Today in Navy And Marine Corps History
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1944- Carrier aircraft from flattops of Task Group 38.4, under RADM Ralph E. Davison, attack Iwo Jima and Chichi Jima, Japan. On 2 September, a TBM Avenger of VT-51 from the light carrier San Jacinto (CVL-30) is shot down over Chichi Jima. The pilot, LTJG George H. W. Bush, successfully parachutes from his aircraft and is subsequently rescued by the submarine Finback (SS-230). Bush eventually becomes the 41st President of the United States. (31 August–2 September)
1962- Following the decision of 30 November 1961 to end the Navy’s operation of lighter-than-air craft, which dates from before World War I, the Navy’s last airship makes its final flight at Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey.
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.
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In Memoriam from usna memorial hall
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Academy & Graduate happenings
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Tune in for daily DGA podcasts this week with Sing Second!
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It all comes together this week at the Naval Academy. We honor our Distinguished Graduates - ADM Patrick Walsh, VADM Mark Fox, LtGen Dave Beydler and CAPT Chris Cassidy - in Annapolis Thursday. And the Naval Academy Football season kicks off Saturday vs. Towson. Chris and John will get you ready for a big week around campus with daily pod drops. All pods will be released in the evening and be featured in the next day’s Daily Shipmate. We were honored to sit down with each Distinguished Graduate in the days following their selection and announcement to get their perspectives and feelings on the honor.
Monday - ADM Patrick Walsh ’77, USN (Ret.)
Tuesday - VADM Mark Fox ’78, USN (Ret.)
Wednesday - LtGen Dave Beydler ’81, USMC (Ret.)
Thursday - CAPT Chris Cassidy ’91, USN (Ret.)
Friday - DGA ceremony recap, preview of Saturday’s Football game. Interview with Karl Darden ’84
Saturday - Live Pod at the Fluegel Alumni Center! For more details on that, look and register to join us at the link below.
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Join us this weekend: Alumni Pre-game registration is open
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Football season is here and that means your Fluegel Alumni Center is ready for Alumni Pregame events nearly every Saturday. Come and cheer on your Navy blue and gold Midshipmen. This weekend we will kick off the first game of the season on 5 September as Navy takes on Towson. Join us from 11:30–1:30 p.m. ET and all guests of ages welcome. We’ll have light bites, a bar stocked with our favorite game day drinks and fun for all. Of course, everyone’s favorite podcast, the Sing Second podcast, will be hosting another live podcast with numerous guests you won't want to miss. This weekend John, Chris, and Bill Wagner from Anchor Aweigh will be speaking live RADM Mike Manazir '81, USN (Ret.), Navy Football alumnus Joe Person '07, Class of '96 President Bill Pennington '96. Don’t miss the conversation. Register no later than 12 p.m. this Friday to snag a free drink ticket (Drink tickets are valid only for attendees age 21 and over. Show your QR code at the door). Walk-ins are welcome with cashless bar available!
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They made the Cut: Robinson ’26 and Heidenreich ’26 earn spots on NFL 53-man rosters
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Former Navy football standouts Landon Robinson ’26 and Eli Heidenreich ’26 have earned spots on NFL 53-man rosters, marking a major milestone in their journeys from Annapolis to professional football. The pair also made history earlier this year as the first Navy teammates selected in the same NFL Draft since 1956. Heidenreich, a seventh-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers, secured his roster spot after a strong preseason that showcased the versatility that made him one of the most dynamic offensive players in Navy history. Robinson, selected by the Cincinnati Bengals, forced his way onto the roster with an outstanding preseason that included leading the NFL in preseason sacks and quarterback pressures. Their success continues Navy’s proud tradition of developing leaders who excel at the highest levels of competition. As the 2026 NFL season begins, Midshipmen fans will have several former Navy stars to follow on Sundays, with Robinson and Heidenreich joined by Rayuan Lane III ’25, a 2025 NFL Draft pick who has also earned a spot on the Jacksonville Jaguars roster this season. Together, they represent the latest generation of Naval Academy graduates making their mark in the NFL.
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Government & Military News
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Establishing the United States Space Academy
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During a visit to NASA's Johnson Space Center, President Donald Trump awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the four astronauts of the historic Artemis II mission: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen. The crew became the first humans in more than 50 years to travel beyond the Moon and set a new record for the farthest distance traveled by humans in space. Trump also spoke with astronauts aboard the International Space Station, including NASA astronaut and USNA alum CDR Jack Hathaway '04, USN. Following the ceremony, Trump signed an executive order establishing a commission to develop plans for a proposed United States Space Academy, a NASA-led institution focused on educating future leaders in the space domain. The commission has 120 days to recommend the academy's governance, curriculum, service requirements and potential location as part of an effort to strengthen America's space workforce.
