8 Apr Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

1944 - CDR John Shaffer, III '30, USN died of wounds suffered the previous day during a successful attack on the German submarine U-856. He was the commanding officer of USS Champlin (DD 601) at the time. John was aboard USS Arizona (BB 39) at the time of her destruction on December 7, 1941.

ACADEMY & GRADUATE HAPPENINGS

Capt. Gilbert E. Clark, Jr., was recently selected to become the 91st Commandant of Midshipmen of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. A native of San Diego, he is a USNA Class of 1998 graduate and most recently served as the first commander, Naval Surface Group Southwest. The Naval Academy Commandant is similar to the Dean of Students at a civilian university and is responsible for the day-to-day conduct, military training, and professional development of approximately 4,400 midshipmen. Clark will replace the current Commandant of Midshipmen, Capt. Walter H. Allman III, during a change of leadership ceremony scheduled for June 2025. Allman has been selected for promotion to the grade of rear admiral (lower half), and will depart this summer after a successful one-year assignment to serve in the Fleet in his next assignment.

The annual Annapolis Cup croquet match between the U.S. Naval Academy and St. John's College brought out big crowds and friendly competition, with the Naval Academy reclaiming the trophy. St. John's College was recognized for best uniform, arriving dressed like croquet fields. USNA's Bill the Goat earned best mascot honors, Naptown Brass Band won for liveliest music, and dancers were awarded for bringing the most energy to the event. The match has been a beloved tradition in Annapolis since 1983. This Annapolis Cup featured a dedicated tent for the Alumni Association & Foundation directly next to the Croquet pitch. Dozens of alumni, their families, local chapter volunteers and corporate sponsors joined the AA&F staff in the tent to take in the big match. The tent was catered by our partners at Main & Market. Next year's tent … we're going for bigger and better!

Our Engagement and Foundation staff spent the weekend in Boston and Monday in Connecticut. AA&F hosted a USNA Faculty Discussion and Luncheon hosted by Jim Matheson '87 and Dr. Bob Fishman '73, among others. AA&F was proud to announce a seven-figure gift from Jim '87 and Julie Matheson last week to support the launch of The Center for Energy Security and Infrastructure Resilience (CESIR) at the U.S. Naval Academy. Their gift coincided with the appointment of Dr. Robert Fishman '73 as the inaugural Jim and Julie Matheson Class of 1987 Director of CESIR. The Engagement team also connected with the local Chapter and Parents Clubs in Boston and Connecticut area. No trip to Boston is complete without a trip to Fenway, where the Red Sox won 5-4 in extra innings. And in CT, the alums, parents and staff met at Sono 1420, a Double Gold award-winning distillery known for their ultra-premium brand whiskeys, vodkas and ready-to-drink vodka based cocktails, innovative Threesome Ready-to-Mix Cocktails and botanical gins. Sono 1420 is owned by 1981 alum, Ted Dumbauld.

GOVERNMENT & MILITARY NEWS

USS Iowa (SSN-797), the 24th submarine of the Virginia-class, was commissioned at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut, on Saturday. The 7,800-ton nuclear attack boat is at least the fifth ship named for the state in American naval service, and follows in the steps of two battleships that saw service in the World Wars and Korea. The last Iowa was BB-61, the lead hull in the four-ship World War II Iowa-class. Present at the event, alongside congressional members and fleet leadership, was John Phelan in his first commissioning ceremony as the 79th Secretary of the Navy.

Trump planning military parade through DC for 79th birthday.

The Trump administration is planning a June 14 military parade through the streets of Washington, D.C., to mark the president's 79th birthday. It will also mark the Army's 250th anniversary. A senior administration official confirmed the plans to NewsNation, The Hill's sister network. Washington City Paper first reported on the parade, noting it will stretch almost 4 miles from the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., to the White House.

