15 Jul Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, Jul 15, 2025

1925 - The Marine detachment from the gunboat Sacramento (Gunboat No. 19) lands in Shanghai to help protect international settlements during the Chinese civil war.

1991 - LTjg Ernest Greppin, III '89, USN was lost in a parachuting incident near Coronado, California. He was a member of SEAL Team 2. At the Naval Academy he was a member of the heavyweight crew team and won a national championship in 1988. He was survived by his parents and sister.

Academy & Graduate happenings

The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, selected seven new officers to join the team for the 2026 air show season. The squadron selected three F/A-18E/F Super Hornet pilots, a C-130J Super Hercules pilot, an Assistant Maintenance Officer, a Supply Officer and a Public Affairs Officer to replace outgoing team members. By the start of the 2026 show season, these seven officers will join the ranks of the U.S. Navy's most elite aviation officers, ground support officers, and enlisted maintenance personnel already serving on the team. “Selecting new officers is never easy with such a strong pool of candidates,” said Cdr. Adam Bryan, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. “We're proud to announce our 2026 officers and can't wait to see the impact they'll have on next season's demonstration team.” C-130J Demonstration Pilot: Capt. Olivia Bair, from Findlay, Ohio, is currently assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352. She graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2018.Supply Officer: Lt. Garrett Wiedle, from Fredericksburg, Va., is currently assigned to Electronic Attack Wing Pacific. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2019.

General Enterprise Ventures, Inc. (OTC:GEVI) announced July 14 that its subsidiary, Mighty Fire Breaker LLC ("MFB"), a leader in the wildfire defense sector, has appointed Andrew Hotsko '12 to the role of Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. In his new role, Mr. Hotsko will lead the expansion and scaling of MFB's operations, including the installation of residential wildfire defense systems, and will oversee the company's sales, supply chain, and business development functions. He will report directly to Mighty Fire Breaker CEO Ted Ralston. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps., Mr. Hotsko served both as an Infantry Officer and Recruiting Officer. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the United States Naval Academy and an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He is fluent in Spanish and holds multiple FINRA certifications.

Government & Military News

These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy's deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of July 14, 2025, based on Navy and public data. In cases in which a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship.

After months of positive news about military recruiting efforts, lawmakers are poised to back White House plans to boost the Defense Department's end strength by about 26,000 troops next year. The extra service members are included in both the Senate and House Armed Services Committees' drafts of the annual defense authorization bill, which contains a series of policy and budgetary priorities for the military. Senators on the panel approved their version last week, while the House committee is scheduled to mark up its draft Tuesday.

Local, Education & other academy news

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, July 29th from 7-8:30 p.m. at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. for a special U.S. Naval Academy Night during their Concerts on the Avenue series. This concert will be hosted by Vice Admiral Yvette Davids '89, and the Navy memorial invites everyone to join in the celebration by showing their Navy spirit! Whether you're a proud graduate, midshipman, or loyal fan, we want to see you in your Navy blue and gold! It's a great opportunity to honor the Naval Academy's legacy, enjoy an evening of live music by the full Navy Band, and connect with fellow members of the community.

Coach Drew Cronic visited the Hampton Roads area and Chapter 9-10 July. Coach spoke to a group of alumni at the Blue Moon Taphouse (Waterside) in downtown Norfolk 9 July. Total attendance: approx.. 75 people including ADM Tim Keating '71 USN (Ret), many former football players including Bob Tata '79, Tom Paulk '80 , Bob Teufel '81 and Ted Digges '85, and 4 Mids from the class of '26. And he met and talked to many alumni. Many photos and selfies were taken by individuals. On 10 July – Hampton Roads Chapter leader ill Daniels '77I escorted Coach for a visit to USS TORTUGA (LSD-46) at NAVSTA Norfolk. CO CDR Valerie (Alie) Broznak is a Miami (Ohio) NROTC '03. XO CDR David Pagan '08 provided a tour of the ship. They also visited the Mariner Skills Training Center - Atlantic at NAVSTA Norfolk.  LCDR Ian Meredith '10  (XO) - a former Navy football player - and CAPT Frank Castellano '90 USN (Ret) , the Navy CIV. Director of Training gave the Coach a tour of the Shiphandling Simulators. Coach Cronic was very appreciative of the opportunities to speak to the HR Chapter gathering - and for the visits at NAVSTA Norfolk.

USNA and AA&F Events

July

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 - 5-7 p.m. - Rocky Mountain Room, Blue Moon TapHouse - Waterside District, Norfolk - 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 (FAC) - 6:30pm - 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