9 October Daily Shipmate

Friday, 9 October 2026

This week's editions of Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation Morning Paper are brought to you by Otterson Wealth Advisors and Naval Academy graduate Caleb Cronic '11. Otterson Wealth Advisors of Raymond James is not just a team. It's a vast resource of financial knowledge, with each member bringing their unique expertise to your financial success. Caleb Cronic '11, financial advisor and Naval Academy graduate, is a CIMA-certified pro. His strategic prowess is your asset working towards your financial goals. Ready to begin to your journey? Otterson Wealth Advisors … your goals, our expertise.

today in u.s. navy and marine corps history

1873 - A group of 15 officers assigned to the U.S. Naval Academy meet in Annapolis, Maryland, to form a professional society that eventually becomes the U.S. Naval Institute. The first issue of the United States Naval Institute Proceedings is published in 1875.

 

1918 - While serving on board the tanker Chestnut Hill in the Atlantic, Chief Gunner's Mate Oscar Schmidt, Jr., observes an explosion on board a subchaser operating nearby. Seeing a man, whose legs are partially blown off, hanging on a line from the bow of the stricken vessel, Schmidt dives into the water and retrieves him, pulling him to the stern of the ship so that he can be hoisted on board. He receives the Medal of Honor for his actions.

 

1943 - The destroyer Buck (DD-420) sinks after being torpedoed by the German submarine U-616 in the Gulf of Salerno, Italy. It sinks in just four minutes with only 97 survivors. Among the lost are three of our own alumni.

 

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

1943 - LCDR Millard Klein '31, USN, LCDR George Lambert '35, USN and FC3 William Kiskaddon '45, USN.

Klein, Lambert and Kiskaddon were killed in action when USS Buck (DD 420) was torpedoed by a German submarine and sank near Salerno, Italy. Millard, the ship's commanding officer, was awarded the Navy Cross for sinking a U-Boat in August. He was survived by his wife and three children. George, the executive officer, was awarded the Legion of Merit for that same action in August. At the Naval Academy he was captain of the Boxing team. George was survived by his wife. William resigned from the Naval Academy in April 1942, the Spring of his plebe year. It's unclear when he rejoined the service. William was survived by his uncle and two siblings.

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

Academy & Graduate happenings

Tomorrow, the U.S. Naval Academy celebrates its 181st birthday, honoring a legacy that began in 1845 and continues to shape leaders who serve at the highest levels of the military, government, industry and exploration. From the battlefields of history to the depths of the ocean and the frontier of space, generations of graduates have carried the Academy's ideals around the globe. Founders Day is a celebration of an institution whose influence far exceeds the banks of the Severn, and of the thousands of alumni whose leadership, character and service have secured its place among the nation's most distinguished institutions of higher learning.

Founded in 1873, the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) celebrates its 153rd birthday today, marking more than a century and a half of fostering professional dialogue, preserving naval heritage and advancing the understanding of sea power. Generations of USNA alumni have turned to USNI to share their experiences, challenge ideas and contribute to conversations that shape the naval profession. We join USNI in celebrating its legacy of amplifying the voices of naval leaders, chronicling the history of the sea services and strengthening a shared commitment to service, leadership and lifelong learning for generations of naval officers and alumni.

Think you've got the creativity and Navy spirit to Beat Army?

The 2026 Beat Army Button Contest is officially underway, and your design could become part of Navy history! Create an original, family-friendly, three-inch button packed with Navy pride, football tradition and one unmistakable message: BEAT ARMY!

 

The winning design will become the official 2026 Beat Army button, worn at tailgates and watch parties, and featured across USNA Alumni Association & Foundation digital platforms. The winner may even join Sing Second Podcast hosts Chris Servello and John Schofield for an interview! Submit your design by 16 October, then rally your friends for the public vote.

 

Get creative. Make your mark. BEAT ARMY!

 

From the Podcast Fleet

We highlight Navy men's golf, which won five of seven singles matches on Sunday to beat archrival Army 6 ½ to 4 ½ in the annual Star Match played at the West Point Golf Club. Sophomore Tim Luckett made an eagle putt on the 18th hole to give Navy the go-ahead point. Classmate Sebastian Alonzo secured the final point as the Midshipmen clinched their second consecutive Star victory and first at West Point since 2016. Mike James, color commentator for the Navy Football Radio Network, joins to break down the loss to service academy rival Air Force.

