6 October Daily Shipmate

Published on October 6, 2025
 
U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation logo
Monday, Oct 6, 2025
Today in Navy, Marine Corps 
and USNA Memorial Hall History
 
1884 - By order of the Secretary of the Navy, the Naval War College was established at Newport, Rhode Island. Commodore Stephen B. Luce, Class of 1847, who during the Civil War envisioned a professional curriculum for the training of naval officers in the art of war, was appointed the institution's first president. Among the officers he brought to the college was CDR Alfred Thayer Mahan, USN, Class of 1859. Instruction began on 3 September of the following year.
 
1920 - LCDR William Corry, Jr. USNClass of 1910, died of injuries sustained in a plane crash on October 2nd near Hartford, Connecticut. His Medal of Honor citation reads: “The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander William Merrill Corry, Jr., United States Navy, for heroic service in attempting to rescue a brother officer from a flame-enveloped airplane near Hartford, Connecticut. On 2 October 1920, an airplane in which Lieutenant Commander Corry was a passenger crashed and burst into flames. He was thrown 30 feet clear of the plane and, though injured, rushed back to the burning machine and endeavored to release the pilot. In so doing he sustained serious burns, from which he died four days later.” William was designated Naval Aviator #23 in 1916; from August 1917 to 1919 he commanded the Naval Air Stations at Le Croisic and later Brest, France. For this service he was awarded the Navy Cross. Three ships were named in his honor. He was survived by his parents and three siblings.
 
1945 - Major General Keller E. Rockey, Commanding General, III Amphibious Corps, accepted the surrender of 50,000 Japanese troops in North China on behalf of the Chinese Nationalist government.
 
1962 - Bainbridge (DLGN-25), the world's first nuclear-powered guided missile frigate, was commissioned.
 
Academy & Graduate happenings
 
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Sing Second Live Pod - Air Force at Dry 85
We get the band back together at a live pod recording at Dry 85 Annapolis the night before the Air Force game. We're joined by Anchors Aweigh Pod Host Bill Wagner as we ring in Beat Air Force Weekend. The Four Branches company - a bourbon company co-founded by four veterans from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines - hosted the event and gave tastings of an amazing product. The Pod team welcomed Kristi Bickel '07 from the USNA Women SIG, Chris Cisek '02 from the San Diego chapter and Rob '96 and Amy '95 Hubert. They graduated Blue and Gold, but now their kids are suiting up for AFA. What gives? Those amazing convos and more from a fun-filled hour at Dry 85. Beat Air Force!
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Listen on
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

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A weekend of Navy Blue and Gold pride: Class reunions, generous gifts, and a Navy victory
The USNA Alumni Association and Foundation (AA&F) had the honor of welcoming back the Classes of 1990, 1995 and 2015 for their reunions. A highlight came during the Superintendent's Brief when Jeff Webb '95, president and CEO of USNA AA&F, addressed all three reunion classes, including his own, sharing reflections on leadership, service and connection. Both the Class of 1990 and 1995 proudly presented their class gifts Saturday morning during their tailgates, highlighting the power of philanthropy in supporting the Brigade of Midshipmen and the future of the Naval Academy.
 
We also welcomed back our President's Circle donors for a weekend dedicated to celebrating generosity and impact. Thursday, 2 October's evening reception at the Fluegel Alumni Center brought together loyal supporters, with a drone capturing the excitement from above. Attendees also enjoyed a special presentation in Hopper Hall's  Volgenau Conference Center on how modern technology and wargaming prepare Midshipmen for future challenges across the Fleet and Corps.
 
And, what's football without spirited tailgates? We caught up with USNA Women at a  joint celebration recognizing 50 Years of Women in Service Academies, bringing together more than 100 alumni from across all branches. We will have even more coverage of that event on Tuesday. And to top it all off, Navy defeated Air Force 34-31, moving one step closer to reclaiming the Commander in Chief's Trophy.
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Marine veteran turns abandoned land into thriving family farm
Gerardo Martinez '11 has worn many titles in his life: Naval Academy graduate, Marine Corps officer, and now, first-generation Hispanic farmer. Today, he is proud to be the owner of Wild Kid Acres Farm in Edgewater. Martinez grew up in Chicago, the son of a Mexican flower farmer and an Arab mother from New Jersey. Summers spent tending to flowers left him determined to take a different path. “I hated flowers growing up,” he said. “That's why I joined the military, I said I will never be around a farm ever.” After four years at the Naval Academy in Annapolis and five years in the Marine Corps, Martinez found himself back on the land. He says the transition felt natural because farming and military life share the same traits.
 
Government & Military News
 
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Marines, Sailors required to get flu shot despite Pentagon policy change
Active-duty Marines and sailors must still get the annual flu shot, despite changes to the Pentagon's policy, a Defense Department official confirmed to USNI News. The Pentagon released new guidance in a May 29 memo but did not announce it publicly. The Associated Press obtained the memo last week. While the policy does not change flu requirements for active-duty service members, the Pentagon will no longer compensate members of the National Guard and reserve components of each branch who choose to get the flu shot unless they are activated for 30 consecutive days, a Pentagon official told USNI News.

 

Military families seek out food assistance amid shutdown anxiety
As uncertainty over the length of the government shutdown grows, more military families across the country are turning to food assistance programs to make ends meet. Nonprofits report rising demand, with some seeing record numbers as families brace for potential pay delays. Many organizations are expanding outreach and urging service members to seek help early to protect resources for essentials like housing and utilities. Learn how support networks are stepping up.

