24 Mar Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, 24 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.

1847 - Having been put ashore two days earlier to augment Army artillery, a naval battery consisting of two 32-pounders and three 8-inch guns exchanges fire with Mexican batteries at Fort Santa Barbara, Veracruz. Four Americans are killed and six wounded in the battery, the construction of which is supervised by future Confederate general Robert E. Lee. The naval battery is back in action the next day, firing until ammunition is exhausted and suffering two men killed and three wounded. All told, the naval battery accounts for some 45 percent of all shells fired by American artillery during the siege of Veracruz.

 

1984 - Capt. Stephen Burley '77, USMC was lost when the CH-53 helicopter he was piloting crashed during a joint military exercise with South Korean marines; twenty-eight others aboard were also killed. Stephen grew up in Magnolia, New Jersey, and spent a year at the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas. He was survived by his wife, son, parents and two brothers.

 

1986 - On 24 March, Libyan surface-to-air missile batteries fire upon aircraft operating from the carrier Coral Sea (CVA-43) over the Gulf of Sidra, missing their targets. Later, in a series of actions called Operation Prairie Fire, A-6 Intruders from the carrier America (CV-66) fire a Harpoon missile and drop cluster bombs on a Libyan La Combattante II-class missile boat that approaches the carrier battle group, severely damaging it. That night carrier aircraft launch high-speed antiradiation missiles at Libyan radar sites and bomb a Libyan Nanuchka-class guided missile corvette, damaging it. A second corvette is attacked and sunk the following day by A-6 Intruders firing Harpoon missiles (24–25 March).

Academy & Graduate happenings

In Episode 2 in our Future of Warfighting podcast series we sit down with Commander Li Sung of the United States Naval Academy—Civil Engineering Corps officer, naval architect and educator shaping the next generation of naval leaders. From a global upbringing shaped by conflict, migration and cultural exchange to a career in the Navy and cutting-edge research in shipbuilding and autonomous systems, CDR Sung shares a powerful story of service, purpose and innovation. The conversation explores the future of warfighting, the challenges of global shipbuilding, and how partnerships, technology and leadership will define the next era of defense. Through real-world experience and classroom impact, Sung offers insight into how today's midshipmen are being prepared to think critically, adapt quickly and lead with clarity in an increasingly complex world.

Voting closes this Friday, 27 March, for the Central and Eastern Region trustees on the USNA Alumni Association Board of Trustees. All Central and Eastern region alumni are eligible to vote. Find your region.

From the Podcast Fleet

"March is winding down, but the Sing Second Pod team couldn't be happier, because that means it's officially Orioles season! Chris and John talk about the great sporting events - like Army/Navy - that become great settings for connection and memories. Orioles Opening Day is that for the pod hosts. What is it for the alumni? Reunions? Croquet? Army/Navy? Blue Angels? The hosts also discuss the recent Presidential order protecting the Army-Navy game, and we talk about the invaluable heroes of the Naval Academy - Sponsor families. Our featured interview this week is Susan Yoshihara '86. As we continue to celebrate Women's History Month and prep for April's 50 Years of Women gala at the Fluegel Alumni Center, Susan brings home the goods about her amazing experience in and out of uniform. Susan is founder and president of the American Council on Women Peace and Security (ACWPS), a non-partisan nonprofit organization advancing women's leadership in international peace and security, and she served for 20 years as an active-duty U.S. Navy helicopter pilot in the Western Pacific. We have a great convo. Don't miss it. 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 23 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.

The Marine Corps is testing new amphibious vehicle prototypes featuring a “cruise control”-like capability designed to ease the burden on crews during water operations. The advanced reconnaissance vehicles, built by Textron Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems, recently completed swim tests at Camp Pendleton. The new feature allows the vehicle to maintain a set course and stability in the water, similar to autopilot, reducing the need for constant manual steering. The vehicles were also tested for high-speed water entry, maneuverability and firing while afloat. The prototypes are part of a long-term effort to replace the Corps' aging light armored vehicle fleet by around 2030.

Local, Education & other academy news

Through the USNA AA&F, our alumni travel program combines learning, culture and unforgettable experiences. Thoughtfully planned itineraries, expert guides and the camaraderie of fellow Naval Academy graduates make every journey meaningful. Everything you helped build—the Academy, its traditions, and its community—lives on through shared experiences that carry forward the Academy's spirit and values. Alumni, family and friends can join these extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Watch the video above to see how easy it is to travel with your fellow alumni through our USNA Alumni Travel program.

The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation is growing! We're looking for talented, mission‑driven individuals to join our team. We have multiple open positions across the organization, offering the opportunity to support our alumni, midshipmen and the Naval Academy community.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

No. 4 Navy women's lacrosse secures its best start in program history while Danny Wask becomes Navy's first back-to-back All-American wrestler in 17 years. Get caught up on that and more in the latest Navy Weekly Warmup.

Army - Navy Star Series: Navy has won the Star Series

Navy leads 13-5-1 (Army - Volleyball, Men's Soccer, Women's Rugby, Women's Cross Country, Wrestling. Navy - Men's Golf, Men's Cross Country, Sprint Football, Men's Rugby, Men's and Women's Swimming, Football, Men's and Women's Indoor Track & Field, Rifle, Gymnastics, Men's and Women's Basketball. Tie - Women's Soccer).

 

 

4 Apr - W. Tennis - Annapolis - 11:00 a.m.

11 Apr - M. Outdoor Track & Field - West Point - TBA

11 Apr - W. Outdoor Track & Field - West Point - TBA

11 Apr - M. Lacrosse - West Point - 2:30 p.m.

11 Apr - W. Lacrosse - Annapolis - 12:00 p.m.

18 Apr - M. Tennis - Annapolis - 1:00 p.m.

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USNA AA&F resources & Links

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