11 Mar Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

1778 - Marines participated in the action when the Continental Navy frigate Boston, enroute to France, sighted, engaged, and captured the British merchant ship Martha. As the drum of the Boston beat to arms, John Adams seized a musket and joined the Marines on deck until the frigate's captain, Samuel Tucker, sent him below for safety.

2013 - LCDR Alan Patterson '00, USN, LT Valerie Delaney '09, USN, and LTjg William McIlvaine III '10, USN were lost when the EA-6B Prowler they were aboard crashed in Washington. They were members of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129.

ACADEMY & GRADUATE HAPPENINGS

The Alumni Association & Foundation is proud to host an event for the family of Pete Medhurst at the FAC April 3rd, 2025 at 5:00p.m. Organized by Capital Gazette sports editor Bill Wagner and Bryan Powell of the Graduate Hotel, Wagner and Navy Football sideline reporter Keith Mills will host a Q&A session about Pete, Navy Football and all Naval Academy sports at 5pm in the FAC Blue & Gold Bar. A reception at the bar will follow. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased by contacting Bryan Powell at the Graduate Hotel at [email protected].

HD Hyundai reinforces global security ties with U.S. Naval Academy engagement 

HD Hyundai Vice Chairman Chung Ki-sun visited the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland on March 7 (local time), marking a significant step in fostering maritime innovation and strengthening the Korea-U.S. alliance. During his visit, Chung met with key officials, including Superintendent Yvette M. Davids and Dean Samara Firebaugh, to discuss future development and research in the maritime field. Chung's visit to the U.S. Naval Academy underscores HD Hyundai's commitment to advancing shipbuilding technology and enhancing global security. The academy, renowned for its rigorous training programs, serves as a fitting venue for discussions on maritime innovation, given its focus on naval engineering and maritime studies.

GOVERNMENT & MILITARY NEWS

The Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) has been awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) by the Chief of Naval Operations in recognition of its exceptional performance in training student naval aviators. This honor highlights CNATRA's commitment to excellence in naval aviation training from October 2022 to March 2024. During this period, CNATRA achieved unprecedented success in preparing the next generation of naval aviators. CNATRA stayed committed to providing top-notch aviation training, using the latest technology and embracing new, innovative methods, which resulted in two consecutive years of exceeding Naval Aviation production requirements. "The men and women of CNATRA have demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment to the mission," said Rear Admiral Rich Brophy '91, Chief of Naval Air Training.

A native of Carmel, California, Rear Adm. Rich Brophy received his commission in 1991 from the U.S. Naval Academy, and in 1994 was designated a Naval Aviator. He is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), Troy State University and U.S. Naval War College.

Thirty years ago today, USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, was launched and christened in honor of the U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Alfredo Cantu "Freddy" Gonzalez of Edinburg, Texas. Sgt. Gonzalez served in the Vietnam War from 1965 until his death in 1968 during the Battle of Huế City, where he displayed extraordinary bravery during his second deployment. For his heroism, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His mother, Dolia Gonzalez, accepted the medal on his behalf at a White House ceremony on Oct 31, 1969. More than 25 years after the ceremony, the keel of USS Gonzalez was laid, and the ship was christened on Feb 18, 1995.

Commander Ashley Carline is a native of San Diego, California. She was commissioned in 2007 and graduated from the United States Naval Academy, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics. She holds a Master of Science degree in Operations Research and earned her Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I from Naval Postgraduate School. Following Postgraduate studies, she attended Defense Language Institute, where she completed the French curriculum.

When Ryan Zinke entered the House of Representatives in 2014 as the junior member from Montana, he was something of an anomaly. A three-decade veteran of the U.S. Navy SEALs, Zinke was the first member of the elite special force unit to serve in the House and only the second ever to serve in Congress. But now, a decade after Zinke came to Washington, the elite unit has infiltrated a different kind of hostile territory: Congress. When the 119th Congress was gaveled into session in January, Zinke counted six former SEALs as his colleagues, the most ever: Reps. Eli Crane of Arizona, Morgan Luttrell and Dan Crenshaw of Texas, Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin, John McGuire of Virginia and freshman Sen. Tim Sheehy '08 of Montana.