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After Epic Fury, Navy may need an extra $8 billion to be solvent, CNO says
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The U.S. Navy may need an additional $6 billion to $8 billion in funding to remain financially solvent through Fiscal Year 2026 after months of combat operations tied to the conflict with Iran, according to Chief of Naval Operations ADM Daryl Caudle, USN. More than 27,000 sailors and over two dozen ships participated in operations that included combat missions, mine-clearing efforts in the Strait of Hormuz and maintaining a naval blockade. Caudle said the financial strain extends beyond combat operations. Record reenlistment numbers have created unexpected costs for bonuses and permanent change-of-station moves, forcing the Navy to pull money from other priorities, including facilities modernization and sailor quality-of-life improvements. The service also faces the challenge of replenishing missile inventories and increasing production of weapons such as Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles. Caudle said longer-term contracts with industry are helping boost production capacity and improve readiness for future conflicts. The funding concerns come as the Pentagon seeks supplemental funding to recover from the costs of the Iran campaign and replenish depleted stockpiles.
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Record-long deployments add new layer to sailors’ reenlistment decisions
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Sailors serving aboard ships experiencing record-long deployments are increasingly weighing the personal costs of Navy service as they make reenlistment decisions. One sailor assigned to USS Abraham Lincoln said they had planned to reenlist before deploying but are now reconsidering after more than nine months of continuous operations, training and drills in support of Middle East missions. The sailor cited uncertainty, an exhausting operational tempo and strain on personal relationships as major challenges. A broader concern for Navy leaders: how sustained operational demands affect retention. While current Navy data shows enlisted retention remains above target levels, the service is tracking sailors’ operational exposure and surveying intentions to stay or leave. Historical research has found links between deployment patterns, time spent at sea and retention decisions. Former Navy force resiliency official Andrea Goldstein said sailors are often being asked to “do more with less,” noting that manning shortages, demanding watch schedules and prolonged deployments can negatively affect sleep, mental health and quality of life. The Navy continues to balance strong retention numbers with concerns about the long-term effects of an intense operational tempo on the fleet.
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Local, Education & other academy news
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Welcoming more than a dozen reunion classes home to Annapolis this fall
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Class reunions are an opportunity to reconnect with classmates, honor shipmates and celebrate the lifelong bonds forged at the Naval Academy. In 2026, the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation will welcome more than a dozen reunion classes back to Annapolis for memorial services, tailgates, football game activities and class gatherings. Alumni will also hear directly from Academy and AA&F leadership through Superintendent and CEO briefings, providing updates on the Yard, the Brigade of Midshipmen and initiatives supporting graduates around the world. Together, these experiences strengthen connections, preserve traditions and keep alumni engaged with their alma mater for generations to come.
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Alumni Travel highlight: British Isles
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Set sail on an unforgettable voyage through the British Isles during May 2027, where dramatic coastlines, historic cities and centuries of culture await. Explore Scotland's rugged landscapes, discover Ireland's vibrant charm and experience iconic destinations from Edinburgh to Dublin, all while enjoying the comfort of a luxury Oceania Cruises voyage. Until then, cheerio!
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Naval Academy Athletics News and results
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Complete team effort gives Navy program win #400 with 2-0 shutout of Maryland
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Navy women’s soccer made history Thursday night, earning the program’s 400th all-time victory with a 2-0 shutout of previously unbeaten Maryland at Glenn Warner Soccer Facility. The Mids struck early, as freshman Stella Jones scored her first career goal in the seventh minute before junior Kayana Adlam doubled the lead on a free kick less than 12 minutes later. Goalkeeper Natasha Stramrood recorded six saves to secure the clean sheet, her seventh career shutout. The victory improved Navy to 3-2-1 and marked another milestone for head coach Carin Gabarra, who has guided the program through all 400 wins in its history. Despite being outshot 13-10, Navy controlled play in key moments and held a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks. The Mids conclude the home portion of their non-conference schedule against Marist on 30 August.
