3 September Daily Shipmate

Wednesday, Sep 3, 2025

1996 - In response to the massing of Iraqi troops and tanks for an apparent attempt to seize control of Kurdish­held territory, the guided missile cruiser Shiloh (CG-67), the guided missile destroyers Laboon (DDG-58) and Russell (DDG-59), the destroyer Hewitt (DD-966), and the nuclear-powered submarine Jefferson City (SSN-759) launch 31 Tomahawk cruise missiles against air defense targets in Iraq. They are joined in the effort, called Operation Desert Strike, by Air Force B-52 bombers. (3–4 September)

 

2004 - 1LT Ronald Winchester '01, USMCR was killed in action when his vehicle was destroyed by an improvised explosive in Al Anbar province, Iraq. It was his second deployment to Iraq; the first was during the initial invasion in March 2003. A native of Long Island, New York, he played on the varsity football team at the Naval Academy. He was survived by his parents.

ACADEMY & GRADUATE HAPPENINGS

Season six, episode 4. It's UAB week. It's DGA week. And epic Class of 2000 Reunion Week. We're hosting another live pod at the FAC as part of a UAB pre-game social. And NO ONE knows what to get Jimmy and Millie for a wedding present. We got a lot going on! (sick Bull Durham reference). Chris and John drop the Alumni Association's flagship pod this week with a convo about beating VMI, hob-knobbing with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the first reunion weekend with a new Supe and AD. Our featured interview is with Gabrille Riffle-Gonzalez '17, a Marine…an entrepreneur…a cigar-lover. She founded Antipoliticas - a Cigar company with a big future. Her company was featured at the last USNA Entrepreneur Summit at the FAC. The company is her tribute to her roots, a bold celebration of heritage and a credit to the hard work USNA alums put into the journeys in and out of uniform. That and more on a world's best Alumni Association & Foundation podcast. Thanks for listening. Beat Army!

In Podcast #3 we meet two of the newest additions to the Stockdale Center—SOCM (SEAL) John Bertera and Sergeant Major Sean Grantham, USMC—and they share their experience in the fleet, their perspectives on leadership, and how they contribute to the preparation of midshipmen for the realities of Great Power Competition. From lessons learned in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Pacific to the importance of trust, resilience, and adaptability, this conversation explores what it takes to lead in today's rapidly evolving strategic environment.

The U.S. Tennis Association hosted the 2025 Lt. Joe Hunt Military Appreciation Day yesterday at Arthur Ashe Stadium, in Queens, New York. Several speakers at the event paid tribute to Hunt. More than a tennis player, Hunt was the U.S. Nationals champion, an NCAA champion, a Naval Academy graduate and a Navy football star. Like so many of his generation, he put aside his personal achievement to answer his nation's call, said Navy Rear Adm. Michael Boyle, director of the Navy staff.  After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Hunt "traded aces on the court for the challenge of becoming an ace in the sky, earning his wings of gold as a naval aviator," he said.

Stunning photos on nearly every page and the Chapel's rich history make this the perfect gift for Firsties, Mids, parents, alumni or any USNA supporter. Celebrate Navy tradition and grab your copy today! Special thanks to Forever Firstie for their partnership in making this publication happen.

GOVERNMENT & MILITARY NEWS

China's missiles, fighter jets and other military hardware — some on public view for the first time — are being displayed in a major parade Wednesday in the nation's capital. Troops will march in lockstep by President Xi Jinping, who leads the long-ruling Communist Party and heads the military as the chairman of the Central Military Commission. Xi will deliver a speech at the event, which marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The audience includes about two dozen foreign leaders from countries seeking to improve or maintain relations with the government in Beijing. Much of the weaponry and equipment in the parade is being shown to the public for the first time, Chinese military officials have said.

When it comes to financial matters, retired Navy Rear Adm. Brian E. Luther is more savvy than many people. But even Luther — the president and CEO of Navy Mutual — nearly got scammed, exemplifying just how sophisticated financial scammers have become. Since he took the leadership role at Navy Mutual in 2020, his family has been targeted by scammers about every other year. Navy Mutual regularly warns their military community members about the latest scams as part of their efforts to help military families safeguard their financial futures. According to the Federal Trade Commission, military consumers reported losing $584 million to fraud in 2024.

LOCAL, EDUCATION & OTHER ACADEMY NEWS

Each academic semester, the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) selects a new midshipman to lead the Brigade of Midshipmen. For the fall 2025 semester, Midshipman 1st Class Kellen Bynes has been selected to serve in this distinguished role as the highest-ranking midshipman in the Brigade. Leading more than 4,400 midshipmen, the brigade commander is responsible for maintaining the highest state of readiness and professionalism, ensuring brigade efficiency, addressing deficiencies to the Commandant of Midshipmen, and, when necessary, recommending corrective action, as outlined in USNA instruction. A native of San Diego, Bynes grew up in a city often associated with Navy presence. Even so, without any direct family previously serving, a military academy wasn't on his radar.

As SOPA's President and CEO, Matt Aaron is responsible for leading a statewide organization providing year-round training and competition in 21 Olympic-type sports for nearly 13,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.  SOPA offers more than 500 competition opportunities each year via an amazing network of local programs with more than 6,000 volunteer coaches.  For more than 50 years, SOPA has used the power of sports to transform the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.  But, SOPA is much more than a sports organization. Through its Athlete Leadership programs, athletes receive training and assume meaningful leadership roles where they influence change within the Special Olympics movement and their communities.  SOPA also addresses major disparities in healthcare via its Healthy Athletes program that offers athletes free health screenings in six different disciplines. Matt graduated from the Naval Academy in 1988 with BS in Aerospace Engineering.

On September 9th, a month ahead of the planned celebration of the U.S. Navy's 250th anniversary, Profs and Pints Annapolis will stage the perfect talk to get you ready for that event: A look at the sailors who first climbed aboard ships to fight for our nation. Professor Abby Mullen, who teaches courses on naval history at the United States Naval Academy, will speak in depth at the Graduate by Hilton Annapolis about the backgrounds of the patriots who fought the American Revolution at sea. You'll learn how they hailed from a wide variety of backgrounds and took tremendous risks just in signing up, with execution for treason being among their potential fates. It's a lecture that will give you a newfound appreciation for the courage exhibited by those who risked everything on land and at sea to secure our nation's independence from Great Britain. Tickets must be purchased online with processing fees and sales tax added. Advance tickets: $13.50. Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Doors open at 4 pm and the talk starts at 5:30 pm.

USNA AND AA&F EVENTS

SEPTEMBER

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 - 5:30 p.m. - Fast Friends Beer Co, Austin

31 Oct - North Texas Chapter + NAPC of North Texas Roadshow - 4:30 p.m. - 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