9 November Daily Shipmate

Monday, 9 November 2026

Photo of the day

Alumni Association Board of Trustees recognized at Navy Basketball Home Opener

Members of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustees were recognized at halftime during the Navy men’s basketball game against Delaware State on Thursday, 5 November.

 

Those recognized included: Sparky Renforth ‘88, Steve Rasmussen ‘88, James Hamm ‘84, Barbette Lowndes ‘80, Renee Reedy 81, Matice Wright-Springer ‘88, Chuck Dixon ‘79, Dave Jackson ‘79, Alex Plechash ‘75, Steve Fischer ‘83, Devin Winklosky ‘94, Mike Pia ‘90, Will Roberts ‘14, Dan Hanley ‘10, Jeff Webb ‘95, Enochia Anderson ‘94, Bob Taylor ‘74, Gregg Hamelin ‘72, Darryl Smith ‘88, Jamey Cummings ‘94, Angela Domingos ‘00, Ingar Grev ‘89, Bobby Brown ‘97, Cameron Kinley ‘21

today in u.s. navy and marine corps history

1880 - The screw sloop Ticonderoga returns to Hampton Roads, Virginia, after having completed the first around-the-world cruise by a U.S. Navy steam­powered vessel.

 

1921 - The cruiser Olympia (CL-15) arrives in Washington, DC, after carrying the remains of the Unknown Soldier from France. It fires a salute as the remains are piped over the side and taken to Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, for interment.

 

1950 - In the first jet-versus-jet combat in the history of naval aviation, F9F Panthers of VF-111 from the carrier Philippine Sea (CV-47) engage Chinese MiG-15 fighters. Lieutenant Commander William T. Amen becomes the first naval aviator to shoot down a jet.

 

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

1942 - Flying Officer William Mathews, Jr. ’40, Royal Canadian Air Force

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

Academy & Graduate happenings

On Saturday, 7 November, Memorial Hall became a place of remembrance as families gathered with the Naval Academy community to honor our fallen heroes and ensure their names, service and sacrifice are never forgotten. CAPT Clinton “Clint” A. Cornell ’01, USN, the 92nd Commandant of Midshipmen, joined USNA AA&F President and CEO Jeff Webb ’95 and guest speaker ADM Bill Moran ’81, USN (Ret.), in recognizing the families and remembering those they lost. We were also honored to welcome Acting SECNAV Hung Cao ’96 and Run to Honor board member Jan Kennedy, sister of John Kennedy ’79, who joined us in honoring our fallen heroes and their families.

 

Moran reminded those gathered that remembrance does not end when the ceremony does. Saturday would not be the only time their names are spoken. It is up to the alumni community, families and friends to continue saying their names, sharing their stories and honoring the lives and legacies of those who served.

 

Honor Our Fallen Heroes also marks the beginning of Daily Shipmate’s Veterans Day week coverage, as we share stories of service, sacrifice and remembrance throughout the week. Stay tuned for our video recap later this week, where we speak with a class representative attending Honor Our Fallen Heroes for the first time and hear what the experience meant to them and why continuing to remember matters long after the ceremony ends.

Join the U.S. Navy Memorial for its annual Veterans Day Wreath Laying Ceremony honoring the courage, dedication and sacrifice of the men and women who have served our nation. The ceremony will take place on the Navy Memorial Plaza and will feature VADM Mike “WooG” Wosje, DCNO for Warfighting Requirements (N9), as guest speaker. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees can participate in person or watch the ceremony via livestream.

An AV-8B Harrier II now stands outside Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis as a permanent tribute to the history, heritage and legacy of Marine Corps Aviation. The aircraft, BuNo 165429, is painted in the colors of VMA-231 “Ace of Spades,” the oldest squadron in the Marine Corps, with carefully selected markings that tell the story of Marine aviation’s evolution. The display also honors 1st Lt. Alfred Austell Cunningham, Marine Corps Aviator No. 1, whose name appears below the cockpit. Cunningham reported to the Naval Academy’s aviation camp in May 1912, a milestone now recognized as the birthday of Marine Corps Aviation. Other details, including the aircraft’s numbering and historic squadron insignia, connect the Harrier to more than a century of Marine aviation history. The project was developed through the AV-8B Harrier Program Office as the Marine Corps retires the Harrier fleet and works to preserve aircraft at museums, memorials and static displays. Its placement in Annapolis brings the aircraft to a location deeply connected to the origins of Marine aviation, giving future generations of midshipmen, alumni, Marines and visitors a tangible reminder of the service’s aviation legacy.

From the Podcast Fleet

Six space missions. Ten spacewalks. A career that began at the U.S. Naval Academy and ultimately reached the International Space Station. In this episode of Voices from Orbit, retired Navy captain Michael López-Alegría ’80 shares the experiences that shaped his journey from naval aviator to NASA astronaut and spaceflight leader. He takes listeners inside the intensity of launch, the breathtaking experience of walking in space, the challenges of living aboard the ISS and the teamwork required when something goes wrong hundreds of miles above Earth. He also reflects on the Academy lessons that stayed with him throughout his career, international cooperation in space and the expanding role of commercial spaceflight in opening the next chapter of exploration. Listen for a firsthand look at the experiences, people and decisions behind an extraordinary career in space.

