Oct 21 Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025

1797 - The frigate Constitution was launched at Boston, Massachusetts, and placed under the command of Captain Samuel Nicholson. The ship remains in commission to this day.

 

1960 - The W2F-1, prototype for the E-2 Hawkeye carrier-­based airborne early warning aircraft still in service today, made its maiden flight.

 

2016 - Mr. Brian Hoke '96 was killed in action with militants from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria near Jalalabad, Afghanistan. He was a member of the Special Activities Division of the Central Intelligence Agency. A native of North Dakota, Brian became a SEAL in April 1997. Following his military service, he continued his service to the United States with tours in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. Brian married in 2008, and adopted his wife's two boys. They had a daughter together in 2015. He was also survived by his parents, sister and brother.

Academy & Graduate happenings

Season six, episode 11. It's Homecoming week, and the Sing Second Pod has all the gouge on what's going down this coming weekend. We have the Anchor's Aweigh Golf Tournament, the reunions for the classes of 1965, 1975 and 2005 and a big Welcome Home event here at the Fluegel Alumni Center. Chris and John chat about that and some amazing members of the Class of 1975 arriving for their reunion after riding their bikes all the way from Florida! Our alumni interview this week is Alana Abernethy '10. Alana was a SWO, but after medical retirement from naval service, she joined the entrepreneur space and founded Evergreen Women's Holistic Care to create the kind of healing space that honors the whole woman: body, mind and story. Alana and Evergreen support active-duty and veteran women, mothers, creatives and high-performing professionals alike. Don't miss our amazing conversation. And we preview the big game this weekend vs FAU. That and more on a world's best Alumni Association & Foundation podcast. Thanks for listening. Beat Army!

The Gulf to Goat Ride for Charity will be arriving at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 22 October at the “Bill the Goat” statue inside Gate 1 at USNA. It should be an inspiring and moving event, as riders have braved over 1,200 miles of road, wind and even a Nor' Easter in support of five charities. We ask that all graduates, everyone from '75 who is already onboard for the 50th class reunion and anyone who lives in the greater Annapolis area make the effort to welcome these Gulf to Goat riders. So that all will be ready for the actual arrival at “Bill the Goat”, please be in place by 2:30 p.m. In addition to the arrival ceremony, Gulf to Goat is hosting a “Happy Hour” at the Westin Annapolis Captain's Daughter Bar and Lounge beginning at 6:15 p.m. Stop by, meet the riders and enjoy DJ music until 8:00 p.m. Individual checks.  These amazing classmates deserve our support as they culminate this spectacular journey.

The Naval Academy's reliance on civilian academics faces an uncertain future as the Trump administration moves forward with plans to hire more educators with military experience to help “restore merit and lethality” to the armed forces. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced in February the administration's plan to slash the civilian workforce across the department by 5% to 8%, or approximately 50,000 to 60,000 employees. Naval Academy Media Relations did not confirm the current civilian-to-military faculty ratio.

From the Podcast Fleet

Our 50th anniversary celebration continues with Marie (Schanz) Burris '86, who's leading the charge for the big event. Join us as she shares her journey, insights on leadership, and even a little Aretha Franklin.

And don't miss the “Screaming Early Bird” deal. Save $175 when you register now for the 16–19 April 2026 weekend in Annapolis. Enjoy inspiring speakers, networking, and celebrations at the Fluegel Alumni Center and Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

Chopping, chow calls, and all the classic Plebe Year moments are alive and well in Annapolis. In the latest On The Yard episode from the Academy Insider podcast, powered by the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation, we explore the evolution of “Plebe Duties.” Hear how Signature Sheets have changed and gain insight to help parents and supporters better follow and enjoy Plebe stories. Tune in for context, laughs, and a dose of Academy tradition!

Government & Military News

These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy's deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of 20 October 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.

Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello '99 … a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the world. This week … noted analyst Bryan Clark is back to let us in on the latest thinking about the US Navy's future force structure, including how unmanned systems and so-called battleships fit into the picture.

Top White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett on Monday predicted that the government shutdown is “likely to end sometime this week.” But if that does not happen, the Trump administration may impose “stronger measures” to force Democrats to cooperate, Hassett said on CNBC's “Squawk Box.” The comments came deep into the third week of the shutdown, which is dragging on with no clear end in sight amid a partisan fight in the Senate over federal funding priorities.

Local, Education & other academy news

Roger Staubach '65 and Dallas Cowboys teammate Drew Pearson were honored in Dallas on the Cowboys' field pregame for the 50th anniversary of the iconic Hail Mary pass. In the 1975 NFC Divisional Playoff, Staubach launched a 50-yard touchdown to Pearson in the final seconds to defeat the Vikings. Staubach, a U.S. Naval Academy alum and Athletic and Scholarship Programs Board of Trustees member, coined the term "Hail Mary" after the game, forever changing football lore. Proving he still has “it,” prior to Sunday's game, Staubach and Pearson were featured in a video on the Dallas Cowboys' throwing the pigskin of ol' time sake. Photo courtesy of Dallas Cowboys.

Sail the Norwegian Fjords and save $750 per couple

Set sail with fellow Naval Academy alumni on the Norwegian Voyage 2026, cruising the breathtaking Norwegian Fjords 24 May – 3 June. Explore Europe's stunning coastlines, historic ports and unforgettable scenery while enjoying the camaraderie of your USNA alumni community aboard a luxurious Orbridge vessel. Book your cabin by 31 October 2025, to receive an exclusive $750 per couple discount. Don't miss this opportunity to reconnect, relax and experience the world.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Men's Golf v. Nassau Invitational - Glen Cove, N.Y.

Men's Squash at Barb Tournament - Annapolis, Md. - 4 p.m.

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

Navy-Army Star Series. Army leads 3-2-1

Army - Volleyball, Men's Soccer, Women's Cross Country

Navy - Men's Golf, Men's Cross Country

Tie - Women's Soccer

 

25 Oct - W. Rugby - West Point - Noon

15 Nov - M. Rugby - West Point - 5 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

7 Feb - Gymnastics - Annapolis - 2 p.m.

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

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

20 Feb - Wrestling - Annapolis - 7:30 p.m. - Alumni Hall

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 - M. Lacrosse - West Point

TBA - W. Lacrosse - Annapolis

TBA - M. Tennis - Annapolis

TBA - W. Tennis - Annapolis

USNA and AA&F Events

OCTOBER

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

7 Nov - Veteran's Classic - Navy v Yale - 8:30 p.m.

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 Alumni Center

18-19 Nov - US Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustees Fall Meeting, Fluegel Alumni Center

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

10 Dec - Greater Southern Maryland Chapter Social & Business Mtg. - 5-6 p.m. - Brudergarten, 22725 Duke St, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Online event: https://meet.google.com/toh-nvgs-yvn

12 Dec - Greater Southern Maryland Chapter - 8:30-10 a.m. - Taphouse, 1637 23418 Three Notch Rd, California, MD 20619, USA

13 Dec - Army-Navy, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD