3 June Daily Shipmate

Wednesday, 3 June 2026

1985 - LCDR Gregory Lane ’72, USN was lost on 3 June 1985 when the A-7 Corsair II he was piloting crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida. He was a member of Attack Squadron (VA) 83. A native of Cairo, Georgia, Greg attended Georgia Tech for a year prior to the Naval Academy. Following graduation his initial duty station was aboard USS Biddle (DLG 34); he later served with Attack Squadron (VA) 174 and VA-87. Greg was survived by his wife, parents, sister, brother and maternal grandparents. (The Alumni Association has lost contact with the family. If you know how to contact them please email [email protected].)

 

1966 - While orbiting the earth in the Gemini IX spacecraft with USNA alum Lieutenant Colonel Thomas P. Stafford ’52, USAF, Lieutenant Commander Eugene A. Cernan becomes the second American astronaut to walk in space.

 

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Academy & Graduate happenings

The Battle of Midway begins on 3 June 1942 when a PBY Catalina flown by Ensign Jack Reid spots the Japanese Occupation Force bound for Midway Atoll. Aircraft from Midway attack, striking a tanker. On the morning of 4 June, a PBY piloted by alum LT Howard P. Ady ’39, USN, reports the sighting of Japanese carriers, prompting immediate strikes from Midway and from Yorktown (CV-5), Enterprise (CV-6) and Hornet (CV-8) operating northeast of the island. As U.S. forces search for the enemy, Japanese carriers Akagi, Hiryu, Kaga and Soryu launch attacks on Midway. Initial U.S. carrier strikes meet intense antiaircraft fire and Zero fighters, devastating torpedo squadrons, with only four of forty-one aircraft returning. However, the low-altitude pursuit of TBD Devastators draws Japanese fighters down, leaving the carriers vulnerable. SBD Dauntless dive-bombers arrive and, within minutes, three Japanese carriers are fatally hit and later sink. Later that day, Hiryu is struck and disabled after launching attacks that severely damage Yorktown. On 6 June, submarine I-168 torpedoes Yorktown and destroyer Hammann (DD-412), sinking the latter. The cruiser Mikuma is also destroyed. Yorktown sinks on 7 June, marking the final loss. The American victory decisively turns the Pacific War. We invite you to check out the July-August 2024 Shipmate Magazine article titled Sacrifice and Valor. The story focuses on three USNA alumni pilots and the impact they made during Midway. Visit the link below and login to USNA.com to read that story.

2026 USNA Entrepreneurs Summit - Sold out!

The 2026 Naval Academy Alumni Entrepreneurship Summit, taking place 17–18 June in Annapolis, is now officially sold out. This year’s speaker lineup features an impressive group of USNA CEOs, founders, investors and accomplished voices, alongside dedicated time for meaningful networking with fellow entrepreneurial alumni. The summit continues to be a unique opportunity to invest in the talent and ideas of fellow graduates, ignite potential through peer support and gain insight from those making a meaningful impact. While registration is closed, you can still be part of the experience. Follow along on social media during the summit for behind-the-scenes access, highlights and key moments from the event. Plus, we will provide recap stories here in Daily Shipmate. Click the link below and scroll down on the webpage to learn more about the speakers.

Government & Military News

Marines and Sailors with Task Force Ashland returned to San Diego aboard USS Ashland after a four month deployment to the Indo-Pacific. The Navy-Marine Corps team operated across the region, maintaining a visible presence while strengthening partnerships with allies. The task force, built from elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducted major exercises including Cobra Gold in Thailand and Balikatan in the Philippines. Training included amphibious operations, live fire events and disaster response scenarios. They also worked alongside forces from multiple nations, improving interoperability. The deployment demonstrated a flexible naval force capable of deterrence, crisis response and supporting regional stability and security.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers the U.S. military achieved key objectives during the Iran conflict, including severely degrading Iran’s naval forces and defense industry. He said Iran’s navy was effectively destroyed and its ability to produce missiles reduced, though the country continues to rely on low cost drones. Despite these gains, the ceasefire remains fragile, with U.S. forces conducting recent defensive strikes against Iranian radar and drone sites while repelling attacks on troops in Kuwait. Rubio emphasized ongoing naval and regional security concerns, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, as negotiations continue toward a longer term agreement.

The U.S. military is accelerating efforts to field battle-ready laser weapons, aiming to demonstrate operational systems by summer 2028 as part of the Pentagon’s Golden Dome missile defense initiative. Officials said the core science is largely complete, shifting focus to engineering challenges needed to scale production across the force. Directed energy systems are seen as critical for countering drones and missile threats at lower cost, a priority reinforced by recent combat experience. The effort includes Navy-relevant integration across platforms and emphasizes deployable, mass-producible capabilities to support future maritime and joint force air and missile defense missions

Local, Education & other academy news

The California Department of Veteran Affairs (CalVet) sponsors a Transition Assistance Program (CalTap) including a free series of webinars focused on important post-service topics. The topics this month focus on filing a VA disability claim, education funding opportunities available for California veteran dependents and how to avoid claim sharks. We encourage you to register and take advantage of these informative sessions.

 

This information was brought to you by the USNA Health & Wellness Committee (We Leave No One Behind).

U.S. Navy Memorial to host Battle of Midway Wreath Laying Ceremony

Tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. ET, the United States Navy Memorial will host a Wreath Laying Ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the Battle of Midway. The ceremony will feature remarks from senior Navy leadership, ceremonial honors and a wreath presentation honoring the Sailors, aviators and Marines whose courage and sacrifice helped secure one of the most decisive victories in naval history.

 

Livestream information is avalible at the link below.

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