1 Aug Daily Shipmate

Friday, Aug 1, 2025

1918 - 1LT James Wooten, Jr., Class of 1917, USA was killed in action when his airplane was shot down by German fighters near Château-Thierry, France. A native of Columbia, Tennessee, he resigned from the Naval Academy in September 1914. He attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology until joining the Reserve Officers' Training Corps in February 1917; he sailed for France in early September of that year. James was a member of the Coast Artillery, and was aboard the aircraft as a spotter. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and the Légion d'Honneur. He was survived by his parents.

 

1944 - After nine days of fighting in a battle termed "the perfect amphibious operation of World War II," MajGen Harry Schmidt, commander of V Amphibious Corps, declared the island of Tinian secured. The combination of surprise, heavy preassault bombardment, and effective logistical support was responsible for Tinian's recapture with a much lower casualty rate (344 killed and 1550 wounded) than had been experienced in previous landings.

Academy & Graduate happenings

The Navy may soon install a new educational review board aimed at restoring a "culture of discipline" at the U.S. Naval Academy and eliminating any diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-related initiatives. According to a draft memo obtained by Fox News Digital, the board would be composed of "prominent leaders" from both the public and private sectors who are "committed to restoring the warrior ethos and bringing meritocracy and accountability back to Naval education." The proposed board would be tasked with "reinstating and encouraging a culture of discipline as a part of the warrior ethos" and reviewing curriculum content to ensure alignment with Department of Defense priorities. It would also be empowered to remove any material deemed "inappropriate for today's warfighter progression." In addition to curriculum oversight, the memo calls for a major shift in the faculty structure. It proposes expanding the number of permanent military professors from 40 to at least 100, a move aimed at "addressing imbalances in civilian-dominated governance that weaken the Academy's military mission. "Under the proposed timeline, the board would be established within the first three months, during which it would also review the admissions process and audit faculty composition. Over the following three to six months, it would initiate an overhaul of "ethos training" and recommend updates to the Academy's admissions rubric.

Alumni writing feature - Data won't solve everything, but it will help

 Scott Sloan '01 is the president and CEO of Virginia Beach-based Stratascorp Technologies and is a retired submarine officer. At StratasCorp, he oversees the operations and growth of the 300-strong workforce deployed around the globe. 

 

In March 2025, President Donald Trump announced a headline initiative to restore America's maritime dominance. This effort presents the opportunity for a change in how the United States promotes its maritime economy and prepares its maritime industrial base to support historic levels of power projection and defense. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) continues to pour valuable resources into recruiting for its sea services. As these various missions within the executive branch are looking for capable Americans to fill their ever-increasing billets, now is the time for intentional and deliberate cooperation and collaboration across organizational lines as part of a whole-of-government approach.

Kodiak Robotics, Inc. ("Kodiak"), a leading provider of AI-powered autonomous vehicle technology, today announced that retired U.S. Marine Corps General Frank McKenzie and retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Michael Moran '84 have joined its recently established Defense Advisory Council (the "Council"). The Council is led by Kodiak's strategic advisor, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Richard "Ross" Coffman. The Council is designed to help shape Kodiak's strategy and deployment of its technology with the U.S. Department of Defense and the broader public sector. Vice Admiral Moran is a Department of Defense acquisition expert. He retired from the U.S. Navy in 2021 after 38 years, last serving as Principle Military Deputy for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development & Acquisition. He is a 1984 graduate of USNA.

Government & Military News

China and Russia will carry out joint naval exercises in the Pacific next week, the Chinese defense ministry said Wednesday, as the quasi-alliance continues to mature. The neighbors have moved to strengthen security ties in recent years through bilateral and multilateral exercises spanning naval and air patrols and computer simulations. Over half of their 113 combined drills since 2003 have taken place in the past six years, according to analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies' China Power Project. This cooperation is especially concentrated in the Pacific. While Beijing and Moscow lack a formal treaty, they are aligned on challenging long-standing U.S. military dominance and seek to establish their own spheres of influence, analysts say.

