Monday, 5 October 2026

photo of the day

Navy Ethics Debate Team beats Army at West Point

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

The 2026 BEAT ARMY Button Contest is here

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.

The winning design will:

- 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.

contest rules and entry infoRMATION

Secretary of War Flag Officer announcements 2 October 2026

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

more info

ICYMI: From the Seawall Ep. 03: LCDR Kevin Burnett ’07, USN

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.

listen to this podcast episode

Government & Military News

Marine Corps meets 2026 goal with over 31,000 new recruits

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.

read this story

Unemployment rate for post-9/11 vets up as job market slumps

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.

read this story

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.

read Hayes Bio

In case you missed it: Inaugural USNA Alumni Association Virtual Town Hall

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.

register for the town hall meeting

Naval Academy Athletics News and results

Navy Men’s Golf dominates singles action, wins Star Match

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.

read this story

Women’s Triathlon secures fourth place in inaugural home race

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.

read this navy sports story

Today's matchups:

None

Yesterday’s results:

Intercollegiate Sailing M vs. Carl Van Duyne MAISA Men's Singlehandeds - 5th
Intercollegiate Sailing M at Jesuit Open - 1st
Intercollegiate Sailing W at Women's Atlantic Coast Championships - Round One - 8th
Offshore Sailing M vs. Annapolis Yacht Club Fall Series - 10th
Intercollegiate Sailing M at Danmark Trophy - 3rd
Men's Tennis M vs. Navy UTR - NTSR
Women's Triathlon W vs. Navy Collegiate Cup - 4th of 10 Teams
Men's Tennis M at River City Tennis Open - NTSR
Women's Golf W vs. Navy Fall Invitational - T-1st of 10 Teams
Rifle M at Ohio State - W 4743-4684
Rifle M vs. TCU - W 4743-4724
Men's Tennis M at San Diego Veterans Tennis Classic - NTSR
Women's Tennis W at San Diego Veterans Tennis Classic - NTSR
Men's Water Polo M at Bucknell - W 15-8
Baseball M at Pittsburgh - Completed
Women's Volleyball W at American - L 0-3

This weekend's results:

Saturday, 3 October

Men's Lightweight Rowing M at Temple (Scrimmage) - Completed
Men's Lightweight Rowing M at Washington College (Scrimmage-Freshmen Only) - Completed
Offshore Sailing M vs. Annapolis Yacht Club Fall Series - Completed
Intercollegiate Sailing W at Women's Atlantic Coast Championships - Round One - Completed
Intercollegiate Sailing M at Jesuit Open - Completed
Intercollegiate Sailing M at Danmark Trophy - Completed
Intercollegiate Sailing M vs. Carl Van Duyne MAISA Men's Singlehandeds - Completed
Men's Tennis M vs. Navy UTR - NTSR
Men's Golf M at Army - Army 2.5, Navy 1.5
Men's Tennis M at River City Tennis Open - NTSR
Rifle M at Akron - W 4732-4674
Women's Golf W vs. Navy Fall Invitational - 1st out of 10 Teams
Women's Tennis W at San Diego Veterans Tennis Classic - NTSR
Men's Rugby M vs. Southern Virginia - W 64-8
Men's Swimming & Diving M at Virginia - Exhibition - NTSR
Women's Swimming & Diving W at Virginia - Exhibition - NTSR
Women's Soccer W vs. Holy Cross - W 3-1
Football M at Air Force - L 9-14
Men's Water Polo M at Mercyhurst - W 20-4
Men's Tennis M at San Diego Veterans Tennis Classic - NTSR
Men's Soccer M vs. Colgate - L 1-4
Sprint Football M at Chestnut Hill - W 41-14

Friday, 2 October

Men's Cross Country M at Paul Short Run - 4th of 35
Women's Cross Country W at Paul Short Run - 13th of 37
Women's Tennis W at San Diego Veterans Tennis Classic - NTSR
Women's Volleyball W vs. Loyola, Maryland - L 1-3
Women's Lacrosse W at Maryland - NTSR
Men's Tennis M at San Diego Veterans Tennis Classic - NTSR
Women's Lacrosse W vs. Georgetown - NTSR

Army-Navy Star Series matchups

2026-27 Star Series Record: 2-1-0

25 Sep - Sprint Football - L - 21–12
26 Sep - M. Rugby - W - 26-14
3-4 Oct - M. Golf - West Point - 9 a.m. / 9 a.m. - W - 6.5 - 4.5
9 Oct - W. Soccer - Chester, Pa. - 4 p.m.
9 Oct - Volleyball - West Point - 7 p.m.
9 Oct - M. Soccer - Chester, Pa. - 7 p.m.
17 Oct - W. Cross Country - Annapolis - TBA
17 Oct - M. Cross Country - Annapolis - TBA
17 Oct - Volleyball - Annapolis - 4 p.m.
31 Oct - W. Rugby - Annapolis - 11 a.m.
12 Dec - Football - East Rutherford, N.J. - 3 p.m.
6 Feb - Gymnastics - West Point - TBA
6 Feb - Rifle - Annapolis - 9 a.m.
10 Apr - W. Tennis - West Point - TBA
17 Apr- M. Tennis - West Point - 1 p.m.
17 Apr - M. Lacrosse - Annapolis - TBA
More Star Series games will be announced here.

