11 Jun Daily Shipmate

Wednesday, Jun 11, 2025

This week's editions of Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation Morning Paper are brought to you by Otterson Wealth Advisors and Naval Academy graduate Caleb Cronic '11. Otterson Wealth Advisors of Raymond James is not just a team. It's a vast resource of financial knowledge, with each member bringing their unique expertise to your financial success. Caleb Cronic '11, financial advisor and Naval Academy graduate, is a CIMA-certified pro. His strategic prowess is your asset working towards your financial goals. Ready to begin to your journey? Otterson Wealth Advisors … your goals, our expertise.

1942 - ENS John Howard '41, USNR was killed in action when the German sea mine he was attempting to defuse exploded near Lowestoft, England. He had left the Naval Academy in February 1939; in November 1940 he was appointed a midshipman a second time but did not re-attend. He left Swarthmore College in late 1940 and was commissioned an officer in the Naval Reserve in February 1941. The “unclassified miscellaneous vessel” USS John M. Howard (IX 75) was named for him.

 

1944 - The battleship Missouri (BB-63) was commissioned, the last American battleship to enter active service.

Academy & Graduate happenings

Rep. Mikie Sherrill '94 has won the Democratic nomination in New Jersey's high-stakes gubernatorial race. A former Navy pilot and federal prosecutor, the congresswoman had the edge coming into the state's June 10 primary. She beat five other Democratic candidates vying for the spot in the November general, including a fellow member of Congress, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, according to election calls made by the Washington Post and Associated Press. Sherrill was first elected to the House in 2018 and has fashioned a reputation as a moderate. Earlier this year, she began her fourth term representing a district in north New Jersey.

ScanTech AI Systems Inc., a next-generation provider of AI-powered CT screening systems for aviation, customs, and critical infrastructure, today announced the appointment of Brad Buswell '85 as Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective June 9, 2025. Mr. Buswell has served as a member of the Board of Directors since January 2025. Mr. Buswell is a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of leadership in national security, aviation screening, and advanced detection technologies. He most recently served as Senior Vice President of Security Enterprise Solutions at Leidos, where he helped drive innovation in aviation and critical infrastructure protection. Mr. Buswell is also a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and holds degrees from the U.S. Naval Academy and George Washington University.

Navy men's track and field standouts Pete deJonge, Jacques Guillaume, Nathan Kent, Murphy Smith and David Walker are set to compete at the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship, held Wednesday and Friday at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. The meet is hosted by the University of Oregon.

Sing Second hosts John Schofield and Chris Servello joined Capital Gazette Sports Editor Bill Wagner on his Anchors Aweigh Pod in late May to talk about the season for the Physical Mission. Time Late Alert - this was recorded before Michael Kelly was named the new AAthletic Director.  The pod was a special live taping at The Graduate Annapolis. Interviews include Navy Deputy Director of Athletics Robb Dunn, Senior Associate Athletic Director Matt Munnelly, WNAV Radio Station owner Todd Bartley and Bryan Powell from The Graduate Annapolis. Chris and John plug some Alumni Association & Foundation events and points during the interview and offer their perspective on a news-filled sports season.

Government & Military News

Hidden amidst the dense flora of Arbigland Estate near Kirkbean, Scotland, lies the cottage birthplace of the former Royal Navy sailor, merchant mariner, privateer, and “Father of the American Navy,” John Paul Jones. Born John Paul (Junior) in 1747 in a cottage built specifically for his father and family near the banks of Solway Firth, young Jones dreamed of going to sea. By the time John Paul emigrated to the American Colonies, the War of Independence loomed on the horizon. John Paul Jones, assuming the surname of kind benefactors, offered his services to the Continental Congress. Jones proved himself to be an able and daring naval leader---taking the fight directly to the waters surrounding Britain. The non-profit John Paul Jones Birthplace Museum Trust, relying on volunteer support and charitable donations, maintains the birthplace cottage and adjacent museum. At least three times in the past, this historic site has been saved from ignominy and ruin by the generosity of a few U.S. Navy officers and veterans. Without increased involvement of those who treasure our seaborne power and freedom of the seas, this piece of American history will disappear into the mists of legend. Every penny counts towards preserving the legacy of John Paul Jones. Learn more about one of America's earliest naval heroes, and please donate at

The U.S. Navy declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the T-54A Marlin II training aircraft in May, giving future naval aviators a modern platform to prepare them for the advanced aircraft they will fly in the fleet. “Achieving IOC reflects our commitment to provide student naval aviators with the most realistic, effective training aircraft to equip them for today's complex battlespace,” said Capt. Duane Whitmer, Naval Undergraduate Flight Training Systems Program Office (PMA-273) program manager. “We know what's at stake for our nation's sons and daughters. The T-54 team's tireless dedication and hard work are making an impact on the next generation of pilots.” The T-54A multi-engine training system is replacing the aging T-44C Pegasus aircraft, which the Navy has begun to retire.

Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) celebrated its 10 year anniversary at Naval Base San Diego, June 9th. Rear Adm. T. J. Zerr '97, commander, SMWDC, with guest speaker Rear Adm. Joseph Cahill, commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, delivered remarks to former SMWDC Commanders, plankowners, teammates, and friends and family, all of whom played an instrumental role in the founding of SMWDC and its legacy. Rear Adm. Zerr's recent appointment as commander of SMWDC marks a return to familiar ground. Now in his third tour with the command, he is among a select group of leaders who have observed SMWDC's development from its early stages. SMWDC is no longer the new kid on the block - it's the standard bearer for warfighting excellence in the Surface Force,” said Zerr. “What started as a bold concept is now fully operational, fully integrated, and fully trusted. We're driving high-velocity learning, delivering real-time tactical advantage, and shaping the future of the Fleet every single day.”

Local, Education & other academy news

Rear Adm. T. J. Zerr, a native of Denver, Colorado, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in Honors Economics. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School of Business, majoring in finance, organizational management, and human relations. Zerr's sea tours include USS Princeton (CG 59), USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), USS Decatur (DDG 73), USS Nimitz (CVN 68), and USS Kidd (DDG 100). He commanded USS Kidd, leading an independent deployment to the Asia-Pacific that earned the Battle Efficiency Award. He later served as Deputy Commander and Commander of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21.

For half a century, McGarvey's Saloon and Oyster Bar has been a cornerstone of downtown Annapolis—serving up seafood, stories, and stiff drinks to locals, visitors, and the occasional politician trying to unwind. Founded in 1975 by Air Force Captain Michael Ashford (Ret.), McGarvey's quickly became more than just a bar—it became an institution. Nestled along the historic waterfront, it's long been the go-to spot for freshly shucked oysters, a cold pint, and a front-row seat to the city's best people-watching. Now, the beloved saloon is marking its 50th anniversary with a weeklong celebration from June 16 to 22. Expect live music every night, drink specials that would make 1975 proud, and half-price oysters to keep the party fueled. And when you order a $5 Aviator Lager, raise your glass to the man who started it all.

There will be tight security in place for this weekend's festival and parade celebrating the U.S. Army, and for some the security is beyond what they are used to. If you're coming to the parade or festival celebrating the Army's 250th anniversary, there are separate security entrances for each event. Matt McCool, Secret Service special agent in charge of the Washington Field Office, said hundreds of thousands are expected to attend. For those heading to the festival, the only entrance checkpoint, which opens at 8 a.m. on Saturday, is at 7th Street between Madison Drive Northwest and Jefferson Drive Southwest.

New from Craig L. Symonds, Annapolis Goes to War: America's preeminent naval historian—and Professor Emeritus at the United States Naval Academy—offers a history of the Second World War based on the experiences of the young officers—fresh out of the Academy—who served on its front lines. Based on diaries, letters, and first-hand accounts of the Naval Academy class of 1940 who fought, Annapolis Goes to War is a powerful and poignant story about their loss of innocence and their discovery of the true meaning of sacrifice.

USNA and AA&F Events

JUNE

11 Jun - Hampton Roads Chapter - Midshipmen Meet and Greet Social - 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Rocky Mountain Room, Blue Moon TapHouse - Waterside District - More Info

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

 

July

9 Jul - Hampton Roads Chapter - Chapter event with Navy Offensive Coordinator Drew Cronic  and Midshipmen Meet & Greet - 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Rocky Mountain Room, Blue Moon TapHouse - Waterside District. More Info

14-16 Jul - YP visit to Yorktown, VA.

 

AUGUST

1-3 Aug - Seattle Sea Fair

4-10 Aug - Sioux Falls, South Dakota Navy Week

6 Aug - Hampton Roads Chapter Midshipmen Summer Cruise Meet and Greet - Norfolk - 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Rocky Mountain Room, Blue Moon TapHouse - Waterside District - More Info

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

10 Oct - Army-Navy Cup XIV. Soccer doubleheader vs Army at Subaru Park, Philadelphia. Women's Match - 4:00 p.m., Men's Match at 7:00 p.m.

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 - Run to Honor's annual pre-Honor Our Fallen Heroes Gathering (FAC)

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