10 June Daily Shipmate

Wednesday, 10 June 2026

Your plankowner invitation is here: permission to come aboard and experience Fair Winds’ next chapter, thoughtfully shaped by military heritage, Annapolis history and the timeless charm guests have always loved. Steps from the Yard and downtown, our restored historic home is ready for fall weekends, reunions, football and family visits — owned, curated and operated by two USNA alumni.

 

Chart your stay at FairWindsDTA.com.

1945 - A kamikaze near misses the destroyer William D. Porter (DD-579) off Okinawa, Japan, causing it to burn fiercely. In command of the nearby large support landing craft LCS (L)-I22, LT Richard M. McCool Jr. ’44, USN, places his vessel alongside the stricken destroyer to take off members of its crew before the destroyer sinks. The following day, when a suicide plane crashes into his ship, McCool is wounded, but musters the strength to personally free men trapped in a compartment. For his heroic actions on these two days, McCool is awarded the Medal of Honor.

 

1965 - LTJG Carl Doughtie ’63, USN was killed in action when his A-1 Skyraider was shot down over North Vietnam while on an attack mission. It was his tenth combat mission; he was flying with Attack Squadron (VA) 25 from USS Midway (CV 41). Carl was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. For more than 32 years, he was officially listed as missing in action. His remains were identified in 1998, however, and he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery in 1999. He was survived by his parents.

 

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

In his latest video, USNA Superintendent LtGen Michael Borgschulte ’91, USMC, welcomed the Class of 2030 and thanked their families for the years of support and sacrifice that prepared their sons and daughters for this opportunity. He emphasized that these new midshipmen were joining a proud tradition of service and would be supported every step of the way as they grew into Navy and Marine Corps leaders. He acknowledged the emotions of Induction Day (I-Day), expressed gratitude for the trust families placed in the Academy, and reassured them they would soon see their midshipmen’s early transformation in confidence, discipline and purpose at Plebe Parents’ Weekend. You can watch the full video on Borgschulte's Facebook page. No login is required—just close the login pop-up and watch the video.

Navy Racing heads to Pocono Raceway, also known as the “Tricky Triangle,” this weekend as Young’s Motorsports unveils a special U.S. Naval Academy-themed No. 02 Chevrolet for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race. Driver Ryan Ellis will represent Navy Racing on the national stage and honor those who serve during Saturday’s MillerTech Battery 250 presented by KOA. The race is scheduled for 13 June 2026 at 4:00 p.m. ET and marks the 17th event of the 2026 season.

Borgschulte ’91 welcomes Commandant of Republic of Korea Marine Corps to USNA

U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent LtGen Michael Borgschulte ’91, USMC, and his wife Gitte welcomed LtGen Ju Il-Seok, commandant of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Marine Corps, and his wife to USNA. The ROK refers to South Korea, a key U.S. ally in the Indo-Pacific region. During the visit, leaders discussed developing future warfighters, evolving warfighting concepts and shared Marine Corps history and service. The visit highlighted the enduring alliance between the two nations and reinforced partnerships through engagement with international midshipmen, strengthening trust, interoperability and a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Semper Fidelis — Katchi Kapshida (같이 갑시다, “We Go Together”).

Government & Military News

The Naval Aviation Ready Room Podcast: Marine aviation in WWII: The real story of VMF-221

Today’s episode takes us into the intersection of military history, Marine Corps leadership, and the evolution of naval aviation during one of the most consequential conflicts of the twentieth century. Joining podcast host CAPT Ryan Keys '95, USN (Ret.), in the Ready Room is LtCol Dr. Peter F. Owen ’86, USMC (Ret.), historian and educator whose research focuses on Marine Corps operations and aviation during the World Wars. Pete served more than two decades in the Marine Corps, primarily in infantry and reconnaissance roles. During Operation Provide Comfort in 1991, he led a reconnaissance platoon in Northern Iraq, and during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, he served as the executive officer of the 1st Marine Regiment. After retiring from active duty, Pete earned a PhD in War Studies and has continued to shape the next generation of military leaders as an adjunct professor with Marine Corps University. His latest book, Fighting Falcons: The Campaigns of VMF-221 in the Pacific, takes readers inside Marine Fighting Squadron 221 and examines how Marine aviation adapted during World War II, from the devastating lessons of Midway to the maturation of Marine air power later in the Pacific war.

A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter went down near the Strait of Hormuz on 8 June 2026, but both crew members were safely rescued without injury. The incident occurred during ongoing operations led by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, which has sustained a strong naval presence in the region to secure the vital shipping lane. Naval forces are actively defending commercial and military vessels and enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports amid continued tensions. U.S. Navy assets also supported the response, with a Navy surface drone locating and helping recover the downed crew, underscoring the command’s role in both maritime security and rapid recovery operations.

Carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt to lead 2026 Rim of the Pacific exercise

Aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) will lead U.S. participation in Rim of the Pacific 2026, the world’s largest maritime exercise, held 24 June–31 July in Hawaii. The biennial exercise will include 31 nations, 32 surface ships and five submarines. Theodore Roosevelt will head a U.S. strike group with cruisers, destroyers, amphibious forces, submarines and logistics ships, highlighting multinational interoperability and readiness.

The ship’s commanding officer and executive officer are USNA alumni. Executive Officer CAPT Michael Silver ’03, USN, serves alongside Commanding Officer CAPT William Mathis ’00, USN, who assumed command in 2025.

The United States risks missing a rare opportunity to rebuild the Navy despite broad agreement on what must be done. Momentum exists across government and industry, but progress remains slow due to shipbuilding delays, maintenance backlogs and industrial constraints. Sing Second Podcast and CavasShips Weekly podcast host and USNA alum Chris Servello ’99 highlights the need for a realistic plan, stable funding and long term commitment to turn rhetoric into results. He underscores the Navy’s role in protecting global trade and economic stability. Without urgency and disciplined execution, Servello warns the U.S. could squander this moment and fail to deliver a larger, more capable fleet.

Local, Education & other academy news

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The U.S. Air Force Academy’s new General Bradley and Zita Hosmer Visitor Center is now open outside the North Gate in Colorado Springs. The 34,000‑square‑foot facility offers an immersive experience that walks visitors through the 47‑month journey from cadet training to graduation, highlighting the legacy of the Long Blue Line. Designed for all ages, the center features engaging galleries that explain cadet life and the academy’s mission. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., year‑round except for five holidays. Admission is free, making it an accessible way for the public to learn about the academy.

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