Shipmate: June 2022

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Navy captures 2021-22 Star Series with record shattering 20-4 mark

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PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

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Combat Systems Exhibition MIDN Luke Parker ’25 receives instruction about artillery equipment on 1 April during a Marine Corps combat systems display event on the Yard. Midshipmen received information—and had hands-on experiences —with equipment, aircraft and weapons used by the Marine Corps from Marines stationed in the region.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

Special Olympics The Naval Academy hosted the 52nd Annual Maryland Special Olympics track and field competition on Ingram Field on 24 April.

More than 150 midshipmen serving in the Midshipman Action Group were paired with Special Olympics Athletes to encourage them throughout the event.

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SECNAV Address Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro ’83 speaks at the 2022 USNA Alumni Leadership Forum on Diversity and Inclusion on 29 April.

The Leadership Forum featured a symposium with breakout sessions, a networking event and an alumni concert.

PHOTO BY LAURA HATCHER, WWW.LAURAHATCHERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

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JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 3

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

CLOSING THE YEAR OF GRATITUDE WITH MY PERSONAL GRATITUDE PHOTO BY KYLENE CLEAVER, LEAVE IT TO ME PHOTOGRAPHY

By Jeff Webb ’95

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n my first letter as President and CEO, it is a fitting way to close the Year of Gratitude by expressing my personal thanks to the Board of Trustees, the Board of Directors and the Joint Search Committee for their trust in choosing me to lead our great Enterprise. I am grateful for the opportunity to dedicate myself professionally to institutions—the Naval Academy and its Alumni Association and Foundation— that have meant so much to me personally.

My wife Shannon, a member of the Class of 2004, and I could not be more excited to return to Annapolis with our children.

I am the first CEO with an alumni spouse and the first with women classmates.

My experience with women at USNA commenced immediately with my first set squad leader—Midshipman 2/C Elizabeth Ravndal (now Captain Sanabia ’93, USN).

Her high standards taught me what it meant to lead effectively. We have both come home—she is now a Permanent Military Professor of Oceanography on the Yard.

There are other important influencers in my journey, including Captain James Dare ’68, USN (Ret.), Tony Sanchez ’91, Captain Steve Wisotzki ’86, USN (Ret.) and Commander Paul Galanti ’62, USN (Ret.). These mentors were guide stars in my journey who first piqued my interest in the Naval Academy; first inspired me to become a SEAL; supported me on deployment; and helped navigate milestones in my business career, including service on my first non-profit board.

I know all of you have a version of this story; alumni who have been your models, mentors, friends and partners.

Reflecting on the people above also caused me to think—whose list am I on?

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This is the connective tissue that makes our alumni community so vital.

In the weeks since the announcement, I have had the privilege to attend events that bring to life our purpose as an Alumni Association and Foundation.

On 29-30 April, I attended the first annual Alumni Leadership Forum, hosted at the Academy by the Naval Academy Minority Association (NAMA). Our Class and Chapter structures have been the backbone of how we organize and relate to one another for generations. Our Shared Interest Groups (SIGs)—NAMA, USNA Women and Run To Honor—represent a complementary way for us to sustain our bonds. Ours SIGs are driven from the ground up and I stand ready to support these programs as they continue to develop.

In May, I was fortunate to attend an alumni gathering honoring the life of Dwayne Osgood ’05, a Navy lacrosse player taken from us too soon by cancer in December 2020. Dwayne’s widow Liz Bennett is an alumnae, also ’05.

This experience reminded me of the deep connection among friends, teammates, and coaches bound by shared sacrifice, service and loyalty.

In Philadelphia, PA, my hometown for 15 years, I attended the Chapter-hosted Plebe Parents night, in its 60th year and one of the longest-running alumni events.

Organized by tireless chapter president Rob Bender ’73, this event, like so many others across our community run by committed volunteers, welcomed new parents into our alumni family.

I am grateful to spend my first year in historic Ogle Hall, our home since 1944, with an incredibly talented staff who have performed exceptionally well during challenging years. As the new Alumni Center rises from the banks of College Creek, our home for the next 100 years, the symbolism is striking. We are laying

the foundation of the Alumni Center as we lay the foundation for our next strategic plan, which we will develop in the coming year. Our 2021 alumni survey results will inform our strategy. Board of Trustee standing committees are engaged in the important work of translating what you shared into executable action plans.

Our volunteer leaders on those committees are working below the radar to move us forward.

A special thanks to my predecessor Byron Marchant ’78 for his extraordinary leadership in setting the table for my tenure.

I also want to thank Senior Executive in Charge Bob Gast for his outstanding stewardship in the three months between Byron’s departure and my arrival.

Shannon and I appreciate the warm welcome we have received from friends, staff, board members and other alumni.

She joins me in wishing you all a safe and enjoyable summer. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on the road, in Annapolis, or back home on the Yard. a

Jeff Webb ’95 and his family (from left) daughter, Ashtyn; wife, Shannon ’04; son, Erik; daughter, Eva; son, Ethan; and family dog, Chloe.

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SHIPMATE VOLUME 85 • NO. 4

IN THIS ISSUE DEPARTMENTS 4 Letter from the President

PRECIOUS PEARL Kimberly Mitchell ’96 is living an extraordinary life. 18

Jeff Webb ’95

6 8 36 38

All Hands Advertisers Index Five Minutes With…

An Ocean Away Commander Jack Holthaus ’05, USN

39 40 43 112 131 133 146 152

SEAL TEAMS Navy lacrosse and crew teams feed SEAL community. 22

Bravo Zulu Alumni Products/Services Class News Chapter News Shared Interest Groups Last Call Classified Ads Staff and Assistance

ALUMNI OUTREACH Alumni step up to aid embattled Ukrainians. 12

CORNHUSKER CARTER MAKING A DIFFERENCE Mike Steadman ’10 helps inner city youth find direction at his boxing academy. 26

VADM Carter ’81 finds fulfillment leading University of Nebraska system. 30

BUILDING UP

A look at ongoing construction of new Alumni Center. 34

Get the Goat

This Bill is hiding somewhere in this issue. Find him and email us at getthegoat@usna.com with the correct page number and you will be entered into a drawing for a prize from the Alumni Association. Good luck! The drawing is limited to the first 100 correct answers, so get reading.

Bill was hiding behind a real estate ad on page 131 of the May 2022 issue of Shipmate.

Our Mission To serve and support the United States, the naval service, the Naval Academy and its alumni by furthering the highest standards at the Naval Academy; by seeking out, informing, encouraging and assisting outstanding, qualified young men and women to pursue careers as officers in the Navy and Marine Corps through the Naval Academy; and by initiating and sponsoring activities which will perpetuate the history, traditions, memories and growth of the Naval Academy and bind alumni together in support of the highest ideals of command, citizenship and government.

SHIPMATE is the official alumni magazine of the United States Naval Academy.

On the Cover Navy defeated Army 3-0 on 9 October 2021 to secure the men’s soccer star. Navy set a new Star Series record with a 20-4 mark over Army during the 2021-22 athletic year.

Photo courtesy of USNA

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 5

ALL HANDS Editor’s Note

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MONTANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Tim P. ’08 and Carmen L. Sheehy ’09, recently donated $500,000 to the Montana Historical Society to be used for construction of the $63.7 million Montana Heritage Center in Helena, MT, including enhanced military displays and incorporating the history of the wildfire in Montana.

An industrialist, aviator, former Navy SEAL and the founder and chief executive officer of Bridger Aerospace, Sheehy’s love of history and his desire to preserve the past combined with his wife’s passions for education and youth engagement, Tim '08 and Carmen Sheehy '09 recently prompted the couple to approach the donated towards the expansion of military displays in the Montana Heritage Center. historical society with the donation.

“I have visited the museum in Helena with my children and we always enjoy it, but I was very encouraged to hear a new museum is now under construction. Montana has a rich military heritage and a rich veteran community, and it is time to share that with a wider audience,” Sheehy said.

Helena is the home of the 1st Special Service force, known as the “Devil’s Brigade.” The Devil’s Brigade was made up of Americans and Canadians who trained for World War II at nearby Fort Harrison for commando operations. The 66,000-square-foot Montana Heritage Center addition has a topping-off ceremony expected in late June and will open in late 2024 or early 2025. ®

Honor Flight Kentucky Completes First All-Female Veteran Flight

PHOTO COURTESY OF HONOR FLIGHT KENTUCKY

Spring at the Naval Academy is invigorating. It’s beautiful in Annapolis at this time of year. USNA is bustling with activity. Regimental Receptions at Dahlgren Hall on 25-26 April gave us a chance to celebrate and welcome the Class of 2022.

Representatives of Alumni Chapters, Shared Interest Groups (SIGs), the Alumni Mentoring Program (AMP) and our tireless staff gathered for dinner and shared information about their organizations and how we are positioned to support them after graduation. It’s motivating to see the Class of ‘22 ready to hit the fleet.

We also hosted the Council of Class Presidents at Akerson Towerr at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on 22 April. It was motivating to see and interact with those dedicated volunteer leaders representing seven decades of alumni.

We are excited to welcome aboard Jeff Webb ’95 as the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation’s new President and CEO. Jeff has been actively involved as a volunteer in a variety of alumni association programs for better than a decade.

Our career services team hosted more than 125 Fortune 500 companies and more than 600 service academy graduates in early May at our Washington, DC, Service Academy Career Conference. Helping Alumni Find jobs remains our number one priority. At the time of this writing, we have more than 1,000 jobs on our job board (www.sacc-jobfair.com/jobs/ joblistings) that are only available to our alumni. If you need help, or have a job to list—please contact our career services team.

We concluded the 2021-22 academic year with a record-setting performance by Navy varsity athletics. Navy was 20-4 in the N-Star Series versus Army— that’s the first time in the history of the series that one school achieved 20 wins over the other. Congratulations to our fantastic Navy athletes and coaches. As Superintendent Vice Admiral Buck ’83 likes to say, beating Army has become a core competency. Let’s get 23 in 23!

Among the first to congratulate the Class of 2022 at their commissioning ceremony on 27 May was their 50-year Another Link in the Chain class, the Class of 1972, who presented each graduate with their ensign and second lieutenant insignia. One month prior, on 28 April in Memorial Hall, the Classes of 1924 and 1974 donated rings to the Class of 2024, the rising second class, in the annual Bond of Gold ceremony.

2024’s class rings will contain gold from the donated rings, a symbol of the bond that unites all alumni. I want to thank Jostens for their great partnership in this important tradition.

Work progresses on the new Alumni Association and Foundation Center being built alongside College Creek. The foundation for the 65,000-square-foot facility has been laid and walls and steel are going up. (see more about the project on page 34). Please monitor construction progress with our webcam—go to usna.com.

Finally, I want to applaud the 2021 Distinguished Chapters that were recognized this spring. This year’s awardees are: Columbus and Central Ohio (Second Award); Greater Washington, DC (Second Award); Hampton Roads (Fourth Award); North Carolina Triangle (Fifth Award); Oregon and Southwest Washington (Fourth Award); Puget Sound (Second Award); Quantico (Third Award); San Diego (Fourth Award); Tampa Bay (Second Award); Texas Gulf Coast (Fourth Award) and Tulsa (Second Award).

Among our main findings from the 2021 Alumni Survey is the vitally important role our chapters play in harnessing the power of personal relationships that drive engagement across the community. Thank you for everything you do.

Go Navy! Beat Army!

Commander Craig Washington ’89, USN (Ret.) Editor-in-Chief ®

Alumni Couple Donates To Aid Montana Heritage Center Veteran Displays

Honor Flight Kentucky completed its first all-female veteran flight this June. Named Operation HERoes, the all-female flight was organized in coordination with the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, the Kentucky Historical Society and UPS, and hosted female veterans who helped pave the way for women in the military today.

The Honor Flight program gives veterans a chance to visit memorials to the wars in which they served by flying them to Washington, DC, for a one-day, all-expenses-paid trip with the majority of attending veterans seeing the memorials in person for the first time.

Joanne T. Fry ’82—who graduated with the Naval Academy’s third class of women—was among the HERoes on the flight.

“I consider my experience as one that helped open the doors for women to serve. We all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity,” said Fry. ®

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOX NEWS

Academy Mock Trial Team Beats Army in First-Ever Live Competition

Tomlinson ’01 is a familiar face as a correspondent for FOX News but long before he found himself on the ground during a Russian attack on Ukraine, he was experiencing similar dangers in Afghanistan as a naval officer.

The Naval Academy mock trial team participated in its first-ever live competition on 16 April with the midshipmen taking first place over Army after winning both the first and second trial on points. Formed in 2021 and headed by Midshipman Sandy Guerraro ’22, the mock trial team teaches midshipmen how to be persuasive public speakers, to think critically and to learn how to make cohesive arguments that will transcend their time at the Academy and into the fleet.

The midshipmen were able to sway the jury through outstanding performances by Midshipman Matthew Sale ’24 acting as a witness and midshipman Max Bueno ’24, who acted as attorney. For more information about the team, visit the USNA Political Science Facebook page. ®

Lucas Y. Tomlinson ’01 is no stranger to war zones but he never thought he’d find himself in one as a civilian. After serving as a surface warfare officer following his commissioning from the Naval Academy, Tomlinson went to work for the Department of Defense. There he was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division on a human terrain team in Afghanistan for more than a year spending much of his time on the ground, interviewing locals with an interpreter and writing reports on the locals to better the population. Tomlinson’s research was vital data for the Armed Forces missions and quickly led to him being offered a career in journalism and a position with FOX News in 2012. For years, Tomlinson worked as a producer from the Pentagon until receiving his current correspondent position in January 2022, never dreaming he would be sent back into a war zone.

Toward the end of January, Tomlinson received an assignment call to Ukraine and immediately said yes. Tensions between Ukraine and Russia were high, but most people were dismissive of the warnings of Russia attacking. Just three weeks after Tomlinson arrived on the ground, Russia advanced and began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine during which FOX News lost two of its own in attacks. An additional reporter was seriously wounded before being rescued by Save Our Allies. Embedded reporters with the U.S. military have access to medevacs in the event of an emergency but reporters working alongside the Ukraine military do not.

“This is down and dirty fighting. Certainly, as a journalist, there are incredible risks. Just knowing that journalists are getting killed, they have been killed. It’s just a tough situation but it’s a critically important vocation right now … Think about where we’d be if we did not have images of the destruction of Ukraine,” Tomlinson told wearthemighty.com about his decision to accept the dangerous assignment.

Tomlinson is adamant his time in the military prepared him for his role as a journalist and his weeks spent in Ukraine.

“As a veteran you know how to work under pressure and it’s a tremendous skill. It’s so important as a journalist for me, personally, to have been on the ground in Ukraine. It’s like mapping human terrain in Afghanistan. It’s so important to report on what people, the common man, the common woman, in some cases, the child, is thinking, feeling and saying and it’s very important to make their voices heard around the world,” said Tomlinson. ®

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

Tomlinson ’01 Reporting Live from Ukraine

The Naval Academy mock trial team won both trials against Army during its first live competition this April.

“You see cities being destroyed, torn apart, thousands killed and children being made into orphans. That’s what I saw. Being a father, I think, had more of a profound impact on my reporting. There’s been some incredible reporters out there documenting this, not just at FOX. You see these photos of women and children putting their hands on the glass at the train station saying goodbye. It’s tough to witness.”

—Lucas Y. Tomlinson ’01 regarding his assignment as a FOX News correspondent on the ground in Ukraine during the Russian invasion.

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 7

ALL HANDS

Midshipmen Kara L. Kniezewski ’23 and Anders J. Gulbrandson ’23 were selected as 2022 Barry Goldwater Scholars in April.

This year, more than 5,000 candidates competed for one of the 417 scholarships awarded.

MIDN Kara L. Kniezewski ’23 MIDN Anders J. Gulbrandson ’23 The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation was established by Congress in 1986 to serve as a living memorial to Senator Barry Goldwater.

The foundation provides scholarships to college sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering and seeks to ensure the U.S. is producing the number of highly qualified professionals needed to lead in these critical fields while maintaining the nation’s global competitiveness and security.

A chemistry major, Montor Leadership Scholar and Trident Scholar, Gulbrandson’s research primarily involved nano-modified biopolymer composite materials, nanoparticle synthesis and applications, and ionic liquids. He has co-authored articles about his research in the Journal of Macromolecular Materials and Engineering and the Journal of Ionic Liquids.

Gulbrandson also has conducted electrochemical sensor research at Vanderbilt University and plans to join a research group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory to focus on designing advanced lasers. He hopes to be selected early to join the submarine community following his commissioning and eventually aims to earn his doctorate in chemistry and then conduct research for an advanced government research institution or program.

An astrophysics major and three-time Superintendent’s List selectee, Kniezewski’s research is concentrated in heliophysics, the study of the sun, and her focus thus far has been on post-flare coronal rain, which occurs after a solar flare when plasma travels up newly reconnected magnetic loops and then falls back down to the photosphere when the plasma cools and condenses. Her work began during an internship at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Goddard Space Flight Center and she has co-authored a paper about her work on image reduction quasars. Kniezewski was also selected by her peers to receive the Navy-Marine Corps Association Leadership Award for her exemplary embodiment of the highest ideals of leadership. She hopes to join the naval aviation community after commissioning where she intends to use her work in heliophysics to help protect aviators from health risks in the solar environment. ®

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS The Bradford Exchange ........................29, 37 Citizen’s Watch ..............................................32 Falcon’s Landing..............................................21 Herff Jones ..........................Inside Front Cover Jostens ..............................................................9 Navy Mutual Aid ..........................................25 The Village at Providence Center................33 USAA ............................Inside Back Cover, 35 USNA Foundation ..........................................17

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Alumni Products and Services Alumni Business Directory ....................42 Alumni Merchandise: Chairs ................40 Alumni Travel 2022 ................................40 Navy-Notre Dame Dublin Game ..........42 Service Academy Career Conference 2022 ..................41

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GEORGE AND CAROL OLMSTED FOUNDATION

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

Two Midshipmen Named Barry Three Academy Alumni Goldwater Scholarship Recipients Selected as Olmsted Scholars

Maj Michael P. Sweeney ’11, USMC

Capt Shakir W. Robinson ’15, USMC

LT James P. Talisse ’17, USN

The George and Carol Olmsted Foundation recently selected three graduates of the Naval Academy as members of the Olmsted Scholar Class of 2023. The officers will spend the next three years completing language training and pursuing graduate level studies at foreign universities on full scholarships.

The newly selected scholars are: Major Michael P. Sweeney ’11, USMC, who will study in Valencia, Spain; Captain Shakir W. Robinson ’15, USMC, who will study in Mexico City, Mexico; and Lieutenant James P. Talisse ’17, USN, who will study in Tel Aviv, Israel. These officers’ experiences around the world will help shape and prepare them to assume positions of senior leadership in the Navy.

Notable USNA alumni who were Olmsted Scholars include Admiral Kurt W. Tidd ’78, USN (Ret.), former commander of U.S. Southern Command, and Admiral James G. Foggo ’81, USN (Ret.), former commander of U.S. Sixth Fleet, U.S. Naval Forces in Europe-Africa and Allied Joint Force Command in Naples, Italy. ®

Bonds of Gold Ceremony The Naval Academy Class of 2024 held the 17th annual Bonds of Gold ceremony in Memorial Hall on 27 April. During the ceremony, the Class of 1974 donated several class rings and miniatures to be melted down and included in the gold Class of 2022 midshipmen looking at the donated rings from their ALITC counterpart, the Class of 1974. for the Class of 2024’s class rings through the Naval Academy Alumni Association’s Another Link in the Chain (ALITC) program which connects alumni classes with their 50-year counterpart midshipman class. By passing down their rings to the next generation of naval officers, the members of the Class of 1974 share their experiences and their legacy and create a permanent bond with the midshipmen. This year’s ceremony also included rings from the Class of 1924 and each ring was presented to the class with personal testimonies from the honorees and donors. ®

FEMA Administrator Visits USNA Classes to Discuss Disaster Management

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

The Naval Academy’s political science department welcomed Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administrator Deanne Criswell as a guest lecturer on 4 April.

During two sessions, Criswell spoke to students about her first year at the agency and responded to student questions ranging from natural disasters to lessons on leadership.

She spoke with midshipmen enrolled in the Academy’s politics of homeland security course about her career in emergency management and her future vision for FEMA. Criswell is the 12th FEMA administrator and the first woman to hold the position, which leads more than 20,000 FEMA employees in making the nation safer, stronger and more prepared for disasters.

Prior to being unanimously confirmed for the role by the U.S. Senate on 22 April 2021, Criswell served 21 years with the Colorado Air National Guard and as the commissioner of the New York City Emergency Management Department, where she led the department’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Emergency managers are increasingly called upon to solve tough problems, often

with limited information, tight timelines and in stressful environments, but when we have our U.S. military partners working alongside us, we have skilled leaders and committed countrymen and women helping lead the way,” said Criswell, addressing the challenges of the position.

Criswell’s visit was organized by Naval Academy professor Brian Kamoie, a senior executive with FEMA, currently serving as the Department of Homeland Security Distinguished Chair of Leadership in the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership.

“It was an amazing opportunity for midshipmen to discuss their research directly with the nation’s top emergency manager,” said Captain David Ostwind ’99, USN, who teaches the class with Kamoie. ®

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 9

Beloved Bill 34, Passes at 15 Years Old

Professor Awarded 2022 Civilian Faculty Service Award

The Naval Academy announced the passing of Bill 34, retired Navy goat mascot, in March due to health issues associated with old age; he was 15 years old. Survived by current mascots, Bill 36 and Bill 37, Bill 34 was described as the “sweet” goat with the softest and straightest Before his passing, Bill 34 was involved in a prank-gone-wrong angora coat. In the when West Point cadets accidentally kidnapped him instead later years of his life, of the active Bill mascot ahead of the annual Army-Navy football game this December.

Bill 34 was easily recognizable after losing a horn following a head-butting incident with a younger brother.

“Bill 34 wasn’t just any old goat, he was the goat. Stubborn and gnarly, 34 had a knack for people, shown by his devotion to years of Navy football. Our loyal mascot’s legacy will remain constant in Academy culture for decades to come,” said Midshipman Grant Vigneault ’22, captain of the Bill the Goat Mascot program.

Bill 34 was donated to the Academy in 2007 alongside his brother, Bill 33, who crossed over the rainbow bridge in January 2021. The brother goats’ final football season was in 2015 when they trained the young goats how to wear out the Army mule and perform their important mascot sideline duty of motivating Navy football fans. Bill 34 was the active mascot during the Academy’s longest football winning streak against Army and earned a total of nine “N stars” for his blanket. ®

Naval Academy professor Maria Schroeder was recently awarded the Naval Academy 2022 Civilian Faculty Service Excellence Award for her work as the associate director of Midshipman Research (ADMR) managing all midshipman research programs and as a faculty member in the chemistry department.

“Professor Schroeder’s effort in the past decade has truly contributed to the Academy’s reputation as an institution of higher education,” said Reza Malek-Mandani, dean of research and director of the office of research and scholarship.

As ADMR, Schroeder instituted the Midshipman Research Poster Session in 2012 allowing midshipmen the opportunity to share their research and scholarly pursuits with the Academy community. Last fall, more than 170 midshipmen participated in the Yard-wide event. Within the chemistry department, Schroeder was instrumental in the development of the current Integrated Laboratory (IL) curriculum of the chemistry major as well as aiding in the design of the renovated Michelson Hall space. Her recent educational research work focuses on improving learning in plebe chemistry and has been disseminated in three Journal of Chemical Education articles. In 2021, Schroeder was awarded the Iota Sigma Pi Centennial Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and she has been the faculty representative for the Navy women’s swimming and diving team for 24 years “Winning the Service Award means that I’ve contributed to making the Academy a better place by helping midshipmen develop inside and outside the classroom, interacting with colleagues to reach a common goal and serving others. I could not be more honored,” said Schroeder. ®

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BALTIMORE SUN

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PHOTO COURTESY OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

Dr. Jeannette Wing Delivers Annual USNA Michelson Lecture The Naval Academy’s computer science department hosted Dr. Jeannette Wing as the lead speaker for the Academy’s annual Michelson Lecture on 22 March in Mahan Hall.

Free and open to the public, the Michelson Lecture series is sponsored by the Class of 1969 and commemorates the achievements of Albert Michelson, Class of 1873, instructor and the first American scientist to receive a Nobel Prize.

Since 1981, the series has brought eminent scientists to speak about their research to a mixed audience of midshipmen, faculty and the Annapolis, MD, community.

Wing also has served as corporate vice president of Microsoft Research, a faculty member and department head in computer science at Carnegie Mellon University and as assistant director for computer and information science and engineering at the National Science Foundation.

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Her 2006 seminal essay titled “Computational Thinking” is credited with helping to establish the importance of computer science to problem-solving in fields where previously it had not been embraced, influencing K-12 and university curricula worldwide. She received distinguished service awards from the Association for Computer Machinery (ACM) and the Computing Research Association and an honorary doctorate degree from Linkoping University, Sweden.

Wing’s lecture focused on the trustworthiness of artificial intelligence (AI) and the recent growth in deployment of AI systems in critical domains that directly impact human lives such as autonomous vehicles, criminal justice, healthcare, hiring, housing, human resource management, law enforcement and public safety. She also covered the increasing concerns about whether such decisions can be trusted to be correct, reliable, fair and safe especially under adversarial attack and posed a new research agenda, from a normal-methods perspective, to foster increased trust in AI systems. ®

USNA Dominates Star Series with Largest Margin of Victory in Series History soccer; men’s cross country; women’s cross country; women’s soccer; men’s swimming and diving; women’s swimming and diving; football; women’s basketball; rifle; men’s indoor track and field; women’s indoor track and field; gymnastics; men’s basketball; wrestling; women’s tennis; men’s tennis; men’s outdoor track and field; women’s outdoor track and field; and men’s lacrosse. For more information and play-by-plays of the Star Series, visit www.navysports.com. ®

PHOTO COURTESY OF NAVY SPORTS

The weekend of 23-24 April was a big one for Naval Academy sports as the Navy men’s lacrosse and Navy men’s tennis teams secured home victories over West Point in the last of the N-Star games cementing the midshipmen at the top of the series overall. Sponsored by USAA, the Star Series tracks the amount of wins Army and Navy secure over the other during the varsity sports season. This year, Navy won 20 out of 24 stars marking the largest margin of victory in series history!

Navy secured the star in each of the following sports: golf; sprint football; men’s

After dropping the doubles point, the Navy men's tennis team won four straight-set singles matches to rally for a 4-1 victory over Army on 23 April. The regular season finale for both teams served as the annual Star Match, which is part of the Army-Navy Star Series presented by USAA.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE U.S. NAVY

3D Tour of USNA Museum Now Available

ADM Michael Gilday ’85, USN, met with sailors assigned to aviation and carrier support commands to commemorate 100 years of Navy aircraft carriers on 21 March.

In March, the Navy celebrated 100 years since the commissioning of its first aircraft carrier and the major milestone was marked with a ceremony aboard GEORGE H.W. BUSH and a special visit from Admiral Michael Gilday ’85, USN, Chief of Naval Operations, to Hampton Roads, VA, to meet with local sailors and industry partners in the region.

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russell Smith, USN, joined Gilday at Airborne Command and Control Squadron and Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), where they spoke about the ‘Get Real, Get Better’ call to action which aims to reduce the difference between the Navy’s “least and most capable performer” and build better leaders and teams for problem-solving.

“Our sailors need to be self-assessing, finding and fixing problems, and embracing the red. We need to expand and empower this across the fleet, we have no room for complacency—each ship, squadron and command must hold themselves accountable. We need to continue to get real and get better,” said Gilday. ®

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NAVAL ACADEMY MUSEUM

Navy Honors 100 Years of Aircraft Carriers

Located in the Naval Academy’s Preble Hall, the USNA Museum welcomes more than 100,000 visitors annually from all over the world and features two floors of exhibits about the history of sea power, the development of the Navy and the role of the Academy in producing officers capable of leading America’s sailors and Marines. Whether you are a casual visitor, a student of naval history or a member of the Brigade of Midshipmen, the museum is a must-see and features a combination of historical artifacts with video and audio technology to bring to life the stores of the men and women who have served their country at sea.

Interested in touring the museum but unable to make it physically?

A new 3D virtual tour of the museum’s galleries is now available on the Academy’s website at usna.edu/Museum/3DTour.php.

For those who wish to visit the museum in person, admission is free and open to the public Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is closed on Tuesdays. ®

The USNA Museum’s holdings including ship models, paintings, prints, flags, uniforms, ship instruments and a wide variety of personal memorabilia, can now be explored virtually through a new 3D tour available on the USNA website.

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 11

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN SHMORHUN ’77

FEATURE

John Shmorhun ’77 with Marianna Kashchak, CEO of the Ukrainian Education Platform (UEP), in Lviv. UEP helps relocate displaced women and children in Ukraine to safe areas.

ALUMNI OUTREACH ACADEMY ALUMNI RALLY TO AID UKRAINIANS

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aval Academy alumni are stepping up to assist Ukrainians following Russia’s invasion on 24 February 2022.

In response to the Russian attack, alumni are providing humanitarian aid, on-the-ground assistance to Ukrainians and helping to equip the nation’s military efforts. Shipmate invited alumni aiding the Ukrainians to share their experiences in their own words.

These are some of their stories.

12 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

JOHN SHMORHUN ’77 battlefield experienced officers. Remember that Ukrainian forces participated in Iraq and Afghanistan alongside the Americans.

Today, we see some of the results of all this effort. Yes, it is a David and Goliath story of Biblical proportions, led by fiery President Volodymyr Zelensky.

We are seeing a humanitarian catastrophe unfold and war crimes committed every day. Our UEP Platform is moving materials and people and trying to keep up with the needs.

The nation, its patriotism, volunteerism and determination are an example for all democracies. It is the shining light.

We should all be proud and in awe of the raw courage of people who do not take freedom for granted.

We don’t know when this war will end. We’re confident in its outcome that people fighting for their land and their way of life are a powerful force. In the meantime, my wife and I are dogged by sirens every evening, spending hours in the bomb shelters and wondering what the Russians will target next. The leveling of Mariupol by Russian bombs and missiles speaks only about the cowardness of Russian forces and courage of the Ukrainian soldiers who remain there defending the city.

Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city and where Tuscia and I lived for three years, is slowly being leveled to the ground. Even our AgroGeneration office took a missile hit during the first week of March.

What I find interesting is that the majority of the destruction of Ukraine has taken place in the North and East where many Ukrainians with Russian roots have been affected. One of Putin’s reasons for the invasion was to protect the Russian speaking people.

I want to thank my classmates, many of whom have reached out to us. I want to thank Captain David Aland ’77, USN (Ret.), for the recent 25th company Zoom where we eulogized my roommate Jeff A. “Buffalo” Reinhart ’77 who died recently after a long illness.

That call reminded me about how precious life is, how easy it is to renew friendships and how people, not places, make memories.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN SHMORHUN ’77

My last tour in the Navy was at NAS Jacksonville where I met my future Swiss Ukrainian wife, Tuscia, during our visit to Europe.

Eventually, Tuscia and I moved to Geneva, where I received an MBA from the International Management Institute.

DuPont hired me and we moved to Wilmington, DE. The corporate world was good to me during those 20 years with DuPont. However, we managed to move with the business to Geneva then Moscow, Kyiv, Wilmington and Moscow. I left the company in search of something different and chose to go into the farming business in Ukraine.

Some of my classmates remember our farm in West Friendship, MD. So, when I was asked to run the agriculture business in Ukraine and Russia, I had some experience to fall back on.

Over the years, Kyiv eventually became our home. We have several businesses there including our family foundation. After DuPont, I became CEO of AgroGeneration S.A. a large industrial farming company based in Ukraine. At one point, we were operating more than 270,000 acres. This scale of farming is not atypical for Ukraine which is considered the breadbasket of Europe. In the meantime, Tuscia co-founded Pechersk School International and a network of dental and eye clinics called Porcelain Medical Group in Kyiv.

All of this came to a halt on 24 February 2022 when the Russians invaded Ukraine. Although I was very aware that Putin wanted to consolidate his occupied territories in Donetsk and Luhansk into a land route to Crimea, I really didn’t think that he had the guts to do a full invasion. I was on a business trip to Lviv in Western Ukraine when this happened and ended up getting stuck there while Tuscia was at home in Kyiv. I was asked to help with a charity organization called the Ukrainian Education Platform (UEP) (ukredu.org/helpukraine) and quickly became its director, humanitarian assistance. A new experience for a great cause—taking care of internally displaced people.

I truly believe that all of my experiences in life, starting with the Navy, prepared me for this moment. Three hundred volunteers from all over Ukraine support moving humanitarian assistance to the conflict areas, bringing internally displaced women and children (remember that the men ages 18 to 60 are obligated to serve) to safe areas in Western Ukraine. We are working to stem the tide of refugees by providing accommodations and building communities in Ukraine.

Since the first Russian invasion in Donetsk and Luhansk in 2014 which created these so-called temporary occupied territories, I have watched Ukraine struggle with its nascent democratic institutions—reforms in the courts, decentralization of power to municipal governments, banking reform and reform of the military.

I’ve seen streams of American military advisers come through to help the Ukrainian army and navy become a modern military. NATO has poured money and equipment here to modernize the weaponry and teach tactics and battlefield medicine, all of which was lacking when the Russians “walked into Crimea.”

I have seen the Navy modernized into a fast fleet of patrol craft and minesweepers. Command and control have been modernized, as the old Soviet generals were eventually replaced by

Tuscia Shmorhun, wife of John Shmorhun ’77, with one of the Ukrainian displaced children at a center created at the Lviv railway station.

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 13

FEATURE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LT PATRICK DANYLCHUK ’17, USN

PHOTO COURTESY OF NICO WOODS ’12

LIEUTENANT NICO M. WOODS ’12, USN After graduating last summer from Stanford with my MBA, I decided to move to Kyiv, Ukraine, to pursue opportunities within its growing technology sector. I finalized my move in early February 2022 but a few weeks later, war broke out.

On February 24, I woke up to the rumble of loud explosions as Russia launched its unprovoked war on the Ukrainian people. Within an hour, CNN fell victim to Russian misinformation and reported that Odessa, the naval headquarters of the Ukrainian Navy, had been invaded by Russian troops with virtually no resistance. For the next 45 minutes, those who heard this false information believed Russian troops would be soon marching into central Kyiv.

When the news caught up, I decided to remain in Kyiv to help connect those wanting to evacuate to private efforts getting people out. I also was making food deliveries to the territorial defense forces and those in the bomb shelters. I saw many families who were too scared to leave and had nothing to pass the time or occupy their minds, other than to worry about their families. The palpably, grotesque fear, anxiety and stress were sickening.

The words of fallen Academy graduate, First Lieutenant Travis Manion ’04, USMC, that has always stuck with me: “If not me, then who?” While I knew there was a risk, and at times the air sirens did go off while I was outside, I also knew that there were families that have been in the bunkers since day one and have not left. Not all of them have the means to go outside or have someone do so for them to get food.

I had enough food from my preparation, so I wanted to help them as well as give food to the local territorial defense forces. When I was making deliveries, the people were appreciative, but what struck me even more was their generosity. Though they did not have much, they always tried to offer me something whether it was money or a hot tea. I could not take anything from them as I wanted to give them more than what I could provide.

When I was outside, what struck me the most was how eerily empty the city was.

Virtually no cars and the few people on the streets were carrying groceries back from the store.

However, by day six of the war, Russia shifted to targeting civilian populations, so after a night of missiles shaking my building, I relocated to Western Ukraine. When I arrived, I was so surprised at how different it was than Kyiv. Stores were open, people flooded the streets and there was no shortage of food or supplies in the store.

My focus has shifted to improving humanitarian aid supply chains that have struggled to deliver the aid where it’s needed. Everyone from private individuals, to charities/NGOs, to large governmental organizations (like the U.N.) are trying to establish a robust supply chain to ensure the supply is matched with demand. That is when I learned that the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has signaled that it needs a minimum of 300,000 sets of body armor but most likely the true number is twice that.

I partnered with one of the last body armor manufacturers in Ukraine to restart their production with local companies. These vests are able to stop the bullets commonly used by the Russian military and will save lives. They were able to initially produce 1,000 sets of body armor per day and ramped up to 3,000 sets per day. All body armor sets are donated to Nico Woods ’12 partnered with the last the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine for free, we just ask body armor manufacturers in Ukraine to restart production following Russia’s for donations to cover the cost of raw materials. invasion. The body armor he is wearing Find more information visit: www.ukrfreedom is the same type being donated to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense for free. fund.org/protect-a-battalion

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LT Patrick Danylchuk ’17, USN, and his father organized a supply drive for the Ukrainian people in their hometown of Brooklyn, NY. Their efforts resulted in more than 1,000 bandages, 10 resuscitators and more than 100 combat tourniquets sent to the Ukraine.

LIEUTENANT PATRICK DANYLCHUK ’17, USN As someone of Ukrainian descent, the war in Ukraine has had a profound impact on me and my family. Like so many others, I felt a desire to actually do something instead of sitting on the sidelines. My father and I reached out to family and friends, in my hometown of Brooklyn, NY, to collect and donate medical supplies to Ukraine.

We received generous support from first responders within the New York Police Department and New York City Transit Authority. In all, we were able to send more than 100 combat tourniquets, a little more than 1,000 assorted bandages, 10 resuscitators and other supplies such as burn blankets. With the assistance of Holy Ascension Cathedral (A Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Clifton, NJ) we were able to ensure the supplies were delivered to Ukraine.

Overall, this was a big team effort and incredible to see the generosity and resolve of the people of New York and New Jersey to help those in Ukraine.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LCDR DENNIS S. OTOSHI ’78, USCG (RET.)

CAPTAIN SHELBY A. MOUNTS ’92, USN (RET.)

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT SHELBY A. MOUNTS ’92, USN (RET.)

In partnership with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and its Federal Emergency Management organization, Vita Inclinata Technologies (Vita), a privately held developer and producer of helicopter and crane load stabilization and precision hardware, has donated their Vita Rescue System (VRS) to assist the Special Aviation Unit of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.

The donated technology consists of a full helicopter rescue kit valued at approximately $500,000. Vita is also providing Search and Rescue training in the regions near Lviv and Kyiv. The combination of Vita’s donated equipment and training brings a new capability to the Ukraine, which will enable its agencies to conduct safer and faster lifesaving operations.

Vita trained the Ukrainians who are using the lifesaving equipment in combat. The Ukrainians requested 30 more systems to expand the capability across other emergency response units.

Vita’s mission is building technology that brings people home—every time. When the conflict in Ukraine started, Vita’s CEO Caleb Carr reached out to the CEO of a fellow TechStars company from the Ukraine, and the idea to donate equipment and training was born. Vita’s Chief Commercial Officer Captain Mounts is a retired Navy helicopter pilot and part of the team introducing this cutting-edge technology to the global market. Key value aspects of the Vita Rescue System include ease of use, and the ability to significantly reduce operational risk while improving speed of action, making it ideal for the Ukrainians.

CAPT Shelby A. Mounts ’92, USN (Ret.), is chief commercial officer of Vita Inclinata Technologies which donated its Vita Rescue System to assist the Special Aviation Unit of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.

LCDR Dennis S. Otoshi ’78, USCG (Ret.), third from right, with his Red Cross team in Ukraine.

The Urkainian Army used one of its infantry fighting vehicles to free a Red Cross vehicle stuck in mud.

LIEUTENANT COMMANDER DENNIS S. OTOSHI ’78, USCG (RET.) Classmates, fellow warriors, freedom loving Americans, I sit here in a darkened train station in our version of the midwatch. The darkness masks the reality that it is actually the 21st century. I only have to close my eyes and listen to the air raid sirens to be transported back to 1940 and the London Blitz.

Refugee trains; indiscriminate bombing of civilians; the modern versions of V-1 buzz bombs flying into a capital city; an enemy so unquestionably evil that there is no debate; and a nation standing alone.

Like that earlier time in history, people of good conscience have rallied to the cause. When governments were slow to act, individuals took it upon themselves to join the fight. Whether at the front or from the home front, this cause became theirs.

It has become mine.

Fate and circumstance have brought me to Ukraine. My schooling and experiences with the USNA Class of 1978 and especially 33rd Company have served me well. I am grateful for your thoughts and prayers, but please remember that it is not about me, it is about the Ukrainian people.

—Dennis Otoshi, Registered Nurse, American Red Cross/Ukrainian Red Cross JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 15

FEATURE

PHOTO COURTESY OF DR. ERIC GORALNICK ’95

DR. ERIC GORALNICK ’95 “What can we do?” asked Dr. Nelya Melnitchouk, a Ukrainian-born oncology surgeon whom I work with at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital in Boston, MA. Nelya asked how we could get our Stop the Bleed program directly to Ukrainians to empower and educate them to provide first aid for uncontrolled bleeding due to trauma.

Within 24 hours, we made two YouTube videos in Ukrainian, posted them and teamed on an amplification plan to get this to the front lines as rapidly as possible. Working with local, national and international collaborators, the video has been played more than 131,000 times and has reached more than 520,000 people in Kharkiv, Lviv, Mykolaiv and Kyiv, Ukraine.

Multiple media outlets including the Washington Post and BBC, in addition to non-governmental organizations like Médecins Sans Frontiéres and the World Health Organization have helped us get this critical information to those who need it most. The Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Ukrainian clinicians and other stakeholders then requested more Just in Time (JIT) videos on several topics. We, Mass General Brigham, subsequently partnered with YouTube, formed a team of national subject matter experts and have produced a series of videos on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear readiness for both the Ukrainian public and public safety professionals. Our first video in this series has now been viewed more than 279,000 times in the Ukraine.

As a rapid, trusted, rigorous means of knowledge dissemination, our aim is to revolutionize humanitarian care during conflicts by empowering the public to save lives. As more than 1 million civilians die annually from conflicts across the globe, we are working on translations in multiple languages and optimizing amplification strategies.

Our efforts to support Ukraine are our most recent example of aiding bidirectional translation of emergency care innovations between the military and civilian medical communities. On

16 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

15 April 2013, I was one of many who cared for those injured at the Boston Marathon bombings. On that day, many of the injured survived because of life-saving care applied in the field, either

by Boston EMS or by laypersons. That event crystalized for us that laypersons would and could provide lifesaving first aid during crisis.

We then teamed with Lenworth Jacobs, a trauma surgeon, who was leading national efforts to better understand best practices in prehospital, battlefield care in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Over a decade, the military trained and empowered soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines to recognize life-threatening bleeding, apply pressure, pack a wound or apply a tourniquet.

Prehospital hemorrhage control, intervention, blood transfusions and rapid prehospital transport reduced deaths by 44 percent on the battlefield, which equated to thousands of lives saved.

In contrast, trauma is the leading cause of death for Americans under 46 years of age, with approximately 200,000 deaths annually and costing a $670 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity. Approximately 20 percent of deaths could be prevented based on improvements in civilian trauma care based on military innovations made after the start of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

We then focused on studying how we could translate and implement these skills broadly. We conducted the largest trial of the public, the PATTS [Public Access and Tourniquet Training Study] trial, where we demonstrated that 92 percent of participants with no medical background could apply a tourniquet in the right amount of time, in the right location and with the right amount of tension. After the one-hour Basic Hemorrhage Control (B-Con) course, approximately 55 percent of people retained those skills three to nine months later. These initiatives are helping us improve how we better understand human behavior and improve education of the lay public during public health emergencies. a Eric Goralnick ’95, MD, MS, is an associate professor of Emergency Medicine at Harvard Medical School and a practicing emergency medicine physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA. Goralnick is the faculty lead for the Harvard Medical School Civilian Military Collaborative, and leads emergency medicine initiatives at the Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation and the Center for Surgery and Public Health.

THANK YOU

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JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 17

FEATURE

PRECIOUS PEARL ORPHANED AS A BABY IN VIETNAM, MITCHELL ’96 HAS LED AN INCREDIBLE LIFE

By Linda West

I

f the circumstances surrounding Kim Mitchell’s birth were a predictor of her future, she would likely not have been a Naval Academy graduate in 1996; a celebrated veteran whose portrait was thoughtfully painted by a former U.S. President; recounted in news stories; or her life put to lyrics of a song.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KIM MITCHELL ’96

She would have been dead.

Kim Mitchell ’96 was taken to the Sacred Heart Orphanage in Vietnam in 1972. James Mitchell, an Air Force Airman, along with his wife, Lucy, adopted Kim and brought her to Wisconsin.

18 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

In 1972, at the height of the Vietnam War, Mitchell’s mother was killed during the advance of North Vietnam soldiers into Quang Tri. Mitchell’s mother, whose name and age were not known, was found lifeless on the side of the road by a man responsible for evacuating the town. He found Mitchell clinging to her mother trying to get whatever milk was left in her breast.

The man pulled Mitchell from her mother and carried her in his hat as long as he could until the miles got the best of him, handing her off to a South Vietnamese marine whose company was assigned to destroy the My Chanh Bridge. The man asked the South Vietnamese marine to take the infant the rest of the way in that same hat to an orphanage in Da Nang.

That South Vietnamese marine on the last leg of the journey was later identified as Bao Tran.

Nuns at the Sacred Heart Orphanage asked Tran to give the child a name. He called her Tran Thi Ngoc Bich, which translates in English to “Precious Pearl.” Tran said it was the name he would have given his own daughter.

Months later, Mitchell was adopted from the orphanage

by James Mitchell, an Air Force airman and chaplain’s assistant, and his wife, Lucy.

“One of his regular stops was the nearby Sacred Heart Orphanage, where he brought supplies, gifts and clothes to

the nuns,” Mitchell said. “One day, the nuns placed me in his arms. I was just one of many crying babies. They said I’d been abandoned and brought to the orphanage.

My father and mother were childless and planned on adopting. For some reason on that day, I got lucky. My dad decided to adopt me and bring me home with him.

He named me Kimberly.”

Mitchell was raised in rural Wisconsin, where she said she led a relatively normal life and blended in with the other children as much as she could.

Being the only Asian made her a novelty in the small town.

DESTINED TO SERVE Early on, Mitchell became fascinated with the military—really, its discipline and structure—and she knew her life would involve some sort of military service.

“Even in kindergarten, I wanted things to be perfect. I wanted square corners on my bed. I wanted my clothes to be folded. As a teenager, I ironed my blue jeans,” Mitchell joked.

As an honor student with college ambitions, Mitchell said her father encouraged her to attend the Air Force Academy and follow him into the branch, but a chance encounter with a retired admiral she’d met at a youth conference changed her ambitions from air to sea.

“He mailed me brochures and an academic catalog. The pictures were all in color. Smiling students, sailboats cruising under radiant skies. And women! There were women in the photos. It looked like a place where I belonged,” Mitchell said.

“So, this small-town girl 1,000 miles from the ocean fell in love with the sea and became a midshipman.”

HEADED TO THE NAVAL ACADEMY In 1991, two weeks before Mitchell was scheduled to report to the Academy, her father was struck and killed by lightning while working on the family’s farm. His death rocked her and as Plebe Summer was ending, Mitchell returned to Wisconsin, putting off her attendance a year.

“Even though staying at the Academy was important, what took priority was the care of my family,” she said.

After a year off, Mitchell was readmitted and graduated in 1996 with a degree in ocean engineering. She served as a surface warfare officer aboard surface ships and at shore commands. She was later hand-picked to serve as a White House military aide, participating in hundreds of events for the President and First Lady under two administrations.

During her last two years on active duty, Mitchell served as the deputy director of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Office of Warrior and Family Support. That work, assisting hundreds of communities and organizations, would set the framework for her post-military life, where she said she learned the value of community relations and impactful programs for transitioning service members and their families.

In 2012, Mitchell became president and co-founder of the Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services where she, once again, assisted transitioning service

The man who rescued Kim Mitchell ’96 in 1972, Bao Tran, named her Tran Thi Ngoc Bich which translates to Precious Pearl.

In 2011, Kim Mitchell ’96 visited Vietnam and the orphanage she was adopted from in 1972. She met Sister Mary Tran, who was at the orphanage when Mitchell was taken in.

members into civilian life. Five years later, she moved to California to take over Veterans Village of San Diego, where she became the first woman and first non-Vietnam veteran to hold the top post.

She left that position in 2020 to take on an executive role at National University in San Diego.

LIFE CHANGER When Mitchell turned 40, she wanted to celebrate with a trip to her birth home.

“Like most adopted kids, I wondered about my origins. Who were my parents?

Why had they abandoned me? In 2011, I took a brief trip with friends to Vietnam, where I thought I might somehow connect to my past,” she said.

Without telling Mitchell, her friends contacted the nuns at Sacred Heart Orphanage, which was still operating.

They arranged for Mitchell to visit. While there, Mitchell met Sister Mary Tran, who had been at the orphanage back in 1972.

Although all of the orphanage’s records were destroyed by the government in 1975, remarkably, Tran and some of the other nuns were able to recall the names of the thousands of babies who passed through the orphanage’s doors. From their memories, the nuns recreated the old records, and there she was: Tran Thi Ngoc Bich, baby 899.

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 19

FEATURE

MITCHELL’S SONG The song, “Precious Pearl,” tells the story of Kim Mitchell ’96, who was found on a roadside in Vietnam in 1972 clinging to her deceased mother. A South Vietnamese Marine carried her to the Sacred Heart Orphanage in Da Nang, Vietnam, where she was adopted by a U.S. Airman and brought back to Wisconsin, where she pledged a life of service.

The Library of Congress asked the nonprofit organization, Operation Song, to work with songwriter Cindy Morgan to write two songs with Mitchell. “Precious Pearl” shares Mitchell's incredible personal journey: One life ends and another is spared God knows how you found me there An angel. A stranger.

Destiny on the side of the road Walked for miles with miles to go Was I sleeping or crying Were you praying. Were you trying To breathe some life into the hurt Make something better instead of worse All over the world all over the world Wish I could replay that day back in my mind Search for a photograph Something to bring you back You saw a treasure instead of a landmine You said I was your Precious Pearl You said I was your Precious Pearl Close the window God opens a door Rare gem from the ravage of war A Mother. A Father. Always wanted a daughter All over the world. All over the world Counting back to one from 899 Search for a photograph Freeze the moment you said that The treasure you searched so long to find You said I was your Precious Pearl You said I was your Precious Pearl What’s in a life what’s in a name Plant some love inside the pain We were living we were trying We were looking for lightning All over the world. All over the world Wanna make you proud lookin down from heaven’s eyes Carry your photograph Something to bring you back You said I was the treasure you searched so long to find You said I was your Precious Pearl You said I was your Precious Pearl

20 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

“Running my finger on that name was like reaching back through the mist of time and touching something vital.

Knowing your past is one thing. Feeling it is quite another,” Mitchell said.

A day or two later, the friends visited the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, which issued a press release about their discovery.

A few news outlets picked up the story, including Nguoi Dep Magazine, a small Vietnamese-language monthly published in New Jersey.

In October 2012, Mitchell said she received an email from a man by the name of Bao Tran, who was living in Albuquerque, NM. He had read her story in the New Jersey publication and told her he was the person who brought her to the orphanage.

“I didn’t believe a word he said,” Mitchell said. “I thought he was either delusional or a scam artist.

It took many emails and phone calls to change my mind.”

On 29 March 2013, which happened to be National Vietnam Veterans Day, Mitchell met Tran in Albuquerque to learn more of her story.

“Bao told me I wasn’t abandoned,” she said. “I was rescued. And Bao was just one of the rescuers.”

Bao was 22 years old and part of a Vietnamese Marine demolition crew assigned to dismantle the My Chanh Bridge along the main highway between Quang Tri and Hue to slow the North Vietnamese Army’s advance. According to Mitchell, Tran spotted a person staggering across the bridge right before it was destroyed. The unidentified man handed the baby to Tran and asked him to bring her to safety.

“Bao never forgot me and always considered himself, in some sense, as my surrogate father. He calls me con gái, daughter, and his own daughter Cindy calls me ‘Sis.’ It’s very Vietnamese, who place the highest of value upon family. And families are broadly defined,” Mitchell said.

“I’m in awe of Bao, his compassion and his selflessness, which are beyond comprehension. But I also think that Bao stands for so many others, veterans, who have given of themselves in extraordinary ways. I saw it in the Navy, which instills an ethic of service, a devotion to mission and a commitment to something greater than yourself. Military service makes you strong, but if you learn the right lessons, you also grow in kindness,” Mitchell wrote in an essay about her journey.

PRESIDENTIAL BOOK Since Mitchell’s journey became public, she has become an in-demand speaker. People want to hear her story of adversity and triumph. She also captured the attention of President George W. Bush. Mitchell is one of 43 people included in the former President’s recently published book, Out of Many, One, which features powerful portraits he painted alongside inspiring stories of immigrants he’s met.

The audio version of the book includes comments from the 43rd president included in the book. For her part, Mitchell said:

“I think something that I’d want to say to young immigrants about American citizenship is that it’s worth it,” she said.

“Becoming a citizen is worth it because this country is our country when we become citizens. And to never let anyone say that because of where you came from or because of the color of your skin or because of your background, that you don’t have the right to be able to give back, to be able to achieve your goals, to achieve your dreams.

“Immigrants are important to this country because it is all of us that have come together. This is what America was founded on: immigrants coming to this country and achieving the American dream and making this country what it is today.”

Mitchell’s portrait also is featured on the cover of the deluxe edition of the book.

MITCHELL’S STORY PUT TO MUSIC As part of its Veterans History Project, the Library of Congress, which collects stories and original materials of veterans, asked the Nashville-based nonprofit Operation Song, to work with Mitchell to put two of her experiences to music.

Operation Song, founded in 2012 by Grammy-nominated songwriter Bob Regan, pairs service members and veterans with professional songwriters to create songs that are personal to them.

Mitchell was linked with songwriter Cindy Morgan, a two-time Grammy nominee, and the mind behind songs for artists including Echosmith, India Arie, Rascal Flatts, Vince Gill and many others.

Over a two-week period, Morgan and Mitchell worked on two songs: “Old Glory,” which told the story of a group of Vietnam veterans on an Honor Flight from

Oshkosh, WI, to Washington, DC, and “Precious Pearl,” Mitchell’s personal journey from Vietnam to the United States.

“The full circle of Kim’s story is amazing,” Morgan said. “For a terrible war that was tough and left bad feelings, something beautiful came out of it. This is an incredible story.”

While she is grateful for all the recognition, Mitchell never wants to lose sight of her purpose.

“My goal is to use my experience to raise awareness for those who served and sacrificed for our country,” she said.

In April 2021, Mitchell took her experience to another level. She joined the office of secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affair’s as liaison to veterans service organizations. In this role, Mitchell will continue her work, this time on behalf of all of the nation’s veterans. a

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 21

FEATURE

SEAL

TEAMS FORMER ACADEMY LACROSSE AND CREW ATHLETES SAY SPORTS PREPARED THEM FOR THE SEAL COMMUNITY

By Chase Cook

Alden Mills ’91 was a bit behind when he started at the Naval Academy.

He was about the last member of the Class of 1991 to arrive for Plebe Summer. He missed Induction Day and the chaotic whirlwind of activity, confusion and adaption that come with it. Mills spent his summer participating in the Henley Royal Regatta in England, where he won gold and silver in rowing.

The future Navy SEAL platoon commander found himself far behind his classmates, unsure if he even had the proper attire to start his time at the Academy. He initially felt he was playing catch-up on the way things worked on the Yard.

“I believe I was the last one accepted,” Mills said. “Plebe Summer is a place where you learn a week’s worth of information in a day … I showed up seven days late.”

But Mills’ story was just beginning. He redoubled his efforts, found friends and did the best work he could. He commissioned into the Navy and ultimately joined the Navy SEALs, an elite unit of professional warriors sent across the world to protect U.S. interests.

A crucial part of that journey was his participation in sports, specifically the Navy crew team. A closer look at the SEALs and Force Reconnaissance Marines shows athletes are often primed for joining the elite squads. Midshipmen who participated in rowing, lacrosse, wrestling, water polo and other sports had higher chances of success becoming SEALs and Force Recon Marines, according to a 2010 Gallup study paid for by the U.S. Navy.

Making it into the SEALs or Force Recon Marines is no easy feat. Both are elite military units, with the SEALs focusing on destroying the enemy and completing set objectives. Force Recon Marine focuses on intelligence gathering and avoiding combat, though they have extensive combat training.

22 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

PHOTO COURTESY OF SPORTSGRAPHICS PHOTO COURTESY OF ALDEN MILLS ’91

SEALs require more than 12 months of initial training, including Basic Underwater Demolition/Seal (BUD/S), parachute jump school and more intense training. The training pushes candidates to their mental and physical limits. It includes limited sleep, frigid cold-water training and much more. One of the most brutal weeks is “Hell Week,” when the Navy does its best to cull out anyone who can’t rise to the top before investing in further training.

Mills said Academy athletics can be a launching pad to becoming Navy SEALs because they train individuals in specific ways. Rowing requires precise teamwork and intense endurance. Even if someone is the best and strongest rower, it will require the team to work together for success.

A successful SEAL pushes their body and mind beyond their limits while taking care of their fellow SEALs. Teamwork is critical.

“It definitely attracts a certain personality,” Mills said. “We had a lot of big strong boys who used to play basketball and were on track, and they decided that had run its course and wanted to try something else.”

Alden Mills ’91 rows with fellow midshipmen in 1990. After performing well in an Olympic sports festival, Mills joined the Naval Academy’s rowing team. Teamwork, a skill valued by U.S. Navy SEALs, is also critical for rowing crew.

Bonding through suffering Jim J. Darcy ’88 played lacrosse all four years at the Academy. He played in the NCAA quarterfinal against Syracuse in 1987. When he went into SEALs training, Darcy leaned on the times the lacrosse team got up at 4 a.m. to run intervals.

He said the focus on teamwork drove him, as he and his teammates pushed each other to the brink.

Darcy said that bond is essential to persevere through adversity. It is so strong that it is easy to see teammates after 20 years and pick that relationship right back up.

“The suffering together is what makes it a team; it bonds people,” Darcy said. “When you go through the same rigors and challenges and ups and downs, the bonding can’t be created really any other way. You have to go through it.”

Erik L. Kapitulik ’95 also played lacrosse all four years at the Academy.

He served eight years as a Marine Corps infantry officer and was a member of the

Alden Mills ’91, middle, sits alongside two friends while he was an active Navy SEAL in 1995. Mills was a member of Navy’s crew team, an experience he said helped him make the elite Navy SEALs.

Force Recon Marines. He was a survivor of the Marine CH-46 helicopter crash in 1999 that left six Marines and one sailor dead.

Kapitulik said his background in running and lacrosse helped him meet Force Recon Marines’ physical requirements.

But the mental conditions are their own beast, he said, requiring aspiring Force Recon Marines and Navy SEALs to run, lift and swim on limited sleep.

Surviving the training doesn’t only hinge on strength and intelligence, Kapitulik said. Although those ingredients are crucial, joining the elite military corps requires doing the work and helping your fellow Marines.

“Nobody has accused me of being the smartest guy in the room,” Kapitulik said. “I have to be unbelievably organized and dedicated. All of that stuff I just took with me from being a JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 23

FEATURE

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAX GRANT ’88

lacrosse player and infantry officer, using those experiences to help with the decisions and how I interacted as a Force Recon Marine.”

Coach Robert Friedrich knows a little about what it takes to make a great Navy rower, and he has seen those skills translate to tremendous success for active duty Marines and sailors.

Friedrich is the Tom and Candy Knudson Director of Navy Rowing and has been at the Academy for about 20 years.

Being a member of the Navy crew team can be grueling.

The team practices twice a day, with wintertime forcing them inside and away from the water. On average, they row about 20,000 meters a day, Friedrich said.

It is an intensely demanding sport for an individual. They have to perfect their rowing against the physics of the water.

To be truly successful as a team, it requires each rower to work together in unison with their teammates.

“The sport of rowing not only teaches athletes to train hard, but they have to work as a cohesive unit,” Friedrich said. “One bad stroke out in the boat, a bad day physically, can put the whole boat in jeopardy.”

In his 20 years at the Academy, Friedrich has seen his fair share of successful midshipmen. Midshipmen with a variety of experience and skills have tried out, but the successful ones are those who understand the height of the wall before them and have the tenacity to climb it.

And it helps that the midshipmen begin to understand that pain is part of the process.

“They realize everything we do will help them become a better candidate for special forces,” Friedrich said. “Our guys kind of thrive in adversity. Being out in the cold water, dealing with blisters on their hands. The longer and harder the workouts, they seem to thrive on that stuff.”

Former Navy Lacrosse Coach Richie Meade said he noticed incoming lacrosse players might ask about special forces. He realized the success of a few of his players in the SEALs created a network of alumni who would support each other and even call their coach years later.

The 17-year coach at Navy said he always taught his team to support each other, win or lose. That lesson has carried itself on through his players as they become pilots, surface warfare officers and even Navy SEALs. “You gotta be selfless; our deal was always, ‘you are not as important as your teammate,’” Meade said. “It isn’t about you. You gotta be tough.”

“Committed to not quitting” Of course, training in sports and training in war are different animals. SEAL training peels away every layer of a person until they are fully exposed, weaknesses and all, said Max A. Grant ’88. Grant played three years of lacrosse and one year of football in Annapolis.

“If BUD/S takes you eight layers in, lacrosse and crew maybe take you one layer in, maybe two for crew,” Grant said.

“Playing sports is good for you, but BUD/S is so far beyond the experience you get. Going through BUD/S is trying to ride around the world in 80 days.”

Grant recalled his time in training as incredibly challenging. He came to BUD/S after a friend of his completed a portion of it. Grant recalls his friend telling him if he knew what he was in for, he may have reconsidered.

Grant said he could meet all sorts of requirements physically when he made it to training, but it didn’t matter how many push-ups or pull-ups or how fast he could run.

“When you really get into (it), you realize it doesn’t make a bit of difference,” Grant said. “It is about how much you can

Max Grant ’88 (right), stands alongside several of his friends in 1990 during a Green Beret/18A graduation. From left: Tom Katis, Matt Mann, Scotty Brasile and Randy Shughart.

Shughart received the Congressional Medal of Honor after he died in 1993 at the Battle of Mogadishu, where he saved lives at the cost of his own.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF JIM DARCY ’88

tolerate suffering and how much you are committed to not quitting.”

Not quitting is the key. Not giving up on yourself and not abandoning your swim buddies, said Mills. He has used his time out of the military to co-found a business, Perfect Fitness. He writes about his experiences with leadership while serving in the military.

He has written two books, Be Unstoppable and Unstoppable Teams, that focus on team building and success.

Mills also gives talks and training on leadership throughout the country.

A lot of what he shares he learned as a SEAL. He fondly recalls a time he was running during training, and he had struggled a bit to keep improving his times. A few of his swim buddies took a few seconds off their run times to slow down and give Mills the slightest push and motivation.

His experiences as a SEAL and in other walks of life led him to develop what he calls the “relationship trinity” of care, vulnerability and trust. Without all three, even the Navy SEALs won’t succeed, Mills said.

“It goes well beyond empathy and love,” Mills said.

“The reason someone is willing to dive on a grenade is that the idea of letting them down is worse than dying.” a

The U.S. Naval Academy lacrosse team shakes hands with the Syracuse team in 1988. Before joining the Navy SEALs, Jim Darcy ’88 played for the Naval Academy team for four years.

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FEATURE

By Ellen Ternes

MAKING A DIFFERENCE T

he first time Mike Steadman ’10 got into a boxing ring was his plebe year at the Academy.

“I got stopped in 30 seconds,” he said. By the time he graduated, he had won three national boxing championships.

Boxing has been more than championship medals for Steadman since then.

“There’s a reason they teach boxing at the service academies—to test leadership and grit and resilience,” Steadman said.

Today, at his Ironbound Boxing Academy, Steadman and his coaches are teaching young people from inner-city Newark, NJ, how to box.

But Ironbound doesn’t stop at boxing. When the kids take off their gloves, Ironbound mentors help them learn how boxing skills can help them succeed outside the ring.

“Our goal is not to make professional boxers,” Steadman said. “Our goal is to build champions in and out of the ring, very similar to the Naval Academy. At the Naval Academy, we box, but at the end of the day, you become an officer. You graduate.

You serve your country and then you get out and you serve in corporate America or public service.

“In a lot of amateur boxing programs in the country, kids are either turning pro or going back to the streets. So, we want our kids to go on to start businesses. We want them to go to college, pick up a trade. We want them to be good humans and contribute to society in a positive way.”

In the Ironbound Academy gym, kids learn how to box. Outside the ring, Steadman offers an entrepreneurship program called THRIVE. “We teach them how to bootstrap a small business,” he said. “We offer scholarships to attend college or trade school. And then we offer mentorship with the goal of also helping them find employment opportunities.”

More than 150 young men and women have taken part in the Ironbound Boxing Academy in

Steadman ’10 and his staff at Ironbound Boxing Academy use the sport to provide inner-city kids a positive place to be. Newark, NJ, youth are mentored with the goal of helping them find employment opportunities.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MICHAEL A. STEADMAN ’10

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“THERE’S A REASON THEY TEACH BOXING AT THE SERVICE ACADEMIES—TO TEST LEADERSHIP AND GRIT AND RESILIENCE” Newark. Steadman is working hard to expand the program to include more offerings, and, eventually, to serve other cities.

“We’re still a growing organization,” Steadman said.

“One of our goals is to outfit an abandoned space in the basement of a luxury apartment building, right in the heart of downtown Newark. We want to build it into what we’re calling the Ironbound Courage Academy, that brings the best of boxing and our youth development program under one roof.”

In addition to mentoring young people, Steadman is an entrepreneur, podcaster and veterans’ advocate.

‘WE CAN HELP THEM’

During his time in the Marine Corps, Steadman deployed to Afghanistan, the Philippines and Japan. When he got out, he could have started civilian life pretty much anywhere.

He chose Newark where 40 percent of the population lives below the poverty line.

Steadman was first introduced to the Newark community when he participated in the Saint Benedict’s Prep Summer Professional Training Event. The program with St. Benedict’s Prep is one of a dozen programs offered to midshipmen through the Center for Experiential Leadership Development— sending more than 30 midshipmen each summer to develop leadership skills and provide mentorship to students.

