15 September Daily Shipmate

Monday, Sep 15, 2025

1950 - In one of the most daring operations in military history, the ships of Task Force 90 under the command of Rear Admiral James H. Doyle, Class of 1920 passed through a narrow channel and landed the First Marine Division at Inchon, South Korea. The first action occurred at heavily fortified Wolmi-Do Island, which had been shelled by destroyers and bombed by carrier aircraft during the previous days, and the Marines planted the American flag after 45 minutes of fighting. In the afternoon, the Marines began the assault against Inchon, with tank landing ships supplying them through the night as they secured the city. Wrote General of the Army Douglas MacArthur in a message to Commander Seventh Fleet Vice Admiral Arthur Struble, Class of 1915, “The Navy and the Marines have never shone more brightly than this morning.”

 

Sept 14, 1967 - MAJ Gardner Brewer '57, USAF was killed in action on when the OA-2 Birddog spotting plane he was aboard was shot down by ground fire in Vietnam; he was a forward air controller. Prior to the Naval Academy he had attended Dartmouth College for a year; after graduation he received a Master's degree from the University of Southern California. He was survived by his wife, to whom he was engaged during Youngster year; three children; his parents; and two sisters.

 

1997 - CAPT Brian Smith '91, USMC was lost when the F/A-18 Hornet he was piloting crashed near Cherry Point, North Carolina. The other officer aboard was also killed. Brian was a native of Nashville, Tennessee; in June 1991 he married a '91 Air Force Academy graduate. He was survived by her and their daughter, who was born four days after his death. His parents and brother also survived him.

Academy & Graduate happenings

On Thursday, September 11 at approximately 5:07 PM EST, Naval Support Activity Annapolis security and local law enforcement responded to reports of a security concern at the United States Naval Academy. During the response, two individuals were injured. A midshipman sustained injuries from a gunshot wound to the shoulder and was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released today. The other person, a member of the naval security force, received minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital before being released. We want to clarify that there was no active shooter at the Naval Academy. While Naval Support Activity has resumed normal operations, general public visitation to the Academy remains closed for today. A full investigation into the incident is underway with NCIS and law enforcement. We are grateful for the continued support and collaboration of our local law enforcement partners.

The U.S Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation made its way to Oklahoma for the game this past weekend. On Thursday, 11 September, we took a pitstop in OKC for a roadshow event to connect with fellow alumni and parents. We got the chance to hear from our alumni how the Alumni Association can better support our chapters, parent clubs, and all alumni. Our USNA Alumni Tulsa Chapter Dinner on Friday, 12 September 2025, was the perfect way to kick off the Navy vs. Tulsa football weekend. Alumni and supporters came together at Marshall's Brewery for great conversation, camaraderie, and plenty of Navy spirit to fuel the days ahead. On Saturday, 13 September excitement carried over to the Navy vs. Tulsa Tailgate with Naval Academy leadership, the cheer team, the Drum & Bugle Corps, and even a visit from Bill the Goat, the atmosphere was electric as we rallied behind the Midshipmen before game time. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us! Your enthusiasm and pride made this weekend one to remember. 3-0!

Dozens of alumni and their families gathered in New Bern, NC, Sept. 12th to celebrate the Chapter's annual Founder's Day dinner. John Schofield provided keynote remarks and updated the alums about the happenings at AA&F and the impact these volunteer leaders and members have on our mission. Rob Skrotsky '67 - with the help of his amazing wife Chris - have been running the Chapter for 20 years. This dinner marked the “turnover” of Chapter President duties to Aaron Adams '95. THANK YOU to Rob and Chris for 20 years of volunteer service!

Government & Military News

The first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), currently deployed in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, arrived in Oslo, Norway, for a scheduled port visit, September 12, 2025. Prior to its arrival in Oslo, Gerald R. Ford operated in the North and Norwegian Seas, while Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Mahan (DDG 72) and USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) conducted combined operations in the Arctic Circle with the Royal Norwegian Navy's Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate HNoMS Thor Heyerdahl (F 314) and replenishment oiler HNoMS Maud (A 530), as well as the German Navy's Sachsen-class air defense frigate FGS Hamburg (F220) and French Navy Aquitaine-class frigate FS Aquitaine (D 650) and Durance-class command and replenishment tanker FS Somme (A 631).

Representatives from Combat Service Support Equipment (CSSE) distributed new boots to Reconnaissance Training Company for a limited user evaluation at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 9, 2025. The evaluation follows Marine Corps Systems Command's Optional Boot Program testing process, which is designed to analyze fit, form, function, and durability. “This is the boot I have worn in the field since 2009,” explained Gunnery Sgt. Rich Rodriguez, platoon sergeant, 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. “I've conducted every mission set that Recon is tasked with in those boots and have yet to get a blister in all these years. I can provide story after story about how these boots have saved my ankles from breaking while traversing dangerous terrain with 100-plus pound rucks. The best way to put it, these boots have never failed me.”

Local, Education & other academy news

Celebrate the achievements of our newest Chief Petty Officers! We're proud to livestream the CPO Pinning Ceremonies for Naval District Washington and the Pentagon, giving friends, family, and colleagues across the nation the chance to join in this special milestone. Sept. 16 - 10:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. | In-person AND Livestream.

Even as his school and other universities across the nation face increasing scrutiny from the Trump administration, the Ohio State University President Ted Carter '81 doesn't feel targeted by the federal government. The land-grant university is one of dozens facing federal inquires tied to antisemitism on campus. Carter said he believed the school was included in the probe because of previous investigations launched under the Biden administration.  “I always tell my staff and all my people, if we do the right thing, we stick to our mission, everything will work out,” Carter told USA TODAY. “So if somebody wants to come take a close look at us or ask us why we're doing certain things, we welcome that."

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Blake Horvath rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown and threw for another score, and Navy stormed back from an early deficit to defeat Tulsa 42-23 on Saturday night at H.A. Chapman Stadium. The Midshipmen (3-0, 2-0 American) trailed 14-0 in the first quarter before scoring 28 unanswered points. Horvath's 2-yard touchdown run tied the game at 14 midway through the second, and his 2-yard pass to Luke Hutchison with 10 seconds left in the half gave Navy a 21-17 lead it never relinquished. Alex Tecza scored on runs of 1 yard in both the first and third quarters, Eli Heidenreich added a 10-yard touchdown run, and Brandon Chatman capped the outburst with a 1-yard plunge early in the fourth. Navy finished with 367 rushing yards on 63 carries and controlled possession for more than 35 minutes.

Men's Tennis at Joe Hunt Invite - NTS

Men's Water Polo v. Mount St. Mary's - W 20-7

Women's Volleyball at Gardner-Webb - L 1-3

 

Men's Tennis at Joe Hunt Invite - NTS

Men's Water Polo v. #10 Princeton - L 8-18

Women's Cross Country at Cantello Invitational - 1st of 6

Men's Cross Country at Cantello Invitational - 2nd of 6

Men's Water Polo v. Wheaton College (Mass.) - W 21-5

Men's Rugby v. Mary Washington - W 65-3

Women's Rugby at Lindenwood - L 17-64

Women's Volleyball v. Le Moyne - W 3-0

Men's Soccer v. Holy Cross - T 1-1

Men's Water Polo v. MIT - W 25-9

Women's Volleyball v. Hampton - W 3-0

Football at Tulsa - W 42-23

 

Women's Soccer v. UMBC - W 3-0

Men's Water Polo v. Salem - L 13-17

Men's Tennis - Joe Hunt Invite - NTS

Men's Water Polo v. Penn State Behrend - W 18-8

Women's Golf at Jackson T. Stephens Cup - Lake Bluff, Ill. - 8 a.m.

Men's Golf at Jackson T. Stephens Cup - Lake Bluff, Ill. - TBA

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 Sep in Annapolis as Volleyball takes on Army at 7 p.m.

 

19 Sept - Volleyball - Annapolis - 7 p.m.

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

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 p.m. 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