9 September Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, Sep 9, 2025

Photo of the Day

1992 - LT Robert Stevenson, III '86, USN was lost when the F/A-18 Hornet he was piloting crashed in Nevada while on a night training mission. He was a member of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25, based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California but operating from Nellis AFB, Nevada. He was survived by his wife, three sons, parents, and three brothers.

 

1948 - The Navy, in an effort to provide its carriers with strategic capability, establishes Composite Squadron (VC) 5. Equipped with modified P2V Neptune patrol planes, the squadron develops tactics and procedures for the delivery of nuclear weapons from the decks of aircraft carriers.

Academy & Graduate happenings

The 2025 class of Naval Academy Distinguished Graduates was honored on Thursday, September 4th for their selfless service, mentorship and moral leadership. This year's honorees: Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert '75, USN (Ret.), Vice Admiral Anthony L. Winns '78, USN (Ret.), Captain Sunita L. Williams '87, USN (Ret.) and Joanna G. Sohovich '93 exemplify the Academy's mission. They reached the highest levels of their professions and are dedicated to ensuring the Brigade of Midshipmen has world class facilities, programming, mentoring and the necessary resources to deliver unparalleled leadership development opportunities.

These 4-min videos were played at Thursday's DGA ceremony.

The Naval Academy graduate who went on to become the first person to run a marathon in space and recently endured nine unplanned months stranded at the International Space Station was honored for her service at the Naval Academy last weekend.

 

Sunita Williams, an Indian-American NASA astronaut known for several historic firsts, was given the Distinguished Graduate Award by the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation, the highest honor the group bestows on living graduates. She is a 1987 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a former member of the Navy swim team. Along with three other academy graduates, Williams was honored Thursday for her military service and leadership.

 

“You might be, at some point in your life, at the wrong place at the wrong time,” Williams said during the awards ceremony. “You just need to turn that into the right place at the right time. Accept these challenges you might get. …You move on from the wrong place and you move to the courage part.”

 

Each year, up to four graduates are chosen from a field of candidates nominated by their alumni peers: 1975 graduate Adm. Jonathan Greenert, 1978 graduate Vice Adm. Anthony Winns and 1993 graduate JoAnna Sohovich were also selected alongside Williams.

 

During addresses to midshipmen in Alumni Hall, the graduates shared personal experiences, taught leadership lessons and offered advice to the next generation of Navy and Marine Corps officers.

 

Williams drew from one particular trial during her address.

 

On June 5, 2024, Williams and fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore launched a spacecraft intended to transport crews to and from the International Space Station, the Boeing Starliner. What was planned to be an eight-day stay turned into nine months stranded in space after malfunctions delayed their return to Earth until March 19.

 

“Let's get this done; we can do this,” Williams said, sounding a motivational note to midshipmen during her address. “You know what you're supposed to do next because of your training — you had many years, starting with the foundation [at the Naval Academy]. You have the courage to say, 'This is something we didn't expect. We're just going to handle it. Don't look back. Just make it happen.”

 

After completing her bachelor's degree in physical science at the academy, Williams began her naval career as a helicopter pilot, logging more than 3,000 hours in 30-plus aircraft as a test pilot.

 

As a Naval officer, she completed several overseas deployments to the Mediterranean, Red Sea and the Persian Gulf in support of Operations Desert Shield and Provide Comfort, missions associated with the Gulf War.

 

She became an astronaut in 1998 and has made three trips to the International Space Station. Williams is also one of two women to have commanded the International Space Station twice, and one of five U.S. astronauts to have logged over 500 days in space.

 

During the 2007 Boston Marathon, Williams completed the 26.2-mile race virtually while on a treadmill aboard the International Space Station. She became the first person to complete a marathon in space, marking a time of four hours and 24 minutes.

 

Williams holds the Legion of Merit award, Navy Commendation Medals and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, among others.

 

The four recipients were also honored at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium during the Navy football game against the University of Alabama at Birmingham on Saturday.

We ran it back. Another live pod from Saturday's Women's Soccer Fanfest and pre-game social at Fluegel Alumni Center. Bill Wagner joined Chris and John to interview Coach Carin Gabarra, Midn 1/C Mimi Abusham and NWS alums from the class of 2000 Michelle Melendez, Grace Kelly and Shannon Filbin. Also joining the ladies of 2000 was long-time friend of the Pod Erin Bailey '00 to discuss the class' return to Annapolis for their 25-year reunion. We break down the NWS season so far, what to expect the rest of the way and hear the advice from the Class of 2000 alums about how athletics and being part of a team at USNA shaped their future. THe rain held off and a great day was shared by all. Thanks for listening. Beat Army.

Support alumni owned business owners!! From incredible art from Kristin Cronic to amazing whiskeys. Class and Reunion gear is available from VSA. Amazing sport coats and blazers and great golf gear. The Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation works hard to support alumni business and business owners. Their products, art and merch are available on our shop site.

