Deck the halls with a little Naval Academy tradition
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Just in time for the holiday season, USNA alumna and artist Kristin Cronic ‘11 of Easel on Stribling has unveiled her newest collection of Naval Academy-inspired ornaments. Designed to celebrate the places, traditions and memories that make Annapolis special. These keepsakes bring a touch of the Yard to holiday trees everywhere. The collection includes the new 2026 dated “Annapolis” Signature Ornament, along with a growing selection of undated ornaments that honor the Naval Academy experience and can be enjoyed year after year. Shop now with Easel on Stribling and use discount code: USNAALUMNI for 15% off!
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today in u.s. navy and marine corps history
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1899 - The gunboats Callao and Petrel (Gunboat No. 2) support U.S. Marines in their capture of an enemy stronghold at Novaleta, Philippines.
1990 - In response to Iraqi troops massing on the border of Kuwait, Navy ships rapidly deploy to the Arabian Gulf region. The guided missile cruiser Leyte Gulf (CG-55) is the first to arrive, reaching its station in the Red Sea on this date. The George Washington (CVN-73) carrier battle group, Tripoli (LPH-10) amphibious ready group, and other ships join it.
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.
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In Memoriam from usna memorial hall
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Johnson, a former Naval Academy midshipman, became a legendary World War II combat commander with the Army’s 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. Known as “Jumping Johnson,” he completed 123 parachute jumps and personally led his regiment in rigorous physical training. After jumping into France on D-Day, Johnson parachuted into Holland on Sept. 17, 1944, during Operation Market Garden. He was killed in action near Driel, Holland, after being struck by a shell fragment. Johnson’s extraordinary service earned him the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star and Croix de Guerre. He was survived by his wife and two children.
Read memorial hall profile
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Academy & Graduate happenings
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Voices From Orbit: CAPT Sunita Williams ’87, USN (Ret.)
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Voices from Orbit sits down with retired NASA astronaut, naval officer, 2025 USNA Distinguished Graduate and U.S. Naval Academy alumna Sunita Williams ’87 for a conversation about leadership, exploration and a life dedicated to service. From her time as a Midshipman in Annapolis to commanding missions aboard the International Space Station, Williams shares the experiences that shaped an extraordinary career.
Drawing on lessons learned in the Navy, in the cockpit and in space, she reflects on the value of teamwork, resilience and embracing challenges beyond your comfort zone. Williams also offers a firsthand look at the realities of spaceflight and the enduring impact of the Naval Academy on her professional journey.
Don't miss this engaging conversation with one of the most accomplished astronauts of her generation and a proud alumna of the U.S. Naval Academy. Watch the video interview above by clicking the play button. Watch this interview now.
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Think you’ve got the creativity and Navy spirit to Beat Army?
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The 2026 Beat Army Button Contest is officially underway, and we want your best design!
Whether your inspiration comes from Brigade spirit, Navy football traditions or simply a burning desire to see Army lose, create an original, family-friendly design packed with Navy pride, all on a three-inch button.
The winning design will become the official 2026 Beat Army button, worn by registered attendees at the USNA Alumni Tailgate at the game, the Fluegel Alumni Center Watch Party and other Beat Army watch parties. The winning design will also be featured across USNA Alumni Association & Foundation social media and digital platforms, earning its creator some serious bragging rights. The winner may even have the opportunity to join Sing Second Podcast hosts Chris Servello and John Schofield for an interview.
Ready to compete? Review the official contest rules and submit your design through the entry portal by 16 October 2026. USNA AA&F staff will select four finalists, and then it’s up to the Navy community to choose the winner through a public vote on Facebook and Instagram.
Get creative. Show your Navy pride. BEAT ARMY!
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Carolina Museum of the Marine welcomes new leader, Wahlgren ’95
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The Carolina Museum of the Marine has named Col Nathan Kipp Wahlgren ’95, USMC (Ret.), as its new CEO and president, succeeding MajGen Joe Shrader, USMC (Ret.), who guided the museum through its final development stages and opening. Wahlgren brings more than 30 years of Marine Corps service, including leadership roles within the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and multiple deployments to Iraq. He said his goal is to build on the foundation already established and continue the museum’s mission of honoring, preserving and educating future generations about Marine Corps history and service. The leadership transition marks a new chapter for the Jacksonville, North Carolina, institution.
