24 September Daily Shipmate

Wednesday, Sep 24, 2025

1873 - One hundred and ninety Marines and seamen from the USS PENSACOLA and BENICIA landed at the Bay of Panama, Columbia, to protect the railroad and American lives and property during the revolution.

 

1918 - Lieutenant David S. Ingalls, a member of the First Yale Unit, shot down his fifth enemy aircraft while flying a Sopwith Camel of the Royal Air Force's Number 213 Squadron. Thus, Ingalls became the U.S. Navy's first and only ace of World War I. He later served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Air.

 

1957 - LCDR Robert Mack '45, USN was lost when his F4D-1 Skyray crashed off the coast of Norway; he was flying from USS Saratoga (CVA 60) as part of a NATO exercise. At the Naval Academy he participated in Battalion Pushball, Battalion Yawl Sailing, Boat Club, and the Choir. He was survived by his wife and two sons.

Academy & Graduate happenings

Season six, episode 7. A big one this week. Football is back against Rice this weekend. We celebrate our Corporate and Finance Relations partners during the game, including the Olmsted Foundation. MG Bruce Scott, USA (ret) - Army Class of '72 - joins us as we drop names of former Navy and Army Olmsted Scholar winners. But we also talk about the impact Olmsted has to USNA in the form of philanthropy. We also talk to two members of the Naval Academy football team - Midn 3/C Mack Taylor and Midn 2/C Marcus Bleazard. Both Mids just recently returned to the Academy after two years off…on Mormon missions. Mack and Marcus break down their faith, experiences and how hard it was to come back to Annapolis after two years as a Missionary. And what does a missionary do, anyway? Tune in to find out. Finally, we break down the Thriving as Leaders awardees just announced by AA&F today!!That and more on a world's best Alumni Association & Foundation podcast. Thanks for listening. Beat Army! **Note…discussion with Midn Bleazard and Midn Taylor about their faith is not an endorsement of their religion or any religion by AA&F.

He most recently served as Director of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), where he led transformational reforms in personnel vetting, industrial security, and counterintelligence across the U.S. defense enterprise. A formal retirement ceremony will be held at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland today, September 24th attended by family, friends, mentors, and senior national security leaders. Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security Bradley Hansell will deliver the keynote address, with additional remarks by Sue Gordon (former PDDNI), Dustin Gard-Weiss (Executive Director, CIA) and Rex “Boots" Mbuthia '93. David reflected on the enduring values of public service, paid tribute to mentors and family, and previewed his next chapter as an advisor, speaker, and advocate for transatlantic security and innovation.

In 2026, the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation is partnering with USNA Women to commemorate the 50th anniversary of women joining the Brigade of Midshipmen. In preparation for a year-long series of Shipmate content, we are seeking a cadre of alumnae writers who wish to participate in the gathering and sharing of impactful stories. If you would like to be included in this series, please email Shipmate Editor Jimmy DeButts at [email protected]

In the 1930s, The American Legion began sponsoring awards for an outstanding graduate each year at the U.S. Military Academy and Naval Academy. Since then, the tradition has grown to include the Coast Guard, Air Force and Merchant Marine academies. Naval Academy. Earning the award from USNA was ENS. Sebastian Gordillo '25, Imperial Beach, Calif.

Date: Saturday, 25 October

Time: 11 a.m.–2 p.m. ET
Location: Fluegel Alumni Center (301 King George Street, Annapolis, MD, 21402)

We're bringing a taste of Bavaria to Annapolis with an Oktoberfest-style open house before the FAU game. With more than 500 guests expected, this Homecoming celebration will be filled with German-inspired fun. Challenge friends to cornhole and lawn games, keep the kids entertained with face painting and coloring, and snack like you're in Munich with soft pretzels, beer cheese and mustard. Timber Pizza will also be on site serving up fresh wood-fired pies for purchase. Enjoy cold beer, wine, and sodas at the Blue & Gold Bar. The Spirit Team performs at 11:30 a.m., and our Sing Second podcast will take the mic from 12:15–1:30 p.m. with great conversations and guests. Meet fellow alumni, snap fun photos at the TPA 360 booth and enjoy Oktoberfest music as you relax on the back deck or explore the building with self-guided tours. Giveaways include Go Navy buttons, koozies and limited-edition Oktoberfest Bill stickers. Don't miss this family-friendly celebration of tradition, spirit and camaraderie. Prost! 

Government & Military News

USS Stockdale (DDG-106) is now operating in the Caribbean alongside seven U.S. Navy surface warships as part of the Trump Administration's homeland security efforts, USNI News understands. Stockdale, having made a port stop in Panama over the weekend, joins guided-missile destroyers USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109) and USS Gravely (DDG-107). USS Sampson (DDG-102), which was operating off the coast of Central America in the Eastern Pacific, is now in San Diego, according to USNI News' Fleet and Marine Tracker. In addition to the three guided-missile destroyers, the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group — USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28) and USS San Antonio (LPD-17) — guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG-70) and Littoral Combat Ship USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS-21) are also operating in the Caribbean.

