Official daily newsletter of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation
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Today in Navy, Marine Corps
and USNA Memorial Hall History
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1953 - Serving in a platoon of the 1st Marine Division in Korea during an attack against an enemy force, Hospital Corpsman Francis C. Hammond is seriously wounded when the enemy counterattacks. He continues to treat the wounded over the course of a four-hour period until his platoon is ordered to withdraw. While supervising the evacuation of casualties and assisting the corpsmen of the relieving unit, he is killed by enemy fire. Hammond is awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously.
1993 - LT Robert Forwalder '89, USN was lost when the E-2C Hawkeye he was aboard crashed into the Ionian Sea while returning to USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). He and the other crew were members of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 124; they had just arrived on station for humanitarian assistance in Bosnia. Robert grew up in Akron, Ohio and graduated second in his high school class. At the Naval Academy he was in the Men's Glee Club, Protestant Chapel Choir and the Airborne Training Unit. Following his designation as a naval aviator in March 1991, he served for a short time with VAW-122 until that squadron's disestablishment. Robert was survived by his wife, son, parents and brother.
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Academy & Graduate happenings
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Thank you John Taylor for 54 years with USNA AA&F!
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John Taylor began his career at USNA AA&F in the 1970s after being offered a part-time weekend job by Mr. Strong, who oversaw maintenance, grounds, and event support. Starting out as a busboy and dishwasher, he quickly became a familiar and dependable presence. While attending college, he continued working weekends as a bartender and later transitioned into a part-time role in facilities a few days a week. After retiring from the State, he joined the Enterprise full-time, bringing with him decades of experience, dedication and institutional knowledge. In total, he has spent an incredible 54 years working at USNA AA&F.
One of his favorite memories came during an all-hands meeting when he was recognized for his many years of service. When his name was called and a photo of him on the beach appeared on the big screen, he jokingly thought he was in trouble—making the moment both surprising and memorable. Among the many events he has worked, class reunion parties stand out as his favorite, especially those for the Class of 1952. He fondly recalls that they always had the best band and music, making the events particularly enjoyable to be part of.
His advice to new employees is simple and heartfelt: be yourself, cooperate with your coworkers and do your best to be helpful. Building positive relationships and getting along with the people you work with, he believes, makes all the difference.
Fair winds and following seas, John Taylor. Thank you for everything!
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An Honor Chair does more than commemorate one midshipman
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An Honor Chair does more than commemorate one midshipman—an honor chair in Alumni Hall supports the entire Brigade. Honor Chair gifts benefit the Naval Academy Fund, providing critical unrestricted resources that allow the Superintendent, alumni programs, and the Naval Academy Foundation to address emerging priorities and strengthen the Academy's Margin of Excellence.
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Whitefish (MT) Alum organizes national security summit
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With Whitefish, Montana, as a backdrop, high level national security strategists will analyze geopolitical conflict as it intersects with policy and media influence at a newly established forum next week. The strike on Iran, women at the front of U.S. security strategy, cyber threats to the rise of autonomous and advanced military technologies will be among the topics planned during the private event at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center 2-3 April. The event is organized by Whitefish residents Eric Oehlerich '99 and Mick Mulroy. The two veterans had careers serving the United States before cofounding The Lobo Institute, the host organization of the inaugural Whitefish Security Summit. Oehlerich was a Navy Seal for over 20 years and is the former Commanding Officer of DEVGRU (Squadron 2). A Whitefish native, Oehlerich ski-raced through his college years at the Naval Academy in Maryland, which added to his training for combat and would come to save his life several times, he said.
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Anchors Aweigh Podcast: Putting the spotlight on second-ranked Navy men's rugby
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Head coach Gavin Hickie joins the pod to talk about another outstanding season for Navy men's rugby, which is ranked second nationally going into the Division 1A national championship playoffs. We also talk to Navy football coach Brian Newberry about his plan to take over defensive play-calling duties. Newberry also discusses some of the recent promotions and hires he made.
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Government & Military News
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USS Nimitz, now in service until 2027, heads to SOUTHCOM exercise
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The USS Nimitz will remain in service until March 2027, extending its planned retirement to help the Navy maintain its 11-carrier fleet requirement as newer carriers come online. The ship is deploying to support U.S. Southern Command during the Southern Seas 2026 exercise, where it will train alongside partner nations across Latin America. The mission includes joint operations, port visits and regional engagement aimed at strengthening maritime partnerships. This deployment marks one of Nimitz's final operational assignments, underscoring its decades-long legacy while reinforcing U.S. presence and cooperation throughout the Western Hemisphere.
