31 July Daily Shipmate

Friday, 31 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.

1944 - A submarine group, under Commander Lewis S. Parks, attacks a Japanese convoy near Bashi Channel south of Formosa, sinking four ships and damaging three others. During the operation, the submarine Parche (SS-384) engages in a daring predawn surface attack against the convoy, torpedoing four ships. Despite the flames from the burning convoy ships illuminating Parche and drawing fire from the convoy’s escorts, Commander Lawson P. Ramage presses home the attacks and skillfully avoids an enemy ship about to ram him. For his heroism, Ramage receives the Medal of Honor.

 

1964 - Consisting entirely of nuclear-powered ships (aircraft carrier Enterprise (CVAN-65), guided-missile cruiser Long Beach (CGN-9), and guided-missile frigate Bainbridge (DLGN-25)), Task Force 1 departs Gibraltar on a round-the-world cruise, codenamed Operation Sea Orbit. The three ships complete the cruise on 3 October neither having refueled nor replenished for 64 days.

 

1981 - MIDN Alan Carmack ’82, USN, was lost when the aircraft he was aboard crashed near the eastern end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. He was participating in an aviation orientation program open to First Class Midshipmen. His civilian instructor was also killed. Alan was a native of Oklahoma; at the Naval Academy he was the varsity wrestling team manager, a member of the Drum and Bugle Corps, was active in the Pep Band, and had qualified as a parachutist. He was survived by his parents and a sister. (The Alumni Association has lost contact with the family. If you know how to contact them please email [email protected].) 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

In this episode, John Schofield, Jimmy DeButts, and Emily Lucht discuss the July/August issue of Shipmate Magazine, featuring the iconic Herndon Climb on the cover. They catch up on I-Day for the Class of 2030, recap the successful Entrepreneur Summit that welcomed more than 200 attendees to the Fluegel Alumni Center, and follow Flat Bill on his latest adventure to the Brickyard in Indianapolis—so keep those photos coming!

 

The center piece of the conversation, a remarkable interview with Charlie Duke '57, USAF (Ret.), the last living Naval Academy alumnus to walk on the moon, as he shares memories from his historic journey into space. Plus, we are adding to the Sing Second Fleet of podcasts, Voices from Orbit, launching in August and dedicated to sharing out-of-this-world stories from Naval Academy astronaut alumni.

 

And that's not all. The team also takes listeners inside The 19th Hole, the new restaurant and gathering space at the USNA Golf Course, made possible through alumni philanthropy and led by CDR Jim Kelly '77. It's a new place for alumni and friends to connect, relax, and enjoy the camaraderie that makes the Naval Academy community so special. All this and more on Sing Second Shipmate. Thank you for reading—and listening to—Shipmate.

One of USNA AA&F’s most highly anticipated fall events will begin registration next week, the Anchors Aweigh Open. As you wait for the event to open, here are a few things you can do.

 

Additionally info: Scramble format: 8 a.m. ET check-in, 9 a.m. shotgun start

Foursome: $1,700

 

Don’t have a foursome? We can help. We will have a form for you to fill out and we'll do our best to group you with others to make a foursome.

CAPT Kristine N. Bench ’06, USN, assumed duties as the 60th Superintendent, United States Naval Observatory (USNO) on 17 July 2026, relieving CAPT Kimberly M. Freitas, USN. A time-honored tradition, the Change of Command ceremony was held on the observatory grounds in Washington, D.C. Bench grew up in a Navy family and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2006. Upon assuming command, CAPT Bench addressed the audience in attendance. “Standing before this remarkable team as your Commanding Officer is one of the greatest honors of my career. Together, we will honor the proud legacy of the United States Naval Observatory and continue delivering the precision, reliability and leadership upon which our Navy and nation depend.”

CAPT Tate L. Metlen ’03, USN, assumed command of Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport during a 29 July change of command ceremony, relieving CAPT Ana I. Franco, USN. CAPT Jeff Hill, commander of Navy Region Southeast, praised Franco’s leadership over the past three years and challenged Metlen to build on the installation’s success. During Franco’s tenure, NCBC Gulfport advanced infrastructure modernization, supported expeditionary readiness and strengthened community partnerships. Metlen, a former Surface Warfare Officer who transitioned to the Civil Engineer Corps in 2010, brings leadership experience from assignments worldwide.

Government & Military News

The House version of the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act includes a push to develop lighter, more compact military rations for troops operating in remote and contested environments. Current MREs weigh up to 1.5 pounds each, creating a significant logistical burden during extended missions. Lawmakers are encouraging the Defense Department to partner with industry to advance food technologies such as sonic agglomeration, which compresses ingredients using sound waves, and vacuum microwave drying, which removes water while preserving flavor and nutrition. The goal is to reduce the size and weight of field rations while improving quality, helping warfighters carry less and operate longer without resupply.

The Pentagon is seeking unmanned surface vessels capable of launching attack drones as part of a new Defense Innovation Unit initiative aimed at countering low-cost maritime threats. The SWAP-USV program calls for commercially available robotic boats integrated with at least two drones that can conduct surveillance, communications relay, electronic warfare or precision strikes. Backed by $100 million in prize funding and potential procurement contracts worth up to $200 million, the effort emphasizes affordable alternatives to using expensive naval assets against small drones and boats. Companies selected for the first phase must have systems ready for testing within 120 days, with initial in-water trials planned for fall 2026.

Local, Education & other academy news

From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the breathtaking Swiss Alps, the USNA Alumni Travel Program offers unforgettable journeys designed for alumni, family and friends. Explore the Flavors of Tuscany, sail the Bountiful British Isles, discover the Hidden Gems of the Croatian Riviera, experience the beauty of the Southwest National Parks, or take in the stunning scenery of the Swiss Alps and Italian Lakes.

 

Travel with fellow Naval Academy alumni, enjoy expertly curated experiences and create memories that will last a lifetime. 2027 departures are now booking. Secure your spot today and start planning your next adventure with the USNA Alumni Travel Program.

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