30 June Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, 30 June 2026

1943 - U.S. naval forces are active on a variety of South Pacific fronts on this day, bombarding positions on Kolombangara and Bougainville in the Solomons, and laying mines off Bougainville and New Georgia. Task Force 31, under the command of RADM Richmond Kelly Turner ’08, USN, and supported by land-based aircraft, land Army troops and leathernecks of the Fourth Marine Raider Battalion on New Georgia. The Japanese mount some aerial opposition, torpedoing Turner’s flagship, the attack transport McCawley (AP-10). Fire from shore damages the destroyer Gwin (DD-433). Meanwhile, off the coast of New Guinea, tank landing ships and infantry landing craft of Task Force 76 under the command of RADM Daniel E. Barbey ’12, USN, put Army troops ashore on Woodlark and Kiriwina Islands.

 

1969 - LT Richard Williams ’66, USN was lost when the aircraft he was aboard crashed at Kingsville, Texas. Prior to flight training, Richard served aboard USS Agerholm (DD 826) on patrol off the coast of Vietnam. He was both awarded his wings and promoted to Lieutenant posthumously. Richard was survived by his wife, parents and brother.

 

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Academy & Graduate happenings

Our team of photographers are capturing those milestone Plebe Summer moments and processing photos as fast as they can. We know how eager you are to see your Plebe and that many of you have questions about the Parent Photo Program. To help, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions.

Please note: Pictures will not be ready for viewing until AFTER the 4 July holiday. During the first week, plebes are mainly in indoor training sessions where photographers don’t have access. As activities move outdoors, more photos will be shared. We look forward to bringing you those moments soon!

"Dear Guests."

It was more than a greeting. It was a rhythm. Each morning aboard the Amadeus Amara, those two words rang out across the decks and through the corridors—an invitation to another day of discovery, connection, and shared experience. Whether preceding a daily announcement or setting the tone for an evening gathering, “Dear Guests” became the unofficial anthem of the journey—a simple phrase that captured the spirit of hospitality, professionalism, and quiet excellence delivered by the crew and guides who made the trip unforgettable.

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TODAY is the last day to submit 2026 Thriving As Leaders nominations!

Time is running out to recognize a USNA alum who truly stands out. Nominate a fellow member for the 2026 Thriving As Leaders Awards and shine a spotlight on the leadership and service they demonstrate in command, citizenship and government. The process is quick, meaningful and a powerful way to celebrate their impact. Nominations close 1 July 2026—submit yours today and make sure great leadership doesn’t go unrecognized.

Government & Military News

USS Lake Erie returns to San Diego following 11-month underway

Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) returned to its homeport of Naval Base San Diego on 27 June 2026, following 11-months of sustained operations at sea to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations. Lake Erie conducted a wide range of command-and-control and maritime security missions in support of U.S. Southern Command-led Operation Southern Spear. The ship served as the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Commander and the U.S. Air Force Southern Command's (AFSOUTH) Regional Air Defense Commander (RADC), supporting operations to counter illicit maritime activity that threatens the security and stability of the United States and our allies and partners. These efforts resulted in the seizure or disruption of more than 2,900 pounds of narcotics and supported the enforcement of international sanctions against illicit oil smuggling, directly contributing to regional stability and homeland security.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth today announced the appointment of members to the Defense Policy Board. Ambassador Robert Lighthizer, who previously served as U.S. Trade Representative from 2017-2021, will serve as its Chair, and former Senator Norm Coleman will serve as its Vice Chair. Established in 1985, the Defense Policy Board is an advisory committee tasked with providing independent strategic advice and recommendations to the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary, and the Under Secretary for Policy. It focuses on matters pertaining to strategic planning, the policy implications of U.S. force structure and modernization, regional defense policies, and other defense policy and national security issues of special interest to the Department.

Military commanders love to warn troops that overreliance on GPS technology could spell disaster when signals are jammed or networks go down. But could handing navigation over to a computer be diminishing their powers of observation and decision-making skills as well? That’s the question an upcoming study from the University of Texas at Arlington aims to find out. The yearlong, $200,000 study, funded through the Department of Defense via a sub-grant, will use virtual reality simulations to track aspects of observation and recall in subjects with and without navigation aids. Steven Weisberg and Hunter Ball, associate professors of psychology at the university and the leaders of the study, said findings could help inform the design of computer interfaces and even guide personnel assignments in a unit, based on how much technological support troops need and how their brains respond to it.

Local, Education & other academy news

Space is becoming limited for this extraordinary USNA Alumni Travel experience, so reserve your spot today and bring your family along. This is more than a trip—it’s an opportunity to explore Japan alongside fellow Naval Academy alumni, sharing stories, building connections and creating memories that last long after the voyage ends. From Tokyo, Kyoto and Nagasaki to Hiroshima, Busan and views of Mt. Fuji, you'll experience Japan’s rich culture, history and beauty while enjoying the camaraderie that makes alumni travel unique. Discover new destinations with old friends and new Shipmates on a journey designed to inspire, connect and immerse.

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