10 Apr Daily Shipmate

Thursday, April 10, 2025

1913 - The Secretary of the Navy approved performance standards for qualification as a "Navy Air Pilot." On 22 March 1915, the designation was changed to "Naval Aviator," which it remains to this day.

 

1959 - Lieutenant Colonel John H. Glenn, Jr. was named as one of the original seven Project Mercury astronauts selected for space training. The seven astronauts, all volunteers, were selected by NASA from an initial group of 110 leading military test pilots. Three years later, on 20 February 1962, Col Glenn would become the first American to orbit the Earth.

 

1963 - LCDR Philip Allen '46, USN, LCDR John Billings '50, USN, LCDR John Harvey '50, USN, LCDR Robert Krag '50, USN, LCDR Michael DiNola '53, USN, LT Robert Biederman '54, USN, LT Merrill Collier '56, USN, LTjg Guy Parsons, Jr. '59, USN, LTjg James Henry, Jr. '60, USN, LTjg Ronald Babcock '60, USN, LTjg John Grafton '61, USN, and LT John Wiley '61, USN were lost when USS Thresher (SSN 593) sank during dive trials. One hundred and twenty-nine officers, enlisted men, and shipyard workers were killed.

ACADEMY & GRADUATE HAPPENINGS

Capital Gazette

A Naval Academy graduate has made a seven-figure donation to his alma mater to help launch a new center focusing on American energy security and the impacts of climate change.

 

Jim Matheson, a 1987 graduate, Harvard Business School professor and a partner at a venture capital firm, directed the gift — on behalf of him and his wife, Julie — to be used for the launch of The Center for Energy Security and Infrastructure Resilience. A portion of their gift will also support the Naval Academy Fund, an unrestricted fund that allows Superintendent Vice Adm. Yvette Davids to meet the emerging needs 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,” Matheson said in a news release announcing the donation. “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.” 

 

Matheson declined to share the exact amount of his donation. John Schofield, executive director of communications at the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation, said that contributions from alumni like Matheson are the difference makers in the national security and long-term military stability of the United States. 

 

CESIR was established to prepare future Navy and Marine Corps officers to navigate evolving global energy and security landscapes.

 

The center specifically trains midshipmen to address issues — such as rising sea levels — stemming from the changing climate and their impact on infrastructure and national security. The research and educational center also provides professional training, special lectures, and collaboration opportunities with government agencies, universities and industry leaders.

 

“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,” Provost Samara Firebaugh said in the news release. “The primary mission of the Center is to prepare midshipmen to meet these challenges with access to first-class resources and subject matter expertise.”

 

Matheson has served 35 years as a Class of 1987 Officer, including 20 years as president and a stint as vice president of the Boston Alumni Chapter. The Mathesons split their time between Boise, Idaho and Cambridge, Massachusetts.

 

After earning his degree, Matheson served as an F-14 and FA-18 pilot and a Top Gun instructor. He earned his MBA from Harvard Business School in 2001 and retired from the Naval Reserves as a commander in 2008.

 

“The generosity and support of our alumni remain the driving forces for our success as an enterprise and the success of the Naval Academy,” Jeff Webb, president and CEO of the Alumni Association and Foundation, said in the news release. “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.”

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 lot happening this week…we named a new Commandant of Midshipman. Who is it? Here's a hint…SWO doesn't suck…you suck! Our engagement and foundation teams rolled north and had great events in Boston, CT and NYC. They even got a Red Sox game in! We went 2-1 in Star meets this past weekend…so it's all on Men's Tennis and the two Lax teams this weekend for all the marbles. And our featured interview this week features the Alumni Mentoring Program (AMP). Started as a 50th Reunion class gift from 1969, AMP has grown into a major weapon in our ability to support alumni and provide them access to a great network and “Life Gouge.” Stan and Stephen walk us through it. THat more on the #1 podcast about the #1 service academy in the country.

LISTEN ON

On April 9, 2025, the Annapolis Touchdown Club (ATC) welcomed Lax Coaches Cindy Timchal and Joe Amplo, families, fans and alums to the FAC for the Lacrosse Cocktail Hour, a signature event of the ATC. Founded in 1955 to honor the U.S. Navel Academy 1955 Sugar Bowl Champions, the Touchdown Club of Annapolis is a longtime and well respected, non-profit organization, located in Annapolis, Maryland. With a proud 70-year history of service to the Anne Arundel County underprivileged youth sports community, the Club now has over 350 devoted members and has transformed its original recognition into many dedicated missions.

