16 May Daily Shipmate

Friday, May 16, 2025

1945 - The 22d and 29th Marines continued the attack against Half Moon Hill, a day characterized by the 6th Marine Division as the "bitterest" of the Okinawa campaign. By the 18th, the famed "Shuri line" had been broached.

 

1965 - MAJ Robert Bell '52, USAF was lost when a bomb exploded aboard a parked aircraft at Bien Hoa, Vietnam, killing him and twenty-six others at the base. He was an exchange pilot with the Navy's Fighter Squadron (VF) 162 and had earlier that day flown cover for a strike launched from USS Oriskany (CV 34). One of his prior tours was as a pilot with the Air Force's Thunderbirds demonstration team. He was also a finalist to become an astronaut with the Mercury program. In 1962, he was one of the first guests on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Robert was survived by his wife, daughter, and son.

 

1968 - When his company came under attack by North Vietnamese forces in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Donald E. Ballard braved enemy fire to reach a wounded Marine. As the Marine was being placed on a stretcher, an enemy soldier threw a grenade that landed nearby. Ballard unhesitatingly hurled himself upon it. Luckily, it didn't detonate, and he continued treating casualties. For his willingness to risk his life for his comrades in arms, he received the Medal of Honor.

ACADEMY & GRADUATE HAPPENINGS

On May 14th, the class of 2028 scaled the Herndon Monument became “Plebes no more.” Trivia - How, why and when was First Company selected to be the Company that applies the cooking lard on the Monument?

Attention USNA business leaders, entrepreneurs, founders, investors, and any alumni interested in the entrepreneurial ecosystem: The USNA Entrepreneurs Group is hosting the annual USNA Entrepreneurs Summit, taking place June 17–18 at the Fluegel Alumni Center in Annapolis. This high-impact event brings together prominent USNA CEOs, founders, and innovators who are driving change across industries. Spots are almost gone, and registration is closing soon—don't miss your chance to be part of it.

The USNA Entrepreneurs Group was started by Matt Willmann '10. Listen to his interview on the Sing Second Podcast from March 20th earlier this year.  - Welcome to another great episode of the Sing Second podcast. We bring you the stories and happenings at the Naval Academy and the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation (AA&F). A great interview this week with Matt Willmann '10. Matt is the engine behind the USNA Entrepreneurs group. You can get more information on the group and its events at www.usnaentrepreneurs.com. Matt talks about the group's mission to invest in the talents and ideas of fellow USNA alumni, ignite the potential of our Naval Academy peers, and glean insights and inspiration from those making a meaningful impact. Matt walks us through his journey as a Submariner and why he entered the civilian workforce when he did…and why he gives back to his Alma Mater now.

 The Trump administration is expected to nominate Vice Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley '91 to lead U.S. Special Operations Command, according to sources familiar with the matter.  Two former senior defense officials, a former senior military official from the special operations community, and a current senior military official said that Bradley, a Navy SEAL who now leads Joint Special Operations Command, is the frontrunner to replace Army Gen. Bryan Fenton, who took command of SOCOM in August 2022.

Meet Vice Admiral Frank M. Bradley '91

Commander, Joint Special Operations Command/ Commander, Joint Special Operations Command Forward, U.S. Special Operations Command Vice Adm. Frank M. Bradley is a U.S. Navy SEAL Officer and a native of Eldorado, Texas. Bradley is a 1991 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, where he studied physics and was a varsity gymnast. He began his career as a SEAL after completing Basic Underwater Demolition school (BUDs/SEAL) Class 179 in 1992. Bradley earned a Masters in Physics from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he received a provisional patent for his research in 2006.

GOVERNMENT & MILITARY NEWS

Commander, Joint Task Force Micronesia U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Greg Huffman '89 relinquished command to U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Josh Lasky '94 during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz Fitness Center in Dededo, Guam, May 15. Presiding officer for the ceremony U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Deputy Commander U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd spoke of the recent stand up of JTF-M and the historical and strategic significance the region plays in national security, prosperity, peace and stability. Rudd went on to credit Huffman for delivering the right leadership at the right time for the initial stand up of JTF-M in June 2024. He further acknowledged Huffman for establishing deep-seated relationships and building strong rapport within the communities throughout Guam and Micronesia.

A Marine fighter attack squadron recently deployed to Japan, joining three other squadrons in an effort to support operations in the Indo-Pacific, according to a release from the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron, or VMFA-211 — an F-35B Lightning II squadron hailing from Yuma, Arizona — arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, on Saturday. The newest additions, also known as the “Wake Island Avengers,” will fold into Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, to assist with deployments in the region.

The second annual Pensacola Navy Days culminated with a two-day celebration May 9-10 after several festivities throughout April and May designed to honor the longstanding relationship between Pensacola-area service members and the surrounding communities. “Pensacola Navy Days is essentially an opportunity for the local community to express appreciation and support for what the wonderful people in uniform do for our country,” said Pensacola Navy Days Chairman U.S. Navy Capt. (ret.) Dan McCort. “If you take a look at the history of this town, we go back almost 200 years to 1826, when the Navy Yard was established. We have been inextricably linked as military family and a community for all that time, and today we saw an opportunity for our community to get together and pay back our local military.”

LOCAL, EDUCATION & OTHER ACADEMY NEWS

Discover the epitome of aviator living at Carrier Landing, where fully furnished apartments are now available for subleasing. Nestled within our vibrant community, these apartments offer unparalleled convenience and comfort. Residents have access to premium amenities including a state-of-the-art gym, refreshing pool, and a sports bar-themed dining area, perfect for unwinding after a day in the cockpit. Additionally, our advanced simulators and cockpit trainers provide an immersive learning experience for aspiring pilots. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your aviation journey in a dynamic and supportive environment at Carrier Landing. Carrier Landing Housing and its parent company - Skywarrior - is one of the primary sponsors of the AA&F Sing Second Podcast.

The Freedom of the Seas campaign to build the National Museum of the Surface Navy is being spearheaded by the Pacific Battleship Center, the 501(c)3 non-profit responsible for establishing the Battleship IOWA Museum as a top 5 Los Angeles museum and an attraction.  The Pacific Battleship Center secured the rights to build the Surface Navy Museum through a licensing agreement with the US Navy in 2018 and a Congressional designation in 2021. Vision: To inspire global awareness of freedom of the seas. Mission: To ignite curiosity, connect communities, and enhance understanding of America's role in maritime peace and prosperity. RADM (ret) Mike Shatynski is the engine behind the museum. Shatynski's last assignment was as deputy commander, Naval Surface Forces where he led the implementation of the Surface Force personnel readiness strategy and the Surface Sea Warrior culture. Shatynski was a surface warfare officer who earned his commission in 1979 from the U.S. Naval Academy.

USNA AND AA&F EVENTS

MAY

16-18 May - USA Warriors Sled Hockey Event

20 May - Blue Angels Practice Show

21 May -  Blue Angels Show and 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

2 Jun - Colorado Chapter & NAPC of CO & WY Roadshow - Alpha Charlie's Tap & Tavern - 5:30 p.m.

10 Jun - Trauma Survivor Webinar. 7-9 p.m. 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 - 7:30 p.m.

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