19 August Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, Aug 19, 2025

1812 - The frigate Constitution, under the command of Captain Isaac Hull, engages the British frigate Guerriere in the waters off the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada. The British vessel opens fire first and many of its shots bounce off the side of the American frigate, whose crew bestows upon it the famous name “Old Ironsides.” Drawing abreast of one another, the two ships exchange broadsides. Within 30 minutes, Guerriere is a dismasted hulk. Her captain strikes its colors, giving Constitution and the young nation of the United States a stirring victory.

1958 - CDR William Allen '43, USN was lost when the aircraft he was piloting crashed in the Mediterranean Sea. He was commanding officer of Fighter Squadron (VF) 11, operating from USS Essex (CVA 9). Following graduation he served aboard USS Nevada (BB 36) in both the Aleutians Campaign and Normandy invasions; in October 1944 he went to flight training. During the Korean War he was operations officer for Carrier Air Group Four, flying on combat missions from USS Lake Champlain (CV 39). His penultimate tour was as aide to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. William was survived by his wife, two daughters, and mother.

Academy & Graduate happenings

Today is the Class of 2027 Commitment lunch with the great class of 1977 (who, as rumor would have it, never lost to Army. We talk a lot about the Link in the Chain and its importance in the bond and relationship the alumni share with the Brigade and each other. When did the Link in the Chain program first start? Enjoy this throwback article about the “Might of the Chain.”

This weekend, the Parachute Team hosted Jeff Webb, President & CEO of the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation, and his family at Skydive Orange! Over the course of a day, Jeff completed a packing re-fresher by team members as well as a requal jump and CRW jump with Coach Matt. On top of this, his daughter was also able to experience her first tandem skydive! The parachute team is grateful for the chance to host the Webbs and excited to continue strengthening our connection with the Alumni Association and Foundation! 

Welcome to the USNA Entrepreneurs - Fall Speaker Series & Happy Hour! Join us for an evening of networking and connecting with fellow alumni entrepreneurs, business owners, investors, and those just interested in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. We will also be hearing from successful business owners and investors during the Entrepreneurs in Cybersecurity Panel.Don't miss out on this opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and grow your entrepreneurial network. We can't wait to see you there! Drinks and heavy hors d'oeuvres will be provided.Tuesday, September 9 · 5 - 8pm EDT. Doors at 5pm. Army Navy Country Club - 1700 Army Navy Drive Arlington, VA 22202.

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 18, 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 Navy's chief of information office is on the clock to deliver a plan that will reduce the service's civilian public-affairs staff by at least 35 percent, according to a memo signed by Navy Secretary John Phelan earlier this month. The move would also centralize hiring for all civilian PAOs and all communications-related contracting to Department of the Navy headquarters. While the Marine Corps is not being directed to cut its civilian billets, it will be subject to the same new hiring and contracting practices. “This initiative is essential to eliminate duplicative roles, concentrate talent on the highest priority functions, focus contracting support where it is most needed and ensure alignment with commitment to mission-driven resource management, cost savings and operational lethality,” Phelan wrote in the memo, which gives the department 45 days from its Aug. 7 signing to submit a plan.

One man's trash is the National Archives' treasure. After more than 80 years, an old logbook containing the initial descriptions of U.S. vessels after the Japanese attack on Navy Yard Pearl Harbor in 1941 was recovered, the National Archives recently announced. The logbook covers the 16 months before and after the attack that was the catalyst for the U.S. entry into World War II. Its whereabouts can be traced back to the moment it was plucked from a trash bin in the 1970s at the old Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, California, by Oretta Kanady, The Washington Post first reported.

USAA and the NFL have been working together for 14 years, and that commitment to providing exceptional "Salute to Service" experiences is only getting better.  Both companies announced Monday that they have a significant long-term partnership extension in place for USAA to continue being an official "Salute to Service" partner of the NFL, further solidifying the commitment to recognizing and honoring the military community. "When I say proud, I mean it," USAA president and CEO Juan C. Andrade told FOX Business about this partnership. "That is what we do at USAA. Our only missions, and we are a true purpose-driven company, is to serve our military community and to show value in the membership.

Local, Education & other academy news

In the fall of 1972, First Lieutenant Henry N. Pilger '70 was 24 years old, a newly minted Marine Corps aviator, husband and first-time father. Known as 'Captain Easy' on the campus of the U.S. Naval Academy just a few years earlier, the handsome and athletic lieutenant from Syracuse, N.Y., was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., with Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 167 when he got the call to participate in NATO Exercise Strong Express in Norway. On Sept. 23, Pilger, the copilot, and four other Marines died when the UH-1N helicopter they were flying in crashed. Due to the secretive nature of the exercise, the accident appeared to be the end of the story for the relatives of those who perished. Unsure of what exactly happened, Pilger's wife and other victims' relatives went on with their lives as best they could. “As I heard it, my mother was so pleased he was chosen for that mission as opposed to Vietnam because no one died in NATO,” said Pilger's daughter Abby Boretto, who was just 15 months old when her father died. But 22 years after the accident, Pilger's Naval Academy class ring with a beautiful blue stone and his name inscribed on the inside of the ring appeared one day in Boretto's mailbox in Connecticut. The ring was virtually unscathed, yet it was riddled with emotion, so much so that her mother, Deborah, wanted nothing to do with it. The Naval Academy class ring  of 1stLt Henry Pilger was found in the mountains of Grytoya, Norway, 22 years after he perished in a helicopter crash during a NATO exercise.

Ready Room Podcast Launches - Introducing the Ready Room Podcast with Ryan Keys '95

Dive into the extraordinary world of naval aviation. We're thrilled to announce the launch of Ready Room Podcast, hosted by Ryan Keys — your new go-to source for compelling stories, leadership insights, and groundbreaking innovations from the heart of naval aviation. Far beyond the machines and history books, Ready Room brings to life the human stories, pivotal decisions, and cutting-edge technology that define one of the world's most dynamic aviation communities. Whether you're a passionate aviation enthusiast, an educator looking for inspiration, or simply curious about the leadership lessons shaped in the skies, Ready Room connects you to the rich legacy and exciting future of naval aviation.

The Class of 1973 cordially invites their shipmates from 2023 to join their tailgates all football season.

USNA and AA&F Events

AUGUST

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