12 May Daily Shipmate

Monday, May 12, 2025

1966 - The first successful guided firing tests of the Phoenix missile, which in future years is carried by the F-14 Tomcat, are conducted on the Pacific Missile Range in the waters off Point Mugu, California.

 

1968 - MAJ John McElroy '55, USAF was killed in action when the transport plane he was co-piloting was shot down while evacuating 183 civilians and a special forces officer from Kham Duc, Vietnam. All aboard, including the crew of 5, were killed. John had left the Naval Academy in February of his 3/c year; he graduated the University of Kentucky and worked for a time at General Electric before joining the Air Force in the mid 1950s. He was survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.

ACADEMY & GRADUATE HAPPENINGS

The Pentagon has ordered all military leaders and commands to pull and review all of their library books that address diversity, anti-racism or gender issues by May 21, according to a memo issued to the force on Friday. It is the broadest and most detailed directive so far on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's campaign to rid the military of diversity and equity programs, policies and instructional materials. And it follows similar efforts to remove hundreds of books from the libraries at the military academies. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the memo, which was signed Friday by Timothy Dill, who is performing the duties of the defense undersecretary for personnel. Educational materials at the libraries “promoting divisive concepts and gender ideology are incompatible with the Department's core mission,” the memo states, adding that department leaders must “promptly identify” books that are not compatible with that mission and sequester them by May 21. Early last month the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, removed nearly 400 books from its library after being told by Hegseth's office to get rid of those that promote DEI.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has barred the U.S. military service academies from considering race, gender or ethnicity in their admissions processes, ending the practice of affirmative action upheld by the Supreme Court two years ago. In a memo published Friday, Hegseth directed the schools to rank applicants by an aggregate score factoring in athletic ability, past military experience and other qualifications. “It is the department's expectation that the highest-ranking candidates within each nomination category should receive appointments,” Hegseth wrote. The schools have until the end of the 2026 admissions cycle to comply.

 The U.S. Naval Academy has implemented a new policy prohibiting the use of foreign passports as valid identification for campus visitors, aligning access rules with broader federal security standards. The change, announced without fanfare on the U.S. Navy's website, took effect this week. Under the updated requirements, visitors must present a Real ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued ID card, or a U.S. passport to enter the academy grounds. Foreign passports are no longer accepted.

We've been notified the U.S. Postal Service will raise mailing costs starting 13 July 2025. That means it will  cost even more to deliver Shipmate magazine to alumni around the world. We'll keep mailing it—because staying connected matters.  But here's the fact:  Postage costs eat funds that directly support the Brigade. Here's how you can help:  Every Shipmate subscriber already has full access to the digital edition on USNA.com. It's the exact same magazine, viewable anytime, anywhere, it costs us nothing to send and now those who opt out of physicals copies of the publication can go online and read the magazine up to two weeks earlier. By choosing the digital-only version, you're not just making a small change. You're making a big difference. Opt out of the printed copy today and stand with the Brigade.

GOVERNMENT & MILITARY NEWS

Chief of Naval Air Training Rear. Adm. Richard Brophy named Cmdr. Chris Meek '07 as the incoming executive officer of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, for the 2026-2027 show seasons, May 10. Cmdr. Meek hails from Fort Worth, TX. He attended the United States Naval Academy and commissioned with the Class of 2007, earning a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. After completing flight school in Pensacola, FL and San Antonio, TX, he earned his Wings of Gold as a Naval Flight Officer in July 2008 and selected the EP-3E. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve with this team of high-powered professionals to advance the mission of the Blue Angels,” Meek said. “I look forward to integrating with the outstanding Sailors, Marines, and civilians of the Blue Angels and continuing the legacy of those who have gone before us.”

The Secretary is encouraged by the Supreme Court's order staying the lower court's injunction, allowing the Department of Defense to carry out its policies associated with "Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness." Today, the Department will issue guidance to the Military Departments and Services ending the accession of individuals with a current diagnosis or history of, or symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria and all non-medically necessary treatment.

LOCAL, EDUCATION & OTHER ACADEMY NEWS

A significant milestone will be marked on May 23rd when the Class of 2025 graduates. This will be the first class of seniors to graduate with a major in Data Science. This major consists of topics from both Math and Computer Science, as well as interdisciplinary courses where students will apply their data science skill set. At its core, data science is about making decisions from data. The field crosses normal department boundaries! Its core is a mix of Computer Science and Mathematics, and it then covers the full pipeline of data processing: data acquisition, data storage, data processing, data analysis, and data visualization/interfaces. Data Scientists apply their knowledge of Math and CS to analyze large datasets and extract actionable insights from them. In the Navy and Marine Corps, they will provide the commander with the information necessary to make data-informed decisions. In the private sector, they build effective tools, software, and user interfaces to navigate big and complex inputs.

The Miami Dolphins announced the signing of free agent long snapper Joe Cardona '15 on Friday, adding a veteran to the roster following the release of Blake Ferguson on Thursday. Ferguson was a sixth-round pick by the Dolphins in 2022, playing five seasons in Miami before his release. He spent half of the 2024 season on the non-football injury list, and it is unclear if the issue has been cleared. The New England Patriots selected Cardona in the fifth round of the 2015 Draft out of the U.S. Naval Academy. He has spent 10 seasons with the Patriots, appearing in 160 games. New England released him after the Patriots selected a long snapper in last month's NFL Draft. Cardona serves as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Reserve.

Date: Feb 8-22, 2026

Starting Price: $3,149

Trip Length: 14 nights

Trip: Sydney to Denpasar (Benoa)

Bali  Cruise line: Oceania Cruises

 

SPECIAL OFFER: $500 Shipboard Credit & Premium Beverage Package (per person). 

 

Embark on an unforgettable 14-night journey from the iconic Sydney Harbor, setting sail towards the sun-kissed shores of Bali. Your adventure begins with a first stop in Brisbane, where you can stroll along the Queensland's most famous stretch of shoreline: The Gold Coast or explore the Australia Zoo, founded by “The Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin. Next, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Whitsunday Islands and enjoy the laid-back coastal vibes.

You are cordially invited to join us for the United States Naval Academy Band's Armed Forces Day Concert, taking place on Saturday, May 17 at 6:00 PM on Radford Terrace. Under the direction of Lieutenant Luis Espinosa, the band will present an inspiring evening of patriotic and popular music, honoring the service and sacrifice of our active duty military members and their families. It promises to be a meaningful and uplifting performance in celebration of all who serve. Limited seating will be provided, but personal folding lawn chairs are welcome.

NAVAL ACADEMY ATHLETICS NEWS & RESULTS

Weekend Results

Women's Lacrosse v Clemson - L 11-8

 

Baseball v Army - W 18-8

 

Baseball v Army - L 2-13

Baseball v Army - L 5-6

USNA AND AA&F EVENTS

MAY

12-18 May - Richmond, VA Navy Week

14 May - Class of 2028 Herndon Climb

14 May - Shellback and Youngster cookout for '27

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. 7-9pm ET.

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

26 Sep - Council of Annual Giving meeting - Fluegel Alumni Center

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