29 Apr Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

1975 - U.S. Seventh Fleet ships begin executing Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon, South Vietnam.

2007 - 1LT Travis Manion '04, USMC was killed in action with Iraqi insurgents in Al Anbar Province. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and had earlier been awarded the Bronze Star. Manion Hall at The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia is named for him, as will be the future USS Travis Manion (LPD 33).

ACADEMY & GRADUATE HAPPENINGS

Today we observe the 50th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, a defining moment that marked the end of the Vietnam War and forever shaped our nation's history. As we reflect on the courage, sacrifice and resilience of those who served, we are reminded of the extraordinary valor displayed by so many in the face of unimaginable challenges. In honor of this important day, we invite you to watch our last Legacy of Valor: Vietnam War video, which recognizes a few of our Navy Cross recipients whose actions continue to inspire and uphold the proud legacy of service. Let us remember their stories, honor their sacrifices and carry forward the enduring spirit they represent. Watch this amazing video with Retired RADM Lawrence Chambers '52 as he describes his unique role in the activities around the Fall of Saigon when he was CO of USS Midway.

On the Cover - Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer Spruance successfully neutralized multiple drones, anti-ship cruise missiles and anti-ship ballistic missiles during an 11 November 2024 attack by Houthi Rebels. CDR Thomas “Matt” Adams '07, USN, is Spruance's commanding officer.

10%.  

That's how much mailing costs for magazines are increasing on 13 July, according to the United States Postal Service — and Shipmate magazine is no exception as we work to continue sending physical copies to alumni mailboxes. Every dollar we save on postage is a dollar that can strengthen the support for the Brigade. All subscribers automatically have access to the digital edition on USNA.com. Opt out of the print copy and log in to access your Shipmate. Same great magazine — delivered faster (up to two weeks before the print version arrives!), you can read anytime, anywhere, but with zero mailing costs. Be part of something bigger and opt for digital Shipmate ONLY, today!

The Jacksonville Jaguars had a busy final day of the 2025 NFL Draft. And while the Jaguars made draft history with their bold trade for Colorado's Travis Hunter, they also made history with another draft pick: sixth-round Navy safety Rayuan Lane III '25. With the selection of Lane, the former long-time Navy defender became the first defensive back from the program to ever be drafted. "Lane is the 19th Naval Academy graduate (he will graduate in May) to be drafted by the NFL and the first who played in the secondary. He is the fourth Navy football player to be drafted in the last 11 years and the first defensive player to be drafted since Bob Kuberski '93 was selected in the seventh round by the Green Bay Packers in 1993," Navy said in a release. According to the Navy, Lane will be able to play immediately as Section 557 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 amended the statutes defining the agreement signed by midshipmen and cadets attending a Military Service Academy and their resulting service obligations. These amendments authorize the Secretaries of the Military Departments to transfer not more than three cadets or midshipmen from each Military Service Academy who obtain employment in professional sports, to the Selected Reserves as commissioned officers to participate in efforts to recruit and retain members of the armed forces.

GOVERNMENT & MILITARY NEWS

World military expenditure reached $2.72 trillion in 2024, an increase of 9.4% from 2023 and the steepest year-on-year rise since at least the end of the Cold War, according to a report released by a leading conflict think tank on Monday. Heightened geopolitical tension saw increased military spending in all world regions, with particularly rapid growth in both Europe and the Middle East, data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) showed. "Over 100 countries around the world raised their military spending in 2024," SIPRI said. "As governments increasingly prioritize military security, often at the expense of other budget areas, the economic and social trade-offs could have significant effects on societies for years to come," it said.

The oft-maligned Littoral Combat Ship, or LCS, may have found its true calling: chasing down smugglers. USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul, a Freedom-variant LCS, recently stopped two suspected drug smuggling operations within 72 hours “through a combination of air and surface operations” while deployed to the Caribbean, according to the Navy. A Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment that is embarked aboard the ship and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 50, Detachment Three helped the Minneapolis-Saint Paul seize nearly 1,279 pounds of cocaine worth about $9.5 million along with 2,480 pounds of marijuana worth roughly $2.8 million, according to an April 17 Navy news release.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memorandum, April 24, 2025, directing a comprehensive review of medical conditions that disqualify individuals from joining the military. A man in a suit sits at a polished wooden desk in an office, signing a document with a pen. The memo, addressed to senior Pentagon leadership, ensures recruits meet the high physical and mental standards required for service. This initiative responds to concerns about current medical waiver policies and their impact on military readiness, prompting a 30-day evaluation to refine enlistment criteria.

