15 Aug Daily Shipmate

Friday, Aug 15, 2025

1895 - The pre-dreadnought battleship Texas was commissioned, thus becoming the first battleship to serve in the U.S. Navy. With its main battery located off-center, Texas was eventually classified as a second-class battleship in the wake of the commissioning of more advanced designs featuring centerline main battery turrets.

 

1944 - Covered by naval gunfire and aircraft, including planes from Navy escort carriers, Allied troops went ashore in southern France during Operation Dragoon. German mines, underwater obstructions, and artillery fire damaged 19 landing craft, but the operation, under Vice Admiral H. Kent Hewitt, overwhelmed the light enemy defenses and successfully put three divisions ashore.

1990 - CAPT Steven Hazelrigg '70, USN was lost when the A-6E Intruder he was piloting suffered a catastrophic flight control failure and crashed near Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. He was Chief Test Pilot for the Strike Aircraft directorate. The Captain Steven A. Hazelrigg Flight Test Facility was named in his honor, as was the Captain Steven A. Hazelrigg Memorial Award. Steven had over 5,000 flight hours and 1,100 carrier landings. He was survived by his wife, two daughters, parents, and brother.

ACADEMY & GRADUATE HAPPENINGS

As you read this, the Class of 2027 is signing 2 for 7 papers. During the first two years of a midshipman's time at the Naval Academy, he or she has the option to leave with virtually no consequence. Mids can “walk away” so to speak; if they feel the Academy is just not the right fit for them, they can resign, transfer to another university, and continue their lives outside the Navy. However, at the start of midshipmen's 2/C (junior) year, they are greeted with the decision of signing the '2 for 7'. After 2 years of training and development at the Academy, midshipmen are asked to make a 7-year commitment to the United States Navy: 2 more years at the Academy, and 5 years minimum in the Navy or Marine Corps. 2017 Alum Grant Vermeer - host of the Academy Insider Podcast - offers his personal perspective about it.

Navy Women's Soccer battles the Temple Owls Sunday at 1pm at the Glen Warner Soccer Facility. While frequent combatants in spring exhibition action, the Mids and Owls have rarely met up in fall competition. While saying goodbye to the small, but influential Class of 2025 that consisted of Emma Frommelt (M), Amanda Graziano (M), Tatum Kelly (D), Alexa Riddle (F) and Rylee Rives (M), the Navy women's soccer team has great expectations this fall as it returns 15 letterwinners, including seven starters. A leading factor in the Mids' potential this season will be the continued growth of its sophomore and junior classes as both earned valuable reps in 2024 and occupied key roles for the team. The base for the 2025 team is strong as Navy returns 65 percent of its goal scoring and 61 percent of its total assists. Backed by the duo of sophomore Natasha Stramrood and senior Talley Applewhite, the Mids' goalkeeping ranks are back at 100 percent from 2024.

Nearly fifty years ago, a groundbreaking moment changed the course of history. On October 7, 1975, President Gerald Ford signed Public Law 94-106, opening enrollment to women at all federal service academies. These first women graduates were trailblazers and through this historic decision, generations of women have risen through the ranks, breaking barriers, and exemplifying excellence in service to our nation. We celebrate them as well as ourselves for what we have done to serve our nation.​ the 50 for 50 celebrations will take place Friday, October 3, 2025 through Saturday, October 11, 2025 in honor of the October 7th Anniversary. This is a worldwide celebration. Suggested locations can be state capitals, historical sites or markers, or even a coffee shop. There is no limit for where to meetup!

GOVERNMENT & MILITARY NEWS

New versions of the Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie drone will be manufactured for the U.S. Marine Corps after the service made the drone a new program of record, Kratos CEO Eric DeMarco told investors during a phone call last week. The Valkyrie drone, an unmanned aircraft known for its versatility and many warfighting capabilities, has been flying since 2019 and until this point has been used by the U.S. Air Force and Marines for testing and evaluation. “In Kratos' tactical drone business, it was recently reported that both the U.S. Marine Corps and the Office of the Secretary of Defense stated that the Valkyrie is becoming a program of record and will be the first CCA [Collaborative Combat Aircraft] in production and fielded for the Marines,” DeMarco said.

The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group returned home after 269 days at sea, continuing a trend of longer-than-normal deployments for West Coast-based carriers. USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) pulled into its homeport of San Diego, Calif., around noon Thursday. USS Princeton (CG-59) and USS Sterett (DDG-104), which were part of the carrier strike group, arrived Wednesday in San Diego. The Carl Vinson CSG departed Nov. 18 from Naval Air Station North Island for what began as a West Pacific tour. Four months into the deployment, the ship was called to the Middle East as part of the response to the Yemen-based Houthis and heightened tensions between Iran and the U.S., as well as Israel.

