12 Mar Daily Shipmate

Thursday, 12 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.

Alumni Association & Foundation President and CEO Jeff Webb '95 addressed a gathering of 1966 alums in Annapolis at the famous Fleet Reserve Club at City Dock. During the Class of 66's March gathering organized by CAPT Chuck Grutzius '66, USN (Ret.), Jeff provided some updates on AA&F programming, happenings on the Yard and at the Fluegel Alumni Center…and the Enterprise's collective effort to provide support programs and other connection opportunities to our alumni. A great day to connect with the Class of 1966…approaching the 60-year anniversary of their graduation!

1947 - President Harry S. Truman, in an address to a joint session of Congress requesting financial aid be provided for the governments of Turkey and Greece to thwart Communist incursions, outlines what becomes known as the Truman Doctrine, calling for America to support all free people resisting outside forces attempting to subjugate them. Combined with the publication of the famous “X article” by foreign service officer George F. Kennan in the July 1947 issue of Foreign Affairs, which calls for a policy of containment against inevitable Soviet expansion, the Truman Doctrine forms a basis for U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War.

 

1993 - The Naval Doctrine Command is established at Norfolk, Virginia.

 

2002 - LT Terri Fussner '96, USN was lost when the SH-60B Seahawk helicopter she was co-piloting crashed in the Mediterranean Sea. The two other crew aboard were also killed; they were all members of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 46, operating from USS Hayler (DD 997). A native of Manchester, Missouri, in high school and at the Naval Academy she was active on the cheerleading and swim teams. Fussner also competed in marathons and triathlons. She was survived by her husband Garrett Luebker '96 and mother.

Academy & Graduate happenings

Andrew Sullivan '92 has been named chairman of the board at Prudential Financial, adding the title to his role as chief executive in a consolidation of power at the top of one of America's largest insurers. The appointment follows the resignation of Charles Lowrey, who stepped down as executive chairman and director after 25 years at the Newark, New Jersey-based company. Lowrey will stay on as a senior advisor through the end of the second quarter before retiring. Sullivan, 54, takes the dual role at a time when Prudential Financial is in the middle of a strategic overhaul he set in motion shortly after becoming CEO. A graduate of the US Naval Academy who served as a nuclear submarine officer, Sullivan spent the early part of his career at Diamond Technology Partners and DaimlerChrysler before moving into insurance. **Andy Sullivan will appear on the Sing Second Podcast in mid-April.**

This week the team is living out our mission to meet alumni where they are. Connecting face-to-face with our alumni community is one of the most meaningful ways we strengthen the Naval Academy community. Our engagement roadshows give us the chance to share what's happening on and off the Yard, highlight new initiatives, listen to feedback and connect with alumni in real time.

 

Earlier this week, we touched down in Wichita, Kansas, where we joined the Naval Academy Parents Club (NAPC) of Kansas and the proud “Show-Me State”—Missouri. Before heading to our next stop with the Kansas City Metro Chapter, we paused at the National World War I Museum and Memorial and the Kansas Korean War Memorial to honor and remember our nation's fallen heroes.

 

Our next stop is Des Moines, Iowa, where we'll connect with the NAPC of Iowa.

 

Follow along and see more photos from the roadshow by visiting our Facebook.

An Honor Chair is a permanent tribute that recognizes your midshipman's achievement with a personalized brass plaque displayed in Alumni Hall at the U.S. Naval Academy. It's a meaningful way to honor their hard work, sacrifice and commitment to service—long after Commissioning Week has passed.

LT Joe Kretsinger '19, a recruiter out of Navy Officer Recruiting Station Austin, has been named Navy Talent Acquisition Group San Antonio's Nuclear Officer Recruiter of the Year. Kretsinger is a submarine officer and is from Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from Liberty High School in 2015 before attending the United States Naval Academy, where he graduated with his bachelor's in astrophysics in 2019. “I began my naval officer journey to challenge myself,” Kretsinger said. “Over the past 10 years, I have taken on roles that have both pushed my limits and led to invaluable friendships. I've greatly enjoyed my time in service.” He credits his time at the Naval Academy for providing him with the essential groundwork to develop as a leader—a foundation he was eager to build upon throughout his career. He believes this commitment to leadership has been a cornerstone of his success, both in his operational role and in his current position as an officer recruiter.

