11 Apr Daily Shipmate

Friday, April 11, 2025

1800 - The frigate President was launched at New York, and placed under the command of Commodore Thomas Truxtun.

 

1945 - LCDR Henry Graham, Sr. '40, USN was killed in action when his F4U-4 Corsair was shot down while attacking targets in Tokunoshima, near Okinawa, Japan. He was a member of Bombing Fighting Squadron (VBF) 83, flying from USS Essex (CV 9). He was survived by his wife, son, and mother.

1979 - Off Cape Canaveral, Florida, the fleet ballistic missile submarine Francis Scott Key (SSBN-657) conducted the first submerged launch of a Trident C-4 missile. The following month, it began the first deterrent patrol carrying Trident missiles, one day before Patrick Henry (SSBN-599) made the final submarine launches of the Polaris missile.

ACADEMY & GRADUATE HAPPENINGS

Throughout 2025, Shipmate is commemorating the service and sacrifice of Naval Academy alumni who served in the Vietnam War. More than 40 alumni shared their stories to help further the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation's Legacy of Valor series. For all who stood watch, we honor your service and will not forget. 

Hear the powerful story of CAPT David Carey '64, USN (Ret.), a Vietnam Prisoner of War (POW) who endured brutal interrogation and torture and emerged with unshakable faith, resilience and leadership. His incredible video is here: (YouTube)

On March 20, 2025, Richard “Dick” Aaron Life, Captain, United States Navy, died peacefully while resting, at age 85. He was with family during his final moments. He died naturally by cardiac arrest. Born on March 10, 1940, he grew up in Athens, OH and Parkersburg with his younger brother and sister, Ed and Sue. He was an Eagle Scout achieving the highest Order of the Arrow. He played football and soccer in high school. He attended the United States Naval Academy, graduating class of 1962. He married Sandra, the love of his life, in the academy chapel the day after graduation. Richard served three tours in Vietnam aboard the last of the US Navy's WWII diesel submarines, on amphibious ships, and finally in Saigon as the Navy's liaison to the South Vietnamese Navy. Captain Life participated in the Shipmate Magazine Vietnam Legacy of Valor (LOV) Series. His interview and story will be released in the May/June issue of the Magazine. His stories will live on … which is a great benefit of this effort by Shipmate Magazine to tell them.

The Poz 5 Podcast at the Old State Tavern w/ Bob Kuberskiand Chris Gardler. On today's episode, the guys are bellied up at Old State Tavern in Media, Pa. with Bob Kuberski and Chris Gardler. Kuberski, is an American former professional defensive tackle in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers and the New England Patriots.Prior to that, he graduated from Ridley High School in 1989, played college football at the United States Naval Academy, and was a three-year letter winner and a two-time all-East selection.

GOVERNMENT & MILITARY NEWS

The lead ship in the Columbia class of nuclear submarines is facing delivery delays of up to 18 months, and “critical path challenges” continue to jeopardize carrier delivery schedules, Navy officials told Congress on Tuesday. Likewise, nuclear aircraft carriers are facing delays as production on future Ford-class hulls are taking longer than anticipated, the officials told the Senate Armed Services seapower subcommittee. For the Columbia-class submarines, set to replace the Ohio-class boats in the U.S. nuclear triad, lead ship District of Columbia (SSBN-826), is now set to deliver in 2029, which is 12 to 18 months behind schedule, said Rear Adm. Todd Weeks, program executive officer for strategic submarines. The next ships in the class, Wisconsin (SSBN-827) and Groton (SSBN-828), are set to follow roughly on schedule in 2032 and 2034, he said.

For years, pictures shared on social media have shown U.S. Navy ships covered in rust, making them look like they'd been at sea for far too long. Now, Navy Secretary John Phelan said he has a mandate from President Donald Trump: “Fix the damn rust.” “He has stated to me many times: 'Shipbuilding, shipbuilding, shipbuilding. Get those ships out of maintenance yards. Fix the damn rust,'” Phelan said on Wednesday. “He does not like it, and I don't like getting calls in the middle of the night.”

President Donald Trump today signed an executive order tasking the heads of the defense, commerce, labor, transportation and homeland security departments with developing a “Maritime Action Plan” (MAP) that will invest in the shipbuilding industrial base and disentangle the government's clumsy procurement processes. “Up until now, government procurement processes and over-regulation have hindered private industry's ability to build vessels on time and on-budget — this order reverses that trend,” according to a fact sheet from the White House. “It instructs the Secretary of Defense to assess options, including the Defense Production Act Title III authorities, to invest in and expand the Maritime Industrial Base.”

