2 Apr Daily Shipmate

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

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.

1951 - In the first use of jet aircraft as bombers, F9F Panthers of Fighter Squadron (VF) 191 off the aircraft carrier Princeton (CV-37) bombed the bridge at Songjin, North Korea. The core of this squadron consisted of pilots of the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team, which was disbanded for service in the Korean War.

 

2002 - LCDR Christopher Tragna '91, USN was lost when the aircraft he was aboard collided with another during takeoff from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. He was a member of the Naval Test Pilot School. “Trags” was survived by his wife, parents, brother, and half sister.

ACADEMY & GRADUATE HAPPENINGS

Join us in celebrating five incredible employees from our communications department who have all devoted 25+ years to the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation. Thank you for your commitment and impact! Pictured from left to right are Timothy Woodbury (26 years), Jackie Furton (28 years), Anne Sharpe (26 years), Sandy Spadaro (28 years) and Maria O'Shea (25 years).

Chet Gladchuk's tenure as the Naval Academy's Athletic Director will be remembered as a transformative period in the institution's athletic history.

 

Through his visionary leadership, he not only elevated Navy Athletics but also fostered a culture of excellence that extended far beyond the playing fields, leaving an indelible mark on the entire Academy.

 

Since taking on the role in 2001, Chet has been a driving force behind the modernization and enhancement of Navy's athletic facilities, ensuring that Midshipmen have access to world-class resources. His unwavering commitment to the student-athlete experience has helped Navy remain competitive at the highest levels while reinforcing the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance that define the Academy.

 

Beyond the athletic department, Gladchuk was a tireless advocate for alumni engagement, recognizing the crucial role that alumni philanthropy plays in sustaining a margin of excellence at USNA. His leadership spurred a wave of support from graduates, whose generosity has contributed to the continued growth and success of the Academy's programs. Under his guidance, private donations were leveraged to support not only sports but also academic and leadership initiatives, further strengthening the Academy's reputation as a premier institution of higher learning and military preparation.

 

On a personal level, I will always be eternally grateful for the three years Chet and I had to work together in our current roles. I learned a lot about Chet's work ethic, professionalism and collaborative approach. His mission-first mentality has not only made NAAA stronger, but his partnership with the Alumni Association & Foundation truly made our Enterprise better and enabled us to further support the physical mission at the Naval Academy.

 

As Chet Gladchuk steps away from his role, he leaves behind an enduring legacy. The Academy and its extended family of Midshipmen, alumni, and supporters owe him a profound debt of gratitude.

It was January in Kitsap County, Washington – a cold day, in a cold region, during the coldest month – when a young Naval Academy applicant got the call he had been waiting for since he started the process many months prior. That was when he heard the words he had been anxiously awaiting and represented the pinnacle of his high school experience. “You've been accepted to the Naval Academy.” Henry's father, Capt. Micah Maxwell, is himself a 1999 graduate of the Naval Academy and has had an extensive and diverse career notably serving as commanding officer of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Buffalo (SSN 715) and Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726), and most recently as the chief of staff of Submarine Group 9.

The 2025 Volunteer Leader Summit was held March 30–31 at the Fluegel Alumni Center, bringing together a vibrant cross-section of the Naval Academy volunteer community. With over 90 attendees representing 42 alumni chapters, 20 parent clubs, and 4 Shared Interest Groups, the event launched Volunteer Appreciation Month, focusing on collaboration, connection, and leadership development. This annual event kicked off with optional activities including brunch in King Hall, a tour of colonial Annapolis and a State House tour, followed by an evening Welcome Reception in the Blue & Gold Bar at the Fluegel Alumni Center. The next day, attendees heard from Alumni Association & Foundation leadership and learned about the latest programs and services offered by the AA&F. The group also heard about the academic initiatives at the Academy from Dr. Samara Firebaugh, USNA Academic Dean and Provost, and leadership lessons from Dr. Celeste Raver, Director of Influencer Development, Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership. The affiliate leaders participated in sessions ranging from best practices to myUSNA training, while also recognizing standout groups and sharing success stories. The Summit continues to serve as a cornerstone event that strengthens the shared mission of alumni and parent volunteers to support the Brigade and the greater Naval Academy family.  Check out this video from President and CEO Jeff Webb '95 kicking off the Summit and Volunteer Appreciation Month (April).

Reminder - Support alumni owned business owners and make merchandise readily available to our entire membership on the USNA AA&F Shop page. Golf gear? Cool blazers? Reunion-themed merch? Beautiful paintings from Easel on Stribling?

GOVERNMENT & MILITARY NEWS

Bonuses for enlisting and reenlisting in the military would be tax exempt under a bill introduced in the House on Tuesday. The bill, from Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., would afford all service members the same tax benefits as troops deployed to combat zones, who don't have to pay taxes on bonuses or other income they receive while deployed. "Military service members raise their right hands to defend our country and, in return, they deserve to keep every cent of the bonus they earn," Mast, an Army veteran who lost both of his legs while serving in Afghanistan, said in a statement. "This bill removes the unfair tax burden that has long affected military bonuses and keeps hard-earned money in the pockets of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Guardians."