LOCAL, EDUCATION & OTHER ACADEMY NEWS

Robert D. Culler passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack at his home on March 6, 2025. “Bob” was born on November 6, 1951. Bob graduated from Washington High School and then entered into the Naval Academy. He graduated from United States Naval Academy in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree as a member of the 6th Company. After completing his service obligation, he pursued a career in the telecom business. Later in 1990 he earned an MBA in Business Administration from Campbell University. Bob became very active in the Navy League where he served in many positions including most recently Vice President of Membership. He was even awarded a certificate of appreciation based on his commitment and service to the organization. He also was the President of the Naval Academy Alumni Association for 10 years where he organized several social events to bring the Kansas City Chapter together.

The romantic splendor of the Douro River is yours to enjoy on this spectacular journey. Stay in lively Lisbon, packed with maritime legacies and historic charms; visit colorful Porto; and cruise along the revered Douro River. Along the way, you'll learn about the Alto Douro's winemaking history, witness the elegance of Salamanca, Spain, and explore charming villages with stories to share. These experiences and more await on this sun-kissed sojourn! Lisbon | Porto | Alto Douro Wine Region. Starting from $4,890/person.

Annapolis Film Festival announces 2025 lineup, opens with The Ballad of Wallis Island

The 13th annual Annapolis Film Festival will open on March 27, 2025, with The Ballad of Wallis Island, a critically acclaimed film from Focus Features. Directed by James Griffiths, the film stars Carey Mulligan, Tom Basden, and Tim Key. It follows an eccentric lottery winner who attempts to reunite his favorite band for a private performance, reigniting old tensions among its members. The opening night event will begin with a red carpet at 6:30 p.m. at Maryland Hall's Main Theater, followed by the screening at 7:15 p.m. An after-party will take place at 9:30 p.m., featuring live music and a curated menu from The Palate Pleasers.

NAVAL ACADEMY ATHLETICS NEWS & RESULTS

Yesterday's Results

Men's Golf at The Hayt - 15th place out of 15 teams.

Women's Basketball v Holy Cross - L 66-52

Army Leads 11-8. (Navy - Men's Basketball, Men's Rugby, Men's Cross Country, Football, Gymnastics, Rifle, Men's Indoor Track & Field, Women's Indoor Track & Field; Army - Women's Basketball, Wrestling, Volleyball, Sprint Football, Golf, Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer, Women's Cross Country, W Rugby, Men's Swim and Dive, Women's Swim and Dive)

 

 

5 Apr - Women's Outdoor Track & Field - Annapolis - TBA 

5 Apr - Men's Outdoor Track & Field - Annapolis - TBA

5 Apr - Women's Tennis - West Point - 10 a.m.

12 Apr - Men's Tennis - West Point - 1 p.m.

12 Apr - W. Lacrosse - West Point - 12:30 p.m.

12 Apr - M. Lacrosse - Annapolis - 2:30 p.m.

USNA AND AA&F EVENTS

MARCH

7 Mar - A&SP Policy Review Committee Meeting - Fluegel (Bastian Conference Room)

7-16 Mar - USNA Spring Break

12-13 Mar - SACC Atlanta

13 Mar - Survivor Advocacy Network Trauma Webinar - “Boundaries & Dealing With Shame”

17 Mar - SW Washington/Oregon + NAPC of Oregon Roadshow - Portland, OR

18 Mar - Hanford Tri-Cities Chapter + NAPC of Washington Roadshow - Richland, WA

19 Mar - Northwest ID Chapter + NAPC of Idaho Roadshow - Coeur d'Alene, ID

20 Mar - Southern ID Chapter + NAPC of Idaho Roadshow - Boise, ID

21 Mar -  A&SP Executive Committee Meeting - Fluegel (Bastian Conference Room)

22 Mar - Annual Gathering for USNA Women - Fluegel Alumni Center

22 Mar - Fencing (club) Alumni Meet - Dahlgren Hall

26 Mar - Alumni Mentoring Program (AMP) Class of 2025 enrollment

30-31 Mar - Volunteer Leader Summit - Fluegel Alumni Center

 

