30 September Daily Shipmate

Wednesday, 30 September 2026

photos of the day

Members of the Class of 1952 gathered Saturday for their 74th reunion luncheon, reconnecting with classmates and family while celebrating a lifetime of friendship and service. Organized by Ann Nunneley Hogge in honor of her father, James Nunneley ’52 the event welcomed alumni, Alumni Association and Foundation representatives, and second-generation Naval Academy graduates. The Deputy Commandant joined attendees for the luncheon and a group photo featuring Larry Chambers, Les Banghart, George Heffernan, Jack Young and John Derr.

today in u.s. navy and marine corps history

1937 - The aircraft carrier Yorktown (CV-5) is placed in commission. Yorktown plays a significant role in stopping Japanese expansion and turning the tide of the war during the Battles of the Coral Sea and Midway.

 

1945 - Marines of III Amphibious Corps, commanded by Major General Keller E. Rockey, began landing in North China to assist the Chinese Nationalist government in accepting the surrender of Japanese forces and repatriating Japanese soldiers and civilians.

 

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

1983 - LT David McCullough ’79, USN and LT Nicholas Harman ’80, USN

(The Alumni Association has lost contact with the family. If you know how to contact them please email [email protected].)

 

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

Academy & Graduate happenings

While many alumni know John Schofield as the driving force behind the Sing Second Podcast, his influence extends far beyond a single program. Under his leadership, he helped launch the Daily Shipmate, podcasts of Voices From Orbit and Lifelines and the new YouTube video series From the Seawall; expanded digital storytelling across every platform; strengthened digital Shipmate with ShipmateMagazine.com; and reimagined how alumni engage with the Academy online. One of John's greatest strengths as a leader is his ability to build something meaningful, establish a clear vision and then empower others to help it grow. He creates the foundation, trusts his team and provides the freedom to innovate. The Communications team has been able to enhance, expand and elevate many of the programs John introduced because of the culture of trust, creativity and collaboration he fostered.

 

His leadership also extends behind the scenes, from improving alumni records and outreach efforts to helping ensure alumni, surviving spouses and families remain connected to the Naval Academy community.The Communications team and the entire Alumni Association & Foundation enterprise are grateful for John's leadership, mentorship and unwavering belief in the power of storytelling. The programs he built, the team he developed and the connections he strengthened will continue to benefit this community for years to come. For more than three years, John has helped transform how the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation connects with alumni, families and friends around the world. John, thank you for challenging us to think bigger, innovate more boldly and never lose sight of the people and stories behind our mission.

 

Fair winds and following seas, John, and Bravo Zulu!

VADM Sean S. Buck ’83, USN (Ret.), will be honored with the 2026 Tennis Creates Impact Award. The honor, presented by the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation, recognizes leaders who exemplify the values of tennis through service, leadership and community impact. A former Navy tennis standout, Buck has maintained a lifelong connection to the sport, from competing as a Division I athlete at the Naval Academy to helping expand access to tennis throughout the Mid-Atlantic today. The retired vice admiral and 63rd superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy built a distinguished naval career that included more than 4,000 flight hours as a Naval Flight Officer and command at multiple levels.

 

The Foundation cited Buck's leadership, sportsmanship and commitment to growing the game through initiatives that make tennis accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. He currently serves on an advisory group supporting the Foundation's planned Tennis Campus project. The November black-tie gala will bring together community leaders, donors and tennis advocates from across the region to celebrate the transformative power of tennis and support programs that strengthen communities through the sport. Learn more about Buck’s lasting contributions and the upcoming event. For details on sponsorship opportunities, table purchases and ways to get involved, visit the link below.

From the Podcast Fleet

Thinking about filing a VA claim but not sure where to start? Maybe you know someone who is having a difficult time and needs guidance. In our latest episode of Lifelines, Jack Kirwan ’73, a longtime advocate for veterans and expert in the VA claims process, tackles some of the most common questions alumni face: What documentation do I need before filing? Why are some claims denied? What is a nexus, and why does it matter? When should I seek professional help? Drawing on years of experience helping veterans navigate the system, Kirwan shares practical advice, lessons learned and guidance to help veterans better understand the benefits they've earned through service. Whether you're preparing to file your first claim or helping a fellow veteran through the process, this conversation offers insights every veteran should know. Watch or listen today.

Government & Military News

Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao ’96 announced yesterday, 29 September that William F. Mahan ’03 has been selected to perform the duties of the Under Secretary of the Navy while CAPT William Toti ’79, USN (Ret.), nominated for the position earlier this month, undergoes the confirmation process. Mahan currently serves in the role of Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition and has been a key member of the Shipbuilding Council, helping advance efforts to strengthen America’s naval industrial base and expand the nation’s “Golden Fleet.” During Mahan’s temporary assignment, VADM E. Seiko Okano ’94, USN, will assume the responsibilities of Assistant Secretary for Research, Development and Acquisition.

More than 457,000 veterans enrolled in the Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) program will receive a three-month break from paying premiums beginning in November, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The premium holiday will run through January 2027 and is expected to save veterans nearly $150 million collectively. Eligible policyholders do not need to take any action and will be notified by letter or email in the coming weeks. VA officials said the program’s strong financial performance made the initiative possible. Veterans who pre-paid premiums may receive a credit toward future payments or request a refund.

Eight service members were injured 28 September 2026 after an E/A-18G Growler experienced an arresting gear failure while attempting to land aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower off the Virginia coast. The two aviators ejected safely and were recovered by rescue personnel from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 7. Six sailors aboard the ship also sustained injuries and received medical attention. One sailor was medically evacuated to a Norfolk-area medical facility, while the two aviators and two flight deck sailors were transported to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth for further evaluation. The Navy said the cause of the incident remains under investigation.

Local, Education & other academy news

Nawara ’96 elected to shipbuilding industry board

Terry Nawara ’96 has been elected to the Board of Directors of the American Shipbuilding Suppliers Association (ASSA), bringing decades of naval and defense acquisition experience to the organization. Currently serving as Director of Business Development for Naval Systems at Marotta Controls, Nawara draws on more than 20 years of service as a Navy submarine officer and Engineering Duty Officer. His career included assignments aboard submarines, with the Seventh Fleet, and at both Pearl Harbor and Portsmouth Naval Shipyards. In addition to his Naval Academy degree, Nawara holds graduate degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval War College and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. ASSA leaders said Nawara’s experience in naval operations, engineering and defense acquisition will help strengthen advocacy for America’s shipbuilding supplier base.

Naval Academy alumni community gathers for Magic City Tailgate

The Alabama Chapter and Parent Club of Alabama welcomed Navy alumni, parents, family members and friends to Birmingham for the Magic City Tailgate ahead of Navy‘s nationally televised matchup against UAB. Hosted at City Walk Social, the event brought together members of the U.S. Naval Academy community from across the southeast for an afternoon of camaraderie, connection and Navy spirit before kickoff.

 

While the game did not end in Navy‘s favor, the energy and support on display throughout the tailgate reflected the lifelong connections that make the Naval Academy alumni community so special. Special thanks to Navy Athletic Director Mike Kelly and Commandant of Midshipmen CAPT Clint Cornell ’01, USN, for joining us at the event. We are grateful to everyone who joined us in Birmingham and look forward to seeing Navy fans at future home and away-games!

Naval Academy Athletics News and results

Army-Navy Star Series matchups

2026-2027 Star Series Record: Series Tied, 1-1-0

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