23 May Daily Shipmate

Friday, May 23, 2025

Loyal readers of the Daily Shipmate. We'd like to announce some schedule news for this product going forward.  First of all, we will be publishing a special Daily Shipmate Monday for Memorial Day as we remember the alumni of the Naval Academy who lost their lives in service to this great nation.

 

Secondly, starting Tuesday May 27th, the Daily Shipmate will arrive in mailboxes at 0800 EDT vice 0600 EDT. Doing this allows us to scan and include stories that break and are posted first thing in the morning. We can then be more timely and relevant in delivering updates while still getting you your news before the workday gets started.

 

Lastly, the Daily Shipmate will observe two different hiatus periods for the rest of the year. There will be no Daily Shipmate 30 June - 4 July, and we will observe a holiday news standdown 22 Dec 2025 - 2 Jan 2026.

 

Thank you for reading! Beat Army!

1939 - LTjg Joseph Patterson '36, USN was lost when USS Squalus (SS 192) sank during a test dive near Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He was survived by his wife; his father in law was the commanding officer of the Portsmouth Navy Yard and directed the efforts that ultimately rescued thirty-three of the fifty-nine men aboard (including ENS Robert Robertson '34, who was later killed in WWII). Joseph was posthumously promoted to Lieutenant junior grade.

 

1972 - The VF-161 aircrew of Lieutenant Commander Ronald E. McKeown '61 and Lieutenant John C. Ensch from the carrier Midway (CVB-41) shot down two North Vietnamese MiG-17 fighters over North Vietnam. This concluded a month in which Navy aircraft scored 17 kills.

 

1988 - The V-22 Osprey, the world's first production tilt-rotor aircraft, made its debut during rollout ceremonies at Bell Helicopter Textron's Arlington, Texas, facility. More than 1,000 representatives from the military, industry, and media, gathered to hear various speakers, including Gen Alfred Gray, Commandant of the Marine Corps, praise the versatile rotor craft designed to meet the needs of 21st Century battlefields.

ACADEMY & GRADUATE HAPPENINGS

All but a few of the nearly 400 books that the U.S. Naval Academy removed from its library because they dealt with anti-racism and gender issues are back on the shelves after the newest Pentagon-ordered review — the latest turn in a dizzying effort to rid the military of materials related to diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Based on the new review, about 20 books from the academy's library are being pulled aside to be checked, but that number includes some that weren't identified or removed in last month's initial purge of 381 books, defense officials told The Associated Press. A few dozen books at the Air Force libraries — including at the Air Force Academy — also have been pulled out for review, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the process is still ongoing.

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). We can't be more excited about our Commissioning Week bonus pod. Chris and John break down the happenings of the week, discuss the graduating class stats and provide excerpts and quick round ups about the Blue Angels practice show, the Wednesday rain out and the rest of an amazing Commissioning Week. And our alumni interview this week is Brandon Doll '05. We chat "B-Doll" up about his time in the fleet, his time with the Las Vegas Raiders and his current role in the sports universe as the Founder and CEO of Sports and Entertainment Advisors (SEA). SEA helps major sports organizations that want to generate more revenue. B-Doll breaks down his passion in that industry and how the Naval Academy helped him realize, chase and achieve his dreams. Check it out. Beat Army ... always.

LISTEN ON

1,049 Midshipmen will become Ensigns and Second Lieutenants today at Navy/Marine Corps Stadium as Vice President J.D. Vance joins Naval Academy and Department of the Navy leadership in presiding over the Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony for the Class of 2025. 751 men and 298 women are in the graduating class. 776 will receive commissions in the Navy. 258 will be commissioned into the Marine Corps. #1 Owen Michael O'Malley, of Pittsburgh, Penn., is a Robotics & Control Engineering with Honors major. He will commission as a U.S. Navy ensign. #2 Andrzej Jakub Korlacki, of Lincoln, Neb., is a Nuclear Engineering & Computer Engineering major. He will commission as a U.S. Marine Corps Second Lieutenant. #3 Tenlea Whelan Radack of Washington, D.C., is a Mathematics with Honors major. She will commission as a U.S. Navy ensign.

Today the Class of 2025 officially join our ever-growing alumni family. They step into a supportive network known for showing up and giving back.  Our alumni have always gone above and beyond to support the Brigade. Now, as we welcome a new class and face the inevitable raising postage costs on this July, there's a simple way to continue your tradition of impact: Opting out of printed copies of Shipmate. As a bonus for opting out: Digital Shipmate will be sent to your inbox up to two-weeks prior to the physical copy hitting mailboxes. Same magazine. Delivered earlier. Zero mailing costs. Each digital switch saves costs and is funding that is returned to the Brigade. Make the switch today. Lead by example. Pass it on to our growing community.

GOVERNMENT & MILITARY NEWS

USS Charleston (LCS-18) is on its way to support the Trump administration's ongoing border mission, U.S. Fleet Forces announced on Wednesday. The Independence-class ship has a U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement detachment aboard that can help with counter-narcotic missions. Charleston, which left its homeport at Naval Base San Diego on Tuesday, will replace destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG-106), according to a Navy news release. “Charleston's departure reinforces the Navy's role in the Department of Defense's coordinated effort in response to Presidential executive orders and directives,” reads the release.

A bipartisan House bill would remove federal taxes from military bonuses. The bill, nicknamed the BONUS Act, would exempt servicemembers' enlistment, reenlistment, and performance bonuses from being taxed by the federal government. Service members in combat zones already benefit from tax-free income during their deployments, but the proposed legislation would put more cash into military families' pockets at home. The bipartisan bill introduced this week is sponsored by Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) and Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.) who are co-chairs of the House Military Family Caucus. A similar bill was introduced by a Florida Republican last month, but the bipartisan bills generally have a better chance of passing, especially in the highly partisan House.

