18 September Daily Shipmate

Thursday, Sep 18, 2025

1943 - U.S. carrier aircraft from Task Force 15, under the command of Rear Admiral Charles A. Pownall, Class of 1910, joined Army Air Forces B-24 bombers in striking the Gilbert Islands.

 

1981 - CAPT Doyle Beam '74, USMC and 1LT David Trundy '78, USMC were lost when the AH-1T Cobra helicopter they were aboard crashed near Cherry Point, North Carolina. They were members of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 269. Doyle was a wrestler in high school and at the Naval Academy; he was survived by his wife and parents. David had attended the Air Force Academy Prep School; he was also the second set Brigade Commander. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and parents.

 

1990 - A new 40-acre training facility for Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) was dedicated at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, by General Alfred M. Gray, Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Academy & Graduate happenings

Yesterday, September 17th, marked two hundred and thirty-eight years since the members of the Constitutional Convention officially signed the Constitution in Philadelphia and enshrined the foundational principles of our government. “'We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.'  

 

“Midshipmen spend four years immersed in moral, mental, and physical programs to support their leadership development, book-ended by an oath on Induction Day and an oath at graduation and commissioning. All of us as federal employees that support the Naval Academy mission — military and civilian — have taken a similar oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States,"  said Academic Dean and Provost Samara Firebaugh. "Therefore, our celebration today of Constitution Day carries special significance for all of us on the Yard that row together with a singular purpose — to prepare Midshipmen to serve with honor, courage, and commitment as they lead Sailors and Marines in the defense of our nation.” 

Mike James made his first trip out to Oklahoma as a member of the Navy Football Radio Network. James, publisher of The Mid Report, provides his analysis of the Navy victory over Tulsa. We put the spotlight on Navy men's and women's cross country through interviews with head coaches Aaron Lanzel and Kim Lewnes.

Government & Military News

Both sides of the aisle are digging in their heels despite dwindling time to strike a deal to avert a government shutdown. House Republicans are aiming to unveil a mostly “clean,” short-term funding patch to keep the government open come Oct. 1 — but without major concessions on health care that Democrats in both chambers are demanding be part of a stopgap measure. Pressed on the matter Monday, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told reporters, “that's a December policy issue, not a September funding issue.” Democrats have been pushing for lawmakers to address a looming, end-of-year deadline to stave off the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits, while also targeting Medicaid changes included in President Trump's tax and spending bill that passed Congress earlier this month.

A retired four-star U.S. Navy admiral was sentenced on Tuesday to six years in prison for his conviction on corruption charges that he agreed to exchange a military contract for a lucrative postretirement job. Retired Adm. Robert P. Burke — once the second-highest uniformed officer in the Navy — was commanding its forces in Europe and Africa when he engaged in a bribery plot with two business executives, according to federal prosecutors. A jury convicted Burke of four counts, including conspiracy and accepting a bribe, after a trial in May. A separate trial for Burke's two co-defendants — Next Jump co-CEOs Yongchul “Charlie” Kim and Meghan Messenger — ended with a hung jury and a mistrial last Thursday.

Local, Education & other academy news

Happening today - Navigating the Journey – a webinar for all Class of 2027 Parents! 

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. Second Class year is when midshipmen step into major leadership roles, mentor younger classmates, and commit to serving as officers through the 2-for-7 agreement. This webinar explores the unique challenges and growth moments of 2/C year, with a spotlight on how philanthropy supports leadership training and ethical development across the Brigade. Thursday, 18 September; Time: 12–1 p.m. ET. For questions, please reach out to Karen Hicks, Associate Director of Parent Giving, at [email protected].

Alumni Book Feature - American Heat Engine: Hydrocarbons and the Power of the United States

Coal. Oil. Natural gas. This is the incredible story of how hydrocarbons have energized the United States and its people. Hydrocarbons, naturally occurring combinations of mostly hydrogen and carbon atoms with almost limitless uses, are much more than simply “fossil fuels;” they are the lifeblood of modern human civilization. In American Heat Engine: Hydrocarbons and the Power of the United States, join Kent J. Williamson '92 on an epic journey through American hydrocarbon history, weaving together the amazing pasts of coal, oil, and natural gas in America, from the country's earliest days all the way to today and beyond. Hydrocarbons, a great people, and a great nation — American Heat Engine.

The Fluegel Alumni Center's Blue and Gold Bar was packed with excitement yesterday evening as readers, history buffs and fans of acclaimed author Craig L. Symonds assembled for a book signing. Guests lined up for the chance to meet Symonds and get signed copies of his newest book Annapolis Goes to War, which highlights Naval Academy alumni from the 1940s who went on to serve heroically in World War II. More than 75 people filled the room, eager to congratulate the award-winning historian and leave with a treasured copy in hand. For those who did not bring their own, books were available for purchase at the event, making it a night to celebrate both history and the Naval Academy's enduring legacy. Don't miss this: A special tribute to a few of the WWII alumni heroes featured in Symonds' book and their families in next month's issue of Shipmate magazine. Read Shipmate anytime and anywhere at usna.com/shipmate.

Catch an unforgettable weekend in Philadelphia this October while celebrating the U.S. Navy's 250th birthday! Kick off the action on Friday, 10 October 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, 11 October. 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

Men's Water Polo v Air Force - Annapolis, Md. - 7 p.m.

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