USNA and AA&F Events

USNA & AA&F Events:

OCTOBER

7 Oct - Navy League - Annapolis Council
8 - 11 Oct - Class of 1971 55th Reunion
8 – 10 Oct - President's Circle Weekend
8 – 11 Oct - Annapolis Power Boat Show
9 Oct - Fall Formal Parade, Worden Field
9 Oct - Navy Letterwinners Tailgate at Army-Navy Cup XV - Subaru Park, Chester, PA - 5:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. ET - RSVP.
10 Oct - Navy vs Tulsa University, NMCMS
14 Oct - GSMC Social & Business Mtg. Brudergarten - 5 - 6 p.m. Brudergarten - Link
14 Oct - Navy League - Annapolis Council - Navy League - Annapolis Council
15 Oct - Corpus Christi Recent Grad Social
16 Oct - Alamo Chapter + NAPC of South Texas Roadshow
17 Oct - Navy @ University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio TX
17 Oct - Navy vs. UTSA US Naval Academy Alumni - Tailgate Tickets
22 – 23 Oct - Service Academy Career Conference, Denton, TX
23 – 25 Oct - Class of 1956 70th Reunion
23 – 25 Oct - Class of 1976 50th Reunion
23 – 25 Oct - Class of 1991 35th Reunion
23 – 25 Oct - Class of 2001 25th Reunion
23 – 25 Oct - Class of 2006 20th Reunion
23 Oct - Anchors Away Golf Tournament
23 Oct - Naval Academy Athletic Foundation Policy Review Mtg - TBD
24 Oct - U.S. Naval Academy Homecoming
24 Oct - Navy Letterwinners Breakfast (RSVP required before 14 October 2026) - open to all Navy Letterwinners and Former Athletes - 1984 Team Meeting Room at the Ron Terwilliger '63 Center - 9 a.m. - 10 a.m - RSVP here.
24 Oct - Navy vs. North Texas - Welcome Home - 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. ET - Fluegel Alumni Center - Registration info coming soon!
24 Oct - Navy vs North Texas University, NMCMS
30 Oct- Halloween/ All Saints Concert 7 p.m. & 10 p.m. - Tickets
31 Oct- Halloween/ All Saints Concert 7 p.m. - Tickets
31 Oct - Navy vs Notre Dame, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA

NOVEMBER

4 Nov - Council of Class Presidents Meeting
5 Nov - U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Fall Board of Trustees Cmte. Mtgs
6 Nov - Pre-Honor Our Fallen Heroes Weekend Kickoff Event Sponsored by Run to Honor - Register here
5—7 Nov - NAPS 50 Year Reunion for first class with women -Newport RI
6 Nov - Naval Academy Athletic Foundation Executive Committee Mtg - TBD
6 Nov - U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Fall Board of Trustees Meeting
6 – 8 Nov - Class of 2021 5th Reunion
6 – 8 Nov - Class of 2016 10th Reunion
6 – 8 Nov - Class of 2011 15th Reunion
7 Nov - Honor Our Fallen Heroes Events
7 Nov - Navy vs Temple University, NMCMS
11 Nov - GSMC Social & Business Mtg. Brudergarten - 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. ET Brudergarten - Online event: link
14 Nov - NYC Military Classic - Léman Ballroom, Lower Manhattan - Additional information on nycmilitaryclassic.com
19 Nov - U.S. Naval Academy Foundation Fall Board of Directors Meeting
20 Nov - Naval Academy Athletic Foundation Fall Trustee Meeting
20 - 21 Nov - USNA Glee Club w/ St Louis Symphony Orchestra, Powell Hall, St. Louis - 7:30 p.m.
21 Nov - Navy vs Memphis University, NMCMS
28 Nov - Navy @ University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
28 Nov - Navy Football vs Charlotte 49ers Tailgate

DECEMBER

5 Dec - American Conference Championship Game
12 Dec - Army-Navy, Met Life Stadium, Rutherford, NJ

USNA AA&F resources & Links

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This Week in Navy Sports Presented by Navy Federal Credit Union

5 October Daily Shipmate

Champion triathlete O’Donnell inspires in return to NEPA [USNA '03]