4 Aug Daily Shipmate

Monday, Aug 4, 2025

1951 -  LTjg Henry Rathbone '47, USN crashed on takeoff due to partial power failure of his F4U-4 Corsair fighter from USS Boxer (CV 21). He was departing on a combat mission near Korea at the time. A native of Rhode Island, Henry was known for being “way ahead, be it at academics, dragging [dating], or bridge.” He was survived by his parents.

1964 - The destroyers Maddox (DD-731) and Turner Joy (DD-951) were allegedly attacked by North Vietnamese torpedo boats while operating in international waters in the Gulf of Tonkin. They returned fire on the radar contacts, claiming to have possibly sunk two of the enemy craft. Bad weather hampered the operations of F-8 Crusaders sent from the carrier Ticonderoga (CV-14) to assist the destroyers, preventing a visual sighting of the torpedo boats and causing speculation over whether any actually attacked.

Academy & Graduate happenings

At AA&F, we connect and support our alumni and the USNA community so they and the Brigade can lead and serve to their full potential - in and out of uniform - for the good of the nation. One critical aspect of that support is guiding you through available services for medical care. We want to build the ultimate "gouge" handbook for our alumni when it comes to navigating the Veterans Administration, understanding Tricare benefits, or connecting you to a Veterans Service Organization (VSO). There is also a medical discussion board that supports alumni helping alumni in time of need. Check out our Medical Facilitation page at usna.com for more information about Tricare and VA benefits, AA&F Health Webinars, Parkinson's resources, living wills and the medical forum for discussion.

Do you have questions about your Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits? Well, we've got answers for you. Please join us for GI Bill® Benefits 101, a free live webinar designed to help you get the most out of your education benefits. Whether you're just getting started or need help navigating recent changes to your benefits, this webinar can offer something new to learn. This session will walk you through: VA education benefit programs, Eligibility requirements, Recent legislative updates you should know, Additional VA resources to support your success. You'll also have the chance to ask questions during the live Q&A session. Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2025; Time: 1–2 p.m. ET. Spots are limited – reserve your space now!

The Class of 2029 will reunite with their families on Friday, Aug. 8. This is the first opportunity plebes will have to spend time with their families and friends since they began Plebe Summer on Induction Day, June 26. WHEN: Friday, August 8, at 12 p.m. Plebes will be marching out of Bancroft Hall onto Stribling Walk. Plebe Summer is a challenging six weeks of basic midshipman training. During this time, plebes have no access to TV, movies, the internet, or music and highly restricted access to cell phones. Thousands of family members and friends are anticipated to visit the Academy during this three-day weekend that marks the end of Plebe Summer. Parents will have an opportunity to learn about their daughter's or son's new life at the Naval Academy. They can participate in activities such as: Touring the Yard and the dorm rooms in Bancroft Hall; Eating a meal in the dining facility King Hall; Watching a dress parade on Worden Field Saturday, Aug. 9, at 8:30 a.m.; Meeting with Naval Academy faculty and staff members. Plebes will have opportunities for town liberty on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

As our celebration of the 50th anniversary through Waypoints podcasts continues, please join Jeannette and Shannon as we talk with three women from '81 and '82 - Mary Brigden and Peggy Metzger (both '81) and Kathy Bustle ('82). We learn more about what it felt like to be a female mid at USNA during a Forrestal lecture in October 1979, the letter that Peggy's mother wrote to her that became a source of strength and pride, and the music of the late 70s/early 80s (Boston's More Than a Feeling, Blondie - Heart of Glass, Buffett, Boz Scaggs, and WHFS). 

Government & Military News

Sen. Dan Sullivan backed off a surprise blockade of the Navy's top officer late Thursday, allowing the Senate to confirm Adm. Daryl Caudle and giving the service a permanent military leader for the first time in five months. The Alaska Republican had placed a hold earlier in the day on Caudle's confirmation — the otherwise noncontroversial nominee for the chief of naval operations — over the senator's desire to reopen a naval air station in his home state, according to four people familiar with the matter. The move threatened to leave the service without a confirmed leader as the Senate barrels toward its August recess, and just as the Navy is considering winnowing its top-level positions.

On Wednesday, Secretary of the Navy John Phelan logged his 12th shipyard visit since taking charge of the Department of the Navy in late March, touring Hanwha Philly Shipyard on the shores of the Delaware River. Phelan has averaged a yard visit about every 11 days since becoming the Navy's top civilian. This time, the global tour brought Phelan and White House Office of Management and Budget director Russ Vought to the South Korean-owned Hanwha Philly Shipyard adjacent to the old Philadelphia Navy Yard. Philly Shipyard is an example of the foreign investment into U.S. shipbuilding the Trump administration has endorsed as part of an overall White House push to expand American manufacturing.

British, French, German, Spanish and Dutch navies ringed the harbor surrounding the Mexican port of Veracruz in observation of America's soon-to-be, short-lived occupation of the city-state. The gathering marked one of the last peaceful interactions between the navies for half a decade. The date was June 30, 1914, and the sailors were getting blitzed, courtesy of Uncle Sam and his teetotaler secretary of the Navy, Josephus Daniels. On April 16, 1914, Daniels issued the infamous Order No. 99, mandating all U.S. Navy ships become dry by July 1, 1914. “The use or introduction for drinking purposes of alcoholic liquors on board any naval vessel, or within any navy yard or station, is strictly prohibited, and commanding officers will be held directly responsible for the enforcement of this order,” reads the century-old order.

Local, Education & other academy news

Saturday was the annual Fan Fest and Media Day at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The event offered fans a unique opportunity to connect with players, enjoy on-the-field access, and celebrate the start of the 2025 football season. At the same time, members of the media sat down face to face with Head Coach Brian Newberry and several of the team's senior leaders, including captains Blake Horvath, Landon Robinson, Alex Tecza, and Kenneth McShan to talk about expectations, preparation, and the road ahead.

Stephanie Simon '17 turned professional in Boxing last year, following an amateur career in which she became a five-time Elite National champion, three-time National Collegiate champion, and won the 2024 Olympic trials. Alongside this, she carved out a successful military career, in which she became a Marine Corps captain with responsibility for a team of sixty men at just 23 years old. It's quite the journey, but boxing didn't start as her sport of choice, as she explained. During her time at the Naval Academy, Simon competed in collegiate boxing for four years, winning three National titles and gradually becoming obsessed, but once her college years were over, and she moved into the real military, her priorities changed. With the responsibilities she carried, 100% of her focus had to be on the day job, so boxing was put on hold. That was until 2019, when she decided to compete in the Elite Nationals for the first time. She recalls being blown away by the quality of competition that she faced.

Capt. LaDonna Simpson '01  relieved Capt. Chris Schwarz as commanding officer of Naval Support Activity (NSA) Annapolis during a change of command ceremony at Mahan Hall, August 1, 2025. “Chris leaves NSAA and our USNA family after having put 110% commitment into improving every facet under his purview,” said Vice Admiral Yvette Davids, superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy. “He made significant contributions to the mission success of our world class institution." Simpson most recently served as a battalion officer at the U.S. Naval Academy. "It is an honor to cross the bridge and now take the helm at NSA Annapolis," said Simpson. "I am eager to work alongside such a dedicated team of professionals and continue building on the foundation laid by Capt. Schwarz.”

USNA and AA&F Events

AUGUST

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

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

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

18-19 Sep - McMullen Naval History Symposium - USNA

18-21 Sep - Class of 1985 - 40th Reunion

19 Sep - USNI Dudley Knox Achievement Award Reception

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