24 August Daily Shipmate

Monday, 24 August 2026

1942 - In the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, the flattops Saratoga (CV-3) and Enterprise (CV-6) engage Japanese carriers supporting a major effort to reinforce Japanese troops on Guadalcanal. SBD Dauntless dive bombers and TBF Avenger torpedo bombers score hits on the Japanese carrier Ryujo, but fail to hit the large-deck carriers Shokaku and Zuikaku, whose planes attack Enterprise. “Big E” is heavily damaged and retires to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for repairs. The following day, Marine aircraft from Guadalcanal succeed in damaging four ships in a Japanese convoy en route to reinforce the island, forcing it to turn back.

 

1944 - CDR Samuel Dealey '30, USN was killed in action when USS Harder (SS 257) was sunk by a Japanese minesweeper outside Dasol Bay, Philippines. He was the boat's commissioning commanding officer (2 December 1942) and had taken her on all six war patrols. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for the fifth war patrol; it was presented to his wife by President Truman at the White House on 15 November 1945. He was awarded the Navy Cross four times, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Silver Star. USS Dealey (DE 1006) was named for him. He was survived by his wife and three children. Other alumni lost on this day are listed at Virtual Memorial Hall.

 

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Academy & Graduate happenings

U.S. Naval Academy alumnus J. Ronald Terwilliger '63 has been selected to receive the 2026 Lone Sailor Award, one of the highest honors presented by the United States Navy Memorial. The award recognizes individuals whose distinguished service, leadership and lifelong contributions reflect the values and spirit of the Sea Services. Terwilliger joins a select group of honorees being recognized for their lasting impact on the nation and their communities. The Navy Memorial announced the award as part of its 2026 Lone Sailor Awards and Naval Heritage Awards program, which celebrates individuals whose achievements exemplify dedication, service and leadership. Honorees will be recognized at the 2026 Lone Sailor Awards Dinner on 23 September in Washington, D.C.

Pebble Beach golfing getaway coming soon

The wait is almost over! One of our most sought-after auction items, the exclusive 3-day Pebble Beach golf getaway courtesy of Sheehy Lexus of Annapolis, will be available during the Anchors Aweigh Open. Anyone can bid and win this trip of a lifetime. Bidders do not have to be registered for the golf tournament in order to bid and win. Stay tuned for details, including bidding information and how you can get involved. You won't want to miss this incredible opportunity! 

The Pensacola Yacht Club (PYC) women's sailing team captured the 89th Gulf Yachting Association Knost Ladies Championship, marking the club's first victory in the prestigious event since 1973 and ending a 53-year championship drought. The regatta was held Aug. 8-9 in Pass Christian, Mississippi, bringing together top women's sailing teams from across the Gulf Coast. The winning PYC team included Katy Morgan, Mallory Edwards, U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduate Celia Houston, and U.S. Naval Academy graduates ENS Aubin Hattendorf '24, USN and ENS Linnea Forsberg '25, USN all of whom are connected to Naval Aviation training in Pensacola. Coaches Mike Levert and Hamrick Morgan helped lead the team to victory. The championship highlights Pensacola's strong sailing tradition and the close ties between competitive sailing, the Naval Academy, and Naval Aviation.

Government & Military News

Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao '96 released an administrative message to the force this week warning them to stay vigilant against a multi-pronged campaign by adversaries targeting service members, department civilians and military installations. Since the launch of Operation Epic Fury against Iran earlier this year, the Department of the Navy — which includes the Marine Corps — has faced an evolving threat landscape, he noted. “In the current global security climate, adversaries and hostile actors are executing a coordinated, multi-domain campaign against the DON enterprise. Recent incidents across the globe demonstrate a clear growth in adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures. These are not isolated events; they are part of a deliberate effort to gather intelligence, test our defenses, disrupt our operations, and intimidate our force,” Cao said.

The U.S. Navy is leading a multinational effort to develop a next-generation version of the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM), a key naval air defense weapon used by members of the NATO SeaSparrow consortium. According to a recent Navy solicitation, the new missile is being designed to counter a wide range of current and emerging threats, including high-speed missiles, aircraft, drones, and massed attack salvos while operating in heavily contested electronic warfare environments. The program emphasizes a modular, open-architecture design that will make future upgrades easier and improve interoperability among allied navies. The missile must fit existing Mk 41 Vertical Launch Systems and be shareable across consortium nations. The effort reflects growing demand for naval air defense systems as allied fleets face increasingly sophisticated missile and drone threats worldwide.

