3 Apr Daily Shipmate

Thursday, April 3, 2025

1942 - Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Class of 1905, assumes additional duties as Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas (CINCPOA), responsible for operations in the North, Central, and South Pacific.

 

1943 - LCDR Augustus Alston, Jr. '31, USN, LCDR Thomas Sharp '35, USN, LT Wade Shaffer, Jr. '38, USN, LT Harvey Moore, Jr. '38, USNR, and LCDR Richard Helm '39, USNwere all killed in action when USS Pickerel (SS 177) was sunk by Japanese vessels north of Honshū. LCDR Alston was the boat's commanding officer and LCDR Sharp was executive officer.

1945 - On Okinawa, Marines of the III Amphibious Corps continued to make good progress all along their front, clearing Zampa Misaki and seizing the Katchin Peninsula, thus effectively cutting the island in two. By this date (D+2), III AC elements had reached objectives thought originally to require 11 days to take.

ACADEMY & GRADUATE HAPPENINGS

The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation (AA&F) is proud to announce a seven-figure gift from Jim '87 and Julie Matheson to support the launch of The Center for Energy Security and Infrastructure Resilience (CESIR) at the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA). Their gift coincides with the appointment of Dr. Robert Fishman '73 as the inaugural Jim and Julie Matheson Class of 1987 Director of CESIR. Their gift will also support the Naval Academy Fund, providing flexible resources to advance the mission of the Academy.

 

“Julie and I are honored to be able to support the vital and timely work of the newly established Center for Energy Security and Infrastructure Resilience” shared Jim Matheson.  “The interdependent topics of energy security and infrastructure resilience are central to national and global imperatives, and CESIR's mission of ensuring that the future leaders of the Navy and Marine Corps understand the risks and opportunities in these areas is mission critical. We are especially grateful to Superintendent Davids and Provost Firebaugh for their vision in establishing CESIR, and for Dr. Fishman's commitment to launching and leading it, and look forward to working with them to grow CESIR's impact in the coming years”      

 

Jim Matheson earned a Bachelor of Science degree with Merit from USNA in 1987 and later obtained an MBA from Harvard Business School (HBS). He served as a Navy F-14/18 pilot and TOPGUN Instructor, retiring from the Naval Reserves as a Commander in 2008. Jim serves on the Entrepreneurship Faculty at Harvard Business School, and as a Special Partner at Engine Ventures and Venture Partner at Breakthrough Energy Ventures.  Julie Matheson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from The Ohio State University and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Counseling and Psychology from Lesley University, and is an author, mental health therapist, and Founder of Lotus Flower Living.

 

Jim has been deeply engaged with the Naval Academy community, serving for 35 years as a Class of 1987 Officer including 20 years as President, and previously as the Vice President of the Boston USNA Alumni Chapter. He and Julie split their time between Boise, Idaho, and Cambridge, Massachusetts and regularly host alumni gatherings to promote alumni engagement and connection.

 

Jim and Julie Matheson's gift represents a significant step forward in advancing CESIR's mission while demonstrating the critical role of philanthropy in sustaining the Academy's leadership in energy security and resilience. The Center, established in the spring of 2024, is dedicated to addressing the complex challenges of preparing future Navy and Marine Corps officers to navigate evolving global energy and security landscapes.  CESIR is also dedicated to bolstering USNA's infrastructure by enhancing energy resilience and developing mitigation strategies during extreme weather events. Additionally, CESIR provides interdisciplinary professional training, special lectures, and collaboration opportunities with government agencies, universities, and industry leaders to ensure USNA remains at the forefront of energy and resilience education.

 

Dr. Fishman has dedicated his career to power generation, renewable energy, and energy economics, with expertise in power grid operations, systems integration, optimization, reliability, and thermal hydraulics.  Dr. Fishman's extensive leadership experience includes serving as President and CEO of NAES Corporation, COO of General Atomics, and key executive roles at Calpine Corporation and PB Power. A graduate of USNA and former U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer, Fishman also holds advanced degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Fishman remains an influential voice in engineering, energy, and aviation history, and previously served as a USNA Alumni Association Trustee for the Puget Sound Chapter. 

 

“The dual challenges of energy security and the impact on critical infrastructure are important issues that are impacting the Yard today and will challenge our midshipmen in their future careers as Navy and Marine Corps officers,” said Provost Samara Firebaugh. “The primary mission of the Center is to prepare midshipmen to meet these challenges with access to first-class resources and subject matter expertise.”

 

As an organization, the AA&F serves 69,000 living alumni and the broader USNA community, ensuring that Midshipmen and graduates alike have the resources and opportunities to lead and serve at their highest potential for the nation's benefit. The philanthropy of alumni and donors enhances the Academy's core mission, supplementing federal funding with crucial support. 