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Heidenreich and Tecza make history in NFL preseason game
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Two recent Naval Academy graduates made history in the NFL preseason on 27 August when Marine Corps 2ndLt Eli Heidenreich ’26 and 2ndLt Alex Tecza ’26 suited up for the Pittsburgh Steelers in a 28-27 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The pair became the first Marine Corps officers from the Naval Academy and only the second set of former Navy football teammates to appear together in the same NFL game. Heidenreich rushed for 35 yards and scored a touchdown, punctuating the moment with a salute. The milestone highlights a growing Navy presence in the NFL, with five Academy graduates currently on active rosters.
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Former NFL Coach Jon Gruden loves Navy Football
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Former NFL Coach Jon Gruden threw some love at Navy Football on Instagram this past week. From the Coach: “This is a very special box from a VERY special place. It's the United States Naval Academy! I absolutely love these guys and what they stand for!! Thank you to Coach Newberry and everyone at @navyfb for thinking of us, have a great season!!”
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- Men's Soccer vs Presbyterian - Annapolis, MD - 1:00 p.m.
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- Offshore Sailing vs J/105 Women's Regatta - completed
- Women's Triathlon at Duquesne Collegiate Cup - 3rd of 6 Teams
- Women's Volleyball vs Green Bay - L 0 - 3
- Women's Soccer vs Marist - W 3 - 1
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Friday 28 August
- Women's Volleyball vs Indiana State - L 2 - 3
- Men's Soccer vs George Washington - L 0 - 2
Saturday, 29 August
- Offshore Sailing vs J/105 Women's Regatta - Completed
- Men's Rugby vs St. Bonaventure - W 50 - 0
- Women's Volleyball at Western Michigan - L 0 - 3
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Army-Navy Star Series matchups:
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- 25 Sept. - Sprint Football - Annapolis - 6 p.m.
- 26 Sept. - M. Rugby - Annapolis - 11 a.m.
- 3-4 Oct. - M. Golf - West Point - 9 a.m. / 9 a.m.
- 9 Oct. - W. Soccer - Chester, Pa. - 4 p.m.
- 9 Oct. - Volleyball - West Point - 7 p.m.
- 9 Oct. - M. Soccer - Chester, Pa. - 7 p.m.
- 17 Oct. - W. Cross Country - Annapolis - TBA
- 17 Oct. - M. Cross Country - Annapolis - TBA
- 17 Oct. - Volleyball - Annapolis - 4 p.m.
- 31 Oct. - W. Rugby - Annapolis - 11 a.m.
- 12 Dec. - Football - East Rutherford, N.J. - 3 p.m.
- 6 Feb. - Gymnastics - West Point - TBA
- 6 Feb. - Rifle - Annapolis - 9 a.m.
- 10 April - W. Tennis - West Point - TBA
- 17 April - M. Tennis - West Point - 1 p.m.
- 17 April - M. Lacrosse - Annapolis - TBA
- 17 April - W. Lacrosse - West Point - TBA
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AUGUST
- 31 Aug - 2 Sep - Class of 1961 65th Reunion
SEPTEMBER
- 1 Sep – Concert on the Avenue - Navy Concert Band, U.S. Navy Memorial (Link)
- 3 Sep - 2026 Distinguished Graduate Luncheon and Brief, Fluegel
- 3 Sep - DGA Medal Ceremony - Alumni Hall - 4:30 p.m.
- 3 Sep - 2026 Distinguished Graduate Ceremony and Dinner
- 3 - 6 Sep - Navy Football Brotherhood Kickoff Weekend
- 3 – 6 Sep - Class of 1981 45th Reunion
- 3 – 6 Sep - Class of 1996 30th Reunion
- 4-6 Sep - Naval Academy 2/C Parents Weekend - More Info: (Link)
- 4 Sep - Fall Formal Parade, Worden Field
- 5 Sep - Navy vs. Towson - Alumni Pregame - 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. ET - Fluegel Alumni Center - Registration info coming soon!
- 5 Sep - Navy vs. Towson - NMCMS
- 8 Sep - Fluegel Alumni Center three-year anniversary
- 8 Sep - Michelson Memorial Lecture - 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.
- 8 Sep - Legacy Celebration of Jimmy Lewis '66 - Contact [email protected] for details/RSVP
- 9 Sep - GSMC Social & Business Mtg. Brudergarten - 5-6 p.m. ET - (Link)
- 10 Sep - GSMC Blue Crabs Baseball - Regency Furniture Stadium
- 10-13 Sep - Annapolis Songwriters Festival, Annapolis, MD.
- 12 Sep - Navy @ Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL - purchase tickets for the tailgate/game/parking with the Palm Beach Chapter
- 13 Sep - Travis Manion Foundation 5K - Navy/Marine Corps Stadium - 11 a.m.