The U.S. Navy has revealed it is developing and flight-testing the AIM-424 "Malice," a next-generation long-range air-to-air missile designed for the F/A-18, F-35, and future F/A-XX aircraft. According to Navy officials, the missile is intended to significantly extend engagement ranges beyond the current AIM-120 AMRAAM and likely even the recently fielded AIM-174B. The weapon is being developed to help maintain air superiority and defend naval forces against increasingly advanced long-range threats. While specific performance details remain classified, imagery suggests the AIM-424 is a large, two-stage missile capable of reaching targets at much greater distances than existing air-to-air weapons. The program reflects the Navy's broader effort to counter emerging threats, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, where potential adversaries continue to field longer-range missile systems and extend their strike capabilities.

 The U.S. Navy is reportedly discussing a potential name change for the future aircraft carrier USS Doris Miller, a Ford-class vessel currently under construction. Doris Miller became a Navy hero during the attack on Pearl Harbor, helping wounded sailors and manning an anti-aircraft gun despite having no formal training on the weapon. He later became the first Black sailor to receive the Navy Cross, the service's second-highest award for valor. Navy officials have not announced a final decision, and discussions are ongoing. The carrier is one of several new Ford-class ships being built to serve as major components of the Navy's future fleet. Ship naming decisions are made by senior Navy and Defense Department leadership.

Local, Education & other academy news

Tomorrow, 25 August, at the U.S. Navy Memorial, don't miss your chance to check out a special Concert on the Avenue featuring the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, the Navy's official chorus, at the U.S. Navy Memorial. From traditional sea chanteys and patriotic favorites to Broadway, opera and contemporary music, the Sea Chanters deliver a performance that showcases the rich heritage and talent of the U.S. Navy. Since 1956, this renowned ensemble has entertained audiences across the nation and performed for presidents, world leaders and military dignitaries. Don't miss this unforgettable evening of music, tradition and naval pride in the heart of Washington, D.C. 

As America marks its 250th anniversary, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix brought a unique blend of speed, history and patriotism to the streets of Washington, D.C. The inaugural INDYCAR race on the National Mall was also recognized as part of the U.S. Navy's official Navy 250 celebration, highlighting 250 years of service by both the Navy and Marine Corps. The weekend showcased the enduring connection between the sea services and the nation they have defended since 1775. In addition to the racing action, race-day festivities featured military participation that included Navy and Marine Corps representation alongside the other armed services in a dramatic pre-race flyover over the nation's capital. Leading up to the event, Washington also hosted performances by ensembles from the U.S. Navy Band as part of the Navy 250 celebration, helping connect Americans with the traditions, heritage, and service of the Navy and Marine Corps during this historic milestone year. Set against iconic landmarks including the U.S. Capitol and Washington Monument, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix served as a high-energy celebration of America's founding and the 250-year legacy of Sailors and Marines who have helped protect the nation at home and around the world.

Naval Academy Athletics News and results

A new ranking of American Athletic Conference football coaches has Navy head coach Brian Newberry at the top of the league heading into the 2026 season. The ranking cites Newberry's success in leading the Midshipmen to 21 wins over the past two seasons and establishing Navy as one of the conference's most consistent programs. Army head coach Jeff Monken was ranked second, followed by UTSA's Jeff Traylor. The rankings highlighted the significant coaching turnover across the conference in recent years, noting that only a handful of coaches have been with their current programs for more than three seasons. Despite having to replace standout quarterback Blake Horvath '26, expectations remain high for Newberry and the Midshipmen as they pursue a conference championship and another successful season. 

NFL.com video feature: Robinson '26 drops Miller Moss for 12-yard sack

Former Navy standout Landon Robinson '26 is making a strong case for a roster spot with the Cincinnati Bengals. Selected in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Robinson entered a crowded defensive line room but has steadily impressed coaches and observers throughout training camp and the preseason. In Cincinnati's second preseason game against the Chicago Bears, he recorded three tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a tackle for loss, bringing his preseason totals to five tackles and two sacks. During his collegiate career at Navy, Robinson compiled more than 150 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks. The article notes that while he is unlikely to compete for a starting role, his strong preseason performances have positioned him as a serious contender for a place on the Bengals' 53-man regular-season roster. He has also contributed as a blocker in short-yardage offensive packages, showcasing his versatility.

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