“I’m from central Texas, but I interned here as a midshipman and I fell in love with the city,” Steadman said.

“St. Benedict’s Prep reached out to the Naval Academy and requested midshipmen of color to come to Newark and basically be positive role models for the students, and I was part of that first group.

“I taught leadership at St. Benedict’s Prep over the summers. When I decided to transition out of the military, I felt like Newark was a great spot to start a free amateur boxing program.”

Steadman went back to work at St. Benedict’s, a prep school young men and women of color.

“I’d always wanted to start a boxing program that brought the best of the Navy boxing program to the heart of the inner city.” Steadman said. “I went to Newark with the intent of starting a St. Benedict’s Prep boxing team, but that became Ironbound Boxing Academy.

“I wanted to do a gym out in the city, because I wanted to impact kids beyond just St Benedict’s and the broader Newark area. I was able to negotiate a deal with the city of Newark in 2017 to outfit an abandoned space in the back of a leaky recreation center.”

He figured Newark would be open to his plan.

“I felt like I wouldn’t get a lot of pushback from the city, because boxing thrives in, to be quite frank, urban and blighted communities,” he said.

The Ironbound website cites several statistics about kids in an urban setting like Newark, the kids he is trying to help: high school dropouts are three times more likely to be unemployed and eight times more likely to be arrested or jailed. Only one in 10 youth from low-income families graduate from a four-year college.

“We thrive with the kids that are looking,” Steadman said. “They don’t

During his time in the Marine Corps, Steadman ’10 deployed to Afghanistan, the Philippines and Japan.

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FEATURE know what they’re searching for, but we can help them. We try our best to help them find it. So, I snatch kids up off the street, I tell them, ‘Hey, come to the gym.’ We’ve got to teach them, you know, what does it mean to be a fighter, what does it mean to compete every day?”

Steadman shared the story of how Ironbound Boxing Academy helped change one young man’s life.

“One day I was at the Boxing Academy, putting up a heavy bag and he walked in. He’d been training with us for a few months and he asked me, ‘Coach got any food on you?’

“Because I worked at St. Benedict’s Prep and have been around teenage boys for three years, and because of my experience in the Marine Corps as a platoon commander, pattern recognition, you know, something was off. I was like, ‘Oh, wait a minute, did you eat anything today?’ He’s like, ‘No coach’. I said, ‘Did you eat anything yesterday?’ ‘No, coach’. It turned out this kid was homeless, and he hadn’t been eating. He’d been sleeping in the street, and, still, he made his way to the boxing academy.”

Steadman and Ironbound got the young man more than food. He was able to enroll in St. Benedict’s, where he lived at the school. He went on to be a finalist in the New Jersey Golden Gloves. Ironbound helped him with a college scholarship, and, through the THRIVE entrepreneur program, he received a $10,000 grant for his business, his own clothing brand. He will soon graduate from college.

As Ironbound has grown, Steadman has gone beyond just coaching at the gym so he can fund Ironbound programs.

He’s become active in veterans’ issues, including starting a podcast for and about veterans. On “Confessions of a Native Son” Steadman shares perspectives on race, culture and business.

“Veterans come out and swing by and visit whenever they travel because of the circles we move in,” Steadman said. “And what makes veterans unique is that we still look at boxing as honor, courage and commitment. Even when I was swimming upstream, it’s veterans and those within our Naval Academy network that kept us in the fight during COVID.” Steadman’s podcast led to the launch of Ironbound Media, where he produces Dog Whistle Branding podcasts for customers.

“Going through the process of launching and hosting that show, I came up with a business model to produce shows similar for other brands,” he said. “And so that’s how I got into podcast production and then off to the races ever since.”

“I’D ALWAYS WANTED TO START A BOXING PROGRAM THAT BROUGHT THE BEST OF THE NAVY BOXING PROGRAM TO THE HEART OF THE INNER CITY.” 28 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

Steadman ’10 produces a podcast that focuses on entrepreneurship and brand marketing.

A GREATER VISION

On the top of Steadman’s agenda is opening the Ironbound Courage Academy.

“The vision is to bring the first-ever Courage Academy here to Newark,” he said. “Then we can scale these things across the country. To pull this off, we need to raise $1.5 million to outfit the space and also ensure that we have what we need to run successful programming over the next five to 10 years there.”

Steadman has a fellowship with the Hoover Institution at Stanford University as a Hoover veteran fellow to work on the project. He’s even sat down with Institute Director Condoleeza Rice to explain the project.

Steadman knows he’s set a goal that will take the grit and resiliency he’s built up over the years. He’s looking for assistance making his dream a reality.

“You know, we don’t have a problem recruiting kids to Ironbound,” Steadman said. “We have a problem thinking about what it’s going to take to get us to this next level to build this Courage Academy. And that’s why we could use the Naval Academy network. We need an anchor donor to kick off this project.”

A number of Academy friends and mentors are already helping, with time, advice and donations. Steadman is hoping more alumni will want to support the Courage Academy. This group includes Brian Rathjen ’88, Thomas Payne ’12 and Captain Phillip D. Jones ’12, USMC. “We have this shared experience as Naval Academy grads, and so we help and support each other,” he said. “I get my energy from the Academy network and this responsibility that comes with it.”

In his busy days of coaching, running a business, producing podcasts and fundraising, Steadman said his favorite thing is still “seeing the kids at the gym on a Friday night in Newark.”

“You know, seven o’clock at night they could be anywhere else, and they’re packed in the gym consistently and religiously,” Steadman said. a

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA

FEATURE

CORNHUSKER CARTER FORMER SUPE TACKLES NEW CHALLENGES LEADING UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA SYSTEM 30 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

T

lead such a large organization. The university system’s annual budget is about $2.7 billion.

“That attracted me—something that is more CEO-like of a major enterprise,” he said. “That was important to me. But more important, I was attracted to the people of Nebraska. The Midwest is a special place.

The people here care deeply about education and their sports.

“They also have a unique love for the military that I have actually not felt in other parts of the country, and I’ve lived in all four corners. I’ve been amazed at how much the people appreciate the military here.”

Much like graduation and commissioning of new Marine Corps and Navy officers at the Academy, Carter said watching future leaders cross the stage after earning their undergraduate degrees or Ph.D.s is the most fulfilling part of his new role. He said he tries to attend as many ceremonies as possible with graduations on multiple campuses in May, August and December.

“There’s still nothing better than that,” Carter said.

ICE TIME In August 2021, Carter and his wife were honored by the University of Nebraska– Lincoln Dairy Store, which unveiled Carter’s Coffee Crunch ice cream. The Carters were involved with the new creation, which is coffee flavored ice cream with espresso beans and chocolate chips.

The Dairy Store is on campus and has been a tradition since 1917.

In November 2021, VADM Walter E. “Ted” Carter Jr. ’81, USN (Ret.), skated with the University of Nebraska–Omaha hockey team.

Carter was the captain of Navy’s hockey team during his time at the Academy.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA OMAHA

VADM Walter E. “Ted” Carter Jr. ’81, USN (Ret.), delivers a commencement speech at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln on 14 August 2021. Carter was named President of the University of Nebraska system in December 2019.

houghts of an easy transition into a new role evaporated for Vice Admiral Walter E. “Ted” Carter Jr. ’81, USN (Ret.), before he really had a chance to settle in at Nebraska.

Following an extended term as Superintendent of the Naval Academy, Carter said he wanted to remain in higher education.

He said five years leading his alma mater inspired him to seek an opportunity to serve in a CEO-like capacity. Carter found that challenge when he was hired as president of the University of Nebraska system in December 2019.

He and his wife, Lynda, had a few weeks before the start of the spring semester to begin acclimating themselves to Nebraska and the university's four campuses. Less than three months later, COVID-19 upended life in Lincoln and across the globe.

“I felt confident coming here that I knew a lot about how to run a complex campus, a campus like the Naval Academy,” Carter said.

“I found I had to make real big adjustments to understand what it means to be a strategic thinker, run policy, conduct fiduciary oversight … and as I was getting my feet on the ground with that, boom, COVID hit.

“Just like every other academic leader across the nation, we had to make big decisions and big adjustments. We have done extremely well during the COVID-era. The number one thing we cared about was taking care of our students, taking care of our faculty and staff and making sure all the decisions we made were in their best interests all the while keeping the mission of our education in the state of Nebraska on track.”

Carter’s strategy to focus on his people was sharpened in the fleet and at the Academy. Through the tumultuous first two years in the Cornhusker State, Carter helped the university system weather the pandemic and had students back for in-person learning in the fall of 2020. Last fall, the flagship campus in Lincoln saw enrollment for freshmen who are the first in their families to go to college increase nearly five percent.

The university system also includes the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO), the University of Nebraska at Kearney and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Combined, the campuses include 52,000 students and 16,000 faculty and staff members. Carter welcomed the challenge to

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 31

FEATURE

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PHOTO COURTESY OF COURTESY CRAIG CHANDLER / UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA– LINCOLN

“The last thing I thought I’d get excited about in my life was having an ice cream flavor named after Lynda and me,” Carter said. “We knew we wanted something coffee flavored and then the chocolate thing just came into it. We have been impressed with how good it is and how popular it’s become.”

Although Carter traded a Navy cover for a red Nebraska blazer, he hasn’t lost his passion for leadership, education and hockey. The Lincoln campus has a club hockey team while UNO boasts a Division I squad that has earned four NCAA appearance since 2006 including a spot in the 2015 Frozen Four.

In November, Carter joined the Mavericks during a practice. The former Navy hockey captain played in a men’s league in Annapolis but hadn’t laced up his skates since arriving in Nebraska.

“They were really welcoming,” said Carter whose call sign while a Naval Flight Officer was Slapshot. “They let an old guy get on the skates and play catch with the puck a little bit. It was really fun. I’m going to get back on the ice with those guys again.” a

VADM Admiral Walter E. “Ted” Carter Jr. ’81, USN (Ret.), and his wife, Lynda, were honored with a custom ice cream in August 2021. Carter Coffee Crunch is produced by The Dairy Store at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

FEATURE

BUILDING UP NEW ALUMNI CENTER IS BEGINNING TO TAKE SHAPE

T

he future home of the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation is starting to take shape.

The foundation for the new 65,000square-foot facility alongside College Creek has been laid. With this development, the construction crew was able to begin work in April on the support walls that will hold the first elevated floor.

The progress of the project is on pace so by mid-fall it will be a “dry building,” meaning the roof, walls and floors will be in place. The arrival of a crane on site in late April signaled the next phase in construction.

Given the current constraints within the construction industry, particularly supply chain issues, the Alumni Association and Foundation is fortunate to have Coakley Williams Construction as its partner.

Coakley Williams’ other projects include the Maryland State House, National Harbor and the Annapolis Yacht Club.

The Alumni Center is scheduled to be complete in the summer of 2023. It will host reunions, alumni gatherings and special events. The finished facility will include outdoor event spaces alongside and overlooking College Creek. It will also have meeting and lounge spaces for alumni and 100 on-site parking spaces.

Thanks to the generosity of the alumni community, the majority of the project’s construction costs were contributed prior to the razing of the site in November 2021.

Thirty classes have supported the Alumni Center so far to raise $7.6 million of the stated combined goal of $9.5 million.

It’s not too late for additional classes to participate. Also, the deadline for becoming a plankowner (www.usna.com/ support/plankowner) is 31 December 2022.

Contact Dan Quattrini at dan.quattrini@ usna.com for more information.

For more updates on the Alumni Center, visit www.usna.com where there are links to the project’s details and to a webcam that shoots photos every 30 minutes to document construction progress. a 34 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

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FIVE MINUTES WITH…

DR. ALISHA MALLOY ’90

Dr. Alisha Malloy ’90 was named the sixth academic dean of the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) in Newport, RI, in February.

Malloy’s term at NAPS will begin this month.

She joins NAPS after serving as an associate professor of computer information systems at North Carolina Central University (NCCU).

Malloy, who earned a master of science in engineering management from Old Dominion University, is an advocate for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. She earned her doctorate in computer information systems from Georgia State University.

Malloy recently shared her story with Shipmate.

Shipmate: How early did you know you wanted a career in education and what prompted you to teach a class at your high school?

Dr. Malloy: I did not want to be a teacher when I was growing up.

I wanted to be an engineer and there were few women engineers when I was growing up. I took a computer programming class in high school and fell in love with technology. I taught a computer programming class during high school because of the love and power I had to create and innovate. I’ve been teaching most of my life in many ways, even during the time I was at the Academy when I would hold study sessions for classes I was not even taking.

I did not answer the call to become an educator until 1997. There were a series of “why” questions that lead me to answering the call: • To my boss at Sprint, I asked: Why was I often the only minority in the department?

• To the academia, I asked: Why were the number of minorities being recruited, retained, promoted and leading in STEM and business industries not increasing, but, in some cases, decreasing?

• To minorities, I asked: Why are so few minority students choosing to major in STEM and business majors?

• To myself, I asked: Was I going to continue to talk about the issue or become part of the solution?

I accepted the challenge and began my quest to get a Ph.D. so that I could make an impact in the classroom and the K-12 pipeline. I was blessed to read an article in Black Enterprise that talked about the PhD Project. The PhD Project was founded in 1994 with the goal of diversifying corporate America by diversifying the role models in the front of classrooms. I’ve been “all in” ever since.

Shipmate: What attracted you to the Naval Academy as a high school student?

Dr. Malloy: I learned of the Naval Academy during a military recruitment presentation during the fall of my senior year. The enlisted

36 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

recruiter said something like, ‘Join the Navy and see the world.’ I asked him if there were other options besides enlisting and then he told me about the military academies. He also warned me that people typically started the process much earlier, typically in their sophomore year. I believed I was up for the challenge, so I started the application process and soon realized it was more in-depth than anything I had submitted before.

I did not know what to expect to be totally transparent; all I knew was that I would be joining the Navy and going to school for my undergraduate degree. I was initially overwhelmed the first time someone called me a plebe and asked me why I wasn’t chopping. I adjusted and found a village that supported me and ensured I made it through the Academy. There’s a lot of stories I could share but this section is called Five Minutes With…

Shipmate: You are a STEM education advocate, why is that so important, particularly for future Navy and Marine Corps officers?

Dr. Malloy: I’m a STEM education advocate because science, technology, engineering and mathematics are seamlessly embedded in everything we do. STEM teaches us teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, innovation, critical-thinking, communication and the list goes on. Because of the skills and mindset taught in STEM, it is critical for everyone, especially future Navy and Marine Corps officers.

STEM allows us to be creators and innovators, not solely users.

It promotes putting theory into practice to solve real-world problems.

We are only as strong as our weakest link.

Shipmate: How did your time at the Naval Academy prepare you for your new role at NAPS? Dr. Malloy: “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required; and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.” —Luke 12:48b “Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation.” —Zig Ziglar I’m a first-generation college graduate. Becoming the Academic Dean of NAPS was not on my radar, vision board nor my five-year plan.

Life has taught me how to serve and lead with empathy and grace.

The Naval Academy reinforced discipline, duty, honor, perseverance and fortitude. All these things were built on the foundation of my faith and the love of my family.

I remember feeling underprepared because I was a direct admit to the Naval Academy. I went through the Academy with a plethora of sisters and brothers who were NAPSters and I learned a lot from their experiences. I believe that these experiences coupled with my work in higher education afford me a unique opportunity to make an impact at NAPS. I’ve been through what the midshipmen candidates are preparing for. ®

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

This feature spotlights the extraordinary accomplishments of alumni in the Navy and Marine Corps and their unique, impactful achievements in the private sector and in their communities.

Please send suggestions to jimmy.debutts@usna.com

AN OCEAN AWAY

AWAY FROM THE OCEAN

By Commander Jack Holthaus ’05, USN

38 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

PHOTO BY MC1 (SWAW) CHRIS THIEN

A

t the Naval Academy, first class midshipmen experience two very memorable events that determine the trajectory of their careers: Service Selection Night and for the surface warfare officers (SWOs), Ship Selection Night. These are the last times your personal choice and merit are the primary factors that determine where you end up.

When joining the fleet, an officer quickly learns about the “detailing triad,” which are the influences that detailers at the Bureau of Naval Personnel, or PERS, use to match people to billets. The “detailing triad” is made up of personal preferences, career needs and the needs of the Navy.

Every so often, a unique opportunity presents itself that meets all three wickets, and the timing lines up perfectly. For me, that time was the Federal Executive Fellowship (FEF) program where I currently serve. Having recently selected for Commander, I wanted to find a job that brought me back to Northern Virginia after my XO tour. After a rewarding 18-month tour in Japan during COVID-19, I was excited to get back to the United States where my family had remained.

As an FEF, officers are assigned to a Washington, DC, area think-tank, an academic institution or a think-tank outside of the beltway. During the year-long fellowship, officers are encouraged to immerse themselves within the institution and explore areas that they typically do not have time to in their traditional career paths. Fellows are encouraged to research and learn about the national security decision making process. Additionally, fellows provide Navy-relevant information and programs from their institutions back to OPNAV N71.

After selection to the FEF program, I was assigned to the Stimson Center in Washington, DC. Coming from the Forward Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF) in Japan, I knew I wanted to further

The 2021-2022 Federal Executive Fellows and the Hudson Fellow recently conducted their capstone event in the National Capital Region. Pictured from left to right: CDR Dan Jones, USN, Institute for Defense Analysis; CDR William Buford, USN, Tufts International Security Studies Program; CDR Andrew Adams ’06, USN, Center for a New American Security; CAPT William Patterson, USN, Council on Foreign Relations; LCDR Brian Harrington, USN, Stanford Hoover Institute; CAPT Tom Petersen, USN, Georgia Tech Sam Nunn School of International Affairs; CAPT Brent Spillner, USN, Hudson Fellow, St. Antony’s College Oxford; CDR Chris Bernotavicius, USN, Center for Strategic and International Studies/U.S. Naval Institute; CDR Chet Lee '03, USN, Chicago Council; CDR Michael Knickerbocker, USN, University of Texas Clements Center for National Security; CDR Jack Holthaus ’05, USN, Stimson Center; LCDR Gerry Mauer, USN, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Security Studies Program; CDR Andrew Vardiman, USN, Atlantic Council; CDR Grant Wanier ’06 , USN, Harvard Kennedy School.

expand my knowledge about the Seventh Fleet region. I jumped on the opportunity to learn from regional experts at Stimson on Japan, China, North Korea, Southeast Asia and South Asia. Additionally, I linked with the Defense Strategy and Planning fellow on staff. I have also had the opportunity to share my Navy experiences with the staff at Stimson, providing insights that they might not otherwise had gleaned. The think-tank staff that fellows are exposed to in this program devote their careers to learning, and make recommendations that shape public policy and how the government functions.

After completing an FEF, officers will complete a utilization tour in a strategist billet on the OPNAV staff, likely in N5 or N7. For due-course officers looking to serve in the Maryland-DC-Northern Virginia area, this is a great way to expand your politico-military knowledge and gain vital international relations experience that can be directly applied to future assignments on a Navy staff.

Despite a mostly virtual experience due to COVID, this has been a tremendous opportunity. I have had time to read, reflect and write. As Hyman Rickover once said, “Nothing so sharpens the thought process as writing down one’s arguments. Weaknesses overlooked in oral discussion become painfully obvious on the written page.” FEF is just one of several fellowships that naval officers are invited to apply and I’m grateful that the “detailing triad” afforded me the opportunity to participate. a CDR Jack Holthaus ’05, USN, is a nuclear surface warfare officer assigned as a Federal Executive Fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington, DC. Selected as a Bowman Scholar in 2004, CDR Holthaus attended the Naval Postgraduate School immediately after graduation. He previously served in CHAFEE, ENTERPRISE, MAHAN, GEORGE H.W. BUSH, CHANCELLORSVILLE and on the OPNAV staff. He reports as executive officer in MICHAEL MURPHY in July.

BRAVO ZULU ’71: CAPT David C. Leestma, USN (Ret.), was named as one of this year’s U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame inductees to be formally inducted in June 2022. ’72: Nelson M. Jones III, has been appointed to the board of visitors of Georgetown University Law Center. ’77: ADM Patrick M. Walsh, USN (Ret.), has been appointed by the Cristo Rey Dallas board of directors as president of Cristo Rey Dallas, a leading Catholic college prep high school in Dallas, TX. ’78: Bruce B. Crair, is retiring as senior vice president and general manager of military for BOINGO Wireless, a leading provider of wireless solutions for the U.S. military and neutral host of public and private networks at major venues around the world.

1980s ’81: CAPT Stephen E. Plaisance, USN (Ret.), is celebrating 30 years in engineering services, rotating and reciprocating equipment. He started with Bently Nevada in 1992, then GE Energy, GE Oil & Gas and currently Baker Hughes. Plaisance completed 30 years of commissioned service in the Navy, 11 years active and 19 years in the Navy Reserves, retiring in June 2011 and has been volunteering as a USNA Blue and Gold Officer since 1996. ’83: Keith C. Phillips, has been named as general counsel of EMCOR Construction Services, a nationwide group of electrical and mechanical contractors. ’85: Philip S. Albert, has been selected by Dorchester County

Commander Alex P. Armatas ’02, USN

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NAVY BLUE ANGELS

1970s

CDR Alex P. Armatas ’02, USN, addresses the crowd at the Navy Blue Angels change of command ceremony.

Public Schools in Maryland as Teacher of the Year, First Class Teacher of the Year. ’88: David J. Albritton, was elected to serve on the board of directors of Embecta Corp., a $1.2 billion diabetes care business that recently spun off from Becton, Dickinson & Company. Additionally, as a former career public relations executive turned executive coach, he was recognized by the 2021 Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations as the Jack Koten Corporate Mentor of the Year. ’88: VADM Mary M. Jackson, USN (Ret.), has been selected for the board of directors for Custom Truck One Source.

1990s ’90: RADM Christopher M. Engdahl, USN, has been selected for promotion to rear admiral and will be assigned as commander, Naval Safety Command, Norfolk, VA. RADM Curt A. Renshaw, USN, has been selected for promotion to rear admiral and will be assigned as director of operations, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, FL. RADM Michael J. Vernazza, USN,

Commander Alex P. Armatas ’02, USN, has been selected as the new commanding officer of the Navy Blue Angels for the next two seasons as announced by Admiral Robert Westendorff, USN, during a ceremony inside the National Naval Aviation Museum on 5 April.

Armatas was selected as the team’s flight leader based not only on his flying abilities, but also due to his high-level leadership skills.

“It is an absolute honor to be here. It is very humbling. It’s a big flood of emotions, just all different sorts. This is extremely exciting for me,” said Aramatas during the ceremony.

To be eligible to apply to become the Blue Angels commanding officers, naval aviators are required to have completed a minimum of 3,000 flight hours and either be a current or past commander of a tactical jet squadron. ®

has been selected for promotion to rear admiral and will be assigned as commander, Fleet Information Warfare Command Pacific/ Information Warfare Task Force, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, HI. ’91: Anthony B. Spinler, has joined the Norwegian company Enhanced Drilling as VP Americas responsible for their growing operations in the Gulf of Mexico, Brazil and Canada. ’92: RADM Dennis Velez, USN (Ret.), was relieved of duty as commander, Navy Recruiting Command, this March and has been selected to serve next as commander, GEORGE H.W. BUSH Strike Group. ’95: CAPT Mike L. Baker, USN (Ret.), has been selected as the senior defense officer and defense attaché to India. CAPT Jason E. Rimmer, USN, has been selected as the director of LEAD Division in Luce Hall at the Naval Academy. ’98: Stacey R. Moy, has been selected as FBI Special Agent in Charge of the San Diego, CA, local field office.

ALUMNI MENTORING PROGRAM (AMP) Open to all Naval Academy alumni, AMP is about alumni helping alumni achieve more in their careers and lives. Register with AMP today to be a mentor, protégé or both. Visit www.usna.com/amp

2000s ’06: Ivor J. Kristiansen, was promoted to director at Barclays Corporate & Investment Bank. ’07: Chris Black, was promoted to vice president, unit manager–risk control consulting at Lockton Companies, the world’s largest independent insurance brokerage firm after eight years with the company. ’09: Bill J. Prom, took a new position as the development director for NextOp, a nonprofit veteran service organization that supports mid-career enlisted with finding successful civilian careers.

2010s ’13: Allen Goins, took a new position as an account manager at PADT, the Southwest’s leading provider of engineering services and products for simulation, product development and 3D printing. ’16: Austin J. Whitehead, took a new position as an assistant project manager with Trident Construction Group in Atlanta, GA. .

Do you know someone who deserves a Bravo Zulu?

Send to comms@usna.com.

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 39

ALUMNI PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Celebrate 50 years of travel with us.

Grand Seine River and Normandy Passage 17-25 September 2022

Canada and New England: Eastern Seaboard Stars 1-11 October 2022

Montreal and Quebec Christmas Markets 1-5 December 2022

Visit www.usna.com/travel-2022 to view these and all of our 2022 offerings.

THE BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE THE CLASSIC CAPTAIN’S CHAIR A true classic, the USNA Captain’s Chair is crafted of kiln-dried solid maple hardwoods. They make great gifts and are available with up to 2 lines of personalization.

Visit www.usna.com/shop for these and other wonderful items for yourself or a friend.

40 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

ALUMNI PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

ALUMNI BUSINESS DIRECTORY Many Naval Academy alumni go on to launch and/or own businesses in a wide variety of vital industries.

The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation launched a business directory in 2020 to spotlight alumni entrepreneurs. Alumni can search the business directory by class, location or industry. To sign up or to locate an alumni owned business, visit www.usna.com/ alumni-businesses.

Questions, please email USNAAlumniBusiness@usna.com Inclusion in the directory does not imply endorsement.

25-26 AUGUST

2022 SAN DIEGO, CA

Looking for a

new career opportunity?

Join us for the San Diego Service Academy Career Conference.

SACC@usna.com • sacc-jobfair.com

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 41

42 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

CLASS NEWS

“But still when two or three shall meet, and old tales be retold...”

’38

Life Membership: 0% Donor Participation: 0% Sec’y: Donald E. Brown Son of CAPT C. Donald Brown, USN (Ret.) 4105 Elizabeth Ln., Fairfax, VA 22032-1453 p: 703-978-4571; e: donaldbrown@earthlink.net

’39

Life Membership: 50% Donor Participation: 0% Vice Pres: CAPT Chip Seymour, USN (Ret.) Son of Harry A. Seymour 309 Melvin Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401 c: 410-279-9195; e: seymour65@comcast.net Sec’y: Barbara Fidel Adams Also Sec’y for ’39 Navy Juniors Daughter of Jack and June Fidel 215 Ikerd Dr., Concord, NC 28025 p: 704-784-3876; e: adamsjimr@aol.com

’39: Class of 1939 graduation (seated)

Thirty-Nine On Line: Barbara Fidel Adams e: adamsjimr@aol.com

In this 2022 June column, in honor of the 83rd Anniversary of the graduation of the Class of ‘39, we reprise the 2019 June Thirty-Nine column”...

Greetings ‘39ers. This column heralds the 80th Anniversary of our 1 June graduation. On that day, 581 members of the great Class of 1939 sat listening to the address given by Admiral As they sat there, they thought back to that day in June of 1935, when the Class of 1939 began its entry into the Naval Academy.

Within a month, a total of some 870 men had formed our Class. At one point, Commander Walter. B. Delaney, Executive Officer, addressed the Class in a memorable ceremony. It was memorable, because he asked the question… ”What about the Class of 1939? How will it stand up? Will it meet the test?”

Of those 581 members graduating that day, and those who returned to the Services in WWII, one out of nine gave their lives in operations against our country’s enemies.

Many became Prisoners of War. One such, was Calvin George- our ’39 Class President.

Calvin was assigned to USS PEARY (DD-266) as Gunnery Officer in the Asiatic Fleet. He was a casualty when PEARY was caught broadside on 10 December, 1941 in the devastation of Cavite Harbor, P.I. and became a POW when Manila fell. He survived four brutal years of captivity in Japanese prison camps, as well as aboard three “hell ships” (which transported the POWs from one camp to another- many of these were sunk by Allied forces, as they

’39: 11th Company

showed no designation as POW transports).

Calvin was liberated in September 1945 at Jin Sen, Korea- his last POW camp.

-editor’s note: Calvin related that

Calvin celebrated his 103rd birthday on 12 March 2019 and became the sole surviving ‘39 Classmate, and the oldest living graduate of the Naval Academy.

M“I wanted to be a Marine when I applied to the Naval Academy in 1934, but was refused one of the thirteen slots reserved for Marines in the class. Ten of the thirteen Marines who graduated with that class were later captured in the Philippines and China, and died while in captivity. If I learned anything from my experiences in life, it is to never ask to be dealt another hand. The second hand you are dealt could be a lot worse than the one you are holding.”

(Calvin was eventually accepted to the Naval Academy and graduated with ’39)

John George, Calvin George, and Mary George Kippen celebrating Calvin’s birthday.

Donor participation numbers as of 31 March 2022.

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 43

39/39 CLASS NEWS

’39: “Bravo Zulu Gentlemen” from 15th Company on behalf of the entire Brigade.

As of the first of this year, ’39 had three remaining Classmates- Calvin George, Nat James and Herb Kriloff. Sadly, Herb Kriloff (who had celebrated his 103rd birthday on 4 October, 2018) passed away on 3 March, 2019. Nat James died on 26 February-just four days shy of his 103rd). We will be reporting more fully on each in upcoming ’39 Shipmate columns, and information be appearing in Last Call as well. We will also be continuing to pay tribute to ’39 in this year of our 80th anniversary.

All three ’39 Classmates received many well wishes on their approaching 103rd birthdaysfrom ’39 widows and ’39 Navy Juniors; from the Naval Academy; from the Midshipmen; the Alumni Association; and from many friends of ’39.

Several Midshipmen birthday greetings were from members of the Class of 2019, one of which read: “I will be graduating in May of 2019, and am a part of the 80 year link in the chain.

It is men like you who inspire me to do my best every day at the Academy, and to one day serve with Honor, Courage and Commitment in the Fleet.”

Another greeting was from ’39 Navy Junior, Chip Seymour, ’65 who wrote: M “While I feel like a real member of the great Class of 1939, thanks to my Dad, it is Classmates like you, Sir, who solidify my bond with ’39.

I know several members of this year’s graduating Class of 2019, and I am struck by the fact that these young men and women will graduate 80 years after your graduation. I hope that the Class of 2019 will not have to go through what the Class of 1939 did, but if asked to do so, they are prepared to perform – thanks in large measure to you and your ’39 Classmates who set the bar of excellence and selfless service to our country so very high.”

Additional greetings were received by Calvin George from Naval Academy graduates, one of which read: M“Happy birthday, Sir! I am currently serving as a Navy pilot in Forward Deployed Naval forces in Japan. I read about your career in a recent edition of Shipmate. What an experience

44 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

you had in the Pacific- certainly different from the one I am having here now. How different our experiences are today than those of your generation. You paved the way for a better future for all of us. What you saw, what you did and experienced, mattered. It has changed the world for the better. Sincerely, thank you. After the many blessings that the Naval Academy and the Navy have brought me, I knew that reaching out to you on your special day, was one easy way to show my appreciation for what the Navy and each Class of USNA before me has done to look out for future generations.

The Navy is an amazing organization because of the extraordinary people that form it!”

And this wonderful greeting: M “Dear Calvin, Congratulations on 103 years of life well-lived! You have conquered obstacles which most of us have only read about and have exhibited bravery that we can only hope

to emulate. You represent a treasured part of our Naval Academy history and traditions.

Thank you for your tremendous contributions to the naval service; and on behalf of the 4,400 members of the Brigade of Midshipmen and the 1,500 staff and faculty of the U.S. Naval Academy, Happy Birthday!” Ted Carter, Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy, Superintendent United States Naval Academy In answer to the question…“What about ’39?

Did it stand up? Did it meet the test?”… ’39 replied…”We have been the custodians of a proud heritage. We have kept the faith”…

On 24 March, 2019 Calvin George passed

Calvin George

away. Once again, hats were tossed into the air as the Class of 1939 welcomed Calvin home.

“What about ’39!”

Respectfully submitted, Barbara Fidel Adams ’39 Class Secretary

’39: “Bravo Zulu Gentlemen” from 15th Company on behalf of the entire Brigade.

40/43 CLASS NEWS

’40

Life Membership: 0% Donor Participation: 0% Corr Sec’y: Dr. Virginia Trimble Widow of Dr. Joseph Weber p: 949-824-6948; fax: 949 824 2174; e: vtrimble@uci.edu

Janis Babcock Johnston Mason Janis Mason, 104, passed away on March 12, 2022. Born on November 11, 1917, in Des Moines, Iowa (her father was temporarily working there), she was raised in Omaha.

A graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, she had a lifelong passion for Janis Mason art. Her family understood she had phases: Her oil painting phase, ceramics phase, and needlework phase.

When she hit the needlework phase, she stayed with it until macular degeneration set in. She traveled the country teaching and developed a national reputation, particularly with metal work and petit point.

She married Robert E. Mason just five months before Pearl Harbor, who preceded her in death in 1993. After Bob’s death she moved to Asheboro in 2001 and spent the next 21 years collecting friends and charming folks. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Mabel Hertes Johnston and Albert George Johnston of Omaha. She is survived by her children Judith Mason Stohlmann (John) of Ft. Worth, Texas, Robert A. Mason (Ann) of Asheboro, North Carolina, and Debra Mason Gardner (Ken) of Thousand Oaks, California, as well as four grandsons, five great grandchildren, and about five million friends.

Her grandson, Bobby Mason, wrote from his heart and it tells it all: “I never asked Grammy what the secret to a long life was. Definitely seems like a major fumble on my part, considering she had a 104-year-long life. But I think that if I had, I know what the answer would’ve been: ‘I can’t get enough of it, darling.’

That was her secret. She loved life. She loved her family- her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, all of whom made it clear they loved her too. She loved art. Making art, teaching about art and art history, and inspiring people to feel the same way she did about art-it’s no coincidence I make my living behind a camera lens. She loved storytelling.

Reading, telling stories about her life, and telling stories about the people she cared

about. She loved margaritas. Shockingly, even more than I do! I think this roughly translates to: She loved to cut loose. Which naturally means she loved laughing. I’m really not that funny y’all, but she laughed at every cheap joke I made to her. She laughed every time she was around any of her three kids, too. Must run in the family. And most of all she loved people. Earlier today I overheard Dad talking to one of the many people who loved her, who astutely said, “Well, she never met a stranger.”

She was authentically herself to every single person she met. So, here’s a toast To the woman whose first birthday ended the Great War (11/11/18), Who witnessed telegrams transform into cell phones, Who lived through two pandemics 100 years apart, Who uncompromisingly saw life as beautiful, Who never met a stranger in her life, Who deserved every moment of the century she got, May we use every bit of inspiration you gave us. Peace, prosperity there’s no doubt that will follow. Rest In Peace, Grammy.

I miss you already.”

Arrangements are pending with Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro. There will be a service in Asheboro at Church of the Good Shepherd and interment at the United States Naval Academy.

Contributions in memory may be made to the Randolph Arts Guild, 123 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, NC 27203.

Published by Pugh Funeral Home Chapel - Asheboro on Mar. 16, 2022.

’41

Life Membership: 25% Donor Participation: 0% Send News directly to Shipmate at: classnews@usna.com

’42

Life Membership: 33% Donor Participation: 0% Pres: CAPT Dale C. Reed USN (Ret.) Vice Pres/Sec’y: Joan Curtis Wife of the late CDR Richard E. Curtis, USN (Ret.) 14518 Faraday Dr., Rockville, MD 20853 p: 301-989-8885; e: joan@jfcurtis.com

Hello Class of ’42 Classmates, Family and Friends, HAPPY JUNE!!!!

CAPTAIN JOHN (JACK) WILLIAM CRAWFORD, JR., USN (Ret.), 102, passed on 28 February 2022. Capain Crawford graduated with distinction, as a member of the United States Naval Academy Class of 1942. He was a World War II veteran whose first wartime assignment was to the USS YORKTOWN, which was deployed to the Battle of Midway. After the war, he earned M.S. degrees in Physics (Nuclear Engineering) and Naval Construction and Engineering, both from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. As a nuclear engineer and naval architect, Capt. Crawford was a pioneer of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear program.

He oversaw research and development of the first nuclear submarine, the USS NAUTILUS, as well as nuclear plant propulsion work on the first nuclear powered aircraft carrier, USS ENTERPRISE, and the combat submarines USS ROBERT E. LEE and USS SHARK. After his retirement from the Navy, Capt. Crawford served with distinction at the Atomic Energy Commission and was the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy at the Department of Energy. Presidents George H.W. Bush and William Clinton appointed Capt. Crawford to consecutive terms on the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Capt.

Crawford grew up in New Hampshire. He was a 1937 graduate of the Tilton School, where he was a member of the varsity ski and football teams. He received the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Award in 2001. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Elizabeth F. “Betty” Edwards Crawford. He is survived by his cherished children Elizabeth F. Crawford, Mary P. Crawford (Brian T. Downie), Carol A. Crawford (Emily E. White), John W. Crawford, III, and his beloved grandchildren, James Crawford Downie (Kelly Roberts), Edmund Thomas Downie (Abigail Bok), and Alexander Edwards Downie.

A Mass of Christian Burial and funeral service at Arlington National Cemetery will be held on a future date.

Our prayers and thoughts are with the families of the Class of ’42.

GO NAVY!!!! BEAT ARMY!!!!

Joan Curtis ’42 Class Vice President/Secretary

’43

Life Membership: 20% Donor Participation: 0% Send News directly to Shipmate at: classnews@usna.com

IN MEMORANDIUM

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 45

44/47 CLASS NEWS

’44

Discarding all setbacks and past mistakes.

He never fails to come up with a clean slate and the retort, ‘Well that’s the way it goes…’. {Sounds like a good way to live, especially arrive to 100 YO}!!

Life Membership: 33% Donor Participation: 0% Shipmate Corr Sec’y: William “Bill” Wakeland 9019 Antietam Dr., San Antonio, TX, 78239 p: 210-646-5870; e: wrwake@satx.rr.com

’45

Life Membership: 66% Donor Participation: 40.00% Acting Pres: CAPT Edward L. “Ted” Cochrane Jr., USN (Ret.) Corr Sec’y: Bonnie Boyd Daughter of CAPT E. L. Cochrane Jr. ’45 4606 Marble Rock Ct., Chantilly, VA 20151 p: 571-342-2266; e: bonnieboyd2266@gmail.com

Danny Childs

Website: www.usna.com/classes/1945

’46

Life Membership: 40% Donor Participation: 7.69% Vice Pres: Larry Baldwin 13708 Leland Rd., Centreville, VA 20120 p: 703-631-9817; e: owl22@cox.net Send News directly to Shipmate at: classnews@usna.com DEFENDI RESPUBLICAM ADOLESCENS, NON DESERAM SENEX

’47

Life Membership: 81% Donor Participation: 16.67% Pres: CAPT Jack M. Stevens, USN (Ret.) 200 Ankersa Way, Hunt, TX 78204-3400 p: 830-238-4355; e: captjack47@hctc.net Corr Sec’y: Eileen Marousek Daughter of Col. L. Marousek 310 King St., Alexandria VA 22314 e: eileenUSNA47@gmail.com Tres: Priscilla Myerson Wife of Ed Myerson

PRES: Jack M. Stevens, USN (Ret.) Hello Forty-Seven!! Hope you are all doing well. Moving into warmer weather always makes everyone happy. I hope you are able to get out and enjoy the Sunshine!

Cute picture of our Class President Jack Stevens on his 97th Birthday with his daughter Susie who tuned 73!! Also, one touring the farm (via golf cart) with Frances and Susie!

CLASS SECRETARY COLUMN DEADLINES Send to: classnews@usna.com 2022

ISSUE: September ’22 October ’22 Nov-Dec ’22

46 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

DUE DATE: Jun 27, 2022 Jul 25, 2022 Sep 26, 2022

I got a nice profile/2ws2update from Arthur “Danny” Child, III ‘47: Born in Iowa in1922, grew up during the Depression in California. On, 18th birthday in 1940, I enlisted in the Navy and was sent, after boot camp, to the USS OKLAHOMA. Luckily, I was transferred to the USS NORTH CAROLINA in the spring of 1941 since OKLAHOMA was sunk in Pearl Harbor to start WWII. In 1943 I entered the Naval Academy and graduated with the Class of “47”, I was assigned to the Supply Corps and spent my Navy career in Japan, China, Hawaii, New York, DC, Puerto Rico, Florida, California and Hawaii. I retired in 1977.

Since retirement I have lived in California and Florida and traveled throughout the world.

Father of five children, I have been widowed twice and have recently married Sylvia Brandwick. Two of my children are deceased. One in Vietnam and one in a traffic accident. I now live in a military initiated retirement community, Paradise Valley Estates in Northern California near Travis Air Base. {May I add Danny, that by the time this edition is published, you will have become a Centenarian so HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!} Here is Danny Child’s Lucky Bag write up: “…III stands for three repartees to your one…

Better known as Danny, he was contributing factor to the success of the ’44-’45 issues of the Log. One of the few remaining honest-togoodness martyrs, he has devoted the past 3 years to keeping up the morale of the girls on the home-front and working on his academics in his spare time. He is the fortunate possessor of utter self-confidence a philosophical outlook upon life. {Love this}

Great oldie photo of Dick Duben (32) trying a back-handed shot against Army in the closing minutes of the fast-paced game. Army won but what a shot! Photo was taken while you were at the Academy! (Photos on the next page.)

I received a sweet not from Sue Clement in response to my postcard: I lost Marwood “Clem” Clement ’47 back in 2011 but have become used to being on my own and am in pretty good health. Because of covid I haven’t visited England (my old home country) for 3 years, but am going over in June this year, so I’m looking forward to that. Clem and I met in London and he loved it over there, so I always think of him when I visit.

{Photos of Sue and Clem on wedding day and one of Sue at a Reunion with POTUS Carter}!

Final Hours: It is my sad duty to notify you of the passing of your Classmates and their spouses …

Gladys Illingworth,

47/49 CLASS NEWS daughter who recently lost both her parents; this was from Carleen Doherty, whose parents were inurned at the Naval Academy Columbarium on February 18, 2022. The letter follows: M “Dear Captain Claytor, It is with sadness that I write to share the news of my father, Carlos D. McCullough, passing on January 17, 2022 just forty-six days after the death of my mother, Doris McCullough, on December 3, 2021. They were married seventy years.

My father resigned his commission as an Ensign on October 24, 1945 and entered the Class of 1949 as a Midshipman on October 25, 1945 never having experienced Plebe Summer!

He told me he paid a mess bill to eat in King Hall as an officer until his orders arrived at USNA directing him to report to the Commandant of Midshipmen to take the oath of office as a Midshipman on October 25, 1945.

Prior to reporting to USNA he trained at Fort Pierce, Florida for underwater demolition during World War II and then went to the Academy because the war ended.

Would you please share the news with the Class of 1949.

Warm regards, Carleen McCullough Doherty”

’47:

Nell Mathis, Rose McPartland, Rose Mary Kaska, Peggy Hewett, Virginia Elmer & Isham Linder. May they Rest in Peace.

That’s all for now Team ‘47! Look to the next Shipmate for more updates. I love receiving your notes in my mailbox, so please don’t stop sending them! Yours loyally for ’47.

“FoBotS” (Fan of Best on the Severn) OX, Eileen

’48

Life Membership: 43% Donor Participation: 5.26% Sec’y/Webmaster: John Tsiknas 16061 Avenida Venusto, Apt. E218; San Diego, CA 92128-4414 p: 858-451-0967; e: johntsiknas@att.net Website: http://1948.usnaclasses.com

Since the last issue of Shipmate, we have learned of the loss of the following: Classmate: T.B. Hayward, 21st Co. 3/03/2022 Wife: Nancy Dunn 2/24/2022

’49

Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 3.53% Pres: CAPT Richard A. (Rick) Claytor, USN (Ret.) 701 King Farm Blvd.,#203, Rockville, MD 20950 e. retxnavy@aol.com Exec Vice Pres and Treas: CAPT Richard A. “Al” Frost, USN (Ret.) 6516 Bellamine Ct., McLean, VA 22101-1481 Paul Laric, Honorary Secretary of the Class of 1949 Sec’y: Ursula Vosseler 2214 Chesapeake Harbour Dr., Annapolis, MD 2140 e. navygolfergirl@gmail.com Webmaster: CAPT Richard A. “Rick” Claytor, USN (Ret.) Website: www.usna-class49.org

Letter from the President I receive obituaries on deceased classmates which I publish on our class website. Often widows or families send in obituaries directly to the Alumni Association for publication in Last Call on Shipmate. Occasionally I receive an email or letter from a family member that has information of a less formal nature on a spouse or parent that requests be passed along to the class. One such letter was received from a

Reflections on Admiral Rickover During my years working for the legendary Father of the Nuclear Navy, I served as his representative in Pittsburgh and was subject to the standard requirements for field representatives to communicate with him on a regularly scheduled basis. Following is an example of how this worked.

In addition to the biweekly letters, Rickover required his NR field representatives to make periodic telephone calls to him whether they had anything of interest to report or not. In my case this was every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. You actually were required to speak to him personally and not to a secretary in his office. Generally, this was not a pleasant experience. One had to think of something useful to tell him without creating a crisis, and one could not get away with continuously reporting nothing at all. I was always amazed that the Admiral would take the time to receive calls all day long from his various NR field representatives (numbering as many as 20 or 30), but that was his style in keeping control of his vast enterprise. The calls indeed did become burdensome to him as evidenced by the directions provided by one of his staff assistants. At some point in my tenure, I was told that saying, “I have nothing to report” when I spoke to him was taking up too much of his time, and, accordingly, when I had nothing to report I was directed to say simply, JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 47

49/50 CLASS NEWS “Nothing!” Later, I was told that even this was too time-consuming and therefore when I had nothing to report I was told to say to him simply, “No!” However, too many “No’s” in succession would cause me grief, so it was necessary to come up from time to time with something of interest to tell him.

Rick Claytor

In Memoriam Robert Taylor Hardeman, died on December 30, 2021 in Greenwood, MS. George Quigley Langstaff Jr., (non-grad) died on January 3, 2022 in Murfreeboro, TN. Margaret “Betty” Whiteside Warlick, widow of LCDR Richard E. “Dick” Whiteside, died February 17, 2022 in Annapolis, MD. Edwin Pratt, died on February, 10, 2022 in Aldjuela, Costa Rica.

Geraldine Germaine Roman “Shonner”, widow of CAPT Paul D. Roman USN (Ret.) died on October 7, 2021.

’50

Life Membership: 67% Donor Participation: 3.53% Pres: CAPT Thomas H. Ross, USN (Ret.) p: 410-757-3745; e: thasross@hotmail.com Vice Pres and Exec. Sec’y: CAPT John J. McNally, USN (Ret.) p: 703-765-8808; e: jmcnallyj@gmail.com Treas: Col William K. Rockey, USMC (Ret.) p: 703-842-3153; e:wkrockey@cox.net Email System Mgr: TBD Webmaster: CAPT J. Patrick Kittler, USNR (Ret.) p: 612-481-7948; e: pkittler@me.com Website: http://usna50.mysite.com Send News directly to Shipmate at: classnews@usna.com

Below are some thoughts brought to mind by our recent loss of Phil Conley, whose impressive obituary appeared in a recent issue of Shipmate … John The recent loss of Major General Phil Conley, USAF, brought to mind several events of long ago.

Phil was a great friend of mine at the Academy. Quiet, unpretentious and smart, he was the one to consult when preparing for P-works and other important events, especially in Chem Labs, where he could be relied upon to figure out the formulas correctly.

When it came time to choose our Service careers, I joined Phil in going down to Mem. 48 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

Hall to sign up with the Air Force, which had incentivized the Mids by offering immediate flight training, whereas the Navy’s offer was, “maybe, after you qualify as an OOD under way!”

As Phil and I entered the august Memorial Hall, on sign up day, we observed a good-sized crowd of candidates present, seated in rather flimsy fold up picnic chairs, spread out under Perry’s “Dont give up the ship” flag. This struck me as inappropriate, somehow!

After being seated in a long row of these chairs (no cushions) we were told that we were one too many; one candidate over the USAF quota, and “unless someone was there as a lark and would leave voluntarily, we would have, as the officer in charge put it, to draw straws,” I felt insulted. I wasn’t there “as a lark,” my career choice was not to be determined by a straw draw. And, as I had been prepared for the Navy, I rose up, clambered over a long row of knees and left the Hall to freedom, thinking, OK, I’ll go to sea, get my UnderWay OOD quals, and take my chances for Pensacola as a seasoned sailor, two years later.

As things turned out, it really didn’t matter.

Less than a month after graduation, North Korea made its lurch to the South; everyone’s plans were effected: John Brick, Dick Bossert, Bob Foley and I soon found ourselves reporting to Flight Training at Whiting Field in Pensacola. While there, we four ex-Navy JV footballers enjoyed playing an additional football season with the Whiting Field Bluejays, the base football team, where we produced a winning season, marred only, one dark night, by a loss to a USAF Base in Biloxi, but, thankfully, unmarred by any injuries to us future Naval Aviators!

But Phil, while on a visit to us in Pensacola from Air Force flight training, somehow picked up a case of Chicken pox, unfortunately, and spent a week or so recuperating, in Pensacola’s sick bay.

But that didn’t slow him down. He, who survived the cancelled drawing in Mem. Hall, and endured his Pensacola Sick Bay stay, completed his Air Force flight training, and went on to major combat and command accomplishments in the Air Force, as attested to in his recent obituary.

Class of ’50 Widows: Joan S. Reed 86, Orleans, MA - Born on September 22, 1935 passed peacefully on March 5, 2022 in Orleans, MA. She is predeceased by her husband CAPT Sherman C. Reed (USN RET. USNA class of ‘50), daughter Jessie Hannah, sister Karen Hodge and brother Robert Drehmann.

She is survived by her sister Gail Drehmann Furman of Verona, NJ, children Jacqueline Fairclough (David) Kingsport, TN, John Harris of Orleans, MA, Robert Harris of Orleans, MA, Joan E. Harris of Myrtle Beach, SC and Theresa Paukert (Brian) of Annapolis, MD, David Reed (Jessica) of Cambridge, MA, Bruce Reed (Bonnie) of Silver Spring, MD, Lisa Reed of HI, grandchildren; Adina Werner , Christie Bold, Andrew Busias, Brian Paukert Jr, Chelsea Harris, Shelby Paukert, Patrick Reed, Andrew Granger, Toni Halpert, Joe Miller, Colin Reed, Katie Reed, Carly Reed, 14 Great grandchildren & many nieces and nephews.

She enlisted as a U.S. Navy WAVES when she was 18. She proudly served for 2 years as a Corpsman. She was active in the Lower Cape Republican Women’s Association, VFW and American Legion. She volunteered in many of the town’s events since moving to Orleans in 1980. She was a Blue Gold Officer for the United States Naval Academy from 1983 1990. She will be missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local food pantry, Fisher House or the American Red Cross.

Mary Lou Jenkins Thurston Smoot Through 91 years, Mary Lou lived a life that could best be described as full of grace and Christ like charity. She passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on January 11, 2022 in Salt Lake City Utah.

Born on August 20, 1930 in Salt Lake to Elmer and Mildred Jenkins, she lived for many years in Salt Lake and moved during World War II to Kahala, Honolulu, territory of Hawaii.

She graduated from Punahou School, the University of Utah, and received a degree in English from Stanford University. She met Lt Dick Wright Thurston (USNA Class of 1950) on a blind date to the Stanford-Army football game She married Dick Thurston on September 1, 1951 in the Salt Lake Temple and together lived in FL, TX, CA, VA, ME, MD, London, Provo, UT and La Jolla, CA. She loved to teach, raise her children, play tennis and serve others. In 1966 she was President of the USNA Officers Wives Association. She was president of BYU Women’s Organization, and in many positions for the Church including Relief Society President. Primary and Young Womens. She served with Dick when he was Bishop of a BYU Married Ward and in the San Diego Temple. Together they served church Mission to the Hmong/Laotian refugees in San Diego. “Service truly was her middle name.”

Survived by her son, Wright Jenkins Thurston (Janett), of Sandy; daughter, Elizabeth Malia Merrell (Wayne), of Story

50/52CLASS NEWS City, IA; son, Rob J. Thurston (Loni), of Provo; 16 grandchildren, and — great- grandchildren.

Submitted by Rob J. Thurston, President (HR/Benefits Hall of Fame). AEP from SHRM. MBA HR Consulting Group (HRCG)

’51

Life Membership: 64% Donor Participation: 4.63% Pres: CAPT Thomas A. Boyce, USN (Ret.) 9014 Belvoir Woods Pkwy., Ft Belvoir, VA 22060 p: 703-780-7525; e: moomapa51@gmail.com Vice Pres: CAPT Bob Small, USN (Ret.) 874 Coachway, Annapolis, MD 21401 p: 410-849-2149; e: rhsusna51@verizon.net Sec’y: Lt Col Wallace G. Christner, USAF (Ret.) 8804 Gibbs Pl., Alexandria, VA 22309 p: 703-780-8632, e: wallace.christner@aol.com Class Fundraiser: RADM Guy Shaffer, USN (Ret.) 7101 Bay Front Dr., #125, Annapolis, MD 21403 h: 410-269-6609; e: ghbs51usna@comcast.net Communications: VADM Robert F. Dunn, USN (Ret) 819 Marshall Ln., Alexandria, VA p: 703-370-9589; e: robtdunn@aol.com Website: www.usna51.com

A Bit of History, or Perhaps, Nostalgia.

This past June we celebrated our 70th Anniversary since graduation, but now, almost a year later, if we pause and reflect, it was 74 years ago that after climbing the Herndon Monument and watching 48B graduate we were packing up to go aboard ship, MISSOURI or MACON, to steam across the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and the Caribbean on Youngster Cruise. Liberty in Lisbon, Villefranche or Genoa, passing through a Sirocco (high winds/seas and sand) on the way to Algiers, MISSOURI losing a fifty-foot boat boom along the way and more than a few with their first taste of seasickness, or almost so. Then on to Gibraltar and Guantanamo and a sip and a puff (well, maybe a bit more) of Hatuey and Cuban cigars. Moreover, how can we forget, Holystoning, watches in the fireroom and firing those big guns…let alone swimming in mid-Atlantic? We may not have thought so then, but, “Ahhh…those were the days! Check you Lucky Bag and see the pictures, Awesome!

Now, these many years and a variety of careers later we’re down to a “Precious few,” or so we’d like to think of ourselves. One hundred and fourteen out of 725 of us left as this is being written. You can check the website for names and up to date numbers.

On the more current side of things your Board of Directors finally got together at Ruth and Bob Small’s home in Annapolis on Wednesday, 9 March. Present in person were President Tom Boyce, Vice President Bob Small, Secretary Chris Christener and

Communicator Bob Dunn. Present by way of telephone was Board Member Herb Zoeherer.

Absent were Guy Shaffer and Roy Malone.

(Roy had just been discharged from a Tidewater hospital after an eleven day stay. As best we can tell, Guy was AOL).

An unofficial summary of the meeting follows: -Review and approval of the Minutes of the 10 June 2021 Annual Meeting -Necrology Report *Necrology published on the class website and updated every other Monday.

-Treasurer’s Report *Monies are held for class expenses in Navy Federal and T. Rowe Price accounts. *Balance sheet available from the Treasurer upon request. (These monies are separate from those held for the Class by the Alumni Association which are used for the various prizes and maintenance of projects gifted to the Academy over the years. (See below).

-Communications Report *Shipmate published eight times a year with somewhat lengthy lead times. *Website updated every two weeks, usually on a Monday.

-Discussion Items: *The Restrictive Gift Agreement with the Alumni Association *Enduring Statement of Intent Regarding Gifts *Revision of the Relinquishment Date (the date at which the Class ceases monitoring the status of gifts and lays that responsibility on the Alumni Association). *The status of Class Giving toward the Terwilliger Center “Who Will I Become,” project. (Updates to be posted on the class website. *Discussion of historic class giving as previously reported by the Class Fundraiser, Guy Shaffer.

-Official minutes currently a work in progress but will be available from the Class Secretary and on the website when complete.

Gatherings.

As is their custom our San Diego classmates with ladies met at the San Diego Yacht Club on 22 February and celebrated Washington’s Birthday. The group is dwindling in number but the report is that the spirit and the élan are still there. No other reports of other gatherings have been received.

News For a number of years Herb Zoehrer has been a docent aboard the ex-USS MIDWAY permanently moored in San Diego. He reports that during the recent COVID pandemic the ship had to reduce staff and close to visitors.

Taking advantage of the closure it was exten-

sively refurbished and has now re-opened.

That news gives your editor opportunity to remind you that MIDWAY is one of the very few ship museums in operation in the United States and by every measure the most faithful to its history and most visited of all. Should you or your family or friends ever get to San Diego, by all means be sure to visit MIDWAY. You may not find Herb Zoerher there, but by the enthusiasm of the people who now run it, their attention to detail in the histories presented and the artifacts to be seen you will be impressed…and proud.

Whether you get to MIDWAY or not another museum that’s guaranteed to bring back memories is the International Slide Rule Museum in Louisville, Colorado. You can also find it https://www.sliderulemuseum.com/.

On display are hundreds of different types of slide rules but there are also stories such as this one.

“After the great Flood, Noah went through his ark and found two small snakes huddled in a corner. Noah looked at these poor specimens and said: “I told you to go forth and multiply. Why haven’t you?” The poor snakes looked up at Noah and replied, “We can’t.

We’re adders.”

Noah was a bit perplexed, but he proceeded to tear bits of planking from his ark, from which he built a beautiful wooden platform. He gathered up the snakes and placed them on the platform. Then he joyfully told the snakes: “Now go forth and multiply, because even adders can multiply on a log table.”

Have news? Have a story? Your correspondent obviously needs help.

BEAT ARMY!

2022 NAVY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Follow Navy Football at: navysports.com

3 SEPT vs Univ. of Delaware 10 SEPTvs Memphis 24 SEPT@ East Carolina (Greenville, NC) 1 OCT @ Air Force (USAF Academy ,CO) 8 OCT vs Tulsa 14 OCT @ SMU (Dallas, TX) 22 OCT vs Houston 29 OCT vs Temple 5 NOV @ Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH) 12 NOV — Notre Dame (Baltimore, MD) 19 NOV @ UCF (Orlando, FL) 3 DEC — AAC Championship TBA 10 DEC vs Army (Philadelphia, PA) 1-800-US4-NAVY JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 49

52/53 CLASS NEWS

’52

Life Membership: 71% Donor Participation: 5.11% Pres: CDR Robert H. Schulze, USN (Ret.) 1017 Towlston Rd., McLean, VA 22102-1116 p: 703-757-0332; e: rhschulze1@verizon.net Vice Pres: Jack Young 20624 Highland Hall Dr. Montgomery Village, MD 20886-4021 p: 301-208-3550; e: jcy52@verizon.net Sec’y: CDR William J. Laux Jr., USN (Ret.) 2004 Whispering Ridge Dr., Great Falls, MT 59405-7813 p: 406-781-5475; e: wjlaux@verizon.net Treas: Col George W. Lester Jr., USAF (Ret.) 5400 30th St., N., Arlington, VA 22207-1502 p: 703-241-1989; e: geova@verizon.net 70th Reunion Cord: CDR G. Phillip Case Jr., USN (Ret.) 7452 Spring Village Dr., Apt. 107 Springfield, VA 22150-4947 p: 703-451-3937; e: casep29@gmail.com Website: www.toughshoes52.org

The most recent Zoom meeting of the Class of 1952 took place on Thursday, 3 March 2022.

Our originally designated speaker was unable at the very last minute to address our Class of 1952 meeting, and a substitute was designated just hours before the meeting: LCDR Anthony R. LaVopa, USN, the DDG 1000 Requirements Officer in OPNAV N96 – Surface Warfare Division. My baseball analogy is that Anthony was the pinch hitter who hit the game-winning home run. I thought his presentation was sufficiently technical that it was informative and meaningful, yet not so arcane that I couldn’t understand it. It was complete, not only with LCDR LaVopa’s oral presentation, but also with visual aids. And he described his association with different series of ships – his job aboard, where he served, and some of the distinguishing features of each, including their mission. Some of the ships he described were the USS HURRICANE (PC-3); the Freedom/Independence class, LCS-1 and -2; the Constellation class, FFG-62; the USS ARLEIGH BURKE DDG-51; the new DDG(X), forthcoming in the next 5 or 6 years; and the USS ZUMWALT (DDG-1000). After the meeting, our Class president, Bob Schulze, sent a message of thanks to LCDR LaVopa that included the following: “This is a message of thanks from all of the Class of 1952 Zoomers to Anthony for his great, last minute, fill in as speaker for our Zoom meeting yesterday afternoon. His message was outstanding, complete with recent photos of the new ships. These are ships that most of us had never seen before, so it showed us the direction the Navy is taking with new ships. This was followed by an excellent question session that showed his depth of knowledge about all the variety of new ships with a detailed description the 50 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

mission, performance, and power differences in these ships. He was certainly one of the best speakers that we have had at our meetings.

Thanks from all of us.” LCDR LaVopa replied: “It was an honor to speak to all of you and I very very much enjoyed it. I’d gladly come back anytime virtually or in person. Please feel free to reach out anytime if you need anything or have questions. Thank you to each of you for your service to this great Nation and our Navy and for laying the foundation for guys like me.

All the best, Anthony” In response to the invitation to the Class of 1952 Reunion, CDR Stephen P. Mulloy, USN, son of our Classmate RADM Paul J. Mulloy, USN, who passed away in 2016, sent a reply on 7 February 2022 to the USNA Alumni Association, with a copy to Phil Case, who passed it on to me. Because it contains many details of Mulloy family history in the Navy, I pass on some of its details, which I believe will be of interest to Classmates. First, because of medical reasons, Paul’s widow, Mary S. Mulloy, is unable to attend the Reunion because of her health condition, but Stephen and one sibling will attend.

Stephen notes that Mulloys have been in the Navy since 1908, beginning with his grandfather, CAPT Henry F. Mulloy, who served in destroyers in World War I. Next was our Classmate, RADM Paul J. Mulloy, USNA ’52, who had a distinguished career as a Naval Aviator, attested to by his being inducted into the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force Hall of Honor. Stephen’s uncle, CDR Charles S. Mulloy, USNA ’56, became an EDO, and an expert on high power computers. A cousin, VADM Joseph P. Mulloy, USNA ’79, had a distinguished career as a submarine officer, culminating in his assignment as DCNO for Integration of Capabilities and Resources. His two sons are recent USNA graduates. Stephen entered the Navy through the NROTC program at Penn State University, class of 1982, and became a Naval Aviator, flying the P3 Orion, retiring in 2000. He states with pride that the Mulloys have been part of the Navy for over 100 years.

We continue to receive word of the passing of Classmates, wives, and widows.

Received recently: JoAnne Hastings Roberts, widow of CAPT William Eugene Roberts, USN, 27 February 2022 Obituaries are distributed by e-mail, can be found in the Class website, www.ToughShoes52 .com, and are published in the Last Call section of Shipmate. I encourage you to refer often to the Class website, as obituaries and other news items

are available immediately as they are posted.

This column is generally not published until two or three months after submission, and is therefore not a source of timely news regarding deaths, final services, etc.

Let us hear what is going on in your life!

’53

Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 4.12% Pres: CAPT Chris Zirps, USN (Ret.) 1902 Toll Bridge Ct., Alexandria, VA 22308-2447 p: 703-780-6124; e: CZirps53@aol.com Exec Vice Pres: CAPT Alvin S. Glazier, USN (Ret.) 7619 Leith Pl., Alexandria, VA 22307 p: 703-768-2762; e: glophin@aol.com Admin Vice Pres and Corr Sec’y: CAPT Arthur C. Bivens, USN (Ret.) 7448 Spring Village Dr., Apt.323, Springfield, VA 22150 p: 703-270-5940; e: acbivens@aol.com Webmaster: CAPT Paul Dudley, USN (Ret.) e: pdudley@1953.usna.com Website: www.usna53.com

CLASS President’s Note 3/5/2022 Here we are in a New Year and COVID-19 restrictions are still with us. We did manage to get in our Army-Navy Game Lunch with Army Class of 1953 on 9 December 2021. We had 30 total of attendees, half from each class.

The Army-Navy game was a great victory for Navy and a surprise for Army.

We tried to get in our February 2022 Winter Brunch but not enough Classmates signed up and the weather did not cooperate.

For 2022 we are setting up for the June picnic at the Naval Station. Darrell Dempster is working for this event.

I have started work on the 70th reunion for 26-29 April 2023. We will be at the Double Tree again and have a similar schedule as we did in the 68th.

We have not been able to resume our monthly Class luncheons at Fort Myer because of COVID limitations on number of people at a table. Hope fully, by mid-2023 things will change. In the meantime keep well… Chris Passing’s Charles A. Best, COL, USAF (Ret.) (17) died 20 July 2020 in La Jolla, CA. No obituary. His wife, Dorothy, is still at the address on file at 849 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037-4223.

Charlotte H. Maas, widow of Col Bertram A. Maas USMC (Ret.) (5), died 29 July 2020 in Vienna, VA. Charlotte attended Randolph-Macon College. Two years after meeting on a train coming from Chicago, Charlotte married Bertram of St. Paul, Minn on June 9 1953 at the Naval Academy Chapel.

53/54 CLASS NEWS They became devoted parents of six sons.

They were stationed by the USMC in numerous states and countries around the world. Charlotte enjoyed performing in theater productions.

She and Bertram and their boys organized floats in Vienna’s annual Halloween parades.