 

SHUTDOWN: Resources available to Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and civilian workers
As a government shutdown looms, active duty, civilian, and contractor personnel in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard are being directed toward support networks designed to ease financial strain. Options include assistance through the Fleet and Family Support Program, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, civilian employee assistance programs, TRICARE aid, and more. These resources aim to mitigate disruption until full appropriations are restored.
 
Local, Education & other academy news
 
Annapolis hosts boating shows with Navy tributes, sailboat debuts
Two of the world's premier boating events dropped anchor in the historic Annapolis harbor Friday: the Annapolis Powerboat Show and the Annapolis Sailboat Show. From Navy tributes to world debuts and hands-on workshops, this year's shows were packed with new attractions fit for all. In honor of the U.S. Navy's 250th birthday, the Annapolis Powerboat Show featured a special exhibit from the Naval Academy: a working Yard Patrol boat, offering the public a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how midshipmen are trained in navigation, seamanship, and leadership. Visitors were able to tour the ship, meet the crew, and speak with representatives from the U.S. Naval Academy.

 

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USNA candidate night Wednesday at the Navy Memorial
Know of anyone who is curious about becoming a Midshipman? The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association - Greater Washington Chapter is hosting a U.S. Naval Academy Candidate Information Session this Wednesday, October 8 at 7:00PM at the U.S. Navy Memorial! This free session is open to students in 7th–12th grade and their parents to: 
 
✅ Learn what life is like on the Yard
✅ Get tips on the application & nomination process
✅ Explore career opportunities after graduation
✅ and more!

 

USNA Women announces “Screaming Early Bird” registration for the 50-Year Anniversary Celebration!
USNA Women is proud to open “Screaming Early Bird” registration for the 50-Year Anniversary of Women at Service Academies Celebration & Recognition Event!
 
🎉 Save $175 with this limited-time offer and join alumni from across the years as we honor five decades of trailblazing women at the U.S. Naval Academy.
 
📅 April 16–19, 2026
📍 Annapolis, Maryland – Fluegel Alumni Center (FAC) & Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (NMCMS)
 
This milestone weekend will feature inspiring speakers, insightful panels, networking opportunities, and showcases of USNA Women artists and authors—all culminating in celebrations of leadership, legacy, and the future of women at the Academy.
 
Event Highlights:
 
Thursday, April 16: Golf Outing & Welcome Reception (FAC)
Friday, April 17: Day 1 Conference (NMCMS) & Gala Celebration (FAC)
Saturday, April 18: Day 2 Conference (NMCMS)
Sunday, April 19: First Class Welcome Ceremony (Class of 2026) (FAC)
 
Don't miss this historic moment. Register today and be part of the celebration of 50 years of women at the Naval Academy—and the future we're building together.
 
Stronger Together.
 
Naval Academy Athletics News & Results
 
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Navy Football improves to 5-0 with a 34-31 thriller over Air Force
Senior quarterback Blake Horvath threw for 339 yards and three touchdowns, all to senior snipe Eli Heidenreich, while rushing for 130 yards and a touchdown to lead Navy (5-0) to a  thrilling 34-31 victory over Air Force (1-4) in front of 37,517 fans at a sun-splashed sold out Navy-Marine Memorial Stadium in the first leg in the race for the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy.  "As always, thanks to our fans and thanks to the Brigade. It was a beautiful day and a great turnout. Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium was in full blossom today and that was a fun atmosphere and a great thing to be a part of," said Navy football head coach Brian Newberry.

 

Weekend Results
Friday, Oct 3
Men's Cross Country at Paul Short Run - 7th place out of 40 teams
Women's Cross Country at Paul Short Run - 21st place out of 40 teams
Women's Volleyball at Lehigh - L 3-1
 
Saturday, Oct 4
Men's Rugby v. Life - W 29-21
Football v. Air Force - W 34-31
Men's Soccer at Colgate - L 2-0
Women's Volleyball at Lafayette - W 3-0
 
Sunday, Oct 5
Men's Tennis at Penn State Invite - No Team Score
Men's Tennis at Richmond Invite - No Team Score
Women's Golf at Navy Fall Invitational - 4th place out of 15 teams
Women's Tennis at San Diego Veterans Tennis Classic - No Team Score
Men's Tennis at San Diego Veterans Tennis Classic - No Team Score
Women's Soccer at Holy Cross - L 1-0
 
USNA and AA&F Events
 
OCTOBER
8 Oct - Greater Southern Maryland Chapter Business Mtg. - 4:30 p.m. 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 - 4 p.m.
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 a.m.
18 Oct - Greater Southern Maryland Chapter Bourbon Night - Tobacco Barn Distillery - 4:30-6:30 p.m. - 24460 Hollywood Road, Hollywood, MD
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 - 5-6 p.m - 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 ceremony, USNA Chapel - 9 a.m.
15 Nov - Honor Our Fallen Heroes tailgate luncheon, NMCMS - 10 a.m.
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

 

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The Daily Shipmate is a news product intended to share news about the Naval Academy, the Naval Services, and our members. We are apolitical as an organization and will strive to bring forward relevant news on a wide variety of issues. Just because we include an article does not mean we endorse its content, author, or news organization.