30 Mar Daily Shipmate

Monday, 30 March 2026

Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC) David L. Isom was among the guest speakers and senior enlisted leaders on a panel discussing Joint Force priorities with 1/C Midshipmen as part of the U.S. Naval Academy Character Development Seminar Series in Annapolis, Maryland, 25 March 2026. The Naval Academy prepares young leaders to become professional officers of competence, character and consequence in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

1944 - Task Force 58 aircraft bombard Japanese airfields, repair facilities, and other installations at Palau, Yap, Ulithi, and Woleai in the Caroline Islands, sinking 41 vessels of various sizes and classes. TBF Avengers from the carriers Bunker Hill (CV-17), Hornet (CV-12), and Lexington (CV-16) mine the approaches to the Palaus, the first time carrier aircraft participate in sowing a minefield during World War II (31 March–1 April).

 

2019 - Maj Matthew Wiegand '08, USMC was lost when the AH-1Z Viper he was piloting crashed while conducting a training mission as part of a weapons and tactical instructor course at Yuma, Arizona. Wiegand had over 2,000 hours in the AH-1W and -1Z helicopters. Son of a Navy officer, he lived at various stations in the United States and “left friends in Miami, Annapolis, Norfolk, northern Virginia, Chicago and Horsham.” He was survived by his wife, parents, “lifelong friends Jeff and JD, and a band of brothers and sisters from the U.S. Naval Academy, the Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army.”

Academy & Graduate happenings

By VADM Fred Kacher '90, USN

 

“Among the senior mentors from whom I have learned the most in the Navy, most describe numbered fleet command as the best job they ever had. Despite my having served in Seventh Fleet as a subordinate commander twice before, commanding this “Team of Teams” surprised and challenged me every day. It was, quite simply, the best and hardest job I have ever had. One day, a young leader reading this will rise to numbered fleet command, and, like command at sea, it is a job worth waiting for. In the spirit of helping those who follow do it better than I did, I pass along a few observations and best practices to help future commanders thrive in this extraordinary command opportunity.”

Luke Schamel '10 became an officer in the U.S. Navy to serve his country. Now a Houston associate at Yetter Coleman, he is continuing his public service in a different uniform. Schamel is representing the Veterans of Foreign Wars on a pro bono basis in a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that challenges a rule that petitioners say denies veterans the full education benefits that they have earned. Schamel's commitment to veterans is rooted in his upbringing. The son of a Marine, with an older brother who joined the Navy, he set his sights early on the U.S. Naval Academy.

They showed up and changed the game. The women connected to the Naval Academy have built a legacy of leadership, grit and impact that's still shaping what comes next. Produced by the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation in support of the 50th Years of Women commemoration held by USNA AA&F, this video recognizes the impact of women and their contributions.

From the Podcast Fleet

Summer at the United States Naval Academy isn't a break—it's a critical training period from May through August that shapes midshipmen's future service paths. The schedule includes zero block, followed by three summer blocks before reform. Most midshipmen complete a fleet cruise, a professional training event (PTE) and a period of leave. Fleet cruises provide real-world Navy or Marine Corps experience, while programs like PROTRAMID introduce career options early on. PTEs range from summer school to internships and specialty training. Success depends on curiosity, engagement and respect for operational environments, helping midshipmen grow and make informed service assignment decisions.

Government & Military News

A dozen U.S. service members were wounded Friday in an Iranian missile strike on Prince Sultan Airbase in Saudi Arabia, the Wall Street Journal first reported. Two of the 12 personnel, all of whom were reportedly inside an installation building at the time of the attack, are in serious condition. Attempts to contact U.S. Central Command had not been returned as of publication. Friday's strike, which reportedly damaged multiple U.S. refueling aircraft and involved Iranian drones as well, comes as the U.S. military continues to pour assets into the region.

“Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello '99…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the U.S., across the seas and around the world. This week…we talk early maritime lessons learned from Operation Epic Fury, discuss Navy's plans to revamp their acquisition approach to mid-size unmanned surface vessels and review morphings of the Golden Fleet with Bryan Clark and Brent Sadler.”

USS Gerald R. Ford arrives in Split, Croatia

The world's largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) anchored in the Port of Split, Croatia, 29 March, following an Adriatic Sea transit from Souda Bay, Greece, where the ship conducted a working port to resupply, refuel and conduct repairs, 23-26 March. This is Gerald R. Ford's second visit in Split, Croatia, during its ongoing deployment. The ship originally visited the Dalmatian city 21-26 October 2025, where it received a visit from Nicole McGraw, the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia. "The crew is excited to be back in Split for some well-deserved liberty," said CAPT David Skarosi, commanding officer of Gerald R. Ford. "They have accomplished so much since our initial visit in October. We are extremely thankful to the Croatian community for opening their historic and beautiful city of Split to us once again."