Survivors including their six sons and five grandchildren…* Mary C. Read Hoffner, wife of CDR Carleton C. Hoffner Jr. USNR (Ret.) (9), died 24 November 2021 in Palo Alto, CA. Connie graduated from Mt. Auburn School of Nursing in 1952 and worked as a registered nurse at the Hospital in Cambridge, MA. It was there that she met Carl and married him June 5, 1953. They moved over 27 times during Carl’s career in the US Navy. While living in Hawaii, Connie was a Red Cross volunteer and worked part time as a nurse. Connie is survived by her Husband Carl, three children and six grandchildren….* E. Will Hays, CAPT USN (Ret.)(21) died 16 March 2022 in San Diego, CA. Will entered Surface Line after graduation from the USNA, catching the end of the Korean conflict in the combat zone. He had three afloat Commands and three ashore Commands, with duty in eight ships, 31 family moves, tours at PG School and AFSC and two tours in DC…..Will also became involved with many organizing’s including Masonic Lodge, American Legion, Navy League, and others. Will’s wife, Norma, died several years ago. Other survivors of family are not known at this time.….* * See 50th Year Legacy Book All the Best….ACB

Bill Land. Paul Petzrick attended but had to leave early before the picture was taken. Bill Greenlaw advised that more is to follow on the 70th Reunion planning, so stay tuned

Picture below taken Plebe Summer 1950.

Tecumseh in the background. Remember the Raingear (Ponchos!)

Left to right: Nelson, David Smith, Harry Pilcher and Bob Sheehan.

Bill Greenlaw celebrated his 90th birthday dressed in green, with all his family and friends.

’54

Life Membership: 57% Donor Participation: 5.00% Pres: CAPT George V. Zeberlein, USN (Ret.) p: 410-570-3233; e: gvzeberlein@gmail.com Exec Vice Pres: MGen William W. Hoover, USAF (Ret.) p: 757-221-0921; e: Hoovsf8@aol.com

Phil Livingstone greets Bill at surprise Birthday Party

Great grandson and Great granddaughter help blow out candles.

Bernard Gerald Klein ’54 “Jerry” Klein passed away on 4 December 2021, in Harlingen, TX. Born on 21 February 1932 to Myrtle and Edsko Klein in Keokuk, IA, he graduated from Alton High School 1950 in Alton, IA. Jerry was appointed to the Naval Academy and joined the Class of 1954. While at USNA, he pitched a no hitter for Navy’s baseball team against Army, holding this record from 1940-2010.

Jerry married his high school girlfriend, Carole Lavonne Brower, in 1951, raising a family of four children in Keokuk, and later, in Houston, TX. She passed away in 1990. In 1995, he married Andrea Glabman.

Jerry’s civilian career, starting in 1951, included working for The Hubinger Company, a corn starch business, initially as a draftsman and later as a salesman, traveling to major cities in the U.S. In 1978, Jerry assumed the position of corporate vice president, and five years later, president with Semco International in Houston, initially through contacts he had made and nurtured with Hubinger’s. He brought the major food-changing initiative of “corn starch business” to Semco.

Jerry left the corporate world in the mid-1980s and started a swimming pool company, Klein Pools, becoming the largest pool builder in Kingwood, TX. He later “retired” and moved to

Sec’y: Mr. Phillip N. Livingstone 718 Appomattox Rd. W., Davidsonville, MD 21035-1909 p: 443-607-8666; e: livingstonep1@verizon.net Deputy Sec’y: LtCol Edward C. Tipshus USMC (Ret.) 8315 Fairway Dr., Worthington Hills Columbus, OH 43235-1148 p: 614-571-5565; e: ed@tipshus.com Treas: CAPT Robert R. Briner, USN (Ret.) p: 757-464-4850; e: bobbriner@cox.net Webmaster: CDR Will H. Croom, USN (Ret.) e: willyaye@gmail.com

Website: www.54net.org ’54 News These Annapolis area locals of the Class of 1954 met for lunch on March 11. In the picture are L-R Bill Greenlaw, Phil Livingstone, and ’54: Four generations of Bill’s family.

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 51

54/56 CLASS NEWS South Padre Island, TX, where he served for six years as chairman of the board for “Sunseton-the-Bay,” a prominent condominium and health club. He was also the founder/creative leader of “The Idiot’s Club” in South Padre Island, which raised money for children and animal-protection programs for many years.

He continued to enjoy cooking, reading and drafting swimming pool sketches for a Houston pool salesman whom Jerry mentored.

Jerry was an Eagle Scout, served as a mason of the Masonic Lodge of Iowa and was an elder of The First Presbyterian Church in Keokuk, IA. He was a devoted, loving husband and father, and avidly supported his children in their professional and personal endeavors.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carole, and middle son, Tim. Jerry is survived by two sons, Brad Klein (and his wife, Toni, and their children, Andrew and Jessica Klein), Jason Klein (and his wife, Kerri, and their children, Kate and Sadie Klein); and a daughter, Jennifer Klein. Jerry is also survived by his wife, Andrea Klein (and her two children and grandchildren).

A Celebration of Life was held in Kingwood, TX, on 19 February 2022.

70th Reunion Update from Bill Greenlaw Class of 1954 mark your calendars!! The dates of our 70th Reunion have been set. Our 70th Reunion will be held on April 24, 25, and 26, 2024 (coincidentally the same dates as our 65th Reunion) in Annapolis Maryland.

Hopefully the Brigade Dress Parade will not be rained-out this time.

We will make a selection of our “Headquarters Hotel” soon. We are looking forward to getting proposals from both.

“The Crowne Plaza” hotel, near the Westfield Annapolis Mall, and “The Graduate ‘“ hotel, formerly the Loews hotel, by the end of the month.

Keep checking the Class Website for info.

’55

M “My first class (senior) year began on a cruise in the USS SIGOURNEY (DD 643). We sailed from Annapolis with our first port of call in Vigo, Spain. I don’t remember any specific events that occurred during that transit. When we got to Vigo, I remember that the Spanish Admiral wanted to visit the Flag Officer on one of the battleships which was a member of our group. So, our Admiral wished to have the Spanish Admiral inspect our Midshipmen. The appointed hour may have been 1300 (1 PM).

The Chief of Staff told the Flag Lt to have the Midshipmen on the pier at 1230. He said to the Flag Secretary to send a message to the Escort Commander to parade the Midshipmen for Inspection by the Spanish Admiral at 1200.

The Escort Commander told the ships 1130, so our ship had us mustered on the pier at 1100.

The Spanish Admiral didn’t show up until 1400. We had been standing in the very hot sun for over three hours. All the spit-shines had melted, and dust from the pier had settled all over us. We were a terrible mess. Our Spanish hosts wanted to treat us to a picnic in the woods, including a Spanish music performance. They drove us out to a wooded area where there were several tables laden with finger foods. I can’t remember what foods comprised the array on the tables. Soon we began to hear this strange noise coming through the trees. As the noise approached, we recognized it as a “Bag Pipe,” although we had been expecting Guitars and Flamenco. Our hosts explained that the Basques were descendants of Celtic tribes that settled in the area at the same time the Celts landed in Scotland and Ireland. The rhythm instrument was a giant seashell, like an abalone, which had ripples in it like a washboard. They took a stick to run across the ripples to make the sound. Somewhere along the road, while in Spain, I decided to see a bullfight. It appeared to me to be a ritual slaughter. The bull never had a chance. Some of the ligaments in its neck were cut by men on horseback, without much risk. Then a Prima Balerino (notice the “o” in place of an “a” signifying a male) started pirouetting with a red banner draped over his sword taunting an animal which could not hold

up its head to see where it was going. The show was repulsive.

’56

Life Membership: 73 % Donor Participation: 10.04% Class Co-Chairman: Col George Mushalko, USAF (Ret.) (15) p: 703-768-4543; e: gmushalko56@gmail.com Class Co-Chairman: CAPT Jim Van Metre, USN (Ret.) (4) e: jimvanm@aol.com; p: 410-224-3860 Shipmate: CAPT Pete Fitzwilliam, USN (Ret.) (13) p: 703-501-6776; e: petefitzwm@aol.com Sec’y: CAPT Doug Hayman, USN (Ret.) (11) p: 410-268-0740; e: dfhayman@comcast.net Webmaster: Alex Morris (2) p: 941-378-5598; e: alex.morris@1956.usna.com Website: www.usna56.org “Deo Fidelis et Patria”

Hi All, Hoo-rah for us ’56! We have reached and exceeded our goal of $250K for our ’56 Class Project in support of our new USNA Alumni Center, at $252,147 by 50 donors as of mid-March. If you would like to participate with us and need information, please contact Chip Honsinger ’56, honsinger57@comcast.net.

Construction site photos are available during daylight at usna.com/news/ alumni-center-camera.

In continuation of the ’56 Class Varsity Legends series, next up was written by Jack Wilson (4): Fred Hoerner (11) Flying Rings National Champion, Test Pilot There’s an old-fashioned saying that “Third time’s a charm”, and that was certainly the case when Frederick Christian Hoerner earned an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in his third attempt, coming from the enlisted ranks. That sentiment also proved to be a boon to Navy Sports, when Fred chose to pursue Gymnastics during his Plebe year, having had some basic experience with it in his high school years in Santa Monica.

Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 2.28% Pres: RADM R. R. Fountain Jr., USN (Ret.) Treas: CDR Robert P. Pirie Jr., USN (Ret.) Sec’y: CAPT Thomas F. Stallman, USN (Ret.) e: staltom@aol.com Corr Sec’y: Frederick Schoenberger e: fredseod@gmail.com Website: http://1955.usnaclasses.com/

This was the Washington area luncheon group on 9 March 2022. Warm Friendships on a Rainy, Chilly Day. Fred Underwood (22) recalls Spain during First Class Cruise, summer of 1954.

52 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

’55: March luncheon- L-R George and Diana Delano, Spud Flowers, Tom Stallman, Bob and Betsey Fountain, Nancy and Bob Hinton and Jerry Holland. Portofino Restaurant per tradition.

56/57 CLASS NEWS Fred married his wife Carol in 1986, retired in ‘87, and qualified as expert witness in aviation product liability cases. His military decorations include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, multiple Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

[Way to go, Fred!]

Fred Hoerner

Fred quickly earned a specialty in the Flying Rings because he found it to be “dynamic”, and he also tried the High Bar, but it wasn’t a good fit for his style. He made the Varsity team and lettered as a Youngster, laying the groundwork for his ultimate success in First Class year, where his accomplishments were legendary, going undefeated in every competition the entire year.

He won the Eastern Collegiate Championship and went on to become the National Collegiate Champion, plus National AAU Champion, and his proudest achievement was in being selected as a member of the All-American Gym team.

This array of championships in the Rings will be long remembered in the panoply of Navy Sports. Modestly, Fred attributes much of his success to Gym Coach Chet Phillips and Asst.

Coach John Rammacher.

In his service selection and graduation, Fred chose Navy Air and went directly to jet flight training, and after completing, he made three cruises to the Far East during the Quemoy-Matsu crisis, during which he qualified as OOD Underway. He later returned to Navy for one year as instructor, then was selected for Naval Test Pilot School, where he became the first to complete both fixed and rotary wing courses.

With Vietnam becoming the next hot spot, Fred made three more cruises to that conflict.

After more than 200 flights, having his plane hit four times, Fred decided to leave the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander to continue his aviation career as Chief Test Pilot for Sperry Rand Corp. and worked for DoD as a civilian test pilot. He founded and chaired the Advanced Aircrew Display Symposium, providing the foundation for the glass cockpit.

He was National Chairman for Military Flight Test, Society of Experimental Test Pilots.

The following announcement is made about the passing of a classmate. Full obituaries for classmates will be presented in the Last Call section of this or a future issue of Shipmate.

Henry W. “Hank” Friedel Jr. (18) of Solomons, MD, had Alzheimer’s disease and suddenly passed away on January 14 Jan 2020 at Calvert Memorial Hospital in Southern Maryland. He was 88. Hank was born in Cohoes, New York, the son of Henry W. Friedel, Sr. and Evelyn “Eva” (Garrahan) Friedel; he graduated from Cohoes High School in 1949. He earned a fleet appointment to the United States Naval Academy via the Naval Academy Prep School.

After graduating from USNA, Hank married the love of his life, Joan A. Gildea on 10 June 1956.

Hank’s first duty station was USS JONAS INGRAM (DD-938). In 1959, Hank and Joan welcomed their daughter, Sue. Hank resigned his commission in 1960 in and thereafter spent the majority of his career working as a steel industry administrator. He was an honored and recognized Mason for 65 years, belonging to the Evening Star #75 in Latham, NY. Hank was preceded in death by his parents and by his two sisters, Doris Friedel Bradley (Daniel) and Carol Friedel Boyd (Bill). He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years; daughter Sue (Chuck) Muller; granddaughters Kristie (Corey) Stilton, Stephanie Muller, and Kimberly Muller; and two great-grandchildren Eva Kate and Jackson Lane Stilton.

’57

Life Membership: 70% Donor Participation: 4.41% Pres: VADM Daniel L. Cooper, USN (Ret.) e: dandbcoope@aol.com Vice Pres: CAPT William H. Peerenboom, USN (Ret.) 1003 Rachel Ln. SW, Vienna, VA 221280 e: whp36@aol.com Sec’y: LTCOL Bart C. Campbell, USAF (Ret.) 4351 Kingspark Dr., San Jose, CA 95136 e: bcampbell@pacbell.net Corr Sec’y: Col William S. Hamel, USMCR (Ret.) e: wshamel@aol.com Treas: COL John D. Regenhardt, USAF (Ret.) e: don.regenhardt@gmail.com

Condolences due: Janice Ann Curry Charles, widow of Richard N. Charles (4), died on 18 January 2022, She was born 7 April 1934 in Scranton, PA.

Daniel E. McGlasson (4) died in Arlington Hospital on 12 January 2022 after a lengthy illness. He was born in Jacksonville, TX, on 20 August 1932.

Joseph F. Neary (21) died in Virginia Beach, VA, on 8 March 2022. Joe was born 15 November 1934 in Girardville, PA. Samuel M. Purvis III (20) died on 6 March 2022, in Kennebunk, ME. Pete was born in Cleveland, OH, on 1 December 1934.

David J. Rosser (15) died 14 March 2022, at home in Milton, FL. He was born 4 January 1935, in Century, FL. Breaking news: Our Class sponsorship of the 22nd Company of mids goes way back. We have helped the Spartans enhance their wardroom with annual cash donations and provided the space and means to hold tailgate parties at every home football game. We have rented the space and provided the blue and gold tent. The space rental runs over $1000 per year. We purchased the tent for a comparable sum long ago.

For many years you, dear readers, and other classmates have gathered at the site before each game, and have joined the mids post-game for food, drink, and a sip at the fountain of youth.

The mids of the 22nd Company have erected the tailgate tent, provided the cookout, and cleaned up after.

For years the tent was stored with a classmate (Ken Malley (21), until he moved house and lost the storage space), and in recent years it has been secured in a closet off the Spartan wardroom. The mids have assured us that it will be secure through the summer and ready for the new football season.

These days, our classmates attending the tailgate party have dwindled to low single digits.

At the same time, our Linkmates in ’07 have stepped up to share in the sponsorship cost and have agreed to essentially take over the annual wardroom subsidy gradually.

This gift currently runs a total of $1000 a year, shared.

Our Class officers are busy developing a plan for the tailgate program going forward: Who should own the tent; who should maintain it; should we maintain the tailgate space, and who should pay for it each year.

We should reach these decisions soon this year, at least for another season.

Meanwhile, our 65th reunion will have transpired in May. One could hope that this gathering will generate many shareworthy tales – contemporary, historical, or other.

Please send me those stories.

Carpe diem.

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 53

58/59 CLASS NEWS

’58

Life Membership: 63% Donor Participation: 3.82% Pres: Lt Col Gordon M. Gerson, USAF (Ret.) e: gordon.gerson@1958.usna.com Corr Sec’y: CAPT Bill Schramm, USN (Ret.) 17 Calera Canyon, Salinas, CA 93908 p: 831-484-9058; e: w_schramm@comcast.net Webmaster: CAPT Fred Victor, USN (Ret.) e: avictor@erols.com Website: www.usna.com/Classes/1958

LOST BUT FOUND It was 1982 and George McNulty, 21st Company, was in Dublin, Ireland to attend a business meeting (he was a civilian by then).

He had taken off his Class ring to get cleaned up for dinner and forgot to put it back on. Later when he went to look for the ring it was nowhere to be found. Fast forward to 2020 and I received an email asking me for George’s contact information. I forwarded the request to George and it turned out the inquiry came from a man who was a 15 year old boy back in 1982. He had come across the ring back then and gave it to his mother who put it aside where it remained forgotten until the mother died. The family came across the ring going thru the mother’s things and decided to try to find the owner which was how they came to contact our Class Secretary (me). George’s daughter contacted the young man, who was now over 50, in Ireland and in due time the ring was sent to George. Our rings don’t change size, but sometimes our fingers do so George sent the ring off to Jostens where they resized and polished the ring and replaced the stone which had been damaged in the process.

A RING TO REMEMBER So 40 years after it was lost the ring is back on George’s finger where it belongs.

REUNION NEWS Our 65th reunion will be different from previous reunions in several ways. This time we will gather in the Spring (13-16 April, 2023) instead of the Fall so no football game. Another difference will be the hotel where we will be staying. This time it will be The Westin Annapolis. The Westin is located on West Street at Westgate Circle. The room rate is $169/night with 13% state and local taxes in

54 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

addition. Parking is an extra $25/night for self-parking (I am referring to us parking the cars not the cars parking themselves).

Reservations can be made by contacting Marriott reservations (they own Westin hotels) at 1- 888-627-8994. Reservations open for booking May 1, 2022. We will receive a booking link to make online reservations in late April. Be sure to let them know you will be attending the USNA Class of 1958 reunion to get that special rate. 100 rooms have been reserved for us and they will be held until March 17th 2023. One other difference with this reunion. The crowd will be older, more mature, more wiser, etc.

58 BY THE NUMBERS In the summer of 1954 there were 1221 of us sworn in as Midshipmen in the USNA Class of 1958. During our 4th Class year 14 additional Midshipmen were either turned back or readmitted to our Class. 215 were separated by the end of that first year, 118 due to academic deficiencies, 19 who were physically disqualified, 61 who resigned, 5 who turned back and 12 for other reasons. So by June of 1955 there were 1020 in our Class. During 3rd Class year we added 3 and lost 62 and the total in the Class was down to 961 by June 1956. A year later the number was 909 and at graduation in June of 1958 we were 899 strong.

CLOSING RANKS Tom Barry, 8th Company died on 3 March 2022 Ted Driggers, 18th Company died on 26 February 2022 Dan Ziegler, 11th Company passed away on 21 February 2022 Sam Swart, 3rd Company died on 4 March 2022 Charles Collins, passed on 7 February 2022. He started with the Class of ‘58, he was a non-grad.

’59

Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 3.22% Chairman Exec. Committee: Gerald G Garbacz Shipmate Editor: Ed Hill p: 301-943-4185; e: hilled@aol.com Webmasters: Pete and Elaine Stout Website: www.USNA1959.com

Memories of Plebe Year, by Vince Obsitnik (3).

This year, February 23rd, I had the great privilege of reconnecting with my Plebe Soccer teammate, Telmo Ortega (11)! Annemarie and I were on the East Coast of Florida for some appointments and Telmo and I agreed to meet

and have lunch together. We visited with him at his condo in Hollywood, FL. Unfortunately, his wife couldn’t join us since she was in the hospital. it was great seeing him again and hearing about what an interesting life he’s had in Ecuador, the USA and around the world.

Telmo Ortega and Vince Obsitnik

On the USS PERKINS, DDR 877, 1961,

by Van Nield. (1). We departed Yokosuka ahead of the carrier - BONNE HOMME RICHARD, I think - with the other cans in the division, to form a sortie screen. We then got the word that the carrier was delayed, and we were ordered to anchor overnight, which we duly did, in Suruga Wan. It was dark by then. We awoke next morning to a great view of Mt. Fuji.

We set the sea detail and ordered all ahead one third. Then we saw a line of heavy fishing gear converge on the fantail from both directions abeam. All stop! A diver went over the side and cut away the wire. Meanwhile the concerned fisherman came alongside, and our chief engineer, Ted Fischer (USNA ’56), went aboard to assure the fellow the Navy would take care of the damage. Word was then passed to the bridge that the screw was clear, and the captain, in a hurry to catch up with everyone, ordered all ahead full, and we took off down the Bay. After a short while, we felt a vibration aft, so the skipper asked to see the chief engineer, who by then was a good fifteen miles astern in the fishing boat. Expected reaction by the captain! We had to go back, into drydock, to have the port screw replaced.

—Van Remembering our Plebes,

by Mitch Lathrop (11). Who has ever forgotten “their” Plebe? How many ever kept in touch?

Well, some of my fellow Club 11 members will remember that Tom Long was the firstie in charge of pairing members of our class in Club 11 with the new Plebes. Since I was Tom’s roommate at the time, I got a rehearsal so I was ready when Tom had the Plebes lined up down the middle of the deck according to height.

59/60 CLASS NEWS Walking slowly down the line inspecting our new company members, I reached the end to be facing a man-mountain who was later to become a hammer thrower on the track team.

“What’s your name, Mister?” “Sage, sir,” was the answer. “What did you do before you got here?” “I was a United States Marine, sir.” That was it for me. I definitely wanted him on my side!

My Plebe, Henry “Jud” Sage graduated with the class of 1962 and returned to the Corps where he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Both during his military career and afterwards, Jud has authored over 16 books, both novels and non-fiction historical works, most of which are available on Amazon. Jud is an associate professor emeritus at Northern Virginia Community College, and his two American history textbooks are widely used in classrooms throughout the country. I just finished his novel, The Lady and the Law, and I highly recommend it!

Regards to all, Mitch Fun Time, Fun Match, Small World, by Suzy Shields. My Husband, Pete Shields (19th Company), was a good athlete, preferring baseball and 150-pound football during his USNA days. However, sports injuries disqualified him for a commission, so Pete instead pursued a career with U.S. Steel. All went well, and Pete overcame his injuries. We were both hooked on playing tennis, and we had a tennis court in every back yard. After playing 50 years of tennis we learned of pickleball, so more recently our tennis courts include additional markings for pickleball.

L to R: Sim Wooten, Barbara Olcott, Pete Shields and Currie Wooten.

A few years later, Pete and I joined the Ocean Reef Racquet Club, in Key Largo, Florida, a small club and players are limited to 55-plus.

We quickly made friends, Pete mentioned he was a USNA graduate, and Doctor Currie Wooten told us she had been an Electrical Engineering professor at USNA, although 20 years after Pete was taking that course.

Pete had enrolled in a mixed doubles competition at our club. Our friends, Simeon and Currie, had committed to play as partners.

Pete picked Barbara Olcott as his partner. It

was a good match and the Wootens were very gracious in defeat. Currie assured Pete, had she taught him she would have given him a much better grade in EE than the one he got in 1958/59. The prizes awarded to all were bottles of red wine, in envelopes.

Here is a related future event: Pete and another friend, also 85, have signed up to compete in the 85-age bracket in a National Pickle Ball Tournament in Naples, Florida near the end of April. I will be on the sidelines with a few bandages in my purse. Just in case!

Old sailors never fade away … they play pickle. Suzy.

TAPS Rear Admiral Edward “Ted” Baker (8) passed away peacefully on 26 January 2022.

Ted graduated USNA with distinction, then attended U of Michigan as a Burke Scholar where he earned a master’s degree in physics.

While there, Ted met his first wife, Michal Foster. Later, while Ted was CO of USS BRONSTEIN, Michal fell ill with a brain tumor in 1970, and died five years later. Other sea commands included the USS DAVID RAY, Commander DESRON 33, and many others. Ted’s second wife was Stephanie Levinson. She also died of cancer, 38 years later, in July 2020. Services for Ted will be held on 8 July 2022, with burial at Arlington National Cemetery.

Donald T. Peters (19) died on 15 February.

After completing his service in the Supply Corps, Don had a successful career working for several companies. Don’s ashes will be scattered at sea as were his wife’s ashes after she died in December 2020.

Steve Burgess (1) passed away on 22 February. After flight training Steve was assigned to HS-9 and stationed on board the USS ESSEX and involved during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Steve left the Navy in 1967 and took a position with his father-in-law, working in Baltimore. He later decided the newspaper business was his passion. Steve and Joan eventually retired to Naples, Florida in 1998 where he became an avid golfer.

Marianne Hartman, wife of Michael Hartman (20), died on 22 February 2022.

Marianne earned a degree in secondary education and was a professional teacher for forty years. Mike had left the Navy in 1966, tried several jobs, earned a masters degree and started his teaching career. Marianne and Mike met in 1973 and were married. For the next several decades, the two taught together, traveled the world and shared many adventures with each other. Marianne survived 13 major surgeries and two rounds of breast cancer, including radiation and chemotherapy.

Burial services were held on 15 March 2022.

Mike predeceased Marianne in 2016.

Roy Forsberg (3) died unexpectedly on 17 March 2022, St Patrick’s Day. Roy was not feeling well. His wife Pat called 911, and an ambulance rushed him to the hospital. Roy’s funeral service was on 23 March 2022 in Scituate, MA. Following graduation, Roy served four years in the Supply Corps. After the Navy, he found a new career in design engineering, and later in editing and publishing.

Rosalie Ekstrom, wife of John Ekstrom (9), died peacefully at home on 30 March 2022.

They were married in February 1962, at US Naval Station, Mayport, FL.As a Navy family they lived in many wonderful places. Following Navy retirement they eventually moved to Locust Grove, VA. They spent many happy years traveling and enjoying life with their family and many friends. Now of Washington, MO, Rosalie passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones on 14 March 2022. John had passed in July 2015. Rosalie’s funeral services were scheduled for 30 March 2022, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Annandale, VA, followed by a Celebration of Life at Demaine Funeral Home in Springfield, VA. Interment services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, VA, at a later date

’60

Life Membership: 71% Donor Participation: 6.57% Pres: RADM Peter G. Chabot, USN (Ret.) p: 443-624-0094; e: pgchabot60@gmail.com Vice Pres: CAPT Douglas M. Johnston Jr., USNR (Ret.) Treas: CAPT Geoege W. Dowell III, USN (Ret.) Sec’y: Bill Lewis 1300 S Hwy. A1A Unit 508, Jupiter, FL 33477 p: 804-334-6353; e: bilewis@comcast.net Webmaster: Richard Harper p: 805-583-1640; e: Richard.Harper@1960.USNA.com Website: http://www.1960.usnaclasses.net

From Bob Ianucci (16) M I Happy USNA Anniversary to classmates.

While 10 October 1845 is officially recognized as our founding dates I would like to share a bit of personal trivia with you: During a port visit to Port Mahon, Minorca, Spain aboard USS SARDA (SS-488) in 1963 I learned some interesting facts which the Spanish were proud to share with me. On 5 November 1815 the young USN established its home port in the excellent harbor of Mahon, Minorca. There the officers and midshipmen trained and were taught by local teachers. The people of Port Mahon regard their city as the location of the first U.S. Naval Academy.

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 55

60/60 CLASS NEWS There is a US Navy cemetery just outside the walls of the present Spanish naval base at Port Mahon and visiting USN ships traditionally send work parties to clean the brush, rake the grounds and whitewash the tombstones and pathway. Spanish Navy provides tools and paint. The tombstones contain some touching tributes to the young U.S. sailors who died while deployed to the MED. I had the privilege to be OIC of the SARDA work party in ‘63 and again as CO, USS PORTLAND (LSD-37) in 1978. The cemetery was long forgotten, but rediscovered by the US Counselor Agent in the early ’60s. Admiral David G. Farragut’s father was a native of Minorca and there are statues there of the Admiral.

Happy Anniversary to all! Bob From Joe Sestric (23): M I got back recently from the USNA Class of 60 mini-reunion in New Smyrna Beach, FL. It was well worth the trip. Great lodging at the Springhill Suites, courtesy of classmate Randy McHenry (7). Great place to stay and Randy arranged half-price rooms for all. The welcome reception and Farewell Dinner food he arranged was absolutely stunning and delicious.

We also made use of his Yacht Club membership for a fine group dinner. Of course, can’t forget his lovely spouse, Sheri, who arranged the decorations and wowed us on opening night with her singing and piano playing. She normally performs every Friday night for future reference.

Bob Osmon (17) put together a really, great schedule for us. Starting with the Welcoming Reception, Yacht Club dinner and Farewell dinner that he coordinated with Randy, the trip to Cape Kennedy and the excursion on the Indian River and surrounding Mangrove forests.

Pete Chabot (14), our Class President, was also present and constantly involved to help everything moving smoothly along.

The 21st was represented by myself and Karen Inderlied; the 22nd by Nita Rohr and the 24th by Karen & Dennis Vied. Dennis was the alumnus who traveled the furthest for the event (San Francisco).

I think everyone really enjoyed the events and the fellowship renewals and I couldn’t think of anything about this reunion that I would have changed. It was, in a word, superb!

In fact, it was all so good that several people were suggesting another reunion here in the near future.

The next mini-reunion will be in San Antonio in September 2022 and the 3rd will be a Mississippi River cruise out of New Orleans in March 2023. We were also advised that plans are being formulated for 60 in 65 (2025). All I can say is that if you can at all 56 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

make it, these mini-reunions are really worthwhile. Joe From Bob Osmon (17): M “Hi Bill, I’m still down in Florida but hope to head home tomorrow. Thought I might get a jump on my input to you by using Eunice’s email to get started while I have tons of time. I think you have received enough kudos already on how much everyone enjoyed the event, so I won’t dwell on this. But it really was a warm, fun, camaraderie kind of mini reunion. Exactly what Pete and I hoped for.

So here are some bits and pieces you can work in as you see fit. It’s not surprising that the majority of our classmates who attended were from Florida (12). And we were blessed with the weather turning much warmer just as we all arrived. The second state with the most attendees was Virginia with 7. And the classmate who came the farthest was Dennis Vied and his lovely wife Karen who flew in from San Francisco.

Company wise we had three companies with three attendees each. The 7th Co. was represented by Rich Lang, Jim Maxfield, and Randy McHenry. The 14th Co. had Pete Chabot, Bob Powers, and Al Ames attending.

The 16th had a special trio representing them.

They had been roommates at the Academy and have stayed close over all these years.

Dave Schnegelberger, Sal Zaccagnino and Buz Ausley. It was heartwarming to see their true caring for each other.

Pete got us started on the first night by giving a very pointed and heartfelt talk about why these mini reunions are so important. He very much wants us to maintain the camaraderie that has been bult up in the past.

He doesn’t want us to wait until 2025 to share our close-knit relationships. The next day we spent 4 hours at the Kennedy Visitors Center which we were honored as Vietnam Era vets

’60: Luncheon in Virginia Beach

and given free tickets plus a personalized tour.

Most folks loved it and said they wish there had been more time. That evening we had dinner at Randy’s Yacht Club and we were given their best room, totally decorated in blue with gold helms and anchors. Food was great.

The boat tour the next day was our least attended event, but those who did go learned a ton about the biodiversity of the area. And the farewell dinner at the hotel even topped the two before. Jan Chabot and Sheri McHenry did a marvelous job of decorating the tables with blue and gold centerpieces and napkins, and the food was terrific. Pete gave an excellent farewell speech and expressed his hope that folks will support our upcoming San Antonio reunion as well.

Quite a number of classmates expressed to me how much they were enjoying the small number of classmates because it gave opportunity for them to meet classmates they had never met before. For example, when I went over the list of attendees before heading South, I realized I had never met at least half of the attendees. But almost from the moment I would shake hands with them, it was like we had known each other forever. And how wonderful it was to learn how successful, yet how diverse, our classmates have been in their own special earth walk. I have come away with an increased sense of pride, and a thanks to God, for allowing me to be part of this fine group of men, and their ladies. God bless, Bill, and thank you for all you do to keep us together. You do an excellent job. Oz PS A professional photographer was present at four events and must have taken a thousand photos. She will whittle those down to about 50 and send to me. I will then whittle down to about 10 to send to you with captions. Not sure how long this will take. You may want to spread them over several issues of Shipmate.

They may also be found on the Class Website.

From Rod Friedmann (5): M It was a very nice day to share with our ladies in a pre-celebration of Valentine’s Day. (see the photo on previous page) We met at the Eurasia Cafe in Virginia Beach and enjoyed an excellent customized luncheon menu.

Attached are a few photos taken during the luncheon. Able to attend the luncheon today were Bo Moran, Catherine & Ed Clexton (10), Jane & Jim Eilertsen (21), Merrilou & Al Ablowich (16), Bobbie & Bob Brenton (12) and Rod Friedmann (5). A few classmates/ wives were unable to attend today’s luncheon: Karen Inderlied, Paula Friedmann, Prissy & Wick Parcells (12), Alice Meinicke, Sue & Paul Cooper (5) and Inge & Al Whitaker (16). Rod”

’61

Life Membership: 73% Donor Participation: 5.73% Pres: RADM Jerome F. Smith Jr., USN (Ret.) Corr Sec’y: CAPT Bob Sherer USN (Ret.) 2301 River Crescent Dr., Annapolis MD 21401 p: 410-266-1334 voice and text e: enavant1305@icloud.com; sherer@1961.usna.com Webmaster: Howard Winfree e: winfree@1961.usna.com

60/61 CLASS NEWS Shipmate apologies for the omission of the following update in the May Shipmate.

Reunion – did you know?

Looking over copies of the “Splinter” from our second class year we discovered that the dedication of Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium occurred on the same weekend (September 26, 1959) as our 60th reunion.

Here are copies of the pages of the magazine covering the event. Thanks to Hal Morrison (4) and his family for the archive copies.

Website: www.USNA61.org

From Joe Sestric (23) M “I had a nice lunch today with Jean & Ken (KD) Savage (21) on their way home in Savage & Sestric Tarpon Springs, coming from a funeral in Ocala and they were nice enough to stop off and say hello. Photo left to right Jean, Ken, Joe and DeeLee. So wherever and whenever 2 or 3 should meet, it’s always a treat. Shared a great lunch at Red Sauce in Sumter Square in The Villages and of course a beverage.

From Bob Traister (2): M Here I am with friends “formerly dressed Penguins” in Antarctica.

UPDATE YOUR PROFILE Log into Online Community at usna.com to update your profile.

’61:

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 57

61/61 CLASS NEWS

Dear Classmates, For those of us who did not keep the “Lucky Bags” from our preceding classes, there’s an opportunity to page through them at your leisure to capture fond memories from our undergraduate days. Below is the link for a portable document file (pdf) version of the ’58 book. If you would like another free pdf you can visit ebookzy.com/pdf/year-book and make your choice. A nominal fee is involved. https://www.dropbox.com/s/fbn4coj6awf g444/lcaption uckybag1958.pdf?dl=0 Annapolis News The Annapolis St. Patrick’s Day Parade featured our own Naval Academy Pipes and Drums. They raised the tone of this smalltown celebration and gave an excellent impression of the Academy. The band gave one of their best shows ever in Mahan March 25; more coverage next issue.

Then and Now I first met George Worthington (2) in plebe French class where Prof. Taliaferro called him Monsieur Vor-tangeTONE. I admired how such an athletic guy could also be a scholar of a foreign language.

Years late, I remember his amusement about his Surface Warfare detailer reminding George of the next tour he should seek since the Surface Navy hadn’t quite let go of him to be one of the first SEALS. His distinguished career as a Navy SEAL is related on our class website under Last Call. We lamented his loss last fall, but treasure memories of him. Here he is first class year, in the air, and enjoying the company of Bill Kraus (12) and Chuck St. Laurent (21) in his later days.

George airborne

George flanked by Chuck St. Laurent (left) and Bill Kraus

Pipes and Drums march in St Patrick’s Day Parade

’61: Tidewater Valentine celebration sunny side 58 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

Social scene The Tidewater ’61 Group celebrated Valentine’s Day a little early on 10 February 2022 with our beautiful ladies. It was the largest luncheon gathering we have ever had with 31 attendees.

The seating was such that I had to take two photos. In the sunny side photo, left to right around the table are: Tim deGavre (11), Caroline deGavre, Fred Lowack (07), Mike Bradley (03), Cyd Driscoll (22), JP Decker (08), Sharon Joyner (01- Anchor), Jan Bradley, Pat Hixson, Breeze Stewart, Charlie Stewart (06), Letty Gambacorta, and Mike Gambacorta (03). The deGavres came all the way from their home in Florida to join us. The Gambacortas had also just returned from a winter vacation in Florida for the luncheon. In the shady side shot: Left to right around the tables are: Carole Decker, Jim Noonan (23), Dick Hixson (19), Susan Hixson, Joanne Markley, Tom Markley (12), Jane McNicholas, Fran Rohdenburg, Peg Graham, Bonnie Campbell-Kuhn, Joe Kuhn (03 - Honorary) Bob Graham (18), Tom McNicholas (09), Kurt Rohdenburg (20), Judy Laster (15 Anchor), Sandy Craig, Ken Craig (07) and JP Decker (08) Text and photos thanks to Ned Kuhns (7).

Continuing our sports legends series: Joseph M. “Joe” Bellino ’61 Awarded the1960 Heisman and Maxwell Trophies.

Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1977. Recipient of the most prestigious Naval Academy athletic awards at graduation – the Thompson Trophy and NAAA Sword Joe was a spectacular offensive threat; certainly he was among the great running backs in college football history as well as an impact player on defense. His interception in the 1960 Army game preserved a victory for Navy.

Joe was also an outstanding baseball player, hitting .410 in 1959, stealing 17 bases in

61/62 CLASS NEWS

’61: Tidewater Valentine celebration shady side

1960, and boasting a career average of .335.

Joe was an exemplary teammate and inspirational leader - on and off the field serving as the Navy baseball team captain in 1961.

Joe excelled in all sports. The basketball team at Winchester, MA High School, on which he starred, won two state championships.

Joe served on a destroyer during the Cuban Missile Crisis and on a minesweeper off the coast of Vietnam. He retired as a Captain in the Naval Reserve after 24 years.

Joe was a consummate gentleman who will always be remembered as a wonderful teammate, classmate and friend by the Class of 1961.

’62

Another woman will be inducted on 30 June (Is that day familiar?) with the class of ’26.

Marty also served as BGO for a male who received a conditional appointment for ’26.

He has two strong candidates for ’27, one girl, one boy.”

-Martin A Seelig (206-601-8919) Second order of business Posted on Facebook recently by the USNA Alumni Association and Foundation Ring Bank: Mrs. Harriett Nelson, widow of Geoffrey Nelson ’62, recently donated her husband’s ring to the USNA Alumni Association and Foundation Ring Bank. Nelson’s family, friends and classmates gathered for this donation ceremony.

Nelson, a Navy football player, served in Vietnam and taught navigation at the Academy. His civilian career was focused on HR and labor relations. He and Harriett lived in Annapolis. He has been interred at the Naval Academy Columbarium.

Harriett Nelson places her husband’s ring

BACK STORY: Mrs. Pam Welham, wife of our Class President resident realized that the Facebook article would be of great interest to our classmates, especially if presented in Shipmate. She had no way to gain access to the Facebook pictures, so she sought out Maria Oshea, Shipmate’s Assistant Production Manager who graciously obtained the photos and referred her to me.

BRAVO ZULU to both of these alert ladies.

BACK BACK STORY: In a very real way, Class Rings donated to the Naval Academy become a Memorial to the Classmate whose Ring is donated. Interesting, because I personally know of three donated rings. #1 was Charles Allen Knochel. For the moment, All I know is that he was shot down in Vietnam and that his Mother donated his Class Ring to the Academy. It is on display in the Naval Academy Museum. All these years later, I learn that Harriett was his wife.

Life Membership: 76% Donor Participation: 4.76% Pres: CDR Walter F. Welham Jr., USN (Ret.) p: 703-501-1665; e: waltwelham@gmail.com Sec’y: Robert Giles 1749 Baldwin Dr., Millersville, MD 21108 p: 301-395-4379; e: robert.giles@gmail.com

First Order of Business here is a request from Howie’s Best Buddy. He wishes that all Classmates who have experience with the Blue Gold Officer Program would contact him.

I think he’s looking to sharpen his sword off your experiences, good or bad.

From Martin Seelig: M Bob, I hope what I wrote below will require little editing. Thank you for your help.

“Marty Seelig from WA State started as a BGO in 2018. Marty would like BGO classmates to communicate with him. Three years after starting, he interviewed his first two candidates. One, a woman, is now a Plebe, ’25.

’62: ’62: On the steps of the patio at Alumni House; From Left to right: Vic Meyer, Dick Hayes, Sandy Meyer, Anne Hayes, Ray Madonna, Harriett Nelson, Jean Wagner, George Phillips, Frank Wagner, Joan Odell and Pete Odell.

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 59

62/63 CLASS NEWS from the Class of 1963.

The museum held a memorial service and dedication ceremony for the restored aircraft on January 22, the 56th anniversary of the loss incident. A two-minute video released before the ceremony can be seen at YouTube.com; search “S-2 dedication” The photos below were taken at the event.

’62: All gathered around for the photo at the USNA Alumni Association and Foundation Ring Bank in the Tap Room in Alumni House. Left to right; Anne Hayes, Dick Hayes, Pete Odell, Joan Odell, Harriett Nelson, Jean Wagner, Ray Madonna, Frank Wagner, Sandy Meyer, Vic Meyer and George Phillips.

#2 was James Peter Koch. Pete and I first met as fellow LtJGs in the Wardroom of the USS AMERICA CVA-66. I was Ship’s Company Engineering and he was flying Phantoms for a Squadron attached to CVA-66. AMERICA was in the ship’s initial training cycle at GITMO. Early one morning I was scheduled to inspect the watersides of the #2 Boiler and being, as I was wearing my button less overalls, I had to do breakfast in the pilots mess with Pete and his Lcdr NFO. We discussed a fatal A4 accident the happened the day before in a Gunnery Exercise. Pete assured me he was always alert to the details and not to worry. One hour later, I was in Engineering Central Control when we got the word that CATCC screwed-up and had two airplanes landing simultaneously. A Vigilanty, which lands with a steep drop, came down on top of Pete’s Phantom, causing Pete to have to eject into the bottom of the Vigilanty killing both pilots. The Signals Officer told me Pete did try to nose down and veer to the right, but not quick enough. The Vigilante landed successfully. I raced to Hanger Deck to see if it was Pete. The NFO was in a body bag and I was told every bone in his body was broken, but he was recovered intact. Only Pete’s helmet was recovered. He bunked next door to me, so I helped pack his gear, and told his CO that his Dad was the CO of NAS Jacksonville.

His ring is in the Naval Academy Museum.

Many years later, something belonging to Pete was inurned in his behalf at the Columbarium.

At that time I stood to speak a few words about him and at that’s when I met his Academy roommate. Please forgive me, I can’t remember his name. #3 was Geoffrey Nelson. I first met Geoffrey when we both turned out for football in the summer of 1958. I think 800 guys showed up for the opportunity, only 72 made the cut, Geoff was one of the fortunate. Many years later, Geoff was shopping for Harriett’s engagement ring at Tilghman’s Jewellers in the 60 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

presence of my wife Colleen. When he learned Colleen was the wife of a classmate and she knew Harriett from Annapolis High School, he promptly swore her to secrecy. Colleen says he was cute in his embarrassed state. Fun memories seeing folks enjoy life. He was definitely a classmate to be proud of.

Memorial service for USS HORNET losses in the Vietnam War

’63

Life Membership: 62% Donor Participation: 4.95% Pres: CAPT W. Spencer Johnson IV, USN (Ret.) Sec’y: Michael H. Shelley 27 Cambridge Dr., Brevard, NC 28712 p: 828-506-2201; e: nstar@citcom.net Website: www.USNA63.org

It has been only a month since our last column, and this report is unusually brief.

Fortunately, all our news is good. I hope you will enjoy seeing it. Maybe our next Shipmate column will include a submission from you.

That would be good.

Our classmate Erwin “Skip” Templin has been memorialized in a permanent exhibit at the USS HORNET SEA, Air & Space Museum in Alameda, CA. Thanks go to Matt Robins (USNA 2004) for sending this information and photos from the dedication ceremony.

M The USS HORNET SEA, Air & Space Museum in Alameda, CA, recently completed an extensive restoration of a Grumman US-2B Tracker aircraft in their collection. To commemorate the ship’s service during the Vietnam War and honor the sacrifices made

by HORNET crew members, the museum has fittingly restored their Tracker in the markings of an S-2D Tracker from Anti-Submarine Squadron 35 (VS-35) that went missing, presumably due to hostile fire, in the Gulf of Tonkin early in the morning of 22 January 1966 while flying a surface reconnaissance mission from the HORNET (CVS-12). Among the lost crewmen was LT(jg) Erwin B. Templin, Jr.,

Memorializing the S-2D crew members from VS-35.

Skip Templin’s name on the aircraft

60th Reunion information: In a 17 March email, Class President Spencer Johnson provided information about hotel reservations at the Doubletree Hotel for our 60th reunion in Annapolis next year. I am repeating it below in case you missed the email or did not save it for reference.

M The block of rooms for our reunion 19-22 October 2023 will be open for reservations one year (365 days) prior to our reunion date.

63/64 CLASS NEWS

You can reserve a room beginning 19 October 2022, but not before. Attempts to reserve a block room before that date will not be successful. Room rates quoted ($249.00/day) may change in the months ahead so consider them notional for now. More will be forthcoming as reunion plans shape up in the months ahead.

Our children and grandchildren continue to be a great source of pride and admiration for their character and accomplishments. The latest example I have seen of this came from Nick Nerangis, who sent this news of his grandson’s success on professional hockey ice.

M My grandson Alex Limoges was twice nominated for the Hobie Baker award in hockey during his four years at Penn State as captain of the team. That is the Heisman Trophy of hockey. Alex is now playing in the American Hockey League (AHL) for the San Diego Gulls, an affiliate of the NHL Anaheim Ducks. He is doing a great job with the Gulls and we’re hoping that he will move up in the near future. His mom is our daughter Lisa Limoges. We are of course extremely proud of Alex and our other six grandchildren.

M I got a tour of the San Francisco Giants Scottsdale Stadium spring training facility from a friend who runs the operation there.

I have a “hobby job” working in Guest Services for the Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco.

Lynn and Lew Blackwell were scheduled to come to Phoenix to see a couple of Cactus League games, but the delayed start of spring training threw off their plans. Wearing my NAVY hat, I was surprised how many folks said, “I was in the Navy too” or “Thanks for your service.”

My main reason for coming to Phoenix was to play in two major Pickleball tournaments to try to qualify for the National Pickleball Tournament in Indian Wells, CA, in November.

I came in third in the 80-plus category in the Southwestern Regional Championships which puts me in the lottery for the nationals. I have another tournament in early April in Mesa, AZ. If I win that I’m automatically in Nationals.

If I come in 2nd or 3rd, lottery again.

Steve Coester filed this report about a rendezvous with Ann and Tom O’Brien in mid-March.

M Tom and Anne O’Brien met Yvonne and me and our daughter Yvette Miller at Grills on the River here in Rockledge, FL, for a great get-together, catchup and lunch. Tom and Ann had spent the week in Orlando and while there met up with Ollie and Sandy Donelan in Tampa. They were on their way home to Port Orange and detoured over to the Space Coast to meet up with us. It is always a pleasure to see these old friends and great people.

’64

Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 5.78% Pres: CAPT Micheal Farmer, USN (Ret.) e: farmer.mike@comcast.net Corr Sec’y: Roland Marquis 333 Valverde Ln., St. Augustine, FL 32086 p: 847-970-7562; e: bigroland1@comcast.net Website: www.usna64.org

We open this issue with a note from Jim Carlson describing a visit a few months ago to his Princeton, IL home by his “Terrible 10th” Company-mate Bill Peake and his wife Beverly. According to Jim, Bill had been in Michigan for his granddaughter’s High School graduation and was on his way to Iowa to visit relatives.

Jim reports he was delighted with Bill’s stopover since living in Tall Corn Country he doesn’t get many “Whenever two or three shall meet” opportunities. Bill was showing off his new Tesla which he let Jim take for a spin.

He claims that it’s a mighty fine car.

Note that Jim was fully prepared for a classmate visit with appropriate flag and shirt.

Alex Limoges in the AHL Gulls win on 12 March

To many people, springtime means baseball.

One of those is Jim Oakes, for whom it also means pickleball. He sent this note about his March visit to the Phoenix area.

Tom and Ann, Yvette, Steve and Yvonne

That’s all for now. Please take a moment to send me an email about your recent activities and any contacts you have had with our classmates. We need your help to keep our Shipmate reports full and interesting. Thanks!

QUALITY — ‘63

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2022 Jim Oakes in Scottsdale, AZ

Fair Winds and Following Seas from your Alumni Association and Foundation.

Next, we have a challenge from Walt Ericson which emanated from a discussion regarding 64’s Plebe Summer he had some years ago with Jack Everett. Apparently both mids were in the same Plebe Summer Squad. Comparing notes, they determined their Squad was likely the only one that graduated all its members.

Walt cites the ’64 Lucky Bag Squad photo on page 404. Their summer detail Segundo was J.P. Sullivan ‘62, once and future marine.

Their squad leader was Mike Eddy(14) Squad members included Bruce Krum(10), Mike Berkowitz(6), Jim Kraft(10), Jim Williams(5), Larry Probst(15), Mike Holman(21), Sandy Beall(1), Mike Gierman(2), Gene Holloway(5), Sam Davies(3), Mike Schneider(8), Jack and Walt.

Walt thinks the last two were Tim Drucis(8) and Barry Plott(4). He points out the group comprises a good cross section of jocks and slashes of which he was neither – but he did graduate. Corrections and counter claims are invited.

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 61

64/64 CLASS NEWS Next, Ted Triebel warns readers not to be fooled by the youthful appearance of the classmates in the photo he provided marking their September monthly lunch in Durham, NC. They are actually old farts in real life!

Jim Craven, Bruce Runberg, Bart Corgnati and Ted

Dick Nelson is always a reliable source for ’64 Scuttlebutt whenever Shipmate material wanes. He came through once again with an amusing selection from his book, Contrail Chronicles describing an unusual First Class Cruise he and recently deceased classmate, Bert Mackaman shared.

In the spring of 1963, all foreign language majors received notice of a special summer program, instead of the usual assignment to the surface fleet in a junior officer role. I had no desire to ride around on another destroyer all summer, so I signed up for the special program.

We were offered selection opportunities for a list of foreign countries that used the language of our major. I won a spot, along with 16th Company Bert Mackaman for summer assignment to the Peruvian navy. What could possibly go wrong?

After ’63 graduated, Bert and I departed for Lima, Peru as shiny, new First Classmen. We were met at the airport by a Peruvian naval officer, who would be our supervisor for the summer. We were first assigned to the Peruvian submarine force and stayed in relative luxury in their naval base BOQ. In Peru, military officers were part of the ruling elite and enjoyed an upscale lifestyle.

One day, the Peruvians took us out on one of their three submarines, which were very modern diesel boats (at one time, submariners refer to their vessels as “boats” instead of “ships”), made in the U.S. They originally had four, but one sank with all hands after colliding with a large fishing net. They were quite proud of these boats, which they said were needed to neutralize the Chilean navy, one of their bitter foes in the War of the Pacific in the 1800s. I asked one of the Peruvian officers why they needed submarines, and he replied, “To sink the Chilean surface fleet.”

After clearing the port of Callao, the sub initiated a dive to 300 feet. Neither Bert or I were going into submarines after graduation, 62 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

and we felt a little apprehensive about being in this metal tube, far below the surface.

The Captain invited us to have lunch with him, so we sat down with most of the officers in their little wardroom. The most junior officer was assigned to “have the conn,” or manage the ship during lunch.

Just as we were enjoying the delicious Peruvian food, the sub suddenly went into an emergency dive, causing water to spill on us from an overhead pipe. The Captain raced for the control room to see what had happened. It turned out that the young Ensign had panicked when he learned the sub was near a fishing trawler, and decided to dive well below the level of its nets. The officers were very embarrassed, and the unfortunate Ensign received a strong reprimand. I was now sure that I never wanted to spend any time in a submarine! Navy Air, here I come!

The Peruvians then took us to their naval base at Iquitos, in the headwaters of the Amazon River. This jungle outpost had a large military and naval presence to prevent the Ecuadoreans from violating the Peruvian border. From time to time, the two neighbors exchanged gunfire.

The Peruvians had denied the Ecuadoreans river access by patrolling the area with an old river gunboat, armed to the teeth.

On one side-trip, the Peruvians took us in a boat several miles up a narrow tributary of the Amazon, promising an interesting time. We came around a bend in the creek, and saw a small village. We docked and a European-looking man in his forties came down to meet us.

He introduced himself in accented Spanish, and invited us to lunch in his home.

During lunch, he showed us pictures of himself with Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, driving around the North African desert. He had been Rommel’s chauffer during World War II, and had escaped by boat from the defeat of the Afrika Corps in Tunisia. I thought about how strange life could be. This former Wehrmacht driver and my dad, a pilot in the RAF, were undoubtedly in close proximity in some of the same combat areas in North Africa, just twenty years before, trying to kill each other.

The man had feared that the Allies would hang him, so he made his way to Brazil, and then all the way up the Amazon River to the outskirts of Iquitos. In those days, a fierce tribe of Indian headhunters ruled the area and had captured him. He had to make a “deal” with the chief in order to stay alive, by marrying one of the chief’s daughters and agreeing to care for two of his sons. The German had also convinced the Peruvians to keep his location secret. For some reason, probably because of his close relationship with Rommel, he still

feared being prosecuted as a war criminal.

Three children with blond hair played in the yard, and the two Indian brothers-in-law were snoring nearby in hammocks. The German woke them up and told them to give us a blowgun demonstration, which was quite impressive.

As we walked down to the dock to get in our boat, the German said, “Watch out for the big Jergón [also called Fer-de-lance]. He bit one of my Indians last week and the man died.

He likes to hide in the boats.” That got our attention, as we carefully looked around the boat for a stowaway. Having studied the world’s snakes as a kid, I knew that the Fer-de-lance is one of the most aggressive and dangerous venomous snakes in South America, and its bite is often fatal or results in an amputation.

The next day, we flew back to Lima and found that we had been reassigned to stay at the Peruvian naval academy, La Escuela Naval, and the easy life was over. Most of the Peruvian cadets did not seem to like us, and were not very friendly. Some were openly hostile. I never figured out why.

We learned quickly about one of their unusual customs. The Peruvian cadets each hoarded their own toilet paper rolls, and brought them back to their rooms after using the head. They also stole ours, which made life rather miserable until we figured out how to lock them up.

The Peruvians had made the mistake of assigning a Peruvian navy car to us, complete with a Peruvian Chief Petty Officer driver, whom we called “Sancho,” after the fictional character that traveled with Don Quixote. This car was a temptation too great to resist, as we took turns exploring Lima with the chauffeured car.

Like all naval academies, this one had a Commandant, and he found out that we had been going over the wall after hours to use the car on our social forays into Lima. We were called to the Commandant’s office, and he gave us a stern reprimand for our self-indulgent ways. He then restricted us to the academy, except for authorized field trips.

Little did he know—-I was already an expert in being on restriction!

Bert and I still found an opportunity to go over the wall, and met up with Sancho and the car in a side street. It was a beautiful Saturday night in Lima, as we drove down one of the main boulevards in upscale Miraflores, headed for a party. As we stopped at a red light, we experienced a scene like the one portrayed in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. I looked over to our left, and behind the wheel of the car in the next lane was our very own Peruvian escort officer! He was in civilian clothes and

64/65 CLASS NEWS fortunately, was staring straight ahead. I whispered to Bert, “Hit the deck!” and we dove to the floor of the back seat.

Sancho had a big laugh about this, saying “Cadetes, donde están? Hay problema?” [“Cadets, where are you? Is there a problem?”]

Apparently, the Lieutenant never saw us, or if he did, he was cool enough to keep our secret.

Although we tried not to drink the tap water, I somehow got a bad case of “Incas’ Revenge,” an intestinal bug. I became so dehydrated, the Peruvian officers had me admitted to their naval hospital, one of the best in Lima. After many tests and antibiotics, I started getting better.

I became good friends with a flamboyant Peruvian cadet in the next room, who had been brought in from a soccer game a few weeks before with a broken ankle. He was a real character, and a bad influence. A continuous parade of beautiful Peruvian girls “visited” his room constantly, which probably lengthened his hospital stay. Feeling sorry for me, he gave me a supply of Playboy magazines, saying “Para tu salud, Gringo!” [For your health, American!] One of the Catholic nuns who patrolled the halls of the hospital caught me reading one, and confiscated them all, instead giving me a copy of the Bible in Spanish.

When we returned to USNA and reality, it was a rude awakening. I noticed that the Peruvians canceled the exchange program after our departure. I’m sure that had nothing to do with us . . . .

We close this issue with another rendering from ’64’s Poet in Residence Ted Lyster. This effort crafted in Elko, Nevada on 30 January 1999 is particularly appropriate to our time to all times.

REAL WEALTH A friendship’s more precious Than diamonds or gold; You can’t purchase honor Real love can’t be sold.

When true friends are numbered On more than one hand You’re far richer than most And it shows where you stand.

When hard times have found you And life’s gotten rough It’s the true friend who helps you And can’t do enough.

Real wealth isn’t measured In dollars and cents, Nor countin’ the acres Inside a man’s fence.

The wealth of a man’s Not the size of his herd, But his earned reputation, And the strength of his word.

Fair Winds and Quartering Seas

’65

Life Membership: 64% Donor Participation: 5.25% Pres: CAPT Jim Minderlein, USN (Ret.) e: jimm65@verizon.net Corr Sec’y: CDR Dave Anderson, USN (Ret.) 1600 Ala Moana Blvd. #2208, Honolulu, HI 96815 c: 816-621-0878 e: daveand65@me.com; daveand65@earthlink.net Class of 1965 Home Page: http://www.daveand65.com/USNA65/ https://daveand65.wixsite.com/usna65photos

Sad to say, but we lost Jon Barto during this reporting period.

From Jim Minderlein, 20 Feb M I regret to inform you of the death of our classmate, Jon Barto. I was notified of his passing by Phil Ferrara, who was in Jon’s Plebe Year Company, and Dave Anderson. Jon graduated from the 26th Company and is the first classmate in that Company we have lost.

He was a big sailor for Navy. Our Lucky Bag says that his enthusiasm for the sport and his personal drive enabled him to become an outstanding member of the Naval Academy ocean sailing squadron and one of the few midshipmen selected to participate in the 1964 Bermuda races. Jon served as a Navy Fighter Pilot and a Flight Instructor from 1965 until 1986. After a 20 plus year distinguished career as a Naval Aviator during the Vietnam era, Jon joined Mitre in 1989 as a principal systems engineer and had a 32 year tenure there. The e-mail below to Phil is from Jon’s wife, Nancy. Please keep her in your thoughts during this sad time: “I am Jon’s wife Nancy and I am using his laptop. I am sorry to tell you Jon passed away on Thursday night, 17 February 2022. He bravely fought cancer for over four years. He is loved and will be missed. Nancy” Jon’s funeral with Military Honors was held on 03 Mar in Central Falls, RI. Please check out Last Call for more details on Jon’s life and career. … Here’s some other classmate remembrances.

From Jim Minderlein, 24 Feb

M Bill Zuna requested that I forward the information below regarding a remembrance for John Szubski to be held on Sunday, 03 Jul at the Naval Academy. The 0900 mass at the Chapel will be followed by food, booze, and laughter at the Naval Academy Club. Please note the deadline and respond directly to John’s widow, Marrietta at: marietta.szubski@gmail.com.

From Ed McCann, 10 Mar M The passing of Richard Genet was reported in the March Shipmate, but here’s some fond memories of this great classmate.

Richard succumbed to a diagnosed lung issue, sadly, on last Christmas Eve, after a rest stop and refueling whilst en route by auto from home port Gig Harbor, WA on the way to visit grown children and grandchildren in Portland, OR. Truly a Sailor’s Sailor, I think he held the class record for years at sea or in sea-going billets. Richard arrived at Bancroft Hall a skilled sailor, well-versed in the challenges of life on the water, a Great Lakes sailor, and not unlike Jon Barto and Mike Griffen, was one of the earliest of our class to achieve a Yawl Command, specifically that of the good ship Swift. He was successful on the water and off, and it was especially convenient to have had then-Major later Colonel Love as our officer rep, which gave special reason to sail to St. Michael’s, Chestertown, Oxford, and other Chesapeake Bay hot spots far enough away to splice the main brace. Richard, Johnny Weber, JP Reason, Bill Hancock and others and I kept WRNV spinning during those years. His particular interest focused on the Folk Music craze raging at the time. He managed to get his Ode Banjo in tune and was soon wailing away with others, including me, Chuck Humphries, Mike Scott, Connie Lautenbacher, Bob Lawrence, and others of the Anchormen. Two of our favorite songs were “The Sinking of the Reuben James” by Woody Guthrie and “Who Will Sing For Me”

by Carter Stanley. At WRNV we also had a number of great events as the away game advance party, setting up speakers, mixers, etc., for noisy but predictable USNA Cheerleaders preceding various away football games, including Army-Navy in Philadelphia and others, but in particular with Penn State in September 1964. Ed McCann (Alas, not room for a couple of great stories Ed included about the Penn State game and some post-USNA sailing adventures with him. If interested, contact Ed at edwmccann@gmail.com for all the details).

From Steve McDonald, 01 Mar, having read about Spider Webb’s passing in a previous edition of Shipmate.

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 63

65/65 CLASS NEWS M Shipmate is showing George Spider Webb as deceased. A Florida Cracker (as am I), Spider lived on his family’s ranch and property near Floral City, Florida. His property and thousands of acres surrounding it were part of his family’s Spanish land grant before Florida was a state. Entire cities today are built on his family’s land grant. Steve

received and provided optimism and enthusiasm that those that follow in our footsteps are serving honorably and in the highest traditions of the service. Be well, Steve

From Jim Minderlein, 02 Mar M The burial service for Paul Robinson was held on 05 Apr at the Naval Academy Cemetery. The service included full military honors with a Protestant Chaplain officiating. …And here’s a couple of remembrances of Paul from Ted Nanz and Ken Meeks on 02 Mar M From Ted: Paul and I became friends while at Guided Missile Officers’ School at Dam Neck, VA during August-November 1965.

I learned that he was a Godly man of high integrity and decency. On Sundays and on Wednesday evenings we would drive over to Norfolk together to attend church services with classmate Bo Bryant driving with us on occasion. One time Paul sang a solo of “How Great Thou Art” which was his favorite hymn and which was also played at his hometown memorial service. Ted Nanz From Ken: Paul and I shared a little apartment (actually just a room and bathroom) together in Norfolk for a short while when we were attending some sort of Nuclear Weapons Training at the Norfolk Naval Base, shortly before we started the Guided Missile School at Dam Neck. It was a room in a big house across the street from the City Park. The house was the home for two older ladies— a mother and daughter. While living there, we both became good friends with the ladies.

They treated us like sons! They rented the room to us for a very fair price. When we had to move out and into the BOQ at Dam Neck, they were very sad to see us go! Ted, you are so right - Paul was a man of high integrity and decency, and a strong Christian. I was indeed blessed to have had this opportunity to live with him! He was one of our great classmates!

Ken Meeks From Phil Ferrara, 19 Feb M Navy won an exciting and crowd-pleasing wrestling meet against Army on February 18.

It was a nail-biting and close fought meet with several matches won in the final seconds.

‘65ers at Alumni Hall for the meet were Ted Nanz, Sam Dutrow, Chip Seymour, Phil and Linda Ferrara. Needless to say, Navy sang second !!!

64 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

Feb. 18, 2022, Army vs Navy wrestling, ’65ers at wrestling meet; front to back, Ted Nanz, Sam Dutrow and Phil Ferrara

From Phil Ferrara, 27 Feb On Friday, 25 Feb, Linda and I along with Meliza and Ted Nanz attended the Brigade Boxing Championships.

Feb. 2022, aboard USS Constitution, Steve Chub ’65, Commanding Officer, CDR Billie Farrell ’04 and Pete Seibert ’65

From Phil Ferrara, 09 Mar

Feb. 25, 2022, Brigade Boxing Championship event at Alumni Hall, Linda Ferrara, Meliza and Ted Nanz and Phil Ferrara

From Steve Chubb, 28 Feb M Our classmate, Pete Seibert, has been a member in good standing of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for 20+ years. It is the oldest military unit in continuous existence in the Western Hemisphere, almost 400 years - originally chartered in 1638. Its headquarters and museum are on the top floor of Faneuil Hall, in downtown Boston. Its founders had been members of the Honorable Artillery Company of London. Eight members have received the Medal of Honor. Four US Presidents (Monroe, Arthur, Coolidge and Kennedy) were members. For 137 years, “The Ancients” have observed Presidents’ Day by meeting and enjoying a luncheon together. This year, I was honored to be Pete’s guest. Our speaker that day was the recently appointed Commanding Officer of the USS CONSTITUTION, the oldest commissioned ship in the Navy. Commander Billie Farrell ’04, USN, has served meritoriously as a Surface Warfare Officer, her latest billet as Executive Officer of the cruiser USS VICKSBURG (CG 69). She holds the distinction of being the first woman to command the oldest ship in our Navy. Her remarks were well

M As a result of a query to USNAAA, it was determined that our ’65 Lucky Bag has been digitized (similar to how Shipmate is digitized back through its 80-year history). Our Lucky Bag and those through the Class of 1970 are available via a digital archive of the Nimitz Library.

When you open the link below and click on the Lucky Bag, it’ll open the whole book. Phil https://archive.org/details/ luckybag1965unse/ And Phil Barr chipped in on this on 09 Mar. This is absolutely AMAZING!! We have often talked about our classmates whose fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, brothers, uncles - you get the drift - graduated from USNA. Would it not be interesting if each classmate with such USNA heritage would provide the Name and Class of these relatives - and the page number on the Lucky Bag where the pic and bio info is found.

So Chip Seymour did just that on 10 Mar. Here goes for my Grandfather, Dad, and yours truly. The pages noted are from the actual hard-back Lucky Bags themselves, not from the database now available. Grandpop: Robert R. Thompson, Class of 1912, Page 95, Of Note: Sub School Class #1. Dad: Harry A. Seymour, Class of 1939, Page 382, Of Note: On board USS NEVADA on 7 Dec 1941. Chip: Harry A. Seymour, Jr., Class of 1965, Page 218.

