25 Jul Daily Shipmate

Friday, Jul 25, 2025

1967 - Classmates ENS William Miller, Jr. '66, USN and 2LT Charles Warner '66, USMC were lost within hours of one another, on opposite sides of the globe. William was killed in a plane crash during pilot training in Alabama; Charles was killed in action with North Vietnamese forces while leading a platoon with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines. William was survived by his parents, two sisters, and a brother. Charles had been married for less than a year.

ACADEMY & GRADUATE HAPPENINGS

For generations, the United States Naval Academy has prepared leaders to serve with honor, courage and commitment. This legacy is strengthened by the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation (AA&F)—and by the generosity of alumni, parents, and friends who believe in the power of leadership and service. While federal funding provides the foundation, private philanthropy fuels the Margin of Excellence—elevating academics, leadership training, global experiences, and athletics. Your support empowers midshipmen to push the limits of excellence. Discover how your generosity shapes the next generation of leaders—and explore the many ways to give.

President Donald Trump has directed members of his Cabinet to develop a plan in the next 30 days aimed at preserving college sports opportunities and preventing college athletes from becoming professionals, according to an executive order he signed Thursday. Trump's order sets out specific guidelines for preserving athletic scholarships based on an athletic department's annual revenue. It also declares that schools should not permit athletes to accept "third-party, pay-for-play payments." The order states that Secretary of Education Linda McMahon should use future federal funding decisions among other tools to force schools to abide by the administration's policy. The NCAA always has prohibited pay-for-play payment from third parties. In the past several years, college sports leaders have struggled to find ways to stop boosters at the industry's wealthiest schools from paying athletes via contracts that are endorsement deals on paper but function in reality as de facto salaries.

Navy Sports featured 42 All Americans…the most in school history. Navy Football won the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy, and the overall sports record in 2024 was 289-218-6 (.569). Here's a look at more of the stats and accomplishments.

The Chargers on Tuesday night held a walkthrough session aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), which is stationed at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego. The highlight of the visit was when service members stepped on the scout team offense and defense against the Bolts top units, a moment that had the entire ship buzzing with excitement. The experience was a thrill for everyone involved, whether it was Chargers players and coaches or the thousands of sailors on board. "It doesn't get much better," said Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh. "Who gets to get onto an aircraft carrier with their entire team? Nobody! The visit was especially meaningful for Chargers safety Alohi Gilman '20, who began his college career at the Naval Academy and reconnected with two classmates aboard the ship. Kelly Larkin '20, a public affairs officer for the Navy, and pilot Tyler Pistorio '20 both knew Gilman from their time together at the Naval Academy. Gilman said it was a full-circle moment seeing friends he first met nearly a decade ago.

GOVERNMENT & MILITARY NEWS

Navy veteran Geb Galle survived Pearl Harbor and went on to take part in 19 campaigns in the Pacific during World War II. In 1942 alone, he watched B-25 bombers take off from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet for the Doolittle Raid, and he later saved four other sailors from the cruiser USS Northampton before the ship sank, his daughter Lynda Palmer said. “One of the guys did thank him, but dad said he didn't need thanks, it was just what you did during those times,” Palmer told Task & Purpose. When he turned 104 on July 20, he received a letter from Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. James Kilby '86, Palmer said. The letter was delivered by two sailors, one of whom is a machinist's mate, just like her father was during the war.

U.S. Central Command is denying an American guided-missile destroyer violated Iranian waters, disputing claims in Iranian state media. USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62) and an Iranian helicopter had what a U.S. official described as a “safe” interaction Wednesday morning near the Gulf of Oman. “This interaction had no impact to USS Fitzgerald's mission and any reports claiming otherwise are falsehoods and attempts by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to spread misinformation,” the defense told USNI News in a statement. “U.S. Central Command will continue to operate safely and professionally in accordance with internationally recognized norms and customs.”

The U.S. Navy needs to complete its shipbuilding program and modernize its weapons systems to effectively address the nation's defense needs, Adm. Daryl Caudle told the Senate Armed Services Committee. Committee members questioned Caudle on Thursday morning to consider his nomination for Chief of Naval Operations and reappointment to the grade of admiral. "I view this nomination as a solemn opportunity to ensure the nation's maritime dominance never is surpassed by competitors or adversaries," Caudle told the committee during his opening comments. "Our sailors are the Navy's most enduring competitive advantage," Caudle said. "A stronger Navy means a more effective fleet."

LOCAL, EDUCATION & OTHER ACADEMY NEWS

 The 26th Annual Navy Night at the Chesapeake Baysox is set for Friday, August 1, offering an evening of patriotism, baseball, and fireworks as the Annapolis community turns out in full force to welcome the newest U.S. Naval Academy plebes. This year's celebration is especially meaningful for the Class of 2029, who will be stepping off the Yard for the first time since Induction Day (I-Day) in June. For many of the plebes, it marks a well-earned break from the rigors of Plebe Summer and a first chance to enjoy a night out with the support of their new community.

Transitioning from military service to a civilian career can be tough, but for Megan Ronnfeldt (Rosenberger) '17, a former Naval Intelligence Officer, the Salesforce Military Fellowship Program provided the perfect bridge to navigate this shift successfully. Her journey is a testament to the power of connection, mentorship, and discovering the right opportunity at Salesforce. As Megan prepared to transition out of the Navy, she joined a Hiring Our Heroes cohort, a program dedicated to helping veterans and military spouses find meaningful careers post-service. It was through this program that she first heard about Salesforce and the opportunities available through its Military Fellowship Program.

A conservative judicial and government watchdog group has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the Department of Defense over documents related to a controversy surrounding the U.S. Military Academy at West Point crest on Bibles in the West Point Cadet Chapel. Judicial Watch originally submitted a FOIA request in December 2024 for documents related to the Bibles, after the MacArthur Society, a group for West Point graduates concerned about potential politicization at the military academy, tipped them off to the potential removal of the crest from the Bibles. The original request for the documents said: "Upon information and belief, the West Point Crest has appeared on the cover of the Bibles in the West Point Chapel since 1984, but circa December 2024, the Crest has been removed from the Bibles."

Mary Ann DeCredico, 66, a longtime resident of Annapolis, died July 22, 2025. Born in Cleveland, OH on March 28, 1959 to the late Joseph David and Alexandra Jack DeCredico, she earned her undergraduate degree from Bucknell University before achieving her doctorate from Vanderbilt University. Mary served as a history professor for many years at the U.S. Naval Academy and was an accomplished lifelong published author.

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

24 Oct - Anchors Aweigh Open - Alumni Golf Tournament - Naval Academy Golf Course

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 Oct - Eugene, Oregon Navy Week

26 Oct - USMC Marathon w/ Run to Honor SIG participating and presenting the Penguin Award to final finisher

 

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