7 August Daily Shipmate

Friday, 7 August 2026

1789 - The first United States Congress, convened under the new Constitution, passes a bill establishing the Department of War and assigning responsibility for the nation's naval affairs to the Secretary of War.

 

1942 - Amphibious Force, South Pacific, under the command of RADM Richmond Kelly Turner '08, USN, lands the 1st Marine Division on Florida, Tulagi, Gavutu, Tanambogo, and Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, marking the first American offensive of the war. Supported by air and surface forces under the command of VADM Frank Jack Fletcher '06, USN, the Marines quickly advance inland and, on 8 August, capture an airstrip under construction on Guadalcanal, which they christen Henderson Field. During the first two days of operations, Japanese air attacks damage the destroyers Mugford (DD-389) and Jarvis (DD-393) and transports Barnett (AP-11) and George F. Elliott (AP-13), the latter to such an extent that it is scuttled.

 

1964 - Congress overwhelmingly passes the Tonkin Gulf Resolution, giving President Lyndon B. Johnson virtually unlimited authority to conduct military operations in Vietnam.

 

2009 - Capt Matthew Freeman '02, USMC, was killed in action during a firefight with Afghani insurgents. A third-generation naval aviator – his grandfather and father were both pilots – he had volunteered for an individual augmentation position with the Fourth Marines Embedded Training Team. Prior to this he had served as aide-de-camp to the Commanding General of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing. Matthew was survived by his wife, parents, two sisters, and brother. 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

Tomorrow, 8 August, a very special Class of 1951 graduate will celebrate his 100th birthday. David “Dave” Mullaney '51 will mark a century of leadership, service and dedication. A standout at the U.S. Naval Academy, Mullaney captained the basketball team before embarking on a distinguished Air Force career that culminated in his retirement as a brigadier general. He is believed to be one of only two members of the Class of 1951 to achieve flag rank in the Air Force and among the last surviving members of his class. Dave's extraordinary life has been defined not only by military service but also by enduring devotion to family. Earlier this year, he and his wife, Barbara, celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary, a remarkable milestone recognized with a commemorative certificate from Pope Leo XIV. We join family and friends in wishing Dave a very happy 100th birthday!

In a myUSNA.com exclusive, Naval Academy plebes received a firsthand look at the future of warfare during a drone training event on Hospital Point on 31 July. Participants rotated through three stations focused on reconnaissance, drone flight simulation and live drone operations, with top simulator performers earning the opportunity to fly drones. The training was developed by Major Michael Kuiper '06, USMC, who emphasized the importance of exposing future officers to robotics and autonomous systems early in their careers. As drones, artificial intelligence and electronic warfare continue to shape modern conflict; the program helps build a foundation of knowledge that midshipmen can expand throughout their time at the U.S. Naval Academy. 

Take the first step toward your legacy during Make-A-Will Month

More than half of American adults do not have a will. During National Make-A-Will Month, consider taking this important step to protect your loved ones and define the legacy you wish to leave behind.

 

A will is more than a planning document. It is an opportunity to support the people and causes that matter most to you. By including a bequest or other planned gift to the U.S. Naval Academy, you can help ensure future generations of midshipmen are prepared to answer the call to serve.

 

Your legacy can make a lasting impact on the Brigade for years to come.

We are now accepting nominations for the next Board of Trustees chair; nominations are open now through 1 September 2026 via the online nomination form. Any regular member may nominate another regular member or self-nominate for the three-year term beginning in May 2027, after ADM Mark Ferguson III '78, USN (Ret.), completes six years of service on the Board. The Board's Nominating Committee will review all submissions and recommend a candidate for Board approval in November 2026; questions may be directed to Board Secretary Wes Huey '87."

Government & Military News

Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., has introduced legislation that would prevent the Department of Veterans Affairs from reducing disability compensation to recover military separation pay received when veterans left active duty. Gallego argues the two payments serve different purposes, with separation pay recognizing military service and disability compensation addressing service-connected injuries. The bill, known as the Restore Veterans' Compensation Act, also would allow retirees to repay only the net amount of separation pay they actually received after taxes. From 2013 to 2023, the VA recouped $2.44 billion from more than 112,000 veterans under current law. Supporters say the measure would prevent financial hardship and ensure disabled veterans keep the benefits they have earned.

Firestorm Labs builds drones aboard USS Essex without shore resupply

Firestorm Labs successfully demonstrated at-sea drone production aboard the USS Essex, using its containerized xCell microfactory to manufacture more than 1,000 parts and 12 3D-printed Squall drones while underway to Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026. Service members helped assemble the drones, which were later used as adversary aircraft during counter-drone training exercises, and also printed repair parts needed aboard the ship. The demonstration highlights the Navy's growing focus on distributed, containerized capabilities that reduce reliance on traditional supply chains. By producing drones and spare parts at sea, ships can maintain readiness and quickly adapt to operational needs without waiting for shore-based resupply, a key priority as the Navy expands its use of autonomous systems and modular combat capabilities. combat capabilities.

Local, Education & other academy news

Plebe parent mixer welcomes 1,500 Class of 2030 families

The Fluegel Alumni Center (FAC) welcomed approximately 1,500 family members from the Class of 2030 for the Plebe Parent Mixer, making it one of thee largest events hosted at the facility since opening in 2023. Every floor of the FAC and the back deck were filled as families gathered throughout the building, from the Blue & Gold Bar to the Natter Conference Room. More than 20 local Annapolis vendors provided information, resources and samples while parents connected with one another and began building relationships that will help support them throughout their midshipmen's Naval Academy journey.

 

The event also featured a visit from the 66th Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy, LtGen Michael J. Borgschulte '91, USMC, and Commandant of Midshipmen, CAPT Clint A. Cornell '01, USN, who attended with his wife CAPT Jodie Cornell, USN. Their presence underscored the Academy's commitment to fostering a strong connection with families from the very beginning of the Naval Academy experience. For many parents, the mixer offered a first opportunity to form friendships and build a support network that will accompany them throughout the next four years in Annapolis.

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