15 Apr Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

1943 - The Navy begins playing a role in unconventional warfare in China with the establishment of the Sino American Cooperative Organization (SACO) on this date. The deputy to the organization's leader, Lieutenant General Tai Li, is Commander Milton E. Miles, Class of 1922. SACO is involved in training Chinese guerrillas, gathering intelligence, reporting the weather, and establishing a medical organization manned in part by U.S. Navy personnel.

 

1962 - Marine Corps operational involvement in the Vietnam War began on Palm Sunday when HMM-362 with its Sikorsky UH-34s arrived at Soc Trang in the Delta south of Saigon. The task unit was called "Shufly" and its first operational employment involved lifting Vietnamese troops into battle.

 

1987 - ENS Gregory McMichael '86, USN was lost when the T-34C he was piloting crashed during his “safe-for-solo” flight check near Chumuckla, Florida; His instructor was also killed. Greg was a regimental commander as a midshipman and remembered as a “big glad bear of a man.”

ACADEMY & GRADUATE HAPPENINGS

Richard Armitage died April 13 at a hospital in Arlington, Virginia. He was 79. The cause was a pulmonary embolism, said his wife, Laura. It was in Asia where Mr. Armitage began his career after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1967. He served three combat tours, including as an adviser to South Vietnam's riverine forces.

At the U.S. Naval Academy, it's not what's on the shelves that's drawing attention -- but what's missing. The institution's Nimitz Library has been stripped of 381 titles, according to a list first published in the New York Times, including works exploring race, gender, and national identity. The culling includes "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou, "How to Be an Antiracist" by Ibram X. Kendi, "Bodies in Doubt" by Elizabeth Reis, and "White Rage" by Carol Anderson. None was banned outright - just rendered "not immediately available," a Naval Academy spokesman, Cmdr. Tim Hawkins, said. 

In this jaw dropping firsthand account, CAPT Charles “Sandy” Prouty '67, USNR (Ret.) and CAPT Tom Murphy '66, USN (Ret.) —two Navy SEALs forged in the chaos of Vietnam—reveal the brutal truth of leadership, survival and split-second decisions under enemy fire. From barefoot ambushes in the relentless jungle to daring helicopter escapes with fuel tanks running on fumes, these are more than stories of combat—they are stories of courage, responsibility and what it really means to truly never give up. Get inside the mindset of two of our Navy Special Warfare officers, where confidence is earned and failure is never an option, in this video.

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command's Task Force (TF) 57 welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, April 14. Capt. Tim Campbell '04 relieved Capt. Dennis Jensen '00, who assumed command of TF 57 in August 2023. Task Force 57 provides maritime patrol and reconnaissance support across the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. Jensen graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2000 and went on to fly the P-3C Orion, following his father's footsteps who flew the P-3 during the Cold War. Campbell is a 2004 Naval Academy graduate. He commanded Patrol Squadron (VP) 16, based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. He said assuming command of this task force is a high honor.

Rear Adm. Adan Cruz '94 was relieved by Rear Adm. Todd Whalen as commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3, during a change of command ceremony held aboard the Nimitz-class Aircraft Carrier and flagship of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG), USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), April 10. Cruz served as commander of CSG 3 from May 2024 to April 2025. During his tenure, he led more than 7,000 Sailors and Marines across four major commands, 12 ships and nine embarked Air Wing squadrons consisting of over 70 aircraft. 

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) made the following statement on his appointment to the Board of Visitors of the United States Naval Academy: “The Naval Academy has shaped generations of midshipmen who have gone on to serve our nation with distinction, and Maryland is proud to be the home of this revered institution. I am honored to be named to serve on the Academy's Board of Visitors – a role I do not take lightly. As the Naval Academy faces increasing political interference, it is more important now than ever that the Board works to uphold the integrity of this institution.

GOVERNMENT & MILITARY NEWS

These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy's deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of April 14, 2025, based on Navy and public data. In cases in which a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship.

A guided-missile destroyer was dispatched to patrol the Eastern Pacific on Friday, the Navy announced. USS Stockdale (DDG-106) left Naval Base San Diego, Calif., on Friday with an embarked Coast Guard law enforcement detachment. The patrol is part of U.S. Northern Command's efforts in tandem with the Department of Homeland Security focus on the U.S. southern border. “Stockdale's sea-going capacity contributes to USNORTHCOM's ability to protect the United States' territorial integrity, sovereignty, and security, through a coordinated, multi-domain strategy,” reads a U.S. Navy Statement.

