22 August Daily Shipmate

Friday, Aug 22, 2025

1940 - James V. Forrestal, a World War I naval aviator, becomes the first to hold the post of Undersecretary of the Navy.

 

1966 - The amphibious assault ship Iwo Jima (LPH-2) lands Marines 100 miles east of Saigon, South Vietnam, as part of Operation Deckhouse III. The Marines joined U.S. and South Vietnamese paratroopers in the operation against Viet Cong forces in the region.

2001 - CAPT Jacob Wiebe '93, USMC was lost when the F/A-18 Hornet he was piloting crashed near Yuma, Arizona. A native of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Jacob was a member of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115, based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina. He was survived by his parents, step-parents, brother, half sister, and step-sister.

Academy & Graduate happenings

“I am honored to begin my journey as the 66th Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy. I look forward to leading this great institution, standing shoulder to shoulder with the faculty, staff, coaches and the Brigade of Midshipmen as we prepare for the academic year ahead. As I said during my Change of Command: “The Naval Academy is not a college - it is a crucible, because victory in combat begins long before the first shot is fired. It starts here, in Bancroft Hall, in the classrooms, in the labs, and on the athletic fields.” Together, we will hold ourselves to the highest standards - relentless in discipline, uncompromising in integrity and we will build upon our culture of excellence at the U.S. Naval Academy.” Follow the new Supe's LinkedIn profile below.

Season six, episode 2. Let's do this. A new Supe started Friday, Navy Women's Soccer started the Navy sports season Sunday (with a win) and classes started Monday. We got a lot going on. Chris and John talk about the Change of Command and the future of the Academy with Lt. Gen. Mike Borschulte '91. We also chat about a transformational gift from Bruce '67 and Bernadine Lakefield of $10 million to build, maintain and operate the future Lakefield Pavilion behind the North end zone. Our interview this week is with QB Blake Horvath '26 and NT Landon Robinson '26. Blake and Landon talk leadership on and off the field and the outlook for the season. As seniors, what is their outlook on the season and their evaluation of the new class of plebes we'll see for the first time Aug 30th vs VMI. Thanks for listening. Beat VMI!

 Join the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation before the Navy vs. VMI game on Saturday, 30 August for a spirited pre-game social from 9–11 a.m. ET! Sing Second will host a live podcast featuring interesting and exciting guests from the Navy Football Brotherhood, the class of 2010 and Capital Gazette Sports Editor Bill Wagner for a football season preview. You'll also enjoy breakfast bites from Bayside Catering while kicking off your game day with a George's Vodka orange crush or bloody mary, beer, wine, or soda. Get a free drink ticket for a beverage of your choice if you register no later than 12 noon on 28 August (one per registered attendee). You'll also be able to buy drink tickets at the door. Walk-ins are welcome. Don't miss the camaraderie, fun, and a great start to football season—register today and kick off the season with us! Go Navy! Beat VMI!

Naval Academy alum makes $10 million donation for stadium improvements

Capital Gazette

Outgoing athletic director Chet Gladchuk has delivered an impressive parting gift to the Naval Academy.

 

Gladchuk, who retired after 24 years as president of the Naval Academy Athletic Association, tied up in a bow one last major donation before departing the position in early June.

 

On Thursday morning, it was announced that Bruce R. Lakefield and his wife, Bernadine, have made a $10 million commitment to support the continued development of Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

 

The Lakefield's landmark donation was jointly announced by the Naval Academy Athletic Association and Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation. This gift will fund the design, construction and long-term operation of a new pavilion to be located in the stadium's north end zone.

 

Lakefield is a 1967 Naval Academy graduate who went on to serve as chairman and CEO of Lehman Brothers International until his retirement in 1999. He came out of retirement to serve as president and CEO of US Airways.

 

“Early in my career a mentor shared that life has three stages: a time to learn, a time to earn and a time to return,” Lakefield said in a statement. “Bernadine and I feel deeply fortunate that the Naval Academy and our shared Navy experience paved the way for a successful professional journey and fulfilling life together. Now, it is our privilege to return by supporting the academy and helping future generations experience what shaped us so profoundly.”

 

In recognition of their support, the new flagship feature of Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium will be named the Bruce and Bernardine Lakefield Pavilion. It will be a 12,000-square foot facility designed to serve both the Naval Academy and the surrounding community, and will be the largest event space in Anne Arundel County.

 

The Bruce and Bernadine Lakefield Pavilion will host major events such as Naval Academy class reunions and Brigade of Midshipmen functions, while also providing gameday hospitality. Michael Kelly, who took over as Navy athletic director in early June, said the project is still in the design phase and therefore a total cost is not known.

 

Construction would not begin until after the 2025 Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium — at the earliest.

 

“This transformational gift from Bruce and Bernadine Lakefield represents the very best of Naval Academy Alumni leadership and generosity,” Kelly said. “Their vision for what Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium can become aligns perfectly with our commitment to elevate the physical mission and enrich the experience for our midshipmen, alumni and the community.”

