Thursday, 3 September 2026

A note from the daily Shipmate team

Send us the news! Have you ever appeared on the video scoreboard at a sporting event for winning a dance off…or for having the best “Beat Army” sign? No? Must be just us. 🙂 Anyhoo…we get so many great articles and recommendations from you, the alumni, that we felt that you deserved some shout-outs. So…new feature to Digital Shipmate - Send us an article…we’ll run it with a shout out to you. Thanks for being force-multipliers for the news!

Today in Navy And Marine Corps History

1952 - The first firing of a Sidewinder air-to-air missile occurs at the Naval Ordnance Test Station in Inyokern, California.

1996 - In response to the massing of Iraqi troops and tanks for an apparent attempt to seize control of Kurdishheld territory, the guided missile cruiser Shiloh (CG-67), the guided missile destroyers Laboon (DDG-58) and Russell (DDG-59), the destroyer Hewitt (DD-966) and the nuclear-powered submarine Jefferson City (SSN-759) launch 31 Tomahawk cruise missiles against air defense targets in Iraq. They are joined in the effort, called Operation Desert Strike, by Air Force B-52 bombers. (3–4 September)

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.

In Memoriam from usna memorial hall

2004 - 1stLt Ronald Winchester ’01, USMCR

Winchester was killed in action when his vehicle was destroyed by an improvised explosive in Al Anbar province, Iraq. It was his second deployment to Iraq; the first was during the initial invasion in March 2003. Ronald was a member of the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines. A native of Long Island, New York, he was a starter on the football team at the Naval Academy, and was the first Navy football player to be killed in Iraq. Ron was survived by his parents.

Read profile

Other alumni lost on this day are listed at Virtual Memorial Hall.

Academy & Graduate happenings

USNA AA&F welcomes classes of ’77, ’78, ’81 and ’93 back to Annapolis for 2026 DGA ceremony

The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation (USNA AA&F) is proud to welcome the 2026 Distinguished Graduate Award recipients, ADM Patrick M. Walsh ’77, VADM Mark I. Fox ’78, LtGen William D. Beydler ’81 and CAPT Christopher J. Cassidy ’93, along with their classmates, families and friends. Their accomplishments place them among an elite group of Naval Academy graduates who have received the Association’s highest honor. The weekend includes a medal ceremony before the Brigade of Midshipmen, a special pinning ceremony that welcomes the newest recipients into the distinguished DGA legacy and leadership engagements with the Brigade, and. The celebration culminates with recognition during Saturday’s Navy vs. Towson home opener. Follow @USNAAlumni at the social media links below for exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage, photos and videos, then look for a complete recap in Monday’s Daily Shipmate and a full video feature later this month. Click below to learn more about this year’s remarkable honorees and the traditions that make DGA Weekend so special.

read more about today's event and the 2026 DG

follow and connect with @usnaalumni

Inside the world's largest college dorm, a 1.4 million-square-foot Naval Academy building with over 4,600

Bancroft Hall at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, is named for former Navy Secretary George Bancroft, but to the midshipmen who call the dormitory home, it is affectionately known as "Mother B." The largest single college dormitory in the world, Bancroft Hall, houses all roughly 4,400 midshipmen throughout their four years of study at the elite military academy. Bancroft Hall's center section and first two wings, designed by Ernest Flagg, a Beaux-Arts architect known for his grand, classical designs, were completed in 1908. The dormitory was expanded in 1921, 1941 and 1961 and now features eight wings.

Thanks for the submission, Skip Bayes ’78!

read this story about “Mother b”

Frank Caldwell elected Board Chairman of Severn Leadership Group

Severn Leadership Group (SLG), a nonprofit dedicated to developing leaders of character, announced today that Frank Caldwell ’81 has been elected Board Chairman, effective immediately. Frank retired from the United States Navy after a 43-year career. In his final assignment, he served as the seventh Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Frank also serves on the boards of Entergy Corporation, Fluor Corporation, and Acushnet Offshore Systems, and consults on national security, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. “Frank brings to SLG a career built on the same conviction we exist to cultivate - that leadership is defined by virtuous character, not position. As Board Chairman, he will guide SLG's continued growth, through our flagship programs and expanding network of certified mentors,” said Sig Berg, Severn Leadership Group’s Founder and Catalyst in Chief.

read this story about alum caldwell

Sing Second Podcast featuring DGA Lieutenant General David Beydler ’81, USMC (Ret.)

