16 Mar Daily Shipmate

Monday, 16 March 2026

1950 - The submarine Pickerel (SS-524) completes a record underwater voyage between Hong Kong and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, employing a snorkel to remain submerged for more than 21 days while covering a distance of 5,194 nautical miles (16 March–5 April).

 

1971 - The SH-2D Seasprite Light Airborne Multipurpose System helicopter makes its maiden flight. Fitted with advanced sensors and processors, the helicopter effectively extends the range at which surface ships can detect and attack surface and subsurface targets.

 

1981 - LCDR Gerald Jenkins '69, USN was lost in some kind of accident aboard USS America (CVA 66) in the Atlantic Ocean. He was a member of Air Anti-Submarine Squadron (VS) 33, but it does not appear his death was the result of an aircraft crash. Jenkins became a Naval Aviator in 1971; he then earned a master's degree at the University of West Florida. His first flying assignment was briefly as an instructor at Corpus Christi, Texas in 1973, because later that year he took S-3A Viking training at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, California. He was next assigned to Air Anti-Submarine Squadron (VS) 21, and by 1978 he was serving as aide to Commander Naval Air Test Center, Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. He completed a tour at the Naval War College, and reported to Air Anti-Submarine Squadron (VS) 33 in March 1980. He was survived by his wife, daughter, parents, sister and two brothers.

Academy & Graduate happenings

From Greater Southern Maryland Chapter (GSMC) President Dan Peters '04 - The GSMC of the USNA Alumni Association is deeply saddened to share the passing of our friend and shipmate, Andy Mechling '73. Andy was a charter member of the GSMC chapter and was serving as a member of our Board of Directors at the time of his tragic passing. From the very beginning of our chapter, Andy played an important role in helping build the strong Naval Academy alumni community we enjoy today. His friendship, leadership and dedication to the Naval Academy family in Southern Maryland will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum at 11:00 a.m. on 27 March, with a reception to follow. Our thoughts and prayers are with Andy's family and loved ones during this difficult time.

USNA alum takes command of USS Boxer

Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) held a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Base San Diego, 13 March 2026. CAPT Eli Owre '02 assumed the duties and responsibilities as commanding officer of Boxer from CAPT Jason Tumlinson. VADM Brendan McLane '90, commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, served as the presiding officer and guest speaker. Owre, a native of Eugene, Oregon, received his commission from the United States Naval Academy in 2002 and was designated a Naval Aviator in 2004.

As part of the ongoing commitment to meet alumni and families where they are, USNA AA&F's visits across the country allow the team to share updates from the Yard, highlight AA&F programs and initiatives and hear directly from the community about how they can better support alumni, parents and mids.

 

From longtime graduates to future midshipmen, the gatherings brought together members of the Naval Academy family spanning generations. Last week, the team headed to the Midwest and met with many alumni, including a member of the Class of 1961 in Omaha, an incoming plebe from the Class of 2030 and even a potential future mid from the Class of 2042 in St. Louis. Alumni and parents from across the years also joined the team in Des Moines and Wichita. These informal events are a reminder that the alumni and parent community is more than a network. It is a place to connect, share stories and keep Navy Blue and Gold friendships strong. The enthusiasm and passion USNA AA&F teammates encounter continue to inspire more meaningful and impactful programs that strengthen connections to the Academy and to one another across generations. By staying engaged, the community helps shape the next generation at USNA, and the team is honored to play a small role in making that possible. Next month, the team heads west for a Southwest roadshow with stops in Utah, New Mexico and Arizona. Check out the calendar below for more details.

Government & Military News

United ​States forces executed a ‌large-scale precision strike on Kharg Island in Iran on ​Friday night, the ​U.S. Central Command said on ⁠Saturday. "U.S. forces successfully ​struck more than 90 ​Iranian military targets on Kharg Island, while preserving the oil ​infrastructure," CENTCOM said. The strike ​destroyed naval mine storage facilities, ‌missile ⁠storage bunkers, and multiple other military sites, the U.S. military said in ​a post ​on ⁠X. President Donald Trump threatened on Friday to strike the ​oil infrastructure of ​Iran's ⁠Kharg Island hub, unless Tehran stopped attacking vessels ⁠in ​the Strait of ​Hormuz.

