USNA took on Pocono Raceway in NASCAR series appearance
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Representing the U.S. Naval Academy in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series, Ryan Ellis and his team competed at Pocono Raceway on Saturday in the MillerTech Battery 250, navigating the track’s three uniquely challenging corners. Over the 100-lap race, Ellis worked steadily through the field while avoiding major incidents, ultimately helping secure a 24th-place finish. While Ellis did not reach the podium, Navy Racing and the U.S. Naval Academy were prominently represented on a national stage, highlighting USNA’s presence and connection to the broader motorsports community.
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Today in Navy, Marine Corps
and USNA Memorial Hall History
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1944 - Task Force 52, under the command of VADM Richmond Kelly Turner ’08, USN, lands Marines on Saipan in the Mariana Islands. Naval gunfire and carrier aircraft support the leathernecks ashore, and flattops also launch strikes in the Bonin Islands and against Iwo Jima, Japan, through the next day to prevent Japanese air power there from interfering with the invasion. Navy ships suffer minor damage during the first day of the invasion.
1980 - LT Dean Price ’76, USN, was lost when the H-3 SeaKing helicopter he was copiloting crashed in the Caribbean Sea off St. Croix. The four crew and four passengers were killed; the aircrew were members of Composite Squadron (VC) 8, based at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. Dean was a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and was survived by his parents and brother. (The Alumni Association has lost contact with the family. If you know how to contact them please email [email protected].)
1993 - Navy surface and air assets support the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s Operation Sharp Guard, which commences on this date to enforce economic sanctions against Croatia, Serbia, and the Republic of Yugoslavia. Their missions include maritime interception, as well as airborne warning and control. The operation ends on 19 June 1996.
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.
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Academy & Graduate happenings
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Alum assumes command at Portfolio Acquisition Executive Strategic Systems Programs
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On 12 June 2026, Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) held a joint retirement and Change of Command ceremony at Admiral Leutze Park, recognizing the transfer of leadership from VADM Johnny Wolfe Jr., USN to VADM Douglas L. Williams ’95, USN. Williams previously served as the director for test at the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), where he was responsible for all aspects of planning, designing, and execution of the missile defense system flight, ground, and cyber testing, as well as wargames and exercises.
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Hale in Hale-Bopp Comet dies: Astronomer and USNA alum Alan Hale ’80 co-discovered record-bright comet in 1995
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Astronomer Alan Hale ’80 is being remembered for co-discovering the famed Hale-Bopp comet, widely considered one of the brightest comets of the 20th century. In 1995, Hale spotted an unusual object while observing a star cluster, later confirmed as a massive comet that would become visible to the naked eye for a record 18 months. The discovery brought global attention and extensive scientific study, cementing Hale’s place in astronomy. His career spanned decades of sky observation and education, but his unexpected identification of Hale-Bopp remains his most lasting contribution.
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USNA 2026 Summer Seminar underway
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Many alumni remember their first introduction to the Naval Academy. For hundreds of high school students attending Summer Seminar, that introduction is happening now. Through hands-on training like damage control exercises, participants experience a small part of the challenges, teamwork and leadership development that define life as a midshipman. From fire hoses to flood response, Summer Seminar offers students a realistic look at the Academy and the profession of naval service. See how these students are exploring what it means to lead and serve at the video link below.
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Government & Military News
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U.S. to lift Strait of Hormuz blockade as peace agreement with Iran reached
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The United States plans to lift its naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following a newly reached agreement with Iran aimed at ending months of conflict. President Donald Trump authorized the immediate removal of the blockade as both nations agreed to halt military operations and move toward a formal peace deal. The agreement would reopen the vital waterway, where U.S. and Iranian forces had enforced opposing blockades, disrupting global shipping and oil markets. The deal also establishes a 60-day negotiation period to finalize terms, marking a significant step toward de-escalation after weeks of escalating strikes and regional tensions.
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U.S. Navy assists in rescue of 14 Indian mariners in Northern Arabian Sea
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A U.S. Navy response helped rescue 14 Indian mariners after their vessel became disabled and began sinking in the Northern Arabian Sea. After receiving a distress call, a Navy P-8 maritime patrol aircraft located the crew and deployed a life raft, allowing all 14 to evacuate safely. A nearby merchant vessel later recovered 11 mariners, while an MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter from the USS Abraham Lincoln rescued the remaining three after rough seas caused their raft to capsize. The guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy also responded, highlighting coordinated naval and commercial efforts to ensure all personnel were recovered safely.
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Navy to commission tech leaders as officers for Navy Innovation Unit
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The U.S. Navy is launching a new effort to commission technology experts directly into the Navy Reserve as officers for its Innovation Unit, creating an expedited pipeline to bring private-sector talent into the fleet. The program targets professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, robotics and other advanced technologies to help develop and scale modern capabilities. Selected candidates can continue working in their civilian roles while contributing to national security challenges. The initiative reflects the Navy’s push to accelerate innovation and integrate cutting-edge commercial technology to better support fleet operations and long-term modernization.
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Local, Education & other academy news
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The USNA Alumni/Family Health and Well-Being Support Committee is up and running
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With 20 members from 12 classes. Here’s our mission statement: To promote the physical, mental, and emotional health of graduates, their families, and caregivers by advocating for and helping implement education, resources and programs that foster holistic well-being. Our main thrust right now is alumni education and helping classes and chapters establish their own health and well-being programs. Interested? Contact members of our USNA Alumni/Family Health and Well-Being Committee (We Leave No One Behind).
