18 Jul Daily Shipmate

Friday, Jul 18, 2025

1792 - John Paul Jones dies alone in Paris, France, having only the previous month been appointed Consul for the United States at the Port of Algiers. He is only 12 days past his 45th birthday.

1984 - MAJ Michael Compton '71, USMC was lost when the helicopter he was aboard crashed during a demonstration flight in Arizona. He was survived by his wife, six children, and his parents.

Academy & Graduate happenings

A Marine Corps officer is in line to lead the U.S. Naval Academy for the first time in its 180-year history, USNI News has learned. Lt. Gen. Michael Borgschulte, who is currently the Marine Corps deputy commandant for manpower and reserve affairs, will be nominated to serve as the Naval Academy's 66th superintendent, two defense officials familiar with the matter confirmed to USNI News. Vice Adm. Yvette Davids, who has been the superintendent since January 2024, will get renominated for a third star and to serve on the chief of naval operations staff. If confirmed by the Senate, she will serve as the deputy chief of naval operations for operations, plans, strategy and warfighting development, also known as the N3-N5-N7.

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). Well … we end season 5 with the doozy. Did you see the news? DoD announced a new Superintendent. VADM Yvette Davids '89 is headed to the pentagon and Lt Gen Michael Borgshulte '91 is nominated to be the first Marine Superintendent in the history of USNA. Chris and John discuss. New Supe … and New Dant. We get the first exclusive with Capt Gil Clark '98. We chat about his leadership philosophy, what he expects from the Mids and what it's like to come home to USNA. Don't be sad … the end of Season 5 just means that Season 6 is around the corner. We'll be back Aug 21 with the Season Debut and an interview with new Athletic Director Michael Kelly. Thanks for listening … and Beat Army. Always.

Navy Women's Lacrosse Coach Cindy Timchal and her staff hosted more than a dozen recruits and their parents at the Fluegel Alumni Center July 17th in the Alumni Association & Foundation's Blue & Gold Bar. Current Navy Women's Lax players sat for a discussion panel with the recruits and their parents to provide perspective on their time in Annapolis and what it is like to be a D1 Lacrosse player at Navy. The opportunity for the Fluegel Alumni Center to host this event validates the AA&F mission to support the Naval Academy, the physical mission and strengthen the bonds that exist with coaches, athletes, parents and prospective alumni.

It's here. And it is worth the wait. The Register of Alumni, a timeless keepsake and resource, celebrates the strength, service and shared legacy of our USNA alumni. The 1,262-page book is now back from the publisher. We know many of you have been eagerly awaiting its arrival, and we appreciate your patience as we worked to ensure this book reflects the blue and gold pride and precision of our Naval Academy community. Starting in mid-August, Registers will begin shipping and arriving on doorsteps. We hope it earns a prestigious place in your home and serves as a lasting reminder that once you are part of the USNA family, you are always part of something greater. We apologize for the delays in receiving this incredible product. What this photo doesn't adequately communicate is how utterly large the Register is. Larger than a Lucky Bag!! It is a great product. Be on the lookout in August.

The Comstock Park, MI Post Office will have its building named in honor of United States Marine Captain Miguel Justin Nava at a ceremony, Friday, July 25, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony will be held at the gazebo in the Dwight Lydell Park, directly across the street from the Post Office, 4040 Leland Ave NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321. On January 4, 2024, legislation introduced in the United States Congress to designate the Post Office building 3913 LeLeland Avenue, in Comstock Park, Michigan, as the “Captain Miguel Justin Nava Post Office”, was signed into law by the President.  This legislation was introduced in the United States Congress by Congresswoman Hillary Scholten. Captain Miguel Justin Nava USMC, age 28 of Traverse City, MI passed away on February 7, 2024 while flying his CH-53E Super Stallion. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 2017.

Government & Military News

The Navy is considering eliminating up to five high-level admiral positions key to the construction of ships and fighter planes, even as President Donald Trump has vowed to pull the Navy out of its shipbuilding crisis. The evolving plan is part of a larger Pentagon effort to reduce the number of admirals and generals in the ranks, according to a defense official and a person familiar with the matter, as the Trump administration takes aim at what it sees as a top-heavy military that has lost its focus. It would gut the three-star positions atop the five major commands — Naval Sea, Naval Air, Naval Information Warfare, Naval Facilities Engineering and Naval Supply — leaving them short of top-level military officials.

Over the next 18 months, the Defense Department will replace the legacy DS Logon system, which authenticates users onto more than 200 DOD and Veterans Affairs websites, with a more modern and flexible system called myAuth. The new authentication system offers a range of features that will simplify the login process for approximately 20 million individuals who use it, including military personnel, DOD civilians, military and civilian retirees, family member beneficiaries, contractors and vendors. The myAuth system is based on a commercial product, rebranded for the Defense Department, which provides cloud-based "identity as a service" capabilities to the department.

The U.S. Navy is planning for its next-generation destroyer, currently known as the DDG(X), to feature directed-energy weapons and more capacity to carry and launch missiles. According to a report this month from the Congressional Research Service, the service is requesting $133.5 million in research and development in its proposed fiscal 2026 budget to manufacture the DDG(X), which it hopes to procure in the early 2030s. The design for the DDG(X) is larger than previous proposals, with the report noting that it now calls for the ship to have a displacement of 14,500 tons, representing a boost of 1,000 tons from the design put forth in the Navy's shipbuilding plan for fiscal 2024.

 ​The U.S. Navy's Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group entered the South China Sea on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Chinese reconnaissance flights as Taiwan conducts annual counter-invasion drills. USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, cruiser USS Princeton (CG-59) and destroyer USS Sterett (DDG-104) transited the Malacca Strait on Wednesday local time accompanied by fleet oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO-200), according to AIS vessel tracking data. The strike group and Guadalupe then sailed through the Singapore Strait, entering the South China Sea, the data showed. Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer JS Asahi (DD-119) was also seen near the CSG in the Malacca Strait. It is unclear if Asahi, which is returning to Japan following an anti-piracy deployment to the Middle East, was sailing with the CSG.

Local, Education & other academy news

Tickets are on sale now! Please plan to join us for a fun weekend of sailing, racing, and socializing with the Midshipmen! This will be an excellent opportunity to connect into our national FONS Network and share FONS camaraderie among alumni, parents, sponsors, volunteers, and friends.  All are welcome! 22-23 August 2025.

The Commodore Dudley W. Knox Naval History Lifetime Achievement Award was created by the Naval Historical Foundation several years ago to honor the memory of naval historian Commodore Dudley W. Knox and recognize the lifetime achievements of naval historians. A few years ago, the Naval Historical Foundation folded in the Naval Institute, and we have carried on the award and the event and now host it every other year at the Jack C. Taylor Conference Center. Our event directly follows the last session of the McMullen Naval History Symposium at the Academy at 1700 on Friday 19 September, and we are interested in promoting the Knox Award ceremony and reception with the Academy.   If this is something you would be willing to do, I can have Schuyler send over a small banner graphic with a short blurb that would direct viewers of the newsletter to USNI's website and registration page.

 Tired of the summer heat? Embark on the adventure of a lifetime to the Last Continent—Antarctica. Experience the raw beauty and wild wonder that await at the tip of our amazing planet. Explore towering icebergs, untouched landscapes and the remote edges of the world. Get up close with penguins, seals, sea lions (oh my!) and other incredible wildlife in their natural habitat. This isn't just a trip—it's a once-in-a-lifetime expedition. So pack your parka, long underwear, lots of socks and book this journey with us today.

USNA and AA&F Events

July

18 Jul - Plebe Summer Formal Parade

25 Jul - Plebe Summer Formal 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 - 5-7 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

19 Aug - Class of 2027 Commitment Lunch

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

19 Sep - USNI Dudley Knox Achievement Award Reception

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