From Phil Ferrara, 02 Mar M It was a fractious and rambunctious nineteen that gathered for the First Wednesday lunch on 02 Mar. Must have been the sunshine and Spring temperatures.We conducted a spirited auction to augment the tip. It was a 3” long tie clip donated by Norm Fluhrer that is a miniature slide rule. And it works…2x2 was

65/67 CLASS NEWS four…! The bidding began at $5 by Charlie Morrison, then back and forth and finally the bidding ended at $11, and Charlie will forever have his arithmetic perfect. Attending the lunch were Sonny Harrison, Ed Linz, Phil Ferrara, Frank Peterson, Charlie Morrison, Doug Katz, Bob Andretta, Fred Vogel, Dan Flanagan, Conrad Best, Art Wittig, Rich Harden, John Collins, Pat Philbin, Skip Orr, Jack Devine, Sam Dutrow, Bob Sullivan and Jim Minderlein. Each of them carried home a small gift of entertainment as well.

Thazzit, guys! Aloha, Dave

’66

Life Membership: 66% Donor Participation: 5.33% Pres: Gen Carlton W. Fulford, USMC (Ret.) Sec’y: CDR Mike Baird, USN (Ret.) 10439 Rivington Ct., Lone Tree, CO 80124 e: mike.baird@1966.usna.com West Coast Sec’y: Robert G. Johnson Jr., Esq. 41391 Kalmia St., Ste. 210 , Murrieta, CA 92562 Website: www.usna66.org

This has been a very uneventful month. The mailbox has been nearly empty, but there are a few items to cover. First, the 55th + 1 Reunion registration is well underway. At this writing, in March, 73 Classmates and Surviving Spouses have registered. Hopefully, we’ll have many more by the time you receive this issue.

Phil Ziegler sent the following information on a recently released Navy announcement regarding his son, CAPT David Ziegler.

On 21 May 2021, CAPT David Ziegler, company commander of Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 11, Alpha Company, received his rank insignia from Elizabeth M. Ziegler, his mother and witnessed by his father, LCDR Philip E. Ziegler, USN (Ret.), marking his promotion to the rank of Captain during a brief ceremony held onboard Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, CA. The Maritime Expeditionary Security Force is a core Navy capability that provides port and harbor security, high value asset security, and maritime security in the coastal and inland waterways. Congratulations to David, Elizabeth, and Phil.

ELIZABETH ZIEGLER, CAPT DAVID ZIEGLER, AND PHIL ZIELGER

Well, I said this would be short. Please remember to register for the reunion. It promises to be a great gathering. Go to: usna66.org and follow the links to register.

Until Augus, All the best, Mike!!!

’67

Life Membership: 76% Donor Participation: 6.36% Pres: CDR David E. Church, USN (Ret.) Sec’y: LtCol Jim McNeece, USMC (Ret.) 1603 John Worthington Way, Crownsville, MD 21032 p: 410-849-3423; e: scribe67@gmail.com

Dave Church received a note from Anny Castoro, wife of Joe Castoro, that Joe had passed away at home in Oklahoma City the morning of 14 March 2022 after a long battle with congestive heart failure. He was surrounded by his family: Anny, his wife of 27 years; her daughters Lauren and Cindy (Jacob); and sons Daniel (Patricia) and Bradley (Kara). Joe was Grandpa to Brennan, Drew, Claire, Nola, Finley, and Nathan. Joe was born in Brooklyn in 1944 and raised in Queens.

After earning an appointment to USNA, he was a two sport athlete in football and track, but concentrated on the hammer throw his last two years. After graduation, Joe initially started in the flight program in Pensacola but transferred to Surface Line, completing two WestPac cruises in LONG BEACH (CGN-9). After

five years as a Regular, Joe completed almost 16 years in the Reserves, retiring as a Commander, USNR. Working for a Defense Contractor as Program Manager for their Air Force Business, Joe earned law degrees at night, and when the business transferred to Oklahoma City from the Washington, DC area, Joe transferred with it. After the contract ended, Joe remained in Oklahoma City and worked the rest of his career for a large funeral services company, advising and supporting families through their own difficult losses.

He was an ever-present member of St. Francis – his and Anny’s center of Catholic faith in Oklahoma City – serving regularly as a lector and usher. He had his core buddies with whom he loved hanging out or catching a movie.

Memorial donations can be made in his name to St. Francis of Assisi in Oklahoma City (www.stfrancisokc.com) or the Fisher House Foundation (www.fisherhouse.org).

Wayne Henry sent this: M Julia and I attended Eric Johnson’s memorial service yesterday and the burial today (6 March 2022). Both were very impressive with many friends present as well as family. Julia and Bonnie have known each other since Second Class Year, so it was quite good for them to share memories. Bill Haggerson, Eric’s roomie First Class Year recited the Midshipman’s Prayer at the memorial service. The Navy Hymn was played during the service. Attached are photos of Bill, Lennie Passmore, and me. Hoot Gibson, up from Roswell, GA, is the fourth ‘67er.

Bill, Lennie, Wayne, & Hoot at Johnson services

SHIPMATE More than 80 years available online to all Alumni Association members.

Visit usna.com/shipmate ‘67 at Roger Charles’ services JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 65

67/67 CLASS NEWS keep pace with anyone on sea stories but next week I may not remember that I sent this email. I am blessed to have a fantastic caregiver, my wife Nancy.

The 1st Company held one of their regular Zoom calls on 18 March 2022, and Lin Wells sent a screen shot with 1st row: John Cotton, Lin Wells, Tom Burton; 2nd row: Rick Gautschi, Larry Morris, Pete Leon; 3rd row: Paul Tuttle, Jerry Mahoney. Lin said: M Our topic this session was “friends and family.” We heard some wonderful stories, from kids and grandkids, to memories of parents’ experiences in World War II. An earlier session was devoted to Sea Stories. A future one will focus on memories from USNA (when old tales be retold...). The next session will be Friday, June 24th.

‘67 at Ray Smith’s services

You may remember from an earlier column that George Samaras was having a serious go-round back in December with a brain tumor requiring surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Here’s another note from Lin Wells with good news:

‘67 at Ray Smith’s services

There was also a good ‘67 presence at the services for Roger Charles on 26 February 2022 in Alexandria, VA. The 11th Company was there in force with Fred Wilkinson, John Boivin, Dick Moore, Larry Roberts, Garth Van Sickle, Chris Ott and Corky Corcoran. Others in the photo are Dick Branum, Buddy Barnes, Larry Pigeon, Bob O’Rourke, Michael Cathey, Denny Lister, me.

And Rock Harmon sent pictures of the Classmates attending Ray Smith’s funeral services. On 28 February 2022 in Coronado were: (top row) Rock, Steve Andres, John Filose, Dave Tate, Pete Burggren, Warren Millard, Ted Stearns, Buddy Barnes,(unknown), Bob Campbell, Curt Dosé, Pete Dabbieri, Bob Ryan behind him, Mike Samuels, and Brad Beaver. And at the interment on 1 March 2022 at Fort Rosecrans on Point Loma were: (top row): Dave Tate, Sandy Prouty, Dave Scheu, Bruce Wright, Jim Gilbert, Steve Andres, Steve Fisk, Pete Phelps; (bottom row) Bob Lang, Jack Feehan, Dave Gompert, Soup Campbell, Terry Brown, Brad Beaver, Bill Sorenson.

I heard from John Dornstetter back in January. He, like others, is dealing with Parkinson’s. As he said to me in an aside, he’s one of many:

it would always be in my rear view mirror.

I have enjoyed seeing all 50 States and 5 Continents, but I now live halfway between Youngstown and Titusville!

The VA has been a fantastic health partner.

I have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Thanks to Congress for passing the Agent Orange Presumption and the fact that I had a foot on the ground in Vietnam Nam. At this time, some of the problems are movement related but the bigger issue is cognitive. I can

M I was born in Titusville Pa in 1944. I was brought up in Youngstown, OH. In 1963 I said ‘67: 1st Co. Zoom 66 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

M George Samaras called this afternoon (25 March 2022) with wonderful news. He is cancer free after surgery, chemo and radiation!

Glioblastoma is a very aggressive disease of the brain or spinal column. Only 2%-5% of those with this disease get cancer-free, but George has. He’ll be in a monitoring program for another year, but the prognosis is excellent.

George thanks most sincerely all of you who have held him in their thoughts and prayers as well, of course, his medical team.

As you can imagine, this has been a profound experience for him, life-changing but also life-affirming. As he said, he has seen what the end of life looks like, and also how important

67/68 CLASS NEWS

‘67: Orphan photo

life is.

Here’s a fun note from Jim Aldrich, particularly if you’re a basketball fan who enjoys March Madness.

M I don’t know if you follow college basketball, but my son, Griff, is head coach of the Longwood Lancers, a Division I team, located in Farmville, VA. Longwood is part of the Big South Conference. My son was brought in to be head coach 4 years ago, when Longwood was 7-26 overall (3-15 in Big South conference play). Anyway, the Lancers have had a pretty good season this year, thus far! They are 26-6 overall, 15-1 in Big South conference play, and they just won the Big South Tournament, defeating previous conference champ Winthrop on Sunday, March 6th, 79-58 on ESPN2. Now it’s on to the NCAA tournament!! The chant around Farmville now is “The Lancers are Dancers!” Loretta and I plan to be there !!

Follow this link to read John Feinstein’s column in the Washington Post for more: https://rb.gy/nbyhqf.

OK…here goes…this is painful…somebody sent me a photo. I think it was in January or February. I lost the email. Probably deleted it in some mad housecleaning frenzy…naa-ah! I never clean house. If somebody will claim it and provide the story (again), I’d appreciate it.

Give a Classmate a hand, here!

That’s all I can do this time. We got back last night from a two week Danube River cruise and I’m jet lagged out…That’s it...Goodnight! …Jim

2022 NAVY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Follow Navy Football online at: navysports.com 1-800-US4-NAVY

’68

Life Membership: 62% Donor Participation: 3.28% Pres: CAPT Gary A. Storm, USN (Ret.) 2725 Cabernet Ln., Annapolis, MD 21401 p: 410-757-7156; c: 443-924-1130; e: gastorm@verizon.net Corr Sec’y: CAPT Gordon I. Peterson, USN (Ret.) 5200 Brittany Dr., S., Apt. #102, St. Petersburg, FL 33715 p: 703-282-3411; e: gpeters621@aol.com

https://gofund.me/0c5b4fd9 . Email Ed (ed514@earthlink.net) if you have questions.

Best of luck in your noble cause, Ed. Stay safe.

Two of our distinguished professionals recently concluded notable careers of more than 50 years of naval and federal service.

Carl Tamulevich retired as the NAAA’s senior associate sports director in March.

In January, the Naval War College’s Dr. Richard “Mitch” Brown retired at the Naval Postgraduate School.

Then-CDR Tamulevich, a Navy pilot, began his work in the Physical Education Department while still on active duty. He transitioned to the NAAA after his Navy retirement in 1992.

“Carl’s personal and professional passion for the history, traditions, and people that represent the values of the Academy are extraordinary,” said Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk. “He has devoted his civilian career to the benefit of our midshipmen and the advancement of a wide array of resources that complement their mission.” The AD described Carl as “a guiding light within the NAAA,” noting “the Association can never be the same without him.”

Website: www.usna68.com

The full-length version of this column was distributed by e-mail class wide and is posted on our Class website.

The crisis in Ukraine is a personal concern for Ed Sundberg. His grandmother came from what is now Lviv. In response to the flood of millions of refugees fleeing their country, Ed decided to travel to Poland to provide them humanitarian aid. “I feel compelled to be there to help families and their children,” he told me.

“While on the scene in Poland at a place of refugee entry, I intend to provide direct and immediate financial aid and support for goods and transportation for as many families with elderly and children as possible,” he said.

“This will entail providing food, comfort, and basic hygiene supplies for an early start on relocation with compassion and some form of dignity.” A number of classmates have already contributed.

Ed has established a GoFundMe account to support his effort. “Selection of refugee families will most likely be introduced from the local NGO I will work through,” he explained. “Any leftover funds will be donated directly to the American Red Cross or a local Polish NGO working the relief effort for the children.

Ninety percent of all funds raised will be donated while 10 percent will be spent for related expenses to include guides and transportation to some remote areas.”

Donations may be made at his account:

Carl and Navy’s men’s lacrosse Head Coach Joe Amplo.

(Photo courtesy of NAAA)

Mitch’s retirement capped a career of 57 years 7 months in federal service that included his 26-year Navy career as a helicopter pilot.

Mitch was a faculty member of the Naval War College’s College of Distance Education at NPS. At both NPS and NWC he taught at the master’s level. His years at NPS with the NWC’s College of Distance were very productive. An NPS article recognizing Mitch and two fellow retirees stated, “Through the NPS-NWC partnership, a total of 6,275 officers have earned their Joint Professional Military Education Phase I certification since the program’s inception in September 1999.”

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 67

68/68 CLASS NEWS Travel was the way to go—really up close with nature,” Bill said. “We had a wonderful time.”

Bill and Josie Metzger with napping seals on Galapagos Beach. ’68: Mitch Brown, center left, treated students in his last class for a “slurp” at the NPS Trident Room following his retirement.

With less than a year left until we gather in San Diego May 14-17, West Coast VP Dick Evert provided this update from our San Diego 55th Reunion Committee: M “The Intercontinental Hotel will welcome us, and planning is well along for our USS MIDWAY event Monday night and the Reunion Reception and Banquet Tuesday night. Various sports and touring options are described in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the reunion website (www.usna68.com) including wine, harbor, and San Diego bus tours. You are encouraged to use the commercial websites to schedule these tours or to just mix with classmates at the hotel spaces we will provide.

Registration will open 1 October 2022. All the currently scheduled events are on the website now. We will be located within walking distance of USS MIDWAY. We are considering SWAG bag contents so please contact Dick Evert(richardevert68@gmail.com) should you have any questions or suggestions.”

Earlier this spring, Jim Webb expressed grave concerns over the Marine Corps’ future force structure in a column published 25 March in the Wall Street Journal. That month he also addressed it and other important issues in a Notre Dame International Security Center’s “Expert Series” podcast on “Senior Military Leadership and the Future of U.S. National Security.”

Several classmate gatherings were reported in recent months. In California, Art McLaughlin brought together Gill Lucas, John McKay, and Frank Blake in the Sacramento area in mid-March. Dave Wallace did not attend because of a pet emergency. Gil reported that he was simply happy to see three other classmates healthy and alive. “It was a very nice gathering,” he said. “We plan to get together every few months to stay in touch.”

68 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

Dave Black reports he and Louise are doing well in Annapolis. “Louise and I are enjoying our life here on the Severn River and looking out toward Diamond Shoals on Hatteras Island. To quote a former Seawolf and classmate, ‘Ain’t life grand!’ “

John McKay, Art McLaughlin, Frank Blake, and Gil Lucas.

Also out west, Denny Young met up with Doug Bomarito. “He is currently semi-retired, but still somewhat active with his law practice,” Denny said. “He is also quite active with the Alumni Association.” Denny later gathered with other friends spanning several alumni year groups.

Louise and Dave Black report very little down time when they’re boating.

Denny Young and Doug Bomarito.

Josie and Bill Metzger returned home in early March from a USNA Alumni Association Tours expedition to the Galapagos Islands.

“We also participated in a pre-tour to the Mashpi Cloud Forests of Ecuador,” Bill said.

“Twenty-two USNA associated guests on the expedition included 10 alumni from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Those from ‘our generation’ included Susan and Larry Eckerman ’69, and Debbie and Kevin O’Connor ‘71. “Galapagos had always been on our ‘bucket list,’ and Alumni

A mini-reunion of the 24th Company’s “Florida couples” went down in early February at Daytona Beach. This winter’s gathering included Kate and Al Burda, Paige and Ric French, Carole and Hank Martin, George Gardner, Debbie and Jim Brengle, and Carol and Bob Scharnus ‘69. (Bob started with us and graduated with ’69.) As Ric related, “Every six months or so we descend on a Florida location to spend quality time together. We breath fresh life into the adage, ‘The older we get, the better we were.’” They enjoyed an extensive tour of the Speedway facilities, its museum, an energizing trip to the Chocolate Factory, and dancing the “Huka” Warrior Dance at a lavish Polynesian Luau on the beach.

68/69 CLASS NEWS

’69

Life Membership: 59% Donor Participation: 7.21% Pres: MAJ Steve Comiskey, USMCR (Ret.) e: swcomiskey@gmail.com Vice Pres: Pat Stroop e: pstroop@hotmail.com Sec’y: Dr. Steve Hudock p: 571-419-0290; e: shudock@1969.USNA.com Treas: Ron Gumbert 4300 Summertime Ln., Helena, MT 59602 e: rongumbert@icloud.com; ron.gumbert@gartner.com Website: www.usna69.org

’68: 24th Company’s mini-reunion: Left to right; Al and Kate Burda, Ric and Paige French, Hank and Carole Martin, George Gardner, Jim and Debbie Brengle, Bob and Carol Scharnus.

A 31st Company mini-reunion was held in St. Petersburg, FL, following a pandemic-imposed hiatus of two years. Barbara and George Breeden’s East Coast road trip included a luncheon gathering with Bonnie and Larry McConnell, Kathy Farmer, and yours truly with my better half, Diana. (My 4/c and 3/c years with the 31st Company allowed honorary attendance.) George noted our luncheon turned into a three-hour talk fest of sea stories!

Unfortunately, Donna and Reid Carlock could not join us owing to his knee-replacement surgery. Fortunately, Reid’s operation and recovery went well.

A “get-well” shoutout to Reid Carlock, from left: Gordon and Diana Peterson, Barbara and George Breeden, Kathy Farmer, and Bonnie and Larry McConnell.

February and March saw three additional losses from our class with the deaths of Tom Inglis, Mike Cummings, and Scott Wood.

All were decorated combat veterans of the Vietnam War. Sincere condolences to their families. Please see their entries in this or a future Last Call.

Tom, a member of the 27th Company passed away 16 February in his native state of Texas. He served two tours of duty with VA153 flying the A-7Corsair on the aircraft carrier ORISKANY (CVA-34) flying combat missions in Vietnam. After resigning his commission in

1973 he was a manufacturing executive for Fortune 500 manufacturing companies, ultimately settling with his family in Plano, TX. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; a son, daughter, sister, and four grandchildren. An inurnment service was held in April at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery.

Mike, a member of the 11th Company, died at his home in Virginia Beach 9 March. He served as an infantry platoon commander in South Vietnam, company commander and aide-de-camp to the Commanding General, 1st Marine Division. Mike earned his law degree and then served as a Marine judge advocate. After retiring in 1990 as a lieutenant colonel, he had a distinguished legal and judicial career. He is survived by his wife, Martha; three sons, a daughter, and nine grandchildren. Services will be conducted at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.

The 26th Company’s Scott Wood passed away 18 March at his home in Amarillo, TX. Memorial services were held the following week. Following retirement as a lieutenant commander, Scott continued to use his expertise in explosives, predominantly as a safety engineer at the Pantex Plant for the Department of Energy from 1994 to 2015.

He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann; a daughter, sister, and three grandchildren.

Take care, Gordo

HONOR CHAIRS Remember or Honor a loved one in Alumni Hall. Call 410-295-4100 for more information.

Well we’re into another summer Classmates!

A quick note about this column. These stories and notes are only as fresh and frequent as YOU make them. We had a rather long hiatus last winter but remember we can’t print what we don’t have. SO, IF YOU have a great story to tell, a new adventure to share, encounter a long last Classmate, or are curious about what’s going on in the Yard, please shoot me an email at shudock@1969.usna.com.

Mary and Pat Stroop had the pleasure of lunch in early March with Taylor Stockdale, son of VADM James Stockdale and current Headmaster of the high school in California that Pat graduated from in 1965. Also in the group was Taylor’s Chief Advancement Officer, Bob Fass. After lunch, Pat and Mary gave them a tour of the Yard including a stop for a photo op at VADM Stockdale’s statue outside of Luce Hall.

Pete Blackledge provided an interesting story: DEATH OF U. S. NAVAL ACADEMY’S ONLY COTTON BOWL QUEEN. I am saddened to report the death of my sister, Patti Blackledge Blide. Patti holds a unique JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 69

69/69 CLASS NEWS

‘69: Cotton Bowl Queen

prominence in U. S. Naval Academy (USNA) history. In 1958, USNA and Rice were major college football powers. Their meeting in the

1958 Cotton Bowl was considered to be a classic collegiate confrontation of two football titans. My fraternal twin sisters Patti and Penny

were seniors at Rice that year, and Penny was elected Rice Homecoming Queen and Cotton Bowl Queen. USNA, which at that time had an all-male student body, learned that my father was USNA Class of 1920, and they asked him if Patti would be their Naval Academy Queen for the Cotton Bowl. The result was the only time in history that twin sisters were Queens for opposing football bowl teams, and the only time in history that USNA had a football bowl Queen. One more interesting piece of this history: If one looks closely at the attached newspaper photo of Patti in the stands cheering the Naval Academy team, it might be noticed that Patti’s escort standing next to her seems familiar. That’s because Patti’s USNA escort for the 1958 Cotton Bowl was Midshipman First Class and Brigade Commander Charles Larson, subsequently to become 4-Star Admiral Charles Larson and Superintendent of the U. S. Naval Academy.

Fair Winds & Following Seas, my beautiful Blue & Gold sister. You shall not be forgotten.

Your Little Brother, Peter USNA’69 Six ’69ers and their lovely ladies set sail together for the first time in just over two years in early March.

Betsy and Ed Bannat, Aida and Al Cipriani, Dee and Bill Coleman, Jody and Tom Mitchell, Emily and Dennis Plank and Mary and Pat Stroop set sail from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) on Celebrity Silhouette. The first port of call the day after getting underway was Nassau, the Bahamas. Days 3 and 4 were “sea days” enroute to Cartagena, Colombia. During every phase of the trip, we were all impressed by the fantastic shipboard staff which provided great service from the beautiful dining rooms to the theaters and of course our cabins. We were also blessed with sunny weather during the entire trip.

The group spiffied up for Evening Chic twice during the cruise wearing the now famous 37Th Company uniform.

Our stay in Oranjestad, Aruba was a two day affair with a sunset sail with appropriate adult beverages shortly after our midafternoon arrival. Another tour followed the next day with the ship departing Aruba for the transit to Kralendjik, Bonaire for a one day visit.

We also had the pleasure of helping Bill Coleman celebrate his BIG 75! The Silhouette dining room staff helped in the festivities including an appropriate party hat for Bill.

DONATE ONLINE Support the Annual Fund, visit usna.com and click Give Online. ’69ers finally back at sea - March 2022 70 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

69/70 CLASS NEWS

Bill Coleman reaches yet another milestone

Our visit to the “ABCs” was completed with our final port call to Willemstad, Curacao, home of the beverage of the same name. In a completely surprising turn, the tour that several of us took just happened to include the distillery of the original said beverage where samples were had and “souvenirs” purchased.

We had two more days at sea prior to arriving at Port Everglades and returning to reality.

A wonderful time was had by all. We enjoyed many of our meals together and attended the variety of shows in the ship’s theater and Grand Foyer. The absolute highlight of the trip was just being together again after two years of face masks and quarantines.

Many of us are looking forward to the Med “Cruise with Friends” in September Not a lot of mail so far this Spring. That’s it for this issue. Let’s BEAT ARMY often!! – Doc

’70

Life Membership: 62% Donor Participation: 1.96% Pres: CDR Edmund E. Moore, USN (Ret.) e: edmund.moore@gmail.com Sec’y: CDR Royal Connell, USN (Ret.) 7230 Meir Henry Rd., Pensacola, FL 32506 e: royal70@1970.usna.com Webmaster: Ed Moore e: edmund.moore@gmail.com Website: http://1970.usnaclasses.com

Greetings all, this has been a travelling month for me despite the outrageous prices for gas, but that’s as far down that road I intend to travel. We have many losses this month; I wish my personal condolences to all the grieving families.

Sound the Last Post: Dr. Kevin Thomas Fitzwater, died unexpectedly of heart disease in Colorado Springs, Colorado in February. Over the years, his

children heard what they assumed were embellished tall tales; they have enjoyed the surprise of seeing many of his stories corroborated by his accomplices as he reminisced on Facebook. Kevin cherished his time as a midshipman and the friends he made at the Academy. He spoke often of his time there and the many good-spirited pranks in which he participated. In his own words, “I honor, revere and love those good men, brothers to this day, who shared the experience. If thoughts were words, I could say 10,000 kindly things about my Annapolis classmates.”

After two years in Annapolis, he transferred to BYU to continue his studies. He practiced dentistry for over thirty years. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served as a much-loved Sunday School teacher. Kevin and Rae Lynn welcomed six children before she passed away in 1988.

After eight years of dating, he married Linda White Cronin in 2003. They resided in Colorado Springs until his passing, and together have twenty-two grandchildren, all of whom, he would say, are above average. Kevin will be remembered for his unique and sometimes irreverent sense of humor, which was the lens through which he viewed the world. He loved performing a good magic trick, and he loved performing a bad one even better. His humor was evident in his newsworthy Christmas light displays and invitations to events he hosted (“swimwear and livestock not appropriate”).

He prided himself on being “sartorially resplendent,” despite a proclivity to yellow, purple and Crocs. “Fitz” was a skilled banjo player – whatever that means. He and his bluegrass band, Fruit of the Loom and The Waste Band, delighted crowds wherever they were able to perform. Kevin had a flair for poetry, writing and grammar. He was a terrific wordsmith, and he passed his love of words – and their proper usage – to his children. He playfully penned poetry and was often working on a funny limerick or story. Kevin will be remembered for his keen intellect; his charm; his love of music, golf, and dogs; his reverence for his ancestors; and his devotion to his children and family. Those who knew him knew of his colorful world view. Many also experienced his deep compassion and kindness.

Dan Lee Olson passed away at his home in April, 2020, in Fruit Heights, Utah. He attended The Naval Academy, and then attended Weber State University. Dan married the love of his life, Mary Lynn Homer Olson in 1967. Together they built their current home in Fruit Heights doing all the work themselves (with some help from family members), from the excavation, to framing, and finally the finish work. From 1968- 1985, Dan worked for

Blue Cross Blue shield as a Computer Operator and later as a Systems Analyst and retired from that job in 2013. Dan is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Timothy Martin Reichert passed away in March. He retired as a Commander with 20 years of honorable service. After graduation he entered the submarine service and served as Commander of the USS TOPEKA (SSN754).

After retiring from the Navy, he began a new career with Entergy Nuclear Power, working in Arkansas, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. He retired in 2006. Tim was kindhearted, intelligent, and witty; he loved dogs, loved to travel, and could answer any science or history question in great detail, with “the rest of the story.” He was a courageous nine-year stroke survivor. He was loved by many and will be missed.

Samuel Ryan Swah died in March after a rigorous and valiant fight against a rare type of lymphoma. Ryan not only earned a BS from the USNA but he went on to receive two master’s degrees. The first, a Master’s in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering from Princeton and the second, a Master’s in Aeronautical Systems from The University of West Florida. Ryan retired with experience in attack, fighter, and transport aircraft. He began his pilot training in the Navy and initially worked as a pilot for Eastern Airlines for eleven years before joining FedEx Express. As a FedEx Express Captain. After retiring as a pilot, he continued to work for FedEx Express doing work as a Guru of Operations Specifications, Flight Operations Policy, and navigation information. He also did consulting work as the Content Manger of Convergent Performance, LLC and was a Technical Writer for TrainingBoom. Ryan was a member of the MENSA and Intertel IQ societies. He co-authored and published a book titled Automation Airmanship: Nine Principles for Operating Glass Cockpit Aircraft. He was an incomparable professional who always managed to make you feel he was learning from you, and was focused and determined, handling things in a kind, easy going manner.

He will be deeply missed. Captain Swah was a bourbon connoisseur as well, cheers to you, Captain!

Thomas Joseph O’Leary, passed away peacefully at his home in Plano, TX in March.

He served the Navy for 13 years as a Fighter Pilot before resigning to become a commercial pilot, finally retiring from American Airlines.

After his retirement, he worked part time as a pilot instructor at CAE SimuFlite Inc. Thomas married Denise in 1989 and they have three children. He always put God and family first.

He enjoyed traveling, skiing, telling stories and JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 71

70/70 CLASS NEWS listening to music in his patio screen room.

Maker of mules, teacher of flight, teller of tales, shaper of generations, battered warrior, deep end swimmer, downhill racer, lover of laughter.

Jim Carter wrote the following tribute.

M “Five classmates including four 36th company mates gathered in Dallas on April 4-5 to pay our final respects to Tom O’Leary who was stricken with a brain tumor and passed away shortly after. Lisa and Jack Pohl, Linda and Stan Smith, Patricia and Nick Williams, Jim Carter (all 36) and Rob Meyer (30) attended the Irish Wake requested by Tom. Jack, Stan and Rob are Texans; the Williams and Jim flew in. Stan and Linda are avid cruisers with a lot of experience in their travels. Rob is Santa Claus in person (beard and but not quite a “bowl full of jelly”); the Meyers make Santa/Mrs. Santa appearances and do charity work involving toys for refugee children. Nick is still consulting; Jack and Lisa are looking forward to a Normandy cruise and Jim is the school counselor at a new Christian high school. The Irish wake is a viewing with a party, provisions (including strong drink), a poem and previous memories of the deceased.

Denise O’Leary and family shared their appreciation for the USNA presence and the USNA stories shared by Jim and Stan, who also shared a poem. We remembered as a Plebe; in addition to learning his rates, Tom also had the lead role in the Masquerader’s production of “Darkness at Noon.” We agreed his stirring odes to the vegetables required by upper class in the Mess Hall (“If you like peas and carrots, if you like toast and jam…” and “Lima, how I love you, how I love you, my old dear Lima…”) got him the part when Masqueraders’ Director, a company firstie, saw him in action. At the Navy-Notre Dame game in Philadelphia while we waited to march on, Tom was ordered to greet incoming Notre Dame fans and, in his words, “Welcome, Navy fans to the classic confrontation of church and state!”.

Stan shared of his 30-day journey with Tom in Tom’s red Corvette and the three B’s—bags (sleeping type), beans and beer. With their short haircuts in 1970, in campgrounds, seeing them heating beans for dinner resulted in many older campers (usually women) sharing their wholesome dinners with these “nice young men.” Other stories of Tom after he left Naval Aviation included one commercial jet disaster averted by Tom’s thorough preparation with his co-pilot for the worst before take-off from a difficult airport. The worst happened, loss of an engine on takeoff, but Tom’s planning and skill got the plane down with no loss of life. There were many other 72 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

’70: L-R: Denise O’Leary, Jack Pohl, Lisa Pohl, Nick Williams, Patricia Williams, Rob Meyer (30), Linda Smith, Stan Smith and Jim Carter

stories (most able to be told…) but not nearly approaching Tom’s repertoire nor the amount of laughter he brought to others hearing his tales. May he rest in peace until we meet again in our hope of the Resurrection.”

Memories: Our President Ed Moore sent me this: “Just got this photo from Will Bramlett (taken 16 October 1970) of Nev Schaffer and myself in the Ginza district of Tokyo!! Wow, does this bring back memories!!”

Will wrote this missive to Ed: M “In the spirit of “downsizing” and FINALLY dealing with the 1000’s of slides I took in the Navy, I came across this slide fortunately annotated with your name Nev. I’m grateful that our “40th Reunion Annual” has an alpha section for finding each other by last name. Until we had that list, it was way too difficult to thumb thru Company pages. I recall being in Tokyo with Ed but was surprised to see a future lawyer there with us too. Because my last name starts with “B,” I was often selected to muster the classroom by calling names out. As a result, I can recall quite a few names that “sound familiar” but with less recall of “faces.” Being in WesPac on a DD circa Fall 1970 was a LOT of fun. Aboard

DD 786, I was just the second NA grad aboard with a LTJG ‘69 who was not well respected.

However, every time we moored alongside another DD, there would be one of our classmates on the other ship’s bridge. Given the “gouge” we had from Trident Mag about ship selections, that means that ALL OF US probably picked our ship based upon its deployment schedule. Sorry these pics are not “suitable for framing” but the scanner I selected for saving digital copies does not come with a tech manual or EMO Course (ergo 2 copies, testing 2 settings). Ed may agree with my description of EMO School as a “one week course crammed into four.” It would have been more useful for me had they taught me how to TUNE the ULQ-6. Ops never cared and teased my concern over its nearly constant CASREP saying “no one in their right mind will ever let that thing be turned on behind a bird farm.” Enjoy. Will” If you haven’t heard about the survey to see if it’s worthwhile making another run of the exclusive Reyn Spooner USNA Hawaiian shirt produced more than 10 years ago. If you’re interested, take the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CP78R57.

If you have questions: iamchrishodges@yahoo.com ; 240-401-2466 Class of ’87. Please put Reyn Spooner in the subject line.

Ring-A-Ding-Ding!

CLASS SECRETARY COLUMN DEADLINES Send to: classnews@usna.com

2022

ISSUE: September ’22 October ’22 Nov-Dec ’22

DUE DATE: Jun 27, 2022 Jul 25, 2022 Sep 26, 2022

71/71 CLASS NEWS

’71 Life Membership: 62% Donor Participation: 2.21% Pres: CAPT Perry Martini, USN (Ret.) e: pmartini71@gmail.com Sec’y: CAPT Mike Longworth, USN (Ret.) e: duke.longworth@1971.usna.com Website: http://1971.usnaclasses.net/

The midshipmen are on their 30-day leave period prior to reporting to their first duty station.

I am sure we all remember those days as we transitioned from “just a midshipman” to “naval officer” with leadership responsibilities.

There was much to do – moving out of Mother B, traveling and celebrating graduation and commissioning, and getting to that first Navy billet. And, finding a place to live at the duty station.

I traveled to New York to see the sites of the big city then on northward to the beautiful NY countryside. Ultimately, I got to Norfolk, located the O’HARE, and found temporary residence near Military Circle. Jack Boniface was my neighbor at the hotel-looking apartment building. After a rather blistering, hot summer the ship deployed to the Mediterranean Sea. Jeff Albright and I were roommates on the ship. Jeff was assigned to the Engineering Department, and I was assigned as navigator. I had a thoroughly enjoyable and challenging deployment and considered delaying my flight school reporting date. However, on return to Norfolk, I detached and headed to Pensacola and started my flying career on 4 April. That begins a new story for a later column!

First up is a special note below which I received just prior to submitting this column!

M Congratulations to Peter de Vos who was selected to receive the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Award (DGA)! This is a seminal moment for our class, but especially for Pete as we are justifiably proud that he has reached this milestone in a life well-lived by virtue of his exemplary servant leadership. Pete is our 4th DGA recipient following in the footsteps of Tim Keating, Walt Havenstein, and Bob Cabana. Since the inception of the Distinguished Graduate Award in 1999 there are only four other classes dating back to the earliest recipient in the class of 1931 that have four or more selectees, only one class has five selectees. The Class of 1971 holds second place with two other classes with four selectees! I’m sure you will read more about Pete in the Shipmate column that highlights the most recent DGA recipients.

Up next is a note from Richard “Dick” Cheliris: M “Duke, you asked about a recipe for cannonballs. I had long wanted a recipe myself and saw one in an issue of Shipmate a couple of years ago. I don’t recall who submitted it, but it served up something that tasted very familiar. I did not do the Hard Sauce—that was a bit much for my blood. And I only made one, not the entire recipe, but that was an easy adjustment. There was not a recipe for the pie crust, so I used one I got from my mother. If you decide to give it a go, enjoy—I did! Dick.”

Don, Mark (standing), Jim and Jan, Terry, Barb and Jane

Thank you! I’ll see if I can get my daughter to make a few of these to share with my sons and grandsons. She has some yummy baking recipes for the crust.

Jan and Shawna, Diana and Mark

Cannonball

Here’s the recipe for the eight cannonballs: 8 apples, 2 cups brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 cup water. Peel and core the apples.

Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Fill the centers of the apples. Roll out the pastry dough and cut pieces to cover each apple.

Seal pastry with water. Place in an ungreased baking dish. Bake at 425 for 40 minutes until crust is browned. Serve with Hard Sauce.

Here’s the Hard Sauce recipe: 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, 1 cup butter, 3 teaspoons vanilla, 2 egg whites. Soften butter and mix in the confectioners’ sugar. Add the vanilla and beat well until all ingredients are blended.

Beat the egg whites until stiff and fold into the sauce. Chill 2 hours. Enjoy!

I will include a note in the next column regarding how the cannonballs taste!

I was a little late with getting some additional photos of the 36th Company-mate photos in the May column, so they are included in this issue! Also, I will note that Cathy and Garry Holmstrom supplied the 36th Company with a plethora of fine wines!

Here are the additional 36th CO photos!

Craig and Carter, Yolanda and Stew

Beverly and Biz, Duke, Lee, Bruce, Lisa standing and Hollis seated

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Lee, Jim, Duke, Craig, Stew and Jim

Our Class 50th Reunion was a blast! Here’s to JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 73

71/72 CLASS NEWS another blast at our 55th!

With regret I’m passing along to you the news of the passing of two classmates.

Stephen “Steve” Todd Raphael passed away on 28 January 2022 in Houston, TX, of COVID-19 complications just a few days shy of his 73rd birthday. He graduated from Alcolanes High School in Lafayette, CA. where he competed on the springboard diving team. For several years, he and his family raced their sailboat on San Francisco Bay. The Naval Academy recruited Steve for the sailing team.

Steve was on the sailing team all four years and was captain of the Shields team. Steve developed a love for flying at USNA, obtained his private pilot’s license, and selected Navy Air at service selection. Following graduation, Steve served as navigator on USS SHELTON (DD-790) on Yankee Station, then reported to flight school. While in Pensacola, he took up racing dirt bikes and enjoyed surfing. Steve excelled as a naval aviator and during his first P-3 tour, was selected early as a patrol plane commander and instructor pilot. Following a tour in the P-3 fleet replacement squadron, he resigned his commission. In October 1977, he was hired by Delta Air Lines. During his nearly 30 years with Delta, he flew almost every Boeing aircraft in the Delta fleet, including the B-767 400ER on international routes, as well as the Lockheed L-1011.

After retiring from Delta in 2004, he flew Gulfstreams for a charter company, then international luxury 757s for EOS Airlines on trans-Atlantic flights. Steve was later hired by Southwest Air Lines where he worked until his passing as a simulator instructor pilot. Steve and his wife, Melinda, lived on a lake where he learned to waterski, which became his recreational passion. In the mid-1980s, Steve became involved with competition slalom waterskiing. With a lot of hard work and coaching, Steve won 10 national championships and three world slalom championships waterskiing for team USA. Steve and Melinda attended our 50th Class Reunion in October 2021, where classmates congratulated him for his impressive waterskiing accomplishments.

Steve is survived by his wife, Melinda; son, Scott Raphael (Heather); granddaughter, Sarah Trinity; and his sister, Lesley Raphael, and brother, Martin Raphael (Susan). A funeral mass was held at St. Patrick Cathedral in Ft. Worth, TX. Steve’s ashes will be inurned at the U.S. Naval Academy Columbarium in a service on September 30, 2022.

Robert “Bob” Harold Stuhlman passed away Wednesday, March 2022, in Virginia Beach at the age of 73. Bob was born 4 Feb,

74 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

1949, to Doreen & Harold Stuhlman in Brooklyn, NY. Bob entered USNA after a year at the University of Kansas. He was active in a wide range of intramural sports after receiving a knee injury in plebe football. After graduation Bob went to Pensacola where he completed helicopter pilot training and served a 23-year career. His time flying helicopters brought him great joy. His career in education began as an instructor at the United States Air Force Academy. Upon retiring from the Navy, he taught in the Virginia Beach School Division for 23 years.

Bob enjoyed participating in the lives of his two sons by coaching every single sport they played. After retiring from his teaching career, he spent many years fishing with his friends in the Virginia Beach Anglers Club. Bob is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susan; his sons: Brett and his wife Michelle of Virginia Beach; Gregory and his wife Madeleine of Atlanta; his grandchildren Carter, Avery, and Hayes; his sister Leslie and her husband Jerry. A memorial service is planned for early summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to one of his favorite charities: The Naval Academy Alumni Association, Toys for Tots, or the Virginia Beach ASPCA. Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting: www.vacremationsociety.com.

Too soon, it is time to close. Please keep our classmates and their families in your prayers for good health, especially continuing protection from the COVID-19 virus, healing when needed, safety in travels, and strength to meet every challenge. Today is the gift of “the present” and life is precious and too short!

Love passionately, give and share your blessings generously with others – as we are richly blessed so may we richly bless others.

Our leadership at home, in our social circles, and in daily routines is vital to maintaining our nation’s constitutional republic. Now is the time to shape the future of our great nation as we strive for a more perfect union. There is plenty of work remaining as we increase our wisdom! Time, tide and column due dates wait for no man!

Duke Longworth

’72 Life Membership: 58%

HONOR CHAIRS Remember or Honor a loved one in Alumni Hall. Call 410-295-4100 for more information.

Donor Participation: 4.27% Pres: CDR Bob Leib, USN (Ret.) e: rcleib1972@verizon.net Sec’y: CDR Rich Robison, USN (Ret.) 3126 North Greystone Dr., Morgantown, WV 26508 e: Scribe72@comcast.net Website: http://1972.usnaclasses.net Class Listserv: TheGouge-USNA72@googlegroups.com Facebook: USNA Class of 1972

Sir, you now have…FOUR months until the come-around in Annapolis to celebrate our 50th Reunion— Thursday, 27 October – Sunday, 30 October 2022. Go to the Class of ’72 50th Reunion Website: http://1972.usnaclasses.net/50th-reunion/ for the latest information.

Closing ranks. We learned that Chuck Vogan (10th Co.) passed away on 20 March 2022 after battling with cancer for several years. A funeral Mass with Committal will be held at the USNA Main Chapel and Columbarium on Monday, 22 August 2022 at 1400.

Memories can be posted online at https:// kalasfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/CharlesVogan,Jr.-8621. The Class extends its deepest condolences to Linda and their family.

A 50th Pre-Union? Yup—one of many.

What a fine, athletic looking (?) bunch. So, would you believe these guys are sitting poolside at the Natatorium mentally preparing themselves for the mile swim…? No? Well… would you believe that they’re sitting poolside in Venice, FL, mentally preparing themselves for a beer-tasting hosted by Mollie and Mark Schramm? Uh-huh, thought so. (Thanks to Dempsroc for passing this along.)

Tom Repeta, Perry Dempsey, Chris Heath, Billy Graham, Mike Stocks and Mark Schramm

And now, dear readers…it’s time once again for that perennial Class favorite…’72 Investigative Reports, that feature in our Class Column where inquiring minds attempt to peel back the onion to expose the whys and wherefores of events we remember that transpired long ago (and maybe not so far away).

This month, sleuth reporters Mark Pistochini, Dave Reppard, J. G. Meyer and Dave Hamilton provide the results of their exhaustive research into the reasons behind…The Sudden (and Heretofore Unexplained) Disappearance of

72/73 CLASS NEWS the Old 6th Battalion.

“As you all are probably aware, sometime in the mid-1980s, the USNA hierarchy made the decision to eliminate Companies 31 through 36 from the Brigade and reduce the assigned USNA officer quota by seven billets (One Battalion Officer and six Company Officers). The existing midshipman population was maintained by re-distributing those mids in the old 6th Batt throughout the remaining companies. This was advertised as a “cost savings” measure to CNO. However, after extensive research, some careful detective work and several cases of beer, the Buds from 33rd Company have discovered the real story, which is laid out in this article.

“The actual reason for this transformation, which effectively eliminated the “Old 6th Battalion,” actually revolves around Bill the Goat - it might even have been Bill the XXXIII! Fact is, during summer leave, Bill wandered into the 8th Wing basement and in a fit of ravenous goat hunger ate all the 6th Battalion guidons. In order to avoid an embarrassing press release, i.e., “Goat Eats Company Guidons!” and to avoid the expense of buying new ones, the USNA PAO and senior Supply Officer developed the “cost savings” scheme and ran it up the flagpole. The Commandant bought off on it, sold it to the Sup’ and it was a done deal! And that’s the way it really happened – or should have.

“So, in commemoration of this major event in USNA history, we decided to fully illustrate the story on an exclusive Buds T-shirt (shown).

You may be lucky enough to see it around the Yard or out in town during our upcoming 50th Reunion weekend in late October!”

Sample Room…to preserve their place in history, of course.) Next thing you know, they’ll get rid of June Week.

More to come. D. O. Tried and True with ’72.

’73 Life Membership: 66% Donor Participation: 9.20% Pres: Mr. Dirk P. D. Mosis III p: 210-204-0352; e: dmosis3@aol.com Sec’y: CAPT James H. Chapman, USN (Ret.) 769 Largo Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23464-2417 p: 757-462-0344; e: chap769@yahoo.com

Hello all, I hope you are doing well and in good health. As I write this the pandemic seems to be winding down. It’s almost spring and it should be close to summer as you read this.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we are returning to some type of normalcy. Also, we are approaching the one-year window of our 50th so it’s a good time to start making plans.

I do not have a lot of news but wanted to pass on a couple of things.

The first item is that an email was sent

by Dirk to the Class in early March 2022 discussing Agent Orange, it’s effects and how we can get help from the VA etc. I am not going to re-print the entire email but there is a lot of good gouge in the email and on the class website. I encourage you to take a look, particularly if you went on Youngster Cruise on the West Coast or were in West Pac around the Vietnam war time frame. This link should take you to the web page; http://1973.usnaclasses.net/agent-orange-information/ Next, is a great update from Dave Stacy.

“Jim, After a hiatus of three years due to COVID, the 28th Company Golf Tournament Committee determined enough had been done to sufficiently protect ourselves and now was the time to get on with life. The committee selected its favored venue, Shades of Green at Walt Disney World, as the place to gather for the celebration of our brotherhood...of course augmented with bourbon, beer and bravado (oh, and golf too) where many of the tall tales regaled are actually starting to sound true.

Members of the tournament committee, George Watt and Dave Stacy presented our Shades of Green liaison, Teresa Richardson, with a brass USNA clock to recognize and acknowledge her valued help in making our yearly Shades of Green visits successful.

George Watt, Teresa Richardson and Dave Stacy

This year’s 28th Co’s golf outing was the largest of all years. 28th Co-hosted 16 classmates over the span of 4 golf days filling the 3 Disney courses with good-natured banter, well-meaning heckling and fun. All players were awarded sleeves of official Navy golfF balls provided by our corporate sponsor,

Revealed…The Rest of the Story!

WELL…. I just don’t know what to say.

Shocking. Say “31st Company” (or 32nd or 33rd, etc.) to a midshipman today and what do you get…a roll of the eyes and shake of the head that says you OBVIOUSLY don’t know WHAT you’re talking about. (Perhaps we should suggest that replicas of those old guidons be mounted on the walls of the MIDN

’73: 28th Company Golf Outing. Standing: Chris Myers, Doug Rice, John Ashmore, Bob Preston, George Watt, Chuck Stevens, Larry Myers, Dean Brown, Rich Kramlich, Dave Stacy. Kneeling: Jim Campbell, Rod Brotherton. Seated: Dave Haefner, Chad King, Joe Krisiak, Marv Clott. A great looking group!

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 75

73/74 CLASS NEWS Orion Associates Inc. Classmates also donned ’73 Class Crest hats created just for this event during their rounds of golf as pictured: The fourth day of golf consisted of four “blended skills” teams competing in a scramble format for a cash prize. The team scores were posted by Disney Golf personnel and the results are pictured. As can been seen by the posted scores, the “sandbagger” factor of the algorithm used to create the “blended skills” teams will need some refinement.

Golf Team results. Left to right: Dave Haefner, Rod Brotherton and Chad King

Later that evening outside our ADMIN we caught-up with Dean Brown and captured a photo of all four members of the winning team as they are congratulated by tournament committee member George Watt. BTW, Dean would like everyone to know those are not pink trousers, they are Nantucket Red trousers…. in case anyone noticed. The 28th Co Tournament Committee is already at work coordinating next year’s outing, looking forward to another opportunity to celebrate our class through bad golf with good men. Very respectfully, Dave”

living in Charles Town, WV. Don is survived by his wife, Carla; brother Mark, sons Brett, Grant, and Cole; daughter Meagan Dupras.

Please keep Don’s family in your thoughts and prayers and look for more on Don’s life in the Last Call section.

I have some space so I need to do a couple of admin items. If you send me something please tell me what it is and maybe a little information. Recently, I received an email just saying “see attachment” from what looked to be a classmate; the address looked correct etc.

I tried to open the attachment and my virus scanner looked like it was having a heart attack. I closed the email and tried to go back to the sender and asked what was going on. I did not get a response. This has not happened very much, about three times over the past couple of years. I am not particularly computer literate, but I am assuming it was some kind of attempted security breach. If you have sent me something and it has not appeared in Shipmate it maybe because I thought it was a hack attempt so please resend it. All the inputs I know of have been published. Secondly, the higher the pixel or file size of a picture the better it shows in Shipmate. Again. I am not real knowledgeable about digital camera but some pictures taken on cell phones do not reproduce well. The Shipmate staff recommends putting your smart phone/camera on its highest quality setting. I am not sure how to do that but hopefully you know. Thanks for listening and that’s all the admin. The mail buoy is riding high and the inbox is empty. Please pass on any news, stories and/or pictures. As always, Go Navy! And Semper Fi! General

’74 The winning team! Left to right: George Watt, Dean Brown, Dave Haefner, Rod Brotherton and Chad King

Thanks Dave, What a great time. Makes me wish I played golf!

Finally, a lot of planning is going into the 50th. Please make sure your contact information is up to date with the Alumni Association so you get all the gouge.

I have some sad news, Donald “Don” Atchison, 19th Co, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on 27 February 2022.

At the time of his death Don was

76 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

Life Membership: 59% Donor Participation: 3.29% Pres: John Yaeger Corr Sec’y: Roger McEvoy p: 559-905-7362; e: usna745677@hotmail.com

Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried, Grapple them unto thy soul with hoops of steel Feast or famine; the classical paradox of history: I am currently (March 2022) on an extended trip though Florida in search of the perfect retirement home. With so little info coming in over the last several months, I thought putting together this column would be

an easy task one evening in a hotel room. And now we have numerous inputs to cover and more photos than will fit in our allotted space.

So, I’ll get right to it: In our last issue you read about Pete Sherland (8th Co.) acquiring a Washington state vanity plate for his re-built ’84 Porsche 911 that read “USNA 74”. He’d been trying to get it for years, but it was not available. The suddenly, there it was. Whoever had it before, had given it up. A few days after that issue had been mailed out, I got a note from Max Legg (7th Co,) letting me know that he had that plate since 1980 when his mother-in-law ordered it for him as a birthday present. He and his wife Loren had recently relocated to Albuquerque, NM, and accordingly had given up the plate. His pick-up truck now sports the New Mexico plate that reads: “USNA1974”.

It’s nice to know the connection, but it was incredibly ironic that a couple of weeks before I got that note from Max, I happened to call Doug Foster (8th Co,) when he and Lisa happened to be visiting Albuquerque, and in the middle of that phone call, he just happened to spot Max and Loren while they were walking around downtown. These events spawned a couple of conversations between Max and I. With my travels taking me through Albuquerque on my way home next week, we have set up a picnic as Kim and I blow through town. My company mate John Sturdy (8th Co,) and his wife Joleatha will join in, making it a 2nd Battalion mini-reunion. As I’ve said before, irony makes that world go ‘round.

Fosters and Leggs in Santa Fe

The monthly Dose of ’74 in San Diego has been running consistently these past few months. And although the attendees are all apparently photographically challenged, they did pass on that the following 11 classmates were in attendance at the March installment at Shakespear’s in downtown San Diego: Dave Topolewski (31st Co.), Dan Donoghue (4th Co.), Al Lerchbacker (20th Co.), Dan’l Steward (28th Co.), Tim Rastok (19th Co.), Dick Costigan (33rd Co.), Gary Leupold (4th Co.), Evan Rasmussen (26th Co.), Jay Wells (17th Co.), Jim Barrett (33rd Co.) and

74/74 CLASS NEWS Bruce Lowman (17th Co.).

Neil Rondorf (30th Co.) has been back on the road, and when that happens, we get a long note from him. Here’s his latest: M Cheryl and I took our road trip to FL again this February. We called ahead and begged for a stop-over in a few places. Pretty good response and did not have to sleep on a couch the whole trip. First stop was in Wilmington, NC. Paul Normand (29th Co,) and I have been promising to play golf together for years.

I finally cornered him. I am sure Gail had Paul invite me to play to get me out the way for a while. He arranged to have Rich Terpstra (12th Co.) and Bart Whitman (23rd Co.) join us for lunch at the USNAA Chapter meeting.

walked into the pub, Fred looked up and we both recognized each other immediately. One of those moments in life. Those in the track and field sector will remember Fred as a high jumper.

Fred Griffith

We headed further south and had to stop in Jacksonville for some snacks at the Liberty Bakery operated by the Bob Kernan (30th Co.) and Clan. Carol is the genius behind this little operation and makes sure Bob shows up for work. The picture is of Bob goofing off in the sunflowers along w/ a vagabond of dubious credibility.

Stop in Wilmington

It was a great little reunion. We then went to the course and played 18. You haven’t lived until you have been in a golf cart with Terp. It was a great day. In the meantime, Gail prepared a feast for all of us. It was great to retell old stories and get caught up.

We were off to Hilton Heat, SC to meet up with Dave and Marge Igyarto (30th Co.).

Dave and Marge are doing great. Both have taken up golf and I refuse to divulge scores.

We had dinner at a “Taste of Europe” which clearly reflected heritage shared by the Igyarto’s. Hungarian and Chzec (not saying who is who).

Dave & Marge Igyarto

Our next adventure was meeting a long lost company mate Freddy Griffith (non-grad) in Savannah, GA for a craft beer and lunch.

Oftentimes we meet old friends and we don’t recognize them. Cheryl asked me if I would recognize Fred after 50 years. When we

Rick Hick

Thanx Neil.

I also got a note from Bob Hartman (19th Co.) after he made a trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Here is his report: M The attached picture was taken at Mardi Gras 2022. Tom Nagelin (19th Co.) graciously hosted Joe (Caesar) Mastin (19th Co.), Bob Hartman and wives. Tom and Janet are both intensely involved with the coordination of many Mardi Gras activities. Both have been crowned King or Queen of certain events in the past, as well as coordinating veteran get-togethers. Janet will coordinate the formal ball for next year. Pictured are (L-R) Bob and Sun Young Hartman, Joe and Sue Paige Mastin, Tom and Janet Nagelin; California, Florida and New Orleans respectively.

Neil Rondorff & Bob Kernan

Our final stop was in New Smyrna, FL where we discovered from the Terpstra’s that Rich’s old room mate Richard Hickox (12th Co.) was living. We managed to get past security and had a great visit with Rich. The Terpstra’s and Normand’s had supplied us with a few choice chocolates we were to deliver. Apparently Rich is not supposed to have them which made it imperative that we deliver them.

That is it from this one - remember, call a classmate!!

Mardi Gras - USNA 74 edition

Lew Alleman (25th Co.) helped celebrate Marty Jarosz’s (25th Co.) 71st birthday, and he was kind enough to send in the following: M I had the honor of attending Marty’s postponed Birthday Celebration with his family and friends at the Chart House in Annapolis on 29 January. Great event, put together by his daughters with a follow on get together at Marty’s home.

The ’74 grads that attended did a resounding rendition of Navy Blue and Gold at the end of the event, and posed for this photo: Tim Meyers (1st Co.), Rusty Yeiser (32nd Co.), JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 77

74/75 CLASS NEWS Gail and David Penman are taking advantage of the freedom of the road.

’74: Marty Jarosz’s Birthday

Lew Alleman, Marty Jarosz (25th Co.), Larry Schofield (34th Co.), Ed Steiner (25th Co.) and John Yaeger (25th Co.).

Thanx Lew. And in closing, we just learned that Jim Colli (6th Co.) passed away on 14 March.

Rest in peace, Jim. —Rog

swapped stories about our time at USNA and beyond. Attending (and pictured left to right) were me flying solo for the week-end, Phyllis and Dave Pruett, Jan and Jeff Simons and Lee and David Jewell.”

’75 Life Membership: 60% Donor Participation: 3.90% Pres: Chris Cikanovich e: chickc975@gmail.com Sec’y: CAPT Larry Warrenfeltz, USN (Ret.) 5732 Tamarack Dr., Pace, FL 32571 p: 850-525-8727; e: usna75scribe@hotmail.com Website: http//1975.usnaclasses.net/

Dear ’mates, Classmates to the rescue! Ten days before the deadline for this issue I opened the gouge locker to find nothing but dust and an old Form-2. A note on our Facebook page resulted in a couple of quick contributions. Thanks for always being willing to help a classmate!

First to step forward was Tom Brubaker.

M “Holy Cow! Only took almost 47 years for me to send something for the Class column.

First time with anything worth sharing I guess (?). Just wanted to share a pic of my 29th company mates and spouses from our 45+1 reunion. I made the trip to Annapolis from Brunswick, ME (where I retired from the Navy CEC in 1994). We were small in numbers, but we were mighty! Had a great week-end catching up with “old” friends. Some of us had a lot more gray hair and some of us had a lot less hair, but for a week-end we were almost young again as we relived our glory days at the Academy. Missed the rest of the old 29 gang, but rest assured we did include them as we 78 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

M “Greetings Classmates! So what does one do while living in Pennsylvania in February when one owns a new motorhome? One heads south to see classmates living in the south—that’s what! So Gail and I left snowy PA the last weekend in January this year and started off on what turned out to be a 40-day journey. In addition to seeing Company mates from 31st Company, we had a planned destination with the USNA Recreational Vehicle American Chapter at their annual Key West Come Around! While there, we got to meet a fellow classmate and his wife, Wendy and Kirk Daniels. We also stole a few hours away to visit with our class president Chris Cikanovich and his family for “afternoon tea.”

But stopping on the way down and back to try and catch up with 31st Company folks was a major part of the plan, and it started off with dinner with Julie and Tom Massicotte—a very delightful evening (but I forgot to get a pic!).

On our circuitous route home we managed to see: Sara and Micky Daum, Sheila and Glenn Thomas, and finally, Betty and Pappy Draughon—and I remembered to get pics! It was a great tour. Fun was had by all. Great to catch up and to reminisce. And whenever the gas prices level off, we’re planning on a cross country trip to see some more Company Mates!”

29th at the 45+1

Supporting an annual fundraiser for the Armed Services YMCA, Virginia Beach classmates participated in a Putt Putt golf Tournament.

Dave Duffie, Mark Klett, Craig Quigley, Dave Pruett, Mike Groothausen, Doug Schlaeffer and Bill McGloon took first place! (Doug and Bill skipped out before the photo.) If you look closely at the picture, you can see their secret.

They bring their own putters! Tidewater classmates met again at Chick’s Bar in VA Beach on 22 April.

Daniels and Penmans

David and Chick Putt Putt champions

75/76 CLASS NEWS

’76 Life Membership: 59% Donor Participation: 1.45% Pres: Kevin Stone 928 Lynch Dr., Arnold, MD 21012 p: 410-974-4313; e: kevin.stone@1976.usna.com Sec’y: Mark Hubbard 774 Settlers Ln., Kure Beach, NC 28449-4907 p: 301-514-1645; e: Mark.Hubbard@1976.usna.com Gail Penman, Mickey and Sara Daum and David Penman

Thomases and Penmans

Website: http//usna76.wordpress.com/

The 2021 Distinguished Graduate Award Medal Ceremony was held on 25 March 2022 at Alumni Hall. Class of ’76 was well-represented at the event that saw two of our own, John Allen and Derwood Curtis, receive this prestigious award. There were five recipients in all. The speeches given by the recipients were directed toward the Brigade of Midshipman and every single one of the speeches was inspirational and at times, pulled at the heartstrings. I have several pictures to share from the event courtesy of Greg Vaughn and Carl Sharperson.

Towanda and Derwood Curtis with their four children (all USNA grads!)

Phil McConkey ’79 and Carl Sharperson

Penmans and Draughons

David and Gail were not the only 31st company “snowbirds.” Joan and Mark Van Dyke took a vacation from Deale, MD to Tampa. While driving south, they stopped in St. Augustine for dinner at Salt Life Shack with Company mates Julie and Tom Massicotte and Kit and Rick Lecky.

Tim Farrell, Scott Pugh, Jim Francis and Mark Nesselrode

DGA Medal Recipient GEN John Rutherford Allen, USMC (Ret.)

Massicotes, Van Dykes and Leckys

Thanks for the quick responses classmates!

I even have a starter set of tidbits for the June Shipmate! Have a great summer. ’75 Sir! Larry

To make the most of this memorable weekend, our annual halfway dinner was held on the next day after the DGA Medal Ceremony at the Annapolis Yacht Club (AYC) Skipjack Room courtesy of AYC member, Scott Pugh.

It was a good turnout by our Class including our two DGA Medal recipients, John Allen and Derwood Curtis as well as members of their families. Scott explained to the dinner crowd how the AYC was destroyed by fire on the day of the Army-Navy Game on Saturday, December 12, 2015 (Navy won that game, 21-17 with Keenan Reynolds at the helm as QB for his last A-N game). The cause was attributed to an electrical problem with a Christmas tree equipped with built-in lights. I had mentioned earlier to Scott that the building looked brand new, and he explained to me what had happened. BZ to Linda and Doug Schaus for making all the arrangements for this wonderful dinner event!

DGA Medal Recipient VADM Derwood “DC” Curtis, USN (Ret.) JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 79

76/76 CLASS NEWS Mark Metcalf had a photo op with Jim Stavridis at UVA on March 17th: M Had the opportunity to meet with Jim Stavridis last night - he was giving the keynote for a week-long working group at UVA and was kind enough to invite me to his presentation and associated activities. And one of the unheralded benefits of being a classmate, I was the only person at the event that dared to call him “Jim”. [BRACE UP, MARK!]

Jim Stavridis and Mark Metcalf at UVA where Jim was the keynote speaker presenting “U.S. nuclear strategy, great power competition, and war in Ukraine”

’76: Halfway Dinner at the Annapolis Yacht Club

Tom Kennedy met up with several Classmates recently: M Since we are unable to make the halfway dinner in April, a few ‘76ers got together for a “Halfway” lunch held the afternoon of 11 March at Marina Jack’s in Sarasota. We shared some great sea stories, enjoyed awesome food and drink, had some good laughs, and made new memories. Weather was fantastic with no threat of snow. We hope to do it again next year and may even see each other in Colorado Springs for Navy’s victory over Air Farce. Kay and John Brownell drove up from their winter home in Punta Gorda. Karen and Larry Astyk drove up from their winter home in North Port. Rosemary and Bob Kates drove down from their vacation spot in Bradenton Beach. Barb and I drove down from our home in Wesley Chapel. A few other local classmates had schedule conflicts and were unable to join us. Not sure who else is in the Greater Tampa area. Always good to join up with Classmates, Go Navy, Beat Army!

’76: Halfway Dinner

After the wonderful weekend spent in Annapolis for the DGA Medal Ceremony and the Halfway Dinner, Barb and I stopped by for a quick visit with Francis Devereux’s widow, Colleen, at their beautiful home in Fredericksburg, VA, as we headed south to our beach house on Pleasure Island, NC. Although a short visit, we had the opportunity to share stories about Francis which provoked laughter as well as tears. We all miss you, Francis!

80 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

Colleen Devereux, Barb and Mark Hubbard in Fredericksburg, VA

’76ers Halfway Lunch crowd in Sarasota

76/77 CLASS NEWS Deborah and Martin Brittingham joined Barb and I along with alumni and spouses at the annual USNA AA Cape Fear Chapter Dark Ages Dinner held at the Cape Fear Country Club. It was a celebration of the end of the dark ages that we endured as Midshipmen.

I still remember that cold, difficult period between Christmas and spring vacation, when bad weather and no breaks made it the most depressing time of year. Oh, the horror...

Mark and Barb Hubbard & Deborah and Martin Brittingham

Karen and Lee Erdman, Dave Lawrence, and Tim Farrell celebrated St. Patrick’s Day together at the monthly gathering of the Susquehanna Valley Chapter of the USNA Alumni Association at Mad Chef Craft Brewing in East Petersburg, PA.

Next, our old roommate Guy Cofield (35th Co.) wrote in response to a quote we featured several months back, informing us the author, Tim Keller, is his daughter’s father-in-law.

Ann-Marie Cofield married Jon Keller in December of 2011 in New York City…

Now hear this, now hear this: The Class of ’77’s 45th Reunion has officially been scheduled for the weekend of October 22nd.

Details are set forth elsewhere in this issue of Shipmate. Now set Condition X-Ray. We now resume our regularly scheduled programming.

First up, Bert Seither (16th Co.) sent this photo of an impromptu 16th Company mini-reunion recently held at the Seithers’ abode in Clearwater, FL. Shown left to right below on Bert’s boat are Tom Hutchison (16th Co.), Pete Hyers (16th Co.), Jane Hyers, Beth Seither and Bert.

Tim Farrell, Karen Erdman, Lee Erdman, Dave Lawrence.

That just about does it for this column. Be well and always remember to make your bed every morning and BEAT ARMY!

’77 Life Membership: 74% Donor Participation: 2.11% Pres: John F. Vuolo 71 Hidden Gin, Hinton, WV 25951-5184 Sec’y: Thom McKee 1202 Shady Creek Rd., Marriottsville, MD 21104 p: 410-489-5080; f: 410-489-5071 c: 202-438-1541; e: magoo1310@verizon.net

“So our only request is that we be placed on the hole or tee group directly in front of Christofferson and whoever he has tricked into playing with him.”

– Dave Coss, aka The Sage of Sixth Company

Bert’s Boat

As recorded in an earlier column, Bert retired from Southwest and is now officially a resident of the Sunshine State where he works for the FAA.

