30 Jun Daily Shipmate

Monday, Jun 30, 2025

Hello, all. We pulled a fast one on you. The 4th of July week sabbatical for Daily Shipmate will start tomorrow so we can deliver to you today's edition and the results of your amazing feedback.

 

Nearly 200 of you emailed us!!  Every email was read, and I'm happy to provide the results of that feedback. 70% of respondents wanted to keep this product daily. The arguments for going to M-W-F make sense, and I know there are a lot of emails crashing your inboxes every day…but we're going to keep this daily with an arrival time of NLT 0800 EST.

 

Thank you for the feedback on content. We'll continue to post stories of our alums and their successes from the “Fleet to the C-Suite” and everywhere in between. We'll post stories from the Fleet and Marine Corps and continue to post info from the other service academies as a way of keeping you informed about the happenings here … and in Highland Falls, New London, Colorado Springs and Kings Point.

 

And remember, a great part of this product is the listing of Navy Sports results and upcoming matchups. USNA sports are on their own summer sabbatical now (other than offshore sailing), but when they return in mid-August, we'll deliver you updates from our 36 varsity teams and club sports, as well.

 

Thank you for being engaged readers, parents and alumni. See you July 7th.

Jun 29-30, 1776 - The Battle of Turtle Gut Inlet. The battle was an important, early naval victory for the Continental Navy and the future "Father of the American Navy", Captain John Barry. It was the first privateer battle of the American Revolutionary War. The battle resulted in the first American casualty of the war in New Jersey, Lieutenant Richard Wickes. It was the only Revolutionary War battle fought in Cape May County. From Class of 1993 President Bob Kuberski '93 – “This is a cool story for me personally as our house is located where Turtle Gut Inlet used to be. We found out some time after we bought our home there in 2012.” Kuberski has invited all alums to his house today for free food and beer to mark the anniversary. ; )

1965 - The Class of 1969 is sworn in on I-Day in Annapolis. Photo provided by Todd Creekman '69.

1969 - LT Richard Williams '66, USN was lost when the aircraft he was aboard crashed at Kingsville, Texas. Prior to flight training, Richard served aboard USS Agerholm (DD 826) on patrol off the coast of Vietnam. He was both awarded his wings and promoted to Lieutenant posthumously. Richard was survived by his wife, parents, and brother.

ACADEMY & GRADUATE HAPPENINGS

The new class of Midshipmen boasts 824 men selected from 11,190 applications and 377 Women selected from 4,887 applications. Midshipmen were admitted from every state in the nation, as well as the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The Class of 2029 has 14 international students from Canada (1), Egypt (1), Indonesia (1), Japan (1), Jordan (1), Kenya (1), Malaysia (1), Maldives (1), Nigeria (1), Palau (1), Panama (1), Peru (1), Senegal (1), Taiwan (1). 47 sons and 14 daughters of Naval Academy alumni. Of those, nine members of the entering class have both parents who are alumni of the Naval Academy. The Class of 2029 includes students from college and post high school preparatory programs. 215 from Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) in Newport, R.I., of those 35 Navy and 8 Marine Corps are prior enlisted. Total number of prior enlisted: Navy - 55 and Marine Corps - 9.

Watch this amazing tribute video produced by Midn 2/C Ryan Landolphi. Never forget.

Southland Conference Commissioner Chris Grant has announced the hiring of Mary McElroy '87 as the league's new Deputy Commissioner and Senior Woman Administrator, effective immediately. McElroy joins the Southland's executive leadership team with oversight of all conference championships, excluding football. She will serve as the primary liaison for men's and women's basketball and lead strategic initiatives across all sports, focusing on student-athlete experience, officiating, scheduling, event operations, postseason success, and operating code enforcement. “Mary is a rare and remarkable combination of talent and experience—a former Division I student-athlete, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate who served our country as a Marine Corps officer, a Division I Athletics Director, and a strategic leader who drove innovation and competitive excellence at the Power 4 level,” said Commissioner Chris Grant.

On June 26, the Navy celebrated the tremendous leadership of Rear Adm. Tony Rossi '94 at a Change of Command ceremony for the Navy International Programs Office (NIPO) at the Washington Navy Yard.  RDML Rossi relinquished command to Rear Adm. (Select) Raymond Owens '96, who is the first Navy Foreign Area Officer ever to lead NIPO. RADM (Sel) Owens enters the position with a distinguished career in Naval aviation, diplomacy and international security cooperation.  Mr. Jason Potter '04, ASN RDA's Primary Civilian Deputy, presented RDML Rossi with the Legion of Merit. During the ceremony, RDML Rossi reflected on what his team accomplished.  "What happens at NIPO doesn't stay at NIPO," Rossi said. "It echoes across continents, builds deterrence, and strengthens alliances. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve alongside the best of the best."

