threaten wider areas from closer waters, posing growing challenges for U.S. and allied naval operations.

The Pentagon is soliciting proposals for autonomous robotic cargo ships to deliver supplies into contested littoral (near-shore) zones where traditional logistics are at risk. These unmanned vessels would be relatively small, low-profile and capable of carrying at least nine tons of pallets and containers over 1,000–2,000 miles while enduring rough seas. They'd support pier-to-pier, ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore logistics in dangerous waters and must navigate crowded ports, handle GPS denial and avoid capture — including being scuttled remotely if needed. The Defense Innovation Unit wants prototypes delivered within 180 days of contract award.

Local, Education & other academy news

The Millville Army Air Field Museum (MAAFM) recently announced Col Charles H. Pangburn III '78, USMCR (Ret.), a highly respected and decorated military veteran, has joined the MAAFM Advisory Board. Pangburn grew up in Millville, New Jersey and graduated from Millville Sr. High School in 1973. He completed 30 years of distinguished active and reserve service before retiring in 2008. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he served in a wide range of leadership, legal and command roles throughout the United States and overseas, including Okinawa, Korea, Hawaii, Washington, D.C. and Iraq.

Multiple roles open at U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation!

If you are—or know—a talented, motivated professional ready to contribute across a variety of disciplines within a mission-driven organization supporting the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., explore our open positions and join a team committed to service, impact and excellence.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

The Navy men's basketball program earned three major Patriot League awards after a standout season in which the Midshipmen went 17-1 in conference play and captured their first outright regular-season league title since 1997. Senior Austin Benigni was named Patriot League Player of the Year, senior Aidan Kehoe was honored as Defensive Player of the Year and head coach Jon Perry and his staff received Coaching Staff of the Year honors. The awards reflect Navy's dominant league performance and the contributions of its top players and coaching leadership.

Women's Basketball vs Loyola (Md.) - Annapolis, Md. - 7:00 p.m.

Baseball vs Coppin State - W 8 - 7

USNA and AA&F Events

USNA AA&F resources & Links

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