25 August Daily Shipmate

Monday, Aug 25, 2025

1958 - Commander Forrest S. Petersen '44 makes his first flight in NASA's X-15 high-speed research aircraft. Petersen is the only active-duty naval aviator assigned to the program.

 

1975 - LTjg Richard Been '72, USN was lost when an arresting cable aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV 42) snapped, sending his F-4 Phantom II into the sea off the coast of Florida. At the Naval Academy was a Battalion Commander and twice lettered on the football team. Richard is also included in the Navy Rugby Hall of Fame. He was survived by his wife, parents, and three sisters.

 

1981 - Sixth Fleet lands 800 Marines at Beirut, Lebanon. For the following 16 days, they serve as part of a multinational peacekeeping force.

Academy & Graduate happenings

We're excited to introduce Navigating the Journey, a parent webinar series for insight, connection and impact. This four-part annual program is designed to support parents at every stage of the Naval Academy experience. Each year, parents are invited to a webinar tailored specifically to their midshipman's class, offering timely insights, helpful resources, and the chance to connect with fellow parents. You'll also learn how philanthropy enhances the midshipman journey, from Plebe Summer to Commissioning Week. Coming this September—stay tuned for registration and details, but for now please save the date!

 

• 16 September: Class of 2028 Parents

• 18 September: Class of 2027 Parents

• 22 September: Class of 2026 Parents

• 25 September: Class of 2029 Parents

 

*All webinars will be held at 12 pm ET

For questions, please contact Karen Hicks, Assoc. Director of Parent Giving: at [email protected].

August 24, 2025. Ever wonder what the Naval Academy Alumni Association really does? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on this vital organization that supports both midshipmen and graduates throughout their careers and beyond. As a Naval Academy graduate myself, I'm thrilled to share an inside look at how the Alumni Association and Foundation are evolving to meet the needs of today's midshipmen and alumni. We'll explore: Key Insights on the Alumni Association's Impact; How philanthropic efforts create a "margin of excellence" at the Academy; The three pillars of the organization's mission: connecting, communicating, and supporting; Recent leadership changes and strategic vision through 2030; Ways the Association assists transitioning service members and entrepreneurs and programs and resources available for parents and families.

Government & Military News

The commanders of the Navy Reserve and Naval Special Warfare were removed from their leadership positions on Friday, USNI News has learned. Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore, the newly confirmed head of the Navy Reserve, and Rear Adm. Jamie Sands, commander of the Navy's SEALs and Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen units, were both removed from their positions on Friday, a Navy official confirmed to USNI News. “Effective immediately, Rear Adm. Milton 'Jamie' Sands III will no longer serve as commander, Naval Special Warfare Command,” the official told USNI News. “Effective immediately, Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore will no longer serve as the chief of Navy Reserve.” Sands is a 1992 Naval Academy graduate who served as a surface warfare officer before joining the SEALs, according to his bio.

Amid the 80th anniversary of World War II's end comes the death of what is believed to be America's last surviving ace, Don McPherson. He was 103. McPherson stands out among the “Greatest Generation” as the last American pilot credited with five aerial victories to earn the status of “ace.” Perhaps appropriately, he got them all during the war's last major campaign: Okinawa. Born in Adams, Nebraska on May 25, 1922, Donald Melvin McPherson grew up working on his family's farm during the Great Depression. He was trying to raise money to go to college when World War II broke out.

The Pentagon wants to tap a three-star officer to lead the Navy's submarine construction effort under Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg outlined in a new memo, USNI News has learned. The memo, issued by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Wednesday, describes the roles and responsibilities of the officer who will oversee the acquisition of all nuclear submarines for a four-year tenure. The officer would also assume control of the submarine program offices currently under the Department of the Navy, four people familiar with the contents of the plan told USNI News.

Local, Education & other academy news

Navy alumni philanthropy transforms potential into leadership and ensures the Navy and the Marine Corps are led by mission-driven officers ready to serve. That was the case for one Firstie this summer. Meet MIDN 1/C Nathanael Kaye, a Class of 2026 Mid at the United States Naval Academy (USNA). Kaye interned with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division's Laser Weapon System Technology and Lethality Branch. He studied how high-powered lasers deliver energy to damage materials, advancing the Navy's directed energy capabilities that protect Sailors and strengthen the Fleet and the Corps. Behind every internship experience like Kaye's stands the bonds and support of the USNA alumni community. The connections forged at USNA extend well beyond the Yard, opening doors for internships, mentorship and opportunities as they graduate and advance in America's military. With alumni support, midshipmen bridge classroom learning with hands-on naval applications, preparing to lead with confidence and innovation into the leaders of tomorrow.

This week's BZ

Capt Ron Arellano '01, assumed command during a commissioning ceremony and assumption of command of Cyber Group ONE onboard Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam in Honolulu HI in August. CYBERGRU ONE will oversee two subordinate Cyber Squadrons, Cyber Squadron One and Cyber Squadron Three. CYBERGRU ONE will oversee both the administration and operational missions of these squadrons, where these functions were previously split between NIOC PAC and FCC. This new structure will enable more focused oversight, empower command leadership, and streamline operations.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

A new version of the app providing up-to-date information on the Navy varsity sports program is now available for downloading.  There is no cost to download or use the app, which is powered by Sidearm Sports. Current users of the app with automatic updates selected will receive notification that the new app is ready to be downloaded.  Those without automatic updates activated or those currently without the app will need to search for "Navy Athletics" in the iOS App Store or Google Play Library.

Sunday, Aug 24 - Women's Soccer v Delaware - L 0-1

Men's Soccer - William & Mary - Annapolis, Md. - 7 p.m.

USNA and AA&F Events

AUGUST

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.

9 Sept - USNA Entrepreneurs Fall Speaker Series - Army/Navy Country Club - 5pm EST

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