7 October Daily Shipmate

Wednesday, 7 October 2026

Nothing says fall in Annapolis like Navy football, reunion weekends, and time with family. Make Fair Winds your home port— centrally located downtown, steps from the Yard and waterfront. Proudly owned and operated by two USNA alumni.

Chart your stay at FairWindsDTA.com or on Airbnb.

today in u.s. navy and marine corps history

1864 - The screw sloop Wachusett, after scouring the sea lanes for months in search of the Confederate commerce raider Florida, anchors near the enemy ship after it puts in to Bahia Harbor, Brazil. Fearing it might escape, Wachusett’s skipper Commander Napoleon Collins hatches a plan in which in the early morning hours of this day he rams the famous raider. A brief exchange of gunfire occurs before the Confederate ship surrenders. The action occurs despite a wartime agreement between the United States and Brazil that no attacks would be made in the nation’s territorial waters. Thus, Wachusett is fired upon as it tows Florida out to sea. Collins is court-martialed for his role in the incident, but is restored to his command by Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles.

 

2001 - In response to the September 11 terrorist attacks, the United States launches Operation Enduring Freedom with air strikes against Taliban and al Qaeda forces in Afghanistan. The first day of strikes includes aircraft from the carriers Enterprise (CVAN-65) and Carl Vinson (CVN-70), and 50 Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from surface ships and a submarine.

 

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

1969 - LTJG Kenneth Norton '67, USN

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

Academy & Graduate happenings

NASA astronaut CDR Jack Hathaway ’04, USN, is preparing to return to Earth as SpaceX Crew-12 wraps up its mission aboard the International Space Station. They closed the hatch at approximately 6:20 a.m. ET between the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and the International Space Station. Hathaway, along with NASA astronaut Jessica Meir, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, closed the hatch between the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and the station earlier this morning, 7 October 2026, before beginning the crew's journey home. The spacecraft is scheduled to splash down off the California coast tomorrow 8 October Crew-12 launched 13 February and docked with the station the following day. The mission marked Hathaway's first trip to space.

Planning continues for the Naval Academy Columbarium expansion, which will add a 670-niche annex adjacent to the existing Columbarium (see rendering above). The Naval Academy is awaiting approval through Navy channels to accept the philanthropic gift supporting the project. Once that approval is received, the Naval Academy can proceed with the bidding process.

This week on Lifelines, we sit down with Jeff Servello ’02, a retired Navy officer, executive coach and Principal Advisor with Provision Advisors. Servello shares practical lessons on leadership, coaching and navigating life's biggest career crossroads, while offering thoughtful guidance for alumni who are considering what's next, whether they are staying in uniform or preparing for a transition. He also discusses the purpose behind the myUSNA’s On the Fence Forum, a place where alumni can have honest conversations about career decisions and future opportunities.

Don't miss this opportunity of a lifetime: Exclusive three-day Pebble Beach golf getaway

One of our most anticipated auction items, an exclusive three-day Pebble Beach golf getaway courtesy of Sheehy Lexus of Annapolis, is coming soon to the Anchors Aweigh Open auction. The best part? You do not have to be registered for the tournament to bid or win. Whether you're a golfer, a traveler or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, this sought-after package could be yours. Bidding details and auction information is currently being finalized and more information will be coming to you before the end of the week. So mark your calendars and be near your email inbox because Pebble Beach is calling, and this is one opportunity you won't want to let slip through the rough. Click the link and scroll down to the auction details at the link below.

From the Podcast Fleet

"Welcome to October, party people. The Sing Second Pod steams into our favorite month with a great conversation about the upcoming President's Circle weekend, a difficult weekend for Navy Football vs Air Force, a new remembrance to Jimmy Carter on the Yard and a big star win for Jimmy Stobs and Navy Men's Golf. We also interviewed Wayne Rogers '76. The movie Atonement hit the theaters this past Friday. AN incredibly moving story about a tragedy from the Iraq War and how lives continue to be affected by its events years later. Starring Kenneth Brannagh, this marks Waynbe Rogers' return to movie producing. The Annapolis resident dishes about how to produce (hint - It's harder than "Get Shorty"), the leadership lessons he learned from being a SWO to being a successful executive in the Hydro Power game...to producing a Hollywood movie. That and more on the best Alumni Association podcast in the land. Beat Army. Always."

Listen on

Join the Sing Second Podcast live at Naval Bagels in Annapolis this Saturday as the hosts record a special episode in front of an audience. Stop by for great conversation, behind-the-scenes storytelling, some great tasting begals and food and a chance to be part of the show.

Government & Military News

USS Abraham Lincoln to return home after 320 days

After 320 days at sea, the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is returning to its homeport in San Diego, marking the end of one of the longest carrier deployments in the post-Vietnam era. Since departing in November 2025, the carrier and its strike group supported U.S. operations across the Indo-Pacific and Middle East while demonstrating the Navy’s global reach and readiness. The deployment included extended operations at sea and a port visit to Thailand before the ship began its journey home. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to welcome the crew back as sailors reunite with family and friends after more than 10 months overseas.

President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced plans for a new shipyard, known as Arsenal-2, at Sparrows Point, Maryland. The project includes a $6.6 billion investment from the Navy and Anduril Industries and is expected to become the largest new shipyard built in the United States since World War II. The facility will produce submarines, submarine components and autonomous underwater vehicles while supporting Navy modernization efforts. Officials said the project will create more than 3,100 jobs in Maryland and support an additional 11,000 jobs nationwide, helping strengthen the nation’s shipbuilding and defense industrial base for decades to come.

Veterans in Utah are working to complete a memorial honoring those affected by Agent Orange, the herbicide widely used during the Vietnam War. The project, spearheaded by Larry Kerr, recognizes veterans who survived combat only to face serious health conditions years later. Organizers hope the memorial will preserve the stories of those impacted and remind future generations that the costs of military service can endure long after the war ends.

Local, Education & other academy news

Thousands of visitors are expected in downtown Annapolis this weekend as the Annapolis Powerboat Show returns 8-11 October transforming City Dock, Ego Alley and Spa Creek into one of the nation's premier boating showcases. The event marks the 54th edition of the show and kicks off two weeks of waterfront activity before the Annapolis Sailboat Show follows 15-18 October. City officials are advising residents and visitors to plan ahead for increased traffic, parking restrictions and road closures throughout the downtown area. Visitors can also park at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and take a free shuttle to the show.

Prime Day ends tonight, and supporting the Brigade has never been easier. Just log in to Amazon, click the USNA affiliate button/link below and shop as usual. There are no codes to enter, no added cost, and every eligible purchase helps support programs that benefit today's midshipmen and future Navy and Marine Corps leaders.

 

Step 1: Log in to Amazon
Step 2: Click the USNA affiliate button/link
Step 3: Shop Prime Day deals

 

And don’t forget: USNA affiliate link isn't just for Prime Day. Use it year-round for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, holiday shopping, or everyday Amazon purchases to continue supporting the Brigade at no additional cost.

The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association invites active members to participate in its inaugural Virtual Alumni Association Town Hall on 5 November from 5-6 p.m. ET. Board Chair ADM Mark Ferguson III '78, USN (Ret.) and USNA AA&F 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.

 

Topics include:

Advance registration and active-membership verification are required.

This is your Association. Join the conversation and help shape its future.

 

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