2 July Daily Shipmate

Thursday, 2 July 2026

This week's editions of Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation Morning Paper are brought to you by Otterson Wealth Advisors and Naval Academy graduate Caleb Cronic '11. Otterson Wealth Advisors of Raymond James is not just a team. It's a vast resource of financial knowledge, with each member bringing their unique expertise to your financial success. Caleb Cronic '11, financial advisor and Naval Academy graduate, is a CIMA-certified pro. His strategic prowess is your asset working towards your financial goals. Ready to begin to your journey? Otterson Wealth Advisors … your goals, our expertise.

1926 - An act of Congress establishes the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism or extraordinary achievement in aerial flight.

 

1945 - In the first employment of bombardment rockets by a submarine, Barb (SS-220) attacks shore installations at Kaiyho Island in the Kuriles.

 

1967 - 2LT John Doherty ’66, USMC, was killed in action with North Vietnamese forces near Con Thien. He was an artillery officer with the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, and was at the front as a forward observer. John had previously completed paratrooper school with the Army at Fort Benning, Georgia, and artillery training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was survived by his parents, two brothers and two sisters. Other alumni lost on this day are listed at Virtual Memorial Hall.

 

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

USNA 2026 Distinguished Graduate ADM Patrick Walsh ’77, USN (Ret.), grand marshal of this year’s Park Cities Fourth of July Parade, reflected on a career defined by service, leadership and patriotism. Speaking at the Rotary Club of Park Cities Grand Marshal Luncheon, Walsh recalled learning that veterans stood out of respect for America’s ideals rather than for individual military rank, a lesson that shaped his perspective throughout his career. A former Blue Angels pilot, combat aviator and commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, Walsh highlighted experiences ranging from Operation Desert Storm to leading U.S. humanitarian efforts following Japan’s 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Today, he continues serving as president of Cristo Rey Dallas.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back and recent Naval Academy graduate Eli Heidenreich ’26 visited Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana to host an NFL ProCamps event, 25-26 June. The Navy Exchange and the Defense Commissary Agency partnered to host the sports camp on the installation for military-connected children. With NFL ProCamps, military children are provided the opportunity to receive hands-on training from professional athletes while practicing their football skills. The camps are available for first through eighth grade family members of active-duty military, reservists, retirees, and DOD civilian employees. “When I found out the camp was going to be only for military kids, I was really excited,” said Heidenreich. "Their childhoods can be challenging and any sort of impact where I can make their summer memorable and allow them to connect with other military kids, that just means a lot to me.”

Government & Military News

ADM Hyman G. Rickover ’22, USN (Ret.), had a huge task, development of a naval nuclear propulsion program that will use the technology efficiently and safely for years to come. Now known as the "Father of Nuclear Navy," it is safe to say that mission was accomplished. During his career however, he brought many into his sphere of influence and advised many other federal leaders and even presidents about nuclear power to make sure it gets the care and attention it needs. Now one of his long time assistants has written a book about the life and career of the admiral, who I jumped at the chance to speak with, seeing as my own grandfather served under him in the U.S. Navy.

For more than 15 years, the Office of Naval Research has explored how video games can affect human cognition. While researchers often found evidence that they can improve cognitive performance, the concept has had limited application into real-world programs. That may be changing. In January, Marine Corps University began using a modified version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 7 at its sergeant’s course in Quantico, Virginia, to help strengthen leadership, communication, critical thinking and decision making under pressure. The program, called Research into Competency Acquisition with Novel E-gaming, or R-CANE, was developed through a partnership with Virginia Tech and the University of Memphis with funding from the Office of Naval Research.

Local, Education & other academy news

The 2026 Open Championship's Final Qualifying had plenty of heartbreak on Tuesday, 30 June with Sergio Garcia among the biggest names to miss out at West Lancashire. But while some players walked away empty-handed, Dundonald Links gave one man the week of his life: former U.S. Army officer and West Point graduate Marcus Plunkett. He earned his first trip to a major championship and will make his Open debut at Royal Birkdale. Plunkett’s road to this moment has been long and hard. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2016, where he also played college golf. He committed five years of active duty as a transportation officer after that in places like Korea, Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, and Afghanistan.

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