21 Apr Daily Shipmate

Monday, April 21, 2025

1906 - Arctic explorer Commander Robert E. Peary, on his seventh expedition in an effort to reach the North Pole, arrives at latitude 87 degrees 6 minutes north. This is the closest any human has come to reaching the earth's northernmost point to date.

 

1951 - Marine carrier-based airplanes made their first aerial contact with enemy planes over the Korean front lines. Captain Philip C. Delong shot down two YAK fighters and 1st Lieutenant Harold D. Daigh destroyed one more and damaged another in the heavily defended Pyongyang-Chinnanpo area. Both pilots were with VMF-312 flying from the USS Bataan.

 

2004 - LTCOL Brett Bekken '89, USMCR was lost when his F/A-18 Hornet crashed in the California desert during a training mission. He was a pilot with American Airlines. He had been with the Marine Reserves for five years. Brett was survived by his parents and brother.

ACADEMY & GRADUATE HAPPENINGS

The 2025 Thriving As Leaders (TAL) Awards are your chance to spotlight USNA Alumni Association members who are raising the bar in leadership, service, and achievement — in and out of uniform. Do you know an alum who's crushing it on the field, in the boardroom, or in their community? Now's the time to give them the recognition they deserve. Nominations close July 1, 2025 and  Winners be will announced October 2025.  

 

1. Athletic Achievement (professional or amateur)

2. Non-Athletic Achievement (in paid work)

3. Volunteer Leadership & Service (unpaid impact)

Members must be nominated by fellow alumni — and the process is quick and easy.

NextNav Inc., a leader in next-generation position, navigation and timing (PNT) and 3D geolocation, today announced that its board of directors has elected Rear Admiral H. Wyman Howard '90 and Rear Admiral Lorin Selby to serve as board members, effective May 1, 2025. “We are honored to welcome Rear Admiral Howard and Rear Admiral Selby to the NextNav Board of Directors,” said Mariam Sorond, NextNav's Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair. Admiral Howard graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1990.

Rear Adm. T. J. Zerr relieved Rear Adm. Wilson Marks as commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) at Naval Base San Diego, April 17. Vice Adm. Brendan McLane '90, commander, Naval Surface Forces, the presiding officer and guest speaker, thanked Rear Adm. Wilson Marks for his advancements in making the Surface Force more lethal. Zerr, a native of Denver, Colorado graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1997. He commanded USS Kidd (DDG 100) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21. “It is an immense privilege to take command of SMWDC, an organization at the forefront of surface warfare excellence,” said Zerr. “I'm honored to join this talented team of warfighters and tacticians, and I look forward to building on the momentum and legacy of Rear Adm. Marks as we continue to advance the lethality and tactical proficiency of the Surface Force.”

New England Patriots long snapper Joe Cardona '15 is also a lieutenant in the United States Navy Reserve. Thanks to a kids football clinic put on by the Patriots Foundation in Newport on Wednesday, his two worlds collided. To celebrate his birthday, New England Patriots long snapper Joe Cardona got to bring his teammates to work on Wednesday. Not at Gillette Stadium — but to Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island. "It definitely feels a bit like bringing your friends to work — a little merging of my two worlds," said Cardona, who also serves as a lieutenant in the United States Navy Reserve in addition to his career in the NFL.

GOVERNMENT & MILITARY NEWS

Dakota Meyer, a Marine Corps veteran who received the Medal of Honor for his gallant actions during a 2009 battle in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, reenlisted into the Marine Corps Reserve during a ceremony at the Pentagon today, following a 15-year break in service. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth readministered the oath of enlistment to Meyer, now 36 years old, who retained his previous active-duty rank of sergeant and will continue to serve as an infantryman in the reserve. During remarks just prior to readministering the oath, Hegseth said that — though Meyer didn't request such a high-profile ceremony — the secretary felt he wanted people to recognize the example Meyer was setting.

American forces in the Middle East struck a major oil facility in western Yemen on Thursday — the first publicly acknowledged attack in weeks during the military's ongoing airstrike campaign against the Houthis. “Today, U.S. forces took action to eliminate this source of fuel for the Iran-backed Houthi terrorists and deprive them of illegal revenue,” Central Command said in a statement. Ras Isa is a critical oil pipeline and port, one of three on the country's west coast through which the vast majority of imports and humanitarian assistance enter Yemen. Central Command argued the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, which America considers a terrorist group, were using the site as a fuel supply facility and for graft.

LOCAL, EDUCATION & OTHER ACADEMY NEWS

Sailors, dreamers, and waterfront wanderers—mark your calendars! The Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show is setting sail once again from April 25-27 at City Dock, promising three days packed with boats, entertainment, and all things nautical. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just love the idea of life on the water, this is the perfect way to kick off the 2025 sailing season.

The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) is rolling out disciplinary actions after completing an investigation into allegations of misconduct by players on their men's soccer team. The investigation began in October 2024 when eight players were suspended. USAFA said the allegations were of "physical, unprofessional, and demeaning" misconduct inflicted on other members of the team. On Wednesday, April 16, the Commandant of Cadets began disciplinary actions on the involved players after "a thorough review of the evidence found." The academy did not disclose how many cadets were involved, or what their exact actions were. However, the investigation found that the players had breached USAFA's Athletic Code of Conduct, USAFA Academic Director Nathan Pine said. "Their actions were incompatible with Academy values and expectations," Pine said. "It is imperative that all of our cadet-athletes and staff fully understand and embrace the clear lines between healthy teambuilding activities and unhealthy behaviors."

NAVAL ACADEMY ATHLETICS NEWS & RESULTS

History was made on Saturday night at the NCAA Men's Gymnastics Championship as Isaiah Drake (Sr., Los Angeles, Calif.) earned his second career All-American honor. One of four Midshipmen competing in the championship finals at Michigan's Crisler Center, Drake proved himself as one of the nation's most complete and versatile gymnasts as he placed eighth overall in the all-around contest. After entering the program record book in 2023 alongside Syam Buradagunta as Navy's first NCAA Championship All-Americans since 1973, Drake became just the seventh-ever Navy gymnast to garner two All-American honors. Eric Swanson, the Midshipmen that previously earned the last All-American award, did so in back-to-back years on the pommel horse in 1972 and 1973.

Weekend Results

Women's Tennis v Howard - W 7-0

Men's Lacrosse at Loyola - L 16-11

Men's Tennis v BU - W 4-0

 

Women's Rowing v Georgetown - W

Men's Tennis v Army - W 4-2

Women's Lacrosse v Lafayette - W 18 - 4

Baseball v Holy Cross - L 2 - 6

Baseball v Holy Cross - W 7-3

 

Women's Golf at Patriot League Championship - 1st Place - Back-to-back PL Champions

Men's Tennis at Bucknell - Patriot League Tournament Final - L 4-1

Baseball v Holy Cross - L 8-1

USNA AND AA&F EVENTS

APRIL

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

 

JUNE

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

 

AUGUST

4-10 Aug - Sioux Falls, South Dakota Navy Week

7 Aug - Class of 2029 Plebe Parent Mixer, Fluegel

18 Aug - USNA Classes begin

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

28-31 Aug - Class of 2010 15th Reunion

28-31 Aug - Class of 1960 65th Reunion

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

 

SEPTEMBER

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

 

OCTOBER

2 Oct - President Circle Welcome Reception, Fluegel

2-4 Oct - President Circle Weekend

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

 

NOVEMBER

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

 

DECEMBER

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