14 May Daily Shipmate

Thursday, 14 May 2026

1968 - LT Terry Smith ’64, USN was lost when the UH-2A helicopter he was piloting crashed at Naval Air Station Cubi Point, Philippines. He was stationed in Japan but temporarily assigned to Helicopter Support Squadron (HC) 7, Detail 103 at Cubi Point. Terry grew up in Norfolk, Virginia, and at the Naval Academy was active with the “Log” magazine. He was survived by his wife, daughter, parents, and brother. (The Alumni Association has lost contact with the family. If you know how to contact them please email [email protected].)

 

1975 - Two days after Communist Khmer Rouge forces seize the U.S. merchantman Mayaguez while it operates in international waters in the Gulf of Thailand, the carrier Coral Sea (CVA-43) launches protective air strikes against Cambodian installations ashore as Marines from Air Force helicopters land on Koh Tang Island off southern Cambodia in an effort to rescue the merchant ship’s crew, and a party from the frigate Harold E. Holt (DE-1074) attempts to recapture Mayaguez. The ship is recaptured and the crew is released. Among the eighteen men killed in the operation is one Navy corpsman.

 

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Academy & Graduate happenings

After scraping nearly 200 pounds of vegetable shortening off the 21-foot obelisk early yesterday morning, the Class of 2029 began to scale the Herndon monument and shed their “Plebe” title. Side by side, arms interlocked, three to four persons high, Plebes united to form the classic pyramid—a technique that holds its own legacy, used by many Plebes before ’29. Multiple failed attempts by some of the tallest classmates, a crowd surrounding the class cheering them on and on, and even a reminder from USNA Superintendent LtGen Michael Borgshulte ’91, USMC, that everyone should have some vegetable “grease” on them fired the Plebes up. Perhaps it was the Supe’s words of encouragement, or maybe their ALINC Class of 1979 shouting how to “do it right,” or even the fact that the Plebes wanted to beat last year’s Class of 2028 record—but after 2 hours, 17 minutes and 36 seconds, it was MIDN 4/C Lincoln Hedberg who capped the monument as applauses and shouts erupted below him. With shouts of “Plebes no more” and “U‑S‑A,” the Class of 2029’s first year by the Severn had come to an end. Proudly standing among the crowd were alumni Jason Hedberg ’94 and Mikie Sherrill ’94, Lincoln’s parents joined their son, the Supe, the Class of 2029, the Brigade and the alumni community in the singing of “Navy Blue and Gold.”

The United States Naval Academy Class of 2029 officially became fourth-class midshipmen Wednesday after completing the academy's annual Herndon Climb — a tradition testing teamwork, resilience and determination. Freshmen, known as plebes, swarmed the grease-covered 21-foot Herndon Monument in the academy yard Wednesday morning, working together to replace a plebe "Dixie cup" hat at the top of the obelisk with an upperclassman's hat — symbolizing the end of plebe year. "The whole year is obviously preparation for this moment, just getting super physically fit," said Midshipman Lincoln Hedberg, who ultimately capped the monument. "You've got to be part of a team" The granite monument was coated in 200 pounds of vegetable shortening while plebes were continuously sprayed with water during the climb. "You can't do this alone," Hedberg said. "Obviously, you need a team … if someone is down there on the base and they're under too much stress, you've got to tap them out. You've got to be part of a team."

From the Podcast Fleet

Navy women's lacrosse advanced to the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals by winning a pair of nail biters last weekend. Sixth-seeded Navy rallied from a four-goal deficit to defeat Massachusetts, 10-9, in the first round then came back from six goals down to beat Syracuse, 11-10 in overtime, in the second round. Navy Women's Lacrosse Insider Ingrid Boyum breaks down the two thrillers and looks ahead to Thursday's matchup with third-seeded Maryland in College Park.

Government & Military News

At a House Appropriations defense hearing on 12 May, Chief of Naval Operations ADM Daryl Caudle warned that the U.S. Navy could run out of operational funding by July without emergency supplemental appropriations. He said the service may soon be forced to cut or delay training, certification events and operations due to the sustained pace of activity in the Middle East. Pentagon officials told lawmakers that current operations have cost roughly $29 billion so far with expenses rising as equipment is repaired or replaced. While a larger Navy budget is planned for fiscal 2027, Caudle stressed that near-term funds are needed to avoid readiness impacts this summer.

The U.S. Navy has outlined future plans for its aircraft carrier fleet that reaffirm the central role of carriers while making targeted adjustments to procurement and investment. Under the latest shipbuilding plans the Navy will continue transitioning from Nimitz-class carriers to Gerald R. Ford-class ships with more than $22 billion programmed through fiscal 2031. Funding supports advanced procurement for future carriers and major investments in shipyards and the industrial base. The Navy also plans to accelerate the purchase of one new carrier while limiting total buys in the near term. Officials cited improved aircraft handling reduced lifecycle costs and the ability to support next-generation aircraft as key advantages of the Ford class.

Local, Education & other academy news

Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County’s America 250 Exploration Trail highlights the region’s deep military roots especially its historic ties to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Several trail sites reflect Annapolis’ role as a center of naval leadership and national defense including the Maryland State House where George Washington resigned his military commission and waterfront landmarks tied to maritime service. The trail elevates the county’s longstanding relationship with the Chesapeake Bay naval history and service traditions that continue through the U.S. Naval Academy and surrounding defense community positioning military service as a cornerstone of the area’s revolutionary legacy and ongoing national impact.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

The annual Army‑Navy football game could be moved from its traditional December date as college football leaders consider schedule changes tied to an expanded College Football Playoff. With the CFP potentially starting earlier in December the game’s exclusive window may conflict with playoff rounds. Navy athletic director Michael Kelly said officials are open to exploring alternatives that protect the rivalry’s national audience and unique status while accommodating the evolving postseason format. Any shift would aim to balance the traditions and pageantry of college football’s most storied rivalry with the practical demands of a longer playoff and broader television schedule.

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