Oct 30 Daily Shipmate

Thursday, 30 October 2025

1775 - The Continental Congress authorizes the equipping of two additional armed vessels, one to carry 20 guns, the other 36, “to be employed in such manner, for the protection and defence of the united Colonies.” When completed, the two vessels authorized on this date and the two authorized previously are named Alfred, Andrew Doria, Cabot, and Columbus.

 

1926 - LT Frank Conant, II '20, USN was lost when the aircraft he was piloting crashed into Winter Harbor, Virginia, on the Chesapeake Bay. A noted air racer and stunt pilot, Frank's death was national news; the Associated Press' headline read “Air Champion of Navy Killed.” He was survived by his mother and brother.

 

1953 - The adoption of National Security Council directive Number 162 reflects President Dwight D. Eisenhower's so-called “New Look” defense policy that places an emphasis on strategic warfare.

 

1990 - A major steam leak in a fire room of the amphibious assault ship Iwo Jima (LPH-2) operating in the Persian Gulf results in the deaths of ten crewmembers.

Academy & Graduate happenings

We preview the 2025-26 Navy men's basketball season by talking to head coach Jon Perry and senior point guard Austin Benigni. Navy opens the season Monday at Presbyterian then hosts Yale in the Veterans Classic on Friday night. Mike James, publisher of The Mid Report and color commentator for the Navy Football Radio Network, joins to review the Florida Atlantic game and preview the North Texas contest.

The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation (AA&F) has met its $1.8 million fundraising goal for a new columbarium annex on Hospital Point. Construction will begin soon on the 650-niche wall, made possible by generous support from the alumni community, including lead gifts from the Classes of 1975 and 1969. The project honors the legacy of the original 1987 columbarium and will provide additional resting places for alumni and their families once completed.

US Navy Reservists: Do you miss academia? Have you ever thought about teaching? How about mentoring a sports team? If so, you are in luck! The U.S. Naval Academy is recruiting qualified Navy Reserve Officers to teach and mentor the next generation of leaders. Applications are being accepted for recall starting in July 2026. Qualified Navy Reserve Officers, especially lieutenants, lieutenant commanders, and commanders, with at least a master's degree in an appropriate academic discipline will be recalled for three years to Annapolis, Maryland to serve as a military instructor. There will be information sessions held on Sept 22, Oct 18 and Nov 12. Sign up for an information session here. Click the link below for more information or email CDR Rachel Florea at [email protected]. Deadline to apply is Nov. 16, 2025.

Throughout the year, the United States Navy and Marine Corps have been celebrating their 250th birthday with a series of commemorations, including leadership outreach events, multilateral exercises, and community engagements. To honor this monumental milestone, the Naval Academy Museum is joining the celebration with an exhibit entitled “Navy Tech: Inventions and Innovations” that will showcase artifacts from the 250 years of innovation and technological development in the Navy and Marine Corps. This year-long exhibit will display a selection of the Naval Academy Museum collections exploring advancements in navigation, communication, science, machinery, weaponry, platforms and medicine. In honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the American Navy and Marine Corps, the museum will look back at technologies the sea services have employed to gain the warfighting advantage.

Peraton has appointed David M. Cattler '93, former Director of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), to the company's board of advisors. Cattler brings more than 35 years of leadership experience across the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and NATO, where he led transformational change, integration, and mission modernization at the enterprise level. “David's record of strategic leadership and operational excellence across the defense and intelligence communities will bring tremendous value to Peraton as we continue to advance our mission of integration, innovation, and performance,” said Steve Schorer, chairman, president, and CEO, Peraton. “He understands how to drive transformation in complex organizations and how to strengthen public-private collaboration, which is exactly the insight we need as Peraton evolves for the next phase of growth.”

Navigating the ever-evolving government contracting environment is among Jack Jackson's top challenges. Jackson said HR plays a key role in helping the business prioritize transparency while ensuring resources align with evolving needs in talent acquisition, engagement, retention and employee communications. His team focused on supporting customer missions amid shifting priorities by maintaining operational continuity, adjusting staffing levels to align with funding changes and partnering with government clients to anticipate future needs and advance emerging research and technologies. Fun Fact: Jackson grew up in Baltimore as the eighth of nine children. His father, a sportswriter, covered Naval Academy athletics, college lacrosse and professional hockey. Early exposure to the Academy inspired Jackson to attend and play varsity lacrosse there. Jackson graduated from USNA in 1990.

Government & Military News

USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: Oct. 27, 2025

These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy's deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of Oct. 27, 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.

The Department of the Navy is looking into whether sailors' and Marines' social media posts have violated the department's social media guidance, according to a recent message from Navy Secretary John Phelan. “At the direction of the Secretary of the Navy, the DON [Department of the Navy] is actively reviewing reports related to Service Members social media activity that is misaligned with the DON's current social media guidance,” according to the Oct. 24 “All Navy” message. “The guidance remains in full effect, and we are committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct. Service members are expected to uphold Navy and Marine Corps core values on duty, off duty, and online.” Phelan's message comes after Terence Emmert '88, then serving as acting Navy secretary, issued an advisory in March about the Department of the Navy's social media policies. For the most part, Emmert's message was similar to Phelan's, but Emmert did not indicate that sailors or Marines had violated official social media guidance.