The U.S. military is getting a new leader after the Senate confirmed Dan “Razin” Caine to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff by a vote of 60-25 shortly after 2 a.m. Friday. Caine will also become a four-star as he steps into his new role as the president's top military adviser. President Donald Trump surprised many in February when he announced Caine — a retired Air Force three-star at that time — as his choice for chairman after firing Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown. Caine is a former F-16 pilot who held a variety of roles throughout his 34-year military career, including with the active-duty Air Force and National Guard, the special operations community and the CIA.

LOCAL, EDUCATION & OTHER ACADEMY NEWS

It was one of the most important job interviews of his young life, and Rayuan Lane III treated it as such. Yet, he couldn't help but also think about what he was missing back home. A four-year starting safety at Navy, Lane's circumstances differed from the other 120-plus players who were in Mobile, Ala., in late January for the Senior Bowl. His path to the pre-draft prospect showcase was unique, as well. Navy safeties coach and defensive pass game coordinator Eric Lewis reached out to Lane to find out how Senior Bowl practices were going. Lane's response was emblematic of an athlete juggling far more than his NFL aspirations. “He said, 'Coach, I'm missing three days of class. This better work out,'” Lewis recalled.

Enjoy your next visit to the Academy and stay at a classic Bed & Breakfast in the heart of the historic district, a seven-minute walk to Gate 1. Not a short-term rental, the Georgian House Bed & Breakfast provides the amenities one expects when traveling. One of the oldest residences in Annapolis, it is the home of Ann and Tom Berger, parents of Tim (USNA 2008). You too can enjoy the spirit of the times by relaxing in the front parlors, adorned with original red pine flooring, working fireplaces, period family treasures and antique furnishings.

 

Start your day with early coffee or tea while reading the morning paper in the parlor (or on the brick patio in the warm spring weather…a perfect spot to enjoy the English-style gardens). Then join the other guests for Ann's delicious breakfast, featuring such gourmet treats as Dutch apple pancakes, home-cured Canadian bacon, fresh seasonal fruits, morning-fresh muffins, and locally roasted Colombian coffee. Call 410.263.5618 for more details and availability. Pricing is inclusive of all taxes (and, of course, breakfast).

Naval Academy "Appreciation Reception" at the Graduate Hotel. 

Wednesday, April 23; 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Savor delicious bites, sip on refreshing drinks, and enjoy great company in a warm, welcoming setting inspired by yachts, knots, and Naval lore! Registration is free. Don't forget to bring a business card (if eligible) for a chance to win up to a $1,000 credit toward your next event or group stay with us in 2025 (restrictions apply)—plus, even more exciting prizes are up for grabs!

NAVAL ACADEMY ATHLETICS NEWS & RESULTS

Yesterday's Results

Men's Golf at Mountaineer Invitational - 15th place of 18 teams

Baseball at Lafayette - W 11-7

Today's Matchups

Men's Golf at Mountaineer Invitational - Morgantown, W.Va. - 8 a.m.

Women's Tennis at Saint Joseph's - Philadelphia, Pa. - 3 p.m.

USNA AND AA&F EVENTS

APRIL

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

19 Apr - Women's Crew vs Georgetown on the Severn.

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 - U.S. Naval Institute “Correcting Course: Revitalizing the Shipbuilding Industry to Meet Strategic Demands” Speaker Panel - Jack C. Taylor Conference Center, USNA - 4:45p.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

28 May - Debut of the new usna.com

 

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

7 Aug - Class of 2029 Plebe Parent Mixer, Fluegel

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 2010 15th Reunion

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

 

4-6 Sep - Class of 2000 25th Reunion

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

18-21 Sep - Class of 1985 - 40th Reunion

18-19 Sep - McMullen Naval History Symposium - USNA

22-28 Sep - Hartford, CT Navy Week

25-27 Sep - Class of 2020 5th Reunion

27 Sep - Navy Football vs Rice, NMCMS, Annapolis, MD

 

2-4 President Circle Weekend

2 Oct President Circle Welcome Reception, Fluegel

2-5 Oct Class of 1990 35th Reunion

2 5 Oct Class of 2015 10th 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

23-26 Oct - Class of 1995 30th Reunion

23-26 Oct - Class of 2005 20th 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 @ North Texas, DATCU Stadium, Denton TX

5-6 Nov - US Naval Academy Foundation Fall Board of Directors Reception/Meeting

6-9 Nov - Class of 1980 45th Reunion

8 Nov - Navy @ Notre Dame, Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN

10 Nov - Marine Corps Birthday

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

14 Nov - US Naval Academy Athletic & Scholarship Program Fall Meeting, NMCMS

15 Nov - Navy vs University of South Florida, NMCMS

15 Nov - Honor Our Fallen Heroes - Location TBD

17 Nov - Council of Class Presidents Fall 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