21 Jul Daily Shipmate

Monday, Jul 21, 2025

1905 - A boiler explosion on board the gunboat Bennington (PG-4) at San Diego, California, showered the ship with steam and scalding water, taking the lives of 60 crewmembers and seriously injuring 40 others. Ten members of the crew received the Medal of Honor for heroism in the wake of the tragic accident.

 

1946 - In the first landing of a pure jet on board a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, Lieutenant Commander James J. Davidson trapped on board Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) in an XFD-1 Phantom, the first jet procured for operational service by the U.S. Navy.

 

1957 - LTjg Herbert Kloepping '53, USN was lost when the patrol plane he was aboard crashed in the Dolomite Mountains, Italy. He had spent three years in the fleet prior to his appointment to the Naval Academy Preparatory School. He was survived by his parents and three brothers

1969 - During the Apollo XI mission to the moon, astronaut Neil Armstrong stepped down the ladder of the lunar lander Eagle onto the surface of the moon, uttering the famous words, “That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Academy & Graduate happenings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The White House has nominated new leaders for the I Marine Expeditionary Force, Navy personnel and Naval Air Systems Command, according to a Friday Pentagon announcement. Maj. Gen. Christian Wortman '91 was nominated to lead the California-based I Marine Expeditionary Force and a promotion to lieutenant general, if confirmed by the Senate. Wortman is currently serving as the commanding general, 3rd Marine Division, in Okinawa, Japan. Rear Adm. Jeffrey Czerewko '90, was nominated to lead the Navy's personnel command as chief of naval personnel with a promotion to vice admiral if confirmed. Rear Adm. John Dougherty '95 was nominated to be the lead Naval Air Systems Command and a promotion to vice admiral if confirmed. Dougherty currently serves as commander, Naval Air Warfare Center, aircraft division at Naval Air Systems Command.

Shipmate Magazine will hit the mailboxes at the beginning of August, but here is a peek at some of the stories you'll see and read in the latest paper issue of the world's finest alumni magazine. In addition to Commissioning Week coverage, the issue includes a look at the Da Nang Small Craft Repair Facility as part of the Legacy of Valor: Vietnam War series and a celebration of Chet Gladchuk's unparalleled tenure as Navy's athletic director. And…Family Ties. Former Navy football teammates Dan Prather '92 and Joe Spencer '92 forged irrevocable bonds during their time at the Naval Academy. Since then, their lives have been intertwined. In May, Joe's son, ENS Gabe Spencer '25, USN, was commissioned and became the first of four members of the next generation of Spencer-Prather clan to graduate. Shipmate tells the story of the unconventional link tying together these alumni and the four midshipmen who also chose lives of service. Here is the online version of that story.

Please join the alumni Association & Foundation staff for this important Health Webinar. In effort to better communicate on health-related resources available to our alumni through the Association, Classes, and SIGs, the Alumni Association along with Mitch Henderson '65 have started a Bi-Monthly webinar open to all alumni. In this upcoming session, Mike Lowe '98 will highlight the health-related resources that can be found on the new usna.com and myUSNA.com. Mike will also preview some important health-related articles you'll be seeing in the next three issues of Shipmate Magazine and beyond. Mitch Henderson will join the webinar to discuss forming a Health Committee as part of the AA&F suite of career and post-career services and support. Classes and SIGs will provide updates on their efforts in this arena. And we will end with Q&A. Click the button below to attend. No registration required.

Government & Military News

The TSA will now add lanes at security checkpoints dedicated to families and military members. The program called Families on the Fly started as a trial run in Orlando, Florida, and will now expand to other areas where families often travel with children.

House lawmakers advanced their $832 billion defense appropriations plan for fiscal 2026 early Friday morning despite strong objections from Democrats over missing budgetary details and social issue fights. The bill's passage — by a 221-209 margin, with only five Democrats backing the measure — sends the national security budget debate over to the Senate, where appropriators still have not unveiled the parameters of their spending plans for next year. The Defense Department is currently operating this fiscal year under a modified continuing resolution, with some additional funding for military programs and purchases. Lawmakers are hopeful that won't happen again next year, but the slow pace of budget work thus far leaves only about six weeks of session work left before a possible partial government shutdown if the appropriations bills aren't finalized.

Local, Education & other academy news

Chief Operations Officer: Jonathan Poole. Jonathan Poole '13 most recently served FAME as the Director of Strategic Growth. He previously worked at the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development and served in the United States Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer on a Bath Iron Works-built destroyer in the Pacific, as well as on an admiral's staff. "FAME is one of many organizations around the state that is striving to grow Maine's economy and create better outcomes for Maine people. What is unique about FAME that makes it such an exciting place to work is its ability to support both businesses and families to achieve their goals. The fact that I get to work with people that are all motivated to support Maine people is unique and inspiring."  Poole holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the United States Naval Academy and a Master Degree in International Public Policy and Diplomacy from University College Cork (Ireland).

Rear Adm. Brad Rosen '95 relieved Rear Adm. Brad Collins '92 as Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central (CNREURAFCENT), today. Collins assumed command of CNREURAFCENT in May 2022, leading the Navy's largest region and overseeing nine installations in seven countries spanning three combatant commands. Rosen, a native of Randolph, New Jersey, is a 1995 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, and a 2005 graduate from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. He most recently served as Commander, Navy Region Southwest. Rosen has also served as Commanding Officer, Patrol Squadron (VP) 16 and Commanding Officer, Naval Station Norfolk.

Are You Ready to Be Somebody's Hero and Take a Swing for a Good Cause? Proudly hosted by the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Hampton Roads Chapter, the 5th Annual Be Somebody's Hero Golf Tournament is just eight weeks out!  Join us on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Sewells Point Golf Course in Norfolk, VA for a day filled with fun, food, friends and golf (no base access required). Your participation supports the Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads and helps fund no- and low-cost programs that directly benefit junior-enlisted service members and their families stationed in the area. $95 per golfer includes: Bagged lunch, 18 holes of golf with cart, Swag bag, Drink ticket, Raffle ticket & Dinner & awards ceremony.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, July 29th from 7:00pm-8:30pm 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, 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.

USNA and AA&F Events

July

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