1 May Daily Shipmate

Friday, 1 May 2026

This week's editions of Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation Morning Paper are brought to you by Otterson Wealth Advisors and Naval Academy graduate Caleb Cronic '11. Otterson Wealth Advisors of Raymond James is not just a team. It's a vast resource of financial knowledge, with each member bringing their unique expertise to your financial success. Caleb Cronic '11, financial advisor and Naval Academy graduate, is a CIMA-certified pro. His strategic prowess is your asset working towards your financial goals. Ready to begin to your journey? Otterson Wealth Advisors … your goals, our expertise.

The Alumni Association and Foundation hosted a Joint Board Reception at the Fluegel Alumni Center April 29th. Volunteer leaders from the Foundation Board of Directors and the Alumni Association Board of Trustees heard from Keynote Speaker, Dave Cattler ‘93, and received briefings from the USNA Superintendent and AA&F Staff. Pictured at the Keynote Speech are: L-R: Class President Bob Kuberski ’93, Devin Winlosky ’93, JoAnna Sohovich ’93, Dave Cattler ’93 and Jamey Cummings ’93.

1951 - In one of the most unique aerial operations conducted during the Korean War, eight AD Skyraiders from Attack Squadron (VA) 195 and Composite Squadron (VC) 35 launch a torpedo attack against the Hwachon Dam in North Korea, the first such operation carried out since World War II. The squadrons score hits on the dam, flooding the Han and Pukhan River valleys. To this day VA-195, now Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195, is nicknamed the “Dambusters.”

 

1983 - LT Robert Greer ’79, USN was lost when the landing gear of his SH-2F helicopter collapsed while landing aboard USS Trippe (FF 1075) in the Red Sea, causing the aircraft to go over the side of the ship. A native of Lynchburg, Virginia, he became an Eagle Scout at age 14 and was president and valedictorian of his high school class. Robert was survived by his wife, parents, sister, and two brothers. (The Alumni Association has lost contact with the family. If you know how to contact them please email [email protected].)

 

2011 - President Barack Obama addresses the nation and announces that 23 Navy SEALs, from SEAL Team 6, raided Osama bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, and killed America's most wanted terrorist during Operation Neptune Spear.

 

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

Today, we celebrate the retirement of Sandy Spadaro, whose 29 years of dedication have left an indelible mark on Shipmate magazine, the Communications team, the Alumni Association and Foundation and the entire USNA alumni community. Sandy joined the Communications team after years as a stay‑at‑home mom, stepping into initially a part-time role that quickly became a calling. In those early days she typed and edited columns and manually scanned every image—long before digital submissions became the norm.

 

As technology evolved, so did the work: handwritten notes and floppy disks gave way to CDs, and eventually to emails in every imaginable format. Through it all, Sandy ensured every class, chapter and SIG story found its way into the pages of Shipmate. Her remarkable 110‑words‑per‑minute typing speed became her quiet superpower, allowing her to shape thousands of alumni stories with accuracy, care and of course, heart.

 

Over the years, Sandy contributed to five editions of The Register of Alumni. Her connection to the Academy extended to her sons, who were often volun-told to work alongside her at Blue Angels picnics, I‑Day events and more, eventually interning and even working within the organization themselves.

 

Sandy’s favorite memories come from the people—coworkers who became friends, alumni whose stories she helped share and the community she supported at events from Army‑Navy to First Night. Her advice to her younger self reflects the spirit she brought to the office every day: be like a dandelion—find sunshine, stay rooted and keep growing.

 

Please join us in wishing Sandy farewinds and following seas and a very happy retirement. Sandy, your legacy is woven into every page.

The United States Naval Academy’s Capstone Day showcased the culmination of a year‑long journey in innovation, design, and problem‑solving by 1/C midshipmen. Working in teams, they developed and demonstrated ambitious projects addressing real‑world challenges faced by the Navy, Marine Corps, and national defense. Alumni Hall was filled with cutting‑edge ideas, from F/A‑18 wing tip configurations for extended range to covert light‑based underwater communications and sea urchin neutralization concepts. During the Capstone Day reception, attendees and sponsors explored a selection of prototypes—many representing technologies alumni could only imagine when they were Firsties. The event marked a proud academic finale for the Class of 2026 as they prepare to lead in the Fleet and Fleet Marine Force.

The Thriving as Leaders recipients were warmly welcomed to the Fluegel Alumni Center on Wednesday, 29 April, kicking off their day with a group photo and introductions among the newest cohort of honorees. After meeting one another, the awardees toured the Fluegel Alumni Center and sat for interviews with Sing Second Podcast co‑host and Executive Communications Director John Schofield, as well as Shipmate Magazine Editor‑in‑Chief Jimmy Debutts. During the luncheon, both the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees recognized each recipient. Honorees received their awards and shared reflections on leadership, gratitude for the family, friends, shipmates, and classmates who supported them and insights into their careers since leaving the Naval Academy. They spoke about how their Academy experience prepared them for service and success beyond the Yard. Be sure to check out their interviews in our Sing Second Podcast Special Edition: Thriving as Leaders early next month. In the meantime, listen to the panel they all took part in after the luncheon with Dr. Joe Thomas director of the Stockdale Center of Ethical Leadership.

Government & Military News

Aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford expected to leave Middle East, reports say

The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, seen here underway in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, March 22, 2026, is expected to depart the Middle East soon and return to Norfolk, Va. (Tajh Payne/U.S. Navy) The more than 4,500 service members embarked on USS Gerald R. Ford may soon return to their families as the aircraft carrier begins its sunset cruise on a record-breaking deployment, according to media reports. The Ford is expected to depart the Middle East soon and return by mid-May to Naval Station Norfolk, Va., The Washington Post and The Associated Press reported Wednesday, both citing anonymous U.S. officials. The Navy has not publicly announced the carrier’s return. U.S. Central Command did not immediately respond to questions Thursday asking if Ford would soon head back to the U.S.