Navy explosive ordnance disposal technicians worked in tandem with 17 allied nations during Northern Challenge 2025, a multinational counter-improvised explosive device exercise Sept. 9-18 across multiple training sites in Iceland. Hosted by the Icelandic Coast Guard, Northern Challenge is NATO's premier exercise for countering IEDs and strengthening interoperability between allied forces. The exercise brought together more than 500 participants from Europe and North America focusing on realistic, complex scenarios including vehicle-borne bombs, remote-detonated devices and post-blast analysis. "This is the highest level of multinational EOD training available, and it allows us to work out the friction points before we face a real-world mission," said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Chris Bianchi, a senior EOD officer. "Exercises like Northern Challenge strengthen our ability to deter aggression, respond decisively and defend shared security interests with our Allies."

One of the four U.S. Army soldiers killed in a helicopter crash in Washington state on Wednesday was the son of Mission BBQ co-founder Bill Kraus. 39-year-old Andrew Kraus, a chief warrant officer, was a member of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Airborne, a team that specializes in nighttime missions. Kraus, Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Cully, Sgt. Donavon Scott and Sgt. Jadalyn Good died when their U.S. Army MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter that crashed near Joint Base Lewis-McChord during a routine training mission Wednesday, according to the Army. Bill Kraus and Steve Newton founded Mission BBQ in 2011, opening their first location on Sept. 11 that year. Beyond barbeque, the company focuses on honoring U.S. service people. It has a long record of donating to charities that support the military and first responders. Mission BBQ is now a national chain. **Bill Kraus and Mission BBQ have been tremendous supporters of USNA, the Alumni Association & Foundation and the Annapolis community. Our hearts go out to Bill and his family.

Local, Education & other academy news

The annual U.S. News Best Colleges rankings were released Tuesday, with top-ranked schools staying mostly steady from last edition as the methodology was largely unchanged. The vast majority of schools U.S. News surveyed continued to report data: 79% of the more than 1,700 ranked institutions returned their statistical information in the spring and summer of 2025, compared to about 78.1% last year. This includes 99 of the top 100 ranked National Universities and 97 of the top 100 National Liberal Arts Colleges. Here's a look at the top-ranked schools in their respective categories in the 2026 Best Colleges rankings.

 

 

Princeton University in New Jersey (No. 1)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (No. 2)

Harvard University in Massachusetts (No. 3)

Stanford University in California (No. 4, tie)

Yale University in Connecticut (No. 4, tie)

 

 

Williams College in Massachusetts (No. 1)

Amherst College in Massachusetts (No. 2)

Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania (No. 4)

Bowdoin College in Maine (No. 5, tie)

United States Air Force Academy in Colorado (No. 5, tie)

The Naval Academy was also ranked as #1 in Top Public Schools and #5 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (tie).

A highway marker was dedicated Monday morning to honor those killed in the 2018 mass shooting at the Capital Gazette. The marker was placed on Rowe Boulevard on the drive into Annapolis. The five people killed were Rob Hiaasen, Gerald Fischman, Wendi Winters, John McNamara and Rebecca Smith. “The gifts and legacies of Rob, Wendy, Gerald, Rebecca and John will be woven into a new experience of being here, coming to Annapolis, coming home,” Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley said. Police said the gunman, Jarrod Ramos, held a grudge against the newspaper over an article that detailed his guilty plea in a harassment case. It is the largest mass shooting of journalists in the United States.

Set sail next summer on a journey that blends history, culture and adventure. This deluxe small ship voyage begins in Lisbon and ends in Casablanca, taking you across two continents and four countries. Along the way you'll explore seven unforgettable port cities including Málaga, Cádiz, Gibraltar, Tangier and more. Stroll through the walled city of Lagos, witness a world-class equestrian performance in Jerez, wander the halls of the Alhambra and stand at the base of the legendary Rock of Gibraltar. In Morocco, discover the medina of Tangier and the bustling Kasbah of Casablanca. With a seven-night cruise plus a night in Rabat, it's a chance to retrace ancient trade routes while creating new memories. Extend your travels with options in Lisbon or Marrakech and make this the summer vacation of a lifetime. 

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Men's Soccer v. Air Force - W 2-1

USNA and AA&F Events

SEPTEMBER

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

30 Sep - USNI Panel Discussion: Beyond Shipyards to Unmanned Systems in the Future Fleet

 

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

15 Oct - USNI Conference: Dominance Through Disruption: The Evolving Military Advantage - 8:00am

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.

12 Nov - GSMC Social & Business Mtg. Brudergarten - 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM EST - 22725 Duke St, Leonardtown, MD 20650 - Online event: Meet - toh-nvgs-yvn

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