A Navy pilot is safe after an F-35C fighter jet went down near Naval Air Station Lemoore in Southern California, causing a fiery crash and prompting a response from CAL Fire. NAS Lemoore said "an aviation incident on the operations side of the installation" took place at around 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The jet crashed in a field near the intersection of South Dickenson Avenue and West Cadillac Ave and burst into flames, a California Highway Patrol report stated. "We can confirm the pilot successfully ejected and is safe. There are no additional affected personnel," NAS Lemoore confirmed via Facebook.

 The U.S. Navy has suspended its search for a sailor reported missing from the aircraft carrier George Washington while it was operating in the Timor Sea, the service announced Wednesday. The Navy ended the active search at 12:40 p.m. Wednesday following “an extensive search” involving Navy personnel, the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Border Force, officials said in a brief release. The sailor was reported missing Monday as it was transiting the Timor Sea, located off Australia's northern coast.

Capt. Matthew Thomas was relieved by Capt. Joshua Wenker '99 as commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during a change of command ceremony held on the flight deck of the Carl Vinson, July 30. “Captain Thomas, you molded this team, prevailed in combat, strengthened deterrence and raised the standard for the fleet,” said Adm. Samuel J. Paparo (Villanova '87), commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, who presided over the ceremony. “Captain Wenker is a warfighter, a systems thinker and a compassionate leader – with the humility to listen and the decisiveness to act. We have absolute confidence that he'll take Vinson to even greater heights.” Wenker, a native of Tinley Park, Illinois, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1999.

Local, Education & other academy news

Captain Joshua F. Wenker, a native of Tinley Park, Illinois, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in History.  He earned his Wings of Gold in 2001 as an E-2C Hawkeye Naval Flight Officer (NFO) while assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 120.  Additional educational accomplishments include graduation from the United States Naval War College in 2012, where he received a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies with Highest Distinction, Navy Nuclear Power School and Nuclear Prototype in 2019, and Joint Forces Staff College in 2023. 

U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Sydne Watts '24, a budget officer with Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division, grew up playing basketball. Eventually she played at a level that gave her the opportunity to compete at the highest collegiate level: Division 1-NCAA. “I got some offers throughout high school. I chose the Naval Academy because I wanted to go somewhere that has a higher purpose and a bigger reason for going to play basketball, than just dribbling up and down the court.” said Watts, a Georgia native. After four years of college basketball, Watts thought her time on the court was over as she transitioned to a full-time career in the Marine Corps. “Once I graduated, I thought, 'okay, the balls stopped bouncing. It's time to lace up the boots and get to hiking'” said Watts.

Navy fans are invited to the 2025 Navy Football Fan Fest / Media Day on Saturday, August 2 from 10 a.m.-12 noon at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Fan Fest and Media Day is presented by Luminis Health and Lexus. Navy players will sign autographs on the blue side (press box side) concourse at 10:00 a.m. before fan interaction, games and photos on the new turf at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium at 11 a.m.

As the Class of 75 Gulf to Goat riders enter their final two months of training for their epic ride, charitable donations are gaining traction as well. With total contributions to their five designated charities currently nearing the $40,000 dollar mark, a sizable amount exceeding $19,000 has been targeted to the Naval Academy Foundation. Thanks to everyone for your generous support! Click below to learn more about the Gulf to Goat Ride for Charity, follow the progress of the riders, and give to the great causes they support.

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

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 - Alumni Association & Foundation Pre-game Social for VMI - (9:00am-11:00am)

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 - Alumni Association & Foundation Pre-game Social for UAB - (12:00pm-2:00pm)

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 Conference Football Championship Game, TBD

6 Dec - Distinguished Graduate Selection Committee Meeting, Fluegel, TBD

13 Dec - Army - Navy, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD