Official daily newsletter of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation
Today in Navy, Marine Corps
and USNA Memorial Hall History
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1934 - Aviation Cadet Nelson Samuels '33, USA was lost when the observation plane he was aboard crashed on a training flight near Camp Bullis, Texas. Samuels grew up in Severna Park, Maryland; in high school he was football teammates with future-Admiral Gordon Chung-Hoon '34. At the Naval Academy he was on the football team, appearing in every game as a 1/c. As he and his classmates graduated into the depths of the Great Depression, Samuels was among those not offered a commission in the Navy. He entered the Army's flying cadet program in July 1933 and would have graduated from it in July 1934. Samuels was survived by his mother, sister and brother (Bill '35).
1943 - The first group of 71 Women Marine officer candidates arrived at the U.S. Midshipmen School (Women's Reserve) at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts. The Navy's willingness to share training facilities enabled the Marine Corps to begin training Marine Corps Women's Reserve officers just one month after the creation of the MCWR was announced.
1997 - The three-ship Nassau (LHA-4) amphibious ready group begins executing Operation Silver Wake, the rescue of Americans and foreign nationals in the midst of civil war in Albania. Marines secure the embassy compound in Tirana, and over the course of five days, 877 people are pulled to safety and delivered to the amphibious transport dock ship Nashville (LPD-13).
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Academy & Graduate happenings
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Alum takes command of Air Reserve 107th Operations Group
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Airmen of the 107th Attack Wing welcomed a new operations leader as Col Christopher H. Weisshaar '03, USAF assumed command of the 107th Operations Group during a ceremony at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. A career aviator with more than 4,000 flight hours, including more than 1,000 combat hours, Weisshaar now leads the unit responsible for the wing's flying operations, training and mission readiness. “I'm honored for the opportunity,” Weisshaar said. “It's humbling to lead the men and women of the 107th Operations Group.” Weisshaar brings more than two decades of military experience to the role. Commissioned through the United States Naval Academy, he began his career as a Naval Flight Officer before transitioning to the Air National Guard.
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Save the Date: President's Circle Weekend, 8–10 October 2026
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Join us in Annapolis, MD for a memorable President's Circle Weekend at the United States Naval Academy. This special weekend celebrates the impact you make possible for the Brigade of Midshipmen and features meaningful connections, exclusive experiences and well-deserved recognition.
More details—including information about Navy vs. Tulsa game tickets and your formal invitation—will be coming soon.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Annapolis for this special occasion!
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Government & Military News
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Carrier USS Gerald R. Ford suffers fire, at least 2 sailors injured
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A fire broke out aboard aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) on Thursday, multiple sources confirmed to USNI News. The initial fire has been extinguished, but the crew is still doing damage control, according to a U.S. official. Naval Sea Systems Command's Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center is preparing to help the fleet with electrical support, USNI News understands.
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U.S. Marine Corps pursues thermal cloaks to hide troops from heat sensors
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As the Ukraine war has shown, drones equipped with thermal sensors have made the battlefield so hazardous that the best defense is not to be spotted at all. Thus, the U.S. Marine Corps is looking for camouflage cloaks that shield wearers from prying eyes and infrared cameras, according to a Marine Corps Systems Command Sources Sought notice. The Multispectral Camouflage Overgarment, or MCO, “is intended to provide individual signature management for Marines by mitigating detection across the visual (VIS), near infrared (NIR), and short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectrums as well as suppress thermal signatures in the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long wave infrared (LWIR) to reduce the likelihood of detection by thermal sensors,” the notice notes. The deadline is April 22.
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3 cargo ships damaged in suspected Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz
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Suspected Iranian projectiles hit three commercial ships Wednesday in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. The crew of at least one ship – Thai-flagged Mayuree Naree – evacuated, leaving only a skeleton crew behind. UKMTO reported an unknown projectile hit the ship, while pictures circulating on social media site X suggest it could have been an unmanned underwater vehicle. The ship, owned by Precious Shipping Public Company Limited, was in the strait after leaving port in Khalifa, United Arab Emirates, according to the Royal Thai Navy. The Omani Navy rescued 20 of the 23 crew members and is working to rescue the remaining three.
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Local, Education & other academy news
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Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, joins U.S. Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors
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Erika Kirk, the wife of slain right-wing Christian activist Charlie Kirk, is the newest member of the U.S. Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors. The group serves as an advisory committee in the executive branch on matters relating to the Academy. The 15-member board consists of people appointed by the president and members of Congress. Kirk's appointment comes from the president. Charlie Kirk, killed last September at an event in Utah, had previously served on the Board of Visitors. In a release from the Board at the time of his assassination, he was described as "a passionate champion for our Academy, its timeless mission and the extraordinary Cadets who have dedicated their lives to service before self."
