Oct 13 Daily Shipmate

Monday, Oct 13, 2025

1775 - The Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, appointed a Naval Committee—comprised of Silas Deane, Christopher Gadsden, and John Langdon—to prepare an estimate of expense and to contract the fitting out of two sailing vessels as fighting ships. These ships would be used to intercept British vessels transporting munitions and supplies to redcoats fighting on shore. The official date of 13 October 1775 was authorized by Chief of Naval Operations ADM Elmo R. Zumwalt Jr. '42, USN, in 1972 as the birthday of the U.S. Navy.

 

1944 - CDR Frederick Schrader '35, USN was killed in action when his F6F-5 Hellcat fighter was shot down over Formosa. He was Commander, Air Group (CAG) 11, aboard USS Hornet (CV 12). He had commanded the air group for only a few weeks; from October 1943 to August 1944 he was commanding officer of Fighting Squadron (VF) 3. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Frederick's remains were recovered by the Japanese, but he was marked as “unknown” following the war. It was only through the determined efforts of Matt Robbins '04 that the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency agreed to exhume Frederick's remains; he was positively identified in September 2022. Frederick was survived by his wife and two daughters, both of whom married military officers. One of the daughters was able to attend his burial in 2023. That daughter's son is a retired Navy Commander; that grandson's son is Josh Patton '13.

2023 - In response to the Houthis firing two missiles at USS Mason (DDG-87), USS Nitze (DDG-94) launched Tomahawk missiles against three Houthi radar sites in Yemen.

ACADEMY & GRADUATE HAPPENINGS

A Naval Academy Midshipman has been found dead. The U.S. Naval Academy confirmed the death of Midshipman Second Class (junior) Kyle Philbert James on Sunday afternoon. Earlier reports indicated James went missing sometime Thursday, although the Naval Academy would not confirm that. "The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation," the Naval Academy said in a statement.

An unforgettable weekend in Philadelphia celebrating the Navy's 250th birthday filled with tours of historic ships including the USS Olympia, USS Becuna and the USS Cooperstown stepping aboard vessels rich with history. Friday night the Midshipmen left it all on the soccer field at the Star Series doubleheader for men's and women's soccer against Army and we got the chance to catch up with Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michael Borgschulte '91 USMC and Navy Athletics Director Michael Kelly at the soccer tailgate. Saturday was filled with all the blue and gold Navy pride, alumni, Navy football players' families and crew from the USS Arlington at our tailgate, hosted by Chuck Bagwell '84. Excitement grew into adrenaline as the Midshipmen fought with fearless courage and determination, sealing a heart-pounding 32–31 victory over Temple in the final minutes of the game. Navy left Lincoln Financial Field 6-0, bowl bound and absolutely unstoppable.

We review the big victory over service academy rival Air Force in the first leg of the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy series. Keenan Reynolds gives kudos to quarterback Blake Horvath for setting the Navy single-game record for total yards. Eric Kettani praises snipe Eli Heidenreich for setting the single-game record for receiving yards. Producer Chris Servello hit the mark on all of his bets.

GOVERNMENT & MILITARY NEWS

Secretary Hegseth has created a new barracks task force to overhaul U.S. military housing globally. The team has 30 days to devise a plan to prioritize air quality, water quality and facility upgrades. The effort is backed by over $1.6 billion in funding earmarked for barracks improvements across the services. Many troops have long suffered from mold, leaks and failing systems.

President Trump said on Saturday he has directed the Defense Department to use “all available funds” to ensure U.S. troops are paid Wednesday, 15 October, despite the government shutdown. U.S service members were in danger of not receiving their next paycheck on Wednesday after the government shut down on 1 October.

The government shutdown is disrupting TRICARE payments, with some providers saying claims stopped as early as 22 September. TRICARE contractors TriWest and Humana say they're still processing claims, but delays and gaps are likely. Although TRICARE is supposed to be exempt from shutdown effects, many military families and providers are already feeling the impact. Find out which claims are most affected and what families can do to safeguard their care.

