9 Apr Daily Shipmate

Thursday, 9 April 2026

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1944 - TBM Avengers and FM Wildcats of VC-58 from the escort carrier Guadalcanal (CVE-60) join the destroyer escorts Pillsbury (DE-133), Pope (DE-134), Flaherty (DE-135), and Chatelain (DE-149) in sinking the German submarine U-515 in the Atlantic off Madeira Island. VC-58 aircraft score another submarine kill the following day, sinking U-68.

 

1945 - The destroyers Mertz (DD-691) and Monssen (DD-798) sink the Japanese submarine RO-56 off Okinawa, Japan.

 

1965 - LTJG Terence Murphy ’61, USN was killed in action when his F-4 Phantom II was shot down during an air-to-air engagement with North Vietnamese fighters over the South China Sea, likely by a missile fired by an American aircraft. “Murph” was 25 years old and a member of Fighter Squadron (VF) 96. “Murph came to Mother Bancroft from the great Empire State straight out of high school. Along with him came a never ending bag of jokes and the accent of a typical New Yorker.” He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and was survived by his wife, parents and sister. (The Alumni Association has lost contact with the family. If you know how to contact them please email [email protected].)

 

Content in “Today in Navy, Marine Corps and USNA Memorial Hall History” is generously provided by our partners and fellow alumni at the Naval History and Heritage Command and the Run to Honor SIG, which supplies the USNA Memorial Hall content. We are grateful for their partnership in preserving and sharing this history, and the Daily Shipmate is proud to serve as a distribution platform. You can learn more or provide feedback through their respective websites hyperlinked above.

Academy & Graduate happenings

During yesterday’s Bonds of Gold ceremony, the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2028 joined their ALINC 50‑year counterpart, the Class of 1978, whose donated class rings will be melted down and incorporated into the gold used to create the Class of 2028 rings.

 

By passing down their rings to the next generation of naval officers, members of the Class of 1978 did more than simply share metal. They passed forward the impact the Naval Academy had on their lives, an experience only they could fully understand. Through their generosity, they ensured that impact would live on, carried by future generations like the Class of 2028, who will wear rings infused with the gold of their ALINC class and their 100‑year ALINC counterpart and continue the legacy.

 

This year’s ceremony honored donations from dozens of alumni, spouses and family members connected to the Class of 1978 as well as several earlier classes. Each donated ring carried a personal story of service, sacrifice and commitment, many of which were shared throughout the program. As each new generation lent its time and support, midshipmen felt the presence and impact of those who came before them, connected not only through tradition but through a shared commitment to something greater than themselves.

 

One of the most enduring symbols of the U.S. Naval Academy, the class ring has long represented far more than a moment in time. Each ring featured the Naval Academy seal on one side and a class‑designed crest on the other, representing shared experiences and the lifelong bond among graduates. Through the Bonds of Gold program, that bond was physically and symbolically strengthened across generations, sustained by those who built the Academy’s values and traditions and kept alive through their continued energy, support and presence.

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.

 

 

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 are shuttle busses for fans for select events. Below are the events and times for April 10-12. All shuttles will depart from the bus stop at the Blue Angel at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

 

This page will be updated weekly with the shuttle schedules.

 

A 100% ID check will be in effect and you must have a REAL ID or a passport to get on the bus. You must be an U.S. citizen to take advantage of the shuttle.

 

 

Shuttle times from the stadium: 6:30am - 10:30am

 

Shuttle times from the stadium: 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

 

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.

 

These restrictions will remain in place and may evolve pending further direction.

From the Podcast Fleet

Eddie McKinnon is back for his second season as the Navy Men's Lacrosse Insider for the Anchors Aweigh podcast. McKinnon, a former star attackman for Navy and 2002 academy graduate, provides expert analysis and insight on the program. We also put the spotlight on Navy women's tennis, which dug deep to beat archrival Army, 4-2, in the Star match. We interview head coach Keith Puryear and sophomore Molly Bellia.

Government & Military News

Marine Corps families just got a modest but meaningful boost in pay for those long separations that come with deployments, ship duty, or temporary assignments. MARADMIN 150/26, released April 1, 2026, confirms the monthly Family Separation Allowance (FSA) rate rose from $250 to $300. The change stems from the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act and applies retroactively to Dec. 18, 2025, the date the law took effect. For many Marines already pulling tours in the Pacific or elsewhere, the extra $50 a month will show up automatically in their pay. The Marine Corps Total Force System handled the update with an automated adjustment, so no Marine needs to file extra paperwork. That simplicity matters in helping units focus on mission accomplishment rather than admin tasks.

Automatic registration into the U.S. military draft pool for eligible men is slated to begin in December, following efforts from lawmakers and the selective service agency to streamline the previous self-registration process. The Selective Service System, the federal agency that maintains a database of registered U.S. males who are considered draft-eligible in the event of a national emergency, submitted a proposed rule to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on March 30, according to the office’s dashboard.

In the 40 days since the start of Operation Epic Fury against Iran, 13 U.S. service members have been killed and 381 have been wounded, according to data provided Wednesday by U.S. Central Command. The Defense Department has added the war on Iran to its Defense Casualty Analysis System, a database that catalogues combat casualties dating to World War I. As of Tuesday, the department listed seven service members as having been killed by enemy fire during the operation, presumably the Army soldiers who died March 1 in Saudi Arabia during an Iranian airstrike.

Local, Education & other academy news

Set sail through the Seychelles aboard the luxury yacht Emerald Kaia, island-hopping from Mahé to Praslin and La Digue, where turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and pristine nature reserves await. Relax into small-ship luxury while exploring world-famous beaches and rare wildlife sanctuaries.

 

Or venture into the wilds of Tanzania on an unforgettable safari, with expert-led game drives through the Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro. Witness the Big Five, experience breathtaking landscapes, and connect with local culture.

 

Two distinct journeys, each offering a unique way to explore, discover, and create lasting memories with USNA Alumni Travel.

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Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

CBS Sports released a comprehensive seven‑round mock draft ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, projecting all 224 selections and highlighting depth across multiple positions, including 11 quarterbacks chosen. Navy was represented in the later rounds, with Robinson and Heidenreich both going in the sixth round, reflecting continued NFL interest in Midshipmen despite the unique demands of military service. The mock draft also included a mix of Power Five stars and developmental prospects, illustrating how teams balance immediate impact players with long‑term potential. Overall, the projection offered a wide‑ranging look at draft trends, positional value and team needs across the league.

In 2025-26, only 10 schools won 10 or more games in FBS Football, 20 or more games in D-1 Men’s Basketball, and 20 or More Games in D-1 Women’s Basketball.

None

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

Navy leads 14-6-1 (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, Women's Tennis. Tie - Women’s Soccer).

 

 

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

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