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Naval Academy Athletics News & Results
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Navy Men's Basketball secures bid in 2026 NIT tournament
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Navy Midshipmen men's basketball isn't throwing in the towel just yet. The Mids secured a bid to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), as announced yesterday. It will mark Navy's first postseason tournament appearance since 1998 and just the second time in program history the Mids have competed in the NIT (1962).
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- Rifle vs NCAA Championship – Columbus, Ohio – 9:00 a.m.
- Men's Tennis at UC Irvine – Irvine, Calif. – 1:00 p.m. ET
- Men's Soccer at Dundee United U19s – Dundee, Scotland – 2:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. GMT)
- Baseball at Lehigh – Bethlehem, Pa. – 3:00 p.m.
- Men's Tennis vs Air Force – Irvine, Calif. – 5:00 p.m. ET
- Men's Rugby at #8 BYU – Provo, Utah – 8:00 p.m. ET
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- Women's Basketball vs #4 Lehigh University Patriot League Tournament - L - 76-81 Final/OT
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Saturday, 14 March
- Intercollegiate Sailing at St. Mary's Women's Fleet Race – St. Mary's City, Md. – All Day
- Intercollegiate Sailing vs Graham Hall Team Race – Annapolis, Md. – All Day
- Rifle vs NCAA Championship – Columbus, Ohio – 9:00 a.m.
- Women's Rowing at Oak Ridge Cardinal Invite (Day One) – Oak Ridge, Tenn. – 11:00 a.m.
- Women's Lacrosse vs Bucknell – Annapolis, Md. – 12:00 p.m.
- Women's Track & Field at Sea Lion Invite – San Diego, Calif. – 12:00 p.m. ET
- Men's Track & Field at Sea Lion Invite – San Diego, Calif. – 12:00 p.m. ET
- Men's Lacrosse at Johns Hopkins – Baltimore, Md. – 1:00 p.m.
- Men's Gymnastics at Springfield College – Springfield, Mass. – 1:00 p.m.
- Baseball at Lehigh – Bethlehem, Pa. – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, 15 March
- Intercollegiate Sailing vs Graham Hall Team Race – Annapolis, Md. – All Day
- Intercollegiate Sailing at St. Mary's Women's Fleet Race – St. Mary's City, Md. – All Day
- Women's Rowing at Oak Ridge Cardinal Invite (Day Two) – Oak Ridge, Tenn. – 9:25 a.m.
- Women's Basketball vs Patriot League Championship – Annapolis, Md. – 12:00 p.m.
- Baseball at Lehigh – Bethlehem, Pa. – 12:00 p.m.
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MARCH
- 7–15 Mar – U.S. Naval Academy Spring Break
- 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
- 8 Apr - Greater Southern Maryland Chapter Social & Business Mtg. Brudergarten, 5-6pm - 22725 Duke St, Leonardtown, MD 20650, Online event: https://meet.google.com/toh-nvgs-yvn
- 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 - Fluegel Alumni Center
- 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 – 2025 TAL Awardee Recognition
- 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
AUGUST
- 6 – 7 Aug - Service Academy Career Conference, San Diego, CA
SEPTEMBER
- 3 – 6 Sep - Class of 1981 45th Reunion
- 3 – 6 Sep - Class of 1996 30th Reunion
- 3 – 6 Sep - Class of 2016 10th Reunion
- 5 Sep - Navy vs Towson, NMCMS
- 12 Sep - Navy @ Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
- 17 – 20 Sep - Class of 1986 40th Reunion
- 25 Sep - Navy @ University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
OCTOBER
- 1 – 4 Oct - Class of 1966 60th Reunion
- 3 Oct - Navy @ Air Force, Colorado Springs, CO
- 8 – 10 Oct - President's Circle Weekend
- 10 Oct - Navy vs Tulsa University, NMCMS
- 17 Oct - Navy @ University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio TX
- 22 – 23 Oct - Service Academy Career Conference, Denton, TX
- 23 – 25 Oct - Class of 1956 70th Reunion
- 23 – 25 Oct - Class of 1976 50th Reunion
- 23 – 25 Oct - Class of 1991 35th Reunion
- 23 – 25 Oct - Class of 2001 25th Reunion
- 23 – 25 Oct - Class of 2006 20th Reunion
- 23 Oct - Anchors Away Golf Tournament
- 24 Oct - U.S. Naval Academy Homecoming
- 24 Oct - Navy vs North Texas University, NMCMS
- 24 Oct - Welcome Home Social, Fluegel
- 31 Oct - Navy vs Notre Dame, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
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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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