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 September 8, 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.

In one scene from National Geographic's new limited series about naval fighter pilots, Navy Lt. j.g. Andrew Seepe speeds back to base in his T-45 Goshawk trainer following a successful skills test. High on the moment, he continues to accelerate until he's about 100 over the prescribed limit of 350 knots. “Seepe, don't ride the lightning,” a concerned tower operator radios. If this were a Tom Cruise film, Seepe would have chuckled and tried to spill the operator's coffee. Instead, he sobers up fast, realizing his future career dreams are in the balance, and submits to an ego-bruising scolding and review without a word in his own defense. “I got the yelling I deserved,” he confesses to the camera. “Top Guns: The Next Generation” follows a handful of Navy and Marine officers as they take on the rigors of advanced fighter training at Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi. It's the final — and most challenging — six months of training for these would-be pilots before they earn the coveted Wings of Gold.

The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRF CSG) led an allied maritime force with Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) and NATO Allies Norway, Germany and France to conduct routine operations in the High North region from Aug. 23-Sept. 8, 2025. The High North is a critical region for the U.S. and NATO Alliance to stand together in support of a safe, stable and secure Euro-Atlantic region by enhancing military capabilities, readiness and interoperability.

Local, Education & other academy news

Two years ago, on September 8, 2023, the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation cut the ribbon on the Fluegel Alumni Center. What began as a decade-long vision has quickly become a landmark in Annapolis—both as a home for alumni and as a gathering place for the wider community. Funded entirely through philanthropy, the $36 million, 65,000-square-foot facility was made possible by more than 3,500 alumni donors, with an anchor gift from Donna and Rick Fluegel, Class of 1961. Designed with sweeping views of College Creek and downtown Annapolis, the center includes a grand ballroom, the Blue & Gold Bar, conference rooms, terraces, and offices for the Alumni Association and Foundation staff. Its design even nods to the Academy, with a staircase modeled after Memorial Hall and the words “Don't Give Up The Ship” displayed above tall windows.

Navigating the Journey is a four-part, annual webinar series that meets parents where they are with one tailored session for each class year, every year in the fall. Designed to align with the distinct milestones of the Naval Academy experience, each webinar provides timely, relevant information and resources to help parents better understand and support their midshipman's journey. Beyond practical insights, the series fosters a sense of community among parents, encouraging shared connection and engagement. On September 18, join us for Leadership in Action: Developing the Brigade's Next Leaders.

 

Date: Thursday, September 18

Time: 12–1 p.m. ET

Location: Zoom

As we begin the month of September, the U.S. Naval Academy remembers those who lost their lives, those who stepped up to serve, and the countless sacrifices made in the days, months, and years after the attacks of September 11th. Each year, the Midshipman Action Group (MAG) organizes events on behalf of the Brigade of Midshipmen that honor and remember those who lost their lives, including 14 Academy graduates. 

 

Sept. 10 - Flag Placements on Stribling Walk - From 12:45 p.m. to 1:20 p.m., midshipmen will place 2,977 small U.S. flags along Stribling Walk in remembrance of the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001. Fourteen of these flags are larger in size to represent the Naval Academy alumni who died that day. Lieutenant John Breen, New York City firefighter and first responder at Ground Zero, has been invited to place flags alongside the midshipmen.

 

Sept. 11 - Flag Run - Midshipmen will participate in the “9/11 Remembrance Run,” a tribute when midshipmen will continuously run with the U.S. flag from Glenn Warner Field/Luce Hall beginning at 8:46 a.m., the time when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into 1 World Trade Center, and ending at  Smoke Park at approximately 5:20 p.m., the time when 7 World Trade Center fell. The run will consist of groups of approximately 7-9 midshipmen running in timed increments.

Sept. 11 - Moment of Silence and Remarks - Following the conclusion of the run, there will be an evening reflection at Smoke Park hosted by the Command Chaplain that will include an invocation, a moment of silence, and remarks by Naval Academy leadership. The guest speaker will be Lieutenant John Breen, New York City firefighter and first responder at Ground Zero.

Catch an unforgettable weekend in Philadelphia this October while celebrating the U.S. Navy's 250th birthday! Kick off the action on Friday, October 10, at Subaru Park with the Army-Navy Cup men's and women's soccer double-header. Then catch the excitement of an American Conference showdown when Navy football takes on Temple at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, October 11. Be part of the celebration and don't miss an action-packed sports weekend in the city where it all began.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Women's Golf at Folds of Honor Collegiate - Monday-Wednesday

Men's Golf at Folds of Honor Collegiate - Monday-Wednesday

USNA and AA&F Events

SEPTEMBER

9 Sept - USNA Entrepreneurs Fall Speaker Series - Army/Navy Country Club - 5 p.m. 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 Tourney - 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, 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 - 2025 Navy Rugby Alumni Association's 10th Annual "With You" Dinner and HOF Induction

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 - Noon

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