5 Mar Daily Shipmate

Thursday, 5 March 2026

1913 - Josephus Daniels, a North Carolina newspaper editor whose term in office will greatly impact the naval service, becomes the forty-first Secretary of the Navy. He soon names young Franklin D. Roosevelt to the post of assistant secretary.

 

1942 – Following the attack at Pearl Harbor during World War II, the U.S. Navy establishes the Naval Construction Battalions, later known as the Seabees, to build and repair bases, airfields, roads and ports in combat zones. Adopting the motto “We Build, We Fight,” Seabees today continue supporting naval and joint operations worldwide through expeditionary construction, disaster response and humanitarian missions.

 

1971 - Under a reorganization plan espoused by Chief of Naval Operations ADM Elmo Zumwalt '43, USN (who graduated from USNA on June 1942 as part of the accelerated Class of 1943), the offices of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Air Warfare, Surface, and Submarine are established. The Air Warfare post, created in 1944, involves only a name change.

 

1982 - 1stLt Robert Wilson, Jr. '78, USMC was lost when the AV-8A Harrier he was piloting crashed while attempting to land at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. He was a member of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 542. Wilson was a native of Huntsville, Alabama; he was survived by his wife of six weeks, his mother and stepfather and two brothers. (The Alumni Association has lost contact with the family. If you know how to contact them please email [email protected].)

Academy & Graduate happenings

The United States Navy Memorial is pleased to announce the appointment of four distinguished leaders for 2026 with deep ties to the Sea Services:

They not only bring decades of experience in leadership, strategic communications and business development, but each of them also offers a unique perspective that will support the U.S. Navy Memorial's mission – honoring the past, informing the present and inspiring the future. “We are so honored to welcome Tim, Giao, Scott and Barbara to our Board of Directors,” said VADM John B. Nowell Jr. '84, USN (Ret.), President & CEO of the U.S. Navy Memorial. “Their service to the Navy, the Nation and their communities, in and out of uniform, will guide us as we expand and upgrade our events, educational programming and exhibits; strengthening our role as the bridge between the American people, the sea services and industry.”

Rajant Corporation has appointed AMB Kenneth J. Braithwaite II '84, USN (Ret.) to its Board of Directors, bringing extensive military, diplomatic and executive leadership experience to the company's governance. Braithwaite, a retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral and the 77th Secretary of the Navy, previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Norway, strengthening bilateral defense relations and advancing Arctic security cooperation. As Secretary of the Navy, he led the development of the Tri-Service Maritime Strategy and guided the Department through COVID-19 challenges. A Naval Academy graduate, he will provide strategic guidance to support Rajant's continued growth across defense, industrial and global markets. Rajant Corporation is a U.S.-based technology company that develops secure, mobile wireless mesh networking solutions, enabling resilient, real-time connectivity for defense, industrial and mission-critical operations worldwide.

From the Podcast Fleet

Navy men's track and field captured its sixth straight Patriot League Indoor Championship this past weekend. Jamie Cook, Director of Navy track and field, joins the pod to review the meet and highlight the team's top performers. Navy Men's Basketball Insider Mike Heary reviews this historic season and looks ahead to the Patriot League Tournament. Heary, a former Navy great and longtime color commentator for Navy basketball radio broadcasts, brings unique insight and analysis.

Government & Military News

A U.S. Navy submarine fired a torpedo that sank an Iranian frigate in the Indian Ocean, marking the first time since World War II that an American sub has sunk an enemy warship with a torpedo, the Pentagon confirmed. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the strike at a Pentagon briefing, calling it a “quiet death.” The Iranian IRIS Dena was in international waters off Sri Lanka when hit; its crew included about 180 personnel, with Sri Lankan forces rescuing some and recovering bodies. The submarine's identity was not disclosed for security. Senior U.S. commanders said the wider campaign has degraded Iran's naval presence.

U.S. and Ecuadorian military forces have begun joint operations against organized crime groups in Ecuador, the Pentagon announced, though details on where and how extensively they are operating remain limited. U.S. Southern Command said the campaign targets “Designated Terrorist Organizations” tied to narco-terrorism and exemplifies cooperation between partners in Latin America and the Caribbean. A brief video showed helicopters and troops but offered no clear location. Ecuador faces rising violence from drug trafficking and illegal mining; President Daniel Noboa said the joint effort represents a new phase in combating crime.

The U.S. Navy is addressing blockages in its training pipeline after meeting recent recruiting goals, which has led to a surge of new sailors waiting to begin their advanced (“A-school”) training. Some recruits are currently waiting up to four weeks before entering the next phase of their technical schooling, delaying when they can join fleet units, Rear Adm. Greg Huffman of the Navy Education and Training Command said. Navy leaders are exploring solutions to speed up throughput and reduce wait times so sailors can complete training and be assigned to operational duty more quickly.

As the U.S. Navy confronted the demands of ongoing naval combat and the need to reset the fleet for great power naval competition, 2025 was another year of near-constant action. Balancing those imperatives remains the greatest challenge for Navy leaders.

Local, Education & other academy news

At the invitation of VADM Ted Carter '81, USN (Ret.), 62nd Superintendent of USNA, the USNA Band traveled to the University of Ohio on 2 March 2026 to premiere a newly commissioned piece. The work, entitled Tenacity, by composer Gala Flagello, was a world premiere performance. Commissioned by the USNA Band, it celebrates multiple milestones occurring this year. It serves as a powerful tribute to all who have served, and continue to serve, with distinction in the United States Navy. Through harmonious chorale passages and discordant rhythmic interplay, Flagello's work musically depicts the determination, belonging, grit, and persistence required to break barriers. In her memoir Flight Lessons, 1983 USNA graduate Dr. Barbara Bell writes, “It is true that not all of us may be able to change the world, but each and every one of us can change our piece of it.” Tenacity honors this outlook as the ensemble soars melodically and navigates textural turbulence, bravely landing in a radiant, resolute sound world.

The first two shows in the Blue Angels 2026 air show season have been canceled due to force protection issues as tensions with Iran escalate. Naval Air Facility El Centro, California and Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, announced on Facebook that their air shows have been canceled due to "increased security measures and evolving force protection requirements." "This was not an easy decision. We know how much our community has been looking forward to this event," both military bases wrote on Facebook. "Our team has worked hard alongside performers, partners and volunteers to plan a safe and memorable show. However, in light of heightened security considerations, cancellation is necessary to ensure the safety of our personnel, performers and the public."

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Men's Basketball vs Bucknell - Patriot League Tournament - Annapolis, Md. - 7:00 p.m.

Women's Basketball vs Loyola (Md.) - W 72 - 50

USNA and AA&F Events

USNA AA&F resources & Links

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