…where Tim and Kathy Keller have generously welcomed the Guy and his wife to their Roosevelt Island home on many occasions.

John, a city planner for the Borough of Queens, and Ann-Marie, a marketing manager for Colgate-Palmolive, have three children and live in Astoria, NY, just a few miles from the Kellers.

Guy reports he finally retired from the Navy civil service this past November, having retired from active duty in 2000. And though he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2014, he’s thus far been dealing with it well, replacing his normal running with a twice-a-week boxing class. Somewhere, Homer Smith is smiling!

In an amazing coincidence, Bob Barnes (22nd Co.) informed us he too is acquainted with Tim Keller, as the pastor of Bob’s church in Boston is close friends with him. Small world indeed.

Finally, Dave Coss (6th Co.) was among the first to sign up for the 45th reunion golf extravaganza, along with the talented team of Rob Lamb (6th Co.), Mark “The Ragman” Gardner (6th Co.) and Craig Turley (36th Co.).

Those who closely follow ’77 reunion golf are undoubtedly wondering how Craig, the anchor of a top contender in past events, was landed by the 6th Company squad. Turns out Turls was placed on waivers by former teammates Joe Christofferson (4th Co.), Marc Troiani (4th Co.) and Denny Haines (4th Co.) to make room for fellow-Fourther Phil Schlaepfer (4th Co.). On the surface the Schlaepfer acquisition would appear to be a simple matter of creating an all-4th foursome.

But inside sources tell us Phil, in addition to his other skills, is a talented linkster, and Team Christofferson is hoping he’ll provide the spark that will finally power them to the coveted championship which has so long eluded them.

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 81

77/77 CLASS NEWS

45th Reunion 22 October 2022 Gouge as of 1 April 2022 I T I N E R A RY

COMPLETE DETAILS @ USNA77.ORG

UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION: www.USNA.com THURSDAY, 20 OCTOBER Golf Outing and Awards Dinner If you are playing golf on Thursday, you’ll need to talk to the hotel of your choice directly for Wednesday night.

Contact Thom McKee to register: magoo1310@verizon.net

FRIDAY, 21 OCTOBER Class Meeting, Memorial Service, Superintendents Briefing & P-Rade No evening events planned – open for company events SATURDAY, 22 OCTOBER Tailgate Party approx. 1200-1900 BEAT HOUSTON SUNDAY, 23 OCTOBER Services on your own. No events planned Reunion Headquarters: Westin Hotel

HOTELS (All are 2 night minimum) Specify room block USNA Class of ’77 when making reservations 1. Double Tree: 210 Holiday Court; 410-224-3150; Hilton Link: (https://www.my-event.hilton.com/anpd tdt-zun35b0f89b-40ac-4723-823e-d8478ecb459a/); or 800-222-TREE; $239/Night. Note: Group Code ZUN 2. Westin: 100 Westgate Cir, Annapolis; 410-972-4600; Booking Website: https://book.passkey.com/e/50305083; 50 Rooms 20 Oct, 100 Rooms 21-22 Oct; $399/night 3. Annapolis Waterfront: 80 Compromise St; Use hotel number: 410-268-7555 or Marriott number 800-393-0047; $419/night; 15 Rooms 21-22 Oct 4. Graduate Annapolis: 1236 West St; 15 Rooms; 21-22 Oct; 410-295-3201; $419/night.

TAILGATE PARTY: North end of the stadium at the base of the water tower.

Time: approximately 1200-2000; TV’s and porta pots to be provided. Details including Cost forthcoming; Football Tickets not required for entry. Football Tickets: Block reservation section 25 https://navysports.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ EVExecMacro?linkID=navy&evm=prmo&RSRC= &RDAT=&caller=PR (Promo Code 1977)

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: Rick White: 443-699-0002 or rwcllc77@verizon.net 82 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

77/78 CLASS NEWS Thus did Coss write, as contained in our opening quote: “So our only request is that we be placed on the hole or tee group directly in front of Christofferson and whoever he has tricked into playing with him (that would be the the 4th Company Clowns). LOL. This is so we can maintain our longtime tradition of leaving tasteful (?!?) participation trophy gifts for them on each tee box as they approach.

Anything we can do to throw Joe off his game is always a good thing, right?”

Well, DUH!!! No worries, Dave: Ours will be the only scoring pencil with an eraser.

Fight’s ON! Magoo

’78 Life Membership: 81% Donor Participation: 2.81% Pres: Glen Woods Sec’y: Vince Balderrama 1320 Homewood Ln., Annapolis, MD 21401 e: canoeu78@aol.com Website: usna1978.org

We ask for your continued good thoughts and prayers for Dennis Otoshi (33rd Co). As this edition goes to print, Dennis was still in Poland and Ukraine working with the International Red Cross. I reprint his news here of his time in Ukraine: M “I am using my gmail because it seems to work better. I have been in Kyiv for four days now and I made my first house call yesterday.

Attached you will find three photos of a residential building that was hit by a cruise missile at time 0500. Three confirmed dead, but the building was still too smoky and hot to search for bodies. Soviet era housing also was full of asbestos, so another danger.

Russians were just nuisance shelling until yesterday when I counted twenty-seven incoming artillery rounds or cruise missiles.

When the cruise missiles are intercepted by air defenses, it makes a satisfying boom. I feel like I am in a WWII movie. Now I know how the USMC felt when the Navy abandoned them in Guadalcanal.

It is good to be a sand blower, since I make a small target. Russians shooting at everything with no regard for civilians. It is their way of war.

I intend to stay alive so that I can bear witness before God to these crimes against humanity.”

We wish you safekeeping, Dennis.

’78

Speaking of Ukraine, congratulations to Angela and John Klose (16th Co) on their return to the States with Angela’s adult daughter, Valeriya. It was a month-long ordeal getting her from Ukraine to America. It all concluded at the end of March, when they could finally do it by bringing her through the San Ysidro Border Crossing (yes, the southern border- but at legal points of entry.). While they still have many relatives in Ukraine, they were successful in getting Angela’s niece to resettle in Germany. (That was her choice of “exile” to wait out the war.) They detail their efforts on their website. You can find the link on John’s FB page and in an entry he made to our Class FB page. We’re glad you are safe at home and pray for Angela’s family, friends and all the Ukrainian people.

Judi Farwell sent a note-that Edie and Brian McCormack (29th Co) (newly elected Navy Athletics Hall of Famer) shared a fantastic dinner with Judi and Faris Farwell (29th Co) at Oyster and Pearl in La Mesa, CA. She also noted that Faris was retiring, again, on 1 April and added that “Life is good”. Well, it certainly is! Now you two can globetrot freely and visit friends as far as DC and Annapolis.

Back in January, Stephanie posted on Facebook that her hubby, Dick Richards (35th Co), had “been training like a fiend at the DC Fencer’s Club for the last eight months. He fenced for USNA/Navy in college and is continuing to compete in Epee against former Olympians and a host of other competitive fencers across the county.” In early January, Dick won the Veterans 60+ category at the

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 83

78/79 CLASS NEWS USFA North American Circuit (NAC) event in San Jose, CA. That made him one more step closer to making the 2022 World team for USA. He made the 2021 team, but the event was canceled due to Covid. That final bout sounded exciting as Stephanie wrote that “at one point his opponent broke a blade and had to replace his weapon. Then the tip of Dick’s epee came off just as he was making a clean “winning” touch, meaning that it did not complete the electrical circuit and register as a score. The initial time ran out before they reached 10 points and so they went to a sudden death (first touch) overtime. Dick scored his 8th touch with just seconds to spare!” Well, Stephanie followed up in early March FB post that Dick’s 2nd place finish at the NAC qualifying clinched it! He will be on the US World Team for 2022 in Vet Epee!! Congrats, Dick and good luck in the World’s.

Here are a few loose rounds: In April, BOINGO Wireless- a leading provider of wireless solutions for the U.S. military and neutral host public and private networks at major venues around the world announced that our own Bruce Crair (26th Co) was retiring as their senior vice president and general manager of military.

In April, Dave Brown (8th Co) posted on Facebook that he Companymate and flight school roommate, Andy Mohler got together in March in Florida. Dave and his wife, Barbara, were invited to Cindy and Andy

’74: Marty Jarosz’s Birthday 84 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

Mohler’s daughter Berkeley’s wedding. In the photo are Dave and Barb Brown on the left, Andy’s sister Molly and her husband, and Andy and Cindy on the right.

Had a nice visit from fellow Marine, Tommy Martinez (19th Co) near the end of March, Tommy was visiting with his daughter up near Baltimore. She kicked him out for the evening, and he came over to the house to spend some time and swap some sea stories.

I was glad to see him. He looked pretty good and seemed to be recovering pretty well from a stroke he incurred in mid-January. He relies on a cane, and we joked he needs to get one with either a hidden sword or gun barrel. Like most of us these days, he’s a little cautious in his steps but my guess is he’ll be back to 100% before you can say “reunion”.

Regardless, nothing can diminish that famous Martinez smile and booming laugh. Looking forward to our next rendezvous, Tommy.

Also up from North Carolina were Karen and Andy Karakos (27th Co). Karen’s 92-yearold, Retired Master Gunny father lives up in Bowie. She regularly travels up North to check in on him. Her early April trip included Andy.

He dropped me a call and we caught up. Andy had an amazing SWO career, and one time was Commander PHIBRON 11 in Sasebo. He also got suckered onto the OPNAV staff and Joint Commands and headed up the Cape Fear JNROTC unit. Now he and Karen are living the retired life down in Fayetteville. Ah, Fayetteville - to take a phrase from Harry Chapin on his comment about Watertown NY- I once spent a week one night in Fayetteville. Enroute to Pensacola, I had to make an emergency landing at Ft Bragg and subsequently get a part replaced. They rest of the story is best told over drinks at the reunion. See you on your next trip north Andy!

Well that’s it for now.

Launchin’ Spot Four.

’79 Life Membership: 91% Donor Participation: 2.70% Pres: CAPT Dave Jackson, USN (Ret.) e: djackson@usna.edu Sec’y: LCDR John “Wiz” Withers, USN (Ret.) 1886 Woodpoint Ct., Lawrenceville, GA 30043 p: 240-298-1006; e: JDWithers@1979.usna.com Social Network Links: http://www.linkedin.com/in/wizwithers Facebook Group: USNA Class of 1979 Website: www.usna79.com

Greetings 79ers!

Gasoline process notwithstanding, I think many people are anticipating an especially busy summer travel season. I’m currently on the road – on the homeward leg of the trip.

With all this activity, the class mailbag is a little lighter than usual, but I still have a couple of items to pass on.

I received a note from Jill & Butler Newman, who passed along the latest and greatest from the Newman clan:

New Lieutenant Dereck Newman with fiancée Madison Wood

M Just wanted to drop you a note with some happy news from the Newman clan. First, our younger son Dereck (currently stationed in Bahrain) was promoted to Lieutenant recently.

He also got engaged right after Christmas to Madison Wood. We are very excited for them and hope the Navy will send him home this fall, as he has been there since December of 2019 (so he can get married!).

Our older son, Zach (2nd Engineer, Merchant Mariner) and his wife Sarah are expecting again - due in or around early June.

The newest arrival will join their daughter, Emery who is 2.5 years old and was our first grandchild! They, unfortunately, live in Maine - thank goodness for Facetime!

In June 2021, we moved to the Eastern Shore of Virginia. We are on the water looking out across the Chincoteague Bay at the island of Chincoteague. We are still getting settled in, but love the slow pace! (Except when we need

79/80 CLASS NEWS someone to do some work on the house - then the “island time” pace is a little frustrating!).

Lots of news, guys! Congrats on your kids, grandkids and the move. I haven’t seen the boys in a long time – I think they were still in middle school. Doesn’t seem possible that it’s been that long. Thanks again for checking in.

Allan Kuong forwarded a terrific note from the Harvard, MA police chief. (Note: Harvard is a small town in Massachusetts, not at all affiliated with Harvard University.) This was an announcement on the town’s Facebook page.

M I am excited to introduce to all our residents our newest addition to the Harvard Police Department. Dr. Allan Kuong was appointed as our agency’s Police Physician. Dr. Kuong is a long-time resident of Harvard and a member of the Harvard EMS team for many years. Not only does he have vast experience in the medical and EMS field, but he also has quite a bit of experience in policing as well.

Dr. Kuong is a graduate of the US Naval Academy and is a retired naval officer. He is currently an emergency room doctor but also works as a tactical/SRT medic, reserve police officer, deputy sheriff, and medical trainer in Maine & Bolton PD. He will work with our officers in many areas of life saving skills, rendering care for themselves or others who received traumatic injury. He will assist us with our annual in-house training regarding CPR, first responder and other tactical medical training.

Dr. Kuong serves as Bolton PD’s surgeon, but his lifelong dream is to serve our community here in Harvard. We are extremely grateful for volunteering his time with our department, improving the quality of training for our officers and citizens.

I also received a quick note from Bill Toti – his book “From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership,” should be out by the time this column is published. The foreword was written

by VADM Bob Harward (Ret.). Two ’79 leaders teaming up to pass on leadership lessons to those that follow. Congrats, Bill, on what I’m sure will become a best-seller.

Finally, I was recently notified that one of our non-grad classmates, Kevin Roberts, passed away in November 2020 (19 months ago) in Berryville, VA. Kevin enjoyed a long career as a veterinarian: he opened Hillside Veterinary Hospital in Charles Town, West Virginia, in 1992, where he and his family made many fond memories. A nature enthusiast, he loved to sit outside and watch birds, especially Osprey. You could find Kevin at the golf course most days. His favorite tunes would get him moving, especially his favorite song, “House of the Rising Sun.” Kevin is survived by his wife Jane, a son, two daughters, and four brothers and families.

Classmates, that’s all I have for now. I hope you all have a terrific summer, and I REALLY hope you all drop me a line and tell me about it! See you next month.

Wiz

’80 Life Membership: 96% Donor Participation: 2.75% Pres: LtCol Tony Verducci USMC (Ret.) e: Ajverducci80@gmail.com Sec’y: CAPT Joseph A. Grace Jr., USN (Ret.) 15 Allard Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70119 p: 504-915-6711; e: joe.grace@1980.usna.com Website: http://1980.usnaclasses.net

Greetings Classmates, March Madness is in full swing, the finals are tonight (here in our fair City of New Orleans), the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom in DC and its spring break for many of the colleges across the country. That means that Jazz Fest is around the corner…and they are thinking of

doing away with daylight savings time shifts… ..wow! How great! All this is trivial compared to the fact that we now have a Distinguished Graduate from the Class of 1980! This is a great day for our Class, for the Academy and of course for Janie Mines! Well done and well deserved. Many members of our Great Class of 1980 once again met on the banks of the Severn River, so old tales could be retold, and friendships could be rekindled – but most of all – to celebrate with Janie! This note was shared by Barb Geraghty, bageraghty80 @gmail.com, our Class Treasurer: M The last weekend in March, the Class of 1980 celebrated our Distinguished Graduate, Janie Mines. The Class hosted two happy hours at McGarvey’s that were attended by about 40 people each evening, mostly Classmates, but also members of Janie’s family, her friends, other USNA Classes, the Janie Mines Women’s Shared Interest Group (SIG) and the Naval Academy Minority Association (NAMA).

We had about 40 Classmates attend the Distinguished Graduate Award Ceremony to see Janie receive her medal and hear her remarks on the value of honest communications, harnessing the power of diversity, and seeking to better understand those who are different.

At the awards dinner, hosted by the USNA Alumni Association, Janie received the Distinguished Graduate lapel pin from fellow Distinguished Graduate Wendy Lawrence ’81.

Here is a quote from Wendy that she sent to our Leadership: I just wanted to let you know that the luncheon for Janie was one of the most enjoyable events that I’ve recently attended at USNA. Your class did an outstanding job with its planning and execution of the luncheon, and you all definitely have provided a model for future events to celebrate distinguished graduates. Wendy

Harvard, Mass police physician Dr. Allan Kuong welcomed by the town’s chief of police.

Allan confirmed what other ’79er physicians have told me: COVID has been a huge challenge for the medical field. He did say, fortunately, that numbers are on the decline. Congrats, Allan, on your new position. ’80: Class of 1980 at DGA Ceremony USNAAA photo JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 85

80/80 CLASS NEWS

Class of 1980 at the Luncheon for Janie

Janie with DGA Wendy Lawrence and Byron Marchant

remarks by RADM Caesar representing NAMA and COL MJ Palotta, USCMR, ’94 representing the Women’s SIG, and MIDN 3/C Destinee Byrd, ’24 representing the Brigade of Midshipmen, Janie made some brief remarks and fielded questions from the audience. The luncheon was capped off by the presentation of a gift from the Class of a bracelet with the USNA Crest and a charm recognizing Janie as a Distinguished Graduate from the Class of 1980.

Kathy Shanebrook, Mike Grieco, Pete Shane, Liz Belzer Rowe, Marjorie Morley Bachman, Maureen Foley Nunez, Janiece Buxbaum and three mids

Janie entering the DGA Awards ceremony through Sideboys

The weekend was capped off by a lunch sponsored by the Class of 1980 and attended by 130 Classmates, USNA graduates, friends and family, members of the Women’s SIG and NAMA, Rear Admirals Julius Caesar ’77, Sandy Daniels ’80, Michael Browne ’80, and Peg Klein ’81, two former astronauts (Lawrence and Kay Hire ’81) and the second woman to earn her Naval Aviator wings, Judy Neuffer Bruner, as well as 30 midshipmen. Following 86 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

In addition to honoring Janie, about 35 Classmates and spouses gathered in the Chapel to dedicate a plaque on Pew 34 to Patrick Kelley Inglis, who was designated lost at sea while on an ASUW mission in close proximity to a Soviet task force May 22, 1983. Mike Greico, Mark Guadagnini, guadsqd@icloud.com, Will Gildner, Dan Frawley, dan@falmouthvc.com , Pete Stanford, Bob Huffman, and Sam Cox spoke about Pat from their perspectives as Classmates, NAPSters, Lacrosse players and members of the DWIGHT D EISENHOWER Carrier Strike Group in 1983. Third Company arranged for any Classmate not at the service to stand facing the Chapel at the time of the event in Pat’s honor. Roger Ishii, ishiirk@gmail.com provided a blessing and reflections as well.

Pat’s family is grateful to the Class of 1980 for honoring and remembering him.

Janie sent this note of thanks: M My Dear Classmates WOW! Thank you for the overwhelming support in the celebration of OUR Distinguished Graduate Award (DGA). I say “OUR” because this award represents our shared journey as the Great Class of 1980 and the first Class with women. We transformed the Naval Academy forever. We were all a part of this momentous event in the history of our Academy.

You all stepped forward and were supportive as midshipman and continued that support, almost a half century later, during the DGA weekend. From McGarvey’s, to the ceremony, the banquet and the luncheon – you showed up!

When the Class of ‘80 does anything, it will be done right. Thank you ‘80 for yet another event done absolutely RIGHT. It is a privilege to be Graduate of the Naval Academy and a member of the Great Class of 1980… —Janie Thanks for the wonderful efforts put forth by Mike Grieco, 21st Company, mgrieco2 @verizon.net, to make this happen. Here were some of his comments at the service: M Lt. (jg) Patrick Kelley Inglis USN was killed in an accident flying an A-6 aircraft from the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER in the Mediterranean on 22 May 1983. Pat had just been designated a naval aviator in 1982, and at the time of his death he had only been in Attack Squadron 65 for two months. He was survived by his widow Valerie. They were married here at the USNA Chapel only two years prior, in January 1981. They would have expected, like we all did, that their entire lives were ahead of them.

80/81 CLASS NEWS

’80: Pat Inglis Ceremony

I had met Pat during our years here at school, but we weren’t well acquainted. Pat was in 3rd Company, and I was in 21st. As we often said when we were here as Midshipmen, “he was on the other side of the world.”

Regardless, I wanted to remember Pat with you as Classmates because it’s important that anyone keep the memories of those who have passed before us alive; more importantly —we shared a Naval Academy and military experience with Pat; and because of that “shared experience,” we’re the people best equipped to keep his memory alive.

Thanks Mike! We had another special addition to the service for Pat. Bob Huffman, 5th Company, rvh240@gmail.com, was assigned to the ship when Pat was lost. He brought with him the Memorial Service Bulletin from 39 years ago that was used at sea to honor Pat right after the accident with the ships company and air wing. After Pat was mentioned in a Class email and the service, I heard from Karl Rader, kraderph@gmail.com who sent this note about Pat’s death: M Joe, I was at the Memorial Service at the USNA Chapel in 1983. Francis Daniel and I drove up to Annapolis from Va Beach for it. It was powerful. As I recall, Marc Guadagnini (who was Pat’s roomie in 3rd company) was the A-6 pilot sent to the Med to replace Pat). Pat and his wife Val were in VA Beach; saw them a few times socially not long before he deployed.

Pat was stationed as Oceana, Francis and I were at NAS Norfolk (He in HSL-32 and me in HSL-34). Pat’s daughter and his granddaughter live in Texas and his son is in Harlingen. He and Tina are in Corpus Christi where he does engineering support for the Army at the Depot, helicopter repair and overhaul.

A very special thank you to all who made this weekend a fantastic event for Janie Mines, and to honor our Classmate Pat Inglis. What a privilege to be a member of this great Class.

In closing, I hope that this finds each of you healthy, happy, and wiser today than yesterday.

Please take a few minutes to renew a friendship, call / teams / zoom / text / visit a Classmate and take care of each other. You never know what a difference you can make.

42 years after Graduation, we have a Distinguished Graduate; 39 years ago, we lost a Shipmate in service to our great nation!

Both make you think and reflect – make every moment count!

As always, BEAT ARMY, —Joe

’81 Life Membership: 95% Donor Participation: 2.79% Pres: Kevin Haney e: kjhaney2@me.com Vice Pres: George Basil e: gbasil99@yahoo.com Treas: Gene Juba e: genejuba@yahoo.com Co-Sec’ys: Frank Moreman and Bubba Turman e: Classof81Secretary@gmail.com Webmaster: Patty Crandlemire Whitney Website: www.usna1981.org Classwide messages: usna1981@yahoogroups.com

Update from Tony Marolt (20) M It has been almost 41 years since graduation, and this is my first-time writing in.

Sad. There are many reasons for that for those of us who have watched with interest as our class made its way into the fleet and the world but never contributed.

After graduation, I attended SWOS in San Diego, where I met my wife at the NAB chapel teaching Sunday school. We married and have kept that love alive for 37 years. Classmates Jim Bianchi and future Admiral John Christenson, Dan Herrscher (groomsman) and Tom McNitt ’80, and Tom Parry ’82 provided the arch of swords to welcome my bride to the Navy. My CO from Bristol County, Tom Fitzgibbons ’66 displayed some of the best and smoothest dancing I’ve ever seen at the reception.

I served on FF1088 and then two LSTs, Bristol County and San Bernardino as First Louie, DCA, and OPS. My most fulfilling assignment was teaching Naval Science at USNA on shore duty.

We left the Navy after nine years due to a family matter, and I began my civilian career.

After a brief six-month first civilian job in meatpacking as a supervisor, I began a 25-year career with Hallmark Cards doing many line and staff assignments in the supply chain for the first 15 years and then spending the last 10 years buying and then implementing an ERP (wholesale rip and replace of ancient company software) and running the SAP Center of Excellence.

After I left Hallmark, I started my own company, Lead Left – Grow Right, LLC (leadleftgrowright.com) and wrote my leadership book, The Leadership Quotient (Practice Meets Theory), and published it in the last two years. I’ve also taught leadership, supply chain, and project management at the undergrad and grad level both on-ground and online for a university in the Kansas City area.

I have six children (three adopted) who have been a challenge and a blessing (there is absolutely nothing I haven’t seen). My oldest son is a submariner headed to USS HELENA (SSN 725) as XO after completing “shore” duty at NPEB (Ha, 153 days underway!). Julia and I are blessed with ten grandchildren, five of whom are in the greater Kansas City area – they are angels sent to guide us home. My roommate in 20th Company was Dave Pashkevich. He became my brother-in-law a couple of years after graduation when he married my sister – they have three children and three grandchildren. He was my best friend then and has been since he joined the family. Dave retired after 27 years and now lives about an hour away from Orlando, FL. I recall our time together fondly, including the suck time. We have done well, ’81! Make it a great day, because you always have a choice.

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 87

82/82 CLASS NEWS

Class of 1982 October 27-30, 2022

40th Reunion Schedule of Events (Subject to Change)

Date

Event

Thurs. 27 Oct.

Golf Outing

USNA Golf Course

USNA Walking Tours &

Halsey FH

Coffee Reception

O Club

Crab Feast

Mike’s – South River

Memorial Service

Memorial Hall (Bancroft Hall)

Class Meeting

TBD

Supe’s Call

TBD

P-rade

Worden Field

Class Reception

Jack C. Taylor Conf. Center (Beach Hall)

Company/Team/Club Gatherings

Various Yard TBD

Fri. 28 Oct.

Sat. 29 Oct.

Old Goat Run

Place

Hotel Blocks are sold out. Please obtain your own accommodations.

Event Registration, Class merchandise, and Football tickets Information will be added to the class website in the coming weeks

Stay Updated on the Latest Details – Visit the Class website www.1982.usnaclasses.net 88 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

82/82 CLASS NEWS religion was important in their lives. Only a few people mentioned travel, but they went off the beaten path, visiting Costa Rica, Argentina, Morocco, and Slovakia. 10 classmates had full military careers, mostly in the Navy or Marine Corps, but Tim Carey did his 30 in the Air Force. Here are a few pictures from 9th Co.

’81: Tony’s family montage

The last occasion many of these classmates recall reconnecting was six years ago in Annapolis during the 35th Class Reunion.

It became apparent during the video call that we all have been blessed immensely over the decades since forming our common bond on the shores of the Severn River and have much to be grateful for.”

Dave Pashkevich (20) and Tony Marolt (20) in Rome.

Ed Brownlee (32) wrote and sent a Zoom picture. You might want to be sitting when you view the picture Ed provided because it appears these guys discovered the fountain of youth. I don’t think their names will be readable so I’ll take Ed’s note and line up the names as they appear from top left to right and on down. BTW I don’t think they are sharing the elixir with Tony. Just kidding Tony, just kidding. You look great too!

Take it away Ed: M “On a Thursday evening in early spring, seven 1981 classmates reconnected via a Zoom video conference call for fellowship and camaraderie.

The seven classmates included Tony Barnes (35), Ed Brownlee (32), Andre Swoope (15), Greg Pace (04), Rodney Weems (14), Bruce Curry (21), and Vic McCree (19). The classmates spent the time on the virtual call catching up and sharing their respective lives’ journeys.

Although the classmates were spread out across the country in California, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Georgia and Florida, they appreciated the opportunity to reconnect and spend quality time together virtually.

The company spotlight this month is on 9th Company. The Company by the numbers is that 23 people submitted bios to the reunion project, tied for the second spot with three other companies. It is an east coast crowd with six alums living in MD, and five living in VA. Only one person west of Ohio, and that was in Texas. 53 kids were mentioned, and 35 grand kids. Lyle Humpton has 14 grandkids, which might be the leader of the whole class so far. Seven people mentioned advanced degrees and eight people mentioned that

Ernie Ameng (9), Marion, and Zoey

Pete Barna (9), Gail and daughter

’81: Ed Brownlee (32) and the Magnificent Seven JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 89

81/82 CLASS NEWS Enjoy your retirement, Keith and happy scouting!

Frank Moreman (4), Brian Kissel (33), Mike Mahre (02), Joe Lawrence (29)

Tim Carey (9) in Rio

’82 Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 1.80% Pres: CDR Janeann Treadway Conley, USN (Ret.) p: 410-251-7893; e: Jtcnaples@yahoo.com Vice Pres: CAPT Matt Moury, USN (Ret.) p: 410-263-7640; e: vicepresident@usna82.org Treas: VADM Terry Benedict, USN (Ret.) p: 703-913-7183; e: treasurer@usna82.org

Sharon, John, Pam, and Keith on the grand tour

I guess that Keith and Pam must also be scouting the islands of the Caribbean as he also sent this: M ”Hi Mark, my wife Pam and I just returned from a Caribbean cruise with Bobby and Kathy Rountree (25). A great, few days with wonderful friends.

Corr Sec’y: CDR Mark Shields, USN (Ret.) 3 High Meadow Ln., Newark, DE 19711 p: 302-234-0835; c: 302-229-1085; e: m.shields75@yahoo.com Website: http://1982.usnaclasses.net Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/USNA82 Carmel (9) and Mike (80) Chapline and family

Jim Hamill (9) and family

In a final note, I (Frank) had a fun dinner at the Dutch Goose in Palo Alto, CA. with Brian Kissel (33), Mike Mahre (02), and Joe Lawrence (29). We talked about everything from submarine “angles and dangles” to space defense, from Ukraine defense and the CIA to how Joe met his wife and whether anyone had kids that had tattoos (we did). We talked about how the iphone was invented and how tech got started.

Who could have thought we could solve all the world’s problems in only one dinner, and laugh most of the time while we did it. Most of the laughing was for stories of our youth that can’t be printed here. I showed off a draft of the Reunion Book on my phone and everyone was impressed, not only with the book, but my tech savviness. It was great fun as it always is when classmates get together.

90 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

Greetings to the great class of ’82!

Although you will not be reading this column until the month of June, I am writing it in the wild-weather month of March. Here in the Mid-Atlantic, we’ve had a few inches of ice and snow and also temps in the low 70s all within the span of three days! Signs of consistently warmer weather, however, are clearly present. Personally, I am also hoping that the very recent “Spring forward” time change will soon be a thing of the past!

I apologize for the short length of this column. Having been your class “scribe” for a bit over a year, it seems to be either “feast or famine” with regard to my mailbag and famine has been in force recently. A few weeks ago, I became concerned when I had NOTHING for this column. My pleas on our class Facebook page and an email from our Prez (Jane) yielded the following submissions: M Heard from Keith Boring (25) regarding a trip and visit with a class and company mate: “Pam and I caught up with John Webb (25th Co) and his wife Sharon in January on a visit to South Carolina. They gave us the “chamber of commerce” tour of the area near Pawleys Island. Now that I have retired from the largest clean energy provider in the USA, Constellation Energy Group, Pam and I are scouting locations. As always, it was great catching up with old friends. Fun fact, John and I were both from Ohio and the same Congressman appointed us.”

The Borings and the Rountrees underway (but not haze gray!)

I also received an email and pics from Don Parrott (26): M “Here are a couple of pics from a trip my wife, Lynne, and I took to visit Mark Jackson (26) and his wife Jana in July. The first pic is of Mark Jackson and me while hiking on Mt. Rainier and the second is with our wives on the same trip. We spent a week hiking and touring the Seattle area with them and had a great time in the area. The picture is from one of the trails on the Sunrise side on the way to First Burrows.”

82/83 CLASS NEWS

Don and Mark scaling Mount Rainier

Don, Lynne, Jana, and Mark at Alki Beach in Seattle

Don also sent the following: M ”This photo is from a visit to USNA that a number of 26’ers took in June of last year to honor Rich Delong, who had passed away in 2020. We attended a memorial service in the Chapel and attended Rich’s inurnment at the Columbarium. Afterwards, we met in town for a brief get together with some other ’82’ers and had dinner that evening. This picture is of the group in McGarvey’s and has a number of folks who attended. Most of the group are 26’ers and their wives.”

’82 gang at McGarvey’s. Front row (left to right): Jim and Gladys Coatney, Lita Segura, unknown, Debbie Dahlquist (wife of Steve, who wasn’t in the pic). Back row (left to right): Mark and Jana Jackson, Chris Segura, Danny Kowalski, Lauri and Dave Dittmer, Matt Cissel, Lynne Parrott, Joe McClain and Don Parrott

’83 Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 3.40% Pres: LCDR Stephen L. Fischer, USN (Ret.) 31 Call Ct., Fredericksburg, VA 22405-2144 p: 540-840-7051 Vice Pres: Ms. Geraldine W. Santos

I unfortunately, also just recently learned of the passing of our classmate Joe Wilson (03) of Athens, Texas. Look for a full obituary in the “Last Call” section.

Well, that’s all I’ve got this time, classmates. BZ to Keith and Don for coming through with submissions for this column. As always, please consider sending me an email and pics. USNA memories, ”sea-stories”, classmate encounters, retirements, family events, travel adventures, etc, all make for good submissions to Shipmate! When you receive this issue, our 40th reunion will only be a few months away. Looking forward to seeing many of you there. Enjoy your summer!

As always, looking good ’82!

Mark

Treas: Frank Vernet e: fgvernet@gmail.com Sec’y and Shipmate Contact: CAPT Chris Pietras, USN (Ret.) 9404 Jackson St., Burke, VA 22015 c: 860-885-9009; e: 83shipmate@gmail.com Facebook: USNA 1983 LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/83 Website: http://1983.usnaclasses.net

Hellloooo 83! As you read this it will be 39 years since we graduated and were on basket leave prior to reporting to our first duty station for training (nearly everyone); our Classmates that were with us from foreign nations had returned home; many in the class said “I do” and gained a dependent (or two ??); and we were all leaving our home of the past four years. In the intervening 39 years we’ve loved, lost, and mourned; moved innumerable times; many had one of the 3 D’s (dog, dependent, divorce); attended football and other games as an alum; built careers in the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, as a government civilian, or in the private sector; most have remained tight

with the companymates and other friends from our four years on the Severn, and some unfortunately have disconnected. We are just over 1 year away from our 40th reunion and it is time to connect everyone – my ask is that you find those missing Classmates from each company, those we graduated with and those that left before graduation – if they were there on 6 July, we are Classmates – Once a classmate – Always a classmate! So find your roommates form Plebe Summer and re-connect them to the Class: have them update the usna.com alumni contact info (https:// www.usna.com/login?bm=1517605031) so they receive Shipmate and receive all classmail emails; connect with Steve Fischer (reach out to Steve at slf83usna@gmail.com) and get on his monthly e-mail list; activate their https://myusna.com/ profile; and join the class Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/191501360861460 We start with sad news: Lawrence J. O’Connor of 13th company passed away on 16 February 2022. He is survived by his wife, Ashley Power O’Connor, and their children, Sloane, Bart and Allison, as well as his son from a previous marriage, Timothy O’Connor and his wife Andrea of Christchurch, New Zealand. Following his father and an older brother, he attended USNA and played baseball. He became a naval aviator and earned his wings in 1985. He flew in the EA-6B Prowler in tactical electronics warfare squadrons and JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 91

83/83 CLASS NEWS was a veteran of military operations in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf while deployed on the USS RANGER (CV-61). Lawrence earned a master’s in computer science from GW and had a successful career as a management consultant and IT executive. Easy going, and with a ready smile and great sense of humor, Lawrence was an outstanding father and family man, always engaged in his children’s lives, education and activities. He was an active member of Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria where he enjoyed rounds of golf with family and friends, and a former board member of the Historic Alexandria Foundation.

Lawrence is also survived by his four brothers and four sisters and their families. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.

And now, da Newz: Paul Alexander checks in and brings up Ring Dance Memories (40 years ago). I thought it would be fun to find out who from the Class is still married to their Ring Dance date. Who from ‘83 has gone the distance with their Ring Dance date from 22 May, 1982 to 22 May 2022??? Paul believes there are a few from 32nd Company...Earle & Robin Kirkley...Bruce & Ann McGeorge.

Wow, that’s some history and longevity of dancing with the same person – Congratulation !

Who else? Who wants to share a picture for a future Shipmate ?

As mentioned in the last column, ’83 sponsored the Herndon Bell Monument that will soon be installed on the yard (actually it should be installed already by the time you

’83: IOWA 92 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

read this). Our goal was to raise $35,000 to design/build/install the granite plinth. In less than two weeks the class raised the money (and a little extra which will go towards the 40th reunion class gift). According to our class prez, Mike Melillo was the first donor and Todd Bostock was the classmate who put us over the goal line !

This new monument will be located near the Herndon Monument (Katz McKavitt is pictured approximately where the bell will stand) and will house the ship’s bell from the SS Central America, a 280-foot sidewheel steamer that operated during the 1850s. The ship’s first captain was William Lewis Herndon.

Location, Location, Location

In early March there was a West Coast Class Reception that kicked off the Herndon Bell fundraising. Honchoed by Dennis Yeatman and Steve Shatynski, the reception took place aboard the Battleship IOWA (BB-61). The sunset reception was attended by over 60 classmates and friends and included a tour,

cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Steve Shatynski led the way by organizing the transfer of custody of the historic Herndon Bell that sunk off the coast of South Carolina in 1857. Over $12,000 was raised for the Bell monument.

As mentioned in the first paragraph there’s a new USNA communication system for the Alumni Association: the USNA Alumni Association is in the process of transitioning to a new communications and member management system called myUSNA (the underlying software is called Hivebrite). All local chapters, classes, parents clubs, and shared interest groups will have the ability to manage membership, events, and communications in one shared database.

You will no longer need to update your contact information at multiple USNA-related websites.

For our class that means we’re leaving behind our old member management system, Constant Contact. You’ll see a new website, new email templates, and new ways to communicate with each other. Inevitably there are some capabilities that we’ll be missing in the new system; we’ll do our best to find solutions that support our members.

Work on this project has been going on for months at USNA. We are one of the first classes to jump aboard. After we have most of the class onboard we will stop using Constant Contact. .

You will need to activate your account https://myUSNA.com. Your login credentials do not transfer from our old website. But now your profile in our class will be the same profile for the Alumni Association, your chapter, and any shared interest groups or parents club you may be part of.

In our first vacation in the last several years (like everyone), my wife and I finally made it to the sunny and warm Puerto Rico beaches. And while we were there I ran (well walked) into two fellow grads. One was Ray Velez ’82, and the other was our classmate Joe McQuade. I was wearing a t-shirt with the academy crest on it and walking up a hill, and while Joe was running up the hill, he noticed it and stopped.

We were both on our last day of vacation and we walked and chatted all the way back to the resort. Joe lives in the Jacksonville, FL area and is one of our class doctors (family practice) !

Note to everyone, where some Navy gear no matter where in the world you go.

83/84 CLASS NEWS Just do it today, as we can never count on the opportunity to be able to do so tomorrow.

Got Newz? send to: 83shipmate@gmail.com Once a classmate, always a classmate.

1983 - A Class Act!

’84 Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 2.74% Chris and Joe

Engaging with ’22

Pres: Mr. Brian D. Goodrow e: goodrow2@comcast.net

I know we have a bunch of authors amongst the class (not sure how many but there’s several). Our newest is Barb Bell. Congrats Barb ! (PS – her book is available on Amazon)

I close the newz with great newz. CDR Lynn Thomas retired in March. What you say, a Commander still serving – well yes, as I learned several years ago. As I looked at the posts on Facebook I see your ceremony was well attended and generated some amazing comments, such as: “What a wonderful celebration of an amazing Naval Officer.

A mentor. A trailblazer. A friend!” And then a post and picture from Jeff Benson who made the trek: “Congratulations on your retirement.

Let all the sea stories keep you smiling.

A wonderful ceremony and definitely ‘A Class Act.’” Well done and congratulations on your phenomenal career Lynn.

Vice Pres: Karen M. Halverson e: dkhalvy@earthlink.net

Author, Author

The opportunity to engage with midshipman is always wonderful, whether it is at Forrestal Lectures, football games or when any opportunity arises. The ability to impart some wisdom with soon to be ensigns and second lieutenants is beyond compare. This year John Amy, Barb Bell, Steve Fischer, Evan Edwards, Bob Girrier, Chip Walter, and Chris Pietras had the opportunity to add our sea stories and experience to the mix as part of the 1/C Character Capstone where they go through several case studies on ethics and morality.

Thanks to Sean O’Connor for honchoing our class engagement. If you ever get asked to participate, say yes ! Barb isn’t pictured because she had the afternoon session (though maybe someone else took a picture ??). I will say that the 1/C was impressed when Sean Buck showed up and they realized we were the Supe’s Classmates.

Last Woman Standing

Upcoming dates to remember/consider: Navy vs. Notre Dame: 26 August 2023 in Dublin Our 40th Reunion: weekend of 6-7-8 October 2023 Class Cruise: Summer 2024 Please reach out and touch your loved ones, reconnect with an old friend or roommate, whether in person or on the phone or just email or knock on a door – Life is fragile.

Treas: Mr. Stephen J. Shepherd e: stephenjamesshepherd@gmail.com Sec’y/Shipmate Contact: Kevin Monahan 428 Santa Mesa Dr., San Jose, CA 95123 p: 408-624-0773; e: kevin_monahan@comcast.net Website: www.usna84.org

After long discussions over the past month with ‘Gangster’, ‘The Legend’, ‘Loverboy’, ‘Treetop’, ‘The Brown Leroy’, ‘Youse’, ‘Absence Unauthorized’, The Ghost of the One-Eyed Bartender at Pete’s Place and The Main Office Squirrel, referencing FBI Fugitive flyers at The Post Office, trying to sort out ‘this Mess’ as I am more frequently referred to as with the Jordan Peterson Podcasts and mumbling Engine Failure on Missed Approach procedures for The Canadian, This Marine’s Dispatch is humbly submitted.

Keith Wagoner is running for Attorney General of Washington State.

He currently represents the 39th Legislative District encompassing swaths of rural Snohomish and Skagit counties and a sliver of King County.

In the Senate, Keith The House recognizes the Gentleman from Snohomish serves on the Ways and Skagit. & Means and the Law & Justice committees. He is also the ranking member on the Behavioral Health subcommittee. Keith was Mayor of Sedro-Woolley and served five years on the City Council.

Tim and Margaret Quigley visited Jupiter Florida last Christmas and had a chance encounter with Brian Cianella (’83) Not recognizing each other at first, Tim realized it was THE Brian Cianella and found the following later in Sports Illustrated’s archives from Navy’s 1982 victory over Virginia the year after George Welsh left Navy to coach the Cavs:

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 93

84/85 CLASS NEWS M Roverback Brian Cianella showed Welsh a little bit of everything. He caused one Virginia fumble, was called for unnecessary roughness, recovered another fumble, was caught for pass interference and sacked UVA’s quarterback to end Virginia’s last-chance drive with less than two minutes left in the game. “I don’t know if I redeemed myself or not,” Cianella said, grinning.

Yeah, that was THE Brian Cianella…

Quigs and The Hard-hitting ‘C’

Frank Andrews checked in after witnessing Navy Lacrosse’ first victory over Johns Hopkins at Hopkins’ Homewood Field since 1969. I, myself woke up the next day to catch the tight 4th quarter on TV. The score was close throughout the game and the Midshipmen kept levelling the score until finally going on top and holding off Hopkins. Frank was also in South Bend in 2007 for Navy’s first victory over Notre Dame since 1963, sitting next to our Mike Flynn, and is searching for his next Navy Sports trip opportunity to charm a Navy squad with Luck for that elusive victory. (I recommend Men’s Rugby during Championship Season. Best to take Flynn with you.)

Frank sent a picture of threee Navy Lacrosse players and 3 beautiful women.

Ryan Wade (‘19), Tim Andrews (‘88) and his daughters who were rowdy supporters throughout the game, and Frank with wife Carla.

The Rabbit’s Foot Frank Andrews and Family at Navy’s Victory over Johns Hopkins

94 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

Down to business…

From the Desk of Class President Brian Goodrow: M Most communication regarding the 40th Reunion will be sent via the email address you have on file with the Alumni Association. Please check and update your email at USNA.com and please ensure your company rep has your best contact information. We will call for and establish a coterie of volunteers to serve on the Reunion planning committee. (THE VERY BEST WAY to inject Your great ideas into Reunion Planning is to infiltrate the Reunion Planning Cabal as a Volunteer.)

Information will be sent via the (always thought provoking, artfully crafted prose of mind-numbing genius) ’84 Column in Shipmate and direct email. I source USNA related information from the Alumni Association as well as the Council of Class Presidents (held twice annually). I invite the Superintendent or The Commandant of Midshipmen to our events for informal discussion and I rely on you to relay classmate-related information of interest to the class.

Engagement among Classmates and with USNA remains very important to the Class Leadership. Our success is exhibited in the All-Academy Challenge which, in its’ eight years, the Class of ‘84 participation rate steadily climbed and we sat atop the Leaderboard at Challenge’s End the last two years.

We had a remarkable ‘-5’ Year Reunion in 2019, with nearly 50% Class Attendance as well as steady increases in attendance at events such as our Spring Lacrosse Party and Fall Tailgaters.

As we move forward over the next two and a half years, I will continue to support opportunities for engagement within The Class and with the Academy. The most visible of those efforts is our Class Project and I will strive to make good on 84’s commitment to support the Margin of Excellence for Academy Graduates and to support the Institution that built and continues to strengthen the foundation of America’s Leaders.

—Brian (Standing Ovation, Polite Applause. Fade to overhead shot of Chapel and voiceover of choir singing ‘Navy Blue and Gold’)

33rd Herd Academy Weight Challenge is in full swing and I have been invited to compete as sort of a ‘Paper Lion’-esque sports journalist doing an expose. Sean ‘Juan Miguel’ Sullivan and Mike PitPit stand way ahead of the pack, posting a picture of them fitting into their 2nd Lieutenant Basic School Service C’s.

Even put a late ‘70’s 280Z in background for effect. Truly Inspiring.

Sully and Pitty: Prime Examples of the benefits of clean living, hard exercise, a good night’s sleep and the appropriate usage of the Youngster Afternoon.

Not exactly the Voyages of the Starship Enterprise this month but The Spring Lacrosse Party is two weeks from today and ‘someone’ has tickets, time off, jump seat privileges…and an understanding Wife. I promise to create stories.

Monohans

’85 Life Membership: 95% Donor Participation: 3.90% Pres: Bob Smith 1009 Caiman Ct., Sellersburg, IN 47172 p: 502-432-6185; e: robertsmith5@att.net Vice Pres: Stephen J. Pimpo e: sjpimpo@comcast.net Corr Sec’y: Vic Otero

LUCKY BAG OF BOOKS To check out all the options for your reading pleasure, visit usna.com/LBB

86/87 CLASS NEWS

’86

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 3.29% Pres: Michael Cadwell p: 505-400-3406; e: michael.caldwell@accenture.com Vice Pres: RADM Jim McNeal, USN SC (Ret.) e: jamesm@ispards.com Treas: CDR J.T. Young, USNR (Ret.) e: jty2664@gmail.com Sec’y: CAPT Todd Wagner, MC, USN (Ret.) e: todd.wagner86@gmail.com Corr Sec’y: Mike Althouse p: 410-688-9060; e: mike.althouse@gmail.com ’87: The Navy cheering section. Jim Swanson at center in back row

’87

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 2.63% Pres: Jim Matheson e: jmatheson@1987.usna.com Shipmate columnist: Robert Pinataro 9953 Watermark Ln. W., Jacksonville, FL 32256 p: 770-722-6373; e: rpinataro87@gmail.com Website: www.usna87.org

Hello Classmates, Welcome to June. After a very dry month on content for May, we are back.

Our column starts with a word from Scott Herbener regarding our upcoming reunion.

M “Hello classmates and other Denizens of the Deep! As I write this, Spring appears to have sprung, my NCAA brackets are a shambles, and the Orioles beat the Red Sox 8-5 at Spring Camp. Bear with me as I’m prognosticating ahead three months, thinking about things you need to know in about 87 days when we gather for the 35th Reunion (1-4 September).

I’m also hoping that many of your questions were answered when you joined us during the 20 May Commissioning Commemoration zoom call – good fun, amiright?

So here it goes, Carnac the Magnificent sez...

1. Follow the class website (www.usna87.com) for the latest gouge.

2. Register for the reunion NOW if you haven’t already – time, tide and formation, etc.

Accurate (and early) event headcounts really are helpful. The registration website is (signupnow.events/usna1987).

3. Once you have registered and if you are golfing, get your foursome info to Dave Berman- text: 262- 945-4775 or email: drberman@hotmail.com.

4. During the Reunion weekend itself, there will be THREE registration check-in opportunities: - Thursday evening (9/1) in the N* Room at the Stadium.

- Friday evening (9/2) at the Graduate Hotel; and - Saturday (9/3) at the Tailgater – CRNW and ’53 Pavilion.

Speaking of opportunities (to volunteer), please contact Janet (Walters) Bristol to help with Registration. The need is great, but the commitment is light (and fun). In case you’re wondering, spouses are most welcome (and are often better qualified) to help. You can contact Janet by text at (406) 250-1406.

There will be bus transportation to/from the Yard on Friday (9/2). We anticipate first bus shuttle departures from the Graduate hotel and from Stadium parking prior to 0800 to get everyone to Hospital Point prior to the 0900 Memorial Service.

Remember that you need to buy a ticket to the Navy/Delaware game (via NAAA) to get into the stadium (and thus the tailgater). By the time this is published, kickoff time (and by extension, Tailgate start time) should have been announced.

If you have not yet ordered your on-demand SWAG – time, tide and formation, etc. See the class site for info and ordering details.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone on the Yard (and in the MidStore) in early September for a great weekend of camaraderie, reminiscences, frivolity and as Ronnie Harris might suggest - hijinks. Stay tuned to unfolding details with the steady rhythm of Class Blasts, website updates and (if technology go https://www. usna.com/profilees our way) customized text messages directly to your phone. Cheers!

From Jim Matheson: Class Governance update.

It’s critical to the class officer election process that USNA AA has your most recent/best email address. Please take a minute to validate your contact info and update your ClassMail at https://www.usna.com/profile .

By the time you read this, we should have already voted on and adopted our updated by-laws. We should also be in the midst of nominations for and the election of new class

officers. Please participate in the process, consider running for office, and VOTE. Jim Swanson shared this news: M “Had a couple classmate contacts within the COVID restriction timing over the past few months. Rick MacMurchy shot me a note and let me know that he was flying into Minneapolis/ St Paul and would have an overnight layover and was wondering if we could get together.

You know it; 36th Company classmates do not make too many trips up this way, so we got together and had a couple drinks at a local brew pub and then headed back to my house for a little chat time with my wife (Kris) before having to take him back to his hotel in downtown Minneapolis. Rick seems to still be enjoying flying for United; and his family, back in Pittsburgh, is doing well and looking forward to the reunion in September.

My second contact was while my wife and I were down in Pompano Beach, FL for a couple weeks. I was able to get a hold of JJ Jenkins while he was still living down in Miami. JJ is doing very well and was happy to get together for dinner down in the Miami area. Although, he is giving up the warmth and sun of Miami and moving back to Iowa to help out with his mom at her home. I told him that I would head south on the 4-hour drive on my bike and have a good long weekend once we get a little warmer weather!

I also recently made a trip to St Louis, very last minute! Got a text from Dave Turnbaugh ‘89 that Navy was playing in the ACHA National Tournament and offered up a place to stay should I want to head south...so I finished the household chores, got in the car and drove.

Had a great time at Dave’s, a little pistol action at the range, a little dart action at the local bar (along with cigars) and I was able to catch up with classmate and company mate, Doug Wilson 36th Co. We also got together with Doug and his wife, Susie, for brunch Saturday and talked about eachother’s kids and plans for the reunion.

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 95

87/88 CLASS NEWS

’87: Navy Hockey at the ACHA National Tournament

L to r; Jim Swanson and Doug Wilson

Unfortunately, Navy lost in the first round to Pitt. However, we did win the fan/crowd attendance competition. There was great attendance from the St Louis alumni group and plenty of cheering!!! It was a great group of folks supporting Navy hockey in St Louis.”

Unfortunately for me, I won’t be able to make it to the reunion this year. My nephew is getting married on the Big Island of Hawaii Labor Day so the whole family on my side will be making the trip west instead of east.

Beat Army! ~Jim Swanson Rob Douglass has some impressive news to share.

M “Saw your note and thought I’d give you a proud Dad update. Oldest son ENS John Douglass earned his SWO pin onboard USS RUSHMORE (LSD 47) and puts on LTJG today 2/23/2020 (OCS from Tulane). He wanted nothing to do with subs but really enjoyed RUSHMORE’s recent 8-month deployment to the WESTPAC and is learning through the challenges of the ship’s current dry docking and modernization period.” ~ Rob Douglass

96 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

Thanks to the initiative of Ralph Nelson, Greg Pray and Harry Benson, the 3rd Company Plebe Year Class of 1987 crew got together in March for our first ever zoom reunion Ralph and team put together a fun session with a plebe summer photo slide show, classmate trivia and guest speakers Greg Pease ’84 and Chuck Mills ’85. The drinking lamp was lit, and a good time was had by all in pursuit of the mission to maximize attendance at the 35th class reunion in September. We had such a good time that we’re going to do this again in the summer. Attendees included Rob Douglass, Greg Pray, Harry Benson, Ralph Nelson, Matt Maker, Matt Horan, Rob Pinataro, Rob Shepherd, Chris Merriam, David Smith, Mike Sopko, George Ganahl, John Plohetski, Steve Otto and Doug Keller. Apologies to anyone I’ve missed.

Please send your news to: rpinataro87@ gmail.com with “SHIPMATE” in the subject line.

place of real live parties and tailgaters, but they’ve been a great way to keep in touch since we are geographically so spread out. Lately, we’ve heard from classmates like Dion Cornett (3rd company), Henry Stoever (6th company), Andre Stokes (5th company), Lou Maldonado (13th company), Mike Fournier (34th company), and Dan Bacon (25th company) about their businesses, from gourmet ice cream to high-tech. Dr. Myron Hall (36th company) announced that he’s running for U.S. Senate in California which has led to some lively discussions, as well. Our commonality as ‘88ers helps to bridge our many differences and whether you’re zooming with ‘88, meeting up at tailgaters, having a beer with a classmate or two locally, waiting for the reunion, or just keeping a lowprofile, engaging with the class can be a very positive way to stay involved with old friends and with the broader world. The class announces plans here in Shipmate and on our private Facebook and LinkedIn groups. You should also be getting class emails. If not, just log onto usna.com to reset your email address. The zoom meeting number and password are listed on all three of these communication portals.

If you’d like to volunteer to help plan our 35th reunion, which will take place between mid-September and the end of October 2023 depending on the football schedule, contact class president Jim Schwab (28th company).

’88

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 3.49% Pres: Jim Schwab c: 714-787-6920; e: jschwab@crimstonepartners.com Vice Pres: Henry Stoever w: 301-787-9700; e: henry.stoever@gmail.com Sec’y: Sara Salas Wickard c: 757-589-0678; e: swickard88@gmail.com Website: www.usna.com “find my class”

’88, “Prudens Potens Patria (judicious power for country)”, USS CURTIS WIBUR (DDG54). r/ Sara Laura Stroman Lee - ‘88 social meet-ups over Zoom are going strong! “Wardroom meeting” themes and dates vary, but the time is always 2000 Eastern. The purpose of the wardroom meetings is to help members of the class of ‘88 reconnect in a helpful, fun, trusted community. Virtual meetings can never take the

Rob Gray (7th): I moved my daughter to the DC area last week. While I was in town, I caught up with Tim Heatherington (8th) and Don Wright (19th)”

88/88 CLASS NEWS

Bill Suggs and Rick Acheson, both 23rd company, had a small reunion in Connecticut!

’88: Captain Michael F. Ott, USN (Ret.) Leadership in Amphibious Award

Danielle, at their Long Island wedding in March: Henry Stoever, Brian Rathjen, Scott Bensing, and Chris Bushnell.

‘88ers gather ringside on Feb 25th at the 81st Brigade Boxing Championship Finals after the bouts to celebrate “mask removal” and the return of a little normalcy! Sam DiPalo, Chris Bushnell, Jim Schwab, Frank Snyder, Dave Albriton, and Darryl Smith. Not pictured, but also in attendance for ‘88 was Bill Bray.”

Chris Bushnell: On Wednesday, January 26th, the first awardee was presented the Captain Michael F. Ott (Ret.) Leadership in Amphibious Award at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek. The Presiding Officer was ‘88’s own Major General Austin “Sparky” Renforth.

We had a good turn out of ‘88ers and members of Mike’s family: Tony Mazzeo, Brian Rathjen, Robin (Buxton) Tyner, Shawn Ott, Sparky Renforth, Rob Poellnitz, Chris Bushnell, Drew Ott, Tom Schrantz, and Eric Kukanich. LCDR Martin was selected as the first awardee as the individual who most embodies Mike’s characteristics of knowledge of amphibious warfare tactics, leadership, and grit. Big shout-out to Jim McGrath for his legwork at Little Creek with EWTGLANT!

Chris Bushnell with his wife, Jenny, new bride Danielle Ott, and groom Michael Chatfield Ott, Mike’s oldest son.

The future generation of the Ott Navy family was also there! Pictured with Scott Bensing and Chris Bushnell is Midshipman Candidate Dayton Ott, Mike’s son, who is currently attending NAPS in Newport, RI.

CLASS SECRETARY COLUMN DEADLINES Send to: classnews@usna.com

Four ‘88ers were able to attend Michael Chatfield Ott’s wedding to his new bride,

ISSUE: September ’22 October ’22 Nov-Dec ’22

2022

DUE DATE: Jun 27, 2022 Jul 25, 2022 Sep 26, 2022

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 97

89/90 CLASS NEWS

’89

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 5.67% Pres: Denise (Shorey) Willert 1700 Pilgrims Mews, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 h: 757-464-0429, c: 757-238-1102 e: denise.willert@1989.usna.com Corr Sec’y: Scott McFadden e: jsmcfadd1@nycap.rr.com; scottmcfadden1989@gmail.com Listserv: usna89@yahoogroups.org Listserv Subscription: send a blank email to usna89-subscribe@yahoogroups.com from the address you wish listserv traffic to be sent To Post a Message: write your message and send it to usna89@yahoogroups.com Unsubscribe: send a blank message to usna89-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Webmaster: Ingar Grev e: igrev@1989.usna.com

Greetings, 89ers!

Happy 33rd graduation anniversary (and wedding anniversary to all of you who got married during June week! I hope everyone’s summer is off to a rollicking start! Previously, I reported that I had done my first, and last, Dopey Challenge in January. Well, it turns out that my wife, Joanne, and I had such a great experience that we’re doing it again next year!

So, I guess we are Dopey!

Our class president, Denise Willert, checks in with this report: M Dear friends, As you read this, hopefully the sun is shining and you’re enjoying an icy cold drink on a beach somewhere! Or if not, maybe it’s at least the weekend and you’re having some down time to enjoy relaxing summer pursuits. In either case, I hope that the onset of the summer season is everything you could hope for this year, particularly as we (knock on wood) put the pandemic finally behind us.

I have two very positive topics to discuss this issue, the first being your opportunity to participate as a nominee in our upcoming class elections! Three positions of our seven-member class board will be voted upon this fall, to serve six-year terms beginning in January 2023. As you read this, the election board should already be constituted and has been providing information to you on the nomination process.

Trust me ... we need you and your enthusiasm!

Being a class officer is an exciting opportunity to serve the class and be involved in the grassroots decision making process of myriad important issues. If you have any questions, or think you might be interested in running, please reach out to the election board chairman and he/she will absolutely be able to help. Here’s to an exciting election process this year.

98 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

Due to the nature of the publishing cycle, I’m a few months late on this one, but many congratulations to two of our class leaders who are still proudly wearing the uniform and representing the class of 1989. Both have been appointed to the rank of Rear Admiral. They are Navy Rear Adm. (lower half) Carl A. Lahti, who as of March was serving as commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Japan/commander, Navy Region Japan, Yokosuka, Japan; and Navy Rear Adm. (lower half) William P. Pennington who, again, as of March, was serving as deputy commander, Tenth Fleet, Fort Meade, Maryland. BZ gentlemen for a job well done!

On a somber note, it is with great sadness that I let you know that our classmate, Tom Wando, lost his son-in-law, Marine Corps Captain Ross Reynolds, in an operational aviation mishap in Norway this past March, along with three fellow Marines. While we regrettably are unable to recognize the personal losses of all our classmates, this loss is particularly noteworthy for us as a class due to its operational nature. As I write this, the memorial service is being planned, to which hopefully several of our classmates were able to attend.

Tom has graciously offered to put together a short article for our next Shipmate issue. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom, his wife Lisa, and their family at this difficult time.

Please accept my thanks as well to those classmates who were able to contribute to the GoFundMe and other donation sites for these fallen Shipmates.

May you all be well, happy and healthy, and have a beautiful summer.

Now’s the Time, 89!

Fondly, Denise That’s it for this month!

Beat Army!

Scott

personally, professionally, socially, nationally, and across the world – but along the way, the camaraderie and accomplishments of this class truly stand out. As we continue to use this platform to celebrate one another, I want to further encourage everyone to submit inputs for this column via the shipmate1990@gmail mailbox. Memories, personal and professional updates, celebrations, photos, etc. While I grab what I can from Facebook, we would much prefer to have fresh content from you to fill this space.

Speaking of submissions, I’d like to thank Dave Sanders for this recent update: M Greetings 90!

I want to give a big BZ to VADM John Mustin, who was our guest of honor and speaker for the Richmond Alumni Chapter dining out. John was extremely engaging and knows how to work a room! It must be that 3-star talent. Besides sharing his vision of the reserve force, humorous banter, and being nominated as “Mayor of Midlothian, VA,” it was terrific to catch up with a classmate. Additionally, the bourbon GROG was not bad either. (Much better than the split pea tabasco swill out of a shoe in Hubbard Hall!) John also distinguished himself as the best speaker in the 10+ years of dining outs, knocking our own CAPT Monty Ashliman off the leaderboard. Both of which were much better received than Congressman Wittman (who was terrific until 90 arrived). ’90 has set the bar high, so if you have a desire to speak to a bunch of old alumni (many older than us), enjoy a night of camaraderie, and GROG, let me know!

Below are pictures of Monty in 2020 (last dining out), John and my family, and John in 2022.

’90

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 3.00% Pres: Frank Bendik e: fbendik90@yahoo.com Vice Pres: Joe Gugluizza e: joe@academyglobalinvestments.com Treas: Lawrence “Kai” Yeh e: kyeh@mpsgc.com Sec’y: Trey Alexander e: shipmate1990@gmail.com Website: www.usna90.com Facebook: USNA Class of 1990

By the time of the publication of this issue of SHIPMATE, it will have been almost 36 years since we first gathered on our I-Day. A lot has transpired during those three dozen years –

Ashliman and Sanders

90/91 CLASS NEWS “Went to my son’s fraternity family and alumni banquet and who’s in line in front of me for chow.... Duncan Owen. What a small world...”

VADM Mustin and Sanders family

Duncan Owen and Karl Hines

Thank you all for the updates and photos.

Classmates, remember to follow the examples above and send your updates to let us know what’s going on in your life and career!

Mustin and Sanders

Tony Bunosso provided an update on our Facebook page regarding some recent promotions: As a follow-up to the recent post of ‘90 alums nominated for Rear Admiral (Lower Half), Flag Office assignments have been posted ...

Rear Adm. (lower half) Christopher M. Engdahl, selected for promotion to rear admiral, will be assigned as commander, Naval Safety Command, Norfolk, Virginia. Engdahl is currently serving as commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Seven; commander, Task Force 76; and commander, Amphibious Force, Seventh Fleet, Yokosuka, Japan.

Rear Adm. (lower half) Curt A. Renshaw, selected for promotion to rear admiral, will be assigned as director of operations, J-3, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

Renshaw is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Eight, Norfolk, Virginia.

Rear Adm. (lower half) Michael J. Vernazza, selected for promotion to rear admiral, will be assigned as commander, Fleet Information Warfare Command Pacific/ Information Warfare Task Force, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Vernazza is currently serving as commander, Naval Information Warfighting Development Center, Norfolk, Virginia.

And squeezing in one more pulled from Facebook … Continuing the tradition of “when two or three shall meet”: Karl Hines posted,

’91

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 3.13% Pres: Evan Barnet p: 203-249-0071; e: evan@USNA91.info Admin Vice Pres: Julie Shank p: 858-663-9852; e: julie@USNA91.info Exec Vice Pres: Ray Barata e: ray@USNA91.info Sec’y and Shipmate Contact: Sue (Slaven) Macaluso p: 631-365-2070; e: sue@usna91.info Treas: Mike Smith p: 847-421-5850; e: Mike@USNA91.info At Large: Ian Hadden p: 501-313-9597; e: ian@USNA91.info At Large: Craig Benson p: 612-203-4280; e: craig@USNA91.info Website: www.usna91.info

Did You Know You Can Help Out Our Classmates and Their Families?

Check Out the 91 Foundation!

Classmates, Thirty years after our adventure in Annapolis, I remain amazed at the qualities within this class that are still resident from our time at USNA. We are still close, our deepest friendships among our classmates whom we shared so much, both during and after our time at the school. As we head into a new era of our lives, seeing our kids grow and our professional lives change, I am deeply touched by the willingness of the members of the class of 1991 to stand by their brothers and sisters in arms.

To that end, I want to remind this class that we have a mechanism in place that will allow us, as members of the Class of 91, to help our fellow classmates in times of need. The 91 Foundation is a 501 c3 non-profit started and chartered specifically to provide near-term financial assistance to the members and families of the Class of 91. In the past, we’ve been able to assist with buying groceries, making mortgage payments, or helping pay bills for classmates and their families who have fallen on hard times due to illness, or death or just circumstances beyond their control. It’s basically been a way for those families to bridge the time until they can get back on their feet. Having the ability to help has been very rewarding.

This IS NOT a request for funding. The Foundation is funded and has been for quite a while. The real issue is that, frankly, we haven’t received a request for support in quite a while.

The optimist in me hopes that’s because assistance hasn’t been needed. The realist in me thinks this is more a reflection that we haven’t been on the ball in communicating this asset to the class.

So my plea to you, our class, is if you know or hear of a classmate in need, reach out to the Foundation. Every inquiry is kept in the strictest confidence, and decisions on aid are made rapidly. There are no judgements. Requests can be made on the class website (www.usna91.info) or you can email the foundation directly at 91Foundation@usna91.info.

By the way, I know I said this isn’t a fundraising request, but by all means, if anyone wishes to contribute to the Foundation, please reach out.

This is an amazing group of people. I am humbled beyond all measure in having the privilege of being counted as a member of this group. Thank you for listening, and as always, Go Navy, Beat Army!

Very respectfully, Ray Barata USNA, Class of 1991 91 Foundation Board Member Navy 1991 In the News – NPR Interview with Steve Horrell As the invasion of Ukraine was unfolding in the news earlier this year, NPR interviewed our very own Steve Horrell to get his take on the situation. It’s no surprise given his expertise in Intelligence and National Security. Steve is currently serving as a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis in Washington D. C. You can check it out on our USNA – Class of 1991 Facebook page or directly on NPR website.

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 99

91/92 CLASS NEWS “THE HELM” Summertime is here! It reminds me of our plebe summer and all the time learning and bonding as a class. Then each summer after had its fun of traveling and serving together.

What’s your best summer training story?

Reach out to your friends and reminisce…

The class would love to hear it…send it in to Sue…Go Navy!…Evan sends

’92

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 6.40% Pres: Creighton Armstrong e: Creighton.Armstrong@am.jll.com

commander, Task Force Seven Four; and commander, Task Force Five Four, Yokosuka, Japan.

We also note at press time several new nominations both to and within flag ranks, as ’92 continues to deliver for the Navy, and we look forward to recognizing those here when duly confirmed by the Senate.

In other class news: Lisa (Thompson) Zip and Steve Zip (5th Co) were married on October 10th surrounded by family, friends and classmates from 5th company.

The best man Dan Sander, Hank Viado, Bruce “Butch” Naley, and Jon Galloway attended the ceremony in Cornelius, NC. The new couple has plans to honeymoon this year in Istanbul and Rome, and looks forward to connecting again at this year’s 30th reunion

Corr Sec’ys: David Ornstein and Jerry Deren e: USNA1992ClassUpdate@gmail.com

Stephen will also be prominently featured in “Gulf War Warriors” on the Smithsonian Channel. Good stuff and great work, Stephen!

In late March, four classmates got together for a spectacular weekend at Southwind Plantation in Attapulgus, Georgia to hunt quail, wine and dine, and enjoy outstanding camaraderie.

Huge BZ to Jamie Arrison for putting this together, demonstrating both outstanding initiative and flawless execution in keeping with the highest traditions of ’92. Joining Jamie were Dale Hanson, Tim Cornell, and David Ornstein.

All hands had good results afield, and the weekend was such a hit that we have already booked the same lodge for the weekend of 3-6 March 2023. There is some capacity for more classmates to join this adventure; interested parties should please contact Jamie and should practice their wingshooting skills.

Website: www.usna92.com

‘92, As you will already be aware, our 30th reunion has been confirmed for the weekend of September 9th through 11th. The headquarters hotel will be the Graduate Annapolis on West Street, and the Friday night event will be held there. Our Thursday evening Welcome Reception is at McGarvey’s. If you have not already done so, please go to www.SignUpNow.Events (look for “USNA 92 Class Reunion”) and get registered.

As ever, for the timeliest information please consult the class pages on Facebook and on LinkedIn as well.

In regular updates, we begin with lots of great news for and about classmates still actively serving: Several of our classmates have recently been announced in new billets by the SecNav and the CNO. Fair winds and following seas to: Derek Trinque who will be assigned as commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Seven; commander, Task Force 76; and commander, Amphibious Force, Seventh Fleet, Yokosuka, Japan.

Dennis Velez who will be assigned as commander, Carrier Strike Group Ten, Norfolk, VA. TR Buchanan who will be assigned as commander, Submarine Group Ten, Kings Bay, GA. Ben Reynolds who will be assigned as director, Operations and Plans, N3, Officer of the Chief of Naval Operations Max Clark who will be assigned as assistant chief of staff (J3), Joint Forces Command will be assigned as director, 21st Century Sailor Office, N17, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Arlington, VA. Brett Mietus who will be assigned as director, 21st Century Sailor Office, N17, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Arlington, VA. Rick Seif who will be assigned as commander, Submarine Group Seven; 100 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

Lisa and Steve Zip…

Striking fear into small birds everywhere: Jamie Arrison, Tim Cornell, David Ornstein, and Dale Hanson

Hank Viado shares the update from the 2022 T-Cup:

Zip Wedding Party: Butch Naley (rear), Steve Zip (front), Lisa Zip (front), Dan Sander (rear center), Hank Viado (front) and Jon Galloway (rear)

Stephen Phillips continues to record about one podcast a month for Preble Hall, the USNA Museum’s podcast. If you haven’t checked it out, most of the podcasts are under an hour long and they include interviews with historians, practitioners, military personnel, and other experts on a variety of naval history topics from ancient history to recent history.

<24> Tecumseh Cup V, a Ryder Cup-type golf competition between the class of ’92 and ’92-1, was held in Southern Pines, NC from March 24-27, with Team ’92 coming up short in defending the T-Cup with a final score of 29-25. Team ’92 consisted of some familiar players: Captain Dave “Lilly” Lillefloren, Larry Gonzales, Rob Polvino, Wade Evans, Craig Reiner, Cory Stapleton, Hal Perdew, Scott Pritchard, Creighton Armstrong, Dan Dunaway, Reggie King, Chris Cordero, Shawn Inman, Dan Sander, Marv McGuire, Dave Britt, Perry Cameron, Hank Viado; and some new faces: Ray Hufnagel, Brian Dozier, and Chris Hayes. These three teammates couldn’t make it this year and were sorely missed: Byron Ogden, Mike Burns, and Greg Vergamini.

Here’s a breakdown of the three-day event: Scores: Day 1 Partners format played at Pine Needles, 10.5 pts(’92-1) 7.5 pts(’92)

92/92 CLASS NEWS Day 2 Partners format played at Southern Pines, 10 pts(’92-1) 8 pts (’92) Day 3 Singles matches played at Mid Pines, 8.5 pts(’92-1) 9.5 pts(’92) Final Score 29 pts(’92-1) 25 pts(’92) BZ’s to the following classmates: Wade Evans for making all the food, lodging, and golf arrangements (Not bad for a SWO); Craig Reiner for the multi-purpose divot and ball marker tool; BZ to Rob Polvino for the T-Cup coin/bottle opener; Shawn Inman for the winning team shot glasses; Classmates Jimmy Marks and Tyrone Davis for coming out to cheer us on, and our Captain Lilly for his steady leadership. Lastly, a tip of the cap to the ’92-1 team. Team ’92 looks forward to next year’s event in Prattville, Alabama where we will return the T-Cup to where it belongs. Overall Team ’92 leads the series 3-2. Fortune Favors the Bold!

Laura Hatcher and Todd Severance caught up over breakfast recently during a JetBlue layover

…and a reward for reading this far into the column, a look at Brian Dozier’s golfing togs!

Some great stuff off our class Facebook group, too: Todd Severance and Dan DeMaso (both JetBlue pilots) in Fort Lauderdale.

92 Team Captain Dave Lillefloren enjoying his post-match protein shake

Darcy Irwin Wolfe and Brian Hughes at Brian’s retirement

Hal Perdew and Darcy Irwin Wolfe caught up recently

See you in September ‘92!

’92: Team ’92, deep in a strategy session

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 101

93/94 CLASS NEWS

’93

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 5.51% Pres: Bob Kuberski e: bob@usna93.com Vice Pres: CAPT Colleen C. Salonga, SC, USN (Ret.) Corr Sec’y: Maj Shogo Cottrell, USMCR Treas: Jay Matzko e: jtdjm@yahoo.com Shipmate Correspondence: Maj Shogo Cottrell, USMCR 20902 W 117th St., Olathe, KS 66061 h: 913-782-8149; e: shogo@cottrell-family.com Website: http://www.usna93.com

’94

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 3.79% Pres: Jim Keck c: 904-477-2133; e: JKeck@usna94.com Vice Pres: Julie Spencer e: jspencer@1994.usna.com Treas: Brian Bruggeman e: btbruggeman@hotmail.com Sec’y: Maria J. Pallotta p: 410-440-7552; e: mariapallotta@yahoo.com Corr Sec’y: Margaret (Dotolo) Aden e: margaret.aden@gmail.com

Greetings 1994! I hope you missed me! Last month I (re)learned a keen lesson on saving documents on iCloud vs iMac (yes, I’m one of those). With my travel schedule and my iCloud snafu, I was unable to submit our column. Sigh, I guess I am never too old to (re)learn things.

In this month’s exciting Shipmate edition, we hear from Sean Fahey, my company-mate (21st is always 1st!!) and our Brigade Commander. I love how he is still stepping up to be a leader for our class. He submitted a family update when I asked him, despite what he postulates might be an unexciting life. I might ask where our other company, battalion and regimental leaders are and if they (you—I’m talking right to you) all could submit a refreshing recount of how you’ve spent the last 30 or so years.

Fast forward the guilt trip and onto Sean’s submission.

M Greetings from Annapolis! All is well for Team Fahey. Our daughters are both off to college and loving it. Ana (20) stayed local and is now a junior at Johns Hopkins where she is studying Computer Science and working on data analysis for Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Ellie (18) headed off to Notre Dame where she is a Freshman studying Electrical Engineering and gaining an appreciation for midwestern

102 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

cold weather. We got to visit her this fall for the Navy/Notre Dame game which, despite the outcome, was a great time.

Jen continues to work as a midwife at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore where she welcomes babies into the world and helps train medical students and residents. In addition to her baby-catching duties, she also completed her doctorate in Public Health this year and is actively involved in many initiatives to help mothers before and after they give birth.

For my part, I’m embarked on career 4.0 which is running my own data consulting company—Fast Ship Analytics (shout out to JPJ). (Navy was 1.0, DoD R&D program management was 2.0, university data executive was 3.0). My focus is on helping start-up and midsized companies develop and implement their data strategies. I’ve been riding out COVID working from home with my office mate Luna a 6-years old doggo who keeps me company but does sleep on the job.

I’ve now spent 5 times longer in Annapolis as a resident than we did as Mids at the Academy. I can report while some things have changed—there are many more sushi places, West Street is much more happening, etc... – and many things haven’t changed—the Rams Head Beer Club is still around, and despite Uber/Lyft, you still find Mids around town who have decided to walk from the yard to far off places like the mall. We look forward to seeing you all here in town.

Thank you, Sean! I can testify to his family’s warm hospitality and his subtle, dry humor being intact. How great is it that he is still fearless in following his path (no matter how may .0’s) and supporting his family as they reach for their dreams?

And speaking of O’s, I feel like we need to shout out to our new 1994 Flag O’s. (See what I did there??) Congratulations to Christopher Stone, Adan Cruz and Thomas Moninger.

Bravo Zulu, Classmates, be the leader you needed! Shameless request for a Shipmate Submission from you three; tell us how you are and what it feels like! I checked on the Marine Corps Brigadier nominations and don’t think I saw any ’94 names there, but PLEASE feel free to correct me, my email is: Margaret.Aden@gmail. com.Margaret. In addition, I believe the nominations I saw were active duty so if any of you all are super stars in the Reserves, drop me a line! We want to support you and shine a light on you.

Now I’d like to introduce you to a segment I’m calling “What you said on FB” where I’ll recap all the recent, funny shenanigans in the 1994 FB Group or otherwise posted on your personal pages. I’m writing this in March, it will

be published in June, so keep in mind the worm hole time dilation effect. Drum roll please… Rob Ballister celebrated his annual GTFO of California trip in Annapolis where he waxed nostalgic on the yard and paid homage to our fallen classmates.

As ever, we are grateful for the few that gave everything they had to our great nation. They were the best of us. Bart Marsh retired from AD with a bevy of India Company, 17th Platoon classmates in attendance. He’s promised us an update, (with HD photos) and we are all waiting on the edge of our seats!! Russ Hardy turned 50 and his 35th CO mates surprised him at his party. (Insert begging, praying hands for a #thisis50 #USNA94 update from this birthday reunion party!) Luminary classmate, Gina Martyn shepherded SW airlines flight 1994.

Oo-rah, Gina, we feel you! After seeing her photo drop, I was scratching my head trying to remember how far ahead Zulu time is. Yes, it’s been that long since I was military or pseudo-military!! Michael DelGrosso was bragging about doing triathlons at our age, I mean, he booked a cute motel with the BEST address ever for his next event! (No shade meant, Michael, I’m just teasing you and jealous all at the same time.) I saw some photos drop of Ali Thompson, Eric Severseike, and Beth Melecha catching up in Sweden.

Swoon. Lastly, Kyra Daley and Lewis Rhodes just realized their boys are playing volleyball together.

I’d also really like to shout out to Adam Kinnear. IMHO, he’s the unofficial e-morale officer for the class of ’94. His memes and back and forths with Andrea (his super, amazing, wonderful, beautiful, patient, saintly wife) and the rest of us bring a smile to my face 94% of the time.

In summary, this month we learned the following things: you can submit updates without photos, I’m watching you (imagine Roz’s voice from Monsters, Inc), and if we don’t start getting more updates I’m going to bore you all with how Mike and I met three times (yes, this is a new fact and threat imbedded at the end to ensure you are paying attention). Classmates, I live to serve, your specific interests as they relate to keeping you connected and excited to receive your next Shipmate. Surely, you know that you, every single individual you, are what makes us the best and most interesting class EVER. So. Drop me a line. Text me (nine eight five thee seven seven two zero three five). Let’s keep in touch. I’m still trying to friend you all on FB, don’t leave me hanging. If I reach out, be kind and cooperate, it will make it easier for everyone. (Insert emoji wink face here.)

LinkedIn is a 2023 project.

95/95 CLASS NEWS

’95

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 4.08% Pres: CDR Andre Coleman, CEC, USN (Ret.) p: 571-344-0336; e: andre_coleman@hotmail.com Vice Pres: Robert “Butch” Klemeyer p: 941-266-3557; e: bklemeyer@gmail.com Tres: James “Jimmy” Loreto p: 240-505-6466; e: Jloretojr@gmail.com Comms Dir: LCDR Heidi (Huerter) Lenzini, USN (Ret.) p: 619-347-0716; e: Heidi.lenzini@gmail.com Sec’y: CDR Brian Schultz, SC, USN (Ret.) c: 904-219-7523; e: brian.schultz@msimga.com

Classmates, Many of you are on social media and may have seen the news, but for those of you that have not I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you the great news outlining some of the accomplishments of a few of our classmates. The FY23 One Star Flag nominations were announced in early Spring and the Class of 1995 has great representation: CAPT Michael Baker CAPT John Dougherty CAPT David Faehnle COL Andrew Priddy CAPT Brad Rosen CAPT Doug Williams Congratulations shipmates, this brings our total to eight flags counting RDML Greg Emery, who was selected and promoted during the FY20 cycle and RDML Adam “Kujo” Kijek OPNAV N3, promoted during the FY22 cycle.

Additionally, The Honorable Reuben Brigety II was officially nominated as the next U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa.

We await his official confirmation by Congress.

Here’s a bit more on our classmates: CAPT Michael Baker (FAO) is currently Branch Head, Security Cooperation & Posture Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), OPNAV N51. From Mike: All my classmates in 23rd company were great shipmates that helped shape a world CAPT Michael Baker view and an approach to leadership that puts the mission and the team first. Many thanks to Silas Ahn, Forrest Young, Jason Rimmer, Steve Milewski, Eric Hays, Ryan Hardee, Gus Forbes, Cesar Rios, Jon Price, Craig Mattingly, John Tully, Henry Stephenson and Reuben Brigety made particularly big impacts along the way. Bio: CAPT Baker was raised in Charlotte, NC; B.S. in History from

USNA and a M.A. in International Relations from Istanbul Bilgi University (Olmsted Scholar). He was a 2010 International Affairs Fellow to the Council on Foreign Relations and speaks Turkish and French. He is experienced in building partner capability & capacity, enabling U.S. Coalition operations, leading Human Intelligence Ops, and directing strategy/plans in Africa, European, Pacific, and Central Commands.

He deployed as an E-2C Hawkeye NFO in support of Operation Southern Watch. As a FAO, he deployed to Silopi, Turkey and Northern Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom serving as Liaison Officer to the Turkish Special Forces, and aboard High Speed Vessel Swift for Africa Partnership Station. Shore assignments: Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center, Weapons & Tactics Instructor; Office of the CNO (OPNAV N52), Asia Pacific political-military planner; U.S. Africa Command, Director of West Africa Engagement; Antananarivo, Senior Defense Official/Defense Attaché to Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius, and Seychelles; Office of Defense Cooperation Turkey, Chief of Naval Cooperation; Defense Intelligence Agency, Director, Defense Attaché Service – Asia Pacific Division; and Bahrain, Assistant Chief of Staff for Strategy, Plans, and Policy (N5) for U.S. Naval Forces Central/FIFTH Fleet. Awards: Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (3 oak leaves), Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (gold star), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (gold star); various campaign, unit, and service awards; and 2000 Hawkeye of the Year.

Jimmy Loreto, John Dougherty, Bubba Palazza and Doug Williams

CAPT John Dougherty is Program Manager, Next Generation Air Dominance (F/AXX). From John: I’d like to thank my family (Michelle, John V, and Julia)… there are so many classmates that I am grateful for and would hate to leave anyone out.

CAPT John Dougherty

Bio: CAPT John “Doc” Dougherty IV is a native of Harrisburg, PA and USNA grad (B.S. in Political Science with Merit). He holds Masters of Business of Administration (MBA) and Systems Engineering (MSSE) degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School. After earning his Wings of Gold and completing FRS training at VFA-125, he joined Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-147, where he flew combat strike missions in support of Operations Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom. Next was Instructor Pilot duty at VFA-125, as the Assistant Operations Officer and the Out of Control Flight Phase Head; he has more than 1,200 flight hours in the F/A-18C and over 300 carrier landings. He served on the Combined Forces Command Afghanistan (CFC-A) staff in Kabul as a Strategic Planner, then lateraled to the Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer (AEDO) community in 2006. His first acquisition tour was at PMA-242 as the Airborne Rockets & Pyrotechnics IPT Lead, where the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) was transferred from the Army to the Navy, designed and tested, resulting in successful AH-1W IOC. He also developed the Fixed Wing APKWS JCTD strategy, providing needed capability to the AV-8B and F-16. As Deputy Director of Development for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program Office, he guided the program through a successful restructure in 2011, and led the development of the program’s Integrated Master Schedule and resultant Schedule Risk Assessment and Integrated Baseline Review. In 2012, he reported to the F/A-18, EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265) as the Weapon Systems Integration Lead and Radar IPT Lead where he managed the expansion of Hornet and Growler weapons capabilities, and was responsible for all in-service and developmental Radar upgrades. These efforts directly supported the Navy’s first increment of Integrated Fire Control from the Air. He served the Class Desk for the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Program Office (PMA-268), and worked with Fleet stakeholders to define requirements and conduct various capability trade studies. He also led the charge to establish the Navy’s Maritime Accelerated Capabilities Office (MACO) to drastically streamline high priority Navy acquisitions and led Precision Strike Weapons program office (PMA-201). Awards: Defense Meritorious Service Medal (three), Meritorious Service Medal (two), Air Medal (two), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two) and various other unit awards.

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 103

95/95 CLASS NEWS CAPT David Faehnle recently completed nearly a year as the Commanding Officer of Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa.

From Dave: It’s an honor to be nominated for promotion.

I owe a lot to my family for supporting CAPT David Faehnle me all these years and to all the great Sailors that I have worked with and for that have provided support all along the way. Bio: CAPT Faehnle was born in Columbus, Ohio, and grew up in Texas. He graduated from USNA (B.S. in Aerospace Engineering) and holds a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in Newport, RI. He served active-duty sea tours with the Pukin’ Dogs of VF-143 and the Tomcatters of VF-31, flying the F-14 Tomcat. His active shore tour was as a Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor (SFTI) at Strike Fighter Weapons School, Atlantic, where he served as the Training Officer and Surface-toAir Counter Tactics Subject Matter Expert. He flew combat missions in support of Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

His tours as a reservist include Assistant Training Officer for 7th Fleet, DET 111, and Operations and Maintenance Depart Heads with the River Rattlers of VFA-204, flying the FA-18A+ Hornet. His command tours were with the Sun Downers of VFC-111 flying the F-5N Tiger II, the Reserve Component Commander for Training Air Wing Four at NAS Corpus Christi flying the T-6B Texan II, NR CSG 5 supporting Commander, CTF 70, onboard the USS Ronald Reagan forward deployed to NS Yokosuka, Japan.

His final command tour was with NR CNECNA-C6F DET 802 supporting the Commander, Naval Forces Europe, Africa, and 6th Fleet with headquarters at NS Naples, Italy. While in command of VFC-111 the squadron was awarded the Battle “E”, Maintenance Excellence “Golden Wrench”, and Safety “S” awards. CAPT Faehnle has accumulated over 3,400 flight hours, 410 carrier arrested landings, and 35 combat missions in Navy aircraft. Awards: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and numerous other personal and unit awards.

104 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

COL Andrew Priddy, our first Marine to be nominated, is the Military Assistant to the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. From Drew: Shoutout to COL Andrew Priddy my wife (and classmate) Kirsten (Murphy) and all of 15th Company. Bio: Col. Priddy is a native of Channahon, IL. He graduated from USNA (B.S. in Ocean Engineering) and upon completion of The Basic School (TBS) and the Infantry Officers Course in 1995/96, he served as a rifle platoon commander and XO with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, and deployed to Okinawa, Japan with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable). He was then assigned as an instructor and staff platoon commander at TBS (1998-2001). He attended the Amphibious Warfare School as a student (2001-2002). Next was 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines where he served as India Company Commander and the Battalion Operations Officer until 2005. During this tour, he again deployed to Okinawa with the 31st MEU and to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom serving in RC East. Priddy then transferred to Maine Barracks Washington D.C. (8th and I) and served at the Marine Corps Institute and as the Barracks Operations Officer (2005-2008).

He also marched as a parade commander for two parade seasons. Next was Fort Leavenworth, KS as a student at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, graduating in 2009.

He served as a strategic planner, a member of the Commanders Action Group, and Aidede-Camp to the Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command (2009-2011). He attended the Joint Force Staff College and completed JPME II. LTC Priddy assumed command of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines in 2011 and deployed to Okinawa as the battalion landing team for the 31st MEU. Following command in 2013, he graduated from Naval War College in 2014, and was selected as the Marine Corps Fellow to the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington D.C. Next, he was selected as the Senior Aide to the Commandant of the Marine Corps (2015-2017) and served the 36th and 37th Commandants. He assumed duties as the Deputy Director of Operations for Combined Joint Task Force Operation INHERENT RESOLVE (2017-2018) and subsequently I MEF G-3 Current Operations Officer (2018-2019)

CAPT Brad Rosen recently completed a tour as the Chief of Staff at Commander, Naval Installations Command and assumed command of Navy Region Southwest at the end of May CAPT Brad Rossen (5/23/22). From Brad: I would certainly like to thank my wife Kasey and three daughters, Addy, Lila, and Millie. I am also appreciative and thankful for my 31st Company and VP classmates! Bio: CAPT Brad Rosen is from Randolph, NJ, and graduated USNA (B.S. in Political Science with Honors).

He also received a M.A. in Public Administration from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2005. He was designated a Naval Flight Officer after training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL and Randolph Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

After P-3C Orion fleet replacement training, he reported to the War Eagles of Patrol Squadron SIXTEEN (VP-16). He also completed a second six-month deployment to Italy in support of peacekeeping operations in the Balkans as part of Operations Deliberate Guard/Forge. Other operational assignments include a tour on USS JOHN. F. KENNEDY (CV 67) as a Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer as well as a Department Head tour with the Pelicans of Patrol Squadron FOUR FIVE (VP-45). The squadron completed a tri-site deployment to El Salvador, Italy, and Djibouti.

Rosen returned as XO of the War Eagles of Patrol Squadron SIXTEEN (VP-16) and supported counter-narcotics operations and Operation Enduring Freedom-Horn of Africa. After assuming command, the squadron completed a second six-month deployment to Kadena Air Base, Japan in support of maritime patrol operations throughout the Western Pacific. Ashore, Rosen has served as a Weapons and Tactics Instructor at Patrol Squadron 30 (VP-30), the Fleet Replacement Squadron for the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance community. He also served as a Strategic Planner and Special Assistant to the Deputy CNO for Information, Plans, and Strategy (OPNAV N3/N5) as well the Deputy EA to the Director, Air Warfare (OPNAV N88). Following his command tour, he served at U.S. Pacific Command as the Chief of the Joint Reconnaissance Center and Deputy Director of the Current Operations Division (J33). He was then selected for the SECDEF Corporate

95/00 CLASS NEWS Fellows Program and was assigned to Cisco Systems in San Jose, CA. Next, he was assigned as a Special Assistant to the Assistant SECDEF for Legislative Affairs. He also served as the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Chief of Staff. He commanded Naval Station Norfolk, the largest base in the U.S. Navy (2018-2020) and earned the Commander in Chief’s Award for Installation Excellence. Rosen reported to Navy Installations Command as Chief of Staff in May 2021. Awards: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Air Medal (strike flight award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various other campaign medals and unit awards.

CAPT Doug Williams is the 18th Technical Director and Deputy Direct Reporting Program Manager for SSP (2017-present).

From Doug: Special CAPT Doug Williams thanks to the following: 14th Company Classmates (Always ‘Fit to be Split’!), Navy Soccer (with a special shout out to ‘Movement Order’ roommate Seth Walters!), The Soccer House and all that went with that circus! (Including a ‘personal’ tour from the Battalion Officer), “Roy’s Boys” - Miss you guys (Freak, Fitto [Brian Fitting], Steve Mauro, Kevin Messer, Andre Coleman, KC Williams, Dusty Rhodes, Gene Cran), San Diego “Dreaming” (Tales from Leon and Jewell St) - Jody Mac, Stan Duplaga, Alex Chehanski, Butch Kleyemeyer, Steve Karson, Robby Demoura, Cesar Rios, Jason Fitch). A huge thank you to my entire family, especially my wife Tammy, who has been with me throughout this entire journey. Amazing friendships along with some unforgettable memories...Miss you all! Bio: CAPT Douglas Williams is a native of Baton Rouge, LA. He graduated from USNA (B.S. in Ocean Engineering) as a Surface Warfare Officer. He earned a M.S in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2002 and was also selected for transfer to the Engineering Duty Officer community. He was assigned to the Strategic Weapons Facility, Atlantic in Kings Bay, GA, to begin a career with Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), where he served as the Calibration Laboratory Division Head, the Engineering Section Head, and the Nuclear Weapons Security Department Head while earning his

Engineering Duty Office qualification. In 2005, he reported to SSP Headquarters and assumed duties as the Reentry Special Projects Division Head. In 2008, he volunteered for an Individual Augmentee deployment to Djibouti, Africa at the Combined Joint Task Force, Horn of Africa, where he was the liaison to U.S. Naval Commander, Fifth Fleet to coordinate and support Counter Piracy efforts within the region.

Since 2009, he has been assigned at SSP Headquarters in the Washington Navy Yard, he has served as the Missile Engineering Section Head, Strategic Navigation Subsystem Branch Head, Fire Control & Guidance Subsystem Branch Head, and the Missile Subsystem Branch Head. Awards: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (2 awards), and the Navy Achievement Medal (2 awards).

Congratulations to our classmates for their amazing accomplishments and let us know about the upcoming changes of command!

Thanks to all for your submissions…non sibi!

you can email me at: shipmate98 @protonmail.com.

For those of you in the Annapolis area (or who are willing to travel!), the Character Capstone program is back in full swing after two years off. Loren Reinke and I will update you on dates for next semester as soon as we have them. Email me if you have any questions about the program.

’99

Life Membership: 93% Donor Participation: 1.10% Pres: CDR Jason Birch e: jb1999@me.com Vice Pres: Dr. Joy Zelinski-Marquez e: drjoymarquez@gmail.com Sec’y and Shipmate Contact: Darlene Delk e: darlene.delk@yahoo.com Treas: Stacie M. Gibson e: staciegibson22@gmail.com Communications Director: CDR Jose Pehovaz-Diez, USN (Ret.) e: jose.pehovazdiez@gmail.com Website: www.usna99.com

’96

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 7.86%

’00

Pres: Bill Pennington

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 0.91%

Vice Pres: Ghislaine (Williams) Stonaker

Pres: J.V. “Murph” McCarthy

Sec’y: Cara Albright e: caramalbright@1996.usna.com

Vice Pres: Art Terry

Treas: Nikki Battaglia

Sec’y: Tim O’Connor e: Shipmate00@yahoo.com

’97

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 1.93%

Treas: Nick Lalota

Shippies, Send updates to Shipmate00@yahoo.com Hope everybody is having a “lazy” Summer, loaded with kids sports tournaments! - Murph

Pres: Tom Wagner e: twagner1@san.rr.com Send news to: LtCol Aaron Shelley, USMCR (Ret.) 1148 Via Jose, San Jose, CA 95120 c: 619-980-8297; e: apshelley@hotmail.com

’98

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 2.24% Pres: David Forman c: 904-321-6459; e: DSForman@aol.com Corr Sec’y: Mark Symmes 529 W. 29th St., Baltimore, MD 21211 e: shipmate98@yahoo.com Temp Corr Sec’y: Alex Savage e: asavage98@gmail.com

It’s been a quiet few months on the update front. If you haven’t sent in any news recently,

Man the bow lines

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 105

00/03 CLASS NEWS

Anchor detail ashore

Josh “Dizzy” Gillespie writes: M Hey! So, big things going on down here in Tennessee. As you may, or may not have heard; there’s an “unofficial” effort underway led by a couple of our classmates to hold an impromptu get-together in Nashville this summer. Sounds like the current plan involves rallying at the “W” Hotel lobby/bar at 1800 hours, Saturday, August 6th, 2022. May be moving festivities to “The Pub” bar, which is located nearby. If you’re interested, send me an email at: jgillespie@hub-tn.com.

Also, of personal note; I’ve finally come “full circle” and against all my previous inclinations… entered local politics. God willing and the creek don’t rise… I’ll be on Harriman’s City Council this fall. We’ve got a great little town here on the Emory River… and we’re actively “recruiting” people looking for a new place to call home.

We’re just a few miles down the road from the Oak Ridge National Labs, so lots of ex-Navy folks around.

Here’s some pics of the “Mountains, Lakes & Trails Team” or “MLT-T”: this is a young men’s ministry I helped found at our church which is building off more than 100 years of history with the BSA. We’re organized around the model of a volunteer rescue squad, and are training boys in skills that may lead to careers as first responders.

Hope everyone’s doing great, and perhaps some of us will meet this August in Nashville!

- Dizzy Out

’01

Life Membership: 96% Donor Participation: 3.81% Pres: Jen (Bohr) Tyll p: 302-528-9306; e: jenbohrtyll@gmail.com Vice Pres: Amy (Baxter) Laczek p: 240-393-9120; e: laczekaxter@gmail.com Treas: Adam Borcz e: adamhenryborcz@gmail.com Sec’y: Jen McCullough e: jennifer.mccollough@gmail.com

106 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

’02: Left to Right; Gary Roznovsky and family, Brandon Smith and Family, Tony Chiapetta and family.

’02

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 5.12%

’03

Pres: David Gravseth

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 1.78%

Vice Pres: Kate (Kranz) Jordan e: katherine.kranz@2002.usna.com

Pres: LtCol Lisa (Steinmetz) Cordonnier, USMC e: lisacords03@gmail.com

Sec’y: Kristi (Tjoa) Laughlin e: shipmate2002@gmail.com

Vice Pres: CDR Fernando R. Reyes, USN e: delux1981@gmail.com

Treas: Andy McCann

Treas: CDR Megan Barnett, USN e: mmbarnett03@msn.com

At-Large Directors: LTCol Elizabeth (Kreft) Brienza, CDR Sean McClintock and Charlie Mello Send Submissions to: shipmate2002@gmail.com

Sec'y: Heather M. (Garland) Selig e: heather.selig@2003.usna.com

Website: www.usna2002.org

Class Website: http://2003.usnaclasses.net/

2002, Happy Summer Aught Two! We are only a few months away from our 20-year reunion.

It’s been fun to see some mini reunions happening in the meantime. We recently heard from Brandon Smith (2nd/15th Company): M “1/4 of our Plebe Summer squad met up in Pittsburgh this March, as pictured with the Chiapetta, Roznovsky, and Smith families.

Tony Chiapetta (’02) continues to dominate the Mt. Lebanon social scene, Brandon Smith (’02) said farewell to the Steel City after a 3-year tour there, and Gary Roznovsky (’02) made the trip from D.C. to join the fun.

Until we meet again!”

Thanks for writing in Brandon! I know we all look forward to re-connecting with our Plebe Summer squad mates!

Cheers!

Webmaster: CDR Kevin Hagan, USN e: kevin.r.hagan@gmail.com Shipmate Submissions: Kenneth Michel e: kennethmichel03@gmail.com

Class news An update from Matt Phillips: M I took command of USS WHIDBEY ISLAND (LSD-41) on March 25th! It was a fantastic event, surrounded by friends and family.

Those pictured in the attached are my wife Amy, and our kids Jack, Emma, and Hank.

I will be WHIDBEY ISLAND’s last CO as she’ll decommission on my watch.

Matt

03/06 CLASS NEWS out to me for an interview and I thought I might share it with you all. Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2022! Below you will find the link to the full interview. https://www.gasworld.com/12-days-ofcontent-an-interview-with-tex-air-gas/ 2022442.article.

’06

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 1.17% Pres: LCDR Adrienne A. Maeser, USN Vice Pres: CDR Joshua M. Angichiodo, USN Treas: CDR Joshua J. Larson, USNR

’04

Life Membership: 95% Donor Participation: 1.12% Pres: Lincoln Lukich e: Lincoln.Lukich@gmail.com Vice Pres: James Brobyn e: Brobs@2004.usna.com

An update from Steve Phillabaum: M Hello everyone. I am a board member for the mid-Atlantic region’s largest Veteran Service Organization, Veterans Multi Service Center https://www.vmcenter.org/, and am charged with developing the donor pool and sponsorships further. I’m looking for a few good men and women to join me. You don’t need to be from or live in the Philly area, just let me know you are interested. My contact is: steve.phillabaum@nfp.com and 215 847 8540.

An easy task I’m looking to build up is the committee for the annual golf outing for VMC. This year it will be 10 OCT 2022 at Philmont Country Club. The golf particulars are already figured out; just looking for motivation from aught 3 (ok I’ll talk with other year groups!) and interest in expanding the donor love to a couple of corporations and individuals.

Treas: LT Joseph Zukowsky e: JMZukowsj@gmail.com Sec’y: Andrew Froistad e: froistad@hotmail.com

’05

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 1.22% Pres: LtCol Thomas A. Kulisz, USMC hometown: Oceanside, CA e: kulisz@2005.usna.com Vice Pres: CDR Matthew J. Bernhardt, USN hometown: Annapolis, MD p: 619-889-1968; e: mjbernhardt@gmail.com Treas: Allen J. Murphy hometown: Severna Park, MD p: 410-212-1082; e: allen.murphy.2005@gmail.com

Sec’y: Ms. Ashley E. Pelzek e: usnaclassof2006@gmail.com

Greetings from your Class Officers!

Six ’06 Classmates in the Spotlight [Currently resides in this location] We are going to try something new this edition and feature six of our classmates to keep folks apprised of what everyone is up to!

- LCDR Steve Maki, Deputy Chief Operations Officer, Cryptologic Warfare Activity Sixty-Five (Ret) [Maryland] - CDR Dustin Cunningham, Commanding Officer, Navy Experimental Diving Unit [Florida] - CDR Janet Broome, Executive Officer, USS ST LOUIS (LCS 19) GOLD CREW [Virginia] - Maj Andrew Holmes, Psychological Operations Company Commander, 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Co (ANGLICO) [Japan] - Evan Beard, Vice President, Masterworks [New York] - Dr. Paul J. Angelo, Fellow for Latin America Studies at the Council on Foreign Relation; Executive Officer of U. S. Naval Forces Southern Command Reserve Unit; Member, Board of Visitors to the U.S. Naval Academy [Wash D.C]

Sec’y: CDR Reed A. Kitchen, USN hometown: Arlington, VA p: 619-208-0770; e: reedkitchen@gmail.com Website: 2005.usnaclasses.net

An update from Joe Prowell: M ’03, I hope you all doing well this year and I wish you all the best. Since I joined the dark side (becoming a dirty civilian) I have had a few different jobs in different industries until I decided it was time to grow up, move back to my hometown, and start working in the family business with my dad. I’ve been at it for a few years and have been having a blast running my own company. A year and a half ago I sold helium to David Blaine for his latest stunt which was a wild experience. Recently the industrial gas publication “gasworld” reached ’06: JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 107

07/07 CLASS NEWS

2007 15TH YEAR REUNION 28-30 OCTOBER 2022

REUNION HIGHLIGHTS * Beat Temple: Join us as Navy Football beats Temple at: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. * Hotel Recommendations: we have hotel blocks at: The Graduate Annapolis, Annapolis Waterfront, Westin Annapolis, Springhill Suites Annapolis and Hilton Garden Inn Annapolis.

To lock on a room, go to: https://www.gonavytravel.com/GroupRegistrations/view/102335 General plan includes: Friday/28 OCT: Memorial Service, Parade, Class Social Saturday/29 OCT: Tailgate in N* Room, Beat Temple Football Game Sununday/30 OCT: Breakfast in King Hall

More to follow! Stay tuned to your email.

108 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

06/12 CLASS NEWS 2006 New England Area Meetup!

In an effort to keep the momentum going from our 15-year reunion, our class kicked off our first regional meetup this past March at the Encore Hotel & Casino in Boston, MA. Whitney (Seitz) Traylor, Laura Okruhlik, Maraline (Mejias) and Dan Ferris, Nick and Brittany Hamm, Grant Wanier, and Ashley Pelzek joined the fun as we reacquainted with old and new friends for a night of laughter, delicious food, and old stories. We will be reaching out to the class shortly via email and social media to gauge interest for meet-ups in other regions, so stay tuned!

’10

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 20.59% Pres: LT Robert Battle, USN e: rhbattle@2010.usna.com Vice Pres: LT Garth Thomas, USN Sec’y: LT Margaret Boyle, USN e: mcboyle@2010.usna.com Send Articles to: Shipmate2010@gmail.com

’11

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 14.27% Pres: Michael E. Orzetti, CIV Vice Pres: LT Ricky Dobbs, USN Treas: LT Matthew Pierson, USN Sec’y: LT Natalie Woodward, USN e: NNWoodward@2011.usna.com

’07

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 1.81% Pres: Brady Beauchamp Vice Pres: Major Benjamin Tuck e: Benjamin.Tuck07@gmail.com Treas: LCDR Patrick Sullivan e: patrick.timothy.sullivan@gmail.com Sec’y: LCDR Dan Bellomo, USNR e: dbellomo@umich.edu Send Articles to: classofficersUSNA2007@gmail.com

’08

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 23.45% Pres: Donald H. Horner III Vice Pres: LCDR Gerald Brooks, USN Treas: LCDR Daniel E. Foose, USN Sec’y: LCDR Dianna Dietrich, USN e: dianna.dietrich@gmail.com

’09

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 22.00% Pres: LCDR Andrew Poulin, USN e: andrew.poulin09@gmail.com

2011, Please join us 6-9 October to celebrate our 11 year reunion! The Reunion Committee is hard at work finalizing all of the details so we can gather together, but we wanted to get out as much information as possible so everyone can start planning. Please see the tentative schedule in the nearby Reunion Announcement.

The team will be updating more as the time gets closer and as details are finalized. Once all Reunion details are finalized, we will be posting the official schedule on the class Facebook page (USNA Class of 2011 - please join if you have not yet!) in addition to being posted on the reunion registration page, which will be up and running hopefully by this summer.

We are so excited to celebrate with you all!

If you have any questions, please post them on the Facebook page so everyone can see the question and response from the committee.

We will filter as much information through there as possible.

Looking forward to celebrating with everyone!

- 2011 Class Officers and 11 Year Reunion Committee

’12

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 23.87% Pres: Capt Ian Cameron, USMC Vice Pres: LT Nicholas DeMasters, USN Treas: LT Nicolas Woods, USN

Vice Pres: LCDR Art Griffin, USN

Sec’y: LT Jane M. Baird, USN

Treas: LCDR Cody Forsythe, USN

Send Articles to: shipmate2012@gmail.com

Sec’y: Micky Matus, USN e: michaelmatus09@gmail.com

This month, we continue our Reunion Committee feature. Introducing the remaining half of the committee nearby.

Shipmate Submissions: e: Shipmate09@gmail.com

Bravo zulu, shipmates! Many thanks for your hard work planning the 10-year reunion!

What company were you in? 6th Company Jackolope - Any USNA activities? Intramurals, Infantry Skills Team, Nico Woods - Finance MAG, and 1st (membership, class gift) Regiment Protocol (BTW, have you updated to Service Etiquette, 5th edition yet?)

- Service selection? Subs!

- Life, family updates? I was told the Navy would issue one but directions were unclear…

- Where are you now? Went civilian after seven years. Finished business school last June and now living in Kyiv where I’m looking for investment opportunities in Ukraine. I’m currently working for the Ukraine Freedom Fund (NGO) to produce, supply body armor to Ukrainian defenders.

- What are you most looking forward to at the reunion? Reminiscing about Army/Navy What company were you in? 25th Company!

Go Bearsharks!

- Any USNA activities?

Navy Women’s Soccer, 2nd Regiment Honor Advisor, and Navy Drink - I mean, Ski - Team - Service selection? C-2 Pilot - Life, family Amanda Serfass Operations, Welcome Social updates? Recently married! No kiddos but our golden retriever is the best!

- Where are you now? I was just selected for Permanent Military Instructor in the LEAD department! Super excited to call USNA and DTA home for the next 10 years!

- What are you most looking forward to at the reunion? Reconnecting with classmates and meeting classmates I never knew!

What company were you in? Thirsty 3rd Herd - Any USNA activities? Navy Lacrosse, Hockey and Marathon Clubs - Service selection?

USMC Combat Comptroller - Life, family updates? Still married to my love-chitting Academy boyfriend, Ted. We have a 6going-on-17-year-old, Kay Murner - Operations, Mary.

Tailgate JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 109

11/11 CLASS NEWS

2011 11 R TH

EUNION

6-9 O CTOBER 2022 Thursday, October 6th: 0730-1600: Midstore Hours 0900-1700: Visitor Center Hours 0900-1700: Museum Hours TBD: Golf Tournament

Friday, October 7th: 0730-1600: Midstore Hours 0900-1700: Visitor Center Hours 0900-1700: Museum Hours 0900-1100: Reunion Check-In (Zimmerman Bandstand) 1100-1130: 2011 Memorial Service (Memorial Hall) 1200-1215: Noon Meal Formation (Tecumseh Court) 1350-1500: Superintendents Briefing with all Reunions (Alumni Hall) 1600-1700: Formal Dress Parade (Warden Field) 1700-1900: Cocktail Reception (Jack C. Taylor Conference Center – Hospital Point) Additional Check-In Opportunity 1915-2015: Jewish Services (Levi Center)

Saturday, October 8th: 0900-1600: Midstore Hours 0900-1700: Visitor Center Hours 0900-1700: Museum Hours TBD: Tailgate Party at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium (Class Ring NE) TBD: Navy vs. Tulsa Football Game Evening: Open for Company/Group Parties

Sunday, October 9th: CLOSED: Midstore Hours 0900-1700: Visitor Center Hours 1000-1600: Museum Hours 0900-1000: Catholic Mass in Main Chapel 1100-1200: Protestant Service in Main Chapel Remember to update your contact information at: www.usna.com

110 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

12/22 CLASS NEWS - Where are you now? Transitioned to USMCR in 2017 and began working as a systems engineer for Booz Allen in San Diego.

It’s AWESOME! What company were you in? 18th Company Yarddogs!

- Any USNA activities? YP Squadron, Color Guard - Service selection?

Civilian life!

- Life, family updates? Two Siberian Huskies - Where are you now? Living in Brook Stevens - Operations, Catskill, NY for now.

Tailgate I own a real estate development business, Blackstone Builders Catskill - What are you most looking forward to at the reunion? Catching up with old friends, watching football, and being back in Annapolis What company were you in? 14th Company -Any USNA activities? Navy Rowing, Glee Club, Catholic Midshipmen Club, Dance Club (yes, that’s a real club!)

Service selection?

SWO! -Life, family updates? No family yet, except for my new sister-in-law Christina Gatti - Operations who I ADORE! Waiting for Mr. Right!

-Where are you now? I’m in San Diego but moving to Hawaii where I’ll be PTO (Department Head ride) on USS CHAFEE! -What are you most looking forward to at the reunion? Getting to see everyone and how they’ve grown… it’s so nice to catch up with everyone and hear the fun things we’ve been doing!

’13

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 33.72% Pres: LT John-Rex Spivey, USN e: johnrexspivey@gmail.com Vice Pres: LT Daniel Murphy, USN Treas: 1stLT Ted Baumgardner, USMC Sec’y: LT Hannah Yun, USN

’14

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 36.28%

fresh “XI” ink during a belated bachelor party weekend (Ben is already married to Shae Timmons and LJ to Lauren Trotter). The design was drawn by Emily Peterson at Dillos in March of 2018. HOOYAH FOXTROT!!

Pres: 1stLt William R. Roberts, USMC Vice Pres: 1stLt Conor J. Kearney, USMC Treas: LTJG Emily L. Kreyenhagen, USN Sec’y: LTJG Elizabeth J. Powers, USN Send Articles to: shipmate2014@gmail.com

’15

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 34.34% Pres: CAPT Ward “Bubba” Scott III, USMC p: 603-236-1011; e: wardscottiii@gmail.com Vice Pres: LT Dylan Cawdery, USN p: 801-638-0724; e: dcawdery@gmail.com Treas: LT Joshua David Elliott p: 772-643-4468; e: joshuaelliott2015@gmail.com Sec’y: CAPT Madeline Zell, USMC p: 410-370-3068; e: mad.zell.15@gmail.com

’16

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 34.87%

11th Company gets fresh ink

’19

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 4.40% Pres: 2ndLt Isaac Phillips III, USMC

Pres: Capt Eric B. Kellogg, USMC

Vice Pres: ENS Tate Schumacher, USN

Vice Pres: Capt Matthew L. Chavez, USMC

Treas: ENS Leor Golan, USN

Treas: LT Renata M. Kolinko, USN

Sec’y: ENS Gil Wright, USN

Sec’y: Capt Zachary L. Coffman, USMC Send Articles to: Shipmate2016@gmail.com

’17

’20

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 2.09%

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 27.48%

Pres: 2ndLt Mike Smith, USMC

Pres: 2ndLt Chosnel Raymond, USMC e: chosnel.ra@gmail.com

Treas: ENS Grayson Gossett, USN

Vice Pres: ENS Robert Winning, USN e: robertwinning34@gmail.com Treas: ENS Theodore Schopf, USN e: tedschopfii@gmail.com Sec’y: ENS Molly McGuckin, USN e: mollykmcguckin@gmail.com

’18

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 33.43% Pres: LTJG Dan Stitt, USN Vice Pres: LTJG Michael Pahissa, USN Treas: LTJG Gio Hernandez, USN

Vice Pres: 2ndLt John Finnegan, USMC Sec’y: ENS Nolan Kreipe, USN

’21

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 1.72% Pres: ENS Cameron R. Kinley, USN Vice Pres: N/A Treas: ENS Lakayla D. Deshields, USN Sec’y: Ann M. Jackson

’22

Sec’y: LTJG Rachel LaBuda, USN

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 0.0%ßß

Send Articles to: 2018usna@gmail.com

Pres: MIDN Andre C. Rascoey, USN

Aloha, 11th Company members Ben Barsam, Sam Shaunak, LJ Winnefeld, and Ryan Kenyon with

Vice Pres: MIDN Jonathan D. Miranda, USN Treas: MIDN Hampton B. Boyd, USN Sec’y: MIDN Rory S. Cox, USN

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 111

CHAPTER NEWS Alabama BGO Area Coordinator: Brian Campbell ’94, USNR p: 251-776-4000; e: Brian.Campbell@1994.usna.com

USNA Alabama Alumni Chapter Pres: Lt Greg Hess ’85 p: 205-307-9191; e: greghess8599@charter.net Vice Pres, Central Alabama: Eric Riddle ’94 p: 469-363-4295; e: ericriddle94@gmail.com Vice Pres, Northern Alabama: Michael McFarland p: 713-410-2155; e: mjmcfarland7@aol.com Treas: Dennis Read ’59 p: 205-879-6617; e: dsread2010@gmail.com Exec. Assist: Julie Holstad, son, Hunter ’20 e: usna.ala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=usna% 20alumni%20association% 20-%20alabama%20chapter

South Alabama Chapter Pres: Brian Campbell ’94, USNR p: 251-776-4000; e: Brian.Campbell@1994.usna.com Sec’y: Ruth Lichtenfeld p: 251-343-6264; e: ruth29@bellsouth.net

Arizona

Philippines Chapter

Los Angeles Chapter

Pres: COMMO Alberto B. Carlos ’89, AFP p: +63-2-525-1003; m: +63-917- 521-1637 e: carlosabet@yahoo.com

Pres: Shane Skopak ’05 e: shane.skopak@yahoo.com

Sec’y: Capt Carl Roy Catalan ’08, PMC (PN) p: +63-917-706-8042; e: Roitime23@gmail.com Website: www.groups.yahoo.com/communityusnaphil

Treas: Michael Seaver Pres: Say Yong Tan ’05 e: say@2005.usna.com Vice Pres: Andy Harrell e: andyh125@gmail.com Sec’y: LTJG Nicole Uchida ’12, USN e: Nicole.Uchida@fe.navy.mil Chapter Email: USNASG@gmail.com

Pres: CDR Chong (John) M. Yi ’85, USN e: John.M.Yi@raytheon.com

Tokyo Bay Chapter Pres: Mori Nixon ’81 1-15-19-301 Minami-Aoyama Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062 Japan: 090-9402-1291 / US: 253-656-6992 e: mnixon@gns-inc.us

California BGO Acting Area Coordinator (LA County): Jim Trotter p: 909-631-7669; e: Jimstrotter@yahoo.com

Website: http://arizona.usnachapters.com

Southern Arizona Chapter Pres: Thom Rossa ’63 e: TRossa@hayes-soloway.com Sec’y: Jim Hillenmayer ’73 e: jhillenmayer73@msn.com

Monterey Bay Chapter Pres: LT Vic Kanth ’15 e: usnaalumnimontereybay@gmail.com Corr Sec’y: Steve Tackett ’87 e: stackett99@yahoo.com Website: http://montereybay.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: Paul Kepner e: paulkepnerGONAVY@gmail.com

Republic of Korea Chapter

Arizona Chapter

Sec’y: Steven W. Ranes ’02 e: StevenWRanes@gmail.com

Sec’y: Russel Hill ’06 e: hill_russ2@live.com

Singapore Chapter

BGO Area Coordinator: Capt. Chris Palmenberg e: palmenberg@yahoo.com

Pres: Capt David M. English ’86, USMCR e: David.English@1986.usna.com www.usna.com/Chapter/us/arizona

Vice Pres: Adrian Montecinos ’14 p: 562-587-3690; e: admont19@gmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator (Riverside/San Bernardino): CDR Bill Lauper, USN (Ret.) p: 619-840-2846; e: lauperwm@gmail.com e: michaelseaver@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator (LA/Orange County): CDR Steve Shatynski ’83, USN (Ret.) p: 714-255-6108 e: Stephan.shatynski@wellsfargoadvisors.com

Sacramento Chapter Pres: Terri (Riggs) Maginnis ’82 p: 916-203.5115; e: tmaginnis@yahoo.com Vice Pres: Brian Grubbs ’92 p: 916-712-1747; e: bgrubbs1992@gmail.com Sec’y: Dave McKie ’66 e: david.mckie2155@gmail.com Treas: Jack Everett ’64 e: jeverett@quicknet.com Past President: Dennis P. Joyce ’61 p: 916-996-1333; e: djoyce1961@hotmail.com Website: sacramento.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: Bob Proano p: 530-274-9205; e: rproano730@gmail.com

In March of this year, Denny Joyce ’61, the longtime chapter president, happily passed on the chapter leadership to Terri (Riggs) Maginnis ’82. Thank you Denny for serving the chapter for so many years and keeping the core group together. Over the past few months, Terri and Brian have engaged in an active outreach effort to get more of the 300+ region alumni involved and offer more opportunities

Website: http://southernarizona.usnachapters.com

Arkansas BGO Area Coordinator: Scott Pursley e: Scott.J.Pursley@gmail.com

Arkansas Chapter Pres: Denny East ’08 e: denny.east5@gmail.com Vice Pres: Doug Waller '02 e: waller_doug@yahoo.com Sec'y Treas: Jason Coyle '09 e; jason.coyle@gmail.com

Asia BGO Area Coordinator: Wes Trubeville e: bgoarea501coordinator@gmail.com

Guam Chapter Pres: CAPT Noel M. Enriquez ’84, USNR P.O. Box 26849, GMF, Barrigada, GU 96921-6849 h: 671-472-9629; f: 671-472-1966 c: 671-777-9629; e: NME@1984.usna.com 112 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

Sacramento Chapter: Standing L-R: John Haynes ’55, Mike Turner ’97, Cade Hines ’00, Terri (Riggs) Maginnis ’82, Denny Joyce ’61, Brian Grubbs ’92, Frank Blake ’68, Jack Everett ’64, Dave McKie ’66; Kneeling L-R: Arthur McLaughlin ’68, Dick Bishop ’62; not pictured: Frank Valente ’82

CHAPTER NEWS for all ages. Working closely with the Parents’ Club and the West Point and Air Force Academy local groups, we hope to increase participation in support of the Alumni Association mission and objectives.

The most recent event was breakfast at the Black Bear Diner, Madison Avenue. Twelve of us from Class of ’55 to the Class of ’00 attended — we meet at 0730 (may change to 0800), chat, eat, share some stories, and on our way by 0845.

Current monthly events: 1st Friday- Black Bear Diner- breakfast and 3rd Thursday- Happy Hour - venue may change each month.

San Diego Chapter Pres: Steve Rasmussen ’88 e: President@usnaaasd.com Corr Sec’y: Charlie Carey ’70 p: 619-589-0945; e: cdcarey@1970.USNA.com Website: http://usnaaasd.com BGO Area Coordinator: Mike Philbrook ’83 e: michael.philbrook@1983.usna.com

The San Diego Chapter was honored to host the members of the visiting USNA Track Team for our regular monthly lunch 16 March. The track team was visiting San Diego for the week for various meets in the area. Chris Campbell ’89 Associate Head Coach spoke briefly about the overall program and was followed by Jamie Cook who is the Director of Track and Field/ Cross Country. The coaches brought us up to date on the current status of the Track Team and past accomplishments. The Men & Women’s record against Army is superb and their performance in the Patriot League has been equally great. It is worth looking up on the Navy Athletic site just how well these teams have performed. The four athletes who joined us for lunch and spoke briefly about their experiences in track and at USNA provided all of us insight as to why the team has been so successful. These are outstanding Midshipmen and great athletes.

for the May/June timeframe and a Golf Tournament in the June / July timeframe.

Brian Frack ’89 organized a 2-hour social gathering of 10 alumni plus guests at the Anchor Brewing Company in San Francisco.

Afterwards the group toured the brewery which was forged in San Francisco in 1896, America’s First Craft Brewery.

Santa Barbara Chapter Pres: Stephen L.A. Callahan ’81 Track Team Members with some of our senior alumni from the Classes of ’46 to ’53

Also in March the Chapter held its Long Range Planning Meeting. The new website MyUSNA went live 13 March. 31 May we will host the Plebe Welcome Dinner at the Bali Hai restaurant.

The Padres ballgame is scheduled for 17 July.

In addition we have functions like Happy Hours, Golf Tournaments, and Day at the Del Mar Races. If you are visiting, check out the events schedule on MyUSNA for the Group San Diego.

San Francisco Bay Area Chapter Pres: Lauren (Baker) Cosgrave ’04 e: usnaaasf.president@gmail.com Vice Pres: Gordon McDonald ’06 e: usnaaasf.vp@gmail.com Sec’y: Cheriene Griffith ’02 e: usnaaasf.secretary@gmail.com Treas: Mark Lundstrom ’86 e: iblucky86@earthlink.net

Treas: CAPT Stephen H. Huber ’80, USN (Ret.) BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Greg McGiffney e: Greg.McGiffney@bgo.usna.com Chapter email: usnaaasantabarbarachapter@gmail.com Web: http://santabarbara.usnachapters.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/santabarbara. chapterusna.9 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usnaalums santabarbara/

Colorado Colorado Chapter Pres: CAPT S. Guy Higgins ’69, USN (Ret.) e: guyhiggins1234@gmail.com Sec’y: CAPT Matthew McLaurin ’92 e: matthew.s.mclaurin@gmail.com Website: http://usnacolorado.com BGO Area Coordinator (Denver): CAPT Dick Eason ’84, USN (Ret.) p: 720-747-4615; e: dick.eason@lycos.com

Website: http://sfbayarea.usnachapters.net

Colorado Springs Chapter

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ usnaaasfbayarea

Pres: LCDR John Sledgianowski ’87, USN (Ret.) p: 719-287-2187; e: sledgesix@msn.com

Instagram: @usnaaa_sfbaychapter

BGO Area Coordinator: CDR James Keating e: James.keating@bgo.usna.com

BGO Area Coordinator: LT Paul Kepner ’04, USN (Ret.) e: PaulkepnerGONAVY@gmail.com

Two outings are being planned for the SF Chapter, A meet up aboard the USS HORNET Museum

Chris Campbell ’89 - Associate Head Coach, Josh Boamah ’24, Hayden Fox ’22 (Outdoor Capt), Alexa Arthun ’22 (Outdoor Capt), Katie Halbert (Indoor Capt), Jamie Cook Director Track & Field/Cross Country, Zach Prescott Director of Operations San Francisco Chapter at the Anchor Brewery, left to right: Chris Morales ’07 and wife Liz, Tony ’06 Perez, Mike Scanlon ’08, Ray Fazzio ’57, BJ Mahal ’03, Bobby Nefzger ’14, Dan Beck ’99, Brian Frack ’89, Nick Kay ’99, Mike Fazzio ’85

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 113

CHAPTER NEWS

Connecticut BGO Area Coordinator: Evan Barnet ’91 p: 203-249-0071; e: evan@barnetassociates.com

Connecticut Chapter Pres: Alan Weigel ’79 p: 860-376-5775; e: aweigel@blankrome.com Treas: Tom Hogsten ’85 Sec’y: Eric Irwin ’86 p: 860-857-8748; e: irwiner@comcast.net Comms Dir: David Candler ’67 p: 860-823-0862; e: davcandler@aol.com Meeting Chairman: Vacant Website: http://connecticut.usnachapters.net Naval Academy Parent Club of CT Website: http://ct.usnaparents.net

Aloha, Shipmates!

Here we are again with another celebratory month for USNA with the Commissioning of another Class of Officers and the soon arrival of the class of 2026! There will be Blue Angels, Parades, hat throwing, and all manner of Traditions to be upheld and practiced. We talked of Traditions and long term habits we retained in last issue of Shipmate. And this month we confront a rare circumstance… the sensation of a Tradition. So rare is the occurrence that Reef Points does not even Hint of such an event.

But I have it on Very Good Authority that this actually happened. And I divulge this so that during your next visit to The Yard, you will not be able to meet your buddy when you tell him to Meet in Tecumseh Court at 1300. But first, here is some more detail about that Tecumseh that you may not have been aware of, at least from my subtle sources.

All Hands 1956 Tecumseh, the bronze Indian warrior who presides over the Naval Academy, has endeared himself to Academy graduates as the “God of 2.5” - a passing mark; and he is known to the rest of us as a symbol of battle, via pictures of midshipmen giving him a fresh coat of warpaint just before important athletic events.

Beginnings of the Tecumseh tradition are not so well known, however. The original of today’s bronze warrior was the figurehead of USS DELAWARE, a Civil War Frigate, and was intended to represent Tamanend, Chief of the Delawares and a lover of peace.

DELAWARE was sunk during the war, but was raised during a postwar cleanup of obstructions in Virginia rivers.

RADM Peter C. Asserson, CEC, USN, who was in charge of the cleanup, presented the figurehead to Annapolis in 1866, and midshipmen of the sixties soon shrouded the peaceful Tamanend under a series of warrior names, including Powhatan, King Philip,” Old Sebree” (after MIDN, later RADM Sebree,

114 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

because of their resemblance to each other).

The name Tecumseh finally became fixed, however, and even MIDN Sebree was known to his classmates as “Tecumseh.”

In 1906, while preparing to move the figurehead from a building to the present location before Bancroft Hall, it was discovered that Tecumseh was in an advanced state of decay.

Repairs were undertaken, however, and the figurehead was good for another 24 years.

Finally, the Academy class of 1891 put up the money and effort to have a bronze replica cast at the Naval Gun Factory in December 1929. Less than six months later, on 31 May 1930, the bronze Tecumseh was presented to continue his reign as “God of 2.5,” “God of Victory” and symbol of courage, fortitude and patience.

(Author Note: the 2.5 was revised to God of C. 2.5, 2.0, …as the passing mark shifted) And from “Air Force Times”, 13 Oct 1986: “Despite his non-naval background and his history of stirring up trouble for the United States, it’s obvious that Tecumseh has become a legend in the U.S. Navy and a perennial part of Naval Academy tradition.

He’s won the light-hearted affection of thousands of midshipmen and two Navy tugs have borne his name.”

But WAIT! Someone read the inscription on the front of the statue. And in order to Do the Right Thing, something had to give.

So, the USNA Tradition of calling him Tecumseh, has come to an end and the New PC name is Tamanend, which is proper. For graduates, it “Just Ain’t Right,” but we are tough and will eventually cope.

On the positive side, the way you can meet your buddy in the future is to use the TimeHonored location “T-Court”. And all will be well.

And as a footnote, painting of the T-Monument is no longer authorized.

July is expected to be an opportunity for those in CT to meet, greet and treat the Offshore Sailing Squadron’s foray to New England. Hope to see you there! Details by email from President Alan Weigel.

Dave Candler ‘67

Costa Rica

BGO Area Coordinator: Wes Turbeville e: bgoarea501coordinator@gmail.com

Costa Rica Chapter Pres: Claudio A. Pacheco ’64 Apt. 4307-1000, San Jose, Costa Rica p: 506-2224-4325; w: 506-2225-4239 c: 506-8876-1394; e: cpacheco@1964.usna.com

Delaware BGO Area Coordinator: Maj Brad Boyd ’87 p: 302-377-4479; e: Brad.Boyd@bgo.usna.com

Delaware Chapter Pres: Chris Dierkes ’85 p: 302-256-8949; e: Christopher.F.Dierkes-1@usa.dupont.com

Florida Gainesville Chapter Pres: Vacant BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Steve Swift ’87, USNR e: sswift@1987.usna.com

Jacksonville Chapter Pres: CAPT Scott Neidhold ’77 USNR (Ret.) e: scottneidholdsr@gmail.com Vice Pres: Glen Hamilton ’85 e: glenhamilton@cbvfl.com Treas and Chapter Trustee: Enochia Anderson ‘94 T-Statue

The apex of his naval career came in 1964 when the Navy named a ballistic missile submarine after him, an honor shared with the likes of Andrew Jackson, Nathan Hale, Nathanael Greene and Daniel Boone.

And here be he in all his glory from a time in the past.

Sec’y: Britney Brown ’12 Communication Director: CDR Nels Frostenson ’80 USN (Ret.) e: frostynels@aol.com 50 Year+ Alumni Liaison: CDR Peter Garfield ’60 USN (Ret.) e: pjgarfield@comcast.net; p: 904-314-9691 Website: jacksonville.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard O’Sullivan ’77, USN (Ret.) p: 407-687-6877; e: raaos@aol.com

In March, the City of Jacksonville welcomed home it’s newest downtown landmark, USS

CHAPTER NEWS ORLECK, DD-886 (pictured). USS ORLECK was in service for the US Navy from 1945-1982 and is one of the most decorated ships in the US Navy.

Following her decommission, she served the Turkish Navy, before coming back to the US to become a museum. USS ORLECK has been a museum in TX and LA before finally making Jacksonville her home on 27 March 2022.

Greater Miami Chapter Pres: Thor C. Gould ’09 e: thor.gould@gmail.com Website: www.usnamiami.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USNAMiami BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Dennis R. Neutze ’65, JAGC USN (Ret.) p: 305-705-4722; e: dennis.navy65@googlemail.com

Orlando Chapter Pres: Turhan Hidalgo ’93 e: Orlando_Chapter_President@alumni.usna.com Sec’y: Jason Ketelsen ’98 e: jketelsen1@gmail.com Webmaster: Stan Clark ’79 e: shredder110@gmail.com Website: http://orlando.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard O’Sullivan ’77, USN (Ret.) p: 407-687-6877; e: raaos@aol.com

Palm Beach Chapter Pres: Ivan Rosa ’84 e: irosa@1984.USNA.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Dennis R. Neutze ’65, JAGC USN (Ret.) p: 305-705-4722 ; e: dennis.navy65@googlemail.com

Activities Roundup: Wed, 28 March – All attendees enjoyed an absolutely great Navy Athletics Luncheon: We were so pleased to have again secured the USNA Director of Athletics, Mr. Chet Gladchuk, during his infrequent trips through Southwest Florida. (His last visit was March of 2018).

We showed our appreciation with much applause and a SWF Chapter mug presented as a memento of this, our best attended event of the season! Many thanks go out to David Finch ’67 who arranged this special event.

Navy has been so successful over these past several years and Chet has led that effort all the way! Chet and his staff gave us the best information on USNA plans and actions for superior athletic, academic, officer production and campus facilities improvements. Chet also gave a nice salute to our new USNAAA Foundation rep for SW Florida, Mr. Ted Ahrens who promised close coordination with the chapter.

