9 July Daily Shipmate

Thursday, 9 July 2026

As summer days begin in Annapolis, Class of 2030 plebes take to the roads before the heat sets in. Early morning runs are a key part of Plebe Summer, the Naval Academy’s rigorous introduction to military and academic life. Each mile helps build the endurance, discipline and teamwork expected of future officers and leaders. Thank you to photographer Debbie Latta for capturing the photo.

1943 - While naval forces assemble for Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily, a smoke pot ignites on a landing craft carried by LST-375. ENS John J. Parle enters the craft, extinguishes a burning fuse and throws the smoke pot over the side. This saves his ship from damage and prevents the burning smoke pot from giving advance warning of the landing. Seriously injured, Parle dies from his wounds eight days later. He is later awarded a posthumous Medal of Honor.

1982 - LTJG Daryl Chen ’80, USN, was lost when the T-2C Buckeye jet trainer he was piloting crashed in Meridian, Mississippi while on a solo flight. A native of San Gabriel, California, “Daryl’s style is a fast car, a steep slope or a good scrum. The 150# team missed out on a great athlete, but their loss was the Rugby Club’s gain.” He is a member of the Navy Rugby Hall of Fame. 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

U.S. Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia conducted a change of command ceremony at Jake’s Place, 8 July 2026, where CAPT Brett Whorley, USN, assumed command from CAPT William Guheen III ’02, USN, as commanding officer. Guheen has served as the commanding officer of NSF Diego Garcia since July 2025, where he focused on strengthening the critical support functions the installation provides for the rest of the fleet and to our allies and partners. “This crew standing before you today is outstanding,” Guheen said to Whorley during his farewell speech. “You’re inheriting a family that knows how to work, how to create stability out of the chaos, and make it look easy. You’re taking the helm of the most capable, resilient, tight-knit command in the United States Navy.” Guheen was raised in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, and commissioned in 2002 from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering.

T-Mobile announced that wireless industry veteran Chris Sambar ’95 will join the company as Chief Enterprise Officer by 14 October 2026. Sambar, formerly COO of Public Storage and a longtime AT&T executive, will lead T-Mobile’s small business, enterprise and government divisions while helping expand emerging growth areas. The move is part of a broader leadership reorganization designed to accelerate growth, innovation and next-generation technologies, including AI and 6G.

Calling all regular members of the USNA Alumni Association: This is your final call for nominations for the Mid-Atlantic and Western Regional Trustees on the USNA Alumni Association Board of Trustees. Any regular members should use the nomination form to make their nominations no later than 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. Mid-Atlantic and Western regional trustees will be elected by the regular members in their region by electronic ballot in spring 2027. Regional trustees must reside in the region they represent for the duration of their three-year terms, from May 2027 to May 2030. Any regular member of the Alumni Association in good standing may nominate any regular member in good standing (including themselves, and including eligible members outside their own region) during the nomination window to be considered as a candidate. As always, we encourage nominees who represent our alumni community’s great variety of experience and background. Make your voice heard in our community by nominating a regional trustee! Please contact the Board Secretary Wes Huey ’87 with questions and comments.

Government & Military News

The United States launched a new round of military strikes against Iran after three commercial vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions and placing additional strain on a fragile ceasefire reached last month. U.S. Central Command said the strikes targeted Iranian air defense systems, coastal surveillance networks, anti ship missiles and drone launch sites in response to what it called Iranian aggression against commercial shipping. At the same time, Washington revoked a temporary license that had allowed Iran to sell oil on international markets, a move Tehran condemned as a violation of the existing agreement. The developments underscore the continued volatility surrounding one of the world's most critical maritime trade routes and ongoing efforts to negotiate a broader peace deal.

The U.S. Navy is continuing development of MEDUSA (Mining Expendable Delivery Unmanned Submarine Asset), an unmanned underwater vehicle designed to be launched from a submarine's torpedo tube and autonomously deploy naval mines far from the host vessel. According to reports, the Navy recently provided additional funding to support the program as it moves toward operational use. MEDUSA is designed as a disposable system, allowing submarines to conduct offensive mining missions while remaining concealed and distant from the target area. The program reflects the Navy's growing emphasis on autonomous undersea warfare capabilities and efforts to strengthen maritime deterrence in increasingly contested regions, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.

Local, Education & other academy news

History isn't something you read about on this journey. It's something you stand in the middle of. The National WWII Museum's D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy and Liberation of France tour takes travelers to the very places where the fate of the free world hung in the balance. Walk the sands of Omaha Beach, stand atop Pointe du Hoc, explore Sainte-Mère-Église and pay tribute at the Normandy American Cemetery while expert guides bring the stories of courage, sacrifice and leadership to life. With exclusive access, exceptional accommodations and unforgettable experiences throughout Normandy, this is far more than a vacation. It is a powerful journey into the heart of history. For Naval Academy alumni, military history enthusiasts and lifelong learners, this is the kind of once in a lifetime experience that belongs at the top of every bucket list.

Meet the 2026-2027 Navy Athletics head coaches

Behind every Navy Athletics program is a dedicated coach committed to developing Midshipmen as competitors, leaders and future officers. The Navy head coaches directory offers a closer look at the individuals guiding teams across a wide range of varsity sports to support the Academy’s physical mission, highlighting the experience, dedication and leadership that help shape the student-athlete experience.

Mark your calendars and join fellow Navy fans for Fan Fest on Saturday, 8 August from 2 - 4 p.m. ET at Navy Marine Corp Memorial Stadium (550 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401). The event is free so grab your navy blue and gold attire and meet us at the stadium! Go Navy!

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