Official daily newsletter of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation
The Honorable Benjamin C. Kohlmann, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (ASN M&RA), meets with Midshipmen, faculty and staff during a visit to the U.S. Naval Academy 10 April 2026.
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Today in Navy, Marine Corps
and USNA Memorial Hall History
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1945 - Kamikaze attacks off Okinawa, Japan, sink the destroyer Pringle (DD-477) and damage nine other vessels, including the battleship Missouri (BB-63) and the aircraft carrier Intrepid (CV-11). Pringle breaks in two and sinks in five minutes with the loss of 62 of its crew. Also on this day, The destroyer Laffey (DD-724) is the target of 22 separate kamikaze attacks while it operates on radar picket duty off Okinawa, Japan. For over an hour its crew braves the onslaught, shooting down six of the attackers, while the ship is crashed by suicide planes six times and holed by bombs twice. Amazingly, Laffey survives the attacks and is towed to safety. Also on this day, Strategic Arms Limitation Talks begin between the United States and the Soviet Union in Vienna, Austria. This comes a month after the Nonproliferation Treaty signed between the two superpowers in July 1968 takes effect.
1967 - 1LT Richard Piatt '65, USMC was killed in action with North Vietnamese forces while on patrol in the vicinity of Phu Bai, Vietnam. He was from Los Angeles, California, and an enlisted Marine for two years before entering the Naval Academy. Following graduation he completed The Basic School at Quantico, Virginia, and was in flight training until August 1966, when he became a platoon commander, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, Third Marine Division. Richard was survived by his parents, two brothers, and a 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.
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Academy & Graduate happenings
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Navy athletic director Kelly visits Hampton Roads chapter of the USNA Alumni Association
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The Hampton Roads chapter of the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association is among the biggest in the country. More that 3,300 Midshipmen alumni are members of the chapter and were able to hear from the head of their alma mater's athletic department Tuesday during the chapter's annual meeting at the Westin in Virginia Beach. Navy Director of Athletics Michael Kelly made the trip from Annapolis to serve as the keynote speaker for the event. "I'm so honored to be here, to have just a huge population of Navy supporters in the big navy and obviously Naval Academy supporters here, to get a chance to share some of the great things that are happening on the yard right now and give them a good insight into all things regarding Naval Academy Athletics," Kelly told News 3.
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Waypoints Podcast - Talking with Jeff Webb '95: the Alumni Association and Foundation.
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It's the week of the 50th anniversary events in Annapolis (and West Point and Colorado Springs)...in anticipation of the events, Jeff Webb '95, President and CEO of the USNA Alumni Association and Foundation, met with Jeannette at the Fluegel Alumni Center in Annapolis. Please join us to learn about Jeff's path from the cycling team and ocean engineering at Navy to the SEAL teams to Run to Honor and the private sector ... and onto the Alumni Association and Foundation. And also -- Tainted Love, Welcome to the Jungle, and Nirvana. Thank you to Jeff and the entire Alumni Association and Foundation team for all of the support (and hosting) you're providing for the 50th anniversary events! We are so grateful for your support and leadership! Thank you as well to Chris Servillo '99 and Natasha Schleper for your magnificent editing, for John Schofield for all of the support you've given us over the past year, and to the USNA Women's Glee Club for lending us your voices for the opening and closing music.
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Government & Military News
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U.S. Navy destroyer intercepts Iranian-flagged vessel trying to skirt blockade
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A U.S. Navy destroyer intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel attempting to evade a newly imposed U.S. maritime blockade on Iran. The ship was ordered to turn back, highlighting early enforcement of the blockade aimed at cutting off Iran's oil exports and maritime trade. U.S. Central Command has warned that any vessel entering or leaving Iranian ports without authorization may be diverted or seized. Several ships have already reversed course, and none have successfully breached the blockade so far. The incident underscores escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, as the blockade becomes a central tool of military and economic pressure.
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Navy selects CDR Logan Peck as new Blue Angels 'Boss' for 2027-2028
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Just a few hours after flying over Pensacola with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the Blue Angels team were able to shake the hand of their incoming commanding officer after U.S. Navy leadership announced Tuesday that CDR Logan Peck would become the demonstration squadron's new No. 1 beginning in 2027. Peck, the current commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, traveled from Naval Air Station Oceana to Naval Air Station Pensacola for a brief press conference inside the National Naval Aviation Museum 14 April to say a few words after being formally introduced as the commanding officer and flight leader for the 2027 and 2028 Blue Angels show seasons. Along with earning multiple personal and unit decorations, he has also performed over 500 carrier arrested landings during his time in the Navy. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas and Baker University.
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Local, Education & other academy news
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Navy Rugby: One mission. Beat Army
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Army and Navy men's rugby teams are coming in hot after dominant wins, setting the stage for a showdown you won't want to miss. This Saturday, 18 April at 11 a.m., the Mids face the Knights at the Prusmack Rugby Center in a season-defining battle.
This is more than a match—it's a moment. Blue and gold energy. Relentless intensity. Pride on full display.
The stands should be packed with Navy voices, every cheer pushing the Mids one step closer to victory. Bring the noise. Bring the fire. Be part of it.
With the SECNAV in attendance, the spotlight is on. It's go time. It's time to BEAT ARMY!
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Naval Academy Athletics News & Results
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Mike Anti selected as the Heinz Lenz Fellow Award Recipient
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Rifle head coach Mike Anti has been selected as the 2026 Heinz Lenz Fellowship Award Recipient. "The Navy rifle team completed the 2026 NCAA Championship with a sixth-place national finish under head coach Mike Anti," said Naval Academy Director of Athletics Michael Kelly. "Anti also earned his third GARC Coach of the Year honor in 2026, while guiding Tyler Wee to CRCA and GARC Rookie of the Year recognition. Under his leadership, seven athletes have combined for 28 CRCA All-America honors and eight have earned 27 All-GARC distinctions, including two individual conference champions. Navy has also made four NCAA Championship appearances, five total qualifications, and secured seven Star victories over Army – including five straight. "In recognition of his impact, Anti has been named the 2026 Heinz Lenz Fellow Award recipient, honoring his sustained excellence, leadership, and lasting influence on midshipmen."
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- Women's Lacrosse at Lafayette - W 24 - 1
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Army - Navy Star Series: Navy has won the Star Series
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Navy leads 16-8-1 (Army - Volleyball, Men's Soccer, Women's Rugby, Women's Cross Country, Wrestling, Baseball, Women's Track and Field, Men's Lacrosse. 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, Men's Track and Field, Women's Lacrosse. Tie - Women's Soccer).
Remaining Star Matchups:
- 18 Apr - M. Tennis - Annapolis - 1:00 p.m.
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APRIL
- 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 – Men's Rugby vs. Army – 11 a.m. – Prusmack Rugby Center, Annapolis, Md.
- 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
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 – 5 Sep - Navy Football Brotherhood Kickoff Weekend
- 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
- 18-19 Sep: Friends of Navy Sailing (FONS) Weekend 2026, USNA
- 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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