5 August Daily Shipmate

Wednesday, 5 August 2026

1864 - In one of the Civil War's most decisive naval victories, Rear Adm. David G. Farragut led 18 Union ships into Mobile Bay on Aug. 5, 1864. After the monitor Tecumseh struck a mine and sank, Farragut famously ordered, "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead," and pressed the attack. The Union fleet ultimately defeated Confederate forces led by Adm. Franklin Buchanan, formerly the first superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy, closing the South's last major Gulf port. The battle's connection to the Naval Academy extends beyond Buchanan to one of its fallen graduates. LT John Kelly, Class of 1857, USN, was killed in action when USS Tecumseh (1863), a monitor, was sunk by a mine during the Battle of Mobile Bay. He was the ship's executive officer. He was born in ~1838 in Ireland and came to the United States with his parents and brother sometime before 1850. By that time they'd settled in Washington County, Pennsylvania. His first cruise following graduation was aboard the steam frigate Mississippi, beginning in 1858 and lasting 31 months and 37,000 miles. He served on several vessels prior to requesting Tecumseh, which was only in commission from April 1864. John was survived by his brother. Other alumni lost on this day are listed at Virtual Memorial Hall.

 

1969 - Five years after taking their first prisoner of war, the North Vietnamese release three POWs, including Lieutenant Robert F. Frishman and Seaman Douglas B. Hegdahl, who became an unlikely POW after falling overboard from the cruiser Canberra (CAG-2). The three report the torture of prisoners. Hegdahl, having memorized the names of those in captivity, verifies that many pilots feared killed in action are, in fact, alive.

 

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

ADM James F. “Frank” Caldwell Jr. '81, USN (Ret.), has been elected to the Board of Directors of Fluor Corporation, one of the world's largest engineering and construction firms. Caldwell retired from the U.S. Navy in 2024 after a distinguished 43-year career that included serving as director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program and Naval Inspector General. Fluor cited his expertise in nuclear operations, safety, strategic planning and government affairs as key assets for the company's continued growth in nuclear energy, government and defense markets. From 2022 until his retirement, Caldwell also served as the Navy's “Old Goat,” the longest-serving U.S. Naval Academy graduate on active duty.

Calling all regular members of the USNA Alumni Association: In May 2027, ADM Mark Ferguson III '78, USN (Ret.), chair of the USNA Alumni Association Board of Trustees, will complete six years on the Board. The nomination window for chair candidates from the alumni community to replace Ferguson on the Board opens on 1 August and closes on 1 September 2026. The Board chair serves a term of three years, and is eligible for a second term of three years. The next chair will serve on the Board from May 2027 to May 2030. Any regular member of the Alumni Association can nominate any regular member for chair – self nominations are permitted. Regular members should use the nomination form at the link below to make their nominations by 1 September 2026.

 

Per the Board's bylaws, the Board's Nominating committee will consider all nominees and select a single nominee for approval by the Board at the fall 2026 meeting in November. 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 worthy member to be chair. Please contact the Board Secretary Wes Huey '87 with questions and comments.

Government & Military News

Two Naval Academy graduates helped lead USS Virginia (SSN 774) through a successful six-month deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. CAPT Thomas Flaherty '00, USN, commander of Submarine Squadron 4, praised the crew's professionalism and readiness as the submarine returned to Naval Submarine Base New London on 3 August. The crew operated more than 36,000 nautical miles and completed multiple national taskings in challenging environments under the leadership of Commanding Officer CDR Jeremy Wheelis, USN, and Executive Officer LCDR John Ulett '10, USN. Flaherty said the deployment highlighted the critical role Navy submarines play in maintaining security and stability alongside international partners.

U.S. Navy is reclassifying 19 Virginia-class submarines to reflect increased attack capabilities 

The U.S. Navy is redesignating 19 planned Virginia-class submarines equipped with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) from fast-attack submarines (SSNs) to guided missile submarines (SSGNs), reflecting their significantly enhanced strike capabilities. Navy leaders said the change better aligns the classification with the submarines' expanded role as a stealthy, high-capacity missile platform. The VPM adds four large-diameter payload tubes capable of carrying 28 additional Tomahawk cruise missiles. The redesignation applies to Block V and Block VI Virginia-class submarines scheduled for delivery through 2038, beginning with USS Arizona, expected to join the fleet in fiscal year 2029.

