7 Jul Daily Shipmate

Monday, Jul 7, 2025

1941 - The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing was activated at Quantico, Virginia. Within a year of activation, the Wing would participate in the Marine Corps offensive at Guadalcanal. That bitter campaign would be the first in a series of legendary battles in which the Wing would add luster to its reputation. The 1stMAW would earn five Presidential Unit Citations for gallantry in campaigns spanning World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

 

1945 - President Harry S. Truman embarks in the heavy cruiser Augusta (CA-31) for the first leg of his trip to a conference with British Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill and Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin at Potsdam, near Berlin, Germany.

1965 - MIDN Robert Bossert '67, USN was lost when the helicopter he was aboard crashed near Jacksonville, Florida. The pilot and a crewman were also killed. He was aboard the aircraft as a part of his summer training; another 2/c Midshipman was severely injured. Robert was survived by his parents, two brothers, and two sisters.

ACADEMY & GRADUATE HAPPENINGS

The great class of 1979 helped support the Alumni Association & Foundation - and the Another Link in the Chain (ALINC) program - with an MVP performance leading up to I-Day for the class of 2029. Of the 167 alumni chapters and parents' clubs, we heard from 128 of them (76.6%). Of those 128 chapters & clubs, 69 hosted welcome parties.  We were able to cover 64 of the 69 events with a classmate and other alums represented us at the remaining five. We had 139 79ers volunteer for at least one location.  We had five 79ers volunteer for 4 or more locations: Kevin Boyd, Pat Dennis, Mike Eriksen, Don Hubbard, and Greg Hutto.  We had six 79ers participate in at least 3 welcome parties: Steve Ambrose, Kevin Boyd, Pat Dennis, Mike Eriksen, Steve Smith, Joe Welch, and Chris Wenz.  I believe Greg Hutto wins for longest drive to a Welcome Party – 5 hours! Well done, '79.

A Naval Academy graduate recently opened an upscale coastal restaurant in Annapolis that celebrates "Delmarva-centric flavors with a contemporary twist." Captain's Daughter is now open in the lobby of the Westin Annapolis, located at 100 Westgate Circle. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from its new space in the Annapolis Arts District. The eatery serves brunch on the weekend. The hotel is owned by District Hospitality Partners, whose CEO is Naval Academy alum Fred Malek '88.

Naval Support Activity (NSA) Annapolis awarded a contract to CER Incorporated for $2.6 million to construct a flood wall along a portion of Prince George Street, marking another significant stepin the installation's ongoing flood control efforts, June 25, 2025. The work includes demolishing the existing wall and providing a new flood wall along the United States Naval Academy fenceline from Barry Gate to Gate 0. It also includes providing and adjusting a detachable flood barrier at Barry Gate, and ensuring the new wall meets necessary security requirements. “This project underscores our commitment to safeguarding both the U.S. Naval Academy and the surrounding Annapolis community from the growing threats posed by heavy rainfall and flooding,” said Capt. Chris Schwarz, Commanding Officer, NSA Annapolis. “Through close collaboration with our partners in the City of Annapolis, we're taking concrete steps to ensure our shared infrastructure is more resilient and our community is better prepared for future challenges.”

Welcome to another great episode of the Sing Second podcast. We bring you the stories and happenings at the Naval Academy and the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation (AA&F). John and Chris have a great conversation with VADM (ret) John Nowell from the Navy Memorial. Our old boss breaks down the mission of the Memorial, talks about their outreach in DC and chats about the importance of philanthropy in supporting organizations like Navy Memorial....AND the Naval Academy. Admiral Nowell also gives some advice for new parents of the Class of 2029 and drops us a doozy of a sea story. The boys also remember Erik Kristensen and the Capital Gazette staff. Thanks for listening…and Beat Army. Always.

GOVERNMENT & MILITARY NEWS

The Senate passed a massive party-line spending package Tuesday, including a one-time surge in defense spending the Pentagon is counting on for its upcoming fiscal year 2026 budget. By a vote of 51-50 — with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie — the chamber advanced the vast tax, healthcare and border security bill President Donald Trump has championed as key to his legislative agenda. That 940-page “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” also features $150 billion in funding for the military, which would go toward shipbuilding, the Golden Dome homeland missile defense project, munitions and other key priorities.

Approximately 100 people separated over the COVID-19 vaccine have indicated an interest in rejoining the Navy since April, a Navy spokesperson told USNI News. So far, a total of 10 sailors reenlisted after separating over the refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine, USNI News previously reported. This included sailors who were able to reenlist after the COVID-19 mandate ended in January 2023. After President Donald Trump entered the White House for a second time, he issued a January 2025 executive order allowing reenlistment with back pay. A Pentagon policy released in April required the branches to reach out to sailors who were involuntarily separated, USNI News previously reported.

The Defense Department's renaming spree may be slowing after Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered a new name for the USNS Harvey Milk last week. A defense official told Task & Purpose that no decision has been made to rename other ships like the Harvey Milk, one of 12 John Lewis-class replenishment oilers named for civilians with ties to the civil rights era. “There are currently no plans to rename other ships in this class,” a defense official told Task & Purpose. Other ships in the class honor Congressman and Black civil rights leader John Lewis, Civil War abolitionist and union spy Harriet Tubman, women's advocates Sojourner Truth and Lucy Stone and Supreme Court Justices Earl Warren, Thurgood Marshall and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

LOCAL, EDUCATION & OTHER ACADEMY NEWS

Two new Trustees — John F. Crowley '90 and Danielle Walker Merfeld — have been elected to serve on the University of Notre Dame's Board of Trustees effective July 1. Crowley is president and CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), the world's largest biotechnology advocacy and policy organization. Prior to joining BIO in 2024, Crowley served as founder, executive chairman and CEO of Amicus Therapeutics. Crowley attended the U.S. Naval Academy and holds a bachelor's degree in foreign service from Georgetown University, a J.D. from Notre Dame Law School and a Master of Business Administration from the Harvard Business School.

Dr. Martin Keith Deafenbaugh, CAPT(Ret.) MC USN, 74, of Annapolis, MD, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025. Marty was a graduate of Bayside High School in Virginia Beach, class of 1969, and graduated in 1973 from the United States Naval Academy. He married the love of his life and wife of 51 years, Cathy, in Ashland, Virginia on November 24, 1973. A surface warfare officer for 7 years after commissioning, he served three sea tours and had returned back to USNA as a Seamanship and Navigation Instructor when he was accepted to medical school.

According to sources inside and outside the Air Force Academy, over 50 civilian faculty members have already left the institution through the voluntary Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) offered earlier this year. Ahead of the next fiscal year, current and former faculty fear that the number could double or triple through involuntary cuts. This is in addition to active-duty military instructors who've cycled out, sources said. “The insidious part of it is those who took the DRP, their positions disappeared,” said Tom Bewley, who served as the distinguished visiting professor in the Academy's mechanical engineering department last academic year. “For everyone who took them, we are down a civilian faculty that's not getting replaced.” Bewley, a former Air Force officer and pilot himself, previously penned a Denver Post op-ed with 90 other cosigners, calling on Air Force Academy (USAFA) leadership to stop proposed civilian faculty cuts.

The Survivor Advocacy Network (SAN) is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the  2025 Renewal & Recovery Retreat, a 5-night / 6-day In-Person Survivor Retreat for Military Service Academy (MSA) alumnae who are survivors of sexual assault. This includes those who did not graduate or commission. Applications must be received by 26 July. The retreat is free of cost to attendees except for a $150 non-refundable deposit. The retreat will take place Oct. 22-27, 2025 at the Chanco on the James Camp in Spring Grove, VA. This is a very special opportunity for participants to experience an immersive healing experience with other service academy alumnae. The retreat will be facilitated by Rooted Within, an all-women led facilitator team. Spots are limited so don't delay in applying. Email Karen at [email protected] to ask any questions about the retreat.

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

15 Aug - 2 for 7 Signing - Class of 2027

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