Government & Military News

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) launched its new Inside CENTCOM podcast with ADM Brad Cooper ’89, USN, commander of CENTCOM, as its first guest. Hosted by Fleet Master Chief Lateef Compton, the podcast takes a more personal approach to introducing military leaders, with Compton promising, “I’ll be asking the questions you want to know.” Cooper discussed daily workouts, memories from previous ships, basketball, patience and even his longtime love of french fries. The lighter conversation comes as CENTCOM manages ongoing operations in the Middle East and sailors face extended deployments, offering audiences a more personal look at the leaders behind the command and its mission.

The Navy’s decision to rename Navy Expeditionary Combat Command as Commander, Navy Expeditionary Forces followed years of reassessment after the war in Afghanistan. RADM Bradley Andros said the Navy examined whether the command, created in 2006 to support Global War on Terror requirements, was still needed for future conflicts. The review concluded expeditionary forces will remain essential to mobilizing, sustaining and moving the fleet forward. The reorganization establishes the force as a type command focused on training, readiness and specialized capabilities. Its future mission also includes supporting the Navy’s expanding use of robotic and autonomous systems in challenging maritime environments.

Veterans’ unemployment fell sharply in October, dropping from 3.5% in September to 2.7%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans also declined, falling from 4.1% to 3.4%. Employers added 165,000 jobs nationwide, significantly exceeding market estimates, with strong gains in professional and business services and health care. Heather Long, chief economist for Navy Federal Credit Union, described the report as strong across multiple measures, although inflation continues to affect wage gains. Retired Navy CDR Kevin Rasch also noted continued success connecting veterans with employment opportunities through Wounded Warrior Project.

Local, Education & other academy news

The U.S. Air Force Academy broke the Guinness World Record previously held by the U.S. Naval Academy for the most people simultaneously performing push-ups for one minute. On 2 October, 3,703 Air Force cadets and personnel completed the synchronized challenge, surpassing the Naval Academy’s record of 3,068 participants. The attempt came less than 24 hours before the annual Navy-Air Force football rivalry game at Falcon Stadium. Participants followed official Guinness requirements, completing full-range push-ups continuously for 60 seconds. Academy leaders said the challenge highlighted discipline, grit and teamwork while adding another competitive chapter to the service academy rivalry.

This year’s button is now available for purchase. Grab yours, stock up for your Army-Navy watch party and get ready for the greatest rivalry in college football! Get your 2026 Beat Army button. GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY!

Following the wreath laying, join the U.S. Navy Memorial for a special screening of Flag Day, a documentary set in Three Oaks, Michigan, home to the nation’s largest Flag Day parade. The film explores the traditions, community and patriotic spirit surrounding this annual celebration of the American flag. A panel discussion with the filmmakers and a reception will follow the screening. Free and open to the public. Attend in person or stream the documentary and panel online.

Join the International Churchill Society at the Navy Memorial’s Burke Theater for a special conversation with distinguished historian and bestselling author Lord Andrew Roberts. The discussion will explore Winston Churchill’s relationship with America and offer historical insight into one of the most influential figures of the 20th century and the enduring ties between the United States and Great Britain.

Naval Academy Athletics News and results

Navy football snapped a three-game losing streak with a thrilling 42-35 victory over Temple on 7 November at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Junior quarterback Jackson Gutierrez powered the Midshipmen, rushing for 180 yards and a career-high five touchdowns while throwing for another score. Navy built a 28-0 first-half lead before Temple rallied to tie the game at 35 late in the fourth quarter. Gutierrez then led a nine-play, 75-yard drive, scoring the winning touchdown on a 4-yard run with 1:14 remaining. Navy’s defense sealed the victory with a final stop, improving the Mids to 3-6 overall.

Army has released its uniforms for this year's Army-Navy Game presented by USAA on 12 December 2026 on CBS! The Black Knights are honoring the 4th Infantry division! The 2026 Army-Navy Game uniform honors the 4th Infantry Division and more than a century of “Steadfast & Loyal” service. The design highlights the division’s role in Operation Atlantic Resolve from 2014-2019, when Ivy Soldiers strengthened deterrence and military readiness across Eastern Europe through joint and multinational exercises and a persistent forward presence. The uniform also recognizes the division’s service in the 25 years since the 11 September attacks, when Ivy Soldiers repeatedly answered the nation’s call. Army will carry that legacy onto the field 12 December, representing the division’s commitment to remaining ready, forward and prepared for any mission.

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Intercollegiate Sailing at ICSA Singlehanded National Championships - Completed

Offshore Sailing at Coast Guard Women’s Regatta - Completed

Men’s Lightweight Rowing at UVA Wahoo Henley - No Score

Women’s Rowing at Georgetown (Scrimmage) - No Score

Men’s Heavyweight Rowing at Drexel, Georgetown (Scrimmage) - No Score

Men’s Tennis vs. Navy Invite - No Team Score

Men’s Water Polo vs. Mount St. Mary’s - W, 18-5

Women’s Swimming & Diving vs. American - W, 160-33

Women’s Swimming & Diving vs. Lafayette - W, 263-36

Women’s Swimming & Diving at Bucknell - W, 171.5-127.5

Men’s Squash vs. Western - W, 5-4

Men’s Swimming & Diving vs. American - W, 230-67

Men’s Swimming & Diving vs. Lafayette - W, 204.5-94.5

Men’s Swimming & Diving at Bucknell - W, 167-132

Wrestling vs. Duke - W, 43-0

Women’s Basketball at Temple - L, 77-97

Football vs. Temple - W, 42-35

Wrestling vs. #19 Rutgers - L, 12-24

Men’s Squash vs. Kenyon - W, 7-0

Men’s Water Polo vs. Wagner - W, 22-10

Army-Navy Star Series matchups

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