30 May Daily Shipmate

Friday, May 30, 2025

1861 - Confederate forces raised the steam frigate Merrimack, previously scuttled and burned by Union forces as they abandoned the Norfolk Navy Yard. On 10 June, Lieutenant John Mercer Brooke received orders to design an ironclad using the machinery and underwater hull of Merrimack. Work began on the vessel on 23 June.

 

1975 - ENS Frederick Minier '73, USN was lost in a diving accident alongside his ship, USS Sampson (DDG 10). While inspecting the hull, another diver had been trapped by the intake of the main condenser. While freeing that diver, Frederick himself became stuck and lost his breathing apparatus. A third diver attempted to come to his aid, but Frederick activated that man's flotation device, forcing him to the surface and safety. He was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal.

 

1997 - The Kearsarge amphibious ready group was rushed to the waters off the war-torn nation of Sierra Leone, where Marine Corps helicopters evacuated some 2,500 Americans and foreign nationals from more than 40 different nations as part of Operation Noble Obelisk. (30 May–4 June)

Academy & Graduate happenings

Red Cell Partners, an incubation and investment firm building rapidly scalable, technology-led companies that are bringing revolutionary advancements to market in healthcare, cyber, and national security, today announced that Admiral (Retired) John C. Aquilino, the 26th Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, has joined Red Cell as an Advisor to its National Security Practice. Commissioned in 1984 following graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in physics, Aquilino has served as a fighter pilot in every geographic combatant command and participated in nearly every major military operation after his commissioning, including operations Deny Flight, Deliberate Force, Southern Watch, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve.

The American Athletic Conference has announced a number of kickoff times and television designations for the 2025 football season. In addition to times and television assignments for the first three weeks of the 2025 season across ESPN platforms and on CBS Sports Network, Thursday's announcement includes the kickoff times for The American's Thursday and Friday prime time games on ESPN networks as well as those for Army and Navy home games, primarily on CBS Sports Network.

A day of golf, camaraderie, and purpose—all in support of our incredible Midshipmen athletes. The USNA Water Polo program is grounded in the Naval Academy's core values of honor, courage, and commitment. Beyond the pool, our athletes are preparing to lead as future officers in the Navy and Marine Corps. This tournament directly supports their development, providing critical resources for their success. Remember to sign up now to secure your spots! Date: Monday, July 14, 2025; Location: Shadowridge Golf Club | Vista, CA; Start Time: 11:00 AM Shotgun; Registration: $1,000 per foursome ($250.00 for a single golfer).

Do you live in Newport? Mids are arriving via YPs in Newport next week. 

 

5 Jun - Arrive at 1600

6 Jun - MIDN participate in Firefighting School/Tour SWOS

9 Jun - Depart at 1000

 

So, if you see a Midshipman at the O Club on base or out on Thames, say hello.

Government & Military News

Children in eight military communities will get the opportunity to attend a free football ProCamps event courtesy of a Procter & Gamble (P&G) promotion available near select commissaries and exchanges. The two-day camps, led by NFL football players, are open to the children (ages 6-14) of active-duty military, reservists, retirees and Department of Defense (DOD) civilian employees.

Rear Adm. James Waters '89, Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, visited Sailors assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Jacksonville and spoke at the 2025 Florida Parent Educators Association Homeschool Convention in Orlando, May 22-23. Waters spent time at Navy Recruiting Stations South Orlando, East Orlando, West Orlando, and Kissimmee. He focused on speaking with Sailors about recruiting statistics and trends for fiscal year 2025, opportunities for growth, and what he can do to help improve their operations. Waters also highlighted areas where the Sailors have achieved success and presented several awards. “What you do matters to the Navy and the nation,” Waters said. “Your commitment to finding the most qualified men and women to serve in our ranks is second to none, and I thank you for all that you do – but our mission is one that never ends. I'm here to listen to your thoughts on process improvement and ways I can clear hurdles you may be facing. We're working every day to shape the future of the Navy, and you're leading the way by going out and finding qualified replacements who will become tomorrow's officers, petty officers, and chief petty officers.”