What a week it’s been, friends! We get to mid-week with a motivational YUT. We talk to LtGen David Beydler ’81, USMC (Ret.) about his career, his selection as a Distinguished Graduate, his time on the Alumni Association Board of Trustees…and much much more. Beydler loves the Naval Academy, and it remains a great honor to give interviewees the megaphone they need to talk about their affection. Congrats to the Marine in the group on being a DGA and an overall great American. Chris and John also dish a little bit on the new amenities and features at Navy/Marine Corps Memorial Stadium this season. Of note - the new Naval Academy Athletic Foundation Tower in the South End Zone. They’re painting it now…so it has to be ready by Saturday! We also chat about Hung Cao….spoiler alert…they want to remove the “Acting” part of his SECNAV title. Awesome news! And we dish about what jewelry Marines can wear now in uniform. Oh yes…it’s a wide-ranging discussion. That and more on the best Alumni Association & Foundation podcast in the land. Beat Army. Always.

listen to this episode

DGA Week keeps sailing forward with Sing Second

Throughout the week, Sing Second will release special interviews with ADM Patrick Walsh, VADM Mark Fox, LtGen Dave Beydler and CAPT Chris Cassidy. Recorded following their selection, each conversation explores their thoughts on receiving the honor, lessons from a lifetime of service and their connection to the Naval Academy. Episodes will be released nightly and featured in the following day's Daily Shipmate as Annapolis prepares for Thursday's DGA ceremony and Saturday's football season opener against Towson.

Thursday - CAPT Chris Cassidy '93, USN (Ret.) in an exclusive Voices from Orbit interview recorded this week!
Friday - DGA ceremony recap, preview of Saturday's Football game. Interview with Karl Darden '84 and Football Coach Brian Newberry
Saturday - Live Pod at the Fluegel Alumni Center!

Government & Military News

House passes funding bill to avert government shutdown

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 370-48 on 1 September to approve a temporary funding measure that will keep federal agencies operating through 11 December, avoiding a government shutdown when current funding expires 1 October. The Senate had already passed the legislation in August, and the measure now heads to President Donald Trump for signature. The continuing resolution maintains existing spending levels while Congress works to complete the 12 annual appropriations bills needed to fund the federal government through fiscal 2027. Lawmakers from both parties supported the measure to avoid another shutdown after a series of funding disputes disrupted government operations in recent years. The extension gives Congress additional time to negotiate long-term spending plans, including defense and other key federal programs.

read this story

How a middling Chinese guided-missile frigate unnerves Japan, Taiwan and the U.S.

China’s navy has introduced the Type 054A (Jiangkai II) guided-missile frigate, a warship analysts say is significant not because of groundbreaking technology, but because of the capabilities it adds to Beijing’s growing fleet. Designed for both coastal and open-ocean operations, the frigate can conduct anti-submarine warfare, provide fleet air defense and support long-range deployments beyond China’s shores. Experts note that the ship’s helicopter capability extends its ability to detect submarines and that the vessels can be produced in large numbers. Regional observers say the frigate’s arrival is drawing attention in Taiwan, Japan and the United States. Taiwan is concerned about stronger Chinese anti-submarine and escort operations around the Taiwan Strait, while Japan is monitoring potential activity in the East China Sea and nearby maritime chokepoints. U.S. analysts view the ship as another step toward a larger Chinese escort fleet capable of sustained operations far from home waters. Although the frigate is not considered especially powerful on its own, experts say it strengthens the overall effectiveness and reach of China’s navy.

Local, Education & other academy news

World Trade Center steel arrives at West Point

A steel beam recovered from the ashes of the World Trade Center attacks 25 years ago arrived ceremoniously at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on Tuesday. Hundreds of first responders, veterans and family members gathered in the pouring rain to see the dramatic unveiling of the 21-foot-long steel beam of the South Tower. West Point is the last leg of a nationwide “Steel Across America” Tour in honor the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Frank Siller is the chairman and CEO of the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, which organized the tour and dedicates itself to its mission of reminding people of the sacrifices of that day. Siller’s brother, 34-year-old Stephen Siller, was an FDNY firefighter who ran through the, then, Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to Manhattan with fire gear on his back.

read this story

Reminder: Tunnels to Towers (T2T) Foundation Steel Across America White House event

As part of the 25th remembrance of 9-11, T2T has transported Steel from the WTC Towers to 35 U.S Cities, called the Steel Across America Tour. One of the last stops is an event in D.C. on 8 September at The Ellipse. It is a planned event with President Trump scheduled to speak along with Frank Siller, CEO T2T. The T2T Foundation (www.t2t.org) focuses on Smart Homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders; paying off mortgages for Gold Star and Fallen First Responder families with young children; the construction and operation of villages for homeless veterans and their young children; and the funding of higher education for Gold Star and First Responder's children.

more info

Naval Academy Athletics News and results

Today's matchups:

Women's Soccer at Radford - Radford, Va. - 7:00 p.m.

Yesterday’s results:

None

Army-Navy Star Series matchups:

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

More Star Series games will be announced here.

USNA and AA&F Events

SEPTEMBER

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
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 ckane@usna.edu 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 - Register here: Navy at FAU Tailgate Party | FAU Business
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 - Register here: Magic City Tailgate - NAVY vs. UAB | myUSNA.com
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 - Register here: USNA vs USAFA Football Game and Tailgate at USAFA | myUSNA.com
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 - Register here: Navy vs. UTSA US Naval Academy Alumni - Tailgate Tickets
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
30 Oct - 30th Anniversary Halloween Concert - Brigade of Midshipmen Chapel - 7 p.m. & 10 p.m. ET - purchase tickets
31 Oct - 30th Anniversary Halloween Concert - Brigade of Midshipmen Chapel - 7 p.m. ET - purchase tickets
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

USNA AA&F resources & Links

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