17 Mar Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, 17 March 2026

1917 -The Navy receives authorization to enlist women for temporary service in the yeoman rate, with the addition of an "F" for “female” distinguishing them from their male counterparts. Some 11,275 yeomen (F) don Navy blue during the Great War.

 

1924 - LTJG Charles Porter, Class of 1920, USN and LTJG Olin Miner, Class of 1920, USN were lost when the plane they were piloting collided with another and crashed near Pensacola, Florida. Porter, from Columbia, South Carolina, grew up with his aunt; his mom died when he was nine years old. As a 1/c he spent four months aboard USS Reina Mercedes, moored in the Severn, after being caught playing poker. He was survived by his father, three brothers, sister and aunt & uncle. Miner, from Fresno, California, served aboard four ships before beginning flight training sometime before May 1923. In February 1922 he took passage on an Army transport ship for some official business in Belgium and France; he married in Paris in May. He was survived by his wife, parents and two brothers.

Academy & Graduate happenings

WMAR-2 News is your Voice for Veterans Station, and every Monday morning, we honor those who have served our nation and continue to inspire us today. Larry Hushour '87 is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy who had dedicated his life to service, both in uniform and in the community. After earning his wings through flight school in Pensacola, Florida and Corpus Christi, Texas, Hushour became carrier-qualified in the E-2C Hawkeye. He served aboard the USS Eisenhower during the first Gulf War and later aboard the USS George Washington. After active duty, he joined the Navy's counter-narcotics squadron VAW 77 "The Night Wolves," where he tracked drug runners and helped seize illegal drugs. He retired in 2007 as a Commander in the Navy Reserves. His service to the community continues, as Mayor of Mt. Airy where he launched the Hometown Banner Program to honor active and fallen service members from the town.

In episode 1 of the Stockdale Center's Future of Warfighting podcast series we discuss the critical role of energy security with Prof Bob Fishman, Distinguished Visiting Professor and McNeil Chair in the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering as well as Director of the USNA Center for Energy Security and Infrastructure Resilience. Energy is one of the most powerful forces shaping global conflict. In this episode, Fishman explains why energy security, infrastructure resilience and fuel logistics are critical to national security. As tensions rise in the Middle East—especially around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil chokepoint—this conversation reveals how disruptions to energy supply can reshape geopolitics, military strategy and the global economy. From World War II to today's great power competition, Dr. Fishman shows why energy may ultimately determine who wins future conflicts.

From the Podcast Fleet

March Sadness continued on the Yard as the Women's Basketball team joined the men's team in getting upset in the Patriot League Tournament. So…no March Madness for Navy basketball, but the teams still get to play in some postseason tournaments. Chris and John discuss. 16 March is also the drop date for the USNA Alumni Travel Catalog. We follow up last week's successful Travel Showcase at the FAC with interviews with AHI Travel and the WWII Museum about some of the trips they offer in partnership with us. Take it from us…it's better to travel with an AA&F program. And our feature interview this week is with one of John's old bosses, Jim Shannon '81. The Admiral helps us continue to mark Women's History Month by offering his perspectives from his time as a Mid when the first classes of women arrived…his leadership perspectives from a great career in the Fleet and his “Pee Wee Reese” moment when it came time to really support his female Shipmates. It's always good to chat with an Irishman on St. Patty's, and Jim is indeed one of those. Slainte!! That and more on the best Alumni Association podcast there is. Beat Army. Always.

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Government & Military News

These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy's deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of 16 March 2026, based on Navy and public data. In cases in which a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship. This post was updated to correct the number of destroyers in the Eastern Mediterranean.

As the Navy builds out new career fields focused on operating drone boats and submarines, it's repurposing special insignia pins taken from other job fields with similar requirements to recognize the work they do. At the Surface Navy Association's annual symposium in January, Lt. Miles Graham, commanding officer of the freshly established Chimera Detachment Alpha, revealed that his sailors were now earning the Craftmaster Insignia, a distinctive and rare device featuring a ship's wheel and crossed anchors. Chimera Detachment Alpha, activated in January, operates the Navy's medium unmanned surface vessels including Sea Hawk and Sea Hunter; the DARPA-built no manning required ship Defiant; and two USVs from the Overlord program, Mariner and Ranger.

President Donald Trump said the United States is asking about seven countries to help secure and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. Trump argued that nations heavily dependent on Middle Eastern oil—such as China, Japan and South Korea—should contribute naval forces to protect the waterway. The strait carries roughly 20% of the world's oil, making disruptions economically significant. However, several allies have hesitated or declined to send ships, wary of escalating the conflict. The request highlights rising geopolitical tensions and growing pressure on international partners to share responsibility for securing vital energy routes.

David Goggins, a retired Navy SEAL, author and endurance athlete, has reenlisted in the U.S. military at age 51 and is currently participating in U.S. Air Force special warfare training. After leaving active duty in 2016, Goggins became widely known as a motivational speaker and social media figure. Now assigned to the Air Force's Special Warfare Training Wing, he reportedly requires an age waiver to enter the demanding training pipeline. Goggins has long pursued becoming an Air Force pararescue jumper, a goal he previously missed. Officials say candidates from other services can cross-train into Air Force Special Warfare but must meet the same rigorous standards as all trainees.

Local, Education & other academy news

Sophia Smith is an Annapolis native, deeply influenced by the Navy Spirit within the community. She recently graduated from James Madison University in Virginia with degree in advertising and minor in geography. Since joining AA&F in September, Smith has been dedicated to advancing the mission of the Enterprise.

 

At AA&F, Smith manages graphic design, event coverage, social media support, project management and more. Smith is passionate about creating impactful designs for Navy alumni and finds the work with the Communication Team at AA&F incredibly rewarding. Smith is particularly excited about experiencing Commissioning Week in May.

 

Outside of work, Smith enjoys traveling and is eagerly planning a cross-country road trip to explore the diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures across the country.

West Point celebrates 224th birthday!

It was 16 March 1802 when Thomas Jefferson signed legislation establishing the United States Military Academy at West Point.

 

For more than two centuries, West Point has stood as one of the nation's premier leader development institutions, shaping leaders of character committed to Duty, Honor, Country. While they wear gray and we wear blue and gold, the mission has always been shared—developing officers ready to lead, serve and, when called, fight together as one team.

 

From the banks of the Hudson to the Yard in Annapolis, the connection between the United States Army and United States Navy runs deeper than rivalry. It's built on mutual respect, joint service and a commitment to something bigger than any single academy or branch.

 

Today, we honor the vision that began in 1802, the generations of graduates who answered the call to serve and the cadets who carry that legacy forward—knowing that, at the end of the day, we're all on the same side of the line.

 

Happy Founders Day, West Point!

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Women's Golf at Magnolia Collegiate - 10th & 11th out of 14 teams

USNA and AA&F Events

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