22 Jul Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, Jul 22, 2025

1905 - Having been discovered in France the previous April following a six-year search, the body of American Revolution naval hero John Paul Jones was returned to the United States, escorted across the Atlantic by a squadron consisting of the cruisers Brooklyn (CA-3), Chattanooga (C-16), Galveston (C-17), and Tacoma (C-18) along with a French cruiser. 

 

1970 - As part of the Vietnamization of the war, 60 South Vietnamese were commissioned in their navy following graduation from Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. Some of these personnel ended up staffing the 525 ships and small craft transferred to the South Vietnamese Navy by the United States.

2010 - LTCOL Mario Carazo '91, USMC was killed in action when his AH-1W Cobra gunship was shot down by Afghani insurgents. A native of Springfield, Ohio, “Sugarbear” earned two master's degrees and was commanding officer of Headquarters Squadron, Marine Air Group 39 when he was lost. He was survived by his wife, two children, parents, a brother, and two sisters.

Academy & Graduate happenings

This Fox News segment features U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Jackson Perkins '21 as he discusses his duet with country music artist Riley Green at a concert on 'Fox & Friends Weekend.' Jackson Perkins is the former USNA Team Captain for Navy Football.

Kevin Tehan '93 assumed duties as the acting deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow in June 2025. He is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of counselor. In January 2024, Mr. Tehan returned to the Russian Federation for the third time to become the embassy's chief of security, managing all security programs and services and acting as the senior U.S. law enforcement and security advisor to the chief of mission. Mr. Tehan is a 1993 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in history. He also holds a Master of Arts degree in international relations from Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies. Prior to joining the State Department, he was an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. Mr. Tehan is joined in Moscow by his wife, Heather.

A former Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot who made a remarkable career transition into dentistry and periodontistry. The conversation picks up where his first episode left off, diving into the second chapter of his professional life. Ben Horn '05 shares what it was like going through the demands of dental school while raising a young family, and the critical support his wife provided along the way. He also reflects on the through line between military aviation and dentistry: the ability to compartmentalize and bring total focus to the task at hand. The Know Your Neighbor Podcast is owned and hosted by 2005 USNA Alumnus, Chris Yenias '05. Know Your Neighbor is a podcast about slowing down and actually hearing it. In a world full of hot takes and highlight reels, these are honest, in-person conversations with the people you see every day but might never talk to.

Leadership advisory firm ghSMART (CEO is an alumnus) announces significant minority investment from KKR

ghSMART, a premier global leadership advisory firm, and KKR, a leading global investment firm, today announced that funds managed by KKR will acquire a significant minority stake in ghSMART (the “Company”). ghSMART partners with CEOs, boards, and investors to develop effective executive teams and support high-stakes leadership decisions. ghSMART's founder, partners, and employees will retain majority ownership in the business and the current management team, led by CEO Jeff McLean '04, will continue to lead the company in their current roles. ghSMART CEO Jeff McLean added, "This investment is truly a full-circle moment for the firm. Thirty years ago, KKR generously provided data to Geoff for his Ph.D. dissertation on management assessment in private equity, which facilitated the founding of ghSMART. With KKR's backing, we aim to expand our services to assist even more organizations in unlocking value through strategic leadership hiring and high-stakes decision-making."

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 21, 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.

The United States' newest and world's largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) and USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), all assigned to Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG), transited the Strait of Gibraltar with Spanish Navy Santa Maria-class ESPS Canarias (F86), and fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE-6), July 19, 2025.

Local, Education & other academy news

As part of a sweeping rebrand, the American Athletic Conference on Monday formally changed its name to "American Conference," ditched the acronym AAC and added its first mascot, "Soar," the eagle. The league will use American Conference on first reference, and "American" on subsequent references. The modernized website will go live on Thursday at the league's media days in Charlotte, North Carolina. "A brand is more than a name," American commissioner Tim Pernetti said in a statement. The 15-member American sent eight teams to bowls last season and captured the Bowl Challenge Cup with a 6-2 postseason record. The American was one of only five leagues -- joining the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC -- to have three teams finish with at least 10 wins last season.

Capital Gazette

When I assumed command of Naval Support Activity Annapolis in July 2023, I stood on its roads with a profound sense of responsibility. It was a responsibility that was different than what I'm used to, typically managing sailors on ships and ensuring they return to their families safely. Coming here, I felt a deep commitment to both the installation and the surrounding community.

 

Today, after two years on the ground, my time here has come to an end, and I am incredibly proud of the work NSA Annapolis has accomplished. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for how the City of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County support the installation, and how together, we've shaped a safer, more resilient future both inside and outside our fence lines.

 

First and foremost, I extend my deepest thanks to NSA Annapolis Public Works Department and Security. Whether it's a midnight call to respond to flooding in a low-lying basement or ensuring our gates are secure around the clock, they do so with excellence and an unwavering commitment to safety. Your dedication protects our mission, our people and our greatest asset: community trust.

 

To the City of Annapolis, I am grateful for the strong collaboration on numerous projects, both large and small, over the past two years. Collectively, we have advanced planning and design efforts to address coastal and stormwater flooding along Prince George Street and City Dock, and have made great progress to plan the future use of the Gateway Park along Rowe Boulevard, as well as pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements on King George Street. I am particularly thankful to our neighboring residents for patiently supporting and accommodating several disruptive construction projects, including the replacement of the perimeter wall along Wagner and Hanover Streets. I look forward to hearing of the improved, safer paths that will be traveled on by commuters and shipmates alike.

 

Whether it's the management of the Naval Academy Dairy Farm, working with our Emergency Operations Center, coordinating routes for races like the Annapolis 10-Miler, or participating in safety exercises and security drills, our partners at Anne Arundel County have been instrumental in our success. Their proactive approach to assisting us with our projects has and will continue to improve the safety and habitability of the area.

 

Inside the gate, the progress continues. We've made major upgrades to enhance security, modernize aging infrastructure, and boost energy efficiency. Among the most significant of these efforts has been the start of the renovation of Bancroft Hall, the heart of the Naval Academy, and the emerging major improvements soon coming to the baffled range that will enhance training safety and efficiency for our Warfighters.

 

Our waterfront readiness has grown stronger as well. After years of recurrent tidal flooding, we partnered with local resilience experts to build seawalls not just at Farragut Field, but also now underway along Ramsey Road and soon the Prince George Street flood wall. We've trained for storm response so that now, when the whistle blows, we're better prepared.

 

Beyond infrastructure, I'm also grateful for the vibrant connection between our Navy families and the local schools, parks, churches and volunteer organizations that have welcomed them. From Little League teams to local medical professionals and church groups, your warmth and support for our spouses and children do more than make us operationally stronger; you make us feel at home.

 

What might appear merely as “support” to some, to me is a force multiplier: We support Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, and the City of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County support us. These reciprocal pledges render us stronger, more secure and more prepared together.

 

As I depart, I can promise you NSA Annapolis will continue pursuing every opportunity to build even stronger relationships with those in the area that I have been honored to call home the last two years. Together, we are more than the sum of our parts. We are better. Safer. Resilient. And I'm profoundly thankful.

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