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VADM David M. Kriete ’84, USN (Ret.), retired after 37 years of service in the Navy.

Vice Admiral Kriete Retires

An 8 July Instagram post on Vice Admiral David M. Kriete ’84, USN (Ret.), retiring after 37 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Navy received 551 likes. Kriete, Deputy Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC), was joined by family, friends and colleagues in front of NEW HAMPSHIRE (SSN 778) at Naval Station Norfolk, VA. His service was appreciated with several supportive comments including:

“Dave was my Executive Officer when I had command of KENTUCKY. I’ve never met or served with a better naval officer. Dave, and his wife, Kathleen, made a lasting difference for our country, our navy and the United States Submarine Force. Fair Winds and Following Seas. Enjoy your retirement and I know whatever you decide to pursue in retirement, you’ll make a lasting difference!”

Stand Corrected

The July-August 2021 issue of Shipmate included a photo of the Class of 2025 plebes on Induction Day 2021 in the “1,000 Words” feature. The accompanying caption included the wrong stance the plebes were in. Several readers rightly noted the plebes were in the parade rest position.

We appreciate Shipmate readers holding us accountable and letting us know when we miss the mark. One hundred percent accuracy is Shipmate’s goal. We encourage readers to let us know when we fall short.

“I read the July-August Shipmate with great interest. Sadly, however, I note a glaring editorial error that infers gross lack of basic military knowledge on the part of the editorial staff. An error that should not occur in a Naval Academy magazine.

The ‘1,000 Words’ photo on pages 3 and 4 shows the new plebes on I-Day. Amazingly and distressingly, the caption notes that the plebes, who are standing with their hands behind their backs, are standing ‘at attention.’ When one stands at attention, one stands straight up with one’s hands at the side aligned with the center of one’s thighs. Since these plebes are standing with their hands behind their backs, they are not standing at ‘attention,’ they are standing at ‘parade rest.’ Even the most casual observer can tell the difference.

Hopefully, a little more editorial attention to detail will prevent such mistakes in the future.

Always enjoy Shipmate. Keep up the good work.” —Captain Taylor Keith ’58, USN (Ret.)

PHOTO BY DEBBIE LATTA

The stance of the members of the Class of 2025 was misidentified in this photo in the July-August 2021 issue of Shipmate. They are at parade rest during I-Day on 29 June.

Induction Day

A 30 July USNA Alumni Association Facebook post included a video from Induction Day 2021 with remarks from Naval Academy leadership, alumni, and plebe families. More than 260 Facebook followers liked the post and more than 20 commented. Among the comments were these:

“I really enjoyed that and had no idea there were so many family-based traditions. Great video and thanks for sharing!”

“God bless USNA’s newest class of plebes and their families.”

“Welcome to the USNA *Not College! Congratulations, new families!”

Correction

“The Influencers” story in the October 2020 issue of Shipmate included the incorrect record for the 1960 Navy football team in the section on Captain Joe Bellino ’61, USNR (Ret.). Bellino led the Midshipmen to a 9-2 record including victories over Notre Dame and Army. Bellino won the Heisman Trophy that year.®

Thank you for your feedback. To comment, correct or clarify, send your note and name to shipmate@usna.com.