Pensacola Chapter Co-Pres: Jose Perez ’10 Co-Pres: Joey Walker ’02 e: usnaaapensacola@gmail.com Sec’y: John Klose ’78 e: jpklose78@gmail.com Website: Pensacola.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: Capt. Joan Platz e: joanplatz.bgo@gmail.com

Southwest Florida Chapter Pres: Doug Backes ’70 e: dougbackes@aol.com Sec’y: Herbert John Andrews ’68 e: herbiejohn383@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Dennis R. Neutze ’65, JAGC USN (Ret.) p: 305-705-4722 ; e: dennis.navy65@googlemail.com

Website: southwestflorida.usnachapters.net Also in March, the chapter hosted a chapter gathering at the local Jacksonville Icemen Hockey game. The event was fantastic, starting with a VIP buffet of food, drink and desserts, followed by a VIP beer inside gathering prior to the game. Many alumni and family attended the game, with the senior officer present being RADM Jim Lang ’60 and his wife. Pictured are Nels ’80, Larry Carello ’73, Connie Carello, Connie Frostenson. Row behind is Bruce Boles ’78, Brian DiSalvo ’14, Scott Neidhold ’77 and wife. Forward row is Jim Beatty ’83 - event organizer. Jim put together a most memorable event and was quick to point out that #83 for the Icemen scored the first goal.

We are looking forward to upcoming summer events including an outing at a Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp baseball game.

President’s Comments: Greetings from our sunny Southwest Florida chapter. Our chapter has reached about the end of the 2021-2022 season after a superb 28 March luncheon with special guest speaker Chet Gladchuk. A great turnout with great camaraderie shared by over 50 attendees.

While the April luncheon is in limbo, we still look forward to fun times; with our last visitors heading north we can now enjoy low traffic, easy access to local hot spots and reduced cost on entertainment, golf and dining out.

However, if you are one of our snowbirds, please consider joining our chapter while you spend wintertime here in the Naples area and add your unique experience and viewpoint.

Alumni, their spouses, guests, USNA parents, Blue and Gold Officers and midshipmen visitors are welcome to join us at any of our events.

Go Navy!

Doug Backes ’70

A possible April luncheon at Wyndemere CC is still in the planning stages. Our Secretary Herb Andrews is working on getting a special speaker, here’s hoping it works out. We will keep you informed. That will complete our 2021-2022 season activities.

Summer break: We generally have no formal events during the summer hiatus; but if anyone comes up with an event that fellow alumni might enjoy, please let our Secretary Herb Andrews know.

We are open for new ideas as great vehicles for increased comraderie for our chapter.

Our next official Chapter season begins with our October 2022 welcome back letter from your President; then on the second Tuesday of November (8 Nov) we will have our first USNA AA SWF Chapter luncheon of the 2022-2023 winter season. In the interim, we are looking for members who might volunteer to set up impromptu alumni get togethers at local sports bars to watch Navy Football games next fall.

Again, let Herb Andrews know of your plans.

Remember, if you want to attend any one of our luncheons or other events please notify: Bailey Geeslin, Treasurer, USNAAA SW Florida, at baileygeeslin31@gmail.com. Formal

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 115

CHAPTER NEWS announcements will go out approximately two weeks prior to each event.

There are many opportunities to support our chapter (e.g., speaker acquisition and coordination) so please do not be bashful. New officers and board members are always needed.

Doug Backes has been in the VP or President position for over 8 years. Due to health issues, our VP position is now vacant. It needs a motivated member to step up and bring their own talents and ideas to bear. New officer volunteers will have plenty of help from other officers and our board members - So please consider putting your hat in the ring.

Finally, a reminder. We do have a web site you can visit for viewing documents such as correspondence, meeting announcements, calendars of event, listing of officers and bylaws: http://www.southwestflorida.usnachapters.net.

Herb Andrews ‘68

Space Coast Chapter BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard O’Sullivan ’77, USN (Ret.) p: 407-687-6877; e: raaos@aol.com

Suncoast Chapter Pres: Alois (Al) Burda ’68 e: alburda3@verizon.net Vice Pres: Craig Harvey ’76 e: harveyct@hotmail.com Second Vice Pres: George “Bo” Hamrick ’79 e bhamrick@financialpreservation.com Treas: Dick D’Anna ’68 e: dannari68@comcast.net Sec’y: Vacant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usnaalumniflorida suncoastchapter BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Steve Swift ’87, USNR e: sswift@1987.usna.com

Tampa Bay Chapter Pres: CAPT Chris Heath ’72, USN (Ret.) p: 813-210-2615; e: christopherheath.fl@gmail.com Communication Director: CAPT Steve Swift ’87, USNR (Ret.) e: sswift@1987.usna.com Sec’y: CDR Leon R. Jablow IV, ‘91, USN (Ret.) e: leon.r.jablow@gmail.com

Dan O’Shea ’91, Chris Thompson ’92, Jon Connelly ’05 and Brian Tsai ’16.

Before charting the course for the picnic, however, we took the time to welcome Roger Daisley ’70 to our chapter and proceeded to recognize some USNA “firsts” including the first female and first black graduates of the United States Naval Academy, as well as the first female and black Flag Officers. In addition, we reached for the stars and recognized the first NASA astronauts from the Naval Academy as well.

Keeping the theme of our graduates’ support of technological innovation through NASA, we also welcomed Martin Drake ’78 to our meeting.

As Science Advisor at USCENTCOM at nearby MacDill AFB, Marty is responsible for finding technology solutions that make our warfighters successful. Marty enthralled us with a presentation on the process that USCENTCOM uses to seek out, evaluate and employ future technologies. Marty is retiring this summer after a distinguished career, including long service as a BGO. We held the Candidate Information Picnic on 13 March. Our team did a fantastic job of hosting the largest recruiting event in Florida.

With an attendance of nearly 200, the event was a huge success, and we received praise from parents, candidates, and alumni for a job very well done and much appreciated.

Steve Swift ’87 and Tim Corcoran ’67 managed invitations and registration while James Castano ’91 reserved the location. Jane Lochner ’84 led the team effort for organization, and Don Aiken ’78 and Brian Tsai ’16 led the supply effort. Dave Spoerl ’82 and Trey Alexander ‘90 handled check-in while Bill Graham ’72, Mike Stocks ’72, Gary Polansky ’69, Paul Matthews ’85, John Conley ’05 and others withstood the heat of the grill to serve chow. Janel Brown ’97, Warren Hahn ’60, Chris Heath ’72 and Trey Alexander ’90 delivered candidate information through speaking presentations. Additionally, we

had special guest speakers including Maj Gen Paul Rock ’88, RDM TR Buchanan ’92, MIDN Christian Thompson ’23, and prospective MIDN Ryan Matthews ’26. Rounding out our team effort, set-up and tear-down was performed by all hands and, more importantly, conversation with candidates and families was conducted by all of our alumni in attendance!

Janel Brown ‘97 speaks to potential USNA candidates and their families about the candidate selection process for USNA

Our Tampa Bay Chapter Alumni team gathers around the grill to prepare meals for our guests at the Candidate Information Picnic.

Future Events Monthly Meetings Army-Navy golf (May) Check Us Out Chapter Facebook Page (https://www. facebook.com/pages/USNA-Alumni-Tampa St-Petersburg/120095454740213?sk=wall), our Website – http://tampabay.usnachapters.net/, and/or our LinkedIn Page - https://www. linkedin.com/groups/3912975/

Website: http://tampabay.usnachapters.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/USNAAlumni-TampaSt-Petersburg/120095454740213?sk=wall BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Steve Swift ’87, USNR (Ret.) e: sswift@1987.usna.com

Recent Events: With spring in the air, the Tampa Bay Chapter gathered for its monthly meeting to plan for our annual Candidate Information Picnic. Our March attendees included Warren Hahn ’60, Tom Draude ’62, Gary Polansky ‘69, Tim Corcoran ’67, Roger Daisley ’70, Bill Graham ’72, Chris Heath ’72, Martin Drake ’78, Jane Lochner ’84, Paul Matthews ’85, Steve Swift ’87, Leon Jablow ’91,

116 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

Tampa Bay Chapter Alumni gather for the annual Candidate Information Picnic

CHAPTER NEWS

Georgia

Here are some pictures of area alums.

Atlanta Chapter

Indiana BGO Area Coordinator: Kurt Greggs e: Greggsusnabgo@gmail.com

Pres: DJ Marzetta ’94 p: 404-996-7019; e: djmarzetta@gmail.com Website: http://www.usnaaaa.com

Indianapolis Chapter

BGO Area Coordinator (Atlanta/North Georgia): Deborah Catrini e: deborah.catrini@gmail.com

CDR Lynn Thomas ’83 h: 317-329-1773; e: lynntw@aol.com

BGO Area Coordinator (Southern Georgia): Ryan McDonel e: rmcdonel.usna@gmail.com

Michiana Chapter

Hawaii

Vice Pres/Sec’y: CDR John (Chris) Haizlip ’72, USN (Ret.) 15246 Longford Dr., Granger, IN 46530 p: 574-273-2939; e: CHaizlip@aol.com

Hawaii Chapter National Chapter Trustee: Steve Colon ’81

Pres: John Ross ’94 e: johnwmross@me.com

Rick Schellhass ’68 and Paul Campbell ’98 are checking schedules.

Pres: Ted Peck ’88 p: 808-371-7514; e: ted.peck@gmail.com

Iowa

Vice Pres: Keno Knieriem ’06 e: keno@honokea.com

See Minnesotta

Sec’y: Deni Baykan ’04 e: deniz.baykan@mac.com

Send Shipmate input to: Nathan CW Smith ’98 e: nathancwsmith@outlook.com

Treas: Tom Marzec ’87 e: tamarzec@gmail.com

BGOArea Coordinator: Ted Olt III ’85 p: 563-355-1709; e: tolt@l-wlaw.com

Parent’s Club Pres: Mason Savage (Jacob ’22, Jordan ’24) BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Jason Afong ’06 e: jason.afong.navy@gmail.com

Kentucky

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/USNAAA. Honolulu/; https://www.facebook.com/NavalAcademy Hawaii/

Louisville/Southern Indiana Chapter Pres: CAPT Gregory Reinhardt ’79, USNR (Ret.) 712 Talon Pl., Louisville, KY 40223 p: 502-244-7707; e: greinhardt@1979.usna.com

Idaho

BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Gregory Reinhardt ’79, USNR (Ret.) p: 502-244-7707; e: greinhardt@1979.usna.com

BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Todd Severance ’92, USN (Ret.) p: 208-620-9436; e: tjseverance1992@gmail.com

Northwest Chapter

Louisiana

Pres: Raymond Kutch ’63 e: rjkutch@comcast.net

Louisiana Chapter Pres: Garrett Miller ’95 p: 985-590-2425, e: torrens.miller@gmail.com

Southern Idaho Chapter Pres: Andrea Hovey ’03 e: andrea.hovey@gmail.com

Treas: John Strauss ’69 e: e:jstrauss3373@att.net

Rufus Taylor ’66 and Ron Hartnett ’66 are keeping tabs the Hartnett’s dog, Chester.

Vice Pres: Paul Campbell ’98 e: Paul.Campbell@1998.usna.com

Vice Pres: Bob Ferrante ’90 p: 985- 237-2091; e: mbrlj5@gmail.com Sec’y: Wayne Morgan ’98 e: wayne.morgan@1998.usna.com

Sec’y: Joan Taylor (wife of CAPT Rufus Taylor ‘66, USN (Ret.)) e: foozhigger@gmail.com

Illinois

Treas: Drew Dodenhoff ’70 e: drewdode@yahoo.com

Treas: Dennis Hanrahan ’68 e: dennisdannyehanrahan@gmail.com

Chicago Chapter

Website: http://www.USNALouisiana.org

CDR Fredrick W. Weber ’75, USNR (Ret.) 2134 Evert Ct., Northbrook, IL 60062-6612 h: 847-559-9381; w: 312-845-3444 e: Fred.Weber@2comm.com

BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Jessica Thornhill ’01 e: jessica.mp.thornhill@gmail.com

Website: http://chicago.usnachapters.com

Maine

Idaho Parents’ Club President: Nicola McIntosh (Luke ’24) e: themacs97@hotmail.com.

The Southern Idaho Chapter executive committee has planned the year’s activities and developed the slate of officers for 2022-23.

The March activity is an All-Academy Social Hour with the Boise area USMA and USAFA Associations of Graduates at Twisted District Brewing in Garden City, with Army hosting.

BGO Area Coordinator (Northern, IL incl Chicago): LCDR Drew Thomas ’04, USNR p: 317 682 8441; drew.thomas@bgo.usna.com BGO Area Coordinator (Southern, IL): Gene Marquez e: gdsm_marquez@charter.net

Maine Chapter Pres: LT Jen Bohr Tyll ’01, USNR e: jenbohrtyll@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: LT Jen Bohr Tyll ’01, USNR p: 207-829-8159; e: jenbohrtyll@gmail.com

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CHAPTER NEWS

Maryland Annapolis Chapter Pres: CDR Scott J. Shepard ’91, USN (Ret) p: 540-419-5564; e: scottjshepard@hotmail.com Vice Pres: Michael Rapp ’91 e: michaelrapp999@gmail.com Sec’y–Shipmate Contact: Liesel (Danjczek) Schopler ’99 e: lieseldanjczek@hotmail.com Treas: Chuck Dixon ’79 e: CBDixon@firstcommand.com Membership: James McNeal ’86 e: jamesm@ispards.com Website: http://annapolis.usnachapters.net Join the Chapter: https://www.signupnow. events/USNA AlumniChapter_Annapolis/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ 1118214745191/ (or search for: Naval Academy Alumni Annapolis Chapter) BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Charles Mello e: Charlesmello@gmail.com

Baltimore Chapter Pres: Jason Hardebeck ’87 p: 443-269-1599; e: jhardebeck@whoglue.com BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Charles Mello e: Charlesmello@gmail.com Join the Chapter: https://www.signupnow.events/USNA Alumni Chapter_ Annapolis/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ 1118214745191/ (or search for: Naval Academy Alumni Annapolis Chapter)

Greater Southern Maryland Chapter Pres: Micheal W. Thumm '75 e: thummer75@md.metrocast.net Sec’y: Katie Ellefson ‘13 p: 661-992-9190; e: katieelllefson13@gmail.com Corr Sec’y: Michael Dougherty ’73 p: 240-925-7518; e: doughertymj8@aol.com Website: http://www.navyalumni.org BGO Area Coordinator: Kevin Schaaff e: Kevin.Schaaff@bgo.usna.com

EVENTS “Dark Ages” Dinner- 2/25 In addition to senior graduate, Don Boecker ‘60 and junior graduate, Katie Ellefson ’13, attendees included Stu Ashton ’74, Ken Carkhuff ’82, Lawrence Clifford ’77, Terry Dailey ’70, Mike De Manss ’73, Mike Dougherty ’73, Dean Farmer ’04, Stu Fitrell ’62, Michael Hallett ’69, Mike Holton ’74, Lew Mcintyre, ’70, Andy Mechling ’73, Greg Olson ’83, Thom Phelan ’79, Chris Powers ’78, Ken Ptack ’67, Jim Sandberg ’69, Scott Bruce ’79, Mike Thumm ’75, Pierre Thuot ’77 and Garth Van Sickle, ’67. Thanks to the efforts of Sandy Sandberg, the delightful dinner was held in a new venue for us, The Olde Breton Inn. ALUMNI IN THE NEWS: News involving Alumni is sparse these days, but their kids are going strong.

After 28 years as a foreign service officer, Troy Fitrell, son of Stu ’62 and Lynn has assumed the role of U.S. Ambassador to Guinea. On one of his “home tours’ Troy attended the National 118 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

Greater Southern Maryland Chapter: The GSMC Alumni at the “Dark Ages” Dinner

War College, graduating 20 Years after his Dad did.

COMING EVENTS 6/23 Summer Social Location TBD. 6/30 Induction Day Class of 2026.

8/20 CrabFest ‘22, Club 9, Solomons Recreation Center 1700, 2nd Wednesday (please note day change) of each month: Chapter Meeting. We may vary between Virtual and the Brudergarten, Leonardtown. Please, check your email and the GSMC website www.navyalumni.org for all event updates throughout 2022!

Massachusetts Boston Chapter Pres: James Kras ’69 141 Dorchester Ave., Unit 406, South Boston, MA 02127-1836 p: 617-645-1032; e: jameskras@comcast.net Shipmate contact: CAPT Pete Seibert ’65 p: 781-235-5909; e: pkseibert@comcast.net Website: http://boston.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator (Boston and SE Mass): Kimber Johnston e: Kimber.Johnson@bgo.usna.com BGO Area Coordinator (N Shore and Central Mass): CDR David Grim e: david.grim@1982.usna.com BGO Area Coordinator (Western Mass): Mike Cousins e: Cuztri67@gmail.com

Michigan Michigan Chapter Pres: Maj. Joe Zane ’07 USMCR P.O. Box 710, Birmingham, MI 48009 e: joseph.zane.2007@gmail.com Vice Pres: Shawn Hoch ’08 e: shawn.hoch@2008.usna.com Website: http://detroit.usnachapters.net Communications Sec’y: Chris Bernard ’88 e: gcb117@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator (Eastern): CAPT Michael Johnson ’79, USNR e: mj007mj@hotmail.com BGO Area Coordinator (West & Upper): Col. Benjamin Richmond ’93, USMCR e: brichmond97@earthlink.net

After a quiet January and February, March and April saw a return to in-person events.

On 16 March, we partnered with the local Veterans’ Beer Club for an after-work networking event at the classic St. Patrick’s Day meetup spot, Nancy Whiskey in Detroit’s Corktown.

Several alumni attended, and good times were had by all.

On 1 April, a local organization of retired Marine Corps officers and senior enlisted, the Marine Red Coats, hosted their 51st annual Mess Night. The Naval Academy had a strong showing, with eight alumni in attendance.

Among the alumni were the President of the Mess, LtCol Tad Drake ’03, and the Vice President of the Mess, Maj Mike Droogleever, ’05.

LtCol Drake is currently serving as the Inspector and Instructor (I&I) for Michigan-based 1st Battalion 24th Marines, while Maj Droogleever has been an active member of the Red Coats Mess Night since he finished up his time on active duty in 2016 as the Assistant I&I of

CHAPTER NEWS 1/24. Indeed, this is Maj Droogleever’s fourth Mess Night as Mr. Vice, and he is actively soliciting volunteers to fill the roll for the 2023 Mess Night.

Graham Sloan ’97, Joe Zane ’07 and Mike Droogleever ’05 at the March 16th Detroit Veterans’ Beer Club event.

There was significant Naval Academy representation at the Marine Corps Red Coats Mess night, held 1 April 2022.

From left, Maj Mike Droogleever ’05, CAPT Scott Bunnay ’91, Roger Moore ’75, Art Bryant ’66, Graham Sloan ’97, LtCol Tad Drake ’03 and Maj Joe Zane, ’07. Not pictured but in attendance was CDR Bryant Nunn ’01.

St Louis Chapter: Left to right: front row (L-R) kneeling: Jason Ziebold ’97, Rick Roustio ’78, Lowell Crow ’84, Dave Turnbaugh ’89, David Noble ’96; standing: Josh Rich ’97, Gene Marques ’84; back row standing: Cameron Wales ’09, Jeff Uhde ’91, Shane Mcdonald ’96, Cliff Schoep ’56, Larry Meyer ’67, Kent Higginbotham ’76, Dick Padberg ’54, Chuck Hardy ’81, and Sam Fletcher ’03

Finally, anyone who is interested in becoming part of the Chapter leadership, please send an e-mail to USNA.AA.DetroitChapter@ gmail.com with your interested position.

Positions available per the bylaws are: - President - Vice President - Treasurer - Secretary - Webmaster Members are elected for a two year term starting in July ’22.

We should be holding elections in June, with turnover occurring in July, so please let us know if you’re interested as soon as possible.

Thank you for reading, and until next time.

Beat Army!

Joe Zane ’07 Chapter President

Missouri

Minnesota

This was left out of the last issue: Sad news and great news. The sad news first. This past summer/fall we lost two local alumni. Dan Sullivan ’56. For more years than I can count, Dan Sullivan was a strong supporter of the STL Chapter. He served on the board and when not officially there was always available with great advice. He was a strong supporter of our Memorial Day Service at Jefferson Barracks assisting Mike Dunham ‘70 in making that a success. He was also present at most Chapter events. Peter Danna’s ’61 death preceded Dan’s. Pete was a CBC grad and attended Bullis Prep prior to entering Navy. That’s where Pete and your scribe met.

Our families enjoyed each others company for many years. Both Pete and Dan will be missed and are interned at Jefferson Barracks. Now the Great news: Navy 17-Army 13. It was a treat watching 7 point under-dog Navy win this one, and thrilling watching Diego Fagot keep a Navy drive alive on a 4th and 1 in Navy

Upper Midwest Chapter Pres: CAPT Ashley Fischer ’11, USMCR p: 240-778-8116; e: aefisch36@gmail.com Shipmate Contact: Nathan CW Smith ’98 e: nathancwsmith@outlook.com LtCol Tad Drake ’03, the President of the Mess and Maj Mike Droogleever ’05, Vice President of the Mess, pose with the Guest of Honor, LtGen David Bellon, Commander, Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South.

A couple of administrative updates on the chapter.

First, we have voted on a name change, and going forward, we shall be known as the Michigan Chapter, rather than the Detroit Chapter. We wanted to more accurately reflect the geographical diversity of our membership, and work to support alumni in other parts of the state.

Next, by the time you read this, you should have received several e-mails from chapter leadership about our new chapter management platform, Hivebrite. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to USNA.AA. DetroitChapter@gmail.com.

Website: www.USNAUpperMidwest.org Facebook: www.fb.com/USNAAAUpperMidwest BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Mark J. Salmen, USN (Ret.) NAIP Area Coordinator-Minnesota 15230 Afton Hills Drive South; Afton, MN 55001-9670 p: 651-436-5842; c: 651-271-669 e: mark.salmen@1973.usna.com; e: mjsalmen@aol.com

Mississippi BGO Area Coordinator: David Price ’78 e: dep-78@sbcglobal.net

South Mississippi Chapter Pres: CDR E. Spencer Garrett IV ’88, USNR P.O. Box 1792, Gautier, MS 39553 p: 228-497-5050; e: esgarrett44@aol.com Sec’y: CAPT Harry J. Rucker ’73, USN (Ret.) e: navynomad50@caldeone.net

Greater Kansas City Metro Chapter Pres: Bob Culler ’74 p: 913-488-6319; e: bculler@sbcglobal.net Vice Pres: Victor Hurlbert ’10 p: 816-665-1647; e:vhurlbert@wradvisors.com Treas: Jack Rush ’73 e: jackrush7376@gmail.com Website: http://KansasCity.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: Lee Gilgour e: Gilgour42@gmail.com

St. Louis Chapter Pres: Dave Turnbaugh ’89 Website: https://stlusna.com Shipmate contact: Raese Simpson ’61 1138 Westmoor Pl., St. Louis, MO 63131-1320 c: 314-757-1221; e: raese1961@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Kent Higginbotham ’76, USN (Ret.) e: kenth@hbistl.com

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 119

CHAPTER NEWS Las Vegas Chapter Pres: Corwin Karaffa ’77 e: cjkaraffa@gmail.com Sec’y: Glenn Truitt ‘97 e: glenn@idealbusinsspartners.com Website: http://southernnevada.usnachapters.com/

New Jersey Pres: Patrick Hurley ’87 e: patrick.hurley@1987.usna.com BGO Area Coordinator (North NJ): Marcy Abbate e: Abbate.Marcy.M@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator (South NJ): Martha Christinziano e: Christinziano.area114@gmail.com

St Louis Chapter

territory. By virtue of Air Force’s win over Navy and Army’s win over Air Force the Commander and Chief’s Trophy will be split between Army and Navy. Army will retain the hardware. Our game watch and celebration was at Ball Park Village. Having an extra good time were Door Prize winners: 1st Qtr–Sam Fletcher, 2nd Qtr– Jason Ziebold, 3rd Qtr–Gene Marquez, 4th Qtr–Dave Turnbaugh AND Football Squares winners: 1st Qtr-USMC toys for Tots (Chapter donation), 2nd Qtr-Gene Marquez, 3rd QtrCliff Schoep and 4th Qtr-Gene Marquez. See photos for attendees.

SOPA’S: Cliff Schoep ’56 and Dick Padberg ’54

MEMORIES….

website: www.usnanj.org

New Mexico New Mexico Chapter Pres: John Scott Kraus ’73 2304 Madre Dr. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112 h: 505-296-7409; c: 505-366-7457 e: skraus@aquilagroup.com; or jkraus2304@aol.com Sec’y: Joseph McGuire ’68 p: 505-857-9679; e sunnymack@msn.com Vice Pres: Dr. Doug Meints ’77 p: 505-888-6800; e: dmeintschiro@gmail.com Dick Padberg ’54 and Dan Sullivan ’56 - Army/Navy 2019

June Report Cold nasty weather! Central time, dark at 5:30, no light in the early morning either. The Dark Ages were aptly named!

However a chance to get together loomed when the Navy Sticks-on-Ice came to town.

Dave Turnbaugh ‘89 got the word out and former Navy defenseman, John Huesemann ’78 got the energy cranked up. The opponent - Pitt Panthers, and a great crowd showed up. There were family, friends, alumni, sponsors, etc. all routing for Navy. Unfortunately this night the Panthers were just too good, with the final being 5-1. However, the Navy gals not only beat SLU but ended the season 17-1!!… BZ ladies!!

Montana BGO Area Coordinator: Andy Metroka e: METROKA@MT.NET

Nebraska BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Jerry Hodge ’86, USN (Ret.) e: gerald.hodge@1986.usna.com Cliff Schoep ’56 and Dan Sullivan ’56 w/Dan’s wife, Mary Pat enjoying a game watch 31 December 2019 against Kansas State

Omaha Chapter Pres: Jeremiah Binkley ’00 e: jeremiah.binkley@yahoo.com Website: http://omaha.usnachapters.net/

Nevada BGO Area Coordinator: Joe Holland ’03 e: joe.holland03@gmail.com

120 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

NM Parents’ Club Pres: Ms. Karen Hanthorn-Rhodes e: KBHant@aol.com; p: 505-507-5543 Website: http://newmexico.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT David Swingle e: dswingle@newmexico.com

“Springtime in the Rockies” was a popular movie in the 1940’s. In New Mexico, the phrase often conjures up images of wildflowers in bloom, mountain roads made muddy from snowmelt, and the hope of returning to outdoor picnics.

As pandemic restrictions continue to ease, the time is right for the New Mexico Chapter to renew its decade-long tradition of the annual Chapter family picnic in Albuquerque at the Elena Gallegos Open Space Kiwanis Shelter.

This year, our event is scheduled to be held on Father’s Day, Sunday, 19 June from 1300 to 1700 at the foothills park East of Tramway at the end of Simms Park Rd. NE. Dedicated parking, restrooms, and easy access to the shelter will serve all levels of member and guest mobility.

The camaraderie and 80-mile vistas across the Rio Grande Valley will enhance the food, fun, family, and fellowship that follows. As is our tradition, Chapter Officers will be introduced, and a briefing will be provided on the important topics to be discussed at the annual ICOF (International Chapter Officers Forum) to be held in Annapolis in May. Details on the picnic signup, will be posted on the Chapter Bulletin Board, http://newmexico.usnachapters.com, faithfully maintained by our webmaster, Mike Blackledge ’63.

CHAPTER NEWS

New York New York Capital District Chapter Pres: Frank Hughes ’80 p: 518-432-9193; e: frankhughes2@yahoo.com Sec’y: Gordon Lattey 40 First St., Troy, NY 12180 p: 518-274-4989; e: ussslater@aol.com Website: http://capitaldistrictny.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: Jeff Hughes e: Jeffrey.M.Hughes1@gmail.com

Central New York Chapter Pres: Steve Erb ’68 e: steveerb@windstream.net Sec’y/Treas: Bob Fegan Jr. ’64 e: bobfegan64@gmail.com Website: CentralNY.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: Tom Ravener e: tom.ravener@gmail.com

Alumni, family and friends are encouraged to attend the weekly Wednesday lunch at 1200 at Clear Path for Veterans in Chittenango, NY. You can call (315-687-3300) to let them know if you will be attending a lunch but calling is not necessary…just show up. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic it is recommended to check with them to see if they are serving lunch.

Alumni, family, friends, USNA parents, and others with an interest in the Naval Academy are welcome to join the Chapter at all Chapter functions. Call (315-663-7490) or e-mail Bob Fegan to let us know if you plan to attend a function.

Future Chapter activities will be addressed as they are planned. The Chapter’s website is a good source of current information.

The Chapter has instituted the payment of a Life Membership Fee as an option to Annual Dues. As the information was provided through the USNA Alumni Association, there a quite a few Alumni in the CNY area who may not have received the information so it is being provided again herewith.

The Central New York Chapter leadership discussed offering Life Membership and with inputs from a few Alumni, the following table shows what we decided:

If 40% of the Alumni in the Central New York area opt for Life Membership and with over $2,000 currently in the Chapter’s non-profit

checking account with M&T, the Chapter would have over $10,000 which is more than enough to support the Chapter’s financial commitments through 2030.

For those Alumni who choose not to pay the Life Membership Fee, the annual Chapter membership fee of $20 will be continued.

Additionally, the Chapter year has been changed from “1 June to 31 May” to “1 January to 31 December”.

The Chapter year of “1 June to 31 May’ was established in 2005 when the CNY Chapter was recognized by the USNA Alumni Association (AA) by a letter dated 11 May 2005. Changing the Chapter year to “1 January to 31 December” aligns with the traditional calendar.

Payment of dues (Life Membership or Annual) can be made in cash or check at a Chapter function or by mailing a check payable to “CNY Chapter of USNA Alumni” to Bob Fegan, 1570 US Route 20, Cazenovia, NY 13035-9202.

Please provide a note to indicate your USNA AA status (Life Member, Annual or Not a member) and your email address to ensure that the Chapter’s database is complete and up-to-date. Alumni are encouraged to check the AA database periodically to ensure that their profile information is up-to-date.

Metro New York Chapter (NAANY) Pres: George O’Garro ’05 e: georgeogarro@gmail.com HotLine: 1-800-234-USNA (8732) Website: http://www.NAANY.org BGO Area Coordinator: Gardner Jackson e: ghjackson86@gmail.com

Western New York Chapter Pres: Dan Sullivan ’95 p: 585-410-1941; e: daniel.sullivan@savox.com Vice Pres: Pete Owen ’86 p: 949-702-2733; e: pfowen0302@gmail.com Website: http://westernny.usnachapters.net/ BGO Area Coordinator: Doug Peters ’73 e: douglastpeters@gmail.com

We welcome alumni to join at any time. Our next chapter meeting will be our appointee recognition dinner on Friday 20 May. All alumni and friends of the Naval Academy will be welcome. Please contact us as indicated below for details.

Pres: Dan Sullivan ’95—(585) 410-1941; e: daniel.sullivan@savox.com VP: Pete Owen ’86—(949) 701-2733; e: pfowen0302@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: Doug Peters ’73; e: douglastpeters@gmail.com Web page: http://westernny.usnachapters.net/ Beat Army!

Pete

North Carolina BGO Area Coordinator: Col. Kevin Hart ’75 (Ret.) p: 847-910-4502; e: kevinphart1@gmail.com

Cape Fear Chapter Pres: Ray Decker ’72 p: 703-939-0202; e: dax24@icloud.com Vice Pres: Paul Normand ’74 e: paulnormand@mac.com Sec’y/Treas: Steve Yandle ’75 e: sryusna75@gmail.com

As you read this column, the azaleas have peaked and left the scene in SE North Carolina with summer just ahead. Fittingly, the Cape Fear Chapter is in full swing with its 2022 calendar. Following a well-attended January lunch, the Chapter’s annual business meeting was held on 08 February with updates on key activities. After creating a solid bedrock for the Chapter’s Summer STEM initiative, Newt Morgan ’69 and Jerry Cameron ’72 passed the leadership baton to Bill Caiazza ’66 and John Casey ’78. Bravo Zulu Newt and Jerry!

On the evening of 12 March, the Chapter held its 3rd Dark Ages Dinner or DAD at the Cape Fear Country Club. With members and spouses in evening attire, all enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres while mingling in the bar area before the dinner hour. After feasting on petit tenderloin filet with veal jus and seared chicken breasts in a sauteed mushroom and creamed leek sauce, the Cape Fear crew received their portion of the butter cream iced layer cake created for the event. As everyone settled into the evening, a spirited round of “professional naval questions” was reminiscent of our time as plebes. Clearly, some grads need to dust off their Reef Points! Finally, several bottles of vintage wine were raffled off to lucky shipmates. In attendance for this evening of camaraderie, fellowship, and good cheer were: Deborah and Martin Brittingham ’76, Jane and Michael Brown ’70, Val and Aaron Bullard ’00, Deanne and Bill Caiazza ’66, Muffy Boylan and Ray Decker ’72, Sharon and Gregg Hamelin ’72, Barb and Mark Hubbard ’76, Victoria and Hugh McWilliams ’72, Gail and Paul Normand ’74, Dave Scheu ’67, Misty and Jim Slaight ’93, Douglass and Alan Smith ’64, Jenna and Blaine Tonking ’11, Julie and Tom Wolfe ’72, and Peggy and Steve Yandle ’75.

The first “Bring Your Company Mug” (BYCM) social was held at the Edward Teach Brewery in Wilmington on 12 April. Tom Wolfe ’72 did an outstanding job coordinating this event with half price pints. More details in next Shipmate.

The 2nd Annual Summer Cruise informal social is planned for 14 June at the CFCC. We hope to have another great turnout. Full steam ahead!

The Chapter’s 2022 Calendar of Events is posted on our website: capefearnc. usnachapters.net.

All local graduates, Blue & Gold Officers, and parents of midshipmen or graduates are JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 121

CHAPTER NEWS were present. President, Rob Skrotsky ’67, began the meeting with a moment of silence and prayer for those service personnel who are deployed and for their loved ones awaiting their safe return. He also remembered members of the chapter who have died as well as the citizens of Ukraine.

Mr. Skrotsky welcomed new and returning members. He also welcomed the guest speaker, the Mayor of New Bern, Dana E. Outlaw. He noted that the next chapter meeting will be at Camp Lejeune on 28 April followed by the meeting in New Bern on 26 May. He mentioned that the annual Founders Day celebration will be on 16 September at the New Bern Country Club. He noted that in early May, there is a meeting in Annapolis of the Chapter Officers. He plans to attend.

Mr. Skrotsky introduced the Mayor of New Bern, Mr. Dana E. Outlaw. Mr. Outlaw provided significant insight on development and potential for expansion of New Bern, particularly with the movement of people in and out of the area. His personal experience as a long time resident and as an appraiser of properties has given him a wide perspective of the future of the area. He fielded several questions from the group.

The meeting adjourned at 1330.

Submitted, Tim Marvin, ‘59 Secretary

Cape Fear Chapter: Dark Ages Dinner

Cape Fear Chapter: Dark Ages Dinner

invited to join the Chapter and participate in our activities. Most lunch meetings are held 1145 at the Cape Fear Country Club on the second Tuesday of the month except when a social or other special event occurs.

All members planning to attend should contact Steve Yandle ’75 (sryusna75@gmail.com) at least 3 days before the meeting so we can coordinate meal count and service support with the Club. Cost is $20 cash at lunch. Go Navy!

Charlotte Chapter Pres: Christopher (Nix) M. Nickels ’91 e: CHRISNIX@AOL.COM Email: UsnaaaCharlotte@gmail.com Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/usna-alumniassociation-charlotte-251965968210794/ Website: Charlotte.usnachapters.net

for Dad, etc.) and FREE Beer Samples for our Dads. If interested to learn more and signup, search fathersday5kcharlotte in your web browser!

Check out MyUSNA.com! Our alumni community’s new Hivebrite engagement and communication platform provides a secure and private online forum to connect with classmates, chapters, Shared Interest Groups, and parent clubs. It will provide on one site Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation real-time news and information about upcoming events.

Eastern North Carolina Chapter Pres: Rob Skrotsky ’67 P.O. Box 847, New Bern, NC 28563 h: 252-514-0299; e: robert.skrotsky@1967.usna.com

LinkedIn Group: http://linkedin.com/groups/8344487

Vice Pres: Rick Kunkel ’67 p: 910-347-6251; e: rkunkel@ec.rr.com

Chapter Events Recap: 4/20 HH at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery! The chapter held another successful event. Great time had by those able to attend!

Upcoming Chapter Event: 19 June 2022, Father’s Day 5K. Registration currently open and increases in price as it gets closer race day. It’s an event for the whole family, and there will be great activities for the kids (face painting, bouncy house, make a card or sign

Sec’y: Tim Marvin ’59 P.O. Box 731, Kure Beach, NC 28449-0731 e: tmarvin738@charter.net

122 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

Treas: Randy Bogle ’68 4308 Periwinkle Pl., New Bern, NC 28562 p: 252-631-3109; e: rbogle1968@gmail.com Website: http://easternnc.usnachapters.com

The meeting convened at 1200 on 24 March at Michael’s Pub and Patio in New Bern.

Twenty-three (23) members and their guests

North Carolina Triangle Chapter Pres: CAPT Steve Gillespie ’87, USN (Ret.) e: smgillespie44@gmail.com Sec’y: Chris Perrien ’74 e: ibmchris@mac.com National Chapter Trustee; CDR George Lipscomb ’87, USN (Ret.) Website: www.usnatriangle.com

Piedmont Triad Chapter Pres: Tom Cornejo ’00 e: thomas.cornejo@yahoo.com Sec’y: Josh Fogle ’03 e: foglejw@gmail.com

North Dakota Upper Midwest Chapter See Minnesota Send Shipmate input to: Nathan CW Smith ’98 e: nathancwsmith@outlook.com Blue & Gold Area Coordinator: Mary Plumb e: Mary.plumb@yahoo.com

CHAPTER NEWS

Ohio Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Chapter Pres: Earle Babcock ’74 p: 513-520-7776 e: earle.babcock@1974@usna.com Vice Pres: Gaby Blocher ’98 p: 513-316-5903; e: Gabrielle.Bolton@gmail.com Vice Pres: Jennifer Yuchasz ‘98 e: jen.yuchasz@rhinestahl.com Chapter Sec’y and Shipmate Submissions: Jon-Michael Pollock ‘10 e: jonmichaelpollock@gmail.com

Alumni Association technical support people.

Eventually, usna.com will be retired and myUSNA will be the sole means of keeping alumni informed. If you wish to learn more about and register for myUSNA, go to https://www.usna.com/find-connect-myusna

Toledo Chapter Pres: CDR Meghan Michael ’97, USN (Ret.) e: meghanmichael@me.com BGO Area Coordinator: Mr. Arthur Wickerham e: artwickerham@gmail.com

Website: http://www.usnacinci.org BGO Area Coordinator: Bryan Grubert e: bryan.grubert@gmail.com

Oklahoma

Cleveland Chapter

BGO Area Coordinator: Jeff Stewart e:jeff.stewart@hpidc.com

Pres: CAPT Fred W. Bergman ’75, USNR (Ret.) p: 440-570-3564; e: FWayBergman@aol.com Sec’y: John Blackburn ’82 e: joblackburn@clevelandtrack.com BGO Area Coordinator: Doug Cabarle e: douglas.cabarle@bgo.usna.com

Oklahoma City Chapter Pres: Jonathan Mason ’07 e: jrmason03@gmail.com

Tulsa Chapter

Columbus

Pres: Rocky Goins ’84 e: rockygoins@hotmail.com

Pres: CDR Tony Konecny ’79, USN (Ret.) e: adkonecny79@gmail.com

Vice Pres: Patrick Hamilton ’87 e: patrickhami@gmail.com

Vice Pres: Ben Sandman ’10 e: bensandman2@gmail.com

Sec’y and Treas: Kasey (Cregge) Carradini ’84 e: kcarradini@hotmail.com

Sec’y: Dave Goins ’84 e: dgoins84@gmail.com

Website: http://tulsa.usnachapters.net/

Treas: Jim Waddell ‘71 e: jbwaddell@columbus.rr.com Shipmate Contact: CDR Tony Konecny ’79, USN (Ret.) e: adkonecny79@gmail.com Chapter email: USNAAACbus@gmail.com Website: https://columbus_usnachapter.net/ FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ 100549757152451/ Twitter: @USNAAACbus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ groups/12356597/ Instagram: USNAAACbus Parents’ Club President: Eric Forrest e: Ea4rest@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT D. Michael Crites ’70, USNR (Ret.) e: mcrites@dinsmore.com

Captain Mark McCulloch ’92 was relieved by Captain Darrell Canady as Professor of Naval Science at the Ohio State University NROTC Unit on 19 January 2022.

SAVE THE DATE: Navy will be playing University of Cincinnati on Saturday, 5 November 2022, in Cincinnati. The 1970s Squadron led

by Tom Gomia ’70 and Wayne Hallenbeck ’71 are spearheading the effort to procure tickets and arrange for a group event to watch the Midshipmen beat the Bearcats. More details will be provided as they are available.

The Columbus Chapter continues to roll out the new USNA Alumni Association communications and engagement platform myUSNA. Many of the bugs are still being worked out by the Chapter officers and the

of a 2010 grad, was co president of the Parents Club and spent over 4 years in Afghanistan as a contractor. He recently published a book on his experiences “One Brick at a Time, Winning the Hearts and Minds of the Afghan People”. Rich is pictured below. Present for the presentation were Mike Carmichael ’69, John Adams ’69, Scott Fitzpatrick ’80, Mark Cookey, 71, Doug Ballard ’74, Kevin Brink ’97, Tex Harkins ’67, Glen Weeks ’65, Ed Whitehurst ’60, Shirley Walton (spouse of Rich), Pete Kurzenhauser ’79, Frank Swientek ’66, John Frerichs ’50, Stacey Frerichs, daughter of John, Butch Bewick ’62. The talk was incredible, and the book is strongly recommended.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USNA-Alumni-TulsaChapter-2202431113307009/

The USNA Tulsa Chapter is pleased to announce that the Ernest Evans Award for the top Oklahoma University NROTC 1/C for Leadership will be awarded to Callahan Kelly. Midshipmen Kelly received a unanimous vote for this award by his classmate and NROTC staff. Being a Marine Corps Option, he will be presented with an engraved Marine Corps Mameluke Sword by our president emeritus, Harry Rouse (77) at the commissioning ceremony May 13. Members of the Tulsa Chapter underwrite the purchase of awarded Navy or Marine Corps sword every year.

Oregon Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter Pres: CDR John Adams ’69, USNR (Ret.) e: john.adams@1969.usna.com Vice Pres: CDR Mike Carmichael ’69, USNR (Ret.) e: mikec@1969.usna.com Treas: CDR Ted Scypinski ’90, USNR (Ret.) e: ted.scypinski@flir.com National Chapter Trustee: LtCol Doug Ballard ’74, USMCR (Ret.) e: Cassandra.alpha61@comcast.net BGO Area Coordinator: Capt. Jill Richards e: gillianac@comcast.net Website: oregon.usnachapters.net

Our luncheon featured our first in person speaker in over 2 years. We were honored to have Rich Walton speak to us. Rich is a father

We also continued our weekly Zoom Happy Hours. Participants in February included Mike Carmichael ’69, John Adams ‘69, Doug Ballard 74, John Frerichs ‘50, David Lutes ‘63, Janette Sandberg ‘96, Tim Myers ’64, Jack Kohl ’65, Mark Cooksey ’71, Ted Scypinski ’90, Shelly Liscom, president of the Parents Club.

Upcoming activities include an April luncheon featuring a presentation by Capt Don Walsh ’54 and is an American oceanographer, explorer and marine policy specialist. He and Jacques Piccard were aboard the bathyscaphe Trieste when it made a record maximum descent into the Challenger Deep on 23 January 1960, the deepest point of the world’s oceans.

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 123

CHAPTER NEWS

Pennsylvania

Recreational Vehicle

Philadelphia Chapter

American Chapter

Pres: Rob Bender ’73 p: 267-625-3459; e: rbender@travismanion.com

Pres: Jack Parry ’67 e: eeusna67@aol.com

Website: http://philadelphia.usnachapters.net

Sec’y: Scott Rodgers ’78

BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Tim Farrell ’76, USN (Ret.) e: tim.farrell@1976.usna.com

Treas: Dale Gange ‘70 14518 Black Bear Rd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418

Pittsburgh Chapter

Shipmate inputs to: ‘Nita Parry e: mauryplace@aol.com

Pres: Conor McKenzie ’06 e: cmckenzie@janney.com

Website: www.rv.usnachapters.net Facebook: USNA RV CHAPTER

Website: Pittsburgh.usnachapters.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/usnaaa pittsburgh/ BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT David Gates ’77, USN (Ret.) p: 724-632-6621; e: LJreese357@aol.com

Susquehanna Valley Chapter Pres: Del Becker ’85 p: 717-537-5732; e: delbecker@gmail.com Sec’y: Tim Farrell ’76 e: Tim Farrell@1976.usna.com Treas: Charlie Perkins ’71 e: CharlesPerkins71@gmail.com Website: http://www.usnasvc.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Matt Chabal ’77 e: chabal@1977.usna.com

Members of the Susquehanna Valley Chapter celebrated St. Patrick’s Day together at our monthly gathering at Mad Chef Craft Brewing in East Petersburg. We gather on the third Thursday of every month 1630-1900. Please join us and bring your family and friends with you.

Left to right: Tim Farrell ’76, Karen Erdman, Lee Erdman ’76 and Dave Lawrence ’76

Beat Army!

124 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

An open letter: As I step down as the chapter president on 1 June, a thank you is heartfully extended to all who have supported me and the USNA RV Chapter during my tenure.

To the three former chapter presidents, Jim Roberts ’59, Bill Bradshaw ’63 and Jay Williams ’67, thank you for being available each and every time I needed guidance and retrospection. You were invaluable to me and the chapter.

To the chapter members who stepped forward to serve on the board, thank you for your support and work on behalf of the chapter.

Together we accomplished a great deal in evolving the leadership of the chapter; the 50%+ growth of the chapter, and the continued involvement in the chapter’s engagement during the pandemic. We grew larger and stronger because of your combined commitment.

Thank you to the members who continued to be active and who volunteered to lead our Come Arounds; who volunteered to work during our gatherings; who attended our Come Arounds.

This is how and why we continue to thrive as a chapter.

To the spouses of our members, my thanks, joining with the thanks from all the members, as we say - you are the real backbone and workers in making the chapter the wonderful experience that it has been for 20+ years.

The board recognized your importance by modifying the CHAPTER BY-LAWS to include a seat at the table to represent all our spouses.

Without your work, our motto would not be “we don’t just do lunch.”

To our associate members, thank you for pitching in to enhance chapter gatherings. You are a welcome addition and a wonderful partner in helping us to excel.

I would be remiss if I did not recognize ‘Nita Parry who not only supported my leadership but volunteered in 2014 to be the chapter Shipmate correspondent for the past 8 years.

Much of the chapter growth certainly points to the presence which she maintained by providing Shipmate magazine with columns in every issue and the featured profile articles.

Now, before I cast off into the haze of being a past-president, a hearty welcome to our new members who joined in early 2022. Jim Salamon ’72; Sandra & Darren Anderson ’83 of Baltimore, MD; Lee Ann & Bill Kostrub ’86 of Murphreesboro, TN; John & Sofi Loomis ’99 of Annapolis, MD. Welcome to y’all.

To all who read this column, we depend on volunteers, not just to be board members, but to raise their hands to create Come-Around events and provide active assistance in planning and implementation of Come-Arounds.

We don’t just do lunch! Come, join our happy band and be active.

Jack Parry ’67 Chapter President, 2018-2022

Rhode Island BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Stuart Craig ’86, USN (Ret.) e: sbcraig@1986.usna.com

Rhode Island Chapter Pres: Mike O’Sullivan ’73 p: 401-742-7091; e: michael.osullivan1973@gmail.com Sec’y: COL Paul Muller ’88, USMC (Ret.) p: 401-248-3405; e: usmctanker@cox.net

South Carolina BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Ryan Blacklock ’04, USNR e: ryan.blacklock@2004.usna.com

Central Savannah River Area (Aiken, SC; Augusta, GA; and surrounding areas) Pres: LtCol Dave Smith ’73, USMC (Ret.) e: dsmith708@atlanticbb.net Sec'y: Bob Van Buren ’63 e: bobjanvb@aol.com Website: http://csra.usnachapters.com

On the evening of March 9, 2022, the chapter celebrated the traditional End of the Dark Ages with a dinner meeting at the Red Bowl Asian Bistro in Aiken, SC. (See photo on the next page) The following members were in attendance: Bob Van Buren ’63 and his wife Jan, Mac Hanna ’64, Jim Tisarranni ’64 and his wife Cynthia, Fred Dohse ’72 and his wife Dede, Dave Smith ’73, Greg Hoffman ’75 and Darrel Capo ’98 and his wife Melanie.

Following dinner, President Dave Smith gave a brief presentation of some chapter & USNAA “business items” and a tentative schedule of chapter activities for the rest of the year.

As always, before, during & after the meeting, there was a plentiful “supply” of warm social interaction as well as increasingly loud & outrageous sea stories.

CHAPTER NEWS

Tennessee Chattanooga Chapter Pres: Richard “Scott” Jones ’00 9935 Penneywood Ln., Ooltewah, TN 37363 p: 804-363-3589; e: rsjones23@hotmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard Cataldi ’69, USN (Ret.) p: 865-966-4677; e: cdrcataldi@tds.net

Knoxville-Oak Ridge Chapter Pres: Kristen Daniel ’02 e: kristenandwesley@gmail.com.

Sec’y-Treas: CAPT Mark Kohring ’73, USNR (Ret.) e: mark_kohring@mac.com Website: http://k-or.usnachapters.net/ Central Savannah River Chapter: Bob Van Buren, Jan Van Buren, Dede Dohse, Fred Dohse, Cynthia Tisaranni, Jim Tisaranni, Darrel Capo, Melanie Capo, Mac Hanna, Greg Hoffman & Dave Smith.

Charleston Chapter

Palmetto Chapter

Pres: CDR Rick Stein ’82, USNR (Ret.) 784 Preservation Pl., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 p: 843-856-6591; w: 843-557-7021 e: USNA_AA_Charleston@Comcast.net

Pres: Jerry Pilewski ’97 e:palmettousna@usna.com Sec’y: Suzanne Hopper e: hoppermomx6@gmail.com

Website: www.RickSteinOnline.com

Vice Pres: Mike Epprecht ’65 e: mike.epprecht65@gmail.com Treas: “Mac” Mclain ’69

On Monday 21 March, The Charleston Chapter held its monthly luncheon. Our speaker was Jim Westerhold; General Manager of Boone Hall Plantation. In attendance were: Max Hill ’51; Fuzzy Knight ’53; John Common ’64; John Nuernberger ’64; Ray Setser ’65; Bernie Magdelain ’65; Jim Welsch ’67; Chuck Meyer ’68; Greg Wood ’68; Mike Malone ’69; Al Olson ’72; David Oyster ’74; Bill Konrad ’75; Dave Shimp ’76; Dennis Simon ’77; Chris Cechak ’82; Rick Stein ’82; Jeff Gordon ’83; Greg Shore ’84; Andy McMarlin ’91; John Cooke ’97; and Josh Castaneda ’09.

On Friday, 1 April, The Charleston Chapter held a special event. Our speakers were Dean Castaldo (Regional Director of Development – USNA Foundation) and CAPT Bo Johns ’95 (Deputy Commandant for Professional Development). In attendance were: Max Hill ’51, Fuzzy Knight ’53, Jim Flatley ’56, Curt Holcomb ’61, John Nuernberger ’64, Mike Malone ’69, Charlie Young ’70, Steve Weise ’72, David Oyster ’74, Bill Konrad ’75, Dave Shimp ’76, Dennis Simon ’77, Rick Stein ’82, Owen Honors ’83, Seamus Flatley ’83, Greg Shore ’84, Pat Hunkler ’89, Wes Smith ’90, Emily Uhl ’02, Tom Uhl ’02 and Jake Biles ’06.

The Charleston Chapter meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 12 Noon in Mount Pleasant. No reservation required.

South Carolina Midlands Chapter Pres: Craig Augenstein ’87 4847 Furman Ave., Columbia, SC 29206 p: 803-309-3060; e: Craigaugenstein@gmail.com Sec’y: Chuck Tebrich ’66 e: chuckteb@gmail.com Website: www.usnasc.org

South Dakota Send Shipmate input to: Nathan CW Smith ’98 e: nathancwsmith@outlook.com BGO Area Coordinator: Sharon Holt ’00 p: 605-390-3430; e: holtsharonl@aol.com

Spain BGO Area Coordinator: Wes Trubeville e: bgoarea501coordinator@gmail.com

Rota Chapter Pres: Michael Carsley ’88 e: michael.carsley@eu.navy.mil Vice Pres: Ryan Eilerman ’15 Treas: Cassidy Masey ’06 e: cassidy.a.massey@gmail.com Sec’y: Dustin Cunningham ’06

BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard Cataldi ’69, USN (Ret.) p: 865-966-4677; e: cdrcataldi@tds.net

After a one-year hiatus due to COVID, the defending National Champion USNA Lightweight Crew team was in Oak Ridge the week of 12-18 March 2022 for their annual spring break training. The Knoxville-Oak Ridge (KOR) chapter hosted the firsties, coaches and Officer Rep for lunch on Wednesday, 16 March at Calhoun’s in Oak Ridge. Chapter president Kristen Daniel ’02 presented the 2022 Captain William J. Francy Award to MIDN 1/c Miles Knight ’22. The award is given to the midshipman selected by the coaches who exemplifies the drive, determination and perseverance to better himself and the USNA Lightweight Crew program. The K-OR chapter has sponsored this award since 2007. It is named in honor of the late Captain Bill Francy Class of 1946 who was an ardent supporter of Navy crew and himself an oarsman on the Severn. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 concerns, the crew team stayed in the Oak Ridge Hampton Inn this year rather than with host families; therefore, the BBQ picnic typically held on Thursday afternoon following the class race was cancelled. We understand that some of the 1/c and 2/c were able to meet with their hosts from 2019 and 2020. The firsties were the victors of the class race and are the recipients of the Cap’n Jack award named to honor the late Captain Jack Richard Class of 1952. Jack was instrumental in arranging the hosting of the lightweight crew team in the

Low Country Chapter Pres: Dave Igyarto '74 p: 770-419-0678; e: igyartodp@icloud.com Sec’y: Doug Ogden ’67 p: 843-838-0077; e: DouglassOgden@gmail.com Treas: John Scanlan '83 p: 843-342-2793; e: ping1@hargray.com Knoxville-Oak Ridge Chapter Alumni with the Navy Lightweight Crew Team firsties

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 125

CHAPTER NEWS late 1990s. Except for 2012 and 2021, this has been an annual event ever since and has become the “signature event” which helped the K-OR Chapter earn one of the USNA AA’s Distinguished Chapter Awards in 2020.

BGOs Lopez and Dixon (seated) answer questions from a prospective applicant.

President, Clif Colbert ’09 and luncheon speaker, CAPT Kate Ball ’02, USNR.

Chapter president Kristen Daniel ’02 presented the 2022 Captain William J. Francy Award to MIDN 1/c Miles Knight. Shown with Crew team Coach Shawn Bagnall.

Memphis Chapter Pres: Henry W. Papa Jr. ’86 p: 907-244-7492; e: hankpapa@aol.com BGO Area Coordinator: Drew Wyrick e: wyrick03@gmail.com

Nashville Chapter Pres: CDR John F. Ohlinger ’69, USN (Ret.) 880 Lakemont Dr., Nashville, TN 37220-2124 h: 615-370-1441; w: 615-594-7628 e: john.ohlinger@usna.1969.com BGO Area Coordinator: Thomas Forsythe ’79 e: tom_forsythe@kyzen.com

Texas Alamo Chapter Pres: CAPT Ron A. Sandoval ’81, USN 18010 Keystone Blf., San Antonio, TX 78258-3436

Admissions Regional Director Leigh McNeil addresses the Forum attendees at Edison H.S.

Dave Driskell ’63 Secretary, Alamo Chapter NAAA

Austin Chapter Pres: Brad Holbrook ’06 p: 410-718-8839; e: bradley.holbrook@gmail.com Treas: Kevin Windbigler ’86 p: 512-923-5010; e: hans2886@austin.rr.com Shipmate Contact: CDR Don McAlister ’63, USNR (Ret.) p: 512-365-7068; e: don.mcalister@austin.rr.com Website: Austin.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: Dave Driskell ’63 p: 210-275-4011; e: daved@frand.com

North Texas Chapter

Please send Shipmate Submissions and all correspondences to: Sec’y: Dave Driskell ’63 P.O. Box 461564, San Antonio, TX 78246-1564 e: info@alamogoats.org

Pres: Clif Colbert ’09 e: pres@usnaaa-ntx.com

Website: http://www.alamo.usnachapters.com

Website: www.usnaaa-ntx.com

Facebook: Alamo Chapter NAAA

BGO Area Coordinator: Tom Eschenbrenner p: 972 740 4060 ; e: eschenbrenner@gmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Dave Driskell ’63 p: 210-275-4011; e: daved@frand.com

The Alamo Chapter has still not returned to normal activities somewhat due to the lingering COVID issues and some difficulties finding venues and speakers. However the Admissions process and Admissions Forums continue to operate apace. Dean Latta and Leigh McNeil conducted an Academy Forum at Edison H.S. 2 April. About 50 people attended including applicants and parents. We actually had two candidates drive down form Oklahoma and one candidate drove up from the Rio Grande Valley area. Presenters included Leigh McNeil, Dean Latta and BGO for Edison H.S. Roman Sanchez. We were also assisted by BGOs Elizabeth Dixon from Seguin and BGO Frank Lopez from McAllen.

126 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

Sec’y: Frankie Delgado ’95 e: secy@usnaaa-ntx.com

CAPT Kate Ball 02 address the luncheon

With the arrival of this issue of Shipmate, we also want to welcome the incoming Class of 2026! We are excited to be hosting a Welcome Aboard on 11 June at the Frontiers of Flight Museum. Alumni, parents of Mids and Midshipmen on leave are encouraged to join us in receiving the newest North Texas members of the Brigade and their parents, into the USNA family. Come by, grab a bite, share some sea stories and remind these new Mids who had the “last real Plebe Summer’’. Please check out the website for details and to sign up for this and other great upcoming events!

We hope to see you there! Go Navy! Beat Army!

Texas Gulf Coast Chapter Pres: Bill Pritchett ’01 Vice Pres: Jordan Mack ‘08

On Saint Patrick’s Day, the North Texas Chapter celebrated Women’s History Month by hearing from one of our own. CAPT Kate Ball ’02, USNR, who serves as VP of Talent and Leadership Development at Highland Homes, honored us as our luncheon speaker for March. She provided her insights as a senior leader in the Navy Reserve. Kate shared the Navy Reserve Fighting Instructions, which is the ongoing transformation of the Navy Reserves to better align with the warfighting capabilities needed by the U.S. Navy. With the shift from the Global War on Terror and a return to focusing on near- peer threats, Kate’s words resounded with many of the Cold War veterans in attendance.

Sec’y: John Augusto ’02 e: m020234@2002.usna.com Treas: Rich Bulger ’69 e: rlbulger69@gmail.com Website: txgulfcoast.usnachapters.net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USNAAATxGC/ Email: txgulfcoast.usnachapters@gmail.com BGO Area Coodinator: Rick Mawdsley e: ramawdsley@gmail.com

Our BGO Appreciation Luncheon in May was well-attended by a variety of familiar faces and first-time attendees. We were privileged to host our new Area Coordinator, Commander Don Link, USN (Ret.), and so many of our local Blue & Gold Officers. They were able to introduce themselves and provide updates on USNA admissions.

CHAPTER NEWS We were also lucky enough to have our very own Mike Yeager ’76 share some updates from his role as a Trustee to the USNA Athletic and Scholarship Program. He provided some details on current and upcoming events at USNA that interested us all.

We’re always excited to celebrate some of chapter members’ recent achievements. Here is some Chapter Member News: - Anthony Spinler ’91, PMP, PE, formerly VP of Managed Pressure Drilling for Weatherford, has joined the Norwegian company Enhanced Drilling as VP Americas responsible for their growing operations in the Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, and Canada. The company provides unique managed pressure drilling technology and services to the offshore oil and gas industry.

- Ivor Kristiansen ’06, RICE, MBA ’15 promoted to Director, at Barclays Corporate & Investment Bank.

- Austin Whitehead ’16 took a new position with Trident Construction Group in Atlanta as an Assistant Project Manager.

- Stephen Plaisance ’81, PE is celebrating 30 years in engineering services, rotating & reciprocating equipment. He started with Bently Nevada in 1992, then GE Energy, GE Oil & Gas, and currently Baker Hughes. Stephen completed 30 years of commissioned service in the Navy, 11 years active and 19 years in the Navy Reserves, retiring in June 2011, as CAPTAIN, USN (Ret.). Stephen has also been volunteering as a USNA Blue and Gold Officer since 1996.

- Chris Black ’07, PE, ARM, and President of the USNA Alumni Association, Texas Gulf Coast Foundation promoted to Vice President, Unit Manager – Risk Control Consulting at Lockton Companies, the world’s largest independent insurance brokerage firm. He recently celebrated 8 years with Lockton.

- Bill Prom ’09 took a new position as the Development Director for NextOp, a nonprofit veteran service organization that supports mid-career enlisted (E3-E-7) with finding successful civilian careers. Additionally, his wife, Emily recently started as the Environmental, Health, and Safety Director for Molson Coors Beverage Company. The new position will bring them from The Woodlands, TX to Milwaukee, WI. - Allen Goins ’13 took a new position at PADT as an Account Manager. PADT is the Southwest’s leading provider of engineering services and products for simulation, product development, and 3-D printing. Allen is responsible for ANSYS software sales activities from lead generation through close in Texas.

UK Chapter: Alumni Cody Nissen ’11, ara Dale ’00, Chris Robinson ’98, Henry Aszklar ’81, and Chapter president Tim Fox ’97 made sure the visiting mids and their chaperones felt welcome. (Can you spot Tim’s son, Lev, a potential member of the Class of ’30?)

BZ to all!

Do you have other career changes, retirements, additions to the family, accomplishments, or anything else you want to share? Please let us know, because we’d love to celebrate all the great work our chapter members are doing in our community and around the world. Who knows, it may find its way into a future issue of Shipmate.

Remember, If you haven’t activated your myUSNA account yet, please do so soon. That is where we will be sharing the latest chapter news, event announcements, and more. All that is left of the old site is (very simple) instructions to activate myUSNA accounts.

So please join us there. We don’t want you to miss out on any of our upcoming events.

STAY CONNECTED Find a Chapter. usna.com/FindAChapter

UPDATE YOUR PROFILE Log into Online Community at usna.com to update your profile.

Go Navy! Beat Everybody!

United Kingdom BGO Area Coordinator: Wes Turbeville ’01 e: bgoarea501coordinator@gmail.com

United Kingdom Chapter Pres: Tim Fox ’97 e: timfox97@hotmail.com Vice Pres: Cody Nissen ’11 e: cnissen.mba2018@london.edu Sec’y: Lisa Aszklar (Wife, Henry ’81) e: lisa.aszklar@gmail.com Board of Directors: Tony Cox ’89 e: tony.cox@gboutdoorfires.co.uk Chris Robinson ’98 email: naples98@gmail.com

Greetings from London, home port of the UK Chapter of the USNA Alumni Association!

As this column is being written, five lucky mids are spending their spring break cycling around Scotland and memorizing soliloquies written by the Bard himself, William Shakespeare, on a long-delayed spring break LREC. As much fun as that would seem to be, the real fun occurred when the UK Chapter held a “meet and greet” for the group at the newest location of Passyunk Avenue, Navy’s home away from home in London and purveyor of the best cheesesteak subs this side of the Atlantic.

Alumni from London and Cambridge gathered to welcome the mids, their English prof, and the associate chair of the English Department for an evening that included true British spirit(s). Professor Jill Fitzgerald noted JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 127

CHAPTER NEWS during the gathering that the trip had been planned, then regrettably postponed, from its original date of Spring 2020, thanks to the pandemic.

L to R: Professor Jill Fitzgerald, MIDN 1/C Quiarra Barros, MIDN 1/C Davis Kennedy, MIDN 3/C Chris Stephenson, MIDN 1/C Samantha Haywood, MIDN 3/C Cat Rappa and CAPT (select) Erin Meehan ’99, Associate Chair of the English Department.

Central Virginia Chapter at the Metcalf Lecture - Charlottesville Aviation Lunch Club

Central Virginia Chapter

h: 757-312-8969; w: 757-328-0030

Pre: Bill Murray ’83 e: whmurray34@gmail.com

Website: www.usnahamptonroads.com

Vice Pres: Ty Schieber ’87 e: ty.schieber@gmail.com Sec’y: Ed Borger ’80 e: ed.borger@honeywell.com Treas: Steve Hill ’74 e: swhill74@cstone.net BGO Area Coordinator: Don Aldridge e: n774pk@gmail.com

(L to R) Chris Robinson ’98, Cody Nissen ’11 and Tara Dale ’00 in their best form!

Notwithstanding the fact that the group had just arrived in the UK and had a 5:45AM train out of King’s Cross the following morning, everyone was stoked and ready to tackle the Scottish Highlands.

It’s always great to have members of the Brigade visit us here in the UK, and we were particularly happy that these English majors had the chance to decompress and see a tiny bit of London before delving into their directed area of study.

Until next time … GO NAVY, BEAT ARMY!

Utah Intermountain Alumni Chapter Pres. Robert Allen ’67 e: ba@robertallen.org Vice Pres. Ryam Merrell ’00 e: ryanmerrell@yahoo.com Treas. Mike Hester ’69 e: mikehester46@gmail.com Sec'y Tabeetha Moesinger ’91 e: tabeetha@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: Darrin Briggs ’03 e: Darrin.Briggs@gmail.com

Virginia 128 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

Many thanks to Mark Metcalf ’76 for sharing his thoughts on the rising costs of China’s friendship with Russia, and his insights on the PRC, CCP and XiJP, vis-a-vis the ROC, at the Blue Ridge Cafe on 16 March, during the main event at the Charlottesville Aviation Lunch Club - after which, we could all agree that we better UNDERSTAND the Chinese position on its relationship with Taiwan, and we do not AGREE with it!