As the government shutdown continues, troops are seeking financial help at record levels with thousands of emergency loan requests already filed. With 15 October paychecks at risk and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service needing two days to process payments, time is running out for Congress to act. Relief organizations are stepping in to fill the gap as families brace for missed pay. How are service members coping nationwide?

LOCAL, EDUCATION & OTHER ACADEMY NEWS

USNA Women is partnering with Historic Annapolis to create an exhibit celebrating 50 Years of Women at the Naval Academy–honoring service to the Navy, Marine Corps and our nation. The exhibit opens January–May 2026 in downtown Annapolis. We're collecting photos for two features: A digital gallery (submit by 30 November) and Framed exhibit photos (submit by 1 November). Include your name, email, class year, photo context, names/class years pictured, and date if known in the “description” field. Questions? Contact [email protected]. 

Join fellow USNA alumni, family and friends on a 7-night journey next Spring through Italy's heart! Stay in a deluxe Perugia hotel and explore medieval towns, historic landmarks and rolling hills with daily trips to Orvieto, Assisi, Gubbio, Todi and Tuscany. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, savor Perugina chocolate, Umbrian olive oil and wine, and enjoy a hands-on Italian cooking experience to bring home. Adventure and culture await!

NAVAL ACADEMY ATHLETICS NEWS & RESULTS

Blake Horvath scored on a 50-yard touchdown run with 39 seconds left and then hit Alex Tecza with a two-point conversion pass to give Navy (6-0, 4-0) a stunning 32-31 victory over Temple (3-3, 1-1) on Saturday evening in front of 26,149 fans at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. With the win, Navy is bowl eligible for the second consecutive year and for the 26th time overall. "Hats off to Coach Keeler and Temple, that is a darn good team," said Navy head coach Brian Newberry.  "We have a special group, the way they stayed the course and kept believing in each other. The character and the connection we have on this team are why we keep winning these close games. We find a way to win."

Women's Volleyball v Colgate - L 3-1

Sprint Football v Mansfield - W 50-7

 

Men's Water Polo at #5 Fordham - L 20-14

Women's Rugby v Quinnipiac - L 29-10

Men's Swimming & Diving at UMBC - W 190 - 101

Men's Swimming & Diving vs William & Mary - W 192 - 93

Women's Swimming & Diving at UMBC - W 236 - 63

Women's Swimming & Diving vs William & Mary - L 124 - 169

Football at Temple - W 32-31

Women's Volleyball v Bucknell - W 3 - 2

 

Women's Tennis at Commander-in-Chief's Challenge - No team score

Men's Tennis vs Commander-in-Chief's Challenge - No team score

Army leads 2-1 (Army - Volleyball, Men's Soccer, Navy - Men's Golf. **Note - The tie between Army and Navy in Women's Soccer means neither team receives the star.)

Oct 18 - W. Cross Country - West Point - TBA

Oct18 - M. Cross Country - West Point - TBA

Oct 25 - W. Rugby - West Point - TBA

 15 - M. Rugby - West Point - TBA

Nov 15 - Sprint Football - West Point - 1 p.m.

Dec 6 - M. Swim & Dive - Annapolis - TBA

Dec 6 - W. Swim & Dive - Annapolis - TBA

Dec 13 - Football - Baltimore, Md. - 3 p.m.

Feb 7 - Rifle - West Point - 9 a.m.

Feb 7 - M. Indoor Track & Field - Annapolis - TBA

Feb 7 - W. Indoor Track & Field - Annapolis - TBA

Feb 20 - Wrestling - Annapolis - TBA

Feb 21 - W. Basketball - West Point - TBA

Feb 21 - M. Basketball - West Point - TBA

Apr 11 - M. Outdoor Track & Field - West Point - TBA

Apr 11 - 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

OCTOBER

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