APRIL

3 Apr - Pete Medhurst Remembrance Event - Fluegel Alumni Center - 5-8 p.m.

4 Apr - Annapolis Cup Social - Cannon Shot Documentary screening - Fluegel Alumni Center

5 Apr - Annapolis Cup - USNA-St. John's Croquet Match

5 Apr - Women's Lacrosse Alumni Appreciation Day (Home Game vs. Holy Cross)

10-12 Apr - Class of 1955 - 70th Reunion

11 Apr - Athletic & Scholarship Programs Spring Meeting - Akerson Tower

11-12 Apr - Men's Soccer Alumni Weekend

12 Apr - Navy Letterwinners Association Army/Navy Men's Lacrosse Tailgate

23 April - Bonds of Gold Ceremony

24 Apr - AA&F Vietnam Legacy of Valor Series Speaker Event - FAC

24-27 Apr - Class of 1970 - 55th Reunion

25 Apr - Council of Class Presidents Spring Meeting, Fluegel, TBD

25 Apr - USNA Dedication Parade, Worden Field

30 Apr - USNA Capstone Day

30 Apr - USNA Foundation Spring Board of Directors Welcome Reception

 

MAY

1 May - USNA Foundation Spring BOD meeting, Fluegel Alumni Center

6-8 May - Class of 1957 - 70th Reunion

7-9 May - USNA Alumni Association Spring BOT Meeting, Fluegel Alumni Center

8-9 May - SACC Washington DC

14 May - Class of 2028 Herndon Climb

21 May -  Blue Angels CFR Event - Hospital Point, USNA

22 May - Color Parade, Worden Field

22 May - USNA Prizes & Awards, Alumni Hall, 2 p.m.

23 May - Class of 2025 Naval Academy Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony, NMCMS

 

25 Jun - Athletic & Scholarship Program Pre-I Day Reception, Fluegel Alumni Center

26 Jun - USNA Induction Day, Class of 2029

 

17-18 Jul - Entrepreneur Summit, Fluegel Alumni Center

 

22 Aug - FONS Starting Gun Reception - Severn Sailing Association - 6 p.m.

24 Aug - Annapolis 10 Miler - Run to Honor is a charity partner

23 Aug - Friends of Navy Sailing Supe brief, race and Sail Navy Banquet

28-31 Aug - Class of 1960 - 65th Reunion

30 Aug - Navy vs VMI, NMCMS, Annapolis, MD

26 May - Run to Honor - Reading the names of the fallen alumni heroes in Memorial Hall

26 May - Run to Honor Nationwide Walk/Runs

 

 

6 Sep - Navy Football vs University of Alabama Birmingham, NMCMS, Annapolis, MD

13 Sep - Navy Football vs Tulsa, NMCMS, Annapolis, MD

27 Sep - Navy Football vs Rice, NMCMS, Annapolis, MD

 

 

2 Oct - Presidents Circle Welcome Reception, Fluegel

2-4 Oct - Presidents Circle Weekend

2-5 Oct - Class of 1990 – 35th Reunion

2-5 Oct - Class of 1995 – 30 Reunion

4 Oct - Navy Football vs Air Force, NMCMS, Annapolis, MD

11 Oct - Navy Football @ Temple, Lincoln Financial Stadium, Philadelphia, PA

14 Oct - Athletic & Scholarship Fall Board Meeting, Fluegel - TBD

23-26 Oct - Class of 1965 - 60th Reunion

23-26 Oct - Class of 1975 – 50th Reunion

25 Oct - Navy Football vs Florida Atlantic, NMCMS, Annapolis, MD

25 Oct - United States Naval Academy Homecoming

25 Oct - Welcome Home Event, Fluegel Alumni Center

 

1 Nov - Navy Football @ University of North Texas, DATCU Stadium, Denton, TX

5-6 Nov - US Naval Academy Foundation Fall Board of Directors Reception/Meeting

8 Nov - Navy Football @ Notre Dame, Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN

14 Nov - Fall A&SP Trustee Meeting - Annapolis

15 Nov - Navy Football vs University of South Florida, NMCMS, Annapolis, MD

17 Nov - Council of Class Presidents, (Fall COCP Meeting), Fluegel

18-19 Nov - US Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustee Fall Meeting, Fluegel

27 Nov - Navy Football @ University of Memphis, Liberty Bowl, Memphis, TN

 

 

5/6 Dec - American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game, TBD

6 Dec - Distinguished Graduate Selection Committee Meeting, Fluegel, TBD

13 Dec - Army-Navy, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD