12 September Daily Shipmate

Friday, Sep 12, 2025

1814 - Sixty men formerly of Captain Joshua Barney's Chesapeake Bay Flotilla man a battery in Fort McHenry during a bombardment by British ships as part of the attack on Baltimore, Maryland. The giant flag that flies over them and their fellow defenders inspires Francis Scott Key to pen the words that in 1931 become the national anthem.

 

2014 - LT Nathan Poloski '09, USN was lost when the F/A-18 Hornet he was piloting collided with another aircraft during a flight in the Western Pacific from USS Carl S. Vinson (CVN 70). A classmate remembered: “One thing is for certain, Nate Poloski lived his entire life full-speed ahead. He undoubtedly packed more into his 26 years of life than one could ever imagine. His intelligence was unmatched. His passion and loyalty was real. He pushed himself to be stronger, smarter, faster, and better dressed than everyone he met, which drove him to ultimately succeed in everything he ever attempted. No one doubted he would fly jets or even be a Blue Angel one day. He climbed mountains, hiked arduous trails, completed triathlons and so much more. He was an inspiration. Should you ever have a big dream or goal in life, think of what Nate would tell you: 'What are you waiting for? Let's go!'” Nathan was survived by his parents and sister.

Academy & Graduate happenings

There is no credible threat to the U.S. Naval Academy, Gov. Wes Moore's office told 11 News. In a statement just after 9 p.m., a U.S. Navy official said: "At (5:07 p.m.), Naval Support Activity Annapolis security, in coordination with local law enforcement, responded to reports of suspicious activity on the Naval Academy grounds. There is no active shooter threat, however one person was injured while Naval Security Forces were clearing a building. One person has been medevaced with injuries. They are in stable condition. We will provide updates as they become available." Students were placed on lockdown out of an abundance of caution. A midshipman who was sheltered in place thought a member of law enforcement was a threat and hit him with a training weapon. Law enforcement then shot the midshipman, who is at a hospital and expected to recover.

The Navy Football Podcast team breaks down the 38-24 victory over Alabama-Birmingham. Former Navy football greats Eric Kettani and Keenan Reynolds provide their expert analysis, while producer Chris Servello brings the fan's perspective. We also preview the upcoming game against Tulsa on the road Saturday night.

Government & Military News

An Air Force test pilot will lead a four-person NASA crew living for a year inside a simulated Mars habitat as the space agency gears up for future long-term flights. The crew will also include a Space Force officer who oversees spy satellites. Marine Capt. Emily Phillips '16 was named one of two alternate crew members for the mission. An F/A/-18 pilot and U.S. Naval Academy graduate, according to a NASA release, Phillips is currently assigned as a forward air controller and air officer attached to an infantry battalion at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California.

President Donald Trump's pick to oversee veterans benefits delivery promised on Wednesday to conduct a full review of current benefits rules and processes, to potentially include controversial revisions factoring in veterans' personal finances in their eligibility for disability awards. The comments drew immediate concern from Democratic senators who had pushed for Karen Brazell, the nominee for Veterans Affairs Under Secretary for Benefits, to dismiss the idea and support stronger protections for individuals currently receiving payouts for their military-connected injuries. “The [benefits administration's] core mission is to provide world-class service and benefits to our nation's veterans, something they deserve and need,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., ranking member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Local, Education & other academy news

When Rayuan Lane III arrived for work in Jacksonville, Florida, this summer, he discovered quickly that he had an unusual disconnect with a few of his teammates. When they learned he spent his four-year football career at the Naval Academy, suddenly they would picture him as Rambo. “It's kind of mind-boggling for them — they don't understand too much about the military,” Lane said on a recent phone call, laughing through the anecdote. “They think I'm in the Army. They think I've been living in barracks and shooting guns for the last four years.” Playing for a service academy is undoubtedly a different college football experience than most, with morning formations, crisply pressed uniforms and rigorous academics.

Admiral James Stavridis, USN (Ret.) '76, was honored with the 2025 Lone Sailor Award at the U.S. Navy Memorial's annual awards dinner on September 9, 2025. The award recognizes Sea Service veterans for their distinguished careers and embodiment of the Navy's core values. Admiral Stavridis was celebrated for his distinguished naval career, culminating as Supreme Allied Commander at NATO, and for his ongoing work as an author, educator, and global leader. Admiral Staviridis is pictured with Chief of Naval Operations ADM Daryl Caudle and President & CEO of the Navy Memorial, VADM John Nowell, USN (ret) '84.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Women's Soccer v. Saint Mary's (CA) - Cancelled

Men's Tennis at Joe Hunt Invite - Annapolis, Md. - 10 a.m.

Women's Volleyball - Gardner-Webb vs. Le Moyne - Annapolis, Md. - 3 p.m.

Men's Water Polo v. Mount St. Mary's - Annapolis, Md. - 4:30 p.m.

Women's Volleyball at Gardner-Webb - Annapolis, Md. - 7 p.m.

 

Intercollegiate Sailing at Faye Bennet MAISA Women's Singles - Annapolis, Md. - All Day

Intercollegiate Sailing at Chesapeake Invitational - Annapolis, Md. - All Day

Intercollegiate Sailing at Chesapeake Open - Annapolis, Md. - All Day

Offshore Sailing at Shields Trophy - Annapolis, Md. - All Day

Offshore Sailing at Hospice Cup - Annapolis, Md. - All Day

Men's Tennis at Joe Hunt Invite - Annapolis, Md. - 9 a.m.

Men's Water Polo v. #10 Princeton - Annapolis, Md. - 9:20 p.m.

Women's Cross Country at Cantello Invitational - Annapolis, Md. - 9:45 a.m.

Men's Cross Country at Cantello Invitational - Annapolis, Md. - 10:30 a.m.

Men's Water Polo v. Wheaton College (Mass.) - Annapolis, Md. - 10:40 a.m.

Men's Rugby v. Mary Washington - Annapolis, Md. - 11 a.m.

Women's Rugby at Lindenwood - St. Charles, Mo. - Noon

Women's Volleyball v. Le Moyne - Annapolis, Md. - 1 p.m.

Men's Soccer v. Holy Cross - Annapolis, Md. - 1 p.m.

Women's Volleyball - Hampton v. Garner-Webb - Annapolis, Md. - 4 p.m.

Men's Water Polo v. MIT - Annapolis, Md. - 6 p.m.

Women's Volleyball v. Hampton - Annapolis, Md. - 7 p.m.

Football at Tulsa - Tulsa, Okla. - 8 p.m.

 

Women's Soccer v. UMBC - Annapolis, Md. - 5 p.m.

Intercollegiate Sailing at Chesapeake Open - Annapolis, Md. - All Day

Intercollegiate Sailing at Chesapeake Invitational - Annapolis, Md. - All Day

Intercollegiate Sailing at Faye Bennet MAISA Women's Singles - Annapolis, Md. - All Day

Offshore Sailing at Shields Trophy - Annapolis, Md. - All Day

Men's Water Polo v. Salem - Annapolis, Md. - 8 a.m.

Men's Tennis - Joe Hunt Invite - Annapolis, Md. - 8 a.m.

Men's Water Polo v. Penn State Behrend - Annapolis, Md. - 9:20 a.m.

From 1969-70 to 2024-25, Navy has posted a 47-6-3 record in the annual Star Series. Navy lost last year's Star Series. The first star series matchup this year is 19 Sept in Annapolis as Volleyball takes on Army at 7 p.m.

Remaining Star Matchups

19 Sept - Volleyball - Annapolis - 7pm

10 Oct - W. Soccer - Chester, Pa. - 4 p.m.

10 Oct - M. Soccer - Chester, Pa. - 7 p.m.

11-12 Oct - M. Golf - Annapolis - TBA

18 Oct - W. Cross Country - West Point - TBA

18 Oct - M. Cross Country - West Point - TBA

25 Oct - W. Rugby - West Point - TBA

15 Nov - M. Rugby - West Point - TBA

15 Nov - Sprint Football - West Point - 1 p.m.

6 Dec - M. Swim & Dive - Annapolis - TBA

6 Dec - W. Swim & Dive - Annapolis - TBA

13 Dec - Football - Baltimore, Md. - 3 p.m.

7 Feb - Rifle - West Point - 9 a.m.

7 Feb - M. Indoor Track & Field - Annapolis - TBA

7 Feb - W. Indoor Track & Field - Annapolis - TBA

20 Feb - Wrestling - Annapolis - TBA

21 Feb - W. Basketball - West Point - TBA

21 Feb - M. Basketball - West Point - TBA

11 Apr - M. Outdoor Track & Field - West Point - TBA

11 Apr - W. Outdoor Track & Field - West Point - TBA

TBA - Baseball - Annapolis

TBA - Gymnastics - Annapolis

TBA - M. Lacrosse - West Point

TBA - W. Lacrosse - Annapolis

TBA - M. Tennis - Annapolis

TBA - W. Tennis - Annapolis

USNA and AA&F Events

SEPTEMBER

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

8 Oct - Greater Southern Maryland Chapter Business Mtg. - 4:30 PM EDT Brudergarten

22725 Duke St, Leonardtown, MD 20650 Online event: BOD https://meet.google.com/toh-nvgs-yvn

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