13 August Daily Shipmate

Published on August 13, 2026
Thursday, 13 August 2026
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This week's editions of Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation Morning Paper are brought to you by Otterson Wealth Advisors and Naval Academy graduate Caleb Cronic '11. Otterson Wealth Advisors of Raymond James is not just a team. It's a vast resource of financial knowledge, with each member bringing their unique expertise to your financial success. Caleb Cronic '11, financial advisor and Naval Academy graduate, is a CIMA-certified pro. His strategic prowess is your asset working towards your financial goals. Ready to begin to your journey? Otterson Wealth Advisors … your goals, our expertise.
 
Today in Navy, Marine Corps 
and USNA Memorial Hall History
1952 - With his company under attack while defending a hill well forward of the main line of resistance in Korea, Hospitalman John E. Kilmer braves enemy fire while moving from position to position to treat the wounded. He continues his work despite being hit by mortar fragments. While treating a wounded Marine, he shields the man from enemy fire with his own body and is mortally wounded. Kilmer receives the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions.
 
1961 - The Soviets and East Germans begin building a wall to separate East and West Berlin. The Berlin Wall becomes a symbol of the Cold War standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union.
 
1965 - LT Gene Gollahon '61, USN was killed in action when his F-8D Crusader was shot down over North Vietnam while on a reconnaissance mission. He was operating from USS Midway (CV 41). Gene was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and attended Xavier University there before entering the Naval Academy. At the academy he was editor of Reef Points. He was survived by his wife, daughter and unborn son. Gene's remains weren't recovered until 2000 and were identified in 2002. Other alumni lost on this day are listed at Virtual Memorial Hall.
 
Content in β€œToday 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
 
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Naval Academy launches search for the newly-established Director of the Leadership Institute
The inaugural Director of the Leadership Institute will implement the vision and strategy for the new central hub for leadership development at the Academy.
 
The Naval Academy Leadership Institute represents the next stage in the Academy's long-term effort to make that development more coherent, intentional, and measurable. The Institute will serve as an integrating and enabling mechanism in support of the Academy's three principal mission areas: the mental, moral, and physical development of midshipmen.
 
Working in close partnership with the Provost, Commandant, Athletic Director, and other Academy leaders, the Director will identify common themes, connect complementary programs, strengthen communication across organizational boundaries, and help ensure that the Academy's many leadership initiatives are advancing a shared institutional vision.
 
Reporting directly to the Superintendent as a member of the Academy's Senior Leadership Team, the Director will shape leadership development at the Academy for decades to come, making this a milestone moment in our institution's long history as a leadership laboratory.
 
The Academy has established an internal search committee that will be working with executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles to recruit and interview candidates.
 
The job posting can be found at the link below.
 
The Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation's commitment to the Leadership Institute is a central component of the upcoming AA&F campaign and has helped set the stage for this next evolution of leadership development at the Naval Academy.
 
The Naval Academy is necessary. With the world what it is today, USNA is necessary to ensure our world has leaders for the future.
 

 

 
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Call for Nominations: Chair of the USNA Alumni Association Board of Trustees
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."
 

 

 
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Government & Military News
Navy 'well postured' for upcoming fiscal year, says recruiting Command Chief
The Navy achieved its Fiscal Year 2026 recruiting goal of 45,000 sailors in July, reaching the target three months ahead of schedule and marking its largest recruiting mission in more than 20 years. RADM James Waters, commander of Navy Recruiting Command, credited a combination of modernized marketing, data-driven decision-making, recruiter training and new technology tools for the success. More than half of recruits first connected with the Navy through marketing efforts tied to the service's β€œForged by the Sea” campaign. The Navy also rebuilt its delayed entry program pool after several challenging recruiting years and expects to enter FY 2027 in a stronger position. Waters said the recruiting environment remains competitive, but emphasized that the Navy is β€œwell postured” to meet future recruiting requirements and continue building the force.
 