- 17 – 20 Sep - Class of 1986 40th Reunion
- 18-19 Sep - Friends of Navy Sailing (FONS) Weekend 2026, USNA - Invite
- 19 Sep - Fall Southern Maryland USNA Bourbon Night - Tobacco Barn Distillery $10 Drinks - 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. ET (24460 Hollywood Rd, Hollywood, MD 20636)
- 22 Sep - The Survivor Advocacy Network Male Survivor Webinar - 7:00 p.m. ET - (Registration)
- 25 Sep - Navy @ University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- 30 Sep - USNA Entrepreneurs Fall Speaker Series - Army Navy Country Club - 5 - 8 p.m.
OCTOBER
- 1 – 4 Oct - Class of 1966 60th Reunion
- 1 - Oct - Beat Air Force Pep Rally, TBD
- 2 —3 Oct - USNA '85 NAPS Reunion - Newport, Rhode Island
- 3 Oct - Navy @ Air Force, Colorado Springs, CO
- 3 Oct - Navy-Air Force Tailgate - 7 a.m. and Football game 10 a.m. kickoff - registration and tickets - (Link)
- 8 - 11 Oct - Class of 1971 55th Reunion
- 8 – 10 Oct - President's Circle Weekend
- 8 – 11 Oct - Annapolis Power Boat Show
- 9 Oct - Fall Formal Parade, Worden Field
- 10 Oct - Navy vs. Tulsa Alumni Pregame - 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. ET - Fluegel Alumni Center - Registration info coming soon!
- 10 Oct - Navy vs Tulsa University, NMCMS
- 14 Oct - GSMC Social & Business Mtg. Brudergarten - 5 - 6 p.m. Brudergarten - Link
- 15 Oct - Corpus Christi Recent Grad Social
- 16 Oct - Alamo Chapter + NAPC of South Texas Roadshow
- 17 Oct - Navy @ University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio TX
- 22 – 23 Oct - Service Academy Career Conference, Denton, TX
- 23 – 25 Oct - Class of 1956 70th Reunion
- 23 – 25 Oct - Class of 1976 50th Reunion
- 23 – 25 Oct - Class of 1991 35th Reunion
- 23 – 25 Oct - Class of 2001 25th Reunion
- 23 – 25 Oct - Class of 2006 20th Reunion
- 23 Oct - Anchors Away Golf Tournament
- 23 Oct - Naval Academy Athletic Foundation Policy Review Mtg - TBD
- 24 Oct - U.S. Naval Academy Homecoming
- 24 Oct - Navy vs. North Texas - Alumni Pregame Sponsored by Atlas Group - 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. ET - Fluegel Alumni Center - Registration info coming soon!
- 24 Oct - Navy vs North Texas University, NMCMS
- 31 Oct - Navy vs Notre Dame, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
NOVEMBER
- 4 Nov - Council of Class Presidents Meeting
- 5 Nov - U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Fall Board of Trustees Cmte. Mtgs
- 5—7 Nov - NAPS 50 Year Reunion for first class with women -Newport RI
- 6 Nov - Naval Academy Athletic Foundation Executive Committee Mtg - TBD
- 6 Nov - U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Fall Board of Trustees Meeting
- 6 – 8 Nov - Class of 2021 5th Reunion
- 6 – 8 Nov - Class of 2016 10th Reunion
- 6 – 8 Nov - Class of 2011 15th Reunion
- 7 Nov - Honor Our Fallen Heroes Events
- 7 Nov - Navy vs Temple University, NMCMS
- 19 Nov - U.S. Naval Academy Foundation Fall Board of Directors Meeting
- 20 Nov - Naval Academy Athletic Foundation Fall Trustee Meeting
- 20 - 21 Nov - USNA Glee Club w/ St Louis Symphony Orchestra, Powell Hall, St. Louis - 7:30 p.m.
- 21 Nov - Navy vs Memphis University, NMCMS
- 28 Nov - Navy @ University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
DECEMBER
- 5 Dec - American Conference Championship Game
- 12 Dec - Army Navy, Met Life Stadium, Rutherford, NJ
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USNA AA&F resources & Links
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The Daily Shipmate is a news product intended to share news about the Naval Academy, the Naval Services and our members. We are apolitical as an organization and will strive to bring forward relevant news on a wide variety of issues. Just because we include an article does not mean we endorse its content, author, or news organization.
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Annapolis, MD 21402, United States
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