30 Apr Daily Shipmate

Thursday, 30 April 2026

1798 - A bill signed into law by President John Adams establishes the Department of the Navy and provides for a secretary and clerical staff. The salary for the post of Secretary of the Navy is set at $3,000.

 

1958 - LTJG Derald Beal ’54, USN was lost when his AD-6 Skyraider crashed during a training mission. A native of Wichita, Kansas, “his many passions include music, soccer, swimming, and women, and his battle cry of ‘Let’s throw a party!’ is a familiar sound to many.” Derald was survived by his wife.

 

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

The Midshipmen Development Center (MDC) exists to promote and enhance the adjustment, well-being, and development of Midshipmen through psychological, performance, and nutritional counseling services and through consultation & training to the U.S. Naval Academy faculty/staff responsible for Midshipmen development.The MDC services played a significant role in the U.S. Naval Academy's recognition by the 2024 Princeton Review , which ranked USNA as having the “Best Student Support and Counseling Services” among its “Best Colleges for 2024.”

 

Join the 40th anniversary celebration on Thursday, 7 May at 1:30 p.m. in the Dahlgren Hall ‘53 deck.

Last year, USNA AA&F and the Naval Academy announced the USNA Columbarium—an honored resting place for alumni—had reached capacity. Construction of a new 650‑niche Annex at Hospital Point required $1.8 million in philanthropic support. Thanks to broad alumni generosity, including a lead gift from the Class of 1975 and a significant contribution from the Class of 1969, the fundraising goal was achieved in just four months. With its planned location shown by the arrow on the project diagram above, planning teams are also reviewing design concepts for future expansions. Groundbreaking is projected for Summer 2026, with first inurnments expected no sooner than 18 months later. This remains an ongoing initiative. Continued support and information is welcome at the following links.

The Naval Aviation Ready Room Podcast: Artemis II recovery mission with the USS John P. Murtha | CAPT Erik Kenny

In this episode of The Naval Aviation Ready Room Podcast, host CAPT Ryan Keys ’95, USN (Ret.) sits down with CAPT Erik Kenny ’02, USN, Commanding Officer of USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26). Kenny shares the extraordinary behind-the-scenes story of the Artemis II astronaut recovery mission, his transition from a Strike Fighter pilot to a nuclear-qualified ship driver, and his "eat the risk" leadership philosophy that defines modern maritime command.

From the Podcast Fleet

Navy football had two players picked in the NFL Draft for the first time in seven decades. Mike James, publisher of The Mid Report and color commentator for the Navy Football Radio Network, joins the pod to talk about All-American nose guard Landon Robinson and standout slotback Eli Heidenreich getting drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers. We also review Navy spring football camp and discuss which players made a move on the depth chart. We put the spotlight on Navy men's golf, which captured the Patriot League Tournament championship for the first time since 2018.

Government & Military News

Recently appointed Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao ‘96 delivered brief remarks Tuesday about his plans for the Navy during one of his first public appearances as the head civilian leader of the service. Cao touched on his vision for the Golden Fleet, modernization efforts for the Navy and Marine Corps and the type of values and military ethos he is looking for in future service members while speaking at the Modern Day Marine exposition in Washington. Cao took over as the acting secretary Wednesday after previous Navy Secretary John Phelan was fired by the Trump administration.

The Navy issued HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding a $282.9 million contract award Tuesday to do lead yard work for the new frigate based on the Coast Guard’s National Security Cutter. A Pentagon announcement noted that the Navy did not compete the contract and said the work should wrap up in April 2028. The award comes after former Navy Secretary John Phelan cancelled the Constellation-class frigate program last year and opted to pursue a new frigate based on the NSC Legend-class hull built at Ingalls. The Navy’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget submission, formally unveiled last week, projected the service purchasing one FF(X) in FY 2027, another in FY 2029 and two in FY 2031. The service wants the lead ship in the water by 2028.

The U.S. Navy named 14 ships it intends to remove from the fleet during the current fiscal year, according to a Navy administrative message released Sunday. The service released an inactivation schedule for fiscal 2026 that will see vessels either recycled, dismantled, deemed logistics support assets or transferred to the U.S. Maritime Administration, a government agency that oversees the disposal of naval vessels. Los Angeles-class submarines USS Newport News and USS Alexandria, along with Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Georgia, are slated to be recycled. The service is currently phasing out Los Angeles-class submarines — some of which have served for 40 years — and is in the process of replacing them with Virginia-class submarines. Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Shiloh and USS Lake Erie, along with Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Germantown and Henry J. Kaiser-class underway replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson, will be used as logistics support assets.

The U.S Navy will arrive in the Queen City 4-10 May for the first time since 2007, offering residents a unique opportunity to meet Sailors, experience naval traditions, and gain a deeper understanding of the Navy's role in national defense and global security. As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, Navy Weeks will embark on a celebratory “Road Trip to 250.” Navy Weeks will serve as symbolic “pit stops” across the country, highlighting the Navy’s rich history and its enduring commitment to defending freedom and supporting communities. Over 50 sailors from across the Fleet will gather to represent the service in Charlotte. While the city itself does not have a naval presence, North Carolina is home to rich naval history, including the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, USS North Carolina (SSN 777) and Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine, USS Charlotte (SSN 766). The state proudly supports more than 11,000 active-duty sailors who call North Carolina home, underscoring its strong connection to the U.S. Navy.

Local, Education & other academy news

This past weekend, the Class of 1966 returned to West Point to celebrate their 60th reunion. One of the highlights of their visit was presenting a record 60th reunion gift of $2.5 million in support of the Class of 1966 Legacy Endowment in Memory of Fallen Brothers. This generous endowment will provide funding in perpetuity to the annual WPAOG Ring Memorial Program. Alan Nason, Steven Hanau and Berry Morton represented the Class during the presentation. Joining them in appreciation of their support was Mark Bieger ’91, President & CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates. Collectively, members of the Fame Will Mix With ’66! Classes have given $65 million since their graduation. USMA graduates have a long tradition of giving back to West Point. The goal of the Class Giving program is to promote philanthropy and provide classes with an opportunity to leave their legacy at their Rockbound Highland Home.

With cherry blossoms in full bloom, the city buzzing with energy and the largest Service Academy Career Conference (SACC) event of the year taking place, the timing couldn’t be better. SACC D.C. is a must-attend event for Service Academy graduates planning their next chapter. Connect with top employers and advanced education programs actively seeking candidates with your background, leadership and experience.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Yesterday's results:

USNA and AA&F Events

USNA AA&F resources & Links

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