From the Podcast Fleet

Becky Vautier, Navy Women's Basketball Insider for the Anchors Aweigh podcast, joins to talk about the Patriot League Tournament. We review Navy's victory over Boston in the quarterfinals then look ahead to Thursday night's semifinal matchup with Lehigh. Matt Sabados, play-by-play voice for Navy men's basketball radio broadcasts, joins to review Sunday's heartbreaking loss to Boston in the semifinals of the Patriot League Tournament.

Government & Military News

The U.S. Navy seeks better retention among Training and Administration of the Reserve naval flight officers and naval aviators through a fiscal 2026 retention bonus program worth $40,000 per year for a total of $120,000 during the three-year program. The Training and Administration of the Reserve Aviation Retention Bonus is meant to incentivize TAR naval aviators and naval flight officers with the rank of commander who have screened for “aviation milestone command” to choose to remain on active duty, according to a Navy Administrative message released Monday.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels successfully completed their annual certification for the 2026 airshow season on 23 February, marking the squadron's 80th anniversary. The "airshow ready" designation was granted after the team completed its demanding winter training, ensuring they meet the highest standards of safety and performance before embarking for their 2026 season. Since their founding in 1946, the Blue Angels have served as ambassadors of naval aviation. RADM Max McCoy '91, USN Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA), gave final approval for the team's 80th season after observing their last practice demonstration in El Centro. “Earning this certification is always an honor, but it carries special weight this year as we prepare to celebrate the squadron's 80th anniversary,” said CAPT Adam Bryan '05, USN Blue Angels' commanding officer. “This team has worked incredibly hard to be ready to honor that legacy and represent the men and women of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. We are eager to get the season started.”

Navy announces commissioning of the future USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr.

The U.S. Navy will commission the future USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124) on 11 April 2026, in Norfolk, Virginia. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is the first ship to bear the name of Medal of Honor recipient, U.S. Marine Corps Col Harvey Curtiss "Barney" Barnum Jr. The ship honors Barnum's gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life beyond the call of duty during the Vietnam War. On 18 December 1965, then-1stLt Barnum assumed command of his company after the commander was mortally wounded. His actions stabilized decimated units and ultimately led to a successful counterattack against key enemy positions. With two armed helicopters under his control, he moved fearlessly through enemy fire to lead air attacks against the enemy's well-entrenched positions while directing one platoon in a successful counterattack on the key enemy positions. Having cleared a small area, he requested and directed the landing of two transport helicopters to evacuate the deceased and wounded. He then assisted in the seizure of the battalion's objective. He is among the few living namesakes to witness the commissioning of his ship.

Local, Education & other academy news

Meet the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. Executive Officer

CDR Joe Mills '09, USN is the Executive Officer of USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124) and is a native of Bay Shore, New York. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy, and earned a Masters in Defense and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College in 2016.

A native of Canton, Connecticut, CAPT Adam Bryan '05, USN graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. Following his commissioning, he attended flight school in Pensacola, Florida, and continued his training at NAS Corpus Christi and NAS Kingsville. In July 2007, he earned his designation as a Naval Aviator and joined the VFA-106 "Gladiators" for initial fleet training as an FA-18C pilot. In April 2024, he was selected to command the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, assuming command in November 2024. CAPT Bryan was recognized as the George Bush First Tour Naval Aviator of the Year in 2011 and as the Commander Naval Air Force Atlantic Pilot of the Year in 2016.

A sellout crowd of 41,628 fans watched Team USA beat Mexico in the World Baseball Classic on Monday night, with the Air Force baseball team among that number -- courtesy of former cadets and current U.S. pitchers Paul Skenes and Griffin Jax. Skenes and Jax paid homage to their college days by ensuring the current Falcons squad, which was coming off a series of its own against Baylor in Texas, could be in attendance in Houston. The former cadets coordinated tickets for the team's excursion to Minute Maid Park. "[Air Force coach] Mike Kazlausky] reached out to both of us, and then I got together with Paul in Arizona. We were there for those couple of days just say, 'How can we make this happen?'" Jax said. "The team's been great in terms of trying to get as many tickets as possible in one group because it's a standing-room-only game."

Your next mission could start in Washington, DC! If you're considering a new career path, your timing is perfect! Join us on 7 & 8 May for the DC SACC.

 

Take this unique opportunity to connect with organizations actively seeking the leadership, discipline, and experience that academy graduates bring to the table. You'll meet representatives from industry-leading companies, key universities, and service organizations to help you on your journey. Registration is open—secure your spot today at the link below.

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