25 Jun Daily Shipmate

Wednesday, Jun 25, 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.

1866 - A law enacted by Congress creates the rank of admiral and, as was the case with the ranks of rear admiral and vice admiral, David G. Farragut is selected as the first officer promoted to the new rank.

 

1876 - 2LT William Reily, Class of 1875, USA was killed in action with Sioux forces at the Battle of Little Bighorn – also known as Custer's Last Stand. William was named for his father's friend and classmate. They were both members of the Class of 1847 and were both lost sometime after September 21, 1854 when USS Porpoise (1836) disappeared between Formosa and China. Neither had met William, who was born after Porpoise's departure. William resigned from the Naval Academy in 1872 after failing three examinations. He had been a Lieutenant in the US Cavalry since only October 1875, and joined the 7th Cavalry in April 1876.

1950 - North Korean troops and tanks cross the 38th parallel into South Korea, marking the beginning of the Korean War. A United Nations Security Council resolution condemning the action is adopted that day. President Harry S. Truman authorizes the use of American forces to support South Korea two days later.

Academy & Graduate happenings

There is potential for increased congestion along King George Street and Gate 8 today and tomorrow.  As a result of the current environment in the Middle East and in accordance with NAVNORTH direction, NSA Annapolis (NSAA) has been operating at a slightly elevated FPCON for nearly two weeks. These measures are precautionary; we have no indication of a credible threat to NSAA/USNA fence lines, tenants or residents. These measures have placed our NSAA Security Forces at a higher level of preparation and increase visibility. Thank you for your patience with potential impacts on installation access and wait times at the gates.Please see below for gate information:

 

 

Gate 6 (Vandergrift Road) - Vehicle entry: Closed; Pedestrian entry: Closed

Gate 8 - Open 24 hours a day for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Gate 1 - Vehicle entry: 6:00am to 8:00pm; Pedestrian entry: 5:00am to 12:00am

Gate 3 - Vehicle entry: Closed; Pedestrian entry: Closed

 

 

Gate 6 - FAMILY GATE: Vehicle entry point for Midshipmen Candidates & Families - 6:00am to 10:00am

Gate 8 - Open 24 hours for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Gate 1 - Vehicle entry: 6:00am to 8:00pm; Pedestrian entry: 5:00am to 12:00am

Gate 3 - Vehicle entry: 6:00am to 8:00pm; Pedestrian entry: Closed

Mike Taylor '03 found some basic military behaviors translate well into the business world. The co-founder of fitness equipment manufacturer BeaverFit USA said trading information and brainstorming strategies are daily occurrences for those serving in uniform. Those practices are also crucial for business leaders, Taylor said, particularly when confronting common industry challenges. “While in the military, you're used to sharing ideas,” Taylor said. “It becomes more natural. We're used to sharing best practices.” That shared experience gives military veterans who have transitioned into the corporate world an edge when collaborating, Taylor said during a break of the second annual Entrepreneurs Summit on 18 June. The two-day summit, hosted by the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation at the Fluegel Alumni Center, brought together 200 alumni for a series of information sessions, workshops and networking.

Watch the Alumni Association & Foundation interview with Matt Willmann '10 from the USNA Entrepreneurs Group.

The Athletic and Scholarship Programs (A&SP) at the U.S. Naval Academy support the institution's physical mission by providing leadership, funding, and mentoring to students and sports programs. A&SP supports all Naval Academy varsity, club, and intramural sports teams through private funding and the power of alumni philanthropy. Each year, the A&SP provides over $4 million in direct support for all types of athletic activities at the Naval Academy. This includes extensive financial support to not only the 36 varsity teams but also the many club and intramural teams. Through a need-based scholastic program, the A&SP provides one year of post-high school education to qualified young men and women who need further academic preparation before they enter the Naval Academy.  A&SP has sponsored more than 4,000 candidates to date who have graduated from USNA. Today, we welcome 44 A&SP Foundation students - and their families - to the Fluegel Alumni Center for an Ice Cream Social before they report for I-Day tomorrow. 15 females and 29 males received appointments. A&SP…making a difference today and in the future.

