21 Mar Daily Shipmate

Friday, March 21, 2025

1957 - In a round-trip coast-to-coast flight between Los Angeles and New York, an A3D Skywarrior flown by Commander Dale Cox '43 established new west-to-east (9 hours, 31 minutes, 35.4 seconds) and east-to-west (5 hours, 12 minutes, 39.24 seconds) transcontinental speed records.

 

1991 - LCDR Robert Nemecek '80, USN, LT Jay Williamson '86, USN, LT Dennis Redmond '86, USN, LT Mark Hamilton '87, USN, LT Ned Metcalf, Jr. '87, USN, and LTjg Martin Cox '88, USN were lost when the two P-3 Orion aircraft they were aboard collided over the Pacific Ocean near San Diego. Twenty-seven men — the full crews of both aircraft — were killed. They were members of Patrol Squadron (VP) 50.

ACADEMY & GRADUATE HAPPENINGS

Welcome to another great episode of the Sing Second podcast. We bring you the stories and happenings at the Naval Academy and the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation (AA&F). A great interview this week with Matt Willmann '10. Matt is the engine behind the USNA Entrepreneurs group. You can get more information on the group and its events at www.usnaentrepreneurs.com. Matt talks about the group's mission to invest in the talents and ideas of fellow USNA alumni, ignite the potential of our Naval Academy peers, and glean insights and inspiration from those making a meaningful impact. Matt walks us through his journey as a Submariner and why he entered the civilian workforce when he did…and why he gives back to his Alma Mater now. Chris and John also chat about the recent PACNORWEST roadshow, the upcoming engagement events in New England, the retirement of Ed DeChellis and the return to earth for Sunita Williams!! That and more on the best Alumni Association and Foundation podcast there is. Give a listen. Beat Army...always.

LISTEN ON

Last night, Jeff Webb '95, President & CEO, and Nancy Murray, Senior Director of Engagement, wrapped up the March roadshow in Boise, ID. They met with alumni and parents in Southern Idaho to share the latest on Alumni Association programming and learn how we can better support our members, chapters and parent clubs. Before Boise, Nancy also visited alumni and parents in Portland, OR; the Tri-Cities in Washington; and Coeur d'Alene, ID as part of a four-year plan to visit all chapters and parent clubs across the country. The roadshow truly showcases the power of our mission by engaging more alumni and parents, strengthening local chapters and parent clubs, and revitalizing quieter affiliates. The connections made and the enthusiasm to support one another are truly inspiring. The roadshow continues next month when TJ Grady '96, EVP of Engagement & Communication, joins Nancy as they head to Boston, MA; Norwalk, CT; Providence, RI; and Portland, ME. They look forward to future events and meeting more of you! For information about these upcoming visits and to register, visit the chapter and parent club sites on myUSNA.

Michigan State associate head coach Doug Wojcik, Tom Izzo's right-hand man, could potentially be moving on after this season. Sources close to the situation have informed Michigan State Spartans On SI (Spartan Nation) that Wojcik is a person of interest to succeed Ed DeChellis as the men's basketball head coach at the Naval Academy, Wojcik's alma mater. DeChellis announced on Wednesday that he will retire, concluding a 14-year career as head coach of the Midshipmen. Spartan Nation believes Wojcek would be interested.

GOVERNMENT & MILITARY NEWS

Does the U.S. military need another service academy? Two former graduates of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point think so. Michael LaValle, a former infantry soldier who now works in finance and retired Army Lt. Col. DeVan Shannon, who teaches at the Joint Special Operations University, envision a full-size military academy — akin to West Point or the U.S. Air Force Academy — dedicated to the military's use of space, cyber, and robotics. The two believe those subjects will be vital to the military in the future but are given short shrift at current schools. The two told Task & Purpose that a new approach to academy education would embrace officers learning simultaneously from the public and private sector, where innovation in space, cyber and robotics is moving rapidly.

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams '87 are finally back on Earth after spending more than nine months in orbit on the International Space Station, splashing down off the coast of Florida on Tuesday evening. The duration of their time in space was unexpectedly long after launching on June 5, 2024, with the mission to stay on the ISS for nearly a week. Due to issues with the Boeing Starliner flight to the space station, however, the return flight was delayed. In November, NASA's chief health and medical officer had to push back against tabloid rumors that the astronauts' health was deteriorating.

The U.S. Air Force is sending teams to a number of bases to ensure compliance with President Donald Trump's executive orders related to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, according to a Monday press release. The service will send teams consisting of approximately five reviewers to nine installations to evaluate how such orders are being implemented, an Air Force spokesperson told Military Times on Wednesday.

Veterans will be among what could be as many as 60,000 employees cut from the Defense Department's civilian workforce, a senior defense official told reporters on Tuesday. The cuts, which could include tens of thousands of veterans, come as the Pentagon looks to chop between 5 and 8% of its civilian workforce for “more mission-critical functions,” said the official, who spoke on the condition their name not be used under rules established by the Pentagon. As of fiscal year 2021, the Defense Department employed more than 330,000 veterans, which made up 45.8% of the department's civilian employees, according to the Office of Personnel Management's most recent report on veterans employed by the federal government. “There will be some veterans impacted by the workforce reductions,” said the senior defense official, who did not specify exactly how many veterans could leave the Defense Department.

