20 August Daily Shipmate

Wednesday, Aug 20, 2025

1942 - LCDR Van Moore, USN (Ret.) was killed in action when the merchant steamer he was aboard was torpedoed by a German U-Boat about 95 miles off the coast of Venezuela. He was the convoy commander; the other 43 men aboard survived. He transitioned to the retired list – while remaining on active duty – sometime between June and November 1940. He married his wife in Vladivostok, and adopted her daughter. He was survived by them both, as well as their daughter and son.

 

1998 - In retaliation for the terrorist bombings of the American embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, Navy surface ships and submarines launch 75 Tomahawk cruise missiles at a suspected chemical weapons facility in Sudan and at terrorist training camps in Afghanistan. The prime target of the attacks is terrorist leader Osama bin Laden.

ACADEMY & GRADUATE HAPPENINGS

To kick off our coverage of 50 years of Women at the Naval Academy, we plan to commemorate the date President Ford signed Public Law 94-106 on 7 October 1975, which opened the Academy to women for the first time. For alumnae of the Class of 1980, we want to know how you learned the news, how quickly you decided to apply and what the application process was like. To share your experiences, please email Shipmate Editor Jimmy DeButts at [email protected].

As part of our commitment to lifelong learning, the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation (AA&F) offers unique group travel opportunities. These alumni travel programs combine educational forums and excursions to places of historical and cultural interest, with the opportunity to enjoy unplanned experiences and meet local people. With our experienced partners, fabulous itineraries, easy sign-ups, and plenty of pre-departure information, we make travel easy and fun, and who is more fun to travel with than other Naval Academy grads? Of course, anyone is welcome on our tours. We carefully plan itineraries that highlight must-see attractions and feature well-located, reasonably priced hotels and ships. Experienced guides and knowledgeable lecturers enhance the journey. Our tours are open to alumni, families and friends.

GOVERNMENT & MILITARY NEWS

Gen. David Allvin, the Air Force's chief of staff, will retire this November after two years as the service's highest-ranking uniformed officer. In a surprise announcement Monday, the Air Force said Allvin plans to continue serving as chief of staff until his successor is nominated and confirmed, to minimize disruption during the leadership change. “I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve as the 23rd Air Force chief of staff and I'm thankful for [Air Force] Sec. [Troy] Meink, [Defense] Sec. [Pete] Hegseth and President Trump's faith in me to lead our service,” Allvin said in a statement. “More than anything, I'm proud to have been part of the team of airmen who live out our core values of integrity, service and excellence every day as we prepare to defend this great nation.”

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9, currently deployed aboard the first-in-class USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) as a part of Carrier Air Wing 8, conducted a change of command, August 18, 2025. Cmdr. Sean Rice '07, a native of Boise, Idaho, relieved Cmdr. Robert Knoerzer, a native of Mokena, Illinois, while underway in the North Sea. Gerald R. Ford departed Naval Station Norfolk on June 24, 2025. “I am humbled and honored to continue to serve with the Tridents as Skipper,” said Rice, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. “This incredible team has provided, and will continue to provide, the highest level of rotary wing support to Carrier Strike Group Twelve.

LOCAL, EDUCATION & OTHER ACADEMY NEWS

Cmdr. Sean Rice, a native of Boise, Idaho, graduated with honors from the United States Naval Academy in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. He completed flight training in Milton, Florida, and was “winged” as a Naval Aviator in February 2009. He completed a Master of Business Administration through the Naval Postgraduate School in 2015 and Joint Professional Military Education Phase 1 through the U.S. Air Force Command and Staff College in 2021.

A new academic year is underway at the U.S. Air Force Academy, with cadets attending classes, competing in athletics, participating in physical training, and advancing their military skills. Amid a Department of Defense-wide civilian workforce reduction, the Academy remains dedicated to its core mission of forging the next generation of Air Force and Space Force leaders. U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind expressed sincere appreciation for the civilian workforce that supports the entirety of the Academy's mission. “Our civilian teammates play a vital role in each of our mission sets, from military and leadership training to academics, athletics, and installation support,” said Lt. Gen. Bauernfeind. As part of the DoD's effort to reduce its civilian workforce, the Academy identified 140 positions to be defunded in fiscal year 2025. Of these, 36 were occupied, while 104 were vacant or set to be vacated under the Deferred Resignation Program.

Army West Point Athletics has announced the newest members of the Army Sports Hall of Fame. The Class of 2025 features the following inductees: David Cannella '84 (Rifle), Michael Mahan '70 (Men's Rugby), Bob Robbins '66 (Wrestling), Kim Seminiano '89 (Women's Track and Field), and Ray Thayer '46 (Men's Swimming and Diving). The 21st class of the Army Sports Hall of Fame will be inducted on Friday, September 19, at 6:00 PM in Eisenhower Hall. A special plaque unveiling ceremony will be held in the Kenna Hall of Army Sports inside Kimsey Athletic Center, followed by the formal black-tie Hall of Fame Induction Banquet at Eisenhower Hall. The class will also be recognized during the football game against North Texas on Saturday, September 20.

USNA AND AA&F EVENTS

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.

 

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

 

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

30 Oct - Austin Chapter roadshow - 5:30pm - Fast Friends Beer Co, Austin

31 Oct - North Texas Chapter + NAPC of North Texas Roadshow - 4:30pm - Bitter Sisters Brewing Co, Addison

 

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

 

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