30 October Daily Shipmate

Friday, 30 October 2026

today in u.s. navy and marine corps history

1990 - A major steam leak in a fire room of the amphibious assault ship Iwo Jima (LPH-2) operating in the Persian Gulf results in the deaths of ten crew members.

 

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

1952 – 2ndLt William Phillips '51, USMC

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

Academy & Graduate happenings

Life‑size statue of 1stLt Baldomero López unveiled in Tampa

A 7‑foot‑tall bronze statue of Korean War hero 1stLt Baldomero López ’48, USMC, has been unveiled at Waterworks Park in Tampa, FL, marking a long‑awaited tribute to the Ybor City native who sacrificed his life on 15 September 1950. The Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), in partnership with the City of Tampa, unveiled the monument on 27 October 2026, just outside Waterworks Park along the Tampa Riverwalk. Fully funded by the CRA, the project was a decades‑long passion of Councilman Luis Viera, who said the statue will “allow everyone on our Riverwalk to contemplate the heroism of this selfless protector, patriot and Marine.”

Applications to the U.S. Naval Academy are now open. For high school students ready to pursue a future built on leadership, service and challenge, now is the time to take the first step. Candidates should begin preparing early, from strengthening academics and physical fitness to demonstrating leadership and completing application requirements.

Know a student who has what it takes? Encourage them to explore the application process and start their journey toward becoming a midshipman today. For students considering USNA, the best first step is to understand the requirements, explore available resources and begin preparing early.

A wreath to remember, honor and never forget

Please join us this year in remembering and honoring the men and women who have served our country. On Friday, 4 December 2026, Wreaths Across America will place wreaths at the United States Naval Academy. Each wreath placed on a veteran's grave is more than a decoration- it is a reminder that someone's life, service, sacrifice, and story will never be forgotten.

 

For $17, you can sponsor a wreath in honor or memory of a veteran. Your wreath can be a personal tribute to someone you knew and loved, or a way to recognize a veteran whose sacrifice made our freedom possible. Imagine a sea of wreaths covering the grounds of the Naval Academy Cemetery, each one representing a life that mattered, a family that sacrificed, and a story worth remembering. Please consider sponsoring a wreath and helping us say: "I remember you. I honor you. I will never forget."

 

To sponsor a wreath, please visit the link below. One can also write a check (please include MD0011 in the memo line) and mail it to:

Wreaths Across America

PO Box 249

Columbia Falls, ME 04623

Thank you for helping honor our veterans and keep their memories alive. Remembering Many, Honoring All.

From the Podcast Fleet

Navy Football Podcast: Dissecting a wild shootout between Navy and North Texas

North Texas held on to beat Navy, 49-39, in a wild shootout on homecoming in Annapolis. The Navy Football Podcast team unpacks all of what happened in an action-packed contest. Former quarterbacks Blake Horvath and Keenan Reynolds provide their analysis in the opening segment. Former Navy great Eric Kettani and producer Chris Servello deliver their thoughts in the closing segment. Former defensive back Andrew Duhart is the Alumni Spotlight segment guest and provides expertise on pass defense.

Government & Military News

U.S. Navy wants more visible role for drone boats as one deploys for the first time.

The U.S. Navy is working to make medium unmanned surface vessels (MUSVs) a more integrated and visible part of fleet operations. An MUSV recently deployed to the Pacific with the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, marking the platform’s first operational deployment. Vice Chief of Naval Operations ADM James Kilby '86, USN, said the Navy envisions unmanned vessels becoming part of certification exercises and tailored mission packages for commanders. The Navy currently operates four MUSVs and expects its first formal delivery of 30 vessels by the end of fiscal 2027. Potential missions include reconnaissance, surveillance and serving as modular weapons carriers.

