5 Aug Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, Aug 5, 2025

1864 - In one of the epic battles in naval history, Rear Admiral David G. Farragut led his squadron of 18 ships into the teeth of Confederate defenses guarding Mobile Bay. Farragut positioned a column of armored monitors to the starboard of the squadron's wooden ships to take most of the fire from the powerful guns of Fort Morgan. However, the first blow against the Union force was struck by a mine that exploded against the hull of the monitor Tecumseh, sending it to the bottom in a matter of seconds. Sensing his ships drifting from their course in the wake of the explosion, Farragut, who was lashed to the rigging of his flagship so that he could better observe the action, uttered his immortal words, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.”

 

1864 - LT John Kelly, Class of 1857, USN was killed in action when USS Tecumseh (1863), a monitor, was sunk by a mine during the Battle of Mobile Bay. He was the ship's executive officer. He was born in ~1838 in Ireland, and came to the United States with his parents and brother sometime before 1850. By that time they'd settled in Washington County, Pennsylvania. His first cruise following graduation was aboard the steam frigate Mississippi, beginning in 1858 and lasting for 31 months at 37,000 miles. He served on several vessels prior to requesting Tecumseh, which was only in commission from April 1864. John was survived by his brother.

 

1941 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt secretly boarded the heavy cruiser Augusta (CA-31) in Vineyard Sound, Massachusetts. With the heavy cruiser Tuscaloosa (CA-37) and five destroyers, Augusta set course for Argentia, Newfoundland, where the President met with British Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill.

 

1964 - President Lyndon B. Johnson ordered the U.S. Navy into action, launching Operation Pierce Arrow from the carriers Ticonderoga (CV-14) and Constellation (CVA 64). Carrier-based aircraft struck petroleum storage facilities and naval assets in North Vietnam. Two aircraft were lost during the attacks: the A-1H Skyraider flown by Lieutenant (j.g.) Richard A. Sather, and the A-4 Skyhawk flown by Lieutenant (j.g.) Everett Alvarez. Sather was killed in action, while Alvarez was captured, becoming the first American prisoner of war in North Vietnam. He was held captive until February 1973.

Academy & Graduate happenings

The July/August issue of Shipmate Magazine hits mailboxes this week. Read more about our Vietnam Legacy of Valor and the traditional features of America's greatest Alumni magazine. But … what if you're on the road … driving cross country … at the beach or just sick of reading? Well … here is Sing Second Shipmate. John Schofield joins Shipmate Editor in Chief Jimmy DeButts and AA&F Digital Media Director Emily Lucht for one hour to break down the magazine … give you the high points from the articles and features … and a little behind the scenes discussion of how the articles are chosen and written for each issue. This special pod will come to you 6 times per year as a regular accompaniment to the paper magazine. What's better than reading Shipmate? Listening to Shipmate!  Thanks for listening … and Beat Army. Always.

Two years ago this month the Alumni Association & Foundation presented our first issue of “Rhumblines.” These products are navigational lines of sorts, meant to act as fact sheets that in one page clearly explain the different facets, functions and departments of AA&F. Check out Volume 1 from August 2023 - a very simple fact sheet introducing you to the Alumni Association & Foundation, the differences in the two organizations, the similarities and collaborations, and some simple facts about our mission.

What are the Athletic & Scholarship Programs? What's the history of the Distinguished Graduate Award? Get details about the Fluegel Alumni Center and our very important mission of supporting Naval Academy parents. Learn more about the Service Academy Career Conference (SACC) and read more about the history of philanthropy and the IMPACT giving at the Naval Academy.

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 August 4, 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 first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) arrived in Marseille, France, for a scheduled port visit August 4, 2025. Both ships are part of Carrier Strike Group Twelve, on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to support the warfighting effectiveness, lethality, and readiness of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and defend U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region. "The visit of the USS Gerald R. Ford to Marseille is symbolic of the Franco-American alliance,” said Charles Kushner, U.S. Ambassador to the French Republic. “This ship embodies America's excellence in the defense industry-it is the newest and most adaptable aircraft carrier in the U.S. fleet, in addition to being the largest aircraft carrier in the world.  Its technology is cutting edge and defining the next generation of military engagement.

As part of its broader information technology modernization plan, the Department of the Navy established a new policy that orders certain software development programs to utilize containerization technology “effective immediately.” 

 

The memo, titled Containerization Technology Usage, called for such containerization tech to be used “to the greatest extent possible” across all DON commands and programs that are in the cloud or transitioning to the cloud “where enterprise container platforms and DevSecOps pipelines exist or are in development.”  

 

“This technology enables the Department to deploy applications consistently across highly varied environments while enhancing security, reducing computing resource overhead, and accelerating development cycles,” the memo, which was released by the DON CIO Jane Rathbun on Wednesday, added.

Local, Education & other academy news

Registering on myUSNA opens the door to connect with our alumni network, find community resources, and register for events — all in one place! You'll get access to your Class, Chapter, SIG, and Parent Club pages, plus a personalized feed with podcasts, alumni spotlights, and events tailored to your interests and location. It's your central hub to reconnect, stay informed, and be part of the conversation. If you haven't logged in yet, now's the time to see what's waiting for you. 

Navy experts address unmanned fleet integration in upcoming USNI panel discussion

Correcting Course: Accelerating Unmanned – Bridging Requirements, Acquisition, and Fleet Integration
August 14 | 3 p.m. | Annapolis

 

Join us for the next event in the U.S. Naval Institute's four-part series, Correcting Course, focused on tackling the Navy's most pressing maritime challenges—from revitalizing the shipbuilding industrial base to accelerating unmanned systems and strengthening strategic alliances. This panel will explore how the Navy is leveraging unmanned systems to expand fleet capacity and address platform shortfalls, all while contending with outdated processes and competing priorities. Experts will discuss how the requirements process, acquisition system, and industrial partnerships must evolve to enable effective, scalable integration of unmanned capabilities.

 

Brent Sadler '94, Senior Research Fellow, Heritage Foundation

 

Brian Elkowitz, Director of Government Affairs, Northrop Grumman

CAPT Matthew Lewis, USN, Program Manager, Unmanned Maritime Systems

CAPT Garrett H. Miller, USN, Commander, Surface Development Group ONE

RADM Derek A. Trinque '92, USN, Director, Surface Warfare, OPNAV N96

 

A networking reception will follow the panel discussion.

Sail with us and your USNA Alumni from Sydney to Bali on a 14-night adventure filled with iconic stops and unforgettable moments. In Brisbane, you'll stroll the Gold Coast or visit Steve Irwin's famous Australia Zoo. Relax in the Whitsundays, then grab your snorkel to jump in and observe Great Barrier Reef in Cairns. Explore Captain Cook's legacy in Cooktown and cruise with jumping crocodiles in Darwin. Cross into Indonesia to see wild Komodo dragons, then take in Bali's beauty with lush rice terraces, serene temples and tropical charm before ending in Benoa. There is something for everyone. Two countries. Countless wonders. One incredible voyage. Please note: Space is limited. Book this adventure today.

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 - 0830

9 Aug - Blue & Gold kick-off BBQ - N/MCMS

14 Aug - USNI Accelerating Unmanned Panel and Reception, Annapolis

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 - Class of 2020 Happy Hour - Fluegel Alumni Center

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