The U.S. Navy issued a strong statement repudiating Chinese claims regarding its military deterring a U.S. vessel near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. A spokesperson for the Chinese military's Southern Theater Command said in a statement on Wednesday that the U.S. Navy destroyer, Higgins, entered China's territorial waters unlawfully and without authorization from the Chinese government, according to several news outlets. The command claimed it “drove away” Higgins, as its alleged actions violated China's security and undermined peace, reports said. The U.S. Navy unequivocally denied the report.

After completing nine months of being deployed overseas, U.S. Navy sailors greeted their loved ones as the USS Sterett docked at Naval Base San Diego on Wednesday. Their reunion warmed hearts on the cool cloudy morning. Some were feeling overwhelmed with emotion.“No words. Really amazing. Happy and relieved,” added Shana Holton, a mother of a sailor. “Anything that a guided missile destroyer can do in this Navy, we've done on this nine-month deployment,” said USS Sterett Commanding Officer Kurt Albaugh '06. The USS Sterett sailed through waters off the coast of Asia and the Middle East. “We were part of Operation Rough Rider against the Houthi rebels, engaged in combat operations to degrade their capabilities,” said Albaugh.

LOCAL, EDUCATION & OTHER ACADEMY NEWS

Commander Kurt Albaugh graduated with distinction from the United States Naval Academy in 2006, earning a Bachelor of Science in Honors English. He holds Master of Arts degrees in English from George Mason University and in Security Studies from Georgetown University. As an Arthur S. Moreau Scholar, he completed a Doctor of Philosophy in Government from Georgetown University. He is a designated naval strategist.

Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, former fighter pilot, and Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, was voted to be the new Chairman of the Academy's Board of Visitors (BoV), which provides independent advice and recommendations on matters relating to USAFA. Rep. Pfluger served as a congressionally appointed member of the Academy's BoV for several years before being elected to serve in this new capacity. "I am truly humbled to serve as the next Chairman of the U.S. Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors," said Chairman Pfluger. "My mission as Chairman is to ensure the Academy not only executes its leadership development, but also continually improves it so our cadets are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. We will never know when or where the next conflict will arise, or even what type of warfare it will involve. But we do know this: our cadets must be ready to lead in any environment, to think critically, and to have the grit to overcome adversity."

NAVAL ACADEMY ATHLETICS NEWS & RESULTS

Yesterday's Results

Women's Soccer at Robert Morris - W 3-0

Weekend Matchups

Women's Volleyball at Morgan State (Scrimmage) - Baltimore, Md. - 9 a.m.

Men's Soccer v. Binghamton (Exhibition) - Annapolis, Md. - 11 a.m.

 

Women's Soccer v. Temple - Annapolis, Md. - 1 p.m.

USNA AND AA&F EVENTS

AUGUST

15 Aug - 2 for 7 Signing - Class of 2027 - Mahan Hall - 8 a.m.

15 Aug - USNA Change of Command - Dahlgren Hall - 2 p.m.

17 Aug - Greater Southern Maryland Chapter Annual Crab Fest - 4 p.m. @ Navy Recreational Center Club 9, 13855 Solomons Island Rd S, Solomons, MD 20688, USA

18 Aug - USNA Classes begin

19 Aug - Class of 2027 Commitment Lunch w/ Class of 77 attending

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 In-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 - (9-11 a.m.)

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

2 Sep - 80th Anniversary of the Japanese surrender aboard USS Missouri

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 - (Noon-2 p.m.)

6 Sep - Navy Football vs University of Alabama Birmingham, NMCMS, Annapolis, MD

10 Sep - Greater Southern Maryland Chapter Social & Business Mtg. Brudergarten - 5-6 p.m. @ 22725 Duke St, Leonardtown, MD 20650 - Online event: https://meet.goto.com/326914317

11 Sep - Be Somebody's Hero Golf Tournament – Norfolk VA - hosted by USNA AA Hampton Roads Chapter

11 Sep - OKC Chapter + NAPC of Oklahoma Roadshow - 5:30- 7:30 p.m. - Jones Assembly - 901 W Sheridan Ave, OKC

12 Sep - Tulsa Chapter Event & Roadshow - 6 p.m. - Marshall's Brewery - 1742 E 6th Street, Tulsa

13 Sep - Navy Football vs Tulsa, Tulsa, OK

14 Sep - Annapolis Travis Manion 9/11 Heroes Run

18 Sep - Greater Southern Maryland Chapter Happy Hour - 4-6 p.m. @ Tap House, 1637

423418 Three Notch Rd California, MD 20619

18 Sep - 20th Anniversary of the opening of the Uriah P. Levy Center at USNA

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 - 1958/2008 tailgate for 50 for 50 celebration - Open invitation to A/F and USNA grads and mids to celebrate 50 Years of women - 10 a.m.

4 Oct - Navy Football vs Air Force, NMCMS, Annapolis, MD - 12 p.m.

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) - 6:30 p.m. - 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