25 Feb Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

1862 - The Union ironclad Monitor, which one observer likened to a “cheese box on a raft” and another called “a mere speck, like a hat on the surface,” was commissioned. It departed the New York Navy Yard two days later, but was forced to turn back because of a steering failure.

1963 - LTjg James Leonard '59, USN was lost when the F8U Crusader he was piloting crashed near Hawaii during a training mission. Prior to the Naval Academy he had attended the University of Rhode Island. He was survived by his parents.

Academy & Graduate happenings

Made possible by Wendy Lawrence '81, the Sing Second podcast team will be interviewing Suni Williams '87 about her recent selection as a Distinguished Graduate, her experience in space and why the Naval Academy is so special to her. The interview will be released in its entirety on the Pod later this week. If you want to watch the interview live on NASA+, tune in at 10:30am EST.

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 Feb. 24, 2025, 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.

Senate leaders will hold confirmation hearings this week for a pair of senior Pentagon officials as the chamber continues efforts to get President Donald Trump's key military leadership into office. On Thursday, the committee will consider the nomination of John Pehlan to be Navy Secretary. Like Feinberg, Phelan is the founder of a private investment firm and has no previous military service.

The Navy recruited just over 14,000 people in the first four months of Fiscal Year 2025, the service announced.Since Oct. 1, the service has brought in 14,111 new recruits and sent 12,751 to boot camp in the first four months of the fiscal year, Cmdr. Stephanie Turo, director of public affairs for the Navy Recruiting Command, told USNI News in an email. The sea service is on track to meet recruiting goals for the second year, after two years of falling short. Rear Adm. James Waters '89, commander of Navy Recruiting Command, thanked the recruiters for the “incredible four months.”

Local, Education & other academy news

Meet Rear Admiral James P. Waters III, Commander, Navy Recruiting Command

Rear Adm. James Waters is a native of Ellington, Connecticut, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1989 with a degree in Systems Engineering. He completed graduate studies at Oxford University in 1991. His sea tours include various division officer assignments on USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730G), engineering officer on USS Philadelphia (SSN 690) and executive officer on USS Alabama (SSBN 731B). He commanded USS Virginia (SSN 774) and Submarine Squadron 4.

Immerse yourself in wild and natural wonders on this 16-night cruise aboard Oceania Cruises' Marina. Embark in Montreal and set sail for Quebec City, where you can enjoy high tea at the iconic Château Frontenac. In Saguenay, indulge your flair for the French—enjoy a dazzling performance at the Théâtre Palais Municipal depicting the area's founding. Explore the stunning gardens surrounding the Sainte-Amelie Church in Baie-Comeau. In Charlottetown, discover the farmstead that inspired the timeless novel “Anne of Green Gables.” Date: Jul 27-Aug 12, 2025  Starting Price: $6,899  Trip Length: 16 nights  Trip: Montreal to Reykjavik  Cruise line: Oceania Cruises.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Baseball v Manhattan - Annapolis, Md. - 3 p.m.

USNA and AA&F Events

FEBRUARY

24 Feb - Columbus Chapter + NAPC of Central Ohio Roadshow - Dublin, OH

27 Feb - Naval Academy Entrepreneurs event, Fluegel Alumni Center, 5-9 p.m.

27 Feb - Astronaut Convocation - USNA

 

MARCH

7 Mar - A&SP Policy Review Committee Meeting - Fluegel(Bastian Conference Room)

7-16 Mar - USNA Spring Break

12-13 Mar - SACC Atlanta

13 Mar - Survivor Advocacy Network Trauma Survivor Webinar Series - Boundaries & Dealing with shame

17 Mar - SW Washington/Oregon + NAPC of Oregon Roadshow - Portland, OR

18 Mar - Hanford Tri-Cities Chapter + NAPC of Washington Roadshow - Richland, WA

19 Mar - Northwest ID Chapter + NAPC of Idaho Roadshow - Coeur d'Alene, ID

20 Mar - Southern ID Chapter + NAPC of Idaho Roadshow - Boise, ID

21 Mar -  A&SP Executive Committee Meeting - Fluegel (Bastian Conference Room)

22 Mar - Annual Gathering for USNA Women - Fluegel Alumni Center

22 Mar - Fencing (club) Alumni Meet - Dahlgren Hall

26 Mar - Alumni Mentoring Program (AMP) Class of 2025 enrollment

27-29 Mar - Naval Academy Alumni Leadership Forum

30-31 Mar - Volunteer Leader Summit - Fluegel Alumni Center

 

APRIL

5 Apr - Annapolis Cup - USNA-St. John's Croquet Match

5 Apr - Women's Lacrosse Alumni Appreciation Day (Home Game vs. Holy Cross)

10-12 Apr - Class of 1955 - 70th Reunion

11 Apr - Athletic & Scholarship Programs Spring Meeting - Akerson Tower

11-12 Apr - Men's Soccer Alumni Weekend

12 Apr - Navy Letterwinners Association Army/Navy Men's Lacrosse Tailgate

23 April - Bonds of Gold Ceremony

24 Apr - AA&F Vietnam Legacy of Valor Series Speaker Event - FAC

24-27 Apr - Class of 1970 - 55th Reunion

25 Apr - Council of Class Presidents Spring Meeting, Fluegel, TBD

25 Apr - USNA Dedication Parade, Worden Field

30 Apr - USNA Capstone Day

30 Apr - USNA Foundation Spring Board of Directors Welcome Reception

 

MAY

1 May - USNA Foundation Spring BOD meeting, Fluegel Alumni Center

6-8 May - Class of 1957 - 70th Reunion

7-9 May - USNA Alumni Association Spring BOT Meeting, Fluegel Alumni Center

8-9 May - SACC Washington DC

14 May - Class of 2028 Herndon Climb

21 May -  Blue Angels CFR Event - Hospital Point, USNA

22 May - Color Parade, Worden Field

22 May - USNA Prizes & Awards, Alumni Hall, 2 p.m.

23 May - Class of 2025 Naval Academy Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony, NMCMS

 

25 Jun - Athletic & Scholarship Program Pre-I Day Reception, Fluegel Alumni Center

26 Jun - USNA Induction Day, Class of 2029

 

17-18 Jul - Entrepreneur Summit, Fluegel Alumni Center

 

28-31 Aug - Class of 1960 - 65th Reunion

30 Aug -  Navy vs VMI, NMCMS, Annapolis, MD