LOCAL, EDUCATION & OTHER ACADEMY NEWS

Maritime autonomy developer Saildrone announced the appointment of Vice Adm. John Mustin '90 as president of Saildrone Inc. In this role, Mustin will work alongside Richard Jenkins, Saildrone founder and CEO, to focus on growing the defense business at Saildrone. Mustin joins Saildrone following a distinguished 34-year career in the US Navy. He most recently served as the 15th Chief of Navy Reserve and Commander, Navy Reserve Force, where he led approximately 60,000 Reserve Component personnel supporting Navy, Marine Corps, and joint forces operations worldwide. Mustin holds a bachelor of science degree in Weapons and Systems Engineering from the United States Naval Academy, a master of science in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a master of business administration in Finance and Management from the FW Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College, Wellesley, Mass.

Alumni Book Spotlight - Crucibles: How Formidable Rites of Passage Shape the World's Most Elite Organizations

Written by retired Rear Admiral James R. McNeal and Navy vet and author J. Eric Smith. This book delves deep into the various rites, tests, and challenges that elite groups use to separate aspirants from the chosen few. This fascinating look at some of the world's most selective groups offers insights all organizations can use to foster leadership, community, and cultures of excellence. After meeting as plebes at the US Naval Academy in the '80s, McNeal and Smith—bonded by their intense physical, emotional, and psychological experience at Annapolis—decided to explore the initiation rituals of some of the world's most elite organizations. Many members of these groups joined not through birthright or sociopolitical attainment, but rather by going through a crucible—their term for a rite of passage that demonstrated their exceptional capabilities and formed a shared experience with the larger group. James R. McNeal is a retired rear admiral in the US Naval Supply Corps, currently serving as an adjunct leadership professor and sprint football coach at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. J. Eric Smith is a former US Naval Supply Corps officer, retired nonprofit executive, and management consultant. Releasing June 10th.

We're thrilled to introduce our brand-new online space designed just for YOU. We can't wait for you to take a look. We believe that you will find our new site is user-friendly and full of the information you need whether you are a candidate, a company, or an advanced academic institution.

Attend an event celebrating achievement in talent acquisition and retention — while also honoring employees who have reached their one-year milestone — is a strategic opportunity for any manufacturing employer. It demonstrates a strong commitment to workforce development, helping to build a culture of appreciation and long-term engagement. By participating, employers can highlight their dedication to attracting and retaining top talent, reinforcing their brand as an employer of choice in a competitive industry. Additionally, the event provides valuable networking opportunities with industry peers, offering insights into best practices for recruitment and employee retention strategies. If you are a member of the defense industrial base, a small/medium employer, and want to learn more about taking advantage of the services provided by the US Navy, consider attending and/or contact [email protected]. 

 

            Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025

            Location: Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, 777 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA.

            Check-in opens at 3 p.m. 

            Main Event: 4:-6 p.m. 

            Reception: 6-8 p.m. 

NAVAL ACADEMY ATHLETICS NEWS & RESULTS

Weekend Matchups

Men's Lightweight Rowing at Georgetown - Washington, D.C.

Intercollegiate Sailing at Owen Trophy - St. Mary's City, Md. - All Day

Intercollegiate Sailing vs Truxtun Umsted - Annapolis, Md. - All Day

Men's Heavyweight Rowing at Schuylkill Invite - Philadelphia, Pa.

Intercollegiate Sailing at MAISA Women's Team Race - Geneva, N.Y. - All Day

Men's Squash vs U.S. Intercollegiate Doubles Championship - Philadelphia, Pa. - 8 a.m.

Women's Golf at Navy Spring Invitational - Annapolis, Md. - 9 a.m.

Women's Track & Field vs JMU Invitational - Harrisonburg, Va. - 10 a.m.

Men's Track & Field vs JMU Invitational - Harrisonburg, Va. - 10 a.m.

Women's Tennis vs Boston U. - Annapolis, Md. - 11 a.m.

Baseball at Lafayette - Easton, Pa. - Noon

Men's Rugby vs Lindenwood - Annapolis, Md. - Noon

Baseball at Lafayette - Easton, Pa. - 3 p.m.

 

Intercollegiate Sailing at MAISA Women's Team Race - Geneva, N.Y. - All Day

Women's Rugby at Frostburg 7's - Frostburg, MD - TBA

Intercollegiate Sailing at Owen Trophy - St. Mary's City, Md. - All Day

Intercollegiate Sailing vs Truxtun Umsted - Annapolis, Md. - All Day

Men's Squash at U.S. Intercollegiate Doubles Championship - Philadelphia, Pa. - 8 a.m.

Women's Triathlon at Junior Texas Draft Legal - Fort Worth, Texas - 9 a.m.

Women's Golf at Navy Spring Invitational - Annapolis, Md. - 9 a.m.

Baseball at Lafayette - Easton, Pa. - Noon

Men's Soccer vs Muhlenberg - Annapolis, Md. - 1 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

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