Government & Military News

Nearly 4,500 Sailors assigned to the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group departed Naval Station Norfolk and Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, June 24, for a regularly-scheduled deployment to the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) area of responsibility. The strike group deployed as an integrated naval force in support of economic prosperity, national security, and national defense. "Carrier Strike Group Twelve is the most capable, adaptable, and lethal naval mission package in the world," said Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, commander of Carrier Strike Group Twelve.

President Donald Trump nominated the staff judge advocate to the Marine Corps commandant to serve as the Department of the Navy's top lawyer, the Pentagon announced Tuesday. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David Bligh is up for the job as the judge advocate general for the Navy, a position that has been vacant since Vice Adm. Christopher French asked to retire last year. Bligh will be the second Marine to hold the title of judge advocate general for the Navy. The first was Col. William Butler Remey, who became the first uniformed chief legal officer of the Navy in 1878. He also served as the first Navy JAG after the billet's creation in 1880. Bligh commissioned into the Marines in 1988 through the Platoon Leaders Course following his graduation from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

The Navy's top IT and personnel leaders are butting heads over the future of the service's human resources modernization effort. At the center of the internal clash is a relatively small $170 million contract awarded in 2024 to Pantheon Data. Personnel leadership saw the contract as one of the most pivotal efforts to modernize Navy HR systems. But Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer Jane Rathbun, along with the Department of Government Efficiency, killed it — ignoring warnings that the move would stall progress, cripple promotion boards and hurt the Navy's ability to recruit and retain talent, according to a document submitted to the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee by Navy personnel officials, obtained by Federal News Network and verified by the subcommittee.

Local, Education & other academy news

There was a pep rally type of atmosphere inside the Terwilliger Center on Tuesday afternoon as newly appointed Navy athletic director Michael Kelly was formally introduced to the people he will now lead. Every employee of the Naval Academy Athletic Association gathered within the Akerson Theater to hear a farewell address from outgoing athletic director Chet Gladchuk and welcome remarks from his replacement. Gladchuk, who has retired after 24 years as Navy athletic director, said 23 candidates interviewed for the position. He noted that many were current athletic directors in good situations that considered the Naval Academy a step up.

Hospice of the Chesapeake's annual Fashion for a Cause event returned on June 5 to the Fluegel Alumni Center at the U.S. Naval Academy, raising more than $305,000 to support its community health programs. The event surpassed last year's fundraising total, providing vital funding for pediatric hospice care, grief counseling for children, and family support services. Known as one of the most highly anticipated charity events in Annapolis, the evening featured a red-carpet entrance, food from local restaurants, and entertainment by British magician Chris Dugdale. Bryan Nehman, co-host of C4 and Bryan Nehman on WBAL NewsRadio, returned as emcee for the fourth year and guided the audience through a night of fashion, fundraising, and personal stories highlighting the nonprofit's impact.

Conveniently located minutes from Historic Downtown Annapolis and the United States Naval Academy, the Fluegel Alumni Center is the premier event space within Annapolis City limits. With flexible event spaces, modern décor, ample parking, state of the art audio visual systems and sweeping waterfront views of College Creek, the Annapolis skyline, and USNA; the Fluegel Alumni Center is the perfect place to host your next event or occasion.

Learn more about five recent Pensacola high school graduates, who will soon embark on their next journey: the United States Naval Academy. Yes, attending the Naval Academy is an incredible feat on its own, given the application process, the standards to get into the academy, and everything in between. But these five local grads all have a different mission in mind when they ultimately head to their next stop: high-caliber athletics.

USNA and AA&F Events

JUNE

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 Jul - Plebe Summer Formal Parade

25 Jul - 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 p.m. - 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 - A&SP/NAAA Trustee Appreciation Pre-Game Breakfast – Navy vs. VMI

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

1-22 Oct - Class of '75 Gulf to Goat Charity Bike Ride

2 Oct - President Circle Welcome Reception, Fluegel

2-4 Oct - President Circle Weekend

2-5 Oct - Class of 2015 10th Reunion

2-5 Oct - Class of 1995 30th Reunion

2-5 Oct - Class of 1990 35th 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 p.m., Men's Match at 7 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 2005 20th Reunion

23-26 Oct - Class of 1995 30th Reunion

23-26 Oct - Class of 1975 50th Reunion

23-26 Oct - Class of 1965 60th 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 - 6:30p.m. - Register

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