USS Tripoli, 31st MEU heading to the Middle East

Big deck amphibious warship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) and its embarked Marines are heading to the Middle East as the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran enters its third week, two defense officials confirmed to USNI News. Amphibious assault ship Tripoli and elements of the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit will join the Gerald R. Ford and Abraham Lincoln carrier strike groups that have been operating in the region. Tripoli was operating in the Philippine Sea earlier this week with USS San Diego (LPD-22) and USS New Orleans (LPD-18), according to the 9 March USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker.

Six U.S. airmen were killed on Thursday when a U.S. Air Force KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed during ongoing combat operations against Iran, U.S. Central Command confirmed. “All six crew members aboard a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq are now confirmed deceased,” CENTCOM announced. “The aircraft was lost while flying over friendly airspace 12 March during Operation Epic Fury.” In a press briefing Friday alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine stated the crash occurred “while the crew was on a combat mission.”

Local, Education & other academy news

Announcement: Hampton Roads Chapter special annual meeting with distinguished guest speaker Navy Athletics Director Michael Kelly

Mark your calendars and plan to join fellow Naval Academy alumni and chapter members at the Hampton Roads Chapter Annual Meeting & Luncheon at The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center, 4535 Commerce Street, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462. Please sign up by 3 April @ 1200. Following a brief "State of the Chapter" report by Bill Daniels '77, Chapter President, and an announcement of the new 2026-2028 Board of Directors, the guest speaker will be Michael Kelly, President of the Naval Academy Athletic Association and Director of Athletics at the Naval Academy. Hats off to Bill and the Hampton Roads Chapter for getting a great guest speaker!

A new squadron has been activated at the U.S. Air Force Academy (AFA) to better prepare cadets for the complexities of modern warfare. The 34th Training Support Squadron (TRSS), activated on 23 Feb. 2026, will strengthen the Academy's officer-development mission by ensuring warfighter skills are delivered to the cadet wing along with the training resources required to ensure cadets receive a world-class experience, aligned with the operational needs of the Air Force. With a renewed emphasis on lethality from the Department of War, the Academy is expanding its military training to develop adaptable and critically thinking warfighters. The 34th TRSS will be at the forefront of this effort, delivering and sustaining the training infrastructure necessary to develop the next generation of military leaders. Brig Gen Gavin Marks, Commandant of Cadets, emphasized the importance of this new squadron, stating, “An officer's development doesn't begin at their first operational assignment; it is forged here. The 34th TRSS will deliver a more structured and specialized warfighter development to ensure our cadets are fully prepared to lead on day one.”

A new documentary centered on disabled veterans, wheelchair rugby and life after catastrophic injury is set to make its world premiere at the Annapolis Film Festival later this month. Sum Function, directed by Marine Corps veteran and quadriplegic Noah Currier, will debut on Saturday, 28 March 2026, at Maryland Hall in Annapolis. The film follows members of the Oscar Mike Militia, described as the nation's only all-veteran wheelchair rugby team, and examines how they navigate identity, connection and purpose after life-changing injuries. The documentary goes beyond sports, focusing on the personal and practical challenges faced by veterans living with severe disabilities. It also explores the support systems built through adaptive athletics and shared experience. Check out the preview of the documentary above and read the story below.

The Fluegel Alumni Center (FAC) has already had a busy start to the year. Well known as one of Annapolis' premier waterfront wedding venues, the FAC also welcomed a wide variety of events recently. In addition to weddings, the FAC hosted a fundraising event for Severn School, welcomed for a second year alumni, friends and the Annapolis community for the Naptown Hooley with Naptown Events' John O'Leary '95, and last Friday, we held the inaugural USNA Travel Showcase, previewing upcoming 2027 USNA Travel experiences and the annual travel catalog. It was such an exciting event that even Bill the Goat stopped by to learn about 2027 trips—and he stayed for our “Trip Selection”!

From celebrations and community gatherings to fundraisers, alumni events and corporate functions, the FAC continues to serve as one of the most versatile and sought-after event spaces in Annapolis. Do you want to host your event here with us? Early planning is essential so reach out to us sooner rather than later to get you scheduled today.

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