Official daily newsletter of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation
Today in Navy, Marine Corps
and USNA Memorial Hall History
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1861 - Naval forces under the command of Flag Officer Samuel DuPont steam into Port Royal Sound, South Carolina, pouring withering fire into Forts Beauregard and Walker and forcing the Confederates to abandon the positions. With only minor resistance from a Confederate squadron, the Union ships put ashore landing parties that occupy the forts until relieved by Army troops under General William T. Sherman. The capture of Port Royal yields 43 Confederate cannon, and the victorious Du Pont writes, “It is not my temper to rejoice over fallen foes, but this must be a gloomy night in Charleston.”
1861 - The gunboats Lexington and Tyler support troops under the command of General Ulysses S. Grant during the Battle of Belmont in Missouri by engaging Confederate batteries along the Mississippi River and covering Grant's withdrawal upon the arrival of Confederate reinforcements.
1944 - LCDR Hugh Rimmer '37, USN, LT Theodore Walker '41, USN, and LT Francis Riley '42, USN were killed in action when USS Albacore (SS 218) was sunk by a mine on November 7, 1944 while on patrol north of Hokkaido. Hugh had become the boat's commanding officer only weeks before; Theodore was the executive officer. Both of those men were posthumously awarded the Silver Star. Hugh was survived by his wife and parents; Theodore was survived by his mother; Francis by his wife, parents, and sister.
2009 - USS New York (LPD-21) is commissioned. The ship's bow is created from seven and a half tons of steel recovered from the World Trade Center after the 9/11 attacks. New York is one of three Navy vessels commissioned to honor the victims of the attacks. The ship's crest includes an image of the Twin Towers with a phoenix rising from flames and the motto “Never Forget,” symbolizing the nation's resiliency, strength, and determination to rebuild following the attack.
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Academy & Graduate happenings
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McConkeys to Appear Sunday, 9 November on FOX Sports NFL Sunday Veterans Day Pregame Show
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We have a jaw-dropping surprise only Daily Shipmate readers get to know—USNA alumni take over FOX NFL Sunday's Veterans Day Pregame Show! Legendary wide receiver and Super Bowl champion Phil McConkey '79, who dazzled fans with the New York Giants and Washington Redskins, will appear alongside his daughter 2nd LT May McConkey '25, USMC, a proud USNA graduate who commissioned as a Marine. This father-daughter duo embodies Navy excellence, grit and leadership across generations. Don't miss their very special interview as we salute and thank our veterans for their service. Join show hosts Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Michael Strahan and Rob Gronkowski when the Veterans Day Pregame Show starts at 11:00 a.m. ET. The show honors our nation's heroes and celebrates the unstoppable spirit, achievements and pride of Navy alumni nationwide.
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National Aeronautic Association Honors Matthews with Brewer Trophy Award
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Doug Matthews '67 was honored with the prestigious Brewer Trophy Award by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) yesterday evening for his exceptional contributions to aeronautics education. The award recognizes his dedication to advancing aviation knowledge and inspiring future leaders in the field. Matthews celebrated this achievement alongside USNA Midshipmen and his classmates at the NAA award ceremony reflecting his lifelong commitment to mentoring the next generation of aviators and supporting the continued excellence of naval and civilian aviation education.
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How does Navy shock the world and upset No. 10 Notre Dame?
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The Navy Football Podcast team discusses the keys to pulling off a stunning upset of 10th-ranked Notre Dame in South Bend. Former Navy football greats Eric Kettani and Keenan Reynolds also review the disappointing loss to North Texas. As always, producer Chris Servello brings the fan's perspective.
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Government & Military News
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Award-Winning Documentary Black Uniform Now Streaming on Amazon Prime
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This Veterans Day, audiences are invited to honor the extraordinary service and sacrifice of African Americans in the U.S. Armed Forces with the acclaimed documentary Black Uniform, now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Winner of multiple film festival Best Documentary awards, Black Uniform shares the powerful stories of twelve Black men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States military—from World War II to the present day. Through their voices, the film reveals both the pride of service and the struggle for equality that have defined generations of Black veterans.
The documentary features a remarkable group of trailblazers, including:
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Tuskegee Airman, Dr. Eugene Richardson, one of the legendary Black pilots who shattered barriers during World War II.
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Romay Davis, a member of the historic 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—the only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during WWII.
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Congressman Charles Rangel, a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient who served in the Korean War before dedicating his life to public service.
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Janina Simmons, the first Black woman to graduate from the U.S. Army Ranger School, representing a new generation of leadership and resilience.
As we observe Veterans Day, Black Uniform invites viewers to reflect on the complex, inspiring legacy of Black military service—and to honor those who have worn the uniform with pride, perseverance, and purpose. Black Uniform is available to stream now on Amazon Prime Video.
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A $4,500,000,000 Nuclear U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier 'Sunk' by $340,000,000 Diesel Sub
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During a 1999 naval exercise the Dutch submarine HNLMS Walrus stunned observers by slipping past a U.S. carrier strike group and simulating a hit on the USS Theodore Roosevelt. Though only a drill the lesson still echoes today—innovation agility and cutting-edge technology define the future of naval dominance. The Navy continues to evolve training leaders ready to outthink and outmaneuver any threat above below and beyond the sea.
