18 September Daily Shipmate

Friday, 18 September 2026

National POW/MIA Recognition Day

Today, on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we pause to honor the service members who endured captivity as prisoners of war and those who remain missing in action. We remember their sacrifice, courage and unwavering commitment to our nation, while also recognizing the families who have carried the weight of uncertainty for generations. The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation joins Americans everywhere in reaffirming a simple promise: these heroes will never be forgotten. As we reflect on their service and legacy, we honor all who answered the call to serve and those still awaiting a final homecoming.

today in u.s. navy and marine corps history

1899 - The cruisers Charleston and Baltimore join the monitor Monterey (BM-6) and gunboat Concord (PG-3) in bombarding Filipino insurgent positions at Olongapo. Troops from the transport Zafiro seize the location, which controls Subic Bay. (18–23 September)

 

1943 - U.S. carrier aircraft from Task Force 15, under the command of RADM Charles A. Pownall '10, USN, join Army Air Forces B-24 bombers in striking the Gilbert Islands.

 

1968 - While operating in Quang Tin Province in South Vietnam, the fast patrol boat PCF-21 attacks an assembly of Viet Cong small craft, destroying 44 junks and four sampans.

 

1990 - A new 40-acre training facility for Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) was dedicated at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, by General Alfred M. Gray, Commandant of the Marine Corps.

 

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

1981 - Capt Doyle Beam '74, USMC and 1LT David Trundy '78, USMC 

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

Academy & Graduate happenings

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) ADM Daryl Caudle and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Perryman visited the U.S. Naval Academy yesterday, 17 September 2026, where Midshipmen demonstrated how emerging technologies are shaping the future of naval warfare. During the visit, Midshipmen showcased robotics and autonomous systems integrated into the Academy's curriculum, launching unmanned aerial and surface systems from a Yard Patrol craft and highlighting advanced oceanographic and undersea capabilities.

 

The demonstrations gave Caudle a firsthand look at how future Navy and Marine Corps officers are developing the skills needed to employ autonomous and unmanned technologies in an increasingly complex operating environment. Academy leaders emphasized that USNA continues to adapt at the speed of the fleet, preparing Midshipmen to lead and fight in a rapidly evolving battlespace. The visit also included a morale boost for Midshipmen, as the CNO stopped by to deliver liberty heading into the weekend. By day's end, the message was clear: the future of the Navy is already taking shape in Annapolis, where Midshipmen are mastering the technologies and leadership skills that will define the next generation of maritime operations.

As the sun set over Annapolis, the U.S. Naval Academy welcomed the runners of One Flag Forward as they carried a single American flag through Mile 200 of a 250-mile journey commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Their relay is more than an endurance challenge. It is a living tribute to the heroes, including 14 Naval Academy alumni, who were lost that day, the service members who answered the nation's call in its aftermath and those who continue to serve today. Passing the flag from runner to runner, they are carrying forward a legacy of sacrifice, resilience and unity. Members of the Brigade of Midshipmen joined the stretch into Annapolis, helping usher in a powerful reminder that the spirit of service that emerged from 11 September continues to inspire a new generation of leaders. 

 U.S. Naval Academy graduate Rebecca Lawler '09 is continuing her path toward spaceflight as a member of NASA's 2025 Astronaut Candidate Class, which recently reached the halfway point of its nearly two-year training program.

 

Lawler and her fellow astronaut candidates spent the summer completing a demanding series of exercises designed to prepare them for future missions to low Earth orbit, the Moon and eventually Mars. Training included geology field studies in New Mexico and Iceland, flight training aboard NASA's WB-57 aircraft and T-38 jets, altitude chamber runs and water survival exercises.

 

The candidates are also learning spacecraft systems, emergency procedures, Russian language skills and spacewalk techniques as part of their preparation for careers in human spaceflight. NASA expects the class to graduate in 2027, when Lawler and her classmates will join the agency's active astronaut corps and become eligible for future assignments supporting the International Space Station, Artemis missions and deep-space exploration.

From the Podcast Fleet

We preview the cross country season by talking to Navy men's coach Aaron Lanzel and women's coach Kim Lewnes. Navy cross country swept the team titles at the Al Cantello Memorial Invitational this past weekend. Also, Mike James, publisher of The Mid Report and color commentator for the Navy Football Radio Network, joins to talk about the Navy at Florida Atlantic game.

Navy Football Podcast: Breaking down the loss to Florida Atlantic

We are joined by special guest Blake Horvath '26 for the opening segment. The two-year starting Navy football quarterback provides his analysis. In the closing segment, the usual team of Erik Kettani '09 and Keenan Reynolds '16 provides their commentary about the FAU loss.

Government & Military News

The Marine Corps is testing an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) to enhance explosive ordnance disposal operations in coastal environments. As part of the Littoral Explosive Ordnance Neutralization (LEON) program, Marines recently evaluated the autonomous vessel at Camp Pendleton, California, using sonar, infrared cameras and advanced communications systems to identify hazards from shallow water to the beach zone. The USV can operate for up to 14 hours with minimal manpower while helping reduce risk to personnel. Marine officials say the capability will improve route clearance and support Force Design 2030 efforts to create more mobile and expeditionary forces. The system is expected to begin fielding to Marine EOD units in fiscal year 2027.

U.S. Navy awards defense startup $200 million for Blackbeard hypersonic missile

The U.S. Navy has awarded defense startup Castelion a $200 million contract to produce the Blackbeard hypersonic missile, a low-cost weapon designed to expand long-range strike capabilities for carrier strike groups. The air-launched missile is intended for use by F-35 and F/A-18 aircraft against maritime and land targets. Navy leaders say the program highlights a faster acquisition model that combines rapid development with commercial manufacturing practices. The award builds on previous investments through the Navy's MACE program and follows the cancellation of the HALO hypersonic missile project.

Critics and human rights advocates warned Congress that artificial intelligence is accelerating military targeting decisions faster than humans may be able to properly review them. During a hearing on the implications of AI in warfare, witnesses argued that requiring a person to approve a strike does not necessarily guarantee meaningful human control if AI-generated recommendations arrive under extreme time pressure. They expressed concerns about accountability, transparency and the potential for civilian casualties when AI-assisted systems are involved in targeting decisions. While supporters note AI can improve intelligence analysis and defensive operations, experts urged greater oversight, auditing capabilities, operator training and safeguards to ensure humans retain effective judgment over the use of force. 

Local, Education & other academy news

Watch: National POW/MIA Recognition Day wreath-laying

Join the United States Navy Memorial in commemorating National POW/MIA Recognition Day with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony featuring the U.S. Navy Band and U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, honoring America's prisoners of war and those who remain missing in action. Let's remember their service, their sacrifice and the families who continue to carry their legacy.

 

Watch the ceremony live at 2 p.m. ET TODAY, 18 September, at the link below.

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!

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