LOCAL, EDUCATION & OTHER ACADEMY NEWS

Transformation Systems Incorporated (TSi) welcomed Greta Spitz Densham '00 as their new VP of Programs. A 24-year Navy veteran, Greta brings mission-driven leadership to TSi, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), as they expand federal workforce transformation solutions. Her expertise in leadership training, operational research, and strategic analytics will drive innovation and excellence across TSi's programs. TSi is led by Shawn James '89.

Melbourne-based ElectraLith Pty Ltd ("ElectraLith") today announced the appointment of Vincent D. McBeth '87 as Vice President - North America. McBeth's appointment follows the December announcement of ElectraLith's oversubscribed Series A capital raise, comprising a world class investor syndicate. As Vice President - North America, McBeth will oversee all aspects of ElectraLith's activities in the region including commercial, operational, financial, media and investor matters. McBeth will also lead ElectraLith's engagements at the federal, state and local level throughout the US. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, McBeth is also a distinguished and exceptionally well-regarded former Naval Officer. In his 22 years of service, McBeth commanded two warships, was a White House Fellow, served as Aide to the Secretary of the Navy, and served as Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Coming into Annapolis for the USNA Women's Gathering or to check out the Navy Baseball doubleheader? The Annapolis Running Festival will be running their Half Marathon, 10K & 5K on Saturday, 22 MAR 2025. The course begins & ends at the Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and will pass by Gate 1, King George St and Gate 8.  Gate 1 & Gate 8 vehicle traffic will be significantly affected. The run will impact the Yard and housing residents on both North Severn and USNA sides of the river. The race begins at 7:00 a.m. While all traffic impacts should be cleared by 10:30 a.m., there may be residual delays. 

NAVAL ACADEMY ATHLETICS NEWS & RESULTS

Weekend Matches

Wrestling vs NCAA Championship - Philadelphia, Pa. - Noon

Baseball vs Bucknell - Annapolis, Md. - 4 p.m.

 

Women's Golf vs Delaware - Annapolis, Md. - TBA

Intercollegiate Sailing at Aaron Szambecki Team Race - Norfolk, Va. - All Day

Intercollegiate Sailing at Georgetown Women's Team Race - Washington, D.C. - All Day

Intercollegiate Sailing at Admiral Moore Team Race - Bronx, N.Y. - All Day

Blue-N*-Gold - 2025 Spring Football Open Stadium Practice

Men's Lightweight Rowing at Princeton - Princeton, N.J. - 10 a.m.

Wrestling vs NCAA Championship - Philadelphia, Pa. - 11 a.m.

Men's Track & Field - vs Virginia Opener - Charlottesville, Va. - 11 a.m.

Women's Track & Field vs Virginia Opener - Charlottesville, Va. - 11 a.m.

Women's Tennis at Lehigh - Bethlehem, Pa. - 11 a.m.

Men's Lacrosse at Holy Cross - Worcester, Mass. - Noon

Men's Rugby at No. 13 Mary Washington - Fredericksburg, VA - Noon

Men's Tennis at Coppin State - Baltimore, Md. - Noon

Men's Tennis at Brown - Providence, R.I. - Noon

Baseball vs Bucknell - Annapolis, Md. - 1 p.m.

Women's Basketball at Old Dominion University - Norfolk, Va. - 2 p.m.

Women's Lacrosse at Bucknell - Lewisburg, Pa. - 3 p.m.

Baseball vs Bucknell - Annapolis, Md. - 3:30 p.m.

Men's Soccer at Loyola - Baltimore, Md. / Ridley Athletic Complex - 5 p.m.

Women's Soccer vs William & Mary - Richmond, Va. (Sportsbackers Stadium) - 7 p.m.

 

Intercollegiate Sailing at Georgetown Women's Team Race - Washington, D.C. - All Day

Intercollegiate Sailing at Aaron Szambecki Team Race - Norfolk, Va. - All Day

Intercollegiate Sailing at Admiral Moore Team Race - Bronx, N.Y. - All Day

Women's Rugby Navy 7's - Annapolis, Md. - 9 a.m.

Men's Tennis vs Boston U. - Boston, Mass. (Harvard) - 10 a.m.

Women's Tennis at Bucknell - Lewisburg, Pa. - Noon

Baseball vs Bucknell - Annapolis, Md. - 1 p.m.

Men's Tennis vs Temple - Annapolis, Md. - 1 p.m.

USNA AND AA&F EVENTS

MARCH

21 Mar -  A&SP Executive Committee Meeting - Fluegel Alumni Center

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

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)

6 Apr - Boston Chapter + NAPC of New England Roadshow - Cambridge, MA

7 Apr - Connecticut Chapter + NAPC of Connecticut Roadshow - Norwalk, CT

8 Apr - Rhode Island Chapter + NAPC of New England Roadshow - Providence, RI

9 Apr - Maine Chapter + NAPC of New England Roadshow - Portland, ME

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 - Fluegel Alumni Center

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

16-18 May - USA Warriors Sled Hockey

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

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

26 May - Run to Honor Nationwide Walk/Runs

 

17-18 Jun - Entrepreneur Summit, Fluegel Alumni Center

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

26 Jun - USNA Induction Day, Class of 2029

 

21-22 Aug - SACC San Diego

22 Aug - Friends of Navy Sailing Starting Gun Reception: Severn Sailing Association - 6 p.m.

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

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

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

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

 

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, Navy/Marine Corps Stadium

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

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

19-20 Nov - SACC Chicago

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