Government & Military News

 The Pentagon's Defense Innovation Unit is recruiting about 100 drone pilots from across the military for the next phase of its Drone Dominance program, known as Gauntlet III. The initiative aims to identify top-performing small drones while building a permanent registry of skilled operators from all services. Officials are seeking troops with first-person-view (FPV) drone experience, but also value tactical knowledge, payload expertise, long-range navigation, and urban flight skills. Participants will test some of the military's newest drone technologies, including systems not yet fielded. The effort supports the Pentagon's broader goal of strengthening America's drone capabilities and domestic drone industry.

A U.S. Marine Corps aircraft carrying four service members burst into flames Thursday following a hard landing during a training mission in North Carolina. The MV-22B Osprey out of Marine Corps Air Station New River went down near the Bladen Lakes State Forest. All four personnel aboard were taken for medical evaluation, according to a Marine Corps statement provided to Fox News. White Lake Fire Chief Dale Brennan told WECT that at least one Marine suffered burns and was rushed to a nearby clinic. Both civilian and military emergency crews responded to the crash site.

Local, Education & other academy news

ADM Gary Roughead '73, USN (Ret.), former Chief of Naval Operations, has been announced as a distinguished speaker for FOCUS26, a leadership conference that brings together business and community leaders to discuss the issues shaping the future. Roughead's decades of military leadership, including command of both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets and service as the Navy's top officer, offer attendees insight into leadership, innovation and strategic decision-making.

Join the Anchors Aweigh Podcast for a live recording from Naval Bagels in the Grauls Shopping Center as Bill Wagner, Chris Servello and John Schofield preview Navy's matchup with Tulsa from Annapolis' favorite breakfast spot. From 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., three surprise alumni guests will join the show for a lively conversation covering the upcoming game, the latest developments on the Yard and at the Alumni Association and a few bold predictions as Navy looks to bounce back after last week's loss to Air Force.

 

Stop by and listen to this special live recording for a morning of Navy football talk, alumni insight and plenty of laughs. Grab a bagel, enjoy the show and see your favorite podcasters in action. Go Navy!

At SACC, candidates connect face-to-face with employers who understand the leadership, experience, and skills that service academy alumni bring to the workplace—and who are actively looking for exceptional talent. Dream job? Let's make it happen. Join us for the final SACC of the 2026 year, 22–23 October in Denton, Texas (DFW).

 

Naval Academy Athletics News and results

The Navy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu team delivered an outstanding performance at this past weekend's collegiate tournament, hosted by George Washington University, bringing home multiple gold and silver medals and finishing first among the teams in the competition. Gold medalists included Tommy Frazier, Cam Fuller, Brody Brunner, and Bella Burgan. Silver medalists included T-Mack McNeal, Allison Tepper, Landen Cummings, Pedro Castellon and Brendan Stevens. Navy dominated the team standings, accumulating an impressive 38 team points, compared to 17 and 14 points earned by the next two highest-scoring teams, securing a decisive first-place overall finish. Navy Jiu Jitsu looks forward to additional competitions this fall before entering the spring season of the National Collegiate Grappling Association's Mid-East Region.

The second edition of the Navy Letterwinners Reunion Series for Fall '26! Some teams are offering "open viewing practices" and some are offering a chance to participate in your old sport. We are also listing all of our home competitions, so you don't miss any contests while you are on the Yard. This weekend provides the opportunity to reconnect with your Navy sports team, catch a competition, watch a practice, or meet the team/coaches afterwards.  Out of town this weekend? Be sure to visit our Navy Athletics Away Sporting Events by Major City or State page to see when a Navy sports team is competing near you!

9 October: Baseball Alumni Game ([email protected])
9 October: Navy Letterwinners Army-Navy Cup XV Tailgate ([email protected])
16 October: Cross Country / Track & Field Alumni Reception ([email protected])
23 October: Rugby "With You" Dinner and HOF Induction ([email protected])
23 October: Squash Alumni Reception ([email protected])
23 October: Women's Lacrosse Alumni Reception ([email protected])
23 October: Women's Basketball Alumni Dinner ([email protected])
23 October: Women's Volleyball Alumni Reception ([email protected])
23-24 October: Women's Soccer Alumni Weekend ([email protected])
24 October: Navy Letterwinners Breakfast ([email protected])
24 October: Water Polo Alumni Match ([email protected])
24 October: Squash Bowen Cup (Alumni Match) ([email protected])
24 October: Men's Basketball Alumni Reception ([email protected])
6-7 November: Women's Tennis Alumni Weekend ([email protected])
21 November: Navy Letterwinners Fall Tailgate (more details soon)

 

For more information about a specific event, please reach out to Caitlin Kane ([email protected]). For future invitations to these events, make sure you sign up for our mailing list.

Men's Tennis at ITA Atlantic Region Championship - No team score reported

Army-Navy Star Series matchups

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