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DAF Day: Put your Donor-Advised Fund to work
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Today is DAF Day, a national day recognizing the impact of donor-advised funds. If you have a DAF, consider making a gift to the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation or naming the Academy as a beneficiary to support midshipmen and future generations of the Brigade.
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Welcome Home 2026: Oktoberfest at the Fluegel Alumni Center
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Kick off Homecoming weekend with Navy spirit, great food and plenty of fun! Before the Mids take on North Texas, join alumni, families, friends and fans at the Fluegel Alumni Center for our Oktoberfest celebration.
Date: Saturday, 24 October, from
Time: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. ET
Location: Fluegel Alumni Center (301 King George Street, Annapolis, MD 21402)
Enjoy $3 draught beer, $4 wine, specialty cocktails and soft drinks at the cashless Blue & Gold Bar, plus warm pretzels with beer cheese and mustard. Challenge friends to cornhole and lawn games, bring the kids for face painting and coloring, and grab photos with Bill the Goat, giant InflataBill and the photo booth.
The Spirit Team performs at 11:30 a.m., followed by a live Homecoming Sing Second Podcast with special guests from noon-1 p.m. Reconnect, celebrate and get fired up for Navy football. Register by noon ET Friday, 23 October, to secure your spot.
Go Navy and welcome home!
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Reviewing the Air Force loss and looking ahead to Tulsa
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The entire Navy Football Podcast team gets together to review the tough 14-9 loss to service academy rival Air Force in the first leg of the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy series. Former Navy football greats Blake Horvath, Eric Kettani and Keenan Reynolds discuss what went wrong in that game and what the Midshipmen must do better moving forward, beginning with Saturday's home game against Tulsa.
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Sing Second Podcast: Join us for a live recording in Annapolis
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Join hosts Chris Servello ’99 and John Schofield 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 bagels and food and a chance to be part of the show.
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Government & Military News
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Hegseth greets USS Abraham Lincoln near the end of record long deployment
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the USS Abraham Lincoln as the carrier prepared to return home following a historic deployment, praising sailors for their resilience, professionalism and mission success. Speaking to the crew on the flight deck, Hegseth highlighted the strike group’s achievements, including 10,000 sorties, nearly 4,000 combat sorties and more than 23,000 combat flight hours. He told sailors that no carrier strike group had accomplished what Lincoln’s team achieved and thanked them for delivering when called upon. Hegseth also announced the strike group would receive the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation for its extraordinary service.
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U.S. carrier expected to make port call in Yokosuka, first in 4 years
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A U.S. Navy aircraft carrier is expected to visit Yokosuka, Japan, marking the first port call there by a carrier not forward deployed to Japan in four years. Japanese officials said the carrier and timing have not yet been identified. The visit comes as the Navy reevaluates logistics and port options for ships facing extended deployments, with locations across Africa and Asia under consideration. Sailors are expected to receive shore leave during the Yokosuka visit. The last comparable carrier visit occurred in May 2022, when USS Abraham Lincoln spent five days in port as part of its Indo-Pacific deployment.
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Local, Education & other academy news
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Heading to Annapolis this weekend? Plan ahead for Boat Show and other event traffic expected to begin today
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Visitors traveling to Annapolis in the coming weeks should prepare for significant traffic, parking restrictions and road closures as the annual Powerboat Show (8-11 October) and Sailboat Show (15-18 October) take over the downtown waterfront. Parking restrictions will be in effect in parts of the Historic District from 5-21 October, with additional street closures and detours around City Dock and Ego Alley. Organizers encourage visitors to leave extra travel time and take advantage of city garages, free shuttle service, rideshare options or stadium parking with shuttle transportation downtown. Residents and visitors alike should expect heavier-than-normal congestion throughout the downtown area during both events.
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Valor at Valcour: Revolutionary War Wrecks in Lake Champlain and a Vision for Exhibiting U.S. Navy’s Underwater Archaeology
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On October 11, 1776, American and British forces met on Lake Champlain in the Battle of Valcour Island. Exactly 250 years later, the U.S. Navy Memorial invites you to look beneath the surface of that history.
Valor at Valcour: Revolutionary War Wrecks in Lake Champlain and a Vision for Exhibiting U.S. Navy’s Underwater Archaeology will explore the battle through two remarkable surviving vessels: Royal Savage, Benedict Arnold's flagship early in the battle, and Spitfire, a gunboat that remains remarkably intact on the bottom of Lake Champlain.