U.S. Navy to extend service life of amphibious assault ship USS Wasp by 5 years

The amphibious assault ship, the USS Wasp will stay in operation until 2034. This decision follows a Navy and Marine Corps study evaluating the condition and longevity of Wasp‑class ships, with officials indicating they may pursue similar extensions for other vessels in the amphibious fleet. A separate assessment of amphibious dock landing ships is expected soon and will guide broader plans to stretch amphibious ship service lives from 40 to potentially 50 years to improve readiness. The move comes amid significant readiness challenges. In 2024, three Wasp‑class ships suffered engineering failures, and by 2025 the amphibious fleet’s readiness rate had fallen to 41%, far below the Marine Corps’ required 80%. Despite congressional mandates to maintain at least 31 amphibious ships, half the fleet is in poor condition. Leaders argue that extending ship lifespans is essential to meeting global operational demands.

The Marine Corps is preparing to deploy Marines on specialty platforms like the Expeditionary Fast Transport and the Expeditionary Sea Base to meet combatant commander demands in the Caribbean, a top general said Wednesday. Due to a lack of ready amphibious ships on both coasts, the next Marine Expeditionary Unit deployment from the East Coast will have to work with other platforms. The East Coast-based Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit are nearing the end of their current deployment to U.S. Southern Command after getting extended until the end of May. “We are generating and training the 24th MEU to backfill some of those capabilities [in SOUTHCOM],” Lt. Gen. Jay Bargeron, the deputy commandant for plans, policies and operations, said at the annual Modern Day Marine symposium.

During National Military Appreciation Month, we honor every service member who stands watch for our nation, with special gratitude to the Navy and Marine Corps for their unwavering commitment. To show appreciation, write thank‑you notes, attend local ceremonies, support military families, donate to trusted nonprofits, fly the flag respectfully, shop veteran‑owned businesses, and share messages of gratitude. Your actions make a real difference. Thank you to all who choose to serve.

Local, Education & other academy news

May Day in Annapolis! Annapolis celebrates the 71st annual May Day on Friday, May 1, 2026, as residents and businesses in the Historic District and parts of Murray Hill once again decorate doors and storefronts with fresh flower arrangements. Hosted by the Garden Club of Old Annapolis Towne, the longtime spring tradition invites the community to turn the city into a display of flowers, creativity, and neighborhood pride.

The U.S. Military Academy will host the 59th Sandhurst Military Skills Competition on May 1 and 2. Hosted by West Point since 1967, teams will compete in a rigorous 36-hour course to test warrior spirit, cohesion, and dedication to mission accomplishment. At the end of the competition, one team will be named the Sandhurst champion. The winning team will be chosen based on their collective performance in 15 different events testing physical fitness, military skills, teamwork, and leadership. This year’s two-day competition consists of 48 teams, including 17 international teams, 16 ROTC teams, ten U.S. Military Academy company teams, and five U.S. service academy teams, including the U.S. Naval Academy.

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink visited the U.S. Air Force Academy, April 13-14, to observe firsthand how the institution is developing the next generation of Air Force and Space Force leaders. During his two-day tour, Meink engaged with cadets and leadership, reinforcing his priorities of modernization and readiness, while stressing that people remain the nation’s key competitive advantage. The visit highlighted how the Academy helps secure that advantage through initiatives designed to imbue every cadet with a warrior ethos and air, space, and cyber-mindedness. “The U.S. Air Force Academy is a preeminent institution for forging warrior-leaders to deter, fight, and win our nation’s wars,” stated Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind, Academy superintendent. “We were honored to host Secretary Meink and demonstrate our commitment to this mission. His visit and steadfast leadership are invaluable as we evolve our military training, academics, and athletics programs and maintain, enhance, and advance our infrastructure to meet the demands of the future fight.”

The U.S. Air Force Academy's new Hosmer Visitor Center off of North Gate Boulevard will open on May 16, marking the final piece of Colorado Springs' decade-long City for Champions push. The center is designed as a front door to the academy and the city, closing out a state-backed economic development bet meant to boost tourism and economic growth. Launched in 2013, City for Champions used $120.5 million in tax-increment money to grow the Springs' economic potential, through five projects, including the visitor center.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

In this issue, you will find feature stories about the 1963 Navy Cotton Bowl Team Reunion, men's golf captain Jack Tarzy '26, and women's softball coach Roxanne Rehberg. Athletic Director Michael Kelly’s inaugural year continues to read like a script, with April delivering a wave of elite performances and conference hardware. Over the last few weeks, Navy secured a sensational sweep of Patriot League conference titles across Men's Golf, Women's Golf, Men's Tennis, and Women's Tennis. We also saw gymnast Brian Solomon '27 become the highest-ever Navy finisher (fifth place) in the all-around competition at the NCAA Championships. Not to be outdone, squash duo Hudson Poirier '28 and Wenqing Tang '28 dominated the competition to claim the title at the U.S. Intercollegiate Doubles Championship. In club sports news, Navy Boxing crowned four individual national champions, while both the men's and women's team paced second overall. Also, men's club lacrosse is competing at the NCLL National Tournament this coming weekend, while women's club softball qualified for the NCSA World Series later in May. Spring sports are still very busy, so check out our full postseason schedule of events, to include men's rugby taking on California for the national championship, as well as all of our remaining league and national championship competitions!

Yesterday's results:

USNA and AA&F Events

USNA AA&F resources & Links

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