Opinions varied as to what extent the US and other nations in the region and around the world are willing to go to express their disagreement should the issue be forced - though it seems likely that the Ukrainian/EU/NATO response to Russia’s invasion has given the Chinese some disincentive to do that...

Navy and Marine participants are shown in the attached photo, L to R: Steve Trotta ’80, Bill Murray ’83, Mark Metcalf ’76, CB Morgan ’83, Walt Megonigal ’65, Dale Crothers ’82, Steve Brashear ’78, Alan Swinger ’66, George Jurand ’69, Scott Seeburger ’87, John Seeberger ’58, Alex Rucker ’65.

An excellent display of Service Solidarity!

GO NAVY! Bill Murray ’83

Hampton Roads Chapter Pres: Renee Reedy ’81 e: reedy81@usnahamptonroads.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USNAHamptonRoads BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR David Lannetti ’81, USN (Ret.) p: 757-423-8602; e: dlannetti81@gmail.com

In March and April, the Hampton Roads Chapter was excited to support several groups of visiting Midshipmen. On 13 March Men’s Tennis took on Old Dominion University and gave the Monarchs all they could handle before falling, 5-4. While Sunday morning at 1100 is not the ideal time to watch a tennis match, several of local alumni were on hand to cheer on the Mids. The Navy Women had their shot at nationally ranked ODU on 10 April, and the men came back again on 16 April to match up against Norfolk State.

L to R: Rob Martin ’10 w/son Christian, Uncle Joe Martin w/ nephew Joe, Michael Martin (Hrenko) ’09, Renee Reedy ’81, and Army-biting dog Ace at Navy-ODU Men’s Tennis Match

On 19 March the Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs performed magnificently at Norfolk’s

CHAPTER NEWS Christ & St. Luke’s Episcopal Church; and the evening ended with a spirited flourish as several dozen alumni joined the choir in singing Navy Blue & Gold!

Quantico Area Chapter March Breakfast Speaker Series Meeting.

L to R: Ken Marks ’71, Mid-Atlantic Trustee Juliana Vida ’94, MIDN Carolyn Prickett ’22, and Hampton Roads Chapter President Renee Reedy ’81 at USNA Men’s and Women’s Glee Club Performance.

Also on 19 March, several Chapter members enjoyed a luncheon with members of the Virginia Peninsula Chapter at the James River Country Club, where former Huntington Ingalls Industries President and CEO Mike Petters ’82 provided unique insights on the shipbuilding industry.

Professional hockey was on the activity menu on 2 April as Steve Nimitz ’76 helped coordinate a group outing to a Norfolk Admirals game at the Norfolk Scope Arena. And on 21 April, Events Chair Al Ponessa ’68 and President Renee Reedy ’81 organized a Happy Hour at a new venue for us, APEX Entertainment in Virginia Beach’s Town Center.

Our long-standing Networking Breakfast continued to feature interesting speakers. In March Michael Desplaines, the President and CEO of the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, talked to us about happenings at the Gardens this year, as well as some exciting future building and expansion projects. In April Captain Ian Scaliatine ’00 USN , Commanding Officer Maritime Skills Training Center, Atlantic discussed how his command carries out its mission to provide the skills and training required to correct and improve upon deficiencies cited in the recent Surface Force Comprehensive Review.

Under the guidance of Rob Hanckel ’78, the Business Development Group, an offshoot of the Networking Breakfast, stayed active with combined in person and virtual monthly meetings.

Things in Hampton Roads will not slow down this summer! Plans are underway for our sunrise Run to Honor event at the Virginia Beach oceanfront on 30 May, an evening of Minor League baseball at Norfolk’s Harbor Park in late June or early July, the annual Plebe Recognition Dinner on June 2nd at the Norfolk Sheraton Waterside, the Spring Golf Outing at the Sewells Point Golf Course on 16 June, and our annual

Summer Barbeque Bash/Picnic on 25 June.

To get all the latest news on future Chapter initiatives and events, as well as USNA news and updates, be sure to check out our website under the Hampton Roads group at myUSNA. com. And don’t forget our LinkedIn and Facebook pages!

Dick Enderly ’71

Quantico Area Chapter Pres: John Keenan ’81 theskinans@gmail.com Vice-President: Dan Morio ’91 dan@gonavytravel.com Treas: Ron Diefenbach ’00 QACUSNAAAtreasurer@yahoo.com Sec'y: Nancy Springer ’87 nancy.a.springer.nancy@aol.com BGO Area Coordinator: Jim Ripley ’74 e: james.m.ripley@gmail.com Website: http://quantico.usnachapters.net

Enjoying the new breakfast location at The Hampton Inn, fourteen Chapter Members attended the March edition of Quantico Area Chapter’s monthly breakfast speaker series.

This month, the Chapter hosted its own LtCol George Williams ’87, USMC (Ret), the Branch Head, Modular Weapon Systems Development and Integration (H21), Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Dahlgren Division (NSCDD), Dahlgren, VA. He presented a very informative brief about the various Naval Systems Commands, Dahlgren and surrounding commands in the area, and NSWC’s accomplishments and future plans. Significantly, LtCol Williams mentioned that NSWC is in the “threat business,” staying ahead of various adversaries, focused on warfighter needs. His talk also included information pertinent to job seekers, from military retirees who want a second career to middle managers to prospective interns. It seems like there are opportunities for everyone at Dahlgren!

March Guest Speaker LtCol George Williams ‘87, USMC (Ret.)

In keeping with the job seeking theme, the Chapter posts website advertisements for the Joint Service Academy Business Mixer DC, a monthly networking group that meets in the Washington, DC area and caters to all Academy graduates. Organized by Jess Posey ’83, these meetings provide an outstanding venue to connect with potential employers, employees, fellow Alumni Association members, and a host of others. Consult the Chapter webpage for mixer locations and other details.

By the time this edition goes to press, the Chapter will have conducted its 5th Annual Run To Honor Remembrance Run, dedicated to Captain Michael Ohler ’77, USMC, killed in action in Beirut on October 16, 1983. This year we will host a hybrid event, returning to the grounds of the National Museum of the Marine Corps for the first time in two years. Event proceeds will fund scholarships to USNA Summer Programs for deserving high school students.

QAC invites all area and visiting alumni to join our events. More information is located on the Chapter web page and Facebook page. Go Navy!

Richmond Chapter Pres: Michael Metzger ’89 e: michael.metzger@1989.usna.com Sec’y: Matt Laser ’97 e: lasermatthew@gmail.com Website: http://richmond.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR David Lannetti ’81, USN (Ret.) p: 757-423-8602; e: dlannetti81@gmail.com

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 129

CHAPTER NEWS

Andrea Howard ’15

Our upcoming 2022 events include continuation of our Speaker Series and we have fixed the date of 20 August for the Annual Picnic. Please check out the website for upcoming events if you would like to get involved.

Puget Sound Chapter: Andrea Howard ’15 Lindsey Ellison ’22 Faith Brooks ’23 on 2022/03/04

Shenandoah Valley Chapter

Puget Sound Chapter

Pres: David McLellan ’73 p: 540-722-2060; e: dcmclmd@earthlink.net

Pres: Linda Postenrieder ’82 e: usnaaa.psc@gmail.com

Sec’y: LCDR Grayson Redford ’63, USN (Ret.) p: 540-662-6142

Corr Sec’y: George Windsor ’75 e: gbwindsor@icloud.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Jim Ripley ’74 e: james.m.ripley@gmail.com

Website: http://pugetsound.usnachapters.net

Virginia Peninsula Chapter (formerly the Williamsburg Chapter) Pres: Ben Francisco ’73 p: 757-784-0786; e: roger.benton.francisco@gmail.com Vice Pres: Kathleen Jabs ’88 e: kjabs@aol.com BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR David Lannetti ’81, USN (Ret.) p: 757-423-8602; e: dlannetti81@gmail.com Website: vapeninsula.usnachapters.net

Washington BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Michelle Vrbas e: mjvrbas@gmail.com

Hanford/Tri-Cities Chapter Pres: CAPT Edward Schwier ’69, USN (Ret.) 1196 Brentwood Ave., Richland, WA 99352-8540 h: 509-627-7288; w: 509-372-0176 e: Edward_G_Ed_Schwier@rl.gov; eschwier@charter.net; egschwier@aol.com Website: http://hanford.usnachapters.com

On 4 March 2022 our Speaker Series continued with: USNA Women’s History and Future. The speakers included Lt Andrea Howard ’15 (one of the first 100 women to serve on US submarines - and former PSC Trustee), MIDN 1/C Lindsey Ellison ’22 (current Brigade Commander) and MIDN 2/C Faith Brooks ’23 (Asst Squad Leader/Sexual Harassment and Prevention Education (SHAPE) Peer educator). Key topics included: — Discussion of Role Models/Mentors, where they can be found and how they can help.

— How International experience can shape a career.

— Women in Combat — Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention

Send to: chapternews@usna.com

2022 ISSUE: May ’22 June ’22 July-Aug ’22 September ’22 October ’22 Nov-Dec ’22

DUE DATE: Feb 24, 2022 Mar 31, 2022 Jun 1, 2022 Jun 30, 2022 Jul 28, 2022 Sep 29, 2022

130 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

Greater Washington Chapter Pres: Luis Martinez ’01 e: president@usnagwc.org Vice Pres: Anthony Calandra ’88 e: vicepresident@usnagwc.org Sec’y: Crysta Gonzalez ’18 e: secretary@usnagwc.org Treas: Jennifer Shaar ’92 e: treasurer@usnagwc.org Outreach and Engagement: Heidi Lenzini ’95 e: outreach@usnagwc.org Diversity and Inclusion: Alberto Ramos ’10 e: diversity@usnagwc.org Trustee: Fred Latrash ’87 e: trustee@usnagwc.org Website: www.usnagwc.org BGO Area Coordinator: Pat Seals e: pseals@ymail.com

Wisconsin BGO Area Coordinator: James Coulson e: navyair@sbcglobal.net

2022 NAVY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Follow Navy Football at: navysports.com

CHAPTER SECRETARY COLUMN DEADLINES

Washington, DC Area

3 SEPT vs Univ. of Delaware 10 SEPTvs Memphis 24 SEPT@ East Carolina (Greenville, NC) 1 OCT @ Air Force (USAF Academy ,CO) 8 OCT vs Tulsa 14 OCT @ SMU (Dallas, TX) 22 OCT vs Houston 29 OCT vs Temple 5 NOV @ Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH) 12 NOV — Notre Dame (Baltimore, MD) 19 NOV @ UCF (Orlando, FL) 3 DEC — AAC Championship TBA 10 DEC vs Army (Philadelphia, PA) 1-800-US4-NAVY

Wisconsin Chapter Pres: Timothy Mahoney ’10 e: mahoney@2010.usna.com At Large: Chris Adams ’75 p: 414-553-0982 Website: http://wisconsin.usnachapters.net/ WISNAPA Co Presidents: Andy and Laura Kittleson e: kittleson5@yahoo.com Website: http://wisconsin.usnaparents.net/ BGO Coordinator: CAPT James Coulson ’77, USN (Ret.) e: Navyair@sbcglobal.net

SHARED INTEREST GROUPS NAMA Pres: RADM Julius S. Caesar ’77, USN (Ret.) e: executive-director@usnama.com Vice Pres: LCDR Valerie Mansfield ’92, USN (Ret.) e: deputy-director@usnama.com CoS: CDR Calvin Bumphus ’97, USN (Ret.) e: chief-of-staff@usnama.com Treas: C.J. Willis ’75 e: treasurer@usnama.com BGO Coordinator: Nikki Betz ’05 e: bgo@usnama.com Shipmate Contact: LCDR Jessica Anderson ’08, USN e: communications@usnama.com Website: www.usnama.com

EVENTS Upcoming Events: Keep on the lookout for observance month events, career fairs plans to welcome the Class of 2026, and their families and membership events!

Join NAMA today and become part of a team!

Past Events: Our Women’s History Month speaker, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, New York’s 9th District, was empowering, energetic and insightful! Thank you for those that attended.

We are still dealing from the success of the 2022 United States Naval Academy Alumni Leadership Forum on Diversity and Inclusion!

We also officially recognized VADM D.C. Curtis ’76 (Ret.) and Ms. Janie Mines ’80 as distinguished graduates. NAMA also supported Ms. Mines’ luncheon with Women’s SIG and the Class of 1980. Lastly, we had the chance to interact with Midshipmen.

NAMA partnered with the Naval Academy Foundation to establish the Naval Academy Minority Affairs Fund (NAMAF). Your donations support: on-campus visits for students and Centers of Influence, scholarship funding for STEM and NASS, Gospel Choir travel and Midshipman activities.

Follow these steps to contribute today: 1. Visit usna.com/give or follow direction on the NAMA website 2. Select the dollar amount you would like to contribute.

3. In the “I would like my money to go to” box, select “Other”.

4. Type in “Naval Academy Minority Affairs Fund”.

5. Enter your donor information and click “Next” Direction are also on our website https:// www.usnama.com/donation-selection/ NAMA has also partnered with Amazon Smiles. Learn more at smile.amazon.com, and https://org.amazon.com.

Run to Honor Pres: David G. Paddock ’77 p: 757-373-0977; e:president@runtohonor.com Website: www.runtohonor.com

RTH is excited to share a couple recent acts in honor of our fallen alumni. On 18-20 March, several alumni, family, and friends participated in the 50th Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend. Among those that participated were Dave Paddock ’77, Jan Kennedy (sister of John Kennedy ’79) and her family, Devan and Mayra, Alexa Hunter ’04, Kelly Brown ’95, Derrick Dudash ’98, Chris Gronbech ’90, Shannon Webb ’04 and Jeff Webb ’95. RTH’s highlighted honoree was, LT Michael McGreevy ’97, who was one of 16 troops killed in Operation Red Wing 28 June 2005.

Family of John Kennedy ’79; Mayra, Devan and Jan Kennedy (L), Dave Paddock ’77 (M), Shannon Webb ’04 (L), and Alexa Hunter ’04 (L) run to honor at 50th Shamrock Marathon Weekend in Virginia Beach, VA.

A week prior on 11 March, past USNA 16th Company Centurions ran to honor a fellow Centurion LTJG William McIlvaine ’10. Will was lost on March 11, 2013, when his EA-6B went down in Washington state alongside LCDR Alan Patterson ’00 and LT Valerie Cappelaere Delaney ’09. Susan Scheid ’16 aboard DDG109, Benjamin Murphy ’14 in Pensacola, Ashley Gillard Nichelle ’14 near Mobile, Marley Casssels ’10 in D.C., Danielle Steele Beier ’10 with NAOC Ops Team 1 members at McDill AFB, Will Culp ’13, Matt Wilder ’10, Brian Gureck ’13 and Alvaro Rentas ’14, all “gathered” from around the world to run, keep the memory of Will alive, and show support to his family and friends left behind.

Additionally, in honor of Memorial Day RTH coordinated events across the U.S. for family, friends, and supporters to connect virtually and in-person. Memorial runs were organized in about 10 locations across the U.S. by volunteer USNA Chapters and local leads.

RTH would like to give a special ’thank you’ for all that helped put events together continuing our mission to honor Naval Academy Alumni lost in combat or military operations in service to our Nation.

To Honor!

USNA Women Pres: RADM Alma Grocki ’81, USN (Ret.) p: 808-343-1523; e: alma.grocki@gmail.com Vice Pres: Col Maria Pallotta ’94, USMC p: 410-440-7552; e: pallotta@usna.edu Sec’y: Dr. Rhonda Scott ’97 p: 240-462-0707; e: rhondabscott@gmail.com Website: https://women.usnagroups.net

On 4 March 2022 the WSIG joined with the Puget Sound Chapter of USNA Alumni Association to start the celebration of Women’s History Month. Lt Andrea Howard ’15 moderated an inspiring interview of MIDN 1/C Lindsay Ellison ’22 (current Brigade Commander) and MIDN 2/C Faith Brooks ’23 (international studies abroad with the Portuguese Naval Academy first semester of this year). Both MIDN are leaders in the Sexual Harassment and Prevention Education (SHAPE) program and are leaders in the Brigade. It was extremely informative and reassuring that these young women are in leadership roles at USNA and in the fleet. You can replay the session by visiting the following link: https://www.youtube.com

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 131

SHARED INTEREST GROUPS

myUSNA Group Lead Onboarding

Women’s SIG: Top Left (1): Lt Andrea Howard ’15, MIDN 1/C Lindsay Ellison ’22 & MIDN 2/C Faith Brooks ’23 Top Right (2): Jenn Campbell ’96 and her son Clay with Linda “Postie” Postenrieder ’82 and Cathy Masar ’88 Bottom Left(3): Holding the Go Navy flag Cathy Masar ’88 and Linda “Postie” Postenrieder ’82 Bottom Middle(4): In the Tap Room Linda “Postie” Postenrieder ’82, Kristin Galbreaith ’82 and Cathy Masar ’88. Bottom Right(5): Group in Tap Room Linda “Postie” Postenrieder ’82, Cathy Masar ’88, Kristin Galbreaith ’82 and friends Barb Grimlund, Seth & Katherine Vargas.

/watch?v=7a5VsWVouCc Linda “Postie” Postenrieder ’82 shared pictures from a WSIG hike & lunch. “We hiked out to Ebey’s Landing Bluff, along the bluff and then down to the water. It was a wonderful Pacific North West day on Whidbey Island.

Lunch after at the Penn Cove Tap Room for beer tasting and lunch.”

Distinguished Chapter Packets Due Soon Start planning your Distinguished Chapter submittals which are due on 30 July 2022.

The scoring criteria can be found at www.usna.com/chapter-clubrecognition-award.

132 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

Alumni Chapters We are proud to report that there are 102 USNA chapters in our alumni network: 93 U.S.-based and nine international. If you are trying to connect with a local chapter, you can visit our interactive map.

In addition, you can find your area’s Blue and Gold Officer and USNA AA Parent Club on the same map.

Sporting a new look, Chapter Officer tools are located at www.usna.com/ home-chapters.

Thank you for leading your Chapters.

It is a great opportunity to bring together local Alumni, participate in social events, volunteer and network.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Sofi Loomis ’99 at sofi.loomis@usna.com.

Stay connected with your Classmates and the rest of our USNA Alumni Community.

50 Group Leaders have onboarded on myUSNA and are adopting our new Alumni connection management platform. From now until 31 December, 2022, all Group Leaders will have the ability to onboard their group members, since usna.com’s Group Volunteer tools are migrating to myUSNA. On myUSNA, you can manage membership, create events, post group news, send group emails and/or accept donations all within your Group platform. Please contact Sofi Loomis to find out your next step to onboarding and future Group Lead onboarding sessions.

Visit myUSNA and create an account at: myUSNA | To activate your account download the myUSNA app: For IOS myUSNAapp, download and click this link: https://apps.apple.com/ us/app/myusna/id1595060999 For Google Android myUSNA app, download link: https://play.google.com/ store/apps/ details?id=hivebrite. myusna.app

Become a Shared Interest Group Want to start a Shared Interest Group (SIG)? As a SIG, you will be a recognized USNA AA&F Group in our Alumni Community, be provided with no cost Volunteer management tools on myUSNA, have a place to post in Shipmate, and receive one on one Alumni Staff support.

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LAST CALL

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun —Laurence Binyon, 1914 and in the morning, we will remember them.”

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Estel Wilbur Hays ’53 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 16 March 2022

Donald Ledyard Wyckoff ’44 CDR, USNR (Ret.) 4 February 2022

Lester Millard Leaptrott Jr. ’53 19 March 2022 Milton Holbrook Tolman ’53 23 March 2022

Ronald Warren Hinrichs ’46 19 February 2021 Richard Joseph Beaubien ’47 11 March 2022

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John Alfred Brashear ’54 Maj Gen, USAF (Ret.) 9 April 2022 Donald James Meyer ’54 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 13 March 2022

Charles Frederick Rauch Jr. ’48 RADM, USN (Ret.) 19 December 2021

Francis Leonard Castillo ’55 21 April 2022

Robert Leo Faricy ’49 4 March 2022

Richard Burton Cunningham ’51 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 8 April 2022 Irwin Patch Jr. ’51 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 24 March 2022

Paul Valentine Strehlow ’52 13 March 2022

Lee Quincy McMillan ’56 CDR, USN (Ret.) 8 April 2022

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Robert Thomas Lutz Jr. ’57 LCDR, USNR (Ret.) 7 April 2022

Roger Lee Bennett ’60 30 March 2022

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Gid Bernard Smith ’60 LtCol, USMC (Ret.) 8 April 2022

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Richard Edward McKelvey ’58 5 April 2022

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Edmund Laurence Henault ’61 30 March 2022 Richard Andrew Storm ’61 10 May 2021 Robert Brian Van Metre ’61 CDR, USN (Ret.) 19 March 2022 David Phillips Arnold ’62 CDR, USN (Ret.) 25 March 2022

Michael Edward Fitzgerald ’59 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 22 March 2022

Errol David Beard ’62 30 March 2022

Roy Walter Forsberg ’59 17 March 2022

William Charles Bond ’62 30 December 2021

Robert Lee Larson ’59 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 28 March 2022

Ryan Scott Jordan ’62 4 February 2018

James Russel Lowe ’59 LCDR, USN 18 April 2022

Charles Roy Kane ’62 6 18 March 2022 Edward Craig Gerhard ’64 4 April 2022 Douglas James Herrmann ’64 Capt, USMC (Ret.) 3 April 2022

Allen Polk Hemphill Jr. ’57 CDR, USN (Ret.) 24 January 2022

Richard Eduard Denfeld ’52 Col, USAF (Ret.) 14 April 2022

Francis Harold Miller ’52 LtCol, USAF (Ret.) 18 February 2022

John Joseph Martinko ’56 18 April 2022

Arthur Henry Ahrens Jr. ’57 Maj, USAF (Ret.) 30 November 2020

Rudolph Walter Pierce ’51 22 March 2022

Lawrence William Iannotti ’52 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 24 March 2022

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Robert Richard Wright ’59 24 March 2022

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James Thomas Taylor Jr. ’58 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 14 April 2022

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Jack Peter Janetatos ’56 29 March 2022

Harold Roger Buehler ’50 Lt Col, USAF (Ret.) 10 April 2022

Thomas Joseph Barry ’58 CDR, USN (Ret.) 3 March 2022

James Dorset Hocker ’58 Maj, USAF (Ret.) 26 February 2022

Douglas McRae Egan ’56 21 February 2022 Ross Riepert Hatch ’56 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 8 March 2022

Robert Frederick Wiesenauer ’57 Col, USAF (Ret.) 8 April 2022

Theodore Francis Driggers ’58 26 February 2022

Albert Edward Conord ’48 LCDR, USNR (Ret.) 13 April 2022

Jack Lee English ’49 14 March 2022

Adolph Edward Peters ’59 18 April 2022

Michael Joseph Trimpert ’57 Col, USAF (Ret.) 27 March 2022

Myron Michael Alpert ’40 CDR, USN (Ret.) 13 October 2021

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David Jere Rosser ’57 14 March 2022 Alan Robert Thoeny ’57 Maj, USAF (Ret.) 1 April 2022

6 6 Obituary appears in this issue

This list consists of alumni deaths we have learned of since our last issue.

Full obituaries will appear in Last Call if/when families send them in.

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 133

LAST CALL Michael Joseph Schneider Jr. ’64 2 April 2022 Richard William Krom ’65 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 11 February 2022

Scott Allen Wood ’68 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 18 March 2022

Alfred Dennis Alleman ’66 16 March 2022 Dennis Brian Costello ’67 2 April 2022 Leroy Allen Farr ’67 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 8 April 2022

John Rodger Sinclair ’68 CAPT, USNR (Ret.) 2 April 2022

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James Walter Martin ’69 LT, USN 20 March 2022 Newton Henry Morgan Jr. ’69 CDR, USN (Ret.) 16 April 2022

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Robert George Morehead ’67 CAPT, USNR (Ret.) 22 March 2022

Timothy Martin Reichert ’70 CDR, USN (Ret.) 22 March 2022

RICHARD JOSEPH BEAUBIEN ’47 Richard J. Beaubien died of old age at Dana Point, CA, on 11 March 2022. He was 99 years old.

A native of Sioux City, IA, “Dick” graduated from Central High School in 1940 and attended Iowa State University for two years prior to receiving his congressional appointment to the Naval Academy from Iowa. He was on the Plebe tennis team, then got involved with sailing and was active in that sport until graduation. He was Ninth Company Commander and Brigade Adjutant in the final set of stripers, graduating With Distinction with the class in June 1946.

Upon graduation, he served in the heavy cruiser COLUMBUS (CA-74) until resigning prior to the Korean War. He was recalled in 1950 to HELENA (CA-75) for service in that war. He was Fifth Division officer, CIC watch officer and OOD underway as HELENA operated with Carrier Task Force 77 and made regular detachments for shore bombardments along the Korean Coast. When the ship returned from Korea in 1952, he resigned from active duty and began his career as a sales engineer with Honeywell, Inc., where he was to spend his entire civilian working life. He served as a sales engineer in Los Angeles; branch sales manager in San Francisco; branch manager in Los Angeles; regional manager, and finally, as director of the Western Region.

He held membership in numerous professional, business and technical societies, as well as church and homeowners’ activities. He and his wife, Anne, were active boat owners and sailors out of Dana Point, CA, for many years.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 72 years, the former Anne Louise Miller of Ames, IA. They are survived by daughters, Mary Kelsey of Long Beach, CA, and Barbara Ladner of Castro Valley, CA; son, Richard K. Beaubien of Santa Fe, NM; four granddaughters; and four great-grandchildren.

Services were conducted and his ashes were interred at sea on 2 April 2022.

The Beaubien Family S

134 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

Harley Leroy Rhodes ’70 LCDR, USCGR 11 March 2022

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James Edward Colli ’74 14 March 2022 Zal Beale Harrison ’76 26 January 2022

Samuel Ryan Swah ’70 CAPT, USNR (Ret.) 17 March 2022

Joseph Michael Wilson ’82 8 March 2022

Theodore Florenz Balk ’71 14 April 2022

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James Lester Money ’87 19 October 2020

Gary Edward Smith ’72 16 April 2022

Daniel Gustaf Shaffer ’87 23 February 2018

Charles Scott Vogan Jr. ’72 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 20 March 2022

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Aaron Paul Fowler ’18 LTJG, USN 17 April 2022

Gregory Neal Little ’73 8 February 2022

STUART GRANT MURRAY ’47 Lieutenant Commander Stuart G. Murray, USN (Ret.), 99, passed away in Hudson, OH, on 17 January 2022.

Murray was born on 12 May 1922 in Los Angeles, CA, to Admiral Stuart Shadrick Murray ’19, USN (Ret.), and Madeleine Young Murray and grew up around the world as a Navy junior. He joined the Naval Reserves at age 17 and completed flight training before turning 20. At USNA, Murray was the Brigade heavyweight boxing champion and earned an Electrical Engineering degree.

After graduation with the Class of 1947, he circled the globe on a destroyer, then entered Submarine School in New London, CT, in 1948.

Following duty aboard BECUNA, he pursued a master’s degree. His final thesis was entitled, “Investigation of the Output of Clippers to Gaussian Inputs;” 60 pages of a formula he could still discuss in detail 70 years later.

While his father was CO of the base at Pearl Harbor, he met the girl next door, Sarah Elizabeth Bauernschmidt, daughter of Rear Admiral George W. Bauernschmidt ’22. They fell in love and were married in Honolulu in 1953. They went on to have five sons together, continuing the nomadic Navy lifestyle they’d grown up in.

Stuart served in the U.S. Navy for 27 years and much of his career was focused on submarine warfare and unconventional detection of submarines.

He was engineer and navigator on JALLAO; executive officer of BANG; and in 1958, was assigned to the Office of Naval Research (ONR), as project manager of the TRIESTE dive into the Marianas Trench. Unfortunately, at 6 feet 2 inches, 230 pounds, he did not make the historic dive in the cramped deep-sea submersible himself.

Upon his Navy retirement in 1966, he analyzed submarine warfare for private contractors, including Litton, CONRAC and General Electric.

After retiring from GE in 1986, he launched a radon testing company, then became a Master Tax Advisor for H&R Block. Following Sarah’s passing in 2005, he moved to Hudson to be near family.

LAST CALL He was a lifelong Republican and Rotarian, admired John Wayne, loved his country and when asked, always showed up. He loved playing bridge, buying lottery tickets and studying the menu at his retirement community. In addition to his extensive collection of aloha shirts, he also loved seafood, papaya, avocados, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and cookies.

Memorials may be directed to the Charles Richard Murray Memorial Scholarship Fund, Ledyard High School, 24 Gallup Hill Road, Ledyard, CT 06339. S

RUDOLPH WALTER PIERCE (PYSZ) ’51 Dr. Rudolph W. Pierce passed peacefully at his home in Attleboro, MA, on 22 March 2022, surrounded by the love of his wife, Sidney, and family. He was 93 years old.

Born in Warren, RI, Rudolph was one of seven children of Franciscek Pysz and Eva Soltys Pysz.

A graduate of LaSalle Academy (Providence, RI), Rudolph attended MIT (Cambridge, MA), and later graduated second in his class from the U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD). He also served three years during the Korean Conflict as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He subsequently earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, and later earned an additional degree from the Harvard School of Public Health.

Rudolph practiced Obstetrics and Gynecology with Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, MA, for 33 years. Throughout his tenure at Sturdy, he championed the introduction and adoption of a multitude of significant advances in medicine. He also served as chief of the OB/GYN Department and Chair of the Executive Committee. In 1996, he retired from his practice at the OB-GYN Group of Attleboro.

Rudolph was a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Medical Association, the Massachusetts Medical Society (through which he served the Bristol North District and was selected as Clinician of the Year, 2001), the American College of Surgeons, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Naval War College (Newport, RI).

Rudolph is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sidney Ann Pierce, and their three children (and their families), Gail Eleanor Pierce of Ashland, MA (and her daughter, Anastasia Pierce McTaggart), Robert Edward Pierce of Hopkinton, MA (and his wife, Carol Mervis) and Peter Andrew Pierce of Waltham, MA. He is also survived by his brother, Felix Pierce of Virginia (Sally, deceased), and many nieces and nephews throughout the United States.

Rudolph fondly remembered his siblings (and their spouses) who predeceased him, Edward Pysz (and his wife, Beverly), Francis C. Pierce (and his wife, Lynette), Albina Jablecki (and her husband, Kasmir), Barbara West (and her husband, Richard) and Virginia Jovin (and her husband, Barney).

The family will host a private burial, and requests that donations be sent to: The Sturdy Memorial Foundation, 211 Park Street, P.O. Box 2963, Attleboro, MA 02703, (www.sturdymemorial.org/ways-to-give); or the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02884, (www.jimmyfund.org). S

DO YOU HAVE YOUR DD-214? http://www.usna.com/DD-214

LAWRENCE WILLIAM IANNOTTI ’52 Lieutenant Commander Lawrence W. Iannotti, USNR (Ret.), of Branford, CT, died peacefully on 24 March 2022. He was 92 years old.

“Larry” was born in New Haven, CT, on 25 August 1929 to Grace Darling Iannotti and Anthony Thomas Iannotti, and grew up on Wooster Square. He attended St. Mary Academy, graduating in 1947. During his childhood, he became the first Eagle Scout from Troop 12.

He completed his freshman year at Yale University and was appointed to the Naval Academy by Senator Brien McMahon.

He graduated in 1952 and served on CHILTON for six months in the Mediterranean. In 1953, he attended CIC school in Glenview IL. He was then assigned to EDMONDS, based in Pearl Harbor, HI. He attended Submarine School in New London, CT, and was assigned to TENCH. While serving in New London, he met Lucie Hoblitzelle and they were married in 1958. That same year, he resigned from active service and joined the Naval Reserve. He attended George Washington Law School, then transferred to Yale Law School, where he earned his LLB. He went on to clerk for federal judge, Robert P. Anderson (1961-1962).

He then joined the firm of Tyler, Cooper, Grant, Bowerman & Keefe. For 24 years, he primarily practiced civil litigation. He was most proud of his involvement in the New Haven Black Panther trials of 1972, where he defended Warren Kimbro, who chose to plead guilty. In 1987, he returned to Yale Law School and earned his LLM in 1988. He then taught law at Washington University in St. Louis, MO (1988-1990) and Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, AL (1990-1997).

After retiring, he volunteered as a parajudicial officer for the Hon. Peter C. Dorsey in the Federal District Court.

He loved sailing, photography and travelling the world with his family.

He also enjoyed playing his saxophone and clarinet, and playing tennis and squash.

Larry is survived by his wife, Lucie H. Iannotti; and their four children, Anthony W. Iannotti, Lucy Iannotti (David Prentiss), Grace Iannotti (Anne Guenther) and Lawrence Iannotti (John Weis); and grandchildren, Lucie Rose Krawczyk, Nicholas Joseph Prentiss, Julia Mae Krawczyk, Maria Alejandra Guenther-Iannotti and Angel Gabriel Guenther-Iannotti.

He is also survived by his younger sister, Grace Walker, and sister-in-law, Nancy Iannotti. He was predeceased by his brother, Anthony T. Iannotti, and daughter-in-law, Tiina Aleman Iannotti.

He will be greatly missed by family and friends, all of whom he cherished. S

ESTEL WILBUR HAYS ’53 Captain “Will” Hays, USN (Ret.) passed away on 16 March 2022.

Will was born on 25 March 1932 to Bert and Mildred Hays in Giltner, NE (think small town farming life). After 17 years of working side by side with his father on the farm, Will was appointed to the Naval Academy after his high school graduation.

He graduated with the Class of 1953 and married his sweetheart, Norma, in 1954. They were married for more than 63 years, and she and Will had an exciting, fulfilling life together, during which they raised three children, while moving often to new duty stations.

Will started his Navy career with a deployment to the seas around Korea as the war was winding down. He had several tours in Vietnam, JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 135

LAST CALL earned two postgraduate degrees and taught at Norfolk’s Joint Staff College. He also served ground tours/commands in Washington, DC, Port Hueneme, Point Loma and Coronado, CA. What floated Dad’s boat, why his “boats,” of course…MENIFEE (APA-202) as decommissioning officer; RAYMOND (DE-341) as senior watch officer; TOPEKA (CLG-8) as missile officer; HOEL (DDG-13) as weapons officer; COONTZ (DLG-9) as executive officer; and as commanding officer of WILHOITE (DER-397), KNOX (DE-1052/FF-1052) and WORDEN (CG-18).

His awards include the Bronze Star.

Will retired from the Navy in 1983 and went on to a career as a financial advisor while living in San Diego, CA. He kept very busy with volunteer activities, primarily around veteran advocacy and recognition, including the board of directors of the San Diego Veterans Museum and Memorial Center.

He was an avid art and coin collector and was active in the Masonic community. He was well-traveled, fun and funny and will be missed dearly!

Will was a loving father and husband. Predeceased by his beloved Norma in 2017, Will is survived by their children, Jennifer, Richard and Sandra; grandchildren, Summer, Ryan and Will; as well as his siblings, Wayne and Sheila.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Honor Flight San Diego, P.O. Box 181309, Coronado, CA 92178 or (www.HonorFlight SanDiego.org). Please include “in memory of Captain Hays” on checks and online.

A Celebration of Life took place on 23 April 2022 aboard MIDWAY, followed by interment at Miramar National Cemetery on 25 April.

The Hays Family S

JOHN ALFRED BRASHEAR ’54 Major General John A. Brashear, USAF (Ret.), passed away peacefully in Roswell, GA, on 9 April 2022.

John was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on 5 June 1930 to Marie A. and William C. Brashear.

He was a graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School in Pittsburgh, the United States Naval Academy with the Class of 1954 and held a Master of Science degree from The George Washington University.

Commissioned in the Air Force in 1954, he earned his Wings at Webb AFB, TX, in 1955. Following pilot training, he served with the Strategic Air Command flying air refueling aircraft. In 1961, he participated in the conversion of the KC-135 to a reconnaissance platform. He subsequently served on the faculty at the Air University, Maxwell AFB, AL, and the Air Staff at the Pentagon. He later commanded the 90th Combat Support Group at Francis E. Warren AFB, WY; the 319th Bomb Wing, Grand Forks AFB, ND; the 93rd Bomb Wing, Castle AFB, CA; the 14th Air Division, Beale AFB, CA; and was vice commander of 15th Air Force, at March AFB, CA. His final two assignments were as Director of Operations and Chief of Staff, Strategic Air Command. General Brashear was a veteran of Vietnam, where he flew 115 missions in the F-4E. His decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Air Medal with seven Oak Leaf Clusters.

John had resided in Roswell since 1986 and was a long-time member of Roswell Presbyterian Church and the Brookfield Country Club.

He was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Robert G. Witt of Oakmont, PA. General Brashear is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lois Bushong of Arlington, VA; their sons, Steven D. Brashear ’78 (and his wife, Katherine) of Earlysville, VA, and Bryan W. Brashear of Collierville, TN; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; his brother,

136 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

William C. Brashear (and his wife, Betty) of Dawsonville, GA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date preceding interment at Arlington National Cemetery.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at (www.roswellfuneralhome.com). S

ROSS RIEPERT HATCH ’56 Captain Ross R. Hatch, USN (Ret.), passed away at the Deerfield Retirement Community in Asheville, NC, on 8 March 2022. He was 87 years old.

Ross was born on 6 September 1934 in New York to Aylmer Roscoe Hatch and Ebba Riepert.

Captain Hatch proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy from 1952 until 1985. During that time, he served as weapons officer/navigator on ROOKS (DD-804); operations officer on GLACIER (AGB-4); weapons officer on JOSEPH STRAUSS (DDG-16); executive officer of WAINWRIGHT (CG-28); commanding officer of SEMMES (DDG-16); and commanding officer of BELKNAP (CG-26).

Ross received a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy, and received master’s degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School, the Armed Forces Staff College, The George Washington University and the Defense System College.

After retiring from the Navy, Ross worked at Johns Hopkins University as a program leader in the Applied Physics Laboratory until 1999.

Ross enjoyed Antarctic history, photography, travel and reading. He was a member of the Explorer’s Club, Glacier Society, Precision Strike Association (board of directors), National Museum of the American Indian and the National Maritime Historical Society. Over the course of his life, Ross traveled to all seven continents.

Ross was preceded in death by his sister, Jean Hatch Groover. He is survived by his loving spouse of 60 years, Phyllis Anne Hess Hatch; their two sons, Robert Ross Hatch of Baltimore, MD, and Michael Aylmer Hatch (Hilary) of Weaverville, NC; and three grandchildren, Isabella Hatch, Hannah Hatch and Freeman Hatch.

A service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. S

DONALD LEROY HUGDAHL ’56 Donald L. Hugdahl passed away on 4 December 2020.

“Don” entered the Naval Academy from his hometown of Minneapolis, MN, and joined the Class of 1956.

Following graduation, he became an all-weather interceptor fighter pilot in the Air Force. One of his lifetime highlights was going twice the speed of sound flying straight and level and climbing in excess of 60,000 feet while wearing a high-altitude pressure suit in a F106A. Don also survived a bailout from a crippled F102A—which he counted as one of his greatest aviation challenges.

Don earned a master’s degree in English from Washington State University, which led to a teaching assignment at the Air Force Academy, where he was honorably discharged in 1967, having achieved the rank of captain.

In addition to an esteemed military career, Don became a professor at Metropolitan State University in Denver, CO. However, he gravitated toward business and found his stride in insurance and financial services.

LAST CALL Don met a personal goal of visiting all 50 states and was a fan of studying Shakespeare. He spent his last years in the company of his beloved friend, Rita Compston.

He was a proud father of four children, Wendy Landin, Scott Hugdahl (Leslie Martens), Heidi Hugdahl Cillo (Patrick) and Derek Hugdahl; and four grandchildren, Mitchell, Matthew, Reese and Piper Hugdahl.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the United States Naval Academy (www.usna.com/give). S

JACK PETER JANETATOS ’56 Lieutenant Commander Jack P. Janetatos, USNR (Ret.), of Amherst, VA, died on 29 March 2022 of heart failure.

Jack was born in New York City on 16 November 1934, the son of Peter Janetatos, a Greek immigrant from the island of Cephalonia, and Estelle Grocki Janetatos Gill, the daughter of Polish immigrants. He grew up in Connecticut where, during World War II, he worked in the family’s Jewett City restaurant. The restaurant was frequented by sailors from the New London Submarine Base, which inspired him to become a submariner himself. After graduating from Plainfield High School in 1952, he received a congressional appointment to the Naval Academy and graduated with the Class of 1956. The next day, he married Mary Theresa Dougherty in a triple wedding ceremony which also joined his classmates, John Nelson and Douglas Osgood, to his wife’s sisters, Martha and Ann Louise.

He then spent five years at sea, first in POWER (DD-839) and then, after completing Submarine School, in THORNBACK (SS-418). He left active duty in 1961 and remained in the Naval Reserve until retiring in 1972.

He attended Georgetown Law School, where he served as an editor of the Law Review and received the degrees of Doctor of Jurisprudence (1964) and Master of Laws (1966). He was admitted to the bar in Virginia and the District of Columbia and began work as an associate attorney in the Washington, DC, office of the international law firm of Baker & McKenzie in 1964. He was elected to partnership in 1968 and remained with the firm until retiring in 1995.

He then moved to a farm that stretches along the banks of the Tye and Piney rivers in Amherst County in the Virginia Piedmont to grow grapes and breed show horses. He served for many years as the chairman of the board of the Marine Machinery Association, working with the manufacturers, shipbuilders and the Navy to maintain the quality of shipboard machinery. He retired again in 2015.

He enjoyed cruising the Atlantic and the Caribbean in his ocean-going sailboat, flying as a private pilot and competing as a pistol shooter.

He is survived by his wife, Anna Marie Moore, a classical archaeologist; three children by his first wife, John Peter Janetatos, Kathleen Mary Smith and Ann Louise Braun; a stepdaughter, Lydia Schoeck; and nine grandchildren.

He will be interred in a private ceremony on the family farm. S

JOHN ROBINSON MCCRAVY JR. ’56 John R. McCravy Jr. passed away on 8 December 2021.

Born in Easley, SC, on 7 December 1932, he was the eldest son of the Honorable John R. McCravy Sr. and Verna McCravy. He graduated from Easley High School in 1950 and was admitted to Clemson University, where he studied architecture and played his golden trumpet in the Clemson Tigers marching band. John entered the Naval Academy on a congressional appointment in 1952. At Annapolis, he was a member of the Physics Club, the Midshipman Concert Band and the Drum & Bugle Corps. He distinguished himself as a composer for the Drum & Bugle Corps, with which he proudly marched in the inaugural parade of President Dwight Eisenhower.

John graduated in June 1956 and was commissioned by Admiral Arleigh Burke ’23. He became a U.S. Navy pilot and was carrier qualified on ANTIETAM. He flew various aircraft at the outset of the Cold War, including the SNB seaplane and the Lockheed Super Constellation radar configured aircraft.

After his Navy service, John worked as an aerospace engineer, notably for NASA and Boeing at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL, during the 1960s. He participated in various projects in the Apollo Program, including the Saturn V booster rocket, the skirt between stages and the lunar rover.

In 1972, after re-dedicating his life to Christ, John relocated to Greenwood, SC, where he served as an instructor in robotics, manufacturing technology, drafting and engineering graphics.

He established the four-year bachelor’s degree in engineering technology that can be completed on the Piedmont Tech campus in Greenwood.

He also served as a professor in the Engineering Graphics program at Clemson for six years.

John’s many hobbies after retirement include drafting and design, fine woodworking, inventions and automobile mechanics. He was a member of Calvary Chapel of Greenwood and of the Masonic lodge for 67 years.

John is survived by his wife of 64 years, Margaret; their children, Rep. John R. McCravy III (Dana), Colonel Laura McCravy Hunter, USAF (Ret.) (Jon) and CW3 Kevin B. McCravy, USN (Patricia); seven grandchildren, John R. McCravy IV (Amy), Kelley McCravy Robertson (Dillon), Special Agent Brian Hunter (Susan), Susan Hunter Koski (Kevin), Kelsey McCravy Simms (Paul), Shelby P. McCravy and Phoebe McCravy; and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Chapel, 2024 Woodlawn Rd, Greenwood, SC 29649 (www.ccgreenwood.org); or the Humane Society of Greenwood, P.O. Box 49776, Greenwood, SC 29649 (www.gwdhumane society.org). S

LAST CALL GUIDELINES There is no cost and no timeline, however we have a have a maximum limit of 400 words. Submissions will be edited for style and a draft will be returned for family approval prior to publication - please be sure to include contact information.

Obituaries may be emailed to: obits@usna.com (preferred) or mailed to: Shipmate obituaries 247 King George St., Annapolis, MD 21402-5068 Questions regarding obituaries, contact: Timothy Elizabeth Woodbury; 410-295-4064 or obits@usna.com.

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 137

LAST CALL DAVID JOSEPH NOONAN ’56 David J. Noonan died on 2 September 2020, from heart failure as a complication of pneumonia, with his son, Bill, and daughter, Audrey, by his side for the duration of his illness.

Born in Boston, MA, the youngest child of Dr. and Mrs. William Andrew Noonan, “Dave” grew up in Cambridge, MA, and graduated from Cambridge Latin High School. It was with great pride that he became one of John F. Kennedy’s first merit appointees to the Naval Academy. Dave met his beloved wife, Marcia, in Rio de Janeiro during his Youngster Cruise and married her in Miami, FL, the day after Christmas 1959.

Upon graduation, he accepted his commission to the U.S. Air Force, earned a Master of Electrical Engineering degree from AFIT, was stationed in Korea and served in the Strategic Air Command at Offutt AFB. Shortly after becoming a father for the first time, Dave rejoined the Navy, serving on CANBERRA during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Later, when CANBERRA was attached to the Sixth Fleet, Marcia flew to Europe with their toddler son, purchased a VW Bug and followed the ship from port to port around the Mediterranean.

David resigned his commission in 1964 so that he could spend more time with his young family and went to work for the Control Data Corporation. He spent his entire career in software development and then IT management. Dave started out in industrial controls and the new field of laboratory automation, eventually making his way back to the maritime industry. David ended his career as the head of IT for a Norwegian parcel tanker company. At one point along the way, Bill Gates traveled to meet the gentleman who had an innovative way of using the Microsoft operating system and software.

Dave spent the last 21 years of his life doing all the things he loved best—being as involved as he possibly could with his beloved grandchildren, traveling the world with Marcia, having a solid debate whenever anyone was willing and giving advice and good counsel to family, friends, neighbors, friends of grandchildren and even his nurses.

David and Marcia celebrated 60 years of marriage together with their two children, children-in-law and three grandchildren the day after Christmas 2019.

We all miss him deeply and remember him daily. He still inspires us to help and support our families, friends and communities, as he did each day.

The Noonan Family S

RAYMOND JOHN SCHREINER ’56 Lieutenant Commander Ray J. Schreiner, USN (Ret.), passed away at Poet’s Walk in Warrenton, VA, on 26 January 2022 after a long illness.

He was 88 years old.

Ray was born in Batavia, NY, to John and Helen Schreiner on 27 May 1933. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1956 as a member of the 17th Company.

He served on active duty in Navy air for 20 years, reaching the rank of lieutenant commander. Following two sea duty tours in an air anti-submarine squadron, he became the S-2 aircraft engineering project officer at Naval Air Systems Command. He served as project manager for ASW systems for 11 years.

After retiring from his government position, he continued to do engineering consulting work for them.

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In his spare time, Ray enjoyed gardening and building bird houses.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Maureen; sons, Stephen of Alexandria, VA, and Michael (and his wife, Colleen) of Warrenton, VA; daughter, Kristin Schreiner (and her husband, Ron Rahna) of Alexandria, VA; sisters, Laurel Schreiner and Lenora Daly; and three grandchildren, Michael, Madeline and Alexander.

Ray was buried at Mt. Comfort Cemetery in Alexandra, VA. S

ROBERT THOMAS LUTZ JR. ’57 Lieutenant Commander Robert T. Lutz Jr., USNR (Ret.), 89, of Lady Lake, FL, passed away in Ocala, FL, on 7 April 2022, of complications from a stroke.

Born on 20 July 1932 in Santa Monica, CA, to Robert Thomas Lutz Sr. and Helen Cardman Lutz, “Bob” graduated from Loyola High School in Los Angeles, CA, in 1950. He attended the Naval Academy, graduating with the 12th Company in 1957.

After graduation, he attended the Naval Supply Corps School in Athens, GA, and reported to CHEMUNG (AO-30). In 1959, Bob was assigned to the staff, Commander Utility Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet at Brown Field in Chula Vista, CA. Bob competed on the U.S. Navy Rifle Team, and participated in the Pacific Fleet, All-Navy, Interservice and National Rifle Championships. In 1961, Bob earned the Distinguished Marksman badge, the 32nd officer and second Supply Corps officer to do so.

After briefly working at Lockheed in Burbank, CA, Bob entered law school at the University of San Diego in 1963. Although he didn’t finish law school, he did meet the dean’s secretary, Judith “Judy” Stadnyk, and they were married on 24 April 1965. Bob worked at the Supply Department at NAS North Island, and part-time as a reserve deputy sheriff in San Diego. In 1973, they moved to Alexandria, VA, where Bob worked as an industrial engineer for the Department of the Navy, the General Services Administration and the DOD. In 1981, Bob retired from the Naval Reserve, and in 1992, he retired from the Civil Service. Bob volunteered with the Class of ’57, the Alexandria Police Department and served as chair of the Alexandria Crime Prevention Council. He also enjoyed attending Navy football games as a season ticket holder.

In 2001, Bob and Judy returned to the San Diego area. There, Bob joined the Los Angeles Chapter of the USNA Alumni Association, helping to organize the Class of 1957’s 47.5 reunion. In 2006, they returned to the East Coast, settling in Dover, DE. In 2016, they bade farewell to snowy winters and headed south to The Villages in Florida.

Bob is survived by his wife of almost 57 years, Judy Lutz, and their daughter and son-in-law, Christina Lutz and Mike Gallagher. Christina and Mike continue the tradition of cheering on Navy football.

A committal service with military honors will take place at the Naval Academy Columbarium on 12 July 2022 at 2:00 p.m. S

Don't plan it all.

Let life surprise you a little. ~Julia Alvarez

LAST CALL KENMORE REED MCMANES ’57 Ken McManes, 86, passed away peacefully at home in the arms of his loved ones on 4 October 2021.

Ken and his twin brother, Spencer ’57, grew up in Annapolis while their father, Rear Admiral Kenmore McManes ’22, served in the war in Europe and the Pacific. When Admiral McManes became Commander of Fleet Activities for Japan and Korea, the family joined him in Yokosuka. At Yokohama High, Ken played baseball and basketball, and participated in Yabusame, an ancient Japanese ceremony where archers shoot targets while on horseback.

In 1953, Ken and Spence were sworn in by their father as they entered the Naval Academy.

Ken’s first duty after graduation was HANCOCK (CVA-19). After their 8-month cruise was extended twice, he married Anita Rollins in the Naval Academy Chapel. In 1959, Ken joined DUPONT (DD-941), followed

by OBSERVATION ISLAND (EAG-154), a guided missile test firing ship based at Cape Kennedy, and the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, where he earned a BS in Electrical Engineering.

In 1967, Ken served at the Navy Department in Washington and received an MBA from The George Washington University.

In 1969, Ken resigned his commission and joined ITT Data Services in Paramus, NJ. A year later, he joined Continental Can Company in New York City, subsequently transferring to Chicago as Director of New Product Development. In 1974, he accepted a position with Chamberlain Manufacturing as New Product Manager and in 1979, joined Clow Corporation as Vice President Manufacturing and President of International Subsidiaries.

When Clow was acquired in 1985, Ken purchased an automobile engine remanufacturing company in Jacksonville, FL. Ken and Anita dedicated themselves to improving the welfare of the company’s employees.

In 1990, Ken joined a small printing company in Southern California, doing design work, which he very much enjoyed, building on the abilities he’d developed in the Art and Printing Club and the Brigade Activities Committee.

Ken and Anita were active church members, participating in a handbell choir and teaching Sunday school. They also volunteered at a weekly Farmers Market at UCI, feeding wild songbirds and gardening.

Ken will be remembered as uniquely caring, kind, gentle and so very special. He and Anita were inseparable, and their marriage meant everything to them.

Ken is survived by his wife of 63 years, Anita, and their daughter, Linda Hornung.

A memorial service took place on 5 May 2022 at the Naval Academy Chapel, followed by inurnment at the USNA Columbarium. S

MEMORIAL AFFAIRS RESOURCES https://www.usna.com/memorial-affairs

JOSEPH FRANCIS NEARY ’57 Commander Joseph F. Neary, USN (Ret.), passed away peacefully in his home in Virginia Beach, VA, on 8 March 2022.

Joe was born on 15 November 1934 in Girardville, PA, to James Emmett and Catherine (Connor) Neary. As a St. Joe’s High School grad, he was recruited by the NY Yankees farm team. He instead chose to attend Wyoming Seminary Prep School (Kingston, PA), for a year, until receiving an appointment to the Naval Academy. A proud member of the Class of 1957, Joe stayed close with his Companymates and was a regular at Navy football games. During his time in Annapolis, he met the love of his life, Suzie.

As Joe commissioned from the Academy as a surface warfare officer and reported aboard MEREDITH in Norfolk, VA. The following year, he reported to Sub School in Groton, CT. His first duty was in Key West, on QUILLBACK, then BARRACUDA. He returned to Groton to instruct in the Advanced Tactics Department. In 1964, he was a department head aboard BLACKFIN in Hawaii. Then on to Yokosuka, Japan (1966-1968), working for Commander, Submarine Flotilla Seven. Returning to Norfolk, VA, in 1968, he was navigator on the cruiser COLUMBUS, enjoying two Mediterranean tours. Joe worked at the Safety Center under Commander in Chief, Atlantic Fleet and his last assignment was teaching at the Armed Forces Staff College, retiring in 1978.

Joe touched many lives. In retirement, he became a financial planner, then an instructor and tennis pro. For the past 30 years, he owned and operated the Little Creek/Fort Story pro shop, where he created loving and lasting friendships with his tennis family. He was also active in the community and with his church. He was the president of the Kempsville Pony Colt baseball league and was a member of St. Gregory the Great School PTA (and a parish member since 1968). Joe coached baseball, soccer and basketball, and liked to play softball, tennis, squash and cricket.

Joe was predeceased by his wife, Mary Allen “Suzie”; sons, Michael Joseph and John Emmett; and grandson, James Allen.

“Pop Joe” is survived by his children, Kathryn (Bambos), Karen (John), James (Karen) and Joseph (Faith); daughter-in-law, Abbie; 11 grandchildren; sister-in-law, Shelia; brother, John; and seven (soon eight) great-grandchildren.

Joe’s time at USNA helped shape his character and life. His servant’s heart was demonstrated in his extraordinary service to God, our country and his friends and family. A really swell guy! S

ALAN ROBERT THOENY ’57 Major Alan Robert Thoeny, USAF (Ret.), died in Nashville, TN, on 1 April 2022. He was 87 years old.

“Bob” grew up in La Crosse, WI, and attended Sullivans Preparatory School in Washington, DC, prior to his congressional appointment to the Naval Academy from Wisconsin. He was president of the Combined Musical Clubs and graduated with the Class of 1957 a member of the Ninth Company.

He chose a commission in the U.S. Air Force and underwent pilot training at Bartow and Vance AFBs before receiving advanced training in the B-47 and subsequent assignment to Homestead AFB. In 1961, the Air Force sent Bob to the University of Wisconsin to pursue advanced degree work in political science enroute to assignment as a faculty member of the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he received MS and Ph.D. JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 139

LAST CALL degrees. While at the Air Force Academy, he was selected to the position of tenured associate professor in the Department of Political Science. He held this position until 1971, when he was medically retired with the rank of major.

Upon retiring from the Air Force, Bob continued his academic career teaching and administering at what is now the University of Memphis.

In 1981, he became the academic officer on the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, the statewide coordinating board located in Nashville, TN. He remained in that position until 1986. In that year, he moved to Olympia, WA, and assumed a position as the first Executive Director, Washington Higher Education Board, a newly formed coordinating board for the State of Washington tasked with developing a statewide Master Plan for Higher Education. After organizing the board staff and shepherding the development of the master plan and its acceptance by the state legislature, he returned to Nashville in 1989 to take the position of Director, Institute of Government, Tennessee State University. As director, he was charged with developing a Political Science Ph.D. program for this historically black institution. He retired from TSU in 1998.

Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, the former Heidi Adelheid Clementine Adeneuer of Duren, Germany; sons, Mark, Chris and Brent; daughter, Sabina; and eight grandchildren.

ART ’57 S

THOMAS JOSEPH BARRY ’58 Commander Thomas J. Barry, USN (Ret.), died on 3 March 2022 following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was three days short of his 87th birthday.

Born in 1935, “Tom” grew up in Boston, MA, and graduated from Boston Latin School in 1953. He was appointed to the Naval Academy that same year, joining the Class of 1958, Eighth Company.

Tom served for 20 years as a surface warfare officer and his shipboard assignments included COWELL (DD-547), GUIDE (MSO-447), GOLDSBOROUGH (DDG-20), HENRY B. WILSON (DDG-7) and PRAIRIE (AD-15). He received a master’s degree in Human Behavior at United States International University (San Diego, CA) in 1975. His last assignment prior to retiring in 1978 was as Director, Personal Qualification Development Group in San Diego.

Following his naval career, Tom worked in the Human Resources and Training fields for a variety of private companies, including Transamerica and CF Braun.

After an additional 20 years in the private sector, Tom retired and spent the remainder of his years enjoying time with his family. He was the consummate patriarch – dispensing wisdom and humor in equal parts to whomever would listen. Friends and family describe him as a perfect gentleman and the rock of his family.

Tom was a devout Catholic and was especially fond of this verse: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ~2 Timothy 4:7 He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Margaret “Peggy” Barry, in 2014. His date of passing fell on what would have been their 60th wedding anniversary. He is survived by his sister, Barbara; sons, Kevin and Sean; and his grandchildren, Jordan, Thomas “TJ,” Bridget, Alexandra, Dylan, Katie, Hannah and Megan.

Services were held on 22 March 2022 at Saint Anthony Claret Catholic Church in Anaheim, CA, followed by interment at Holy Sepulcher Catholic Cemetery. S

140 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

THEODORE FRANCIS DRIGGERS ’58 Theodore F. Driggers of Orcas Island, WA, passed away on Saturday, 26 February 2022.

He was 85 years old.

“Ted” was born on 2 December 1936 in San Francisco, CA, to Carl E. Driggers and Irene A. Driggers. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with the Class of 1958, as a member of the 18th Company.

He served as a Surface Warfare Officer and after his years of naval service, he went to the University of California, Berkeley, where he received a Ph.D. in Operations Research. He spent his career in the telecommunications field.

After he retired, he moved to Orcas Island, WA. He became an active participant in the Creation Science Ministry and was a longtime member of the Orcas Island Community Church. He spent many years as a member of the Olga Water Users, Inc. Board, where he was treasurer.

He is survived by his three nieces, Patricia Gooch of Dallas, TX, Ann Lewis (Bill) of Darien, GA, and Julie Brown (Michael) of Reno, NV. He is also survived by two grandnieces, a grandnephew, four greatgrandnieces and great-grandnephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Frank E. Driggers; and his sister, Mary G. Wheat.

He was also predeceased by his sons, Larry Driggers (13) and Wayne Driggers (17).

On 5 March 2022, a memorial service was held at Orcas Island Community Church in Eastsound on Orcas Island, WA, followed by interment on 23 March 2022 at the National Cemetery in Kent, WA. S

DANIEL HARRY ZIEGLER ’58 Lieutenant Colonel Daniel H. Ziegler, USAF (Ret.), died of natural causes in Colorado Springs, CO, on 21 February 2022.

Born 1936 in Detroit, MI, “Dan” frequented the nearby Motor City Speedway with his father’s midget race car. He subsequently moved to Southern California, where his love for the sea led him to the Naval Academy after graduating from Inglewood High School.

Upon graduation with his fellow 11th Company Midshipmen, Dan was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force.

He and Diane were married on 4 June 1958.

Dan began his Air Force career attending the Ground Electronics Officers course at Keesler AFB, MS. Subsequently, he served as radar maintenance officer at the 658th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, where he sustained radars at Winnemucca AFS defending West Coast skies during the Cold War. After attending the University of Pittsburgh for his EE master’s degree, Dan was selected for consecutive assignments with the Air Force Research Laboratory and Office of Research Analysis, at Kirtland AFB and Holloman AFB. There, he was decorated for perfecting circuits for future ICBMs, later focusing on ballistic missile defense and strategic bomber missiles.

Dan reported next to Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, leaving as a distinguished graduate while simultaneously earning an MBA from Auburn University. He finished his military career at the Aerospace Defense Command, Colorado Springs, CO, and the Space and Missile Systems Organization, El Segundo, CA, where he pioneered concepts leading to American anti-satellite and Space Shuttle capabilities.

Following 20 years’ service and retirement in 1978, Dan served the next 17 years as a program manager with the Hughes Aircraft Company.

There, he advanced technology and concepts underpinning space-based

LAST CALL surveillance systems for Air Force Space Command and the Strategic Defense Initiative.

In 1995, Dan and Diane retired to the hills of Corvallis, OR, where Dan actively pursued landscaping, biking, reading, policy letters to government officials, and a lifelong love for soccer as both a player and fan.

Dan is survived by his sons, David (USAFA ’82) and Daniel (USAFA ’83); daughters, Susan and Holly; 14 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Diane predeceased him in 2015.

A memorial service with military honors occurred on 25 March 2022 at the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he was interred with Diane, eventually to be joined by both their sons, who followed in Dan’s Service Academy footsteps. The Navy Hymn rang out clearly as Dan’s casket was escorted by the honor guard detail. S

WILLIAM DONALD PALMER ’59 Colonel William D. Palmer, USAF (Ret.), of Woodbridge, VA, passed away on 14 January 2022. He was 85 years old.

“Bill” was born in Chicago, IL, on 17 July 1936. Following high school, he attended Washington University before receiving his appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. Bill met his future bride, Suzanne Breedlove, in 1957 on a blind date at an Academy hop. They were married on graduation day, 3 June 1959, at the Naval Academy Chapel.

He was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force upon graduation and enjoyed a highly successful career spanning 28 years in a variety of flying and staff assignments. He flew 100 combat missions as an electronic warfare officer and electronic crew lead during the Vietnam War. A master navigator with 3,399 flying hours, Bill held ratings in the C-131 Hercules, C-47, C-54, B-52 and EB-66. He served as commander of the 3503 Recruiting Group, responsible for Air Force recruiting in 16 southeastern states and Puerto Rico and base commander at Maxwell Air Force Base. Bill retired from the Air Force as a colonel. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal.

He continued his career as a financial planner and seminar speaker for USPA & IRA (now First Command) helping thousands of military professionals and families on the road to financial independence.

He filled his retirement with travel, including favorite trips to Scotland, and golf as an active member of the Ft. Belvoir Golf Club.

Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years, Suzanne; daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne and Rick Lamarre; son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Lisa Palmer; his sister, Karen Clark; grandchildren, Joshua and Nathan Palmer and Richard Lamarre; and great-grandson, Jason Lamarre.

Funeral services took place at Arlington National Cemetery on 11 May 2022.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to family, friends and neighbors for their warm wishes and support.

The Palmer Family S

We do not remember days, we remember moments. ~Cesare Pavese

ROGER LEE BENNETT ’60 Roger L. Bennett of Cornelius, NC, passed away peacefully on 30 March 2022. He was 83 years old.

He was born in Akeley, MN, on 12 May 1938 to the late Matt and Gladys Bennett, and grew up in Klamath Falls, OR. Roger was a 1960 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. Upon graduation, he reported to LEONARD MASON (DD-852) at Subic Bay in the Philippines, where he was ultimately chief engineer, followed by service on MANLEY (DD-940). Roger attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, and received a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. His last assignment was on the staff of DesRon 6 in Charleston, SC. After leaving the Navy in 1970, he enjoyed a long career as vice president of sales and marketing for several companies, which found him transferred to many parts of the United States. This instilled in him a love of travel and seeing different parts of the world.

After settling in their dream home on Lake Norman, NC, Roger and Anne felt like it was being on vacation every day and loved to entertain their family and friends. He especially loved being “Bumpa” to his granddaughters. Roger volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, enjoyed playing golf and was an avid reader. He rarely missed a weekly dinner gathering at a local restaurant with close friends who he treasured.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Anne Brown Bennett. He is survived by their daughters, Dana Pettis (David) of Caledonia, NY, and Cameron Bennett (Angela) of Chicago, IL; granddaughter, Julia Pettis of Rochester, NY; niece/honorary daughter, Lara Mele (Don); honorary granddaughters, Darby and Tristan Mick of Boone, NC; and many nieces, nephews and friends he loved dearly.

He will be dearly missed, but he is at peace with his beloved wife.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date in Oregon.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org) or Habitat for Humanity (www.habitat.org). S

GID BERNARD SMITH ’60 Lieutenant Colonel Gid B. Smith, USMC (Ret.), died peacefully surrounded by his family at his Yucca Valley, CA, home on 7 April 2022. He was 85 years old.

Gid was born on 19 December 1936 to Hiram and Hortense Ann Smith in Waco, TX. He grew up on a farm in Smith Bend, TX, and attended elementary and high school in Clifton, TX. He attended Texas A&M University for one year prior to receiving his congressional appointment to the Naval Academy from Texas. At Annapolis, he was First Regimental Sub-Commander and Second Battalion Sub-Commander and graduated with the Class in June of 1960 as a member of the Seventh Company.

Upon graduation, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a combat veteran and retired from the Marine Corps in 1982.

In 1983, he started a training company in Anaheim, CA. He was a professional speaker and seminar leader. In 1996, he moved to Yucca Valley, