5 October Daily Shipmate

Monday, 5 October 2026

photo of the day

The U.S. Naval Academy Ethics Debate Team defeated the U.S. Military Academy during a scrimmage at West Point this past weekend. Coached by Dr. Michael Robillard of the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership, the team demonstrated strong ethical reasoning, critical thinking and advocacy skills while competing against its Army counterparts, earning a victory in the latest chapter of the Navy-Army rivalry.

 

Pictured above (left to right): MIDN Benning Rojas-Kerbow (4C), MIDN Isaiah Green (3C), MIDN Quang Le (4C), Coach Dr. Michael Robillard, MIDN Katalin Jenkins (2C), MIDN Darian Bentivegna (3C) (team captain), MIDN Katherine Mazaroski (1C).

today in u.s. navy and marine corps history

1939 - The Hawaiian Detachment, U.S. Fleet—consisting of the aircraft carrier Enterprise (CV-6), two heavy cruiser divisions, a light cruiser, two destroyer squadrons and auxiliary ships—sails for Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This measure establishes a sizeable naval presence at this Pacific base, deemed important given Japan’s continuing aggression against China.

 

1942 - The aircraft carrier Hornet (CV-8), in an attempt to hinder resupply of Guadalcanal by the famed “Tokyo Express,” launches an air strike against Japanese staging areas in the area of Buin-Tonolei and Faisi on Bougainville in the Solomon Islands. The raid results in damage to two destroyers and near misses on two seaplane carriers.

 

1973 - In the first homeporting of an American aircraft carrier abroad, Midway (CVA-41) arrives at Yokosuka, Japan. A forward-deployed carrier operates from the Japanese port to this day.

 

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

No operational losses recorded on this calendar day.

Check out Virtual Memorial Hall.

Academy & Graduate happenings

Whether your inspiration comes from Brigade spirit, Navy football traditions or simply a burning desire to see Army lose, we want to see it. Your design should be original, family-friendly and packed with Navy pride, all within a three-inch button. Reminder: this is not the button worn by the midshipmen during the game. They are worn at our Beat Army Tailgate at the game and our Fluegel Alumni Center Watch Party in Annapolis.

 

- Be produced as the official 2026 Beat Army button

- Be worn by registered attendees at our Beat Army events including the USNA Alumni Tailgate at the game, the Fluegel Alumni Center Watch Party and other watch parties

- Be featured across USNA Alumni Association & Foundation social media channels and digital platforms

- Earn serious bragging rights for the whole year

- Have an opportunity to be featured in an interview with Sing Second Podcast hosts Chris Servello and John Schofield

 

How to Enter: Review the contest rules and submit your design through the official entry portal at the link below. The submission deadline is 16 October 2026. USNA AA&F staff will select four finalists. Those designs will then advance to a public vote on Facebook and Instagram. Please see the link below for official contest rule and entry info.

 

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced today that the president has made the following nominations:

 

VADM John B. Skillman ’86, USN, for appointment to the grade of admiral, with assignment as vice chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Skillman is currently serving as deputy chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources, N8, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, DC

 

RADM Benjamin R. Nicholson, USN, for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as commander, Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia. Nicholson is currently serving as commander, Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia.

 

RADM Benjamin G. Reynolds ’92, USN, for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as deputy chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources, N8, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, DC Reynolds is currently serving as deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for Budget/Director, Fiscal Management Division, N82, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, DC

From the Seawall welcomes LCDR Kevin Burnett ’07, USN, for a conversation about leadership, service, and innovation in the fleet. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Burnett reflects on his experiences as a midshipman, the lessons that shaped his career, and his journey through nearly two decades of naval service. The discussion also explores his role in helping develop Navy Racing, an initiative that connects the Naval Academy with audiences across the motorsports community while highlighting opportunities for service and leadership. From his time in Annapolis to his work advancing the Navy’s mission in new and unexpected ways, Burnett shares insights on teamwork, perseverance and the impact of a Naval Academy education. Click the video play button above to watch the episode.

From the Podcast Fleet

He called us from space — now Hathaway ’04 is coming home

After months living and working aboard the International Space Station, United States Naval Academy alum CDR Jack Hathaway ’04, USN, is scheduled to return to Earth Wednesday with his Crew-12 teammates. But before he makes his journey home, you can hear what it was like for Jack to live 250 miles above Earth.

 

When NASA called and said they could connect Voices From Orbit to the International Space Station, there was only one answer: LET’S DO IT! But, this was no ordinary podcast interview. Before the conversation even began, Jack greeted us with a flip in zero gravity. From there, he took us inside life aboard the ISS, sharing what it’s like to watch Earth roll by below, conduct research in microgravity, work with 3D printers and float through the station without touching a handrail.