We have a toolkit for class leadership to help kickstart such efforts at the link below.
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Naval Academy Athletics News & Results
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Navy Football picked to win the American Conference by Lindy's Sports Preseason Magazine
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Lindy's Sports Preseason College Football Magazine has picked Navy football to win the American Conference. Lindy's joins Athlon in selecting the Midshipmen to capture the conference title. Navy was ranked No. 46 among the nation's 138 FBS teams, the second-highest ranking among Group of Six programs. Boise State, which will compete in the Pac-12 this season, was ranked No. 29 and was Lindy's pick to make the College Football Playoff. Despite being picked to win the conference, sophomore offensive tackle Malcolm Johnson was the only Navy player named to the Preseason First-Team All-American Conference. Senior quarterback Braxton Woodson and junior linebacker MarcAnthony Parker were the only Midshipmen named to the second team. Woodson was also selected as the conference's best scrambler.
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JUNE
- 16 Jun – Concert on the Avenue, U.S. Navy Memorial (Link)
- 17–18 Jun – USNA Entrepreneurs Summit 2026, Fluegel Alumni Center
- 19-20 Jun – Class of 1977 Gettysburg Leadership Encounter (GLE) for Class of 2027
- 23 Jun – Concert on the Avenue, U.S. Navy Memorial (Link)
- 24–25 Jun – Class of 2030 I-Day Processing, TBD
JULY
- 14 Jul – Concert on the Avenue - Country Current, U.S. Navy Memorial (Link)
- 21 Jul – Concert on the Avenue - Navy Band Commodores, U.S. Navy Memorial (Link)
- 28 Jul – Concert on the Avenue, U.S. Navy Memorial (Link)
AUGUST
- 4 Aug – Concert on the Avenue, U.S. Navy Memorial (Link)
- 6 – 7 Aug - Service Academy Career Conference, San Diego, CA
- 11 Aug – Concert on the Avenue, U.S. Navy Memorial (Link)
- 18 Aug – Concert on the Avenue - Navy Band Cruisers, U.S. Navy Memorial (Link)
- 25 Aug – Concert on the Avenue - Navy Concert Band, U.S. Navy Memorial (Link)
- 30 Aug – Annapolis 10 Miler (Run to Honor is a charity partner)
- 31 Aug - 2 Sep - Class of 1961 65th Reunion
SEPTEMBER
- 1 Sep – Concert on the Avenue - Sea Chanters, U.S. Navy Memorial (Link)
- 3 – 5 Sep - 2026 Distinguished Graduate Award Weekend
- 3 – 5 Sep - Navy Football Brotherhood Kickoff Weekend
- 3 – 6 Sep - Class of 1981 45th Reunion
- 3 – 6 Sep - Class of 1996 30th Reunion
- 4 Sep - DGA Medal Ceremony - Alumni Hall - 4:30 p.m.
- 5 Sep - Navy vs Towson, NMCMS
- 12 Sep - Navy @ Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
- 13 Sep - Travis Manion Foundation 5K - Navy/Marine Corps Stadium - 11 a.m.
- 17 – 20 Sep - Class of 1986 40th Reunion
- 18-19 Sep: Friends of Navy Sailing (FONS) Weekend 2026, USNA
- 25 Sep - Navy @ University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
OCTOBER
- 1 – 4 Oct - Class of 1966 60th Reunion
- 3 Oct - Navy @ Air Force, Colorado Springs, CO
- 8 – 10 Oct - President’s Circle Weekend
- 8 - 11 Oct - Class of 1971 55th Reunion
- 10 Oct - Navy vs Tulsa University, NMCMS
- 17 Oct - Navy @ University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio TX
- 22 – 23 Oct - Service Academy Career Conference, Denton, TX
- 23 – 25 Oct - Class of 1956 70th Reunion
- 23 – 25 Oct - Class of 1976 50th Reunion
- 23 – 25 Oct - Class of 1991 35th Reunion
- 23 – 25 Oct - Class of 2001 25th Reunion
- 23 – 25 Oct - Class of 2006 20th Reunion
- 23 Oct - Anchors Away Golf Tournament
- 24 Oct - U.S. Naval Academy Homecoming
- 24 Oct - Navy vs North Texas University, NMCMS
- 24 Oct - Welcome Home Social, Fluegel Alumni Center
- 31 Oct - Navy vs Notre Dame, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
NOVEMBER
- 6-8 Nov - Class of 2011 15th Reunion
- 6-8 Nov - Class of 2016 10th Reunion
- 6-8 Nov - Class of 2021 5th Reunion
- 20 - 21 Nov - USNA Glee Club with St Louis Symphony Orchestra, Powell Hall, St. Louis - 7:30 p.m.
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USNA AA&F resources & Links
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Do you know someone else who would like to receive the Daily Shipmate? Forward them this email and tell them to click the button below to sign up.
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The Daily Shipmate is a news product intended to share news about the Naval Academy, the Naval Services and our members. We are apolitical as an organization and will strive to bring forward relevant news on a wide variety of issues. Just because we include an article does not mean we endorse its content, author, or news organization.
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Annapolis, MD 21402, United States
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