19 Jun Daily Shipmate

Thursday, Jun 19, 2025

1944 - CDR Charles Brewer '34, USN was killed in action when he was shot down over Guam. He was Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron (VF) 15, stationed aboard USS Essex (CV 9). He was an ace pilot, credited with 6.5 air-to-air victories. He had been awarded the Navy Cross, Legion of Merit, and three Distinguished Flying Crosses. He was survived by his wife, mother, sister, and brother.

1944 - The Battle of the Philippine Sea begins, the largest aircraft carrier action in World War II.

ACADEMY & GRADUATE HAPPENINGS

This is a special episode of the Anchors Aweigh podcast to introduce the audience to incoming Navy athletic director Michael Kelly. Mike James of The Mid Report and producer Chris Servello '99 join moderator Bill Wagner to discuss various Navy Athletics issues with Kelly.

Lt. j.g. Alexandria Vallancey-Martinson '21, deck division officer aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), added a silver medal to her résumé June 15, rowing in the U.S. Women's eight at the Rowing World Cup II in Varese, Italy. The crew finished in 6 minutes and 3.5 seconds, just 2.06 seconds behind Great Britain. It marked an extraordinary turnaround for Vallancey-Martinson, whose steady rise propelled her from an unexpected start in the sport to the international stage. She also competed in the women's four, placing fifth in a combined U.S. crew. Vallancey-Martinson originally pursued basketball through high school. Her athletic journey shifted when she entered the U.S. Naval Academy in 2017, intent on following in the footsteps of her older brother and sister. After not making the Naval Academy's basketball team, she “walked on” to the rowing team, embracing a steep learning curve that would shape her competitive edge.

Governor Greg Abbott appointed Mike Hagee '68, Kay Hindes, and Dick Tips and reappointed John W. Crain and Gilbert E. "Pete" Peterson, III to the Texas Historical Commission for terms set to expire on February 1, 2031. The Commission provides leadership and coordinates services to support projects commissioned by county historical commissions, historical societies, agencies, and institutions interested in the preservation of archeological and historical heritage. Mike Hagee of Fredericksburg is retired after serving as a Commandant in the U.S. Marine Corps and as CEO of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation. Hagee received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy.

GOVERNMENT & MILITARY NEWS

President Donald Trump tapped Adm. Daryl Caudle to serve as the next chief of naval operations, nearly four months after the removal of Adm. Lisa Franchetti. The Senate Armed Services Committee received the nomination Tuesday, according to a Congressional notification. Caudle, who is currently the head of U.S. Fleet Forces in Norfolk, Va., will appear before the upper chamber's committee as part of his nomination process.  Caudle was one of several contenders for the job over the last few months after the Trump administration dismissed Franchetti at the end of February. Since then, Adm. James Kilby, the vice chief of naval operations, has also been serving as the acting chief of naval operations.

The Defense Department's school system for military-connected children is undergoing a reorganization that is designed to increase support for those children, officials said. The changes include adding administrative officers to nearly every school and increasing the number of school psychologists. It also includes eliminating some positions, but it's not clear yet how many people will be moving to other positions or leaving the school system by the beginning of the next school year. Classroom teaching positions remain unaffected, said Jessica Tackaberry, a spokeswoman for the Department of Defense Education Activity.

Thursday, June 19, 2025, 8:30 PM  10:30 PM. The United States Navy Memorial is the triumph of a centuries-old dream for America's Sea Services. When architect Pierre L'Enfant designed Washington, DC, he envisioned a memorial that would celebrate the rich heritage of the United States Navy, dating back to 1775 when a force of eight small wooden ships fought and won its first battle at sea. Address: 701 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, DC 20004.

LOCAL, EDUCATION & OTHER ACADEMY NEWS

Retired Marine Mike Pedersen '79 is jumping in — literally — to the race to succeed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds. The Cape Coral Republican announced his candidacy in Florida's 19th Congressional District. He will launch the campaign formally Saturday with a spectacular stunt, skydiving from a WWII C-47 aircraft. He plans to fly with the Phantom Airborne Brigade and land in Lake Dora, northwest of Orlando. The event will highlight Pedersen's military background as a Marine Aviator; he served as a Marine Corps F-4 RIO and F/A-18D WSO.

KCI's Board of Directors recommended and KCI's Trustees have elected Christopher J. Griffith '85, PE, CCM, FCMAA, as the firm's next Chairman of the Board. Griffith succeeds Nathan Beil, PE, D.WRE, who will retire as Chairman on July 17 after a distinguished 37-year career with the company. Following his retirement, Beil will continue to serve in a senior advisor role. Griffith steps into his new role with more than 40 years of industry experience. After serving as an officer in the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps, he joined KCI in 1997.  Griffith earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the United States Naval Academy, followed by multiple master's degrees in business administration, civil engineering, and ocean engineering from Boston University, the University of Maryland, and the University of Hawaii, respectively.

Immerse yourself in a tropical paradise while exploring ten islands in the Seychelles and Madagascar archipelagos. Encounter extraordinary wildlife, tropical vegetation and geological wonders. Discover the vivid kaleidoscope of underwater life while snorkeling. Venture to remote atolls, ring-shaped coral reefs formed by volcanoes. Marvel at unique endemic fauna, including giant tortoises, agile lemurs and one of the world's smallest chameleons. Trip dates: Feb 23 - Mar 6, 2026.

USNA AND AA&F EVENTS

JUNE

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 Social. 5:00pm - 7:00pm - Rocky Mountain Room, Blue Moon TapHouse - Waterside District. More Info

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

18 July - Plebe Summer Formal Parade

25 July - Plebe SummerFormal parade

25 Jul - Hampton Roads Chapter/NAPC of Hampton Roads Roadshow - Blue Moon Taphouse, Norfolk - 5:30 p.m.

26 Jul - VA Peninsula Chapter Roadshow - Revolution Golf & Grille, Williamsburg - 12 p.m.

26 Jul - Richmond Chapter/NAPC of Central Virginia Roadshow - Capital Ale House, Glen Allen - 5:30 p.m.

27 Jul - NAPC of SW Virginia Roadshow - Macado's, Roanoke - 12 p.m.

27 Jul - Central VA Chapter/NAPC of Central Virginia Roadshow - Three Notch'd Brewery, Charlottesville - 5:30 p.m.

 

AUGUST

1 Aug - Plebe Summer Formal Parade

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 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm - Rocky Mountain Room, Blue Moon TapHouse - Waterside District - More Info

7 Aug - Class of 2029 Plebe Parent Mixer, Fluegel

8-10 Aug - Plebe Parents Weekend

9 Aug - Plebe Parents Weekend Formal Parade

9 Aug - Blue & Gold kick-off BBQ - N/MCMS

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