18 August Daily Shipmate

Monday, Aug 18, 2025

Photo of the Week. Brandis DeSimone '05, the SVP and Head of Listings for Eastern US at NASDAQ is pictured with ADM (Ret.) Mark Ferguson '78, Chairman of the Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustees. Brandis will return to the Yard this fall for her 20th reunion. Another example of our alums making an impact from the Fleet to the C-Suite. 

1894 - LT Freeman Crosby, Class of 1870, USN was lost when the whaleboat he was aboard capsized and sank off the coast of Washington. He was commanding officer of the steamer McArthur (1874), which was owned by the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey; he and the crew were engaged in coastal survey and charting work. Freeman was survived by his wife and two sons.

 

1965 - Operation Starlite, one of the more successful amphibious operations of the Vietnam War, commences as the Seventh Fleet Amphibious Ready Group lands Marines near Chu Lai, South Vietnam, to thwart a Viet Cong regiment's attempt to take the city. The cruiser Galveston (CLG-3) and two destroyers provide gunfire support as Marines are put ashore by helicopters from amphibious assault ship Iwo Jima (LPH-2). The weeklong battle results in the death of more than 900 enemy troops.

Academy & Graduate happenings

United States Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Yvette M. Davids was relieved by Lt. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte in a change of command ceremony at the Naval Academy on Friday, August 15. The Honorable John Phelan, 79th Secretary of the Navy, spoke about Vice Adm. Davids' tenure as the 65th Superintendent and how Lt. Gen. Borgschulte will continue to support the mission of the Naval Academy and develop our future Navy and Marine Corps leaders as the 66th Superintendent. “Vice Adm. Davids' experience, operational record and strategic mind made her the best fit for the job and will serve her and the Navy well in this future role,” said Phelan. “Lt. Gen. Borgschulte will build on the successes of Vice Adm. Davids and previous superintendents by further cultivating a culture of winning and warfighting here at the Academy.”

The U.S. Naval Academy held a change of command ceremony in Maryland Friday, where Lt. Gen. Michael Borgschulte became the first Marine Corps officer to be superintendent. Borgschulte was deputy commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs in Quantico, Virginia, before being nominated to be the 66th superintendent of the military academy in Annapolis. Borgschulte, who graduated from the academy in 1991, said he would safeguard its proud traditions while preparing future generations of officers for the challenges of an increasingly complex world. "The academy exists not to pursue academic rankings or institutional accolades — yes, we have those — but to fulfill a sacred mission, and that's to develop the next generation of Navy and Marine Corps officers who will protect and defend the freedoms we as Americans so often take for granted," Borgschulte said during a ceremony marking the change in command.

Lieutenant General Borgschulte graduated from the Naval Academy in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Oceanography. Following graduation, 2ndLt Borgschulte earned his jump wings at the Army's Airborne Course, graduated from The Basic School (TBS) with distinction, completed flight training in Pensacola, and was designated a Naval Aviator in Sep 1993. After completing initial training in the AH-1W, he was assigned to HMLA-169 where he deployed to Okinawa, Japan and promoted to Captain in Pohang, Korea.

Capital Gazette

Visitors to Annapolis may have noticed new signage on their drive down Rowe Boulevard, over College Creek and into downtown in recent weeks.

 

That's because the City of Annapolis and Naval Support Activity (NSA) Annapolis have restarted a partnership they hope will result in a small park on a prominent, but underused lot just outside downtown Annapolis.

 

So far, their work has resulted in a large sign advertising the “Proposed site of Gateway Nature Park.”

 

NSA Annapolis, the Department of Defense installation tasked with maintaining Naval Academy facilities and various military properties in and around Annapolis, renewed a March 2023 right of entry July 31 for the City of Annapolis to design a park along Rowe Boulevard on College Creek.

 

The right of entry expired in January and will now run through August 2026.

 

The park, in its current preliminary stages, would use a 6.3-acre parcel of land owned by the U.S. Navy. Any plan produced by the City of Annapolis would need to be approved by the Navy.

 

“Gateway Park is a great example of what we can achieve when different levels of government work together,” Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley said in a statement. “The state of Maryland and the U.S. Department of the Navy have been incredible partners in helping us move this project forward.”

 

The City of Annapolis received $850,000 in federal funding for the “Capital City Gateway Park” when then-President Joe Biden, a Democrat, signed appropriations legislation into law in 2024. That package also allocated $1.38 million in funding for resilience work at Annapolis City Dock and $850,000 for creating a waterfront park at City Dock.

