1 June Daily Shipmate

Monday, 1 June 2026

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1942 - Aerographer’s Mate Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronald McLean ’34, USN was lost when the patrol bomber he was aboard crashed into a mountain near Half Moon Bay, California; he was a member of Patrol Squadron (VP) 43. He resigned from the Naval Academy in 1932 because he was “deficient in studies.” It’s unknown what he did between then and when he enlisted in late October 1940. Ronald was survived by his parents and brother.

 

2007 - As part of the Global War on Terrorism, Navy destroyer USS Chafee (DDG-90) fires several cruise missiles against al Qaeda affiliates in Somalia. The strikes resulted in eight suspected militants being killed.

 

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Academy & Graduate happenings

NewsNation’s America’s Greatest Sailors: Heroes of the High Seas highlights the legacy of U.S. Navy leaders from the Revolutionary War to today, emphasizing how their courage and innovation helped shape America into a global maritime power. Hosted by Leland Vittert, the special features rare access to the U.S. Naval Academy, showing how it develops future leaders while preserving naval traditions. The program spotlights iconic figures such as John Paul Jones, David Farragut and Chester Nimitz, while also following current midshipmen preparing to serve. Blending history with personal stories, the documentary underscores the Navy’s enduring role in national security and global influence.

A conversation with Col Scott Cuomo ’01, USMC, incoming Chief of Staff of the U.S. Naval Academy, exploring the future of warfare, innovation in the Marine Corps and the rapid evolution of attack drone technology. Drawing from his combat experience, strategic leadership roles and work leading the Marine Corps Attack Drone Team, Cuomo shares powerful stories about adapting to modern battlefield realities, integrating emerging technologies and preparing the next generation of military leaders for an increasingly complex and autonomous future.

On 30 April, USNA Foundation Board member Lynn Atkinson held a reception at the Fluegel Alumni Center to raise awareness about the Sea Cadets. We were honored to have LtGen Mike Borgschulte ’91, USMC and his wife, Dr. Gitte Borgschulte, attend as our special guests. Additional attendees included former Sea Cadets who are current USNA Midshipmen, local Sea Cadets and supporters, USNA Foundation Board Members and representatives, and members of the Sea Cadets Board of Directors. We heard from current Midshipmen about how their experience with Sea Cadets helped set them up for success at the USNA. Sea Cadets Executive Director RADM Andy Lennon, USN (Ret.), presented the National Sea Cadet of the Year Award to Sea Cadet Chief Petty Officer Liam McKelvey, who is a member of the USNA Class of 2030. It was a fun and informative evening celebrating the Sea Cadets.

From the Podcast Fleet

Commissioning Week came and went. The Blues did their thing. The graduation speakers were spot on. And the Class of 2026 joined the Fleet and Marine Corps. John and Chris recap the Ac Year and preview the summer ahead. Our featured interview this week involves a little conversation with two alums about Quantum Computing. Gib Armstrong ’91 and CAPT Peter Brereton ’01 join John Schofield for a conversation about their thoughts on Quantum Computing and how they are advancing Quantum Computing forward from industry - Gib - and from the classroom - Peter, a Professor at USNA’s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. What will happen when Quantum meets AI? Are the Mids postured and educated in this environment to meet the challenges of Quantum and speed of information? A fascinating discussion. That and more on the best Alumni Association podcast there is. Beat Army. Always.

Listen on

Naval Academy athletic director Michael Kelly is the featured guest for our annual Live Taping from The Graduate Annapolis Hotel, which is the presenting sponsor of the Anchors Aweigh podcast. We review the 2025-26 school year for Navy Athletics with Kelly highlighting the many successes during his first year as AD. We also talk to Caitlin Kane of the Navy Letterwinners Association and Rene Clemente, general manager of The Graduate Annapolis.

Government & Military News

A lawmaker whose Marine nephew took his own life in 2011 after being hazed by unit members in Afghanistan has introduced a new bill that initiates the process for making hazing a dedicated offense under military law. The Harry Lew and Danny Chen Military Justice Reform Act, introduced today by Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., is named for Chu’s nephew, Lance Cpl. Harry Lew, and Chen, a 19-year-old Army private who also died by suicide in 2011 after racial harassment and hazing. The bill would order the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice to conduct a report to Congress on a change to the Uniform Code of Military Justice on whether hazing should be a standalone crime.