Hear from Rajshree Solanki, Senior Curator at the National Museum of the United States Navy, and Dr. George Schwarz, maritime archaeologist with the Naval History and Heritage Command, about what these wrecks reveal—and the work underway to study, preserve, and share America's naval heritage.
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Date: Sunday, 11 October
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Time: 3:00–5:00 p.m. ET
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Location: 701 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington D.C. or Livestream Online
- Free and Open to the Public
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Join the first-ever Virtual Alumni Association Town Hall
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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:
- Alumni impact across the fleet and beyond
- Association programs and services
- Progress over the past five years
- Future priorities and initiatives
- Live questions from alumni
Advance registration and active-membership verification are required.
This is your Association. Join the conversation and help shape its future.
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Naval Academy Athletics News and results
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Watch: 2026 Army-Navy Soccer preview
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Seniors Ryan Skandalis ’27 and Chiara Consenza ’27 get you ready for the Army-Navy Cup in Chester, PA this Friday night. The Navy women face the Black Knights at 4 p.m. ET followed by the men's matchup at 7 p.m. ET
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Men's Tennis at ITA Atlantic Region Championship - Blacksburg, Va. - 9:00 a.m.
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Army-Navy Star Series matchups
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2026-27 Star Series Record: 2-1-0
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- 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. - This weekend
- 9 Oct - Volleyball - West Point - 7 p.m. - This weekend
- 9 Oct - M. Soccer - Chester, Pa. - 7 p.m. - This weekend
- 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.
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USNA & AA&F Events:
OCTOBER
- 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 - 4:20 p.m.
- 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 - 3:30 p.m.
- 10 Oct - USNA Founder's Day - 181th Birthday of the Naval Academy
- 11 Oct - Valor at Valcour, Washington, DC - 3 - 5 p.m. - Register
- 13 Oct - U.S. Navy Birthday
- 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
- 15 – 18 Oct – Sailboat Show, Annapolis, MD
- 16 Oct - Gospel Choir Fall Concert – 7 p.m. - Tickets
- 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 Oct – Formal Parade, Worden Field - 4:20 p.m.
- 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 - Register here.
- 24 Oct - Navy vs North Texas University, NMCMS
- 26 Oct - SITREP Speaker Series - Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle - Register
- 28 Oct - SITREP Speaker Series - Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Perryman - Register
- 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 - 3:30 p.m.
- 10 Nov - Marine Corps Birthday
- 11 Nov - Veterans Classic Basketball Games 3 p.m./5:30 p.m.
- 11 Nov - GSMC Social & Business Mtg. Brudergarten - 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. ET Brudergarten - Online event: link
- 13 – 14 Nov - Masqueraders’ Fall Production in Mahan Auditorium - Tickets
- 14 Nov - USMC Birthday Ball – 5 p.m.
- 14 Nov - NYC Military Classic - Léman Ballroom, Lower Manhattan - Additional information on nycmilitaryclassic.com
- 17 Nov - Giving Tree Ceremony – 12:50 p.m.
- 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, MO - 7:30 p.m.
- 20 – 21 - Nov - Masqueraders’ Fall Production in Mahan Auditorium - Tickets
- 21 Nov - Navy vs Memphis University, NMCMS - 12 p.m.
- 28 Nov - Navy @ University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC - TBD
- 28 Nov - Navy Football vs Charlotte 49ers Tailgate
DECEMBER
- 2 Dec - Trident Brass Holiday Concert in Mahan Hall Auditorium – 7 p.m. - Tickets
- 4 Dec - USNA Wreaths Across America Ceremony & Wreath Laying – 9 a.m.
- 4 Dec - Pipes and Drums Fall Concert in Mahan Hall Auditorium – 7 p.m. - Tickets
- 5 Dec - American Conference Championship Game
- 7 Dec - Beat Army Pep Rally
- 9 Dec – Army-Navy (13th Company) Ball Run from T-Court (T)
- 10 Dec - USNA Band Holiday by the Bay Concert
- 12 Dec - Army-Navy, Met Life Stadium, Rutherford, NJ
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USNA AA&F resources & Links
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Do you know someone else who would like to receive the Daily Shipmate? Forward them this email and tell them to click the button below to sign up.
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The Daily Shipmate is a news product intended to share news about the Naval Academy, the Naval Services and our members. We are apolitical as an organization and will strive to bring forward relevant news on a wide variety of issues. Just because we include an article does not mean we endorse its content, author, or news organization.
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301 King George Street
Annapolis, MD 21402, United States
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