20 Apr Daily Shipmate

Monday, 20 April 2026

Pictured above is the Class of ’61 at their first Tuesday of the month April gathering at McGarvey’s in Annapolis.

1861 - Union forces partially destroy the Norfolk Navy Yard to prevent its facilities from falling into Confederate hands, and then abandon it. In addition to the yard itself, the departing Union forces burn or sink nine ships, and abandon the old frigate United States. One of the ships sunk is Merrimack, which is raised by the Confederates and later becomes the ironclad Virginia.

 

1945 - LTJG Howard McBride ’44, USN was killed in action when the SB2C-4 Helldiver he was piloting collided with another near Yoroshima Island (near Okinawa) and crashed at sea. He was flying with Bombing Squadron (VB) 82 from USS Bennington (CV 20); the crewman aboard was also lost. Howard had left the Naval Academy in March of his Plebe year (1941), and seems to have been commissioned in the reserves in December 1943. In November 1944 he survived a plane crash while flying with Bombing Squadron (VB) 80, USS Ticonderoga (CV 14) near Manila. He was survived by his parents and probably his brother.

 

1967 - While serving as a pilot in Attack Squadron (VA) 192 on board the aircraft carrier Ticonderoga (CV-14), Lieutenant Commander Michael J. Estocin participates in Iron Hand missions against enemy surface-to-air missile (SAM) sites near Haiphong, North Vietnam. On 20 April, he personally neutralizes three SAM sites and stays in the target area despite heavy damage and dwindling fuel. Conducting in-flight refueling for a distance of 100 miles back to ship, he manages to bring his damaged A-4 Skyhawk aboard. On 26 April Estocin is again involved in an attack against Haiphong, and despite the fact that his aircraft is hit and in flames, he attacks a SAM site. He then crashes and is killed. For his heroism in the face of a determined enemy, he receives the Medal of Honor posthumously. (20 April and 26 April)

 

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Academy & Graduate happenings

Navy holds the Annapolis Cup again

The Annapolis Cup - A historical event in Annapolis, Maryland and a rivalry between USNA’s Midshipmen and St. John’s College. It’s a matchup dating back to 1983. On Saturday, 18 April 2026, after trailing behind the Johnnies for more than 10 hits, Navy reclaimed the Annapolis Cup for the second consecutive year. The Annapolis Cup represents more than a croquet game. It’s an opportunity to connect and communicate with our alumni. The Alumni Association & Foundation hosted nearly 100 guests - alums, parents and Mids - at a reception tent adjacent to the pitch. A great day to watch Navy sing second.

The 50 Years of Women conference and gala celebration unfolded as a defining and deeply powerful gathering that showcased the full strength, reach and heart of the Naval Academy community.

 

This past weekend began with a vibrant welcome that set the tone for meaningful connection, reflection and shared pride across generations. Alumni were welcomed into the Fluegel Alumni Center lobby with a USNA Women balloon arch that escorted them to the welcome reception. A beautiful red, white, and blue backdrop for selfies and a beginning for a landmark event and weekend.

 

Conference sessions held on Friday and Saturday quickly filled beyond capacity. Compelling discussions of warfighting, a deeply resonant health and healing panel and a powerful session focused on partnership and allyship with male alumni. One of the most striking moments of the day came when nearly 800 attendees gathered for a photo, which is pictured above, in front of the Fluegel Alumni Center, a powerful visual of unity, legacy and forward momentum.

 

The celebration reached a high point Friday evening during an elegant evening as senior leaders, distinguished alumnae and devoted alumni took the stage, creating unforgettable moments filled with breathtaking quotes and stories rooted in growth, grit and perseverance. The gala brought together civic and military leaders including former Secretary of the Navy The Honorable Carlos Del Toro ’83, Mayor of Annapolis Jared Littmann, USNA alumna New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill ’94, and Vice Chairman of the USNA Alumni Association Board of Trustees LtGen David Beydler ’81, USMC (Ret.), marking a powerful moment of reflection, celebration and shared pride.

 

Saturday’s sessions carried the momentum forward with conversations centered on breaking barriers and leading with purpose. The Alumnae Among the Stars NASA astronaut panel highlighted USNA alumnae who have shattered ceilings and pushed beyond traditional limitations, offering powerful examples of resilience, teamwork and vision. A fireside chat with ADM Lisa Franchetti, honored as an honorary member of the Class of 2026, reinforced the importance of ensuring every voice has a seat at the decision table, valuing multiple perspectives and overcoming imposter syndrome with confidence and a can do attitude. Together, the sessions reflected a legacy built collectively and a future shaped by thoughtful, driven leadership and boundless possibilities for those who choose to serve.

 

Check out the whole event on the USNA Women’s social media reels for a look and wrap up of the whole event at the link below.

Camden National Bank announced on 16 April the appointment of Jennifer Tyll ’01, PMP, as Community Reinvestment Officer, reinforcing the bank's commitment to meeting the credit needs of the communities it serves and expanding financial wellness across its footprint. In this role, Tyll will lead the bank's Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) strategy, focusing on products, services, and partnerships that support low‑ to moderate-income (LMI) individuals, families, and small businesses, aligning with the bank's commitment to responsible, relationship-driven banking. Tyll brings a strong background in operational leadership and strategic execution. She is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and previously served as an Operational Excellence Manager at Camden National Bank.

On 15 April, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that President Donald J. Trump has made nominations for Flag and General Officer positions in the Department.