U.S. Naval Institute hosting strategic panel discussion on shipbuilding May 14

On Wednesday, 14 May, the U.S. Naval Institute will host “Correcting Course: Revitalizing the Shipbuilding Industry to Meet Strategic Demands.” This discussion will bring together key leaders who will share their insights on how we arrived at this critical inflection point, the urgent need to revitalize the maritime industrial base and its workforce, and what must be done to preserve the strength and resilience of the United States as a maritime nation. The panel, moderated by The Hon. Sean Stackley '79 (Distinguished Graduate), Former Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition will feature: Martin Bollinger, Executive Lecturer, Darden Business School; Retired Defense Industry Consultant; VADM Tom Moore '81, USN (Ret.), Vice President, Customer Affairs, HII (Invited); ADM John Richardson '82, USN (Ret.), Former Chief of Naval Operations  (2015-19). The panel conversation will take place at approximately 4:50 PM at the Jack C. Taylor Conference Center, located on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, during the U.S. Naval Institute's 152nd Annual Meeting. A networking reception on the rooftop terrace will immediately follow the panel.

GOVERNMENT & MILITARY NEWS

 The Navy's upcoming sixth-generation fighter may be its last manned fighter, the director of the service's air warfare division said Tuesday. F/A-XX will include new capabilities and technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, Rear Adm. Michael Donnelly said at the Navy League's Sea Air Space conference. The upgrades will provide more battlespace awareness and improve how naval aviators make decisions. Those technological advancements could help bring the Navy into a new era where piloted and unmanned aircraft operate more closely together, such as with the Navy's planned AI-operated drone wingmen, known as collaborative combat aircraft, or larger, unmanned platforms that might come in the future.

Less than a dozen sailors, including active-duty and reserve, rejoined the Navy after the COVID-19 mandate ended, allowing those kicked out for not taking the vaccine to return to service. The Navy reenlisted 10 sailors, Capt. Candace Tresch, spokeswoman for the chief of naval personnel, told USNI News. The ability to rejoin started once the Department of Defense, then led by former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, rescinded the memo. Under the mandate, the Navy involuntarily separated 1,878 sailors, “which isn't statistically significant,” Tresch said. About 30,600 sailors voluntarily separated — for all reasons — during the time that the vaccine mandate was in place.

In his first major address to industry, Navy Secretary John Phelan promised to use his business acumen to break through the Navy's “rigid adherence to the old way of doing things” that has led to “complacency, bureaucracy, and in some cases, sub-optimal policy.” Phelan said one example of questionable procurement is seeing the state of a barracks that cost $2.5 million and comparing it to a hotel he previously built for less than half the cost. “That [hotel] has some marble and that has some pretty nice things in it. I'm trying to understand how we can get to those numbers,” he said.

LOCAL, EDUCATION & OTHER ACADEMY NEWS

This 2-bed, 1.5-bath townhome mixes modern renovations with 1900 classic charm. It's been lovingly decorated to accommodate 6 guests. You'll love the proximity to downtown Annapolis - simply walk one-half block to Main Street circle and Annapolis City Dock. You'll truly be in the middle of everything in this beautiful historic home! The owner will remain quasi-anonymous, but he works outside Philadelphia, is a 2009 alum and former co-champion of the Alumni Association & Foundation Homecoming Golf Tournament.

 The Service Academy Career Conference connects you directly with high-caliber Service Academy graduates trained to excel under pressure.  Whether you're a Service Academy graduate seeking your next challenge, an industry leading company in search of exceptional leaders, or a premier academic institution aiming to attract top-tier students, SACC provides the platform you need to forge powerful connections, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for growth and impact. Join us in Washington, D.C., May 8-9.

Sean hails from Virginia Beach, VA, and carries a strong Naval Academy legacy, with both of his parents being proud alumni and his sister currently a youngster.  He proudly played on the hockey team and celebrated winning the Crab Pot tournament all four years. One of his favorite memories includes meeting his future wife, Brooke, and forming lasting friendships with roommates Charlie and Jettas, especially during a memorable Army Week. He credits the A&SP program and the Salisbury School for playing a crucial role in his personal and professional growth. His advice to incoming plebes is to stay humble, be a good teammate, and take full advantage of the many opportunities the Academy has to offer.

NAVAL ACADEMY ATHLETICS NEWS & RESULTS

Yesterday's Results

Baseball vs Mount St. Mary's -  L 1-11

Women's Tennis at Loyola - W 7-0

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

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

14 May - USNI Speaker Panel  - Jack C. Taylor Conference Center - 4:45 p.m.

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