Oct 22 Daily Shipmate

Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025

1910 - Captain Washington Irving Chambers, Class of 1876, serves as an official observer at the International Air Meet at Belmont Park, New York, an event that impresses upon him the potential of aviation as an element of naval operations. A former battleship skipper who is assigned the then-unenviable task of handling Department of the Navy correspondence related to aviation, Chambers becomes one of naval aviation's earliest advocates and eventually serves as the first Director of Naval Aviation. (22–30 October)

 

1986 - LT Michael Thompson '83, USN was lost when his T-2B aircraft collided with another over Florida. The other pilot and two students survived. Michael was an instructor pilot with Training Squadron (VT) 10, where he was remembered as “kind, and a great instructor.” Michael was from Quincy, Illinois, and was survived by his parents, two brothers, and two sisters.

 

1988 - The battleship Wisconsin (BB-64) is recommissioned, marking the first time since 1958 that all four of the Navy's Iowa-class battleships are operational.

Academy & Graduate happenings

This Marine Corps Marathon list includes MCM Runners Club members who have completed 20 or more MCM and/or MCM50Ks through the 48th MCM Weekend. On the list are Clayton Hill '76 (34 Marathons), Hank Donigan '77 (29 Marathons), and President & CEO Jeff Webb '95 (20 Marathons). Running the Marathon this Sunday? Send us a photo of yourself at the finish!

The Service Academy Women's community truly showed up for the 50th Anniversary of women enrolling at federal service academies (West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Merchant Marine Academy and Coast Guard Academy). The “50 for 50 Initiative” set out to host at least 50 celebrations to honor Public Law 94-106. We not only met that goal, we surpassed it with over 55 incredible events! This success is a powerful reminder of how strong and connected the Service Academy Women's network is. Every connection we forge is a continuation of this historic milestone. Breaking Barriers, Building Bonds! Enjoy this amazing video.

Country artist and USNA alum Cody Hibbard '15 from Adair, Oklahoma is one of 12 contestants on The Road, Blake Shelton's new competition series created with Taylor Sheridan. Now based in Texas, Hibbard brings his gritty authentic sound to the show which immerses aspiring artists in the realities of touring life. Contestants perform nightly shows, travel constantly and compete for the ultimate prize, a chance to open for Keith Urban. The Road reveals who truly has the talent, stamina and heart to make it in country music. 

The Olde School Blazer Company works with artisans, the Scottish Register of Tartans and the finest mills to design, register and manufacture your personalized tartan – giving your organization a visual identity that has at its roots the rich cultural heritage of Scottish Tartan. The Olde School Blazer Company, founded by parents of a Naval Academy Class of 2019 graduate, created the official USNA tartan to honor the Academy's lasting impact. Featuring USNA's signature blue and gold, the tartan symbolizes family, community and heritage. Partnering with global artisans, they craft custom blazers, flat caps, flasks and silk accessories. A portion of every purchase supports the Academy. Visit with them at the Friday golf tournament and Saturday's Welcome Home event.

Government & Military News

The U.S. Navy has approved a $233 million contract for new Block II IRST21 sensors for its F/A-18 Super Hornets. These advanced infrared systems will help pilots detect and track enemy aircraft from long distances, even without radar. After earlier technical issues were resolved, this contract marks a major step forward, giving the U.S. Navy stronger situational awareness and improving its ability to stay ahead in future air combat missions.

The U.S. launched a seventh strike on a suspected drug trafficking boat, killing three people, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Sunday. The U.S. on Friday conducted a “lethal kinetic strike” on a vessel that was allegedly affiliated with Colombian organization Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN) as it operated in international waters in U.S. Southern Command, Hegseth said in a post shared to social media platform X. ELN was designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department in 1997. There were three men on board the vessel during the strike, and all three were killed, Hegseth said.

The USS Utah (SSN-801), a Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, will be christened on 25 October 2025, at General Dynamics Electric Boat Shipyard in Groton, Connecticut. Co-sponsors Mary Kaye Huntsman and Sharon Lee will break a champagne bottle on the bow. The submarine is expected to enter service in early 2027.

The President has raised concerns about the ongoing renovation of the U.S. Air Force Academy chapel, noting the project's extended timeline and cost increases. The renovation began in 2019 to address structural issues and recently received an $88 million contract addition, bringing the total to $335 million. The project is now expected to be completed in 2028, preserving the chapel's historic design and improving its durability.

Local, Education & other academy news

Did you know: More than 100 official USNA chapters are active around the world, serving as a support system and resource for local alumni, friends and midshipmen? Don't miss out on Navy football watch parties, get togethers and other events near you. Chapters also finding meaningful ways to support the Naval Academy and one another personally and professionally—and, of course, to cheer on the navy blue and gold! Get involved and connect with your local chapter today.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Men's Golf vs Nassau Invitational - T 8th of 12 Teams

Men's Soccer v Longwood - T 2-2

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

 

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