 

He also opened up about the unique bond among Naval Academy graduates who have become astronauts and the lessons passed from one generation to the next. Now, as Jack prepares to return to Earth, hear the conversation that took us all the way to orbit. This is your chance to hear directly from a Naval Academy graduate living and working in space — before he comes home in just a few days.

Government & Military News

The Marine Corps met its fiscal 2026 recruiting goal, bringing in 31,250 enlisted Marines, 1,672 officers and 3,503 prior-service reserve Marines in what leaders called a “historic, department-wide rebound.” The service credited strong retention and a surge in interested applicants, making fiscal 2026 its most favorable recruiting environment in five years. “Our success this year is a testament to the disciplined execution of our elite recruiting force on the streets of America,” said Maj. Gen. Walker M. Field, commanding general of Marine Corps Recruiting Command. Recruiters have already secured more than half of the Corps’ fiscal 2027 recruiting mission.

The unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans rose from 3.5% in August to 4.1% in September as U.S. job growth slowed sharply, according to new Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Just 29,000 jobs were added nationwide in September, well below expectations, while overall unemployment edged up to 4.2%. Despite the increase among younger veterans, the unemployment rate for all veterans remained steady at 3.5%. Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, said the report was “disappointing for a lot of Americans,” but added that the job market for veterans with blue-collar skills “still looks pretty good.”

U.S. Navy commissions Flight III Destroyer USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128) in Alaska

The U.S. Navy will commission its newest Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128), on 3 October in Whittier, Alaska, honoring the late Alaska senator, decorated World War II aviator and longtime advocate for national defense. Equipped with the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and Aegis Baseline 10 combat system, the ship enhances the fleet’s air and missile defense capabilities. Whittier was selected to recognize Alaska’s strategic maritime importance and Stevens’ legacy. Following commissioning, the destroyer will homeport in Norfolk, Virginia. “We are ready to answer our nation’s call,” said commanding officer CAPT Mary Katey Hays ’99, USN.

Local, Education & other academy news

Get to know the commanding officer of the USS Ted Stevens Hays ’99

CAPT Mary Katey Hays ’99, USN, is the commanding officer of USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128). She has served aboard multiple destroyers and cruisers, led USS Decatur, deployed to Iraq and held key fleet and Pentagon assignments. Hays was the first sailor assigned to Ted Stevens, reporting as prospective commanding officer in 2023.

The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association invites all active association members to join our inaugural Alumni Association Virtual Town Hall on Thursday, 5 November 2026, from 5–6 p.m. ET.

 

All active Association members are invited to participate virtually via Zoom webinar (Zoom webinar link provided upon registration). Board members and essential staff will attend in person in the Reinemund Conference Room at the Fluegel Alumni Center in Annapolis, MD.

 

This first-of-its-kind Town Hall was inspired in part by feedback from an alumnus in Jacksonville who encouraged the Board and senior Association leaders to improve transparency and access for the full membership—most of whom cannot easily attend Board meetings in person in Annapolis. We heard that message, and this forum is designed to bring Association leadership directly to you. Board Chair ADM Mark Ferguson III '78, USN (Ret.) and President/CEO Jeff Webb ’95 will discuss alumni impact, how the Association supports alumni throughout their lives, progress over the past five years and priorities for the future. Wesley Huey ’87 will moderate a question-and-answer session, providing participants an opportunity to engage directly with Association leadership.

 

Advance registration and active-membership verification are required. We hope you will join us for this important conversation. This is your Association—and we are building it together. Register today at the link below.

 

Naval Academy Athletics News and results

Navy men’s golf rallied from a one-point deficit to defeat Army, 6.5-4.5, in the annual Star Match Sunday at West Point Golf Club. The Midshipmen won five of seven singles matches, including the final two, to secure their second consecutive Star victory and first at West Point since 2016. Sophomore Tim Luckett delivered the go-ahead point with an eagle putt on the 18th hole, while sophomore Sebastian Alonzo clinched the win with the final point. Navy’s victory also gives the Mids a 2-1 lead in the 2026-27 Army-Navy Star Series. Head coach Jimmy Stobs praised the team’s clutch play and composure.

Navy women’s triathlon placed fourth out of 10 teams Sunday in the program’s inaugural home race at the Naval Academy. Unsafe water conditions forced organizers to cancel the 750-meter swim, converting the event into a duathlon featuring a 2.4-kilometer run, 20-kilometer bike and 5-kilometer run. The Mids narrowly missed the podium, finishing one point behind third-place San Francisco with 226 points. Allison Heine led Navy, placing fifth overall in 1:00:42 and posting the team’s fastest final 5-kilometer run. Natalie Wang raced aggressively before a mechanical issue forced her to withdraw. Navy next competes at the NCAA East Regional Qualifier on 17 October 2026.

Army-Navy Star Series matchups

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