The Navy has been in a yearslong struggle to modernize its critically important human resources computer systems that underpin a whole host of vital tasks like pay and promotions. But a contract for what might have been one of the most promising efforts to upgrade the systems just fell victim to billionaire Elon Musk's cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, according to sources interviewed by Military.com. As a result, a critical and aging server in Tennessee that holds most of the service's pay and promotion data is operating with no backup in the event of a natural disaster. The contract was a relatively small $170 million award to a company called Pantheon to move all the data on that server into the cloud and out of danger. It was canceled in early May.

The McCain Institute is beginning to recruit for the application process for the next iteration of their yearlong fellowship, which seeks to engage with key national security issues across the Five Eyes nations, intensive leadership training, and interaction with experts in fields like journalism, academia, and local law enforcement and governance. We are seeking a diverse cohort of mid-career national security professionals for this fellowship. Generally speaking, these tend to be individuals in their thirties and (for those still in the military) at or above the major level. Applications will be open from mid-June to the end of August. Abigail Bergan can answer any questions through her McCain Institute-affiliated email ([email protected]).

LOCAL, EDUCATION & OTHER ACADEMY NEWS

Secretary of the Air Force Troy E. Meink will serve as the U.S. Air Force Academy's Class of 2025's commencement speaker, the Academy announced Wednesday. Meink assumed his new role as the 27th Secretary of the Air Force just last week on Friday, May 16. As the Air Force's highest-ranking civilian leader, he serves as the advisor to the Secretary of Defense on matters related to air and space operations, USAFA said. According to USAFA, Meink began his Air Force career in 1988 as a KC-135 tanker navigator and instructor, flying over 100 missions in support of various combat and humanitarian missions. He later served as a lead test engineer for ballistic missile test vehicles for the Missile Defense Agency.

Capital Gazette

A recently released draft report says there would be “minimal effects” on the environment if a proposed recreational vehicle park at Naval Support Activity Annapolis was built.

 

When proposed last year, the park, with spaces for 35-50 vehicles, was met with skepticism from Anne Arundel County residents who voiced environmental concerns at a public meeting. The May 9 assessment was done by the Department of the Navy and NSA Annapolis.

 

“The proposed RV Park aims to support the morale, welfare and recreation mission of the Navy,” said Chatney Auger, deputy director of Naval District Washington public affairs. “It is intended to provide recreational opportunities for service members, their families and other eligible patrons, enhancing the quality of life for the Navy community.”

 

The park would be open to military personnel, their families, civilian employees and military retirees.

 

The environmental assessment is required under the National Environmental Protection Act, which applies to federal agencies.

 

The proposed plan features two potential sites on NSAA property as well as a “No action” alternative used as a baseline for comparison.

 

Option 1 would be at the northern end of Greenbury Point at Possum Point, a grassy field with trees adjacent to the Mill Creek Marina. It would require the removal of about half an acre of trees and around 1 acre of new impervious surface.

 

Option 2 would be at North Severn Complex at Beach Road, a grassy clearing bordered by trees adjacent to buildings. This plan would require leveling the “steep slopes and uneven terrain” and the removal of up to 1.9 acres of trees.

 

Auger said the Navy has not indicated a preference and the environmental analysis and public input will inform the selection. She also said there has been no cost estimate for the proposed project.

 

A new site would add infrastructure to support modern RVs that need a stronger power supply  and meet the requirements of the Architectural Barriers Act, which ensures that buildings constructed with federal funding are accessible to people with disabilities.

 

A smaller 14-pad RV park currently sits on the North Severn Complex and is available for active-duty, retired and reserve military and Department of Defense employees and their families. Aging infrastructure and increased demand have spurred the need for expansion, according to the report.

 

In fiscal year 2023, there were 21 cancellations and 58 reservations that were lost due to facility issues, the report said.

 

The project received congressional approval in December 2023.

 

Jessy Oberright, an Arnold resident, runs the Greenbury Point Biodiversity Project, a citizen science effort that documents animals, plants and fungi at the conservation area. She said her view of the project hasn't changed since last year when she spoke out against the possibility of an RV park at Greenbury Point. She's concerned the species that call the conservation area home will be affected by the new RV park.

 

“I know they say there are 'no significant effects,'” Oberright said. “I think they use that term somewhat lightly. I don't think they're taking into consideration users of the Greenbury Point Conservation, both human and wildlife.”

 

Oberright said an increase in traffic and the number of visitors alone will disrupt the animals inhabiting the conservation area but that she understands the need for outdoor recreation for military personnel. She prefers Option 2, a plan she called less invasive.

 

“I'm not against the building of the RV park,” Oberright said. “My concern is the least amount of disturbance to the environment and the conservation areas.”

 

Jesse Iliff, executive director of the Severn River Association, said it's too soon to change his mind about opposing the project.

 

The Severn River Association, in a June letter signed by Iliff, urged NSAA and the Navy to adopt the “No action” option. But, like Oberright, if a plan is to be approved, Iliff and the association prefer Option 2.

 

The letter urged the selection of Option 2 as it “seems likely to do the least damage.”

 

A virtual public meeting regarding the environmental assessment is scheduled for June 5 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

 

Following the public comment period the Navy will review all feedback and prepare the final environmental assessment. Auger said the Navy could not provide a timeline for when the project might start if approved.

USNA AND AA&F EVENTS

MAY

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 - USNA Women Trauma Survivor Webinar - 7-9 pm ET. Virtual event: Major (USAF) Latetia Bland-Thergood, MSW speaking on the topic: "Exploring Moral Injury"

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