8 June Daily Shipmate

Monday, 8 June 2026

1945 - As Marines continue the offensive on Okinawa, Japan, Hospital Apprentice First Class Fred F. Lester rushes beyond the front lines to render aid to a wounded Marine. Wounded by enemy fire, which paralyzes him on his right side, Lester nevertheless manages to drag the Marine to safety and refuses aid himself, instead directing the treatment of the wounded until he dies. Lester receives the Medal of Honor posthumously.

 

1967 - LT Stephen Toth ’63, USN was killed by Israeli aircraft during their attack on USS Liberty (AGTR 5). He was the ship’s navigator and intelligence officer. Stephen was son of a Navy Captain, born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, who spent a year at the Virginia Military Institute before entering the Naval Academy. Following graduation he was assigned to a destroyer and then a cruiser. He had been aboard Liberty since November 1966. Stephen was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. He was survived by his parents and sister.

 

1995 - The amphibious assault ship Kearsarge (LHD-3) launches Marine aircraft for the ultimately successful rescue of Air Force Captain Scott O’Grady, an F-16 pilot shot down over Bosnia six days earlier while flying a mission in support of Operation Deny Flight. Four sailors are on board two CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters during the dramatic rescue.

 

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

Find your Mid with the Plebe Parent Photo Program

As Plebe Summer approaches, one of the most meaningful resources to share is our Plebe Parent Photo Program. Even if you are not a parent, you can help spread the word to those who are. During a time when communication is limited, these photos offer a powerful connection, giving families a glimpse into daily life and training. With thousands of high resolution images available, the program helps parents stay close and engaged every step of the way.

President’s Circle (PC) is the premier giving society of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation. It's a community of alumni, parents and friends who directly shape the future of the Brigade of Midshipmen and the leaders who will serve in our Navy and Marine Corps. Since 1994, members have contributed more than $550 million to turn commitment into real, lasting impact at the Naval Academy. Each year, more than 2,500 supporters step into this inner circle, gaining access, meaningful connections and the chance to be part of something far bigger than themselves. This is active participation in the mission of the U.S. Naval Academy, where decisions, experiences and relationships help shape future officers.

Members experience unforgettable moments, including the Army–Navy Tailgate, Lecture Series, Forrestal Lectures and Commissioning Week celebrations. Each of these opportunities is reserved for this distinguished PC group. These opportunities are available to you.

 

Planning for President’s Circle Weekend begins next month, and we want you to be there with us. Join in the experience that others only hear about during PC Weekend. This is more than a recognition society, it's a circle shaping the future of the Naval Academy.

From the Podcast Fleet

June is here…and the pod keeps on keepin’ on. We jump into the summer season with a little discussion about the progress on the yard with McDonough Hall and the other major NAAA announcements about the Navy/Marine Corps Stadium south end zone renovation project and the new Naval Academy Athletic Foundation Pavilion. Chris and John discuss. We chat about the travel program and some of the happenings on the calendar in June. And our Alumni interview this week is with Clint Carroll ’89. Clint is a proud member of the Class of 1989. Served as a SWO. Came back to USNA to serve as the DepDant as a Captain. And now he’s in the Pentagon… u.s.retired…working as a civilian for the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, ADM Jim Kilby ’86. Clint and John talk Black Shoe Navy…what makes the Academy so special…and a little about Warren Zevon. Clint is a worldly guy with amazing perspective. We loved this interview. That and more on the best Alumni Association podcast there is. Beat Army. Always!

Listen on

Government & Military News

Protecting the Homeland: USS Iwo Jima, 22nd MEU (SOC) returns from historic ten-month deployment

Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) returned to its homeport of Norfolk, VA. on 6 June following a historic 10-month deployment to the U.S. Fourth Fleet area of operations. Iwo Jima is the flagship of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (IWO ARG). "Throughout this deployment, the Marines and Sailors of the 22nd MEU SOC demonstrated the unmatched value an ARG-MEU provides to the Geographic Combatant Commander and to our nation by delivering decisive action across a wide range of missions," said Col Tom "Banshee" Trimble ’00, USMC, commanding officer, 22nd MEU SOC. "From providing vital aid in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa, to sharpening our lethality through maritime interdiction operations, to executing expeditionary advanced base operations and critical sustainment training in Puerto Rico—this team excelled at every turn. Their performance reflects a force that is adaptable, disciplined, and ready for any challenge. I couldn't be prouder of this team and their unwavering readiness to win."

