Nov 18 Daily Shipmate

Tuesday, 18 November 2025

This week's editions of Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation Morning Paper are brought to you by Otterson Wealth Advisors and Naval Academy graduate Caleb Cronic '11. Otterson Wealth Advisors of Raymond James is not just a team. It's a vast resource of financial knowledge, with each member bringing their unique expertise to your financial success. Caleb Cronic '11, financial advisor and Naval Academy graduate, is a CIMA-certified pro. His strategic prowess is your asset working towards your financial goals. Ready to begin to your journey? Otterson Wealth Advisors … your goals, our expertise.

1917 - U.S. Navy personnel take flying boats aloft from Naval Air Station Le Croisic on the French coast, naval aviation's first aerial patrols during World War I. The first armed patrol occurs four days later.

 

1922 - Commander Kenneth Whiting, the executive officer of the aircraft carrier Langley (CV-1), records the first catapult launch from a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, flying a PT aircraft from Langley while it lies at anchor in the York River.

 

1967 - COL Oscar Dardeau, Jr. '53, USAF was killed in action when his F-105F was shot down near Phy Tho, North Vietnam. (He was promoted from Major while in a missing status.) “Roscoe” was from Ville Platte, Louisiana, and spent a year at Marion Military Institute. From the Lucky Bag: “Oscar claimed that he was bound for Air Force Blue ever since he landed a Y.P. doing 30 knots forward, all engines backing full. Oh well, give him a funny story, a good friend, and ol' Roscoe will always find his place in any service.” He was survived by his wife, four children, and father.

AA&F, Academy & Graduate happenings

USNA Parent Club of Tampa Bay

The USNA Parent Club of Tampa Bay had a great day together on 11 October watching Navy beat Temple, packing Halloween candy boxes for the plebes and sending gift cards to the upper class Mids. Each member's Mid received a personal handwritten card in their box or with their gift card. Our club regularly engages members to show that we care about our Mids and their families. For any Tampa Bay Area families who are not yet members, please visit our website and join us.

Earlier this year, Mann-Granstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane, Washington, hosted a birthday celebration more than a century in the making. The guest of honor: retired Navy CAPT Francis “Frank” Fogarty '48, a 101-year-old veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. After graduating from the Montana School of Mines in 1943, he enlisted in the Navy at 19. Recognizing his potential, the Navy sent him to the U.S. Naval Academy, where summers aboard battleships like the USS Iowa shaped his sea legs. He would go on to play a pivotal role in developing nuclear power for U.S. warships and America's commercial industry, ultimately commanding submarines, including the USS Nautilus, the Navy's first nuclear-powered submarine.

Former NASA astronaut and administrator MajGen Charles F. Bolden Jr. '68, USMC (Ret.) is touching down in Norfolk Tuesday night to speak as part of the Norfolk Forum series. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Bolden Jr. spent nearly eight years, from July 2009-January 2017, as an administrator and logged over 680 hours in space. He is credited for leading a new era in space exploration. Bolden Jr. also oversaw the Mars Curiosity Rover, the James Webb Telescope and the rise of commercial spaceflight. The event will take place at Chrysler Hall at 7:30 p.m. ET, as Bolden Jr. will talk about what's next for human space travel.

1964 Alum and NewDay USA Chairman ADM Tom Lynch '64, USN (Ret.) was honored last Thursday by the Naval Order of the United States with the Admiral of the Fleet George Dewey Award. The ceremony took place aboard Admiral Dewey's flagship, USS Olympia, in Philadelphia. It was an historic setting that served as a meaningful backdrop to Lynch's lifetime of leadership, integrity and service to our nation. This award recognizes senior naval leaders who have demonstrated extraordinary contributions to the Navy and to the cause of freedom around the world.

From the Podcast Fleet

Academy Insider: Behind the Scenes of the Service Assignment Process at USNA

Service Assignment is happening THIS THURSDAY, 20 November!

 

This day carries a real anxiety in the week leading up, and either an immense excitement or sometimes real disappointment on the actual day.

 

For those of you who want to learn more about the Naval Academy service assignment process, listen to my favorite Academy Insider podcast episode ever recorded which released last year. There is so much great insight and you'll learn so much about the behind the scenes.

 

May the odds be ever in your favor!