 

 
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Carrier John F. Kennedy leaves Newport News for acceptance trials, 7 weapons elevators delivered
The future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), the Navy's second Ford-class aircraft carrier, departed Newport News Shipbuilding on 12 August for acceptance sea trials, a key milestone before delivery to the fleet. The trials will allow the Navy to evaluate major ship systems and overall performance at sea before formally accepting the carrier. The deployment follows builder's trials conducted earlier this year and comes after years of schedule changes tied to upgrades and testing. The Navy recently informed Congress that seven of the ship's 11 Advanced Weapons Elevators have been completed, giving sailors access to all weapons magazines for training and certification. The carrier is also being outfitted to support F-35C Lightning II operations and the Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar. Delivery is currently scheduled for March.
 
Local, Education & other academy news
 
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Meet the Author: Justin Laborde, β€œScattered Far and Wide: The Naval Academy Class of '38 at War”
Join our partners at the National WWII Museum for a conversation with author Justin Laborde about his book, Scattered Far and Wide: The Naval Academy Class of '38 at War. Through extensive research and firsthand accounts, Laborde chronicles the experiences of the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1938 as they advanced from junior officers to combat leaders during World War II. From Pearl Harbor and the Pacific campaign to Midway, the Coral Sea, submarine patrols and prisoner-of-war camps, these men faced some of the war's greatest challenges with courage and determination. This free event is open to the public. Register to attend in person or online.
 

 

 
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We're hiring! πŸ“£ 
Join the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation as our next Director of Accounting and play a key leadership role in shaping the financial future of a mission-driven organization dedicated to supporting the Naval Academy community.
We're looking for an experienced finance professional with expertise in nonprofit accounting, financial reporting, investment and endowment analysis, audit support and strategic financial planning. This position serves as a trusted partner to senior leadership and helps drive organizational success through sound financial stewardship and innovation.
 
Naval Academy Athletics News and results
 
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Navy rolls over Robert Morris in season opener, 4-0
The Navy women's soccer team opened its 2026 season in dominant fashion, defeating Robert Morris 4-0 at the Glenn Warner Soccer Facility in Annapolis. The Midshipmen controlled the match from start to finish, showcasing a balanced attack and a stingy defensive performance that kept the Colonials off the scoreboard. The shutout victory builds on Navy's successful start against Robert Morris last season and gives the Mids early momentum as they begin nonconference play. With contributions across the lineup and strong possession throughout the contest, Navy made a statement in its season opener and will look to carry that energy into its next matchup.
 

 

 
Yesterday's results
Women's Soccer vs Robert Morris - W 4 - 0
Today's matchups
None
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
 
USNA and AA&F Events
 
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AUGUST
  • 12 - 16 Aug USNA Brigade Reform
  • 14 Aug - Class of 2028- 2 for 7 Signing
  • 14 Aug - USNA Delayed Graduation
  • 18 Aug – Concert on the Avenue - Navy Band Cruisers, U.S. Navy Memorial (Link)
  • 24 Aug - Virtual Roadshow (Vermont, West Virginia. Lehigh Valley. Tallahassee)
  • 25 Aug - Virtual Roadshow (North Dakota, Montana, West Texas, North Nevada)
  • 25 Aug – Concert on the Avenue - Navy Concert Band, U.S. Navy Memorial (Link)
  • 30 Aug – Annapolis 10 Miler (Run to Honor is a charity partner)
  • 31 Aug - 2 Sep - Class of 1961 65th Reunion
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 - Fluegel Pre-Game Social, Blue & Gold
  • 5 SEP Navy vs Towson, NMCMS
  • 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
  • 25 Sep - Navy @ University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
OCTOBER
  • 1 – 4 Oct - Class of 1966 60th Reunion
  • 01 OCT Beat Air Force Pep Rally, TBD
  • 2 β€”3 Oct - USNA '85 NAPS Reunion - Newport, Rhode Island
  • 3 Oct - Navy @ Air Force, Colorado Springs, CO
  • 8 – 10 Oct - President's Circle Weekend
  • 8 – 11 Oct - Annapolis Power Boat Show
  • 9 Oct - Fall Formal Parade, Worden Field
  • 9 - 11 Oct - Class of 1971 55th Reunion
  • 10 Oct - Navy vs Tulsa University, NMCMS
  • 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 University, NMCMS
  • 24 Oct - Welcome Home Social, Fluegel Alumni Center
  • 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
  • 5β€”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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