31 Jul Daily Shipmate

Thursday, Jul 31, 2025

Daily Shipmate Photo of the Week

USNA Midshipmen at the Navy Memorial this week during the Memorial's Concert Series featuring the Naval Academy Band. Visit the Navy Memorial website for more information about concerts and other events.

1874 - The Navy commissioned the first warship armed with torpedoes, the experimental “steam torpedo ram” Intrepid.

 

1944 - A submarine group, under Commander Lewis S. Parks, Class of 1925, attacked a Japanese convoy near Bashi Channel south of Formosa, sinking four ships and damaging three others. During the operation, the submarine Parche (SS-384) engaged in a daring predawn surface attack against the convoy, torpedoing four ships. Despite the flames from the burning convoy ships illuminating Parche and drawing fire from the convoy's escorts, Commander Lawson P. Ramage '31, pressed home the attacks and skillfully avoided an enemy ship about to ram him. For his heroism, Ramage received the Medal of Honor.

 

1992 - LT Tristram Farmer '88, USN was lost when the E-2C Hawkeye aircraft he was aboard crashed while on approach to USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67), operating in the Atlantic Ocean north of Puerto Rico. Four others aboard were also killed; they were members of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126. He was survived by his mother and two brothers.

Academy & Graduate happenings

 In celebration of their 50th reunion, several U.S. Naval Academy graduates of 1975 decided to combine camaraderie, fitness and giving back. Nearly 20 graduates are setting out on a 1,200-mile bike ride from Apalachicola, Fla., to Annapolis, Md., on Oct. 1. Named the Gulf to Goat Charity Bike Ride, the riders are fundraising for five charities while supporting The American Legion's USA 250 Challenge that celebrates the nation's 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. “The Class of 1975 out of the Naval Academy is all about giving back and this is our way of giving back,” said Chuck Geyer, a member of American Legion Post, Squadron and Unit 162 in Lorton, Va.  “Some of us are big-time riders and some of us are just athletes and some of us are doing this for the first time.” When Geyer saw the announcement of the Legion's USA 250 Challenge, which offers three categories — fitness, mental wellness and community service — for participants to engage in 250 miles or hours of one, two or all three activities as an individual or as part of a team, it was a perfect fit with the Gulf to Goat ride.

The Naval Engineers & STEM Advocates (NESA) Shared Interest Group (SIG) have engaged thousands of elementary, middle and high school students around the USA in the first six months of 2025.  USNA Alumni NESA SIG members have been busy on a weekly basis Connecting potential USNA candidates with current Midshipmen, Alumni and STEM Advocates at STEM Fairs (middle and high school competitions), flying 196 students at the Warrenton, VA., June 2025 “Women Can Fly” aviation event, and engaging over 225 students participating in the "Women Can Build" event.  

 

NESA SIG members have Communicated the mission and opportunities of attending USNA with superb support and representatives from the USNA Admissions Office.  NESA SIG received passionate Support from USNA Alumni around the USA.  NESA SIG received Anchor assistance from STEM organizations, including Starbase Victory, and the state of Virginia's Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GOTEC), in support of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), and the Accelerated Technology in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program.

 

In addition, NESA SIG events have received superb support from Admiral Daryl Caudle, USN, CFFC; VADM Sandy Stosz, USCG (Ret.) (former USCGA Supe); Rear Admiral Rothenhaus, Chief of Naval Research; Dr. Brett Seidle, current acting Under Secretary of the Navy; Rear Admiral Jason Lloyd, former Chief Engineer of the Navy: CAPT Jesse Black, former C.O. of the Naval Research Lab; numerous retired Flags and senior military including VADM David Lewis, and Rear Admiral Mark Hugel.

 

Outstanding STEM volunteers include CAPT Jill Cesari '96, LCDR Jessica Wright '13, CAPT Sarah Rice '02,  CAPT Jill Rough '96, CDR Rosemary “Monee” Hardesty, CDR Amanda Lippert, Ashley Molinaro, CAPT Katie Shobe, Renne Reedy '81, LT John-Rex Spivey '13, CAPT Timi Lindsay*– a superb USNA Admissions Advocate - with USNA legacy children [USNA '23 and '25] graduates, and numerous other volunteers.

 

NESA SIG received Anchor assistance from STEM organizations, including Starbase Victory with Ms. Lisa Downey-Hood CEO, and Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GOTEC), supporting the Accelerated Technology in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM).