 

There is no money set aside for the park in the city's current $201 million budget. In fiscal 2025, the city appropriated $1,071,200, including a $110,000 grant from the Maryland Department of General Services and the previously mentioned federal funds for expected costs of the project, according to Mitchelle Stephenson, public information officer for the City of Annapolis.

 

Additionally, no appropriated Navy funds have been used to plan the park, according to NSA Annapolis Public Affairs Officer Naweed Lemar.

 

“Planning and designing of the trail network on U.S. Navy property is still in progress,” Lemar said. “The costs ultimately associated with the park improvements have yet to be determined.”

 

The current concept endorsed by the Navy is a network of nature trails, made of wood chips. No other amenities, such as potential structures or boating-related offerings, have been proposed, according to Lemar.

 

There is no start or finish date for the park, and both parties are awaiting finalized legal agreements before planning can begin, according to Stephenson and Lemar.

 

“This site on College Creek will become a beautiful new entry point into downtown Annapolis,” Buckley said, “A space for residents and visitors to connect with nature in an urban setting.”

Government & Military News

Nearly 500 incoming cadets began their college careers at Virginia Military Institute Saturday, marking the start of a new chapter for both the students and the institution. The day was highlighted by Friday's announcement of Lt. Gen. David Furness as the new superintendent. The cadets, known as "rats," marched to the barracks, ready to embrace the challenges ahead. Liam Allen, an incoming cadet, expressed the commitment shared among the new students: "We will be honorable to each other, we won't lie, steal or cheat, and we will help each other out in any way we can." The appointment of Lt. Gen. Furness, a VMI alumnus and retired three-star Marine Corps general, has been met with enthusiasm. Ethan Arnold, another incoming cadet, said, "He looks solid, yep. Three-star Marine, so he's gonna be awesome." Bryan Arnold, a retired Air Force member and VMI alumnus, added, "Gonna be a positive change, so excited."

Fleet Master Chief John Perryman will be the Navy's 17th Master Chief Petty Officer starting this fall, the Navy announced Friday afternoon. Perryman is currently serving as the top enlisted sailor for U.S. Fleet Forces Command. Soon he'll be in that capacity for the entire Navy. He'll take over the role for James Honea, who will retire from military service on Sept. 12 after several decades in uniform. “With decades of operational experience across the fleet, Perryman will play a vital role in advising Navy leadership, shaping enlisted policy, and maintaining warfighting readiness in an era of strategic competition,” the Navy's statement said.

Navy moving away from 'optionally manned' vessels as service mulls unmanned future 

The Navy is placing less weight on optionally manned surface vehicles as it refines requirements for a new type of vessel that will support the surface fleet, officials said this week. Speaking at an event at the U.S. Naval Institute on Thursday, three service officials responsible for crafting requirements for unmanned vehicles, developing new vessels and operating the current fleet of experimental craft said their preference was to keep sailors off the next generation of unmanned vessels. “When you introduce that capability to operate with people on board, it creates a lot of other requirements and cost and complications,” Capt. Matt Lewis, program manager for unmanned maritime systems told USNI News on Thursday. “The solicitation that went out for industry… it was open, and we are eager to get proposals as we review them, to look at the proposals that don't have people on board.”

Local, Education & other academy news

Rear Adm. Neil Koprowski '95 relieved Rear Adm. David Walt as Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group TWO (ESG-2) during a ceremony in the hangar bay of Assault Craft Unit FOUR (ACU 4), Aug. 14. Koprowski is a native of Selden, New York, and a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. A career surface warfare officer, his earlier assignments include USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), USS Juneau (LPD 10), USS Dubuque (LPD 8), USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60), USS Anzio (CG 68) and Carrier Strike Group 10.

Rear Adm. Neil Koprowski is a native of Selden, New York. He is a 1995 graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography. He earned a Master of Science in Financial Management from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.

Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01), Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, and the entire Connecticut Congressional delegation urged the United States Coast Guard to commit to modernizing campus infrastructure at the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA). In a  letter to Acting Coast Guard Commandant Kevin Lunday, the lawmakers outlined how years of underinvestment have left the Academy with deteriorated facilities that pose health and safety risks, fail to meet all academic and military training needs, and do not adequately support the development of our nation's future Coast Guard leaders. The lawmakers called on the Coast Guard to respond with a plan for improving New London campus facilities to ensure the Academy can rise to its full potential in educating America's multi-mission, maritime military force.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Women's Soccer v. Temple - W 2-0

USNA and AA&F Events

AUGUST

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

8 Sept - 2 year anniversary of the Fluegel Alumni Center ribbon-cutting.

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