The U.S., under the direction of President Donald Trump, conducted three strikes on Monday against alleged drug trafficking vessels, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced via social media site X. The three strikes hit four vessels in the Eastern Pacific, Hegseth said in his Tuesday post. It is the first time that U.S. has hit multiple vessels during one operation. The strikes killed 14 people — eight on the first boat, four on the second and three on the third — with one survivor. Mexico's search and rescue authorities are coordinating the case of the survivor, according to Hegseth's post.

President Donald Trump told Navy sailors that he intends to sign an executive order directing the service to use steam for its aircraft carrier's catapults and hydraulics for the ship's elevators. “Seriously, I'm putting out an order. I'm going to sign an executive order. When we build aircraft carriers, it's steam for the catapults and it's hydraulic for the elevators. We'll never have a problem,” Trump said Tuesday while speaking aboard the George Washington (CVN-73) during his trip to Asia this week. In a video of the speech, Trump can be seen briefly motioning towards a group of people he characterized as “top-ranking gentlemen,” asking for their agreement with the executive order; a voice can be heard responding “Aye, sir!”

This year's San Diego Fleet Week is the latest casualty of the ongoing government shutdown, organizers said. All public events scheduled at the Broadway Pier are canceled, San Diego Fleet Week Foundation said in a statement. That means the largest events — tours of Navy and Coast Guard vessels — are canceled. Thousands of area students visit each year, said Larry Blumberg, CEO of San Diego Fleet Week. San Diego Fleet Week isn't canceled outright, Blumberg said. They'll have a presence at this weekend's San Diego State football game. Other events for military families are also happening, he said.

Local, Education & other academy news

The Colts on Wednesday announced long snapper Luke Rhodes as the team's 2025 Salute to Service Award nominee. Rhodes, over his 10 seasons in the NFL, has consistently honored, empowered and connected with service members, veterans and their families. Rhodes was raised in a military household; his late father, Doug '85, attended the U.S. Naval Academy and served in the Marines as a helicopter pilot for 22 years, and Rhodes credits his father's military service for teaching him the sort of discipline and responsibility that helped launch his NFL career. Rhodes has used the Colts' ticket blocks to bring active duty servicemembers and veterans, along with their families, to Lucas Oil Stadium for special game day experiences to honor their sacrifices.

Brady has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to honoring, empowering, and connecting with the military community. Since joining the Seahawks, he has actively participated in more than 13 military-focused events and engagements, positively impacting over 500 service members and their families. Brady's connection to the military is both personal and enduring. Born on Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, where his father Randy was stationed, Brady was raised within a military environment. His brother, Captain Tyler "Friction" Russell '18, is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and currently serves as a Marine Corps Osprey pilot.

Moderate flooding is expected through Friday morning in downtown Annapolis and coastal Anne Arundel County. "The City of Annapolis is preparing for tidal flooding over the next three days with gusty winds and rain expected to begin overnight," the city said in a Wednesday morning Facebook post. The city said high tides are expected at:

2 a.m. Thursday (3.4 feet)

12 p.m. Thursday (3.9 feet)

12 a.m. Friday (3.6 feet)

 

At 3.5 feet, water reaches the floor of the Annapolis Maritime Museum, begins to cover Bowyer Road at the U.S. Naval Academy, and numerous businesses on Dock Street are flooded, along with the City Dock parking lot. Bayside Beach begins to flood around Harbor Road and Lake Drive.

Registration is now open for the Beat Army Tailgate at Checkerspot Brewing Co., 1421 Ridgely Street in Baltimore! Join fellow Navy fans for a pregame fueled by great food, cold drinks and unbeatable Navy blue and gold spirit. Your ticket includes food and an open bar for beer and wine, with a cash bar available for mixed drinks. So rally your crew, don on all your Navy gear and get ready to watch the Black Knights and the Midshipmen face off on the gridiron for the 2025 game in Baltimore, Maryland. For questions, please reach out to [email protected].

Registration (usna.com login required):

• Tailgate ONLY

• Bus Transportation ONLY

• Tailgate and Bus Transportation

Gear up for Game Day for our third annual exclusive Beat Army Watch Party – the perfect way to kickoff the most anticipated game of the Navy football season with fellow Navy fans. Enjoy delicious food, drinks, door prizes, a football pool, swag, photo ops and plenty of spirited camaraderie. Whether you missed out on tickets to catch the game in Baltimore or just want a comfortable place to cheer on the navy blue and gold, our doors open one hour before kickoff. Tickets include all festivities, with food and drink packages available. Private viewing areas are also an option. Register today (myUSNA.com login required).

The next Service Academy Career Conference is coming to Chicago on 19–20 November 2025

SACC is your chance to connect with top employers, graduate schools, and fellow Service Academy grads—all in one place. Whether you're actively job hunting, exploring advanced education, or simply networking, this event opens doors to opportunities you don't want to miss. Registration is open now!

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Women's Soccer at Loyola (Md.) - T, 1-1

USNA and AA&F Events

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.

 

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 Nov - Pensacola Congressional Academy Day - Naval Aviation Museum - Pensacola, FL

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

 

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