The House Armed Services Committee advanced a $1.15 trillion defense policy bill for fiscal 2027, marking the largest proposed defense budget in history. The legislation includes targeted pay raises for service members, with junior enlisted personnel (E‑5 and below) receiving a 7% increase, midlevel ranks (E‑6 to O‑3) 6%, and senior officers (O‑4 and above) 5%, effective 1 January 2027. The bill also proposes changes to benefits, notably excluding Basic Housing Allowance from income calculations for the Basic Needs Allowance, potentially expanding eligibility for low‑income military families. In addition, the measure would expand the active-duty force by more than 40,000 personnel across all services. While lawmakers from both parties described the bill as supportive of troops and military readiness, some raised concerns about its cost, which reflects a significant increase over prior defense spending levels.

Veteran unemployment fell to 3.2 percent in May, down from 3.7 percent in April, driven largely by gains among women veterans. Their jobless rate dropped sharply over three months, signaling improving employment trends despite concerns about layoffs tied to artificial intelligence. Post 9/11 veterans saw a slight increase in unemployment but remained below earlier levels. Economists say hiring conditions are improving, though wages lag inflation, creating financial pressure. Employers continue to value veterans’ skills, with women increasingly recognized for their contributions. Analysts describe a mixed economy where job growth persists even as costs rise and global tensions continue.

Fourteen weeks after strikes on Iran, U.S. forces face a prolonged conflict that is neither full war nor peace. Sailors aboard USS Tripoli and USS Gerald R. Ford operate amid frequent exchanges of fire while enforcing a naval blockade. The ceasefire has led to a tense stalemate, with Iran restricting shipping and threatening escalation. Troops remain at constant readiness, maintaining weapons stockpiles and intelligence surveillance. The pace strains service members, including those recovering from injuries, and weighs heavily on families coping with extended deployments. Officials describe the situation as dangerous and stressful, requiring sustained vigilance as leaders prepare for potential renewed large scale combat.

Local, Education & other academy news

Summer has arrived, bringing Concerts on the Avenue. Join the U.S. Navy Memorial tomorrow evening, 9 June on Navy Memorial Plaza for a performance by the full U.S. Navy Band. Enjoy live music in a setting that brings together tradition, community and the spirit of the Sea Services.

In case of inclement weather, the Full Navy Band concerts will be moved inside to the Arleigh and Roberta Burke Theatre, located in our Visitor Center.

Annapolis is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Paint Annapolis, a monthlong arts event that anchors the city’s June arts season. This year features 30 juried artists from North America and Europe painting city scenes, along with a record 113 public artists. The event has grown from a small plein air gathering into a communitywide celebration supported by the Maryland Federation of Art. Streets like Maryland Avenue host live painting and displays, drawing residents and visitors. Organizers emphasize support for artists through awards and sales, while community turnout highlights the event’s role in promoting a vibrant local arts culture through 20 June.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Virginia Tech has received a historic 75 million dollar donation, the largest in the university’s history, from an anonymous multigenerational Hokie family. Most of the gift is directed toward athletics, supporting a broader strategy to increase competitiveness in a rapidly evolving college sports landscape. The funding will contribute to a major multiyear investment plan focused on improving resources for student athletes, enhancing recruiting, and strengthening overall program performance. Part of the donation is unrestricted, allowing flexibility for future athletic leadership, while additional funds will support Hokie Ventures, a new initiative aimed at generating revenue and expanding strategic opportunities.University leaders say the gift signals strong confidence in the direction of Virginia Tech athletics and its long term potential. A portion of the funding will also benefit the Honors College, reinforcing a commitment to both athletics and academics.

USNA and AA&F Events

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