The U.S. military has spent more than $47 billion on the war in Iran, according to Pentagon data obtained by Reuters, more than 25% above the Defense Department’s July estimate. More than $29 billion is projected to replace munitions used during the conflict, while over $6 billion would replace military equipment and platform losses, including aircraft and drones. The estimate also includes operational expenses such as flight operations and cyber support. However, it does not clearly account for the expected cost of repairing U.S. bases damaged by Iranian missile and drone attacks, meaning total expenses could continue to rise.

Being older has its benefits! If you are over 70 1/2, you can make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation without paying deferred income tax on the distribution. This also satisfies the required minimum distribution for individuals over age 73. This tax-smart method of giving is simple and impactful. Once your gift is in process, please notify Darlene Jackson, director of gift administration, so you receive the credit you deserve. We encourage you to make your IRA QCD gift now to avoid the end-of-year rush. For those with check-writing privileges on their IRAs, please ensure the check clears your account by 31 December, to count as a distribution for this tax year.

Local, Education & other academy news

The Eastport vs. Annapolis Tug of War, affectionately known as the “Slaughter Across the Water,” returns Saturday, 7 November, continuing a nearly three-decade Annapolis tradition. Founded in 1998 after the Spa Creek Bridge closure inspired Eastport residents to jokingly declare independence, the annual competition brings the community together for friendly rivalry and a good cause. This year’s event will feature seven heats with firefighters, police supporters, military-themed teams, schools, community groups and more. The Maritime Republic of Eastport has raised more than $900,000 for local charities through the Tug of War and other events.

Join fellow Mids, alumni, parents and friends for a Navy football tailgate at Gillette Stadium! Come out, connect with the New England Navy community and Beat Notre Dame! Co-hosted by USNA Parents' Club of New England and the USNA Alumni Association Boston Chapter.

Date: 31 October

Time: 9 a.m.

Location: Lot 5 at Gillette Stadium (Exact location will be shared on myUSNA by 8:30 a.m. on game day Look for the “Don’t Give Up the Ship” and “Sing Second” flags)

Questions? Contact [email protected].

An Annapolis favorite is getting national recognition! Chick & Ruth’s Delly was selected as Maryland’s representative on The Takeout’s list of the best “hole-in-the-wall” comfort food spots in every state. The Main Street landmark has served Annapolis since 1965 and is known for its all-day breakfast, New York-style deli sandwiches and Maryland favorites. The publication highlighted dishes including crab omelets, crab mac and cheese and Annapolis fries topped with crab dip, Old Bay and cheddar. Chick & Ruth’s is also known for its milkshakes, crab cakes and longstanding ties to Maryland politics and the Annapolis community.

Naval Academy Athletics News and results

Navy women's rugby co-captain Meagan Alvarez joins the Navy Sports Magazine Show ahead of this Saturday's Star match against Army. The senior currently sits five points away from becoming the first Navy women's rugby player to reach the 100-point plateau in her career.

God, Country, Notre Dame vs. Navy: A debt of honor

The Notre Dame-Navy football rivalry represents a longstanding bond rooted in World War II, when Navy training programs helped Notre Dame remain financially viable during a challenging period. In gratitude, Notre Dame has continued its annual football series with the Naval Academy, with the teams meeting every season from 1927 through 2019 before the pandemic interrupted the streak in 2020. Now extended through at least 2032, the rivalry celebrates mutual respect and shared history. The teams will meet Saturday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, continuing a tradition that has become about far more than the final score.

The Navy Letterwinners Association recently brought generations of Navy cross country and track & field alumni together at the Ron Terwilliger ’63 Center for Student-Athletes ahead of the annual Army-Navy Star Meets. The evening celebrated John “Buzz” Lawlor ’67, one of only four Navy men’s cross country runners to earn All-America honors. Lawlor reflected on his career and the lasting influence of legendary coach Al Cantello, whose leadership helped shape Navy distance running. Coaches and alumni also honored the program’s tradition of excellence and its continued connection between generations of Midshipmen, with other alumni gathering planned for the spring Army-Navy outdoor track & field meet.

Date: 30 October 2026

Time: 7:45 p.m.
Location: Brigade Sports Complex

Army-Navy Star Series matchups

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