Local, Education & other academy news

Rear Admiral James P. Waters III, Commander, Navy Recruiting Command,  is a native of Ellington, Connecticut, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1989 with a degree in Systems Engineering. He completed graduate studies at Oxford University in 1991.  His sea tours include various division officer assignments on USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730G), engineering officer on USS Philadelphia (SSN 690) and executive officer on USS Alabama (SSBN 731B). He commanded USS Virginia (SSN 774) and Submarine Squadron 4.

Baltimore Sun

Most of the 25 Anne Arundel County midshipmen who graduated Friday from the U.S. Naval Academy chose to attend the institution mainly because they grew up close by or had a family connection.

 

At the end of Commissioning Week, the Capital Gazette asked many of them to reflect on their four years at the academy.

 

Charlie Brady, who is from Annapolis and frequented Navy football games growing up, said his grandfather went to the academy. Brady looks back on the decision to attend the Naval Academy as one that taught him to embrace a challenge.

 

“How to roll with the punches,” Brady said, when asked about his biggest lesson learned at the academy. “You might have a bad day or bad test or practice, but everyone here learns how to take some failure and move on.”

 

Brady, a 2020 St. Mary's High school graduate, studied quantitative economics and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps Friday.

 

18 Anne Arundel County residents graduated from the academy last year.

 

Charlie Kriel, a 2021 graduate of Severna Park High School, said he was inspired by his older brother, Sam, to attend the Naval Academy. Sam was a 2023 graduate.

 

Kriel, who captained the men's soccer team, credited his time at the academy with giving him perspective on the strength of interpersonal relationships.

 

“Get to know people,” Kriel said. “Take the time to make bonds and form memories. Sometimes it's not about what you know, but who you know.”

 

 

The recent graduates from Anne Arundel said the demanding nature of the academy — from I-Day, the first day of plebe summer, to Commissioning Week — requires midshipmen to operate effectively under pressure.

 

“Life is a roller coaster,” Arnold resident Luke Garner said. “There will always be ups and downs in life but the people who can stay calm and collected through the journey are the ones who will succeed and strive through life.”

 

Garner graduated from Broadneck High School in 2021. He said he was drawn to the academy for the opportunity to continue his tennis career and for the academic challenges.

 

Garner will soon depart for flight school in Pensacola, Florida, to become a Navy pilot.

 

Alexander Hoot, an Annapolis resident and 2021 Old Mill High School graduate, studied electrical and computer engineering.

 

“The academy offers unique challenges to every midshipman,” Hoot said. “I discovered how to identify stressors and respond in a productive way, in order to accomplish a diverse set of expectations.”

 

After completing basic training for surface warfare officers, Hoot will head to Rota, Spain, to assume leadership of a division aboard the USS Bulkeley, a guided-missile destroyer.

 

John Mandish, from Davidsonville, graduated from Severn School in 2020. He said his brothers inspired him to attend the academy and mental fortitude was the greatest strength he gained while there.

 

“There's going to be challenges that stand in the way,” Mandish said. “Some of those challenges seem impossible and overwhelming but with the right mentality and surrounding yourself with the right people, anything can be achieved.”

 

Mandish will also depart for Pensacola, Florida, for flight school this summer.

 

 

The recent grads who grew up in “The Best Place – For All,” the county's slogan, were quick to acknowledge the many individuals who helped them along the way to their budding military careers.

 

Emma Single, a 2020 Old Mill High School graduate and Millersville resident, is leaving for Mayport, Florida, to join the crew of the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason.

 

“Growing up in Anne Arundel County was pivotal to my development as a young adult and midshipman,” Single said. “I could not have done this without the support of my loved ones — especially my parents — and the community.”

 

Christopher Crane, from Annapolis, graduated from Rockbridge Academy in 2021. The soon-to-be surface warfare officer is departing for Panama City, Florida, for dive school.

 

“I am grateful to God for the story that he is writing in my life,” Crane said. “It continues to surprise me and be an awesome adventure.”

USNA and AA&F Events

JUNE

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

7 Jun - Naval Engineers & STEM Advocates SIG “Women Can Fly” event - Warrenton-Fauquier Airport

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