 

USNA '90 grad and children's book author, Jen Swanson, has superb STEM books suitable for children, available at www.jenniferswansonbooks.com, including “Up Periscope,” “Astronaut - Aquanaut,” and “Explorer's Guide to Inventing the World.”  Additionally, several STEM books and STEM Camp free curriculum guides have been used by NESA SIG volunteers, including, Maritime Marvels, a 234-page book, with 90 readings discussing famous ships and the professional engineers and architects building ships.  There are free lesson plans to help educators integrate this into STEM events. The standards-aligned materials ensure that students explore STEM careers and successes while building reading and writing skills. The book has informational texts about 50 famous ships and 40 careers that support building the next famous ships.

A few examples of some of the NESA SIG volunteers supported events during the first six months of 2025:

The NESA SIG is collaborating with the other USNA SIGs to host joint STEM events around the USA.  Please join the NESA SIG as a member to receive the latest STEM engagement events to assist in inspiring the next generation -- e-mail Dale “Kid” Lumme at [email protected].

Government & Military News

The Houthis will resume attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea if those ships have ties to companies that work with Israeli ports, the Yemen-based group announced this week. While the Houthis are calling it a “fourth phase of escalation,” the move from the group is the phase of the Houthis' Red Sea attacks when they expanded their strikes to any ship that visited Israeli ports or was associated with a company that had ties to Israel. The last time the Houthis announced they would attack ships, the United States had multiple ships in the Red Sea. This time, it has none.

You've heard them during morning formations, over the roar of C‑17 engines, and in muddy chow halls at 0400. The battle cries “Hooah,” “Oorah,” and “Hooyah” aren't just calls; they're part of service life. Each is a signature of branch pride, and each carries a history steeped in grit, camaraderie and tradition.

A search is underway in the Timor Sea for a sailor assigned to USS George Washington (CVN-73) who is believed to have gone overboard, the U.S. Navy announced Tuesday. George Washington and its carrier strike group began searching Monday off the coast of Australia after receiving reports of a possible sailor overboard, read a brief statement from the ship. The sailor was discovered missing Monday afternoon local time, spokesperson for the ship Lt. Cmdr. Mark Langford confirmed to USNI News. Cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG-62), destroyer USS Shoup (DDG-86), the “Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Sea Squadron (HSC) 12 and the “Saberhawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78, as well as various fixed-wing aircraft, are conducting search and rescue efforts.

Local, Education & other academy news

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll on Wednesday ordered the US Military Academy at West Point to rescind an offer of employment to a former top national security official who served under President Joe Biden, announcing the move in a post on X — the latest example of the Pentagon's political leadership dictating staffing and curriculum at the nation's military academies. Jen Easterly, a West Point graduate who served as the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency under Biden, was named by the academy on Tuesday as the new Robert F. McDermott Distinguished Chair in the Department of Social Sciences. Her appointment was announced by West Point in since-deleted posts on X and LinkedIn. Before they were deleted, the announcements drew the attention of far-right activist Laura Loomer, who on Tuesday tagged Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in a post on X calling Easterly a “Biden holdover who worked to silence Trump supporters under Biden.”

 

Javan Bouton / Surface Warfare

Trey Cummings / Surface Warfare

D.J. Donovan / Naval Officer

Daba Fofana / Medical Corps

Creedyn Foulger / Cryptologic Warfare

Kellen Grave de Peralta /  Marine Corps Pilot

Amin Hassan / Marine Corps Ground

Kyle Jacob / Surface Warfare

Rayuan Lane III / Marine Corps Ground

Connor McMahon / Navy Pilot

Kroy Myers / Marine Corps Ground

Dashaun Peele / Marine Corps Ground

Logan Point / Surface Warfare

Colin Ramos / Marine Corps Ground

Justin Reed / Marine Corps Ground

Riley Riethman / Navy Pilot

Jordan Sanders / Navy Pilot

Thomas Scully / Marine Corps Ground

Brent Self / Marine Corps Ground

Turner Stepp / Surface Warfare

Regis Velez / Surface Warfare

Michael Whitehouse / Marine Corps Pilot

Mbiti Williams Jr. / Navy Pilot

USNA and AA&F Events

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 - 12 p.m.

 

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 - 180th Birthday of the Naval Academy

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