Today is the day, Navy fans. The 2025 Army/Navy game uniform drops at 11 a.m. and we are bringing the hype. Join us after the reveal of Navy's uniform as we reveal a special guest with real insider knowledge. They are joining the pod to break it all down for us. You will hear early hidden details and stories that make this year's uniform unforgettable on and off the gridiron. Keep an eye out for the episode link later today on social media and tomorrow here in Daily Shipmate and get ready to dive into the excitement with us.

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 17 November 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 U.S. Navy commissioned the USS Pierre (LCS 38) in Panama City, Florida, marking the final ship in the Independence variant of the littoral combat ship program. The ceremony celebrated the ship's role in coastal operations and its ability to support sea control missions, unmanned systems and partner training. Built by Austal USA the ship reflects more than a decade of construction for this class. Navy leaders highlighted its speed, agility and utility in missions near shore and in contested waters.

Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit are conducting a week-long training operation in Trinidad and Tobago, close to Venezuela's coast. The exercises, taking place in both rural and urban areas at night, are designed to strengthen regional stability, enhance disaster-response capabilities and counter transnational threats. This deployment comes amid increased U.S. strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels and growing tensions with Venezuela. Officials say the exercises also improve readiness and foster cooperation with regional partners to address security challenges.

The U.S. military is reactivating previously closed or transferred bases in Latin America which include sites in Panama, Puerto Rico and potentially Ecuador—as part of a broader strategic buildup. Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico has been renovated with new infrastructure, while Fort Sherman in Panama now hosts jungle-warfare training. Ecuador may reopen its Manta base if a pending referendum allows foreign military access.

Local, Education & other academy news

Daily Shipmate and our Fleet of Podcasts is your chance to reach thousands of alumni nearly everyday around the globe. Sponsoring these platforms is an awesome way to get in front of fellow alumni, support Navy programs, and spotlight your business to a trusted, seriously engaged audience. So whether you're an alum-owned business, part of a company that gives back or serving local folks in D.C., Baltimore, Annapolis or folks anywhere, this is your chance to plug into the Navy network. Shoot us an email us and let's chat.

The U.S. Naval Academy Masqueraders' production of The Mad Lover is an ambitious recreation of a forgotten 17th-century classic comedy by John Fletcher. A contemporary and writing partner of William Shakespeare, Fletcher, though now obscure, was the most popular playwright of his time. Directed by Michael M. Wagoner, it brings fun, modern touches to an old comedy. The Mad Lover plays 21 and 22 November 2025, presented by the USNA Masqueraders performing at Mahan Auditorium at the United States Naval Academy – 121 Blake Road, Annapolis, MD. Purchase tickets ($16.75) online. For those who cannot drive onto the Yard, enter at Gate 1, at the end of King George Street, then catch a shuttle from Gate 1 to Mahan. Photo ID is required.

The 2026 USNA Alumni Association and Foundation calendars are starting to hit mailboxes. Donors make everything we do possible and this calendar is one small way we say thank you each year to them. Filled with Navy blue and gold from the Navy Spirit Team, milestone moments like 2 for 7 Signing Day, I-Day, scenes of both natural and manmade beauty across the Yard including the Brigade of Midshipmen Chapel, this calendar is a gift that keeps giving month after month with a new photo on every page. From $10 to $10,000 every gift makes an impact and supports the mission. There is still time to make your 2025 gift and receive your 2026 USNA Alumni Association and Foundation calendar. When you give, you get the gift that lasts all year.

Naval Academy Athletics News & Results

Women's Volleyball at Bucknell (PLT-1st Rd.) - Lewisburg, Pa. - 6:00 p.m.

Men's Basketball at North Carolina - Chapel Hill, N.C. - 7:00 p.m.

 

Army - Navy Star Series: Tied 4-4-1 (Army - Volleyball, Men's Soccer, Women's Rugby, Women's outdoor. Navy - Men's Golf, Men's Cross Country, Sprint Football, Men's Rugby. Tie - Women's Soccer)

 

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

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

13 Dec - Football - Baltimore, Md. - 3:00 p.m.

7 Feb - Rifle - West Point - 9:00 a.m.

7 Feb - Gymnastics - Annapolis - 2:00 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

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

 

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

 

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)

 

14 Feb - Commissioning 101, Fluegel

19 Feb - USNA Entrepreneurs event, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Fluegel