31 Mar Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, 31 March 2026

1801 - On this date, LtCol Commandant William W. Burrows rode with president Thomas Jefferson to look for "a proper place to fix the Marine Barracks on." President Jefferson was a personal friend of the Commandant, and deeply interested in the welfare of the Corps and accompanied Burrows on horseback on the morning of 31 March. They chose a square in Southeast Washington, bounded by 8th and 9th streets, and A & I streets, because it lay near the Navy Yard and was within easy marching distance of the Capitol.

 

1901 - LCDR Jesse Roper '72, USN was lost while attempting to rescue two seamen trapped by a fire aboard USS Petrel (PG 2) while moored in Cavite, Philippines; he was the ship's commanding officer. In September 1880 Jesse married his first wife, who passed away three years later. In December 1885 he married a second time. Though he graduated in June 1872 he was not commissioned an Ensign until 1876. He was promoted to Master in 1877, Lt. (j.g.) in 1883, Lt. in 1884, and Lt. Cmdr. in March 1889. Jesse served on ships and stations across the world, including China, Philippines, Samoa, and at the Naval Academy. He was survived by his wife and mother.

 

2003 - An NP-3C Orion nicknamed “Hairy Buffalo” successfully demonstrates airborne control of an Aerolight unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at Webster Field in St. Inigoes, Maryland. It marks the first time that a Navy fixed-wing platform has controlled a UAV and its sensors and acted as the node for the collection of data during flight. The work is part of development in connection with the Navy's future Multimission Maritime Aircraft.

Academy & Graduate happenings

The South Dakota Board of Regents (BOR) has announced the selection of Dr. John R. Ballard '79 as the next president of Dakota State University (DSU), following a national search that identified experienced leaders in technology-driven education. Dr. Ballard currently serves as President of the National Intelligence University (NIU), where he leads a multi-campus institution focused on workforce-ready certificates and technology-centered degree programs. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation, partnerships, and measurable student outcomes; experience that aligns with DSU's mission. Dr. Ballard holds a B.S. from the U.S. Naval Academy, an M.A. from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America.

ENS Sarah Myers '24, USN grew up watching space shuttle launches from her driveway in Windermere, Florida. Today, she is training to fly one of the Navy's most capable platforms, and the foundation that made it possible was built right where her journey began. Myers, a Student Naval Flight Officer (SNFO) currently completing the Advanced phase of training with Training Squadron (VT) 86 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, is projected to earn her Wings of Gold in July 2026. Her path to the cockpit runs directly through the training programs managed by the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC). Myers commissioned from the United States Naval Academy in May 2024, earning a Bachelor of Science degree with Merit in Aerospace Engineering. She reported to NAS Pensacola and enrolled in the Naval Introductory Flight Evaluation (NIFE) program at Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC), a learning center of NETC and the first stop in the naval aviation training pipeline for all prospective Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard pilots and NFOs.

In Episode 3, we sit down with CDR Ken Maroon, a Permanent Military Professor (PMP) in the Computer Science Department, to explore the evolving role of wargaming in modern military strategy. Drawing on a career that spans operational, strategic, and academic assignments, CDR Maroon shares how wargaming is used not to predict the future, but to develop critical thinking, decision-making, and adaptability in complex, high-stakes environments. From the Pentagon to Afghanistan to advanced simulation research, his journey offers a unique perspective on how leaders are trained for the future of warfare. We also dive into how competition, curiosity, and experiential learning shape the next generation of military leaders, and why understanding the bigger picture matters long before stepping into command.

From the Podcast Fleet

"The last pod of March! Can you feel it? It's the ending of the dark ages and the beginning of the countdown to Graduation and Commissioning. The Sing Second Pod team brings you the latest from the Army-Navy star series…some news about the new Lacrosse building on the yard…and an appreciation for our AA&F teammate, John Taylor, who just retired after 54 years here. 54!!! We have a great conversation with our very own Tony Spinler '91 about Alumni Support Services. And our alumnae feature for the last pod of Women's History Month is with LCDR Emma Manzi '12. Emma is a SWO, a small business owner and a soon-to-be-mom. How does she balance it all? SHe joins the pod to give the scoop on that and her business - Grace and Yarmouth. Check out the “SWO Mama” and her stuff at https://www.graceandyarmouth.com/ . That and more on the best Alumni Association podcast there is. Beat Army. Always."

Listen on

“Please join Shannon and Jeannette for a deep, wonderful, and inspiring discussion with Lauren (Narducci) Symmes '00! Besides being married to a '98 classmate (shout out to Mark), she is also full of wisdom, strength, and some really fantastic ideas. We talk about everything from the 40th and 50th anniversaries of women at the service academies... to learning how to study as a plebe... to losing bets with your plebes... to the Tootsee Roll song. Lauren gave us some fantastic ideas and made us remember how much there is to celebrate! And if you don't remember the Tootsee Roll song (like Jeannette) and end up googling it, we're sorry. Thank you to the Women's Glee Club, to Chris Servillo '99 and Natasha Schleper for editing, and to John Schofield and the entire Alumni Association and Foundation team for your support of our work!”

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 30 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.

During testimony at a pair of hearings on Capitol Hill this week, the War Department's new chief information officer outlined her office's strategy to transform technology and cybersecurity into a decisive warfighting advantage for the armed services. While speaking before the Senate Armed Services Committee March 24 and the House Armed Services Committee yesterday, Kirsten Davies — who was sworn into her position Dec. 23, 2025 — said her department is focused on enabling data supremacy and decision dominance on the battlefields of today and tomorrow at a "speed and scale warfighters deserve." To accomplish that, Davies said her office has launched an initiative to meet Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's call for efficiency and effectiveness by undertaking a transforming of the CIO's enterprise information technology and cybersecurity program, with a goal of unifying both capabilities under her office.

Japan's destroyer JS Chokai has been upgraded to fire U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles, giving the country its first warship able to strike targets beyond 1,000 km. The move is part of Japan's broader shift toward a counterstrike-capable defense strategy, which includes acquiring 400 Tomahawks and expanding stand‑off missile systems. Officials argue the capability is essential to deter threats that could bypass existing missile defenses. The refitted destroyer can fire both Block IV and V variants and will complete live‑fire training in August before returning to Japan. Analysts note U.S. stockpile strains but expect Japan's orders to remain prioritized.

Local, Education & other academy news

We are less than two weeks away from the Navy Letterwinners Tailgate! You and a guest are invited to join us in the Northwest Class Ring Tent inside Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium during the Army-Navy Women's Lacrosse Star Game on Saturday, April 11, 2026. All former varsity and club athletes are invited! Food and drinks (beer, wine, and soft drinks) will be available starting at 11:00 a.m. ET and game start is at 12:00 p.m. ET. The tailgate will remain open throughout the duration of the game. Additional guest passes for the tailgate are available for purchase in the RSVP Form. Admission to the game is free, however there is a $10 charge to park at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Please RSVP for the tailgate by Thursday, April 2, 2026. If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please contact Caitlin Kane at [email protected] or (410) 293-8761.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Legendary Navy men's track and field coach Steve Cooksey passed away at age 75, leaving a lasting legacy at the U.S. Naval Academy. Cooksey served the program for decades, including 34 years as head coach, leading the Midshipmen to numerous championships and consistent success against Army. A former All-American athlete, he became one of the most respected figures in collegiate track and field, mentoring generations of student-athletes. Beyond wins and titles, he was known for his leadership, character, and impact as an educator. Cooksey is remembered as a beloved coach, mentor, and family man whose influence extended far beyond the track.

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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).

 

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