21 September Daily Shipmate

Monday, 21 September 2026

photos of the day

Class of 1986 celebrates 40th reunion!

Members of the Class of 1986 returned to Annapolis last week to celebrate their 40th Reunion, reconnecting with classmates and revisiting cherished Naval Academy memories. Attendees checked in at the Fluegel Alumni Center, posed for photos beside the blue-and-gold Class of 1986 balloon display and gathered Friday evening to hear remarks from USNA AA&F President and CEO Jeff Webb ’95. Although it was a football bye week, Navy spirit was on full display throughout Annapolis as classmates renewed lifelong friendships, shared stories and celebrated the bonds forged during their years at the Naval Academy. The weekend concluded with a return to King Hall on Sunday, where classmates gathered for a meal together, rekindling memories of their midshipman days and bringing the reunion to a fitting close.

today in u.s. navy and marine corps history

1854 - The brig Porpoise is last seen operating with an exploring squadron between the Formosa Straits and China. It is believed that after it separated from the squadron, it sank in a typhoon a few days later with all hands.

 

1944 -Carrier planes from Task Force 38 strike enemy airfields and shipping in the vicinity of the Philippine capital of Manila and at Subic Bay. All told, 28 enemy vessels are sent to the bottom in the protected waters of Manila and Subic bays and during an attack against a convoy off Luzon.

 

1959 - The submarine Barbero (SS-317), equipped with Regulus I missiles, makes the first deterrent patrol to the North Pacific.

 

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

2010 - LT J. Brendan Looney ’04, USN

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

Academy & Graduate happenings

A bipartisan group of 17 lawmakers is urging Congress to modernize the nation’s service academies, including the U.S. Naval Academy, through new funding and construction authorities. The proposal would create a dedicated infrastructure funding stream for academy facilities and allow academy leaders to work more directly with affiliated nonprofit foundations on donor-funded construction projects. Supporters argue the changes would help accelerate upgrades to classrooms, dormitories, athletic facilities and specialized training spaces needed to prepare future officers for increasingly complex warfare. Lawmakers contend that modern facilities are essential to attracting top applicants and ensuring midshipmen are trained in environments that reflect the demands of cyber operations, autonomous systems and other emerging domains. They describe the effort as a long-term investment in the future leaders of the U.S. military.

From Annapolis to the front lines of sovereignty: How a Naval Academy graduate helps defend the West Philippine Sea

RADM Vincent J. Sibala ’93, USN, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, is helping lead the Philippines’ efforts to defend its sovereignty in the increasingly contested West Philippine Sea. As commander of Naval Command West, Sibala oversees operations in a region challenged by competing territorial claims, repeated encounters with Chinese forces and growing concerns over regional security. He credits his education in Annapolis with developing the critical thinking and strategic perspective needed to connect day-to-day military operations to broader national objectives.

 

Sibala emphasized that military leaders must understand history, anticipate emerging threats and prepare for future forms of warfare involving unmanned systems, cyber operations and advanced technologies. He also highlighted the importance of the U.S.-Philippine alliance and international cooperation in maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific. Today, he mentors the next generation of officers, encouraging them to uphold a simple but enduring principle: know your job and do it well.

Thursday, 5 November at the New York Yacht Club in New York City VADM John Mustin ’90 USN (Ret.) will recieve the 2026 Sentinel of the Sea Award. A fifth-generation U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Mustin spent 34 years serving our Nation in the U.S. Navy, culminating as the 15th Chief of Navy Reserve. Building on a family legacy of naval service, he has also made his mark in technology and national security, most recently as President of Saildrone. The Sentinel of the Sea Award is our highest honor, recognizing American citizens who uphold the traditions and values of the U.S. Naval War College (USNWC) and exemplify the Navy’s motto, Non Sibi Sed Patriae – Not Self but Country. Awardees demonstrate a lifelong commitment to safeguarding our Nation’s security, liberty and strength.

Lynch ’64 receives Lifetime Achievement Award from GMC

On 11 September 2026, RADM Thomas Lynch ’64, USN (Ret.), received the Georgia Military College (GMC) Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of a career dedicated to service, leadership and education. A Naval Academy graduate, former USNA superintendent and executive chairman of NewDay USA, Lynch has helped expand opportunities for future military leaders through scholarships for students from military families and initiatives that support leadership development. He also played a key role in establishing GMC as an approved preparatory school for future U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen. During the ceremony, Lynch was presented a ship’s bell honoring his extraordinary service and lasting impact on generations of students, cadets and leaders.