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Hegseth removes rank insignia from military chaplains
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the removal of traditional rank insignia from U.S. military chaplains' uniforms, directing them instead to wear symbols representing their faith. While chaplains will continue to hold rank, authority and pay within the chain of command, the visual shift emphasizes their primary role as spiritual leaders rather than staff officers. Supporters say the change reinforces the Chaplain Corps' religious mission and highlights the importance of faith within the force. The move marks a notable cultural shift, aiming to strengthen religious identity, preserve freedom of worship and refocus chaplains on serving the spiritual needs of service members.
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Destroyer USS Mustin Arrives at New Homeport in Japan
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The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG-89) has arrived at its new homeport in Yokosuka, Japan, marking a key shift in U.S. naval presence in the Indo-Pacific. The move is part of a scheduled rotation that replaces the cruiser USS Robert Smalls and reinforces forward-deployed forces in the region. Previously based in San Diego, Mustin's relocation enhances rapid response capability and strengthens the U.S.-Japan alliance. Forward deployment reduces transit time to critical areas and supports regional stability, deterrence and operational readiness as the Navy positions its most capable ships closer to potential hotspots.
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Local, Education & other academy news
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Tomorrow is the last day to vote for your BOT representation
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Voting closes tomorrow, Friday, 27 March, for Central and Eastern Region members. All Central and Eastern region alumni are eligible to vote. Not sure where your specific region is located? Check out this map.
- Don't forget: Learn more about the candidates in your region on our Candidate Information Page at the first link below.
- Remember: Cast your vote online at the second link below.
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Naval Academy Athletics News & Results
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Army West Point maintains Patriot League Presidents' Cup Standings Lead through Winter Championships
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Army West Point maintained its lead in the 2025-26 Patriot League Presidents' Cup standings through the winter sports championship season, with Navy, Boston University, Lehigh and Bucknell rounding out the top five in the overall standings. The defending Patriot League Presidents' Cup champion Black Knights claimed 44.5 points during the winter to accumulate 86.75 total points. Army West Point registered runner-up finishes in men's and women's indoor track and field, and men's and women's swimming and diving. Navy climbed to second in the overall standings with 54.5 points during the winter, giving them 82.75 points. The Mids won Patriot League titles in men's indoor track and field, and men's and women's swimming and diving. Navy also claimed regular-season titles in men's and women's basketball.
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- Women's Track & Field at Raleigh Relays - Raleigh, N.C. - 9:30 a.m.
- Men's Track & Field atRaleigh Relays - Raleigh, N.C. - 9:30 a.m.
- Men's Swimming & Diving at NCAA Championship - Atlanta, Ga. - 10:00 a.m.
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- Men's Swimming & Diving at NCAA Championship - NTSR
- Women's Tennis vs Delaware - W 4-3
- Women's Lacrosse vs Lehigh - W 11-6
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Army - Navy Star Series: Navy has won the Star Series
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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).
Remaining Star Matchups:
27-29 Mar - Baseball - West Point - Fri - 4:00 p.m., Sat - 2:00 p.m., Sun - 1:00 p.m.
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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MARCH
- 27 Mar – U.S. Naval Academy Athletic & Scholarship Executive Committee Meeting, Bastian
APRIL
- 8 Apr - Greater Southern Maryland Chapter Social & Business Mtg. Brudergarten, 5-6 p.m. - 22725 Duke St, Leonardtown, MD 20650, Online event: Register here.
- 8 Apr - Bonds of Gold Ceremony - Memorial Hall
- 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 - Glee Club - 52nd Annual Spring Oratorio - 8:00 p.m. - Music Center at STRATHMORE click here for: free (but required) tickets
- 18 Apr – Annapolis Cup Navy Croquet vs St Johns, St Johns College
- 19-22 Apr - Sea Air and Space Expo - Washington, DC
- 22-Apr Intermountain Chapter + NAPC of Utah Roadshow
- 23-Apr New Mexico Chapter Roadshow
- 24-Apr Southern Arizona Chapter + NAPC of Arizona Roadshow
- 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
- 25-Apr Northern Arizona Chapter + NAPC of Arizona Roadshow and Arizona Chapter + NAPC of Arizona Roadshow (yes, two roadshows in one day)
- 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
- 11 May - Greater Southern Maryland Chapter Golf Tournament - 8 a.m - 12 p.m. EDT, Chesapeake Hills golf course, 11352 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657, Contact [email protected] or 301-481-0604 to register or at this link
- 13 May - GSMC Social & Business Mtg. Brudergarten, 5 - 6 p.m. EDT, 22725 Duke St, Leonardtown, MD 20650 Online event: Register here.
- 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 Alumni Center
- 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
- 30 Aug - Annapolis 10 Miler (Run to Honor is a charity partner)
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
- 8 - 11 Oct - Class of 1971 55th Reunion
- 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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