9 June Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, 9 June 2026

1944 - The submarine Harder (SS-257) completes four days of operations in the vicinity of the Japanese fleet anchorage at Tawi Tawi, Philippines, during which it sinks three enemy destroyers, survives a determined depth charge attack, and evacuates coast watchers from the nearby island of Borneo. The boat’s skipper, CDR Samuel D. Dealey ’30, USN, will receive a posthumous Medal of Honor for his actions during this time period.

 

1945 - Task Group 17.21, a submarine attack group consisting of nine boats and commanded by CDR Earl T. Hydeman ’32, USN, operates against Japanese shipping in the Sea of Japan. Over the course of 15 days, U.S. submarines sink 33 Japanese vessels, losing one boat when Bonefish (SS-223) goes down after being attacked by a Japanese destroyer and coast defense vessels. (9–23 June)

 

1986 - LT Alan Hammond ’78, USN was lost when his SH-60B anti-submarine helicopter crashed soon after takeoff from USS Underwood (FFG 36) during a routine training mission off the coast of Florida. The other pilot was also killed, but one crew member survived by kicking out a window as the helicopter sunk. They were assigned to the Rotary Wing Test Directorate of the Naval Air Test Center. From the Lucky Bag: “When he left Rochester, N. Y. on his way to USNA, ‘The Book’ had only one thing on his mind. Attaining the front seat of an F-14 was of paramount importance. To pursue this end, he became an Aero major and during second semester youngster year Al put his major to work by designing and re-designing the ‘perfect’ paper airplane.” Alan was survived by his wife, parents, two brothers and three sisters.

 

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

NESA SIG hosts Women Can Fly, Women Can Build events

More than 250 girls and young women explored aviation and STEM careers during the 6 June “Women Can Fly” and “Women Can Build” events at Warrenton-Fauquier Airport. Hosted by the Naval Engineers and STEM Advocates Shared Interest Group (NESA SIG) and supported by USNA alumni, Naval Aviators, and community volunteers, participants received preflight and weather briefings from FAA personnel before experiencing flight firsthand. Over 30 pilots and aircraft contributed to making the day possible, alongside hands-on STEM engagement on the ground. Between strong volunteer turnout and energetic participation, the day highlighted growing interest in aviation and technical fields while reinforcing a shared commitment to inspiring future pilots, engineers, and maritime professionals.

 

The NESA SIG is focused on highlighting an urgent need for more young Americans to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. NESA supports USNA Alumni, faculty and midshipmen by partnering with local and national communities to inspire participation, and engage students, professors, teachers and engineering professionals in support of recruiting and retaining Naval STEM professionals.

Government & Military News

These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of 8 June 2026, based on Navy and public data. In cases in which a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship.

USS Delaware holds change of command ceremony

CDR Judson Thomas ’08, USN, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, has assumed command of the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Delaware following a change-of-command ceremony on May 29 in Groton, Connecticut. He relieved CDR Jason Patton, USN and takes charge of a highly accomplished crew coming off a six-month deployment and a Navy Unit Commendation. Navy leaders praised Thomas as a proven submarine officer with a strong tactical background and leadership reputation, underscoring confidence in his ability to sustain the submarine’s high operational tempo. Thomas now leads one of the Navy’s front-line undersea assets.

The U.S. Navy established Naval Support Activity Stirling in Perth, Australia, on 30 May as part of the AUKUS security partnership with Australia and the United Kingdom. The new installation supports Submarine Rotational Force–West, which will enable a rotating presence of U.S. and U.K. nuclear-powered submarines at HMAS Stirling. NSA Stirling will provide essential services, including housing, healthcare, childcare and recreation, for service members and families. Officials say the activity will strengthen readiness and sustainment while reinforcing cooperation with allies in the Indo-Pacific. “We are currently in the early stages of establishing NSA Stirling,” said RADM Ian Johnson ’94, USN, commander of Navy Region Japan. “While there is still much work ahead, we are confident in our ability to accomplish this task through strong collaboration with our AUKUS partners.”

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman after it attempted to violate a U.S.-enforced maritime blockade on Iran. The Palau-flagged M/T Marivex, reportedly without cargo, failed to respond to U.S. warnings while transiting toward an Iranian port. In response, the aircraft—launched from USS Abraham Lincoln—fired a precision munition into the vessel’s engineering and steering spaces, stopping its movement. U.S. Central Command said the tanker is no longer bound for Iran. The action is part of ongoing enforcement efforts, which have disabled multiple non-compliant vessels since the blockade began in April.

Local, Education & other academy news

Join fellow USNA Alumni on a breathtaking journey through Chile’s Lake District and Patagonia. This 12-day adventure is filled with unforgettable experiences such as penguin sightings on Chiloé Island, Patagonian barbeque and a scenic lake cruise. 🐧 ⛵ 🇨🇱 Explore Chiles cultures and landscapes like you have never seen before and all with your fellow USNA alumni! Spots are filling up fast so be sure to book your spot today at the link below.

The 5 June 2026 episode of “Jeopardy!” featured a Final Jeopardy clue that put the U.S. Naval Academy in the spotlight. Contestants were asked to identify the conflict connected to a 19th-century Academy memorial bearing the inscription “Commerce laments their fall.” The monument honors naval officers from an early chapter in American maritime history and reflects the Academy’s deep ties to service and sacrifice. None of the contestants answered correctly, turning the moment into a missed opportunity to connect pop culture with naval heritage. Consider it a challenge—do you know which conflict the memorial represents?

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