LOCAL, EDUCATION & OTHER ACADEMY NEWS

On the morning of March 10, 2025, eight veterans and eight Midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy arrived at the Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School for the start of their Spring Break Mentorship Expedition. Participants were divided into two crews of eight (four veterans and four Midshipmen per crew) and began the process of gearing up for their five-day adventure. Once outfitted, crews departed for the Appalachian Trail in Maryland and Pennsylvania. Over the next several days, participants navigated the physical and emotional challenges of the trail, forming strong bonds and supporting one another through the highs and lows of expedition life. A highlight of the week included a rock climbing experience at Annapolis Rocks in Maryland. One of the peak days saw both crews hike over 10 miles, showcasing their resilience and teamwork.  Upon returning to base, both crews participated in a meaningful group reflection to process their experiences and share the powerful connections they had developed over the course of the week. Experiential and Outdoor learning … a key part of the experience at the Naval Academy and the Leadership Institute of the future. Check out this video with soundbites from Fran Gajski '28 (he appears first) and Arthur Horn '28.

In accordance with the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005, NSA Annapolis and USNA will require Visitors to provide one of the below forms of credentials for access commencing 07 May 2025 when walking onboard through the Pedestrian Gate 1 Visitor Control Center.  

 

NOTE: This requirement does NOT affect access by credentialed personnel (CAC, DBIDS, Dependents, Retirees). 

 

Accepted IDs for Visitors accessing the U.S. Naval Academy through the Pedestrian Gate 1 Visitor Control Center commencing 07 MAY 2025 include:

 

1. REAL ID Compliant Driver's License or State ID card (look for the five point star on the driver's license)

2. United States Passport (No foreign passports)

3. Enhanced Driver's License (EDL).  These are issued by the states of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington.  EDLs are state-issued enhanced drivers licenses that provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship.

Mr. Joel C. Spangenberg served in senior roles in the federal government including as acting Director of the U.S. Selective Service System (SSS), Executive Director of Operations at the Defence Nuclear Facilities Safety Board and Deputy Associate Administrator for External Affairs at the National Nuclear Security Administration. Early in his career, he served as a Surface Warfare Officer (Nuclear) in the U.S. Navy, which included deployments aboard the USS ROSS (DDG 71) and USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72). Mr. Spangenberg graduated with Distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering and was a four-year member of the men's heavyweight rowing team. Spangleberg is the VP of U.S. Operations and Government Relations for CORE POWER. CORE POWER's mission is to improve energy efficiency and security of ocean transport and heavy industry through innovative, sustainable advanced nuclear energy solutions that drive global progress towards a cleaner, more efficient future.To fulfil this mission, we are committed to: Delivering investable, floating nuclear energy solutions. Becoming the number one provider of floating nuclear solutions in the OECD. Designing and building marine-ready nuclear energy technologies in key partnerships. Owning and operating 'turnkey' floating nuclear power solutions with customer investors.

NAVAL ACADEMY ATHLETICS NEWS & RESULTS

Yesterday's Result

Women's Golf at Terps Invitational - 8th out of 14 teams

Today's Matchups

Men's Tennis vs Howard - Annapolis, Md. - 2 p.m.

Men's Tennis at Loyola - Baltimore, Md. - 3 p.m.

Army Leads 12-11. (Navy - Men's & Women's T&F, 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 Tennis, 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)

 

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

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 Apr - 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

28 Aug - Navy Football Brotherhood Weekend Kickoff Dinner w/ Football Coaching Staff

29 Aug - Navy Football Brotherhood Fallen Brothers Golf Classic & Evening Social

30 Aug - Navy Football Brotherhood Weekend Tailgater, NMCMS

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

 

4 Sep - Distinguished Graduate Award (DGA) Medal Ceremony - 4:30pm - Alumni Hall

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

10 Oct - USNA Founder's Day

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

13 Oct - U.S. Navy Birthday

13 Oct - Surface Navy Museum Grand Opening - Battleship Iowa - Los Angeles

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 Nov - Marine Corps Birthday

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