 

Kelly said the new facility will serve as a testament to the vision of Gladchuk, who cultivated the relationship with the Lakefields and secured the $10 million donation prior to his departure. Gladchuk completely transformed Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium during his more than two decades as athletic director, initiating an $80 million renovation of the facility that was first constructed in 1959.

 

Gladchuk and the Naval Academy Athletic Association have also teamed with the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation to raise private funds for projects on and off the yard. Over the past decade, more than 200 million in private dollars have been raised for facilities supporting the physical mission and intercollegiate athletics.

 

“The various things that Chet and his team were able to accomplish over the years are very motivational. Among the many legacies of Chet's tenure are the amazing improvements that have happened at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium,” Kelly said. “He had an incredible vision to modernize that iconic stadium and did so year after year. I'm excited to build on that momentum and find additional ways to improve the stadium.”

 

Kelly emphasized that the Bruce and Bernardine Lakefield Pavilion was still in the design phase and further details would be announced later. However, he called the proposed facility “a visionary enhancement that will take an already incredible Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium experience to a new level.”

 

“I think the pavilion will make one of the best stadiums in college football even better, which is really exciting,” Kelly added. “This is another premium area that we can offer fans of Navy football and lacrosse. It is a very substantial step toward what we need to do to create an incredible facility.”

 

Bruce and Bernardine Lakefield are longtime supporters of the Naval Academy and have a robust history of significant philanthropic investments. Their impact includes support for classified research spaces and capabilities in Hopper Hall, home to the Naval Academy's Center for Cyber Security Studies.

 

“This extraordinary gift from the Lakefield family reflects the lasting impact that our alumni and supporters can have on the Naval Academy,” said Jeff Webb, CEO of the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation

 

Webb, a 1995 Naval Academy graduate, said the Bruce and Bernadine Lakefield Pavilion will stand as a “proud anchor” at the north end of Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and serve alumni, midshipmen and the broader community for “decades to come.”

Government & Military News

A fire that burned for 12 hours aboard the amphibious warship USS New Orleans (LPD-18) off Okinawa, Japan, was declared extinguished early Thursday morning local time, U.S. 7th Fleet announced. The 25,000-ton warship is now anchored near the White Beach Naval Facility on Okinawa, according to a statement from the Japan-based fleet. “The fire began at approximately 4 p.m., Aug. 20. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. New Orleans sailors' firefighting efforts were supported by the crew of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD-22), which is moored at White Beach Naval Facility,” reads the statement. “[The fire] was declared extinguished at 4 a.m., Aug. 21.”

A U.S. Navy sailor was convicted Wednesday of charges that he sold military secrets, including details about military warships, to a Chinese intelligence officer while on active duty in exchange for payment. Jinchao Wei, also known as Patrick Wei, who was an active-duty sailor stationed at Naval Base San Diego, was found guilty by a jury in federal court in San Diego of six counts. The charges on which he was convicted include conspiracy to commit espionage, espionage, and unlawful export of technical data about U.S. defense vehicles in exchange for $12,000. Wei was a machinist's mate in the U.S.S. Essex, an amphibious assault ship, and held a security clearance that gave him access to sensitive national security defense information about the ship's operations and capabilities.

Local, Education & other academy news

The Anchors Aweigh Podcast begins its fourth season. Moderator Bill Wagner welcomes listeners to Episode 1 of Season 4 for the Anchors Aweigh podcast, which covers all things Navy Athletics. We are pleased to introduce a revamped team featuring Mike James of The Mid Report as analyst for Navy football and other varsity sports and producer Chris Servello, who will assist with interviews and discussion of various topics. On this week's pod, we put the spotlight on Navy women's soccer by interviewing head coach Carin Gabarra and team captain Jordan Townsend.

Military Sealift Command Pacific (MSCPAC) welcomes its new leader, Capt. Dustin Lonero '01. Lonero assumed command from Capt. Micah Murphy, who has served as commander of MSCPAC since 2023. Lonero joins the MSC team following a position as the commanding officer for Surface Combat Systems Training Command Littoral Combat Ship Training Facility (SCSTC LTF PAC). A native of San Jose, Calif., Lonero graduated from United States Naval Academy in 2001. His sea assignments include duty aboard cruisers, frigates, and carriers including USS Shreveport (LPD 12) Mobile Security Detachment 21, USS Curts (FFG 38) and USS Antietam (CG 54).

In Podcast #2 Brad Snyder — retired Navy EOD officer, Paralympic gold medalist, and youngest Naval Academy alum in the history of the institution to be named a Distinguished Graduate — joins us to discuss leadership, legacy, and preparing midshipmen for an uncertain future. From his combat experience in Afghanistan to winning gold on the world stage, Brad shares powerful lessons in resilience, ethics, and the Navy's focus on great power competition.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Women's Soccer v Wofford - W 1-0

Men's Soccer v Mount St. Mary's - T 2-2

Sunday, Aug 24 - Women's Soccer v Delaware - Annapolis, Md. - 4 p.m.

USNA and AA&F Events

AUGUST

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

3 Oct - Rugby banquet

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

 

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