LOCAL, EDUCATION & OTHER ACADEMY NEWS

The Erik S. Kristensen Memorial Lecture Series, jointly sponsored by St. John's College and the United States Naval Academy, honors LCDR Erik S. Kristensen '95—an alumnus of the Academy and the St. John's Graduate Institute. Kristensen, a Navy SEAL, was killed in the line of duty while leading a search and rescue mission in Afghanistan in 2005. The 2025 Lecture is Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. in the McDowell Great Hall. Speaker: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Uncertainty: Education and Leadership in the Next Century, presented by General (Ret.) John R. Allen '76. John Allen, retired U.S. Marine Corps four-star general, and former commander of the NATO International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces – Afghanistan (USFOR-A); previously served as the Brookings Institute President. Allen is a 1976 graduate of the USNA where, in 2002, he became the first Marine officer to serve as the Commandant of Midshipmen.

Alumni Writing - Building A 'With You' Culture: Lessons In Leadership, Teamwork And Resilience 

By Dennis Volpe '96, Executive Performance Coach, Leadership Research Institute. Empowering leaders to maximize performance in work and life. A former high school lacrosse teammate recently announced his retirement from military service, bringing back memories of years gone by—and the lessons they taught. Growing up on Long Island, where lacrosse is almost a way of life, my high school program was relatively new. It started at the junior high level and slowly worked its way up. Without the technical skills of more established teams, we leaned into our strengths as multi-sport athletes—football players, wrestlers, track runners and soccer players. Our coaches drilled three things into us: fundamentals, fitness and physicality.

The Summer Seminar and STEM programs serve as transformative experiences for middle and high school students exploring life at the Naval Academy. These competitive, immersive programs ignite passion, build leadership skills, and inspire many middle and high school students to consider joining the Brigade. Thanks to the generosity of 21 chapters, 4 parent clubs, 2 SIGs, and numerous individuals, who otherwise would have had to turn down this life-changing opportunity due to the cost of the program fee and travel expenses, were able to attend these programs in 2024. This year, the need is greater than ever. Admissions reports a growing number of students seeking financial assistance, anticipating approximately 300 students requesting aid for the 2025 programs. By contributing to Admissions Excellence through the Alumni Association & Foundation, you're ensuring a future midshipman's success, strengthening our Naval Academy community, and investing in leadership development for the next generation.

NAVAL ACADEMY ATHLETICS NEWS & RESULTS

The annual Navy football senior tribute took place on Sunday afternoon at Alumni Hall where several prestigious awards were handed out from the 2024 season. Navy's 23 seniors helped lead Navy to a memorable season as the Mids became just the sixth team in school history to win 10 games (10-3). Navy also won the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy with dominating performances over Air Force (34-7) and Army (31-13) and defeated Oklahoma 21-20 in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl. Junior quarterback Blake Horvath (Hilliard, Ohio) was named the winner of the E.E. "Rip" Miller Award, which is presented to the season's most valuable player as voted on by his teammates.  Horvath is the first quarterback to win the award since 2019 when Malcolm Perry won it.

Quarterback Blake Horvath and nose guard Landon Robinson have been unanimously voted 2025 Navy football team captains by their teammates, head coach Brian Newberry announced during the annual season-ending senior tribute. Horvath, from Hilliard, Ohio, matched a school record by throwing 13 touchdown passes during the 2024 season, equaling the mark set by Ricky Dobbs in 2010. He played a critical role in Navy's 31-13 win over Army, rushing for 196 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries and throwing for 107 yards and two additional scores.

Today's Matchup

Men's Lacrosse at Lafayette - Easton, Pa. - 7:30 p.m.

USNA AND AA&F EVENTS

APRIL

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 - 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

28 May - Debut of the new usna.com

 

JUNE

10 Jun -  Trauma Survivor Webinar: Living and Leading as a Survivor with RADM Dana Thomas - 7-9 p.m.

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 Sep - Distinguished Graduate Award (DGA) Medal Ceremony - Alumni Hall, 4:30 p.m.

4-6 Sep - Class of 2000 25th Reunion

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

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

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 1995 30th 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 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