You may have seen the ads on Instagram or watched the video spots on YouTube. Noom, a paid weight-loss app that has earned plaudits for getting results in its users, is hot. And it's now available for free to sailors who failed the service's Body Composition Assessment standards last year. As of Feb. 1, the Navy is offering the commercial version of Noom free for a year to these sailors in what the service calls its Fitness Enhancement Program. The Navy's contract with Noom, which is considered a one-year pilot program, is worth $466,560, paid for by excess funds released by Congress last fiscal year for quality of service initiatives.

LOCAL, EDUCATION & OTHER ACADEMY NEWS

Do you have amazing medical gouge for your classmates and other alumni but don't know how to share the resource or let others know what you have found? The USNA AA/F has created a space on myUSNA for just this purpose. There is a forum so you can ask medical related questions and have other alumni respond. There is a place to put links to documents you think other alumni will find useful. This is your opportunity to help others.

Twelve alums are currently signed up for the Toronto to Vancouver by Rail trip with the AA&F Travel Program May 20 – May 26, 2025. Join them and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime rail odyssey across Canada's five provinces, coasting through rolling prairies, rugged lake country and the towering peaks of the magnificent Rockies. This five-star adventure includes four unforgettable days and nights in Prestige Class aboard The Canadian, VIA Rail's iconic transcontinental train. A nostalgic tribute to the golden age of rail travel, this experience harkens the golden age of train travel.

For the first time ever, the choirs of all five of our nation's Service Academies will join together. The U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club will be joined by the choirs of U.S. Military Academy (West Point), U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs), U.S. Coast Guard Academy (New London), and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point) to present an unforgettable evening of music, featuring performances of The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins and Deep Field by Eric Whitacre. The concert is April 11th at 8pm. The Strathmore is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane North Bethesda, MD 20852. Tickets are FREE.

NAVAL ACADEMY ATHLETICS NEWS & RESULTS

Navy associate head men's basketball coach Emmett Davis announced his retirement on Tuesday after 40 years in coaching, 22 of those at the Naval Academy where he won 17 N-Stars. "I am so blessed to have been able to do a job that I loved and to have the satisfaction of influencing and impacting so many young men's lives," said Davis. "I would like to thank Coach DeChellis for bringing me back to Navy 10 years ago and for his leadership and friendship. I could have never done it without the unwavering support of my family. My wife, Gail, and our three sons, Emmett and his wife Taylor, Shane and Brendan. We look forward to watching the Navy program continue to prosper. This is a special group of players whose best basketball is in front of them.” Davis is also a USNA parent. His son, Emmett, graduated from USNA in 2021 and was a member of the football team.

The Naval Academy Athletic Association will conduct Sale of the Century XI on Saturday, April 12 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The sale will run from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM in conjunction with the Army-Navy men's lacrosse game at 12:30 PM. A game ticket will be required to enter the stadium starting at 11:00 AM and there will be a $10 charge to park.  Parking will be by credit card only. The NAAA will be selling a wide variety of Navy equipment and team apparel including shoes, lacrosse sticks, baseball bats, golf bags, game jerseys, shorts, t-shirts, hats and travel bags.

Today's Matchup

Baseball vs Maryland Eastern Shore - Annapolis, Md. - 5 p.m.

Army Leads 11-9. (Navy - Baseball, 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

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 - Navy Lax Old Goat Career Conference Happy Hour - Forward Brewing - Annapolis

11 Apr - Council for Annual Giving Meeting - Fluegel Alumni Center

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

12 Apr - NAAA Sale of the Century

17 Apr - Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Networking event - Fluegel - 4 p.m.

19 Apr - Women's Crew vs Georgetown on the Severn. Finish visible from Hospital Point.

21-27 Apr - Huntsville, Alabama Navy Week

23 April - Bonds of Gold Ceremony Class of 1977 and Class of 2027 - Mahan Hall

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

27 Apr - Frogman Swim to benefit the SEAL Foundation - Severn River

29 Apr - Erik Kristensen Memorial Lecture - St. John's College

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

12-18 May - Richmond, VA Navy Week

14 May - Class of 2028 Herndon Climb

16-18 May - USA Warriors Sled Hockey Event

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

 

16-22 Jun - Anchorage, Alaska Navy Week

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

30 Jun-6 Jul - Duluth, Minnesota Navy Week

 

4-10 Aug - Sioux Falls, South Dakota Navy Week

18-24 Aug - Columbus, Ohio Navy Week

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

25-31 Aug - Springfield, Missouri Navy Week

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, Tulsa, OK.

14 Sep - Annapolis Travis Manion 9/11 Heroes Run

15-21 Sep - Wichita Falls, Texas Navy Week

18-19 Sep - McMullen Naval History Symposium - USNA

22-28 Sep - Hartford, CT Navy Week

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

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

25-31 - Eugene, Oregon Navy Week

 

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

10-16  Nov - Santa Fe, New Mexico Navy Week.

14 Nov - Athletic & Scholarship Fall Board Meeting, Navy/Marine Corps Stadium

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