From the Podcast Fleet

From spaceflight to VA claims: Two podcasts worth a listen

We are bringing alumni stories, expertise and lifelong connections to listeners through two recently launched podcasts. In the latest episode of Voices from Orbit, 2026 Distinguished Graduate Award recipient CAPT Christopher Cassidy ’93, USN (Ret.), reflects on a remarkable career that took him from the SEAL Teams to NASA, where he spent 377 days in space, completed 10 spacewalks and later served as chief astronaut. His story offers lessons in leadership, service and exploration that began in Annapolis and reached beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

 

Meanwhile, Lifelines launched with practical guidance for alumni and veterans navigating the VA claims process. Host and alum Anthony Spinler ’91 welcomes veteran advocate Jack Kirwan ’73, who shares advice on filing claims, understanding documentation requirements and avoiding common mistakes. Whether you're interested in space exploration or resources to support life after service, these podcasts offer valuable insights from fellow Naval Academy alumni.

Government & Military News

USS Abraham Lincoln makes Guam logistics stop during 302-day deployment

Aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), Carrier Air Wing 9 and guided-missile destroyer USS Frank Petersen (DDG-121) arrived in Guam on 19 September 2026 for a logistics stop after departing the South China Sea. The visit marks the crew’s first return to U.S. soil in nine months and provides sailors an opportunity for on-base liberty. The strike group has been deployed for 302 days and is returning to the West Coast after supporting Operation Epic Fury and ongoing U.S. military operations against Iran. According to USNI News, the deployment is now the second-longest U.S. carrier deployment since the end of the Cold War, with the carrier expected to return home next month.

Commercial shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz reached a three-week high last week, with 97 non-Iranian-linked vessel transits recorded, according to maritime analytics from Lloyd’s List Intelligence. The increase was driven largely by crude oil tankers, though overall traffic remains below normal levels as regional instability continues to affect global shipping. At the same time, charter rates for Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) have climbed to unprecedented levels. The Oman-to-China VLCC index reached nearly $871,000 per day, while rates on the West Africa-to-China route surged to more than $509,000 per day. Analysts attribute the spike to persistent security concerns in the region, strong demand for oil transport and limited vessel availability. The trend highlights the continuing impact of tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz on global energy markets.

Local, Education & other academy news

Cam Henson ’17, a former Naval officer and current Senior Vice President at Citi, has been named to the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2026 40 Under 40 class, which recognizes emerging leaders making significant contributions across the Tampa Bay region. In his role at Citi, Henson leads initiatives focused on governance, risk reduction and regulatory transformation. The honor highlights both his professional accomplishments and his impact within the local business community. Selected from a highly competitive pool of nominees, Henson joins a diverse group of leaders from industries including finance, technology, health care and aviation who are helping shape the future of the region before the age of 40.

No, it's not quite time for the button design contest yet, but it is time for your feedback

Every year, our Beat Army Button Design Contest produces a unique button created by members of the USNA alumni community. Pictured above are some of our past winners who brought their creative talents and created buttons we have given out at our tailgates and watch parties. Once the winning design is revealed, we receive requests from alumni who want buttons for their own tailgates, watch parties and game-day gatherings.

 

This year, we're exploring the possibility of making the buttons available for purchase, possibly in bulk amounts, so more alumni, families and fans can show their Navy spirit wherever they celebrate the game. If you've ever wished you could get one, now's your chance to potentially help make it happen. Take our quick poll below and let us know if you'd like to see this Army-Navy tradition expanded! Beat Army!

 

Note: *these are not the buttons worn by the Brigade of Midshipmen

Planning to cheer on the Midshipmen in San Antonio? Kick off game day with fellow Navy fans at The Espee before Navy takes on UTSA. Hosted by the Alamo Chapter United States Naval Academy Alumni Association, this tailgate promises great food, live entertainment and plenty of Navy camaraderie just a short walk from the Alamodome. Whether you're a graduate, parent, veteran, active-duty service member or simply a Navy football fan, this is the place to be before kickoff.

Come tailgate in style. Go Navy! Beat UTSA!

Naval Academy Athletics News and results

None

Army-Navy Star Series matchups:

USNA and AA&F Events

USNA AA&F resources & Links

Login to MyUSNA | Daily Shipmate Archives | USNA AA&F Obituaries

New Releases | Alumni Support Services | Alumni Directory