A new Department of the Navy official was tapped by Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao ’96 to perform the duties of the Navy and Marine Corps top weapons buyer, USNI News has learned. William Mahan, who joined the department as former Secretary of the Navy John Phelan’s chief of staff, will now oversee the Department of the Navy’s acquisition office, the service said in a Tuesday statement to USNI News. “Restoring our maritime dominance requires bold leadership in warfighting acquisition,” Cao said in the statement. “Will Mahan is a proven leader who will help the Navy deliver the Golden Fleet to ensure our sailors and Marines have what they need to fight and win when the nation calls.” Mahan will succeed Jason Potter ’04 in performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition (RDA), reads the statement.

Iwo Jima ARG, 22nd MEU are heading home after 10 months

USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit are heading home after nearly 10 months in U.S. Southern Command, the Marines announced on Wednesday. The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 22nd MEU deployed in August and headed to the Caribbean, where the group was part of Operation Southern Spear, the name for U.S. strikes on boats suspected of carrying illicit narcotics. The Iwo Jima ARG, which was comprised of Iwo Jima, Fort Lauderdale and USS San Antonio (LPD-17), was also in SOUTHCOM for the U.S. operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. San Antonio returned home last month, while Iwo Jima and Fort Lauderdale remained in the Caribbean.

U.S. forces deployed to war zones have ​been targeted using commercially available location data, according to reports fielded by military officials, an illustration of how the global surveillance ‌economy is shaping the battlefield. In a letter shared with Reuters by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, opens new tab, U.S. Central Command said it had “received multiple threat reports concerning adversary exploitation of commercial location data to target or surveil U.S. personnel in theater." The message, sent on 14 April, offered no further specifics, but Centcom's area of responsibility includes the Gulf, where ​U.S. forces are facing off against the Iranian military over the Strait of Hormuz.

Local, Education & other academy news

Alumni Travel: Wolves, bison, elk and a special offer? Oh my!

Embark upon a thrilling wintertime expedition to Yellowstone National Park for a unique opportunity to witness packs of wolves in their pristine natural habitat. Aboard specially equipped vehicles that allow for both comfort and proximity to incredible wildlife, you’ll have a chance to view wolves, bison, elk, an array of bird species, and other magnificent creatures that call the park home. Yellowstone in winter is an experience that transcends words. Crispy air, the scent of pine trees and the promise of adventure. A serene hush envelops the snow-covered landscapes, providing the perfect backdrop to nature's drama unfolding before your eyes. Book this trip and exclusive offer before 22 June to lock in promotional savings. Visit the link below to get more into and book this special offer.

This team integrates the core functions that shape how donors experience and invest in the institution-including Donor Experience (Engagement, Stewardship, Recognition, and Acknowledgement), Development Communications, Campaign Operations, Research & Portfolio Management, and Proposal, Case, and Gift Agreement Development. Together, these areas ensure that donors are identified, inspired, informed, and recognized through a cohesive, data-driven approach that connects philanthropy to impact and aligns with institutional priorities.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

On behalf of the Navy Letterwinners Association, we hope you enjoy the latest edition of our monthly newsletter. In this issue, you will find feature stories about Armed Forces Triathlon Champion Hannah Walz ’23, women's lacrosse Alyssa Chung ’28 and men's lightweight rowing coach Shawn Bagnall.

The American Conference has announced a number of kickoff times and television designations for the 2026 football season. In addition to kickoff times and television assignments for the first three weeks of the 2026 season across ESPN platforms and CBS Sports Network, Wednesday's announcement also includes kickoff times for The American's Thursday and Friday prime-time games on ESPN networks, along with Army and Navy home games, primarily on CBS Sports Network. Memphis opens the season for the American with a Week Zero matchup at UNLV on Saturday, 29 August at 7 p.m. ET on FOX.

Navy captured the 2025-26 Patriot League Presidents' Cup, winning six league titles during the spring and a league-best 10 titles overall to finish atop the overall leaderboard for the 11th time in the last 12 years and for the 12th time overall. The Patriot League Presidents' Cup is awarded to the member institution with the highest cumulative sports point total in the Patriot League standings for sponsored men's and women's sports. Points are awarded based on a combination of an institution's regular-season and tournament finishes in each sport.

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