Thirty-five years after the liberation of Kuwait, the Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial is scheduled to open to the public on 24 October 2026, on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The memorial honors the service members who participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and commemorates the 383 Americans who lost their lives during the campaign. The site, located near Constitution Avenue and 23rd Street, was intentionally chosen along the route of the 1991 Desert Storm victory parade. Designed to evoke the landscape and movement of the conflict, the memorial features stone resembling Kuwaiti desert dunes and a spiral layout inspired by the coalition's famous “Left Hook” maneuver. At its center, a unity shield honors the multinational coalition that liberated Kuwait, listing the 36 partner nations that participated in the operation. Memorial organizers hope the site will educate future generations about the conflict and the service and sacrifice of those who served. 

Local, Education & other academy news

Representing nearly 41 million Americans who have served since the founding of our nation, The National Military Monument™ is more than a memorial. It is a place where stories, sacrifices and legacies come together. Among the millions of names are countless Naval Academy alumni, past and currently serving, whose service helped shape both the Navy, the Marine Corps and our nation. Every name represents a life of commitment, courage and service, reminding visitors that behind every inscription is a story worth remembering.

 

For Annapolis resident and longtime USNA and USNA AA&F friend Judy Buddensick, those connections are especially meaningful. A dedicated USNA sponsor mom to international midshipmen, Buddensick continues to open her home and heart to those far from their own families, helping Annapolis feel like home. During her visit to the monument, she reflected on her father's World War II service and the sacrifices made by members of her family on D-Day as all three of their names appeared on the wall. She was also moved to see the names of two of our alumni, CAPT Stanford H. Shaw III '06, USMC, a beloved sponsor son she lost in March of 2015, and his fiancée, LtCol Lindsay Pirek '09, USMC, who continues to serve our nation today. Seeing their names alongside millions of others, including generations of Naval Academy alumni, was a powerful reminder that service, sacrifice and devotion to country connect us across generations. USAA's Facebook page has more info and Buddensick's reaction in a video at the link below.

Please join us in welcoming Lisa Icenroad, Assistant Director, Fund Administration & Reporting, to the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation team. Born in Maryland and raised primarily in Jacksonville, Florida, Lisa brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, program management and strategic planning. As the daughter of a Marine Corps veteran, she developed an early appreciation for service, exploration and the outdoors through family camping trips that sparked a lifelong interest in science and discovery.

 

Throughout her career, Lisa has led national initiatives for environmental and science education organizations, building partnerships and managing programs supported by public, private and federal funding. Most recently, she served at the Smithsonian Institution, where she directed the Center for Community and Environment and oversaw financial and programmatic operations. Drawn to the mission of USNA AA&F and the opportunity to serve her home community, Lisa was excited to connect her experience in program leadership and financial strategy with supporting the Naval Academy family.

 

In her role, Lisa is especially looking forward to collaborating with the STAR team and solving the “financial puzzles” that help strengthen the organization and enhance the philanthropic experience for donors, members and partners. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and spending time with her daughters, Reagan and Charlotte (“Charlie”). Still on her bucket list is a hot air balloon ride, offering a new perspective on the world below. We're excited to have Lisa on board and look forward to the impact she will make across the Association and Foundation.

Naval Academy Athletics News

At Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, the home radio booth will soon bear the name of the late Pete Medhurst, honoring a broadcaster whose voice became synonymous with Navy athletics over nearly three decades. Medhurst joined the Navy Radio Network in 1997 and went on to call football, men's and women's lacrosse, basketball, baseball and numerous other sports before passing away from brain cancer in January 2025. The Pete Medhurst Navy Radio Network Broadcast Booth will be formally dedicated before Navy's home opener against Towson on 5 September

 

Those who worked alongside Medhurst say the honor reflects his lasting impact on generations of Midshipmen, coaches and fans. "Pete wasn't just the voice of Navy Athletics, he was its heartbeat," said Senior Associate Athletic Director Scott Strasemeier. Athletic Director Michael Kelly called naming the booth after Medhurst "an easy and natural decision," citing his unwavering devotion to Navy athletics and its student-athletes. Longtime colleague Eric Ruden described informing Medhurst's widow, Brenda, of the tribute as an emotional moment, while successor Joe Miller said the recognition is "a great way for Pete to be remembered." Brenda Medhurst expressed the family's gratitude, saying her husband "would be very, very humbled by this honor." The dedication ensures Medhurst's legacy will remain a permanent part of Navy athletics for years to come.

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