 

“The generosity and support of our alumni remain the driving forces for our success as an Enterprise and the success of the Naval Academy,” said Jeff Webb, President and CEO of the Alumni Association & Foundation. “This is yet another example of the philanthropy of an alumnus creating a margin of excellence that continues to propel USNA forward. Across the moral, mental and physical missions at Annapolis, the contributions of our alumni make a difference and help create a better warfighter for the Navy and Marine Corps. I want to personally thank Jim and Julie for making a difference and leading through their generosity.”

The Brigade of Midshipmen greeted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with thunderous applause upon his arrival to King Hall at the U.S. Naval Academy this afternoon to kick off the defense secretary's first visit to the academy since his confirmation in January. Hegseth shook hands with the future officers, before stepping to the podium at the dining hall's center to deliver remarks. "I'm honored to stand before you," Hegseth began. "About 30 minutes ago, I was sitting in the Oval Office with the Commander in Chief, Donald [J.] Trump. I have never witnessed a leader more focused … on directly advancing America first in every single decision he makes, including how he leads the military and how he deploys troops." Hegseth extended the president's greetings to the brigade.

Throughout 2025, AA&F and Shipmate Magazine are commemorating the service and sacrifice of Naval Academy alumni who served in the Vietnam War. For all who stood watch, we honor your service and will not forget.The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation (AA&F) is excited to announce the hosting of a roundtable discussion moderated by ADM Robert Natter '67, USN (Ret.), at 3:30 p.m. on 24 April at the Fluegel Alumni Center. The panel will include Vietnam-era Navy SEAL alums. Active Duty Navy SEALs from the yard will be in attendance, as well as many of the 2025 Navy SEAL selectees from USNA. Cost is $10 for USNA alumni.

The U.S. Naval Academy has removed nearly 400 books from its library after being told by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's office to review and get rid of ones that promote diversity, equity and inclusion, U.S. officials said Tuesday. Academy officials were told to review the library late last week, and an initial search had identified about 900 books for a closer look. They decided on nearly 400 to remove and began doing so Monday, finishing before Hegseth arrived for a visit Tuesday that had already been planned and was not connected to the library purge, officials said. A list of the books has not yet been made available.

GOVERNMENT & MILITARY NEWS

The nominee to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told a Senate panel the U.S. lagged in deploying new technology in part due to dated acquisition rules but stopped short of advocating for a wholesale rewrite of how the Pentagon buys material. Speaking before the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday, retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, 56, said the current processes of weighing requirements and developing new systems and technologies were too slow.

Within the armed forces, a variety of educational benefits are available that allow service members to both improve themselves and make themselves more valuable to their service branch. One example is the Military Tuition Assistance Program. The program is available to enlisted personnel, officers and warrant officers in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force and Coast Guard and is available only while personnel are still in service. Through tuition assistance, service members can fund their civilian education with up to $250 per credit hour, not exceeding $4,500 annually. The program covers tuition and lab fees.

LOCAL, EDUCATION & OTHER ACADEMY NEWS

It appears Michigan State basketball will be retaining one of its top assistant coaches. Navy is reportedly going to promote its Associate Head Coach Jon Perry to the permanent head coach role, according to CBS Sports analyst Jon Rothstein. This is notable news for Michigan State because Spartans associate head coach Doug Wojcik was widely considered one of the leading candidates for the Midshipmen head coaching gig. Wojcik played for Navy in the 80's where he was a team captain experienced a ton of success on the court. He was also an assistant coach for the Midshipmen in the 90's. So when the role became open last month, he was a clear cut favorite for the position.

In late January, the 225+ Surface Warfare Officer-select Midshipmen picked their ships in one of USNA's signature events - Ship Selection Night. Here is an interview with two of our Athletic & Scholarship Program (A&SP) Mids about their selections.

NAVAL ACADEMY ATHLETICS NEWS & RESULTS

Naval Academy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk announced on Wednesday that Jon Perry has been named the 20th head men's basketball coach at the Naval Academy. Perry will succeed his mentor, Ed DeChellis, who retired on March 19 after 14 seasons at the Naval Academy. Perry just completed his 12th season at the Naval Academy and has played a key role in the development of Navy's offensive game plan, opponent scouting and film breakdown. Additionally, he has served as the recruiting coordinator and the head coach of the Navy developmental team.

Today's Matchup

Baseball vs Maryland Eastern Shore - W 7-6

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 - 9:30 a.m.

5 Apr - Men's Outdoor Track & Field - Annapolis - 9:30 a.m.

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

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

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

12 Apr - W. Lacrosse - West Point - 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