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Pacific Partnership mission led by US Navy preps Samoa for mass rescues
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In late October 2025 the U.S. Navy led a large-scale mass rescue drill in Samoa as part of its Pacific Partnership mission working alongside personnel from nine other nations. The exercise centered on the expeditionary sea base USS John L. Canley and focused on improving disaster-response coordination for extreme weather events in the South Pacific. Sailors and partner-nation personnel practiced evacuations medical support and logistical coordination. This training strengthens international partnerships sharpens rapid-response capabilities and enhances the Navy's readiness to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in real-world emergencies today.
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Local, Education & other academy news
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Beat Army Button Contest - Vote Online Now!
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More than 30 different designs were submitted from all over the country and after an internal vote, we have four finalists. Now the voting is in your hands. The poll is happening on our Facebook page, facebook.com/usnaalumni. Cast your vote today. May the best design win.
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10th Annual Brigade Holiday Market
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When: 9 December 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m
Location: Dahlgren Hall
NABSD proudly presents the 10th annual brigade holiday market. This holiday gift market features a combination of local businesses and craftspeople, providing an opportunity for the Midshipman to shop for holiday gifts while on the yard. It is also open to the public, with free admission. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided.
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12th edition of the Veterans Classic Tips Off Tonight
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Navy faces Yale Bulldogs followed by Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs. Rhode Island Rams on CBS Sports Network. The event will take place at Alumni Hall at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis and will honor the service and sacrifices of veterans. Special ceremonies and tributes will recognize veterans while showcasing college basketball talent and connecting the community to the mission of the Veterans Classic and its ongoing commitment to celebrating those who served.
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Naval Academy Athletics News & Results
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No. 10 Notre Dame hosts Navy in historic College Football rivalry game this Saturday at 7:30pm ET on NBC and Peacock
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Notre Dame and Navy Have Played Every Year Since 1927, Excluding Only COVID-Impacted 2020 Season. The Associated Press-ranked No. 10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-2) host the Navy Midshipmen (7-1) from Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind., on NBC and Peacock this Saturday, Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. In a longstanding series dating back to 1927, Notre Dame has an 83-13-1 all-time record against the Midshipmen and has won the past seven games. Navy's last win against Notre Dame in South Bend came in 2009, when QB Ricky Dobbs led the Midshipmen to a 23-21 victory. Navy-Notre Dame will be called from Notre Dame Stadium by Noah Eagle (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst), and Kathryn Tappen (sidelines). Terry McAulay serves as the rules analyst.
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Friday, 7 November
Men's Tennis vs Navy Invite – Annapolis, Md. – 10:00 a.m.
Men's Basketball vs Tulsa vs Rhode Island – Veterans Classic – Annapolis, Md. – 6:00 p.m.
Sprint Football vs Caldwell – Annapolis, Md. – 6:00 p.m.
Men's Squash vs Fordham – Annapolis, Md. – 6:00 p.m.
Men's Water Polo at George Washington – Washington, D.C. – 7:00 p.m.
Women's Basketball at Delaware – Newark, Del. – 7:00 p.m.
Men's Basketball vs Yale – Veterans Classic – Annapolis, Md. – 8:30 p.m.
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Saturday, 8 November
Men's Lightweight Rowing at Wahoo Henley – Earlysville, Va.
Men's Heavyweight Rowing vs Georgetown & Drexel (Scrimmage) – Middletown, Del.
Men's Tennis vs Navy Invite – Annapolis, Md. – 10:00 a.m.
Men's Squash vs Bucknell – Annapolis, Md. – 11:00 a.m.
Wrestling vs Appalachian State – Bethlehem, Pa. – 11:30 a.m.
Men's Rugby vs Air Force – Annapolis, Md. – Canceled
Men's Swimming & Diving vs American – Annapolis, Md. – Noon
Men's Swimming & Diving vs Bucknell – Annapolis, Md. – Noon
Men's Swimming & Diving vs Lafayette – Annapolis, Md. – Noon
Women's Swimming & Diving vs American – Annapolis, Md. – Noon
Women's Swimming & Diving vs Bucknell – Annapolis, Md. – Noon
Women's Swimming & Diving vs Lafayette – Annapolis, Md. – Noon
Women's Triathlon at NCAA Championship – Tempe, Ariz. – 12:30 p.m. ET
Women's Volleyball vs Loyola Maryland – Annapolis, Md. – 2:00 p.m.
Wrestling vs No. 14 Rutgers – Bethlehem, Pa. – 3:30 p.m.
Men's Squash vs Denison – Annapolis, Md. – 3:30 p.m.
Football at Notre Dame – South Bend, Ind. – 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, 9 November
Women's Rowing at Rivanna Romp – Earlysville, Va.
Men's Tennis vs Navy Invite – Annapolis, Md. – 9:00 a.m.
Men's Squash vs North Carolina – Annapolis, Md. – 9:00 a.m.
Wrestling at Journeymen Collegiate Classic – Bethlehem, Pa. – 9:00 a.m.
Men's Squash vs Georgetown – Annapolis, Md. – 11:00 a.m.
Women's Volleyball vs American – Annapolis, Md. – 2:00 p.m.
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NOVEMBER
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 - U.S. 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 - U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustees Fall Meeting, FAC
19-20 Nov - SACC Chicago
20 Nov - Naval Academy Service Assignment Notification
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
JANUARY
4 Jan - USNA Semester Leave ends
6 Jan - USNA Classes Begin, Spring Semester
10 Jan - Pensacola Chapter Congressional Academy Day - 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. - National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, Fl.
24 Jan - Thriving as Leaders Award Recognition, Fluegel (TBD)
FEBRUARY
14 Feb - Commissioning 101, Fluegel
19 Feb - USNA Entrepreneurs event, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Fluegel
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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.
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