16 September Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, Sep 16, 2025

1814 - A detachment of Marines under Major Daniel Carmick from the Naval Station at New Orleans, together with an Army detachment, destroyed a pirate stronghold at Barataria, on the Island of Grande Terre, near New Orleans.

 

1861 - A board appointed by Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles recommends the construction of the first three ironclads—Galena, Monitor, and New Ironsides.

 

1998 - CAPT Robert Falkenbach, Jr. '93, USMC was lost when the UH-1 Huey helicopter he was piloting crashed during night training maneuvers with USS Rushmore (LSD 47) about 12 miles off the coast of Oceanside, California. Robert was remembered by a friend: “His smile, boundless energy and carefree attitude touched the lives of hundreds and made those around him feel special.”

Academy & Graduate happenings

Season six, episode 6. We run back the best Alumni Association & Foundation pod with a discussion about last week's lock down on the yard, discussion about a big football win for the Mids at Tulsa and some cool roadtrips this past weekend to Oklahoma and eastern North Carolina. Our featured interview is with RADM (ret) Mike Shatynski '79. He's running the Surface Navy Museum. The National Museum of the Surface Navy is more than an exhibit — it's an immersive movement to preserve stories, foster understanding, and build bridges between generations. It reminds us that behind every ship are the people whose dedication, sacrifice, and humanity safeguarded our freedoms. By connecting visitors to these stories, RADM Shatynski and the museum ensure that the purpose, connection, and resilience of service continue to inspire America's future. A great black shoe conversation with a man giving back. Get more info about the museum at https://surfacenavymuseum.org/ That and more on a world's best Alumni Association & Foundation podcast. Thanks for listening. Beat Army!

September 16, 2025 at 12 p.m. EST. The U.S. Naval Academy Foundation is proud to introduce Navigating the Journey—a four-part, annual webinar series that meets parents where they are with one tailored session for each class year, every year. 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 16 September, join us for Beyond the Classroom: Expanding Horizons through Enrichment and Exploration. This session will explore the opportunities that define Third Class year—academic growth, leadership roles, and enrichment programs that help midshipmen discover their interests and expand their skills. Learn how donor-supported initiatives make these transformational experiences accessible to every midshipman and strengthen their path to leadership.

The Great Class of 1975 has organized a charity bike ride – Gulf to Goat, or G2G – that will unite cycling classmates, family and friends in a quest for physical fitness, camaraderie, and charitable giving. By pedaling nearly 1200 miles through our great nation – from Apalachicola, FL to USNA – these riders will honor the legacy of USNA '75 while supporting causes close to a classmates' heart. The goal is to pedal with purpose, have fun, forge bonds, and make a meaningful difference one mile at a time. The G2G charity bike ride will begin on Oct. 1, 2025, in Apalachicola and transit along the East Coast, arriving at the Bill the Goat statue inside Gate 1 on Oct. 22, 2025 to kick off 50th Reunion festivities. On October 22, they are scheduled to arrive at USNA Gate 8 at approximately 1500 (or possibly sooner) and proceed to Bill the Goat inside Gate 1 for a short ceremony acknowledging our inspirational journey.

Government & Military News

The nation's service academies next month will announce they will accept scores from the Classic Learning Test, a standardized exam that emphasizes classical literature such as Greek and Roman classics and Christian thinkers beginning in the 2027 admissions cycle, according to internal communications obtained by POLITICO and a person familiar with the matter granted anonymity to discuss the policy change. The Pentagon's move marks a victory for conservative lawmakers and activists who have pushed to elevate the test, known as the CLT, as an alternative to the SAT and ACT emphasizing “deep comprehension of classical texts.” According to the internal emails, the U.S. military academies by Oct. 1 plan to update all public-facing websites accessible to prospective students reflecting the new option. They will also train admissions staff, liaison officers, congressional offices and volunteers involved with admissions on the addition of CLT in advance of the 2027 admissions cycle.

 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 15, 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.