The USS Massachusetts officially joined the Navy fleet on Saturday after a commissioning ceremony, making it the first submarine named after the Bay State. The newest Virginia-class fast attack submarine, which can dive to depths greater than 800 feet (240 meters), was christened on 6 May 2023, by the ship's sponsor, Sheryl Sandberg, the former COO of Meta. This is the 25th Virginia-Class submarine co-produced by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding and the fifth U.S. Navy vessel named after Massachusetts. “To be able to take a ship from new construction and watch it be built together by the ship yard, train with our team and bring into Boston Harbor for the first time, it's very amazing,” said the sub's commanding officer, Mike Siedsma '05, a 21-year Navy veteran who has spent time on four different classes of submarines. “I looked at the history books. I don't think we've had a submarine in Boston Harbor since sometime in the late '80s or early '90s.”

Local, Education & other academy news

As a result of current world events, Naval Support Activity Annapolis (NSAA) and the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) are increasing Force Protection measures. The following restrictions to USNA access are effective immediately, unless otherwise noted, and will remain in effect until further notice: The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is currently closed. You can only walk through the turnstiles if you are a DoW or DBIDS card holder. General public visitation is suspended. There will be 100% ID checks. Only those with DoW- or DBIDS-issued ID cards will be permitted to walk or drive through Gate 8.

 

Visitation related to Naval Academy–sponsored events is on a case by case basis. Those with DoW or DBIDS ID cards will be allowed to walk or drive onto the Naval Academy. Currently there is no shuttle bus for spectators for any varsity sporting event. In alignment with NORTHCOM direction, the following additional access restrictions to NSAA / USNA are in effect immediately, and will remain in effect until further notice:

 

Trusted Traveler (the ability of a credentialed individual with base access to escort a non-credentialed individual) is immediately suspended. Example: Lou (CAC holder) wants to drive onboard USNA with his brother Bruce. Bruce has a Real ID drivers license, but does not have a CAC card/DBIDS/Military ID; therefore, Lou cannot drive onto the Yard with Bruce in his car. Bruce cannot come onboard, even though he's a grad.

 

Greenbury Point is closed until further notice. The closure applies to access to the fenced East & West access roads, as well as the established trails and the Nature Center. It does NOT apply to guests staying at the Cottages.

 

Expect & anticipate delays at Gate 8, along with increased security presence.

With Tax Day, 15 April, quickly approaching, service members have options for help filing their 2025 taxes, including assistance with navigating changes to tax rules, such as those enacted as part of last year's One Big Beautiful Bill Act. First off, said Susan E. Mitchell, executive director of the Armed Forces Tax Council, service members can file their taxes late, if needed, due to deployments or other issues. "There are long-standing tax filing extensions that apply just to service members," she said. "If they are stationed outside the United States and Puerto Rico, they get an automatic two-month extension to 15 June." That extension means not only filing two months later but also paying any due taxes two months later.

CAPT William Bruce (Bill) Garrett '59, USN (Ret.) of Annapolis, Maryland, passed away on 14 March 2026. Garrett was an extraordinary individual, deeply devoted to his family, his profession and his country. He was incredibly kind, understanding, personable, loving, patient and humble. A gentleman of exemplary character, a wonderful father and husband, full of faith and joy. Bill was born on 26 July 1936, in Beloit, Kansas, the second son of Harold and Geraldine Garrett. He graduated from Cawker City High School in 1954. The following year he attended Kansas University and then in 1955, he entered the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He graduated in the Class of 1959.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

The Navy men's swimming and diving season concluded with the Mids setting two school relay records and posting nine top-10 times during the four-day NCAA Championship that ended Saturday at the McAuley Aquatic Center in Atlanta, Ga. "This was a bittersweet meet for us," said Navy head coach Bill Roberts. "On one level, we are honored to bring as many guys as we did to the 2026 NCAA Championship. However, we were hoping to perform a little better in our events. It is never an easy meet as we have learned a lot of about where we can grow and improve as a program. All this said, I am very proud of this group and the 2025-26 team for what they accomplished together. They were a special group who just completed one of our best seasons to date." Headlining Navy's efforts were the Mids attaining new school standards in the 200 free relay and the 400 medley relay.

None

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

Navy leads 13-6-1 (Army - Volleyball, Men's Soccer, Women's Rugby, Women's Cross Country, Wrestling, Baseball. 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).

 

USNA and AA&F Events

USNA AA&F resources & Links

Login to MyUSNA | Daily Shipmate Archives | USNA AA&F Obituaries