GOVERNMENT & MILITARY NEWS

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced a new name for John Lewis-class fleet oiler USNS Harvey Milk (TAO-206) in a video message posted on the social media site X Friday morning. In the message, Hegseth said the Navy would rename the ship for Chief Watertender Oscar V. Peterson – a Medal of Honor recipient who died after being wounded during the Battle of the Coral Sea in World War II. The announcement follows reports on June 3 that Hegseth directed Secretary of the Navy John Phelan to rename the oiler with a planned announcement on June 13. According to a planning memo reviewed by USNI News, the Navy sought “alignment with President and SECDEF objectives and SECNAV priorities of reestablishing the warrior culture” and to “Protect SECNAV Title 10 rights.”

The Senate on Friday voted down an effort to block President Trump from using further military force against Iran, as Democratic anger festers over the lack of details about the recent strikes on the country's nuclear facilities. The measure failed in a 47-53 vote, with Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky voting with most Democrats in favor of the resolution, and Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voting with most Republicans against it. Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia introduced the war powers resolution days before the U.S. bombed three locations central to Iran's nuclear program, seeking to force the president to get congressional authorization before entering the conflict between Israel and Iran.

Lawmaker proposes Iranian Campaign Medal for strikes on nuclear sites. 

A Texas lawmaker wants Congress to establish a new military campaign service medal for the servicemembers involved in the attacks on the Iranian nuclear facilities last week, part of an effort to highlight their skill and sacrifice. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas — whose district includes a pair of Air Force bases where service pilots are trained — plans to introduce legislation creating the Iranian Campaign Medal, with eligibility open to any troops who served in direct support of Operation Midnight Hammer, the mission targeting the nuclear sites. Defense Department officials have said the operation involved more than 125 American aircraft and 75 precision weapons, making it one of the more complicated missions in recent military history.

LOCAL, EDUCATION & OTHER ACADEMY NEWS

We're dedicated to supporting our alumni as they transition from military service to civilian careers. Whether you're exploring new opportunities, advancing in your current field, or launching your own venture, we're here to help. Our services include: Personalized career counseling, access to the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) Alumni Entrepreneurs Group, The Service Academy Career Conference (SACC)—the only career event exclusively designed for Service Academy alumni. From your first step into the civilian workforce to every milestone along the way, we're committed to standing by you throughout your professional journey.

From crabs and oysters to history and sailing, Annapolis was named one of the best American towns to visit, according to CNN Travel's America's Best Towns to Visit 2025 list. Coming in at the No. 5 spot, CNN cites the city's maritime and colonial history coupled with its strong boating and seafood offerings. "Maryland's capital ... offers visitors much more than historic charm," CNN Travel writes. "A key port on the Chesapeake (Bay), it provides numerous ways to explore the bay, from sunset cruises to outings aboard a historic skipjack, a working sailboat once used for dredging oysters."

Saturday is a solemn day for the city of Annapolis and the state of Maryland. Seven years ago, on June 28, 2018, a gunman killed five staff members at the Capital Gazette. They were John McNamara, Rob Hiaasen, Gerald Fischman, Wendi Winters and Rebecca Smith. On Friday morning, Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley and former Capital Gazette Editor Rick Hutzell laid five wreaths in their memory. Also Friday, U.S. Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-District 3, offered reflection on the House floor.

The United States Air Force Academy Cadet Sponsor Program is searching for hundreds of sponsor parents for its new Class of 2029 Cadets. As of Thursday afternoon, a spokesperson with the program told KRDO they still need over 200 sponsor parents or families for cadets from across the country and world. The program pairs volunteers up with cadets who might need a little extra support throughout their four years at the academy since they come from far away and don't have many friends or family here in Colorado.

The superintendent of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Vice Admiral Joanna M. Nunan, has announced her departure following the school's Class of 2025 commencement ceremony. Deputy Superintendent Rear Admiral David M. Wulf will be departing as well.  The academy's chief of staff, Capt. Anthony J. "Tony" Ceraolo (USCG, Ret'd) will serve as acting superintendent while the Department of Transportation conducts a search for a permanent replacement. Nunan, a career Coast Guard officer, took on command of USMMA in December 2022. She was the 14th superintendent of the academy and the first woman to hold the role.

USNA AND AA&F EVENTS

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

9-16 Oct - Celebrating The Navy and Marine Corps' 250th Anniversary - Philadelphia

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 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