President Donald Trump said Monday that the U.S. military had carried out a strike on a second Venezuelan boat, alleging that the ship was helmed by “narcoterrorists” and carrying “illegal narcotics” headed to the United States.  Trump said the strike killed three people, whom he called “male terrorists,” and that no U.S. forces were harmed. It came nearly two weeks after the United States blew up a boat off Venezuela, killing 11 people, with Trump saying the vessel was carrying drugs and operated by the Tren de Aragua gang.

Around 50 college campuses across the country have been deluged in recent weeks with hoax calls about armed gunmen and other violence, laying bare the challenges of detecting fake threats quickly to prevent mass panic. Students at some schools spent hours hiding under desks, only to find out later it was someone's idea of a entertainment. On Thursday, several historically Black colleges locked down or canceled classes after receiving threats, at a time when the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah college had campuses newly on edge. In other cases, schools figured out early that something was amiss, but even then it took time and resources. The FBI is investigating, but so far there have been no arrests.

Bold. Brilliant. Daring. Seemingly impossible. These are just a few, of the many words that veterans, community leaders, service members, and residents used to recall the landing at Incheon, 75 years later, as they gathered for the Incheon Landing Operation Commemoration, in Incheon, South Korea, from Sept. 12-15. The weekend-long event, hosted by the City of Incheon, featured honorary tributes, ceremonies, and a parade to celebrate the strategic success of the landing, Operation Chromite, which turned the tide in the Korean War, and to recognize the sacrifices made by Republic of Korea and United Nations Command forces.

Local, Education & other academy news

Class Crests, Company logos, custom-designed merch for your reunion or club get-togethers…VSA delivers what you need in the AA&F store. VSA's products are custom crafted in the USA one product at a time. It hurts profits, but they produce a better product, gain visibility into the supply chain, ensure eco-friendly products and provide jobs here in the USA!

Looking for your next great read? Explore the Lucky Bag of Books, a collection of fiction and non-fiction works. Some are written by Naval Academy alumni, some are about alumni and others cover topics of interest including children's books. When you shop through our Amazon affiliate link a portion of your purchase helps support the Naval Academy. Have a book written by a Naval Academy alum? Share it with us to be added to the Lucky Bag of Books by emailing [email protected].

Alumni Book Feature: No Greater Duty

“No Greater Duty” by Robert Stewart is a timeless and unforgettable novel that captures the heart of what service, sacrifice, empathy, and true leadership truly mean. Set at the U.S. Naval Academy, it tells the gripping story of Alex Kramer — a combat-hardened Marine, selected for Annapolis, carrying both visible and invisible wounds from the battlefield. This story reminds us not only of the weight of duty, but of the vital importance of empathy — of understanding different perspectives, even within rigid institutions. The separation of right from wrong, integrity, ethics, moral and physical courage, challenges, confrontations, personal and professional decisions — duty and honor — all shape the heart and core of novels about the U.S. Naval Academy. When the tale is told well — as it is in Robert Stewart's No Greater Duty — the reading is both excellent and stirring.

Discover Charleston through the lens of African American history and resilience on this exclusive journey for USNA alumni. Explore the International African American Museum, historic plantations, and the Old Slave Mart Museum. Visit Mother Emanuel AME Church for a private lecture, and engage with the Avery Research Center. Celebrate Gullah culture through art, storytelling, and cuisine, while gaining deeper insight into the contributions that shaped Charleston — an inspiring experience of history, heritage, and shared understanding.

From ancient temples to modern marvels, journey through the lush Mekong Delta with Emerald Cruises. Begin with three nights in Siem Reap exploring Angkor Wat and Cambodia's rich history before boarding Emerald Harmony for a seven-night cruise. Discover Oudong, experience Phnom Penh, and cross into Vietnam. Visit tranquil villages, bustling markets, and conclude in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. A truly unforgettable alumni adventure awaits.

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 Jackson T. Stephens Cup - All Day

Men's Golf at Jackson T. Stephens Cup - All Day

Men's Soccer v UMBC - Annapolis, Md. - 7 p.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.

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