17 August Daily Shipmate

Monday, 17 August 2026

Welcoming the Class of 2030 to the Fluegel Alumni Center

The Class of 2030 got its first introduction to the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation (USNA AA&F) during a welcome presentation at Fluegel Alumni Center last Friday. Led by Alumni Association Executive Vice President TJ Grady '96, the session introduced plebes to the lifelong support provided by USNA AA&F, from I-Day through retirement and beyond. Midshipmen were also introduced to their class-specific myUSNA page, which features Plebe Summer photos, class news, their Another Link In the Chain (ALINC) connections with the Class of 1980, chapter resources and other tools designed to keep them connected throughout their Naval Academy journey. Additional features and engagement opportunities will be added as they progress through their four years on the Severn River.

1863 - RADM John A. Dahlgren leads Union ironclads and gunboats in a five-day engagement against Confederate defenses in Charleston Harbor. In addition to directing fire against Fort Sumter, the naval forces cover an advance by Union ground troops against Fort Wagner.

 

1942 - The submarines Nautilus (SS-168) and Argonaut (SS-166) land Marines of the 2nd Raider Battalion on Makin in the Gilbert Islands. As the Marines destroy Japanese installations, they are supported by fire from the deck gun of Nautilus. The two submarines withdraw the Marines the following day.

 

1968 - Dolphin (AGSS-555), the Navy's only operational, diesel-electric, deep-diving, research and development submarine, is commissioned. Capable of support missions such as acoustic deep-water and littoral research, near­bottom and ocean surveys, weapons launches, sensor trials, and engineering evaluations, it was decommissioned in 2007. Its 38 year career was the longest for a U.S. Navy submarine to that point.

 

1972 - LCDR Orland Pender, Jr. '66, USN was killed in action when his aircraft was shot down while on a mission over North Vietnam. He was a member of Fighter Squadron (VF) 114, operating from USS Kitty Hawk (CVA 63), and was twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Jim grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and at the academy was on the football team until suffering a knee injury. He was survived by his wife, two daughters, parents, sister, 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

The Class of 2028 celebrated a major milestone in their Naval Academy journey by signing their “2 for 7” commitment. During a special reception, midshipmen formally pledged to continue their education at the Academy for two more years and serve at least five years as commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps after graduation. The 2 for 7 signing represents a commitment to a lifetime of leadership and service, marking the moment when midshipmen affirm their dedication to the profession of arms and the responsibility of leading sailors and Marines.

 

Joined by LtGen Michael J. Borgschulte '91, USMC, and CAPT Clint A. Cornell '01, USN, the Class of 2028 celebrated alongside their ALINC 50-year counterparts from the Class of 1978. Together, classmates and fellow alumni shared in the pride of this achievement, recognizing the next generation of leaders who will carry forward the Naval Academy legacy. The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation is proud of these outstanding midshipmen as they take this important step in their commitment to service.

My, just look at how the Class of 2030 has grown

As Plebe Summer comes to an end, the Brigade of Midshipmen reforms and officially welcomes the Class of 2030 into its ranks. It is hard to believe that just two months ago these young men and women arrived at the United States Naval Academy, beginning a journey defined by service, leadership and camaraderie.

 

Watch our latest video as we follow four Naval Academy Athletic Foundation students and their fellow plebes from their first days on the Yard through the challenges of Plebe Summer. From the first salute to marching in formation, see how the Class of 2030 has grown and earned its place within the Brigade of Midshipmen. 

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.

From the Podcast Fleet

The Podcast Fleet is your go-to destination for Naval Academy conversations, featuring alumni stories, Navy sports, parent perspectives, Academy life and much more. This year, we expanded the Fleet with Voices from Orbit, a new podcast spotlighting Naval Academy graduates who pushed beyond Earth's boundaries and into space as NASA astronauts and explorers. Six distinct shows, one Fleet and countless stories. Our Fleet of Podcasts offer something for every member of the USNA community, connecting alumni, parents, friends and supporters through stories of leadership, service, achievement and tradition. 

Listen to a special episode of the combined Anchors Aweigh and Navy Football podcasts in partnership with WNAV Radio. Todd Bartley and Bill Wagner talk Navy football and Pete Medhurst. We also have outstanding interviews with former Navy quarterback Blake Horvath and Mike James, publisher of The Mid Report and color commentator for the Navy Football Radio Network.

Government & Military News

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Sunday said the USS Abraham Lincoln has recorded one of the lowest numbers of mental health cases in the Navy, amid mounting allegations of poor conditions aboard the carrier. Lincoln, which has been at sea for more than 260 days supporting the war with Iran, has been at the center of a dispute over allegations of supply shortages, plumbing problems and crew members threatening to jump overboard. Officials have repeatedly denied such claims and announced Friday that the carrier is expected to be replaced soon. In a statement posted by CENTCOM, commander ADM Brad Cooper '89, USN touted the carrier's mental health record among the Navy's 11 active aircraft carriers after reportedly visiting the ship over the weekend.

U.S. Central Command has launched Task Force Falcon Strike, a multinational, multidomain effort focused on expanding the use of attack drones across the Middle East. The task force will integrate unmanned systems operating in the air, on the surface and underwater with U.S. and regional military forces. Falcon Strike builds on Task Force Scorpion Strike, established in December 2025, which demonstrated the ability to launch attack drones from a U.S. Navy warship and used unmanned systems during operations against Iranian targets. CENTCOM says the new task force will strengthen regional partnerships, improve operational capabilities and provide a flexible deterrent.

Local, Education & other academy news

Join us for a high-energy performance by the U.S. Navy Band Cruisers, the Navy's premier popular music ensemble. Featuring eight of the Navy's most dynamic performers, the Cruisers deliver a versatile set spanning jazz standards, rhythm & blues, classic rock, pop, and more—including original music. Since their formation in 1999, the group has built a reputation for engaging audiences of all ages with polished musicianship and an infectious stage presence.

For the third year, Service Academy Women is honored to announce applications for the Renewal & Recovery Retreat, a five-night, six-day in-person retreat for Military Service Academy alumnae who are survivors of sexual assault. Taking place 14–19 October 2026, in Ohio, this special experience offers a supportive space to heal, reconnect and move forward alongside women who understand.

 

Facilitated by the all-women team at Rooted Within, the retreat welcomes up to 24 survivors and centers connection, understanding and renewal in a warm, compassionate community.

Past attendees describe the experience as deeply healing and life-changing. Space is limited. To request an application or ask questions, email Karen at [email protected].  See the graphic above and application information link below for details.

 

Naval Academy Athletics News and results

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