22 September Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, 22 September 2026

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today in u.s. navy and marine corps history

1966 - In the first combat action involving Navy minesweeping craft during the Vietnam War, Viet Cong gunners ambush two minesweeping boats, hitting MSB-15 in the pilot house, killing one of its crew and wounding 11 others.

 

2006 - After 36 years of service, the Navy retires the F-14 Tomcat in a final flight ceremony at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. Known for its speed and strike capabilities, the F-14 Tomcat became famous in pop culture for its use in the movie Top Gun.

 

2014 - In the largest coalition strike at that point in Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation against ISIS, USS Philippine (CG-58) and USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) launched 47 Tomahawk cruise missiles against the terrorist group.

 

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

2013 - LCDR Landon Jones ’01, USN

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

Academy & Graduate happenings

2026 Thriving as Leaders (TAL) award recipients announced

Please join us in recognizing the 2026 Thriving as Leaders (TAL) award recipients and all those nominated for their leadership, service and impact. Now in its third year, this annual set of awards honors living Association members who have made a meaningful impact through achievement, volunteer leadership and service. By living the values of the Naval Academy and Alumni Association, these members inspire others to lead with purpose both in and out of uniform and strengthen the bonds of the USNA alumni community through their leadership and service. Please join us in recognizing and celebrating these outstanding members.

 

Learn more about the TAL program and this year's recipients by visiting the links below.

U.S. Naval Academy preserves the legacy of Medal of Honor recipient Ripley ’62

Last Friday, 18 September 2026, the U.S. Naval Academy honored the extraordinary legacy of Col John Ripley ’62, USMC (Ret.), a 1958 NAPS graduate and Medal of Honor recipient, through a series of permanent tributes recognizing one of the institution's most distinguished alumni whose legacy continues to inspire generations of NAPSters and Midshipmen. A new exhibit in Mahan Hall's Hart Room showcases Ripley's uniform and other artifacts from his life and military career, giving visitors a unique opportunity to connect with his story firsthand and experience a tangible link to one of the Academy's most revered graduates.

 

Among the day's most exciting announcements was the news from USNA Superintendent LtGen Michael Borgschulte ’91, USMC, that the future Colonel John Ripley Lacrosse Facility will be named in Ripley's honor. The distinction will permanently connect Ripley's name and legacy to one of Naval Academy athletics' premier facilities, ensuring that future Midshipmen and student-athletes are reminded of the courage, leadership and commitment to service that defined his life. Together with the designation of a Medal of Honor room in Bancroft Hall, these tributes ensure that Ripley's influence will continue to inspire NAPSters, Midshipmen, alumni and visitors for generations to come. Special thanks to the U.S. Naval Academy Public Affairs Office for providing the outstanding photography that helped document these historic tributes. You can see more coverage and read LtGen Borgschulte's response about the event at the link below.

Government & Military News

These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of 21 September 2026, based on Navy and public data. In cases in which a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will chair the Pentagon’s newly established Homeland Defense Board, a federal advisory committee created to provide independent military-focused guidance on homeland security and defense issues. The board is intended to address what Defense Department leaders describe as a gap in integrated advice concerning threats to the U.S. homeland, including challenges posed by peer competitors, rogue states and non-state actors. Composed of senior defense officials, military representatives and civilians, the board will assess domestic security preparedness and defense posture. The move follows a broader review of Pentagon advisory committees conducted under Hegseth’s leadership.

The U.S. Coast Guard is closely monitoring an increased Chinese maritime presence in the Arctic and waters off Alaska, where four Chinese research vessels have operated so far in 2026. While the ships have remained in international waters, U.S. officials are concerned their activities could support future seabed resource exploitation or provide China with military advantages in the region. For the U.S. Navy, the growing presence underscores the Arctic's increasing strategic importance, requiring greater awareness, surveillance and coordination with the Coast Guard to protect U.S. interests, ensure freedom of navigation and respond to potential security challenges near American territory.

Local, Education & other academy news

Daughters of Thum ’42 recognized during Wyoming museum visit

Descendants of a historic Rock Springs, Wyoming, family recently visited the Sweetwater County Historical Museum to celebrate the legacy of merchant Gottlieb "Tom" Thum. Among those honored was his son, LCDR Robert E. Thum ’42, USN (Ret.), who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy during World War II and served aboard USS Hornet during the Doolittle Raid, the Battle of Midway and the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. Thum retired from the Navy in 1962 following a distinguished career of service.

Some of the nation's top collegiate boxers will square off in New York City this Veterans Week as the NYC Collegiate Military Boxing Classic, presented by USAA, brings together competitors from the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Virginia Military Institute and The Citadel. The sanctioned event will feature 12 competitive bouts while celebrating the courage, discipline, leadership and commitment to service shared by America's service academies and senior military colleges. The event is also a charitable fundraiser, with 100 percent of net proceeds benefiting the participating collegiate boxing programs and supporting student-athlete training, travel and competition opportunities.

 

When: Saturday, 14 November 2026

Where: Léman Ballroom (41 Broad St, New York, NY 10004)

Time: VIP Reception 5:00 p.m. | First Bell 7:00 p.m. ET

Tickets: Limited in-person tickets remain available - get tickets at the link below

Livestream: Available for alumni and supporters nationwide

 

Additional information on tickets, livestream access and sponsorship opportunities is available at nycmilitaryclassic.com.

Naval Academy Athletics News and results

Men's Soccer at UMBC - Baltimore, Md. - 7:00 p.m. ET

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Army-Navy Star Series matchups:

USNA and AA&F Events

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