 

Among those nominations were the following alums:

MajGen George B. Rowell IV ’92, USMC for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii. Rowell is currently serving as director, J-5, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii.

MajGen James B. Wellons ’92, USMC for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commandant for Programs and Resources, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Wellons is currently serving as special projects officer to the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

VADM John F. Wade ’90, USN for reappointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as senior military assistant to the Secretary of War, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Wade is currently serving as commander, Third Fleet, San Diego, California.

RADM Douglas L. Williams ’95, USN for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as director for Strategic Systems Programs, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C. Williams is currently serving as director for Test, Missile Defense Agency, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

Read the full Department of War release at the link below.

Government & Military News

The U.S. Navy proudly announces National Parks Navy Week, scheduled for 19-26 April 2026. As part of a nationwide outreach effort, National Parks Navy Week will bring Sailors to engage directly with communities across the nation through a series of performances, educational activities, community events, and service projects. As the Nation celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, Navy Weeks will embark on a celebratory “Road Trip to 250,” serving as symbolic stops across the United States to highlight the Navy’s history, heritage, and continued commitment to defending freedom and supporting American communities. “Bringing Navy Week to our National Parks is a historic first for our Navy community outreach program,” said CDR Julie Holland, director of the Navy Office of Community Outreach.

The U.S. Navy released photos Saturday of "fresh meals" being served onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Tripoli as it pushed back against claims of food shortages on Middle East warships. Images have emerged purportedly showing meager meals being served to sailors during Operation Epic Fury against Iran, but the claims are being rejected at the highest levels of the Pentagon, with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth blasting them as "fake news." "Fresh meals. Full service. Mission ready. Sailors aboard Abraham Lincoln and Tripoli continue to receive regularly prepared meals at sea — no interruptions, no shortages," the Navy wrote on social media platform X Saturday morning.

Local, Education & other academy news

“I Am a Stone” by MIDN 2/C Summit Troutman. The judges praised the poem for being "simple in its language but complex in its emotional resonances.” They particularly enjoyed how the single stanza break enacts "a compelling turn to the personal" which "smartly sustains and strategically disrupts its central conceit." They declared it "a gem of a poem" and "a profound and timely meditation on a life possibly cut short by military service.” The poem will be published in this year's Labyrinth and will be announced among the nation's other college-poetry-prize winners in American Poet. The poet will receive a check for $100 from the English Department in conjunction with the Academy of American Poets. The judges recognized the following poems with Honorable Mention:

 

"Beachhouse Mornings," by MIDN 1/C Anuhea Hauaniolore

"Contrary to Thought," by MIDN 4/C Akeem Clark

 

The poets will be recognized at the English Department Awards Ceremony on 20 May, from 1030-1130, in the English Department Library.

For MIDN 1/C Eli Heidenreich ’26, this week is about more than just the next step in his football career. It’s about that career coming full circle. The United States Naval Academy standout is preparing for the NFL Draft in his hometown of Pittsburgh, where his love of the sport first began. "I think that just kind of adds a little bit to the magic of the whole situation," he said. But his dream of playing in the league looked different from most athletes' and only became real in the last year. "The NFL had always been a dream of mine, but I kind of had to put it off a bit, because I was focusing on also becoming an officer," Heidenreich told 7News Sports Anchor Natalie Spala.

The idea that artificial intelligence could reshape the workforce has been around for years. Now, it’s showing up in hiring data. A recent Forbes report on the so-called “New Ivies” suggests colleges are rapidly adapting to an AI-driven job market, where entry-level roles are already beginning to shrink. Among the schools highlighted is the United States Air Force Academy, raising new questions about how the military defines and prepares for its own entry-level workforce. The inclusion of the U.S. Air Force Academy on the list reflects the military’s broader emphasis on emerging technologies, including cyber operations, autonomous systems and data-driven decision-making. While the academy has long focused on science and engineering, recent years have seen increased attention on preparing cadets for a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

The No. 2 Navy men’s rugby team dominated No. 6 Army 38–10 in Annapolis to advance to the CRAA Division I-A semifinals. After falling behind 5–0 early and later tied at 10–10, Navy took control with disciplined play and a strong kicking game to lead 13–10 at halftime. The Midshipmen shut out Army in the second half, scoring multiple tries while their defense stifled the Black Knights. Roanin Krieger led with 16 points, and four different players added tries. The win improved Navy to 10–1 and extended a seven-game winning streak over Army.

The Navy men’s tennis team defeated Army 4–1 in Annapolis to capture the final Star Match of the 2025–26 season. A balanced effort saw seven different Midshipmen contribute wins, with no player claiming multiple victories. The result secured another Star for Navy and helped clinch the overall Star Series title, which Navy won 17–8–1. With additional wins across other sports that day, Navy finished 22–10–1 against Army for the year. The victory also continued Navy’s strong recent dominance in the rivalry, including a 9–1 Star Series record over the past decade.

Beginning in 2027, college football could have an earlier official start to the season, as the NCAA's Football Oversight Committee on Thursday recommended a standard start before Labor Day weekend. Under the proposal, the regular season would begin on the Thursday of what is now called Week Zero, and still end on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Schools would have 14 weeks to schedule 12 games. This model would give teams two open dates and allow for "flexibility for potential changes to the postseason." That's significant, as leaders of the College Football Playoff continue to discuss how and when to expand the current 12-team field. The proposed calendar change would also preserve standalone weekends for conference championship games and the Army-Navy game.

Yesterday's results:

None

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

Navy leads 17-8-1 (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, Men’s Tennis. Tie - Women’s Soccer).

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