11 Jul Daily Shipmate

Friday, Jul 11, 2025

1797 - The frigate United States was placed in commission at Philadelphia, under the command of Captain John Barry.

 

1798 - President John Adams approved "An Act for Establishing and Organizing a Marine Corps," and it became law. The following day, the President appointed William Ward Burrows the Major Commandant of the new Corps. In August, Major Burrows opened his headquarters in Philadelphia, at that time still the capital of the new nation.

 

1996 - The Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center stood up at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, consolidating the Naval Strike Warfare Center, Navy Fighter Weapons School, and Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School into one command.

2000 - LCDR Raymond O'Hare '88, USN was lost when the aircraft he was aboard crashed near the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. The other pilot was also killed. Raymond was a student at the Naval Test Pilot School. It's not clear when or why he left the Naval Academy, but he earned his degree from Harvard University in 1989, re-entered the Navy in November 1989, and was commissioned from OCS in early 1990. Ray was survived by his wife, three children, his mother, two brothers, and a sister.

Academy & Graduate happenings

This wasn't the kind of summer cruise you'd find featured in admissions pamphlets. There was no ship, no underway watches, and definitely no galley serving powdered eggs at 6 a.m. Instead, Midshipman 1st Class Nick Feaster and Midshipman 2nd Class Jordan Trantham, students at the U.S. Naval Academy, found themselves knee-deep in dirt on a remote Korean mountainside, wielding excavation tools rather than a sextant. Their instruments were a pinpointer and a trowel and were working with a pair of mountaineers who knew the ridgelines better than any GPS ever could. For most Naval Academy midshipmen, a summer cruise means time aboard an active-duty warship, submarine, or aviation unit—a chance to experience the rhythm of Navy life firsthand.

Air Force is one of three Division I service academies with wrestling programs in the United States. The others are the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy. Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and The Citadel offer similar experiences. Air Force head coach Sam Barber said he knows that some people have misconceptions about how wrestling can fit within a military experience. “The service academies are actually really positive places to be," he said. "It's hard work, it's not for everybody, but it can be if you have the right mindset. College wrestling is supposed to be a transformational experience, it's supposed to be transformative, who you are going to become as a young adult, and we do a good job of that.” For some athletes, the goal of joining a program like VMI, Army, Navy, The Citadel or Air Force is one they've been working towards for years. Navy captain Jacob Koser, for instance, said he knew in eighth grade that he wanted to earn a spot at the Naval Academy.

Fluke Corporation has appointed Parker Burke as President and Group President of Fortive's Connected Reliability Group, effective July 7, 2025. Burke, who previously served as Group President of Fortive's Environmental Health & Safety Group, brings 15 years of leadership experience across Fortive businesses. Burke will lead both Fluke and Fluke Reliability, focusing on delivering technology and services that help reduce downtime, increase safety, and enhance operational resilience. Under his leadership, the Connected Reliability Group will continue scaling AI-driven solutions, precision measurement, and connected workflows. Burke's background includes service as a U.S. Marine Corps Officer and leadership roles at Gilbarco Veeder-Root and Anderson-Negele. Parker holds a bachelor's degree in engineering from the United States Naval Academy and a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

2025 Navy Football Fan Fest and Media Day set for Saturday, August 2

Hey Navy Football Fans - Football season is just a few short months away. Kick-off the 2025 season and don your Navy Blue and Gold at Fan Fest / Media Day. Join Navy Football on Saturday, 2 August from 10 a.m.-12 noon at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and get fired up for a new season of football. Plus, don't miss your chance to meet the Navy players who will sign autographs on the blue side (press box side) concourse at 10:00 a.m. before fan interaction and photos at 11 a.m.

Government & Military News

The Navy deployed two Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers in mid-March to conduct border security objectives in support of the U.S. Northern Command southern border mission: the USS Gravely (DDG 107) to the Gulf of America and the Caribbean, and the USS Stockdale (DDG 106) to the Pacific Ocean. Earlier this summer, the USS Cole (DDG 67) relieved the USS Gravely after 83 days of service to the mission. Among the crew onboard these ships have been NCIS Special Agents who provide law enforcement and counterintelligence capabilities related to counternarcotics and combating transnational organized crime.

Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa welcomed a new commanding officer as Capt. Jeremy N. Lyon relieved Capt. Paul A. Hockran as the installation's 20th commanding officer during a formal change of command and retirement ceremony attended by service members, families, and distinguished guests. The event, held on Misawa Air Base, celebrated the leadership and accomplishments of Capt. Hockran, who is retiring after 30 years of distinguished service in the United States Navy. The ceremony highlighted the continuity of command and the enduring partnership between the U.S. Navy and the Misawa community. Capt. Hockran, a 1995 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, has led NAF Misawa since June 2021.

The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750) conducted a port visit in Iceland, marking the first time a nuclear-powered submarine pulls into port on Iceland's shores, July 9, 2025. The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750) conducted a port visit in Iceland, marking the first time a nuclear-powered submarine pulls into port on Iceland's shores, July 9, 2025. “Today's port visit is a pivotal moment, underscoring our unwavering commitment to collective defense and Arctic security,” said Adm. Stuart B. Munsch '85, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR/NAVAF). “Our submarine forces are advanced and vital to ensuring the security of our nations and our Alliance - patrolling the depths and providing a deterrent in an increasingly complex and contested world.”

Local, Education & other academy news

Just when you thought the City Dock saga couldn't get murkier, Annapolis officials are eyeing a new public-private partnership to build a 90+ slip marina at the end of the yet-to-be-funded City Dock project. A proposal set for discussion at a special City Council meeting on July 24th at 3:00pm, would partner the City with the owners of 110 Compromise Street to create a massive new docking facility—one that could dramatically alter the iconic viewshed of Annapolis Harbor. A proposed plan includes a 15-foot-wide dock stretching 360 feet out from City Dock, capped by a 200-foot-wide “T” pier. It's designed to accommodate boats ranging from 50 to over 200 feet, with 60% of the slips intended for transient use and the remainder to be leased or sold. In terms of scale, the marina would extend roughly as far as the current outer edge of the Annapolis Boat Shows and span from the center of the bulkhead at Susan Campbell Park to the Naval Academy's perimeter wall.

Larry Clemens, former Dean of Nimitz Library, posted on facebook this request for assistance with an item designed by famed inventor John Ericsson. "Has anyone seen a torpedo/mine lock like this?  I am not sure the date of this design and have been unable to document this item." Just send your reply to John Schofield.

Baltimore Sun

St. John's College will cut 5% of its staff this upcoming school year across both the Annapolis and Santa Fe campuses, following a decline in enrollment.

 

The decision came in late spring semester, as the school began solidifying its enrollment numbers for the upcoming year. St. John's expects 461 undergraduate students for the 2025-26 school year, a decline from the 487 undergraduates the previous year. The cuts were first reported by Baltimore Business Journal.

 

Susan Paalman, interim president at the Annapolis campus, said the school saw a large class graduate and a smaller class enroll. The 2025 graduating class had 120 students, a number Paalman said was higher than usual from a post-pandemic enrollment surge in 2022.

 

“We're coming slightly back down, but not to anything that's lower than what we've seen in previous years,” Paalman said. “So, we're still in good shape, but we are a little bit smaller than we have been.”

 

St. John's saw an enrollment surge in 2019 after tuition was reduced by $17,000. There was a drop in enrollment during the pandemic, and then an increase in 2022 as students returned.

 

In 2024, St. John's offered free tuition to families making under $75,000 per year, and Paalman said the enrollment effects will be seen in coming years.

 

The staff cuts are across several departments, primarily those involved in student services. No faculty positions have been eliminated, but 7% of faculty positions have been reduced through attrition and retirement.

 

St. John's has a $322 million endowment, which Paalman said is “quite healthy” for an institution of its size.

 

“I feel very confident that we are doing the right thing fiscally,” she said.

 

Paalman partially attributed a decline in enrollment to an overall lower confidence in higher education among U.S. adults, which a 2024 Gallup poll found had declined 20% since 2015.

 

She also said there may be fear surrounding student visas under the Trump administration. International students have made up roughly 15% of St. John's freshman class in the past five years.

 

Paalman said admissions counselors travel to high schools throughout the country to recruit students. St. John's education model has one fixed curriculum in which all students take the same classes.

 

“I think we need to get the word out, but I think our curriculum and our pedagogy really answer a lot of worries that people have, a lot of reasons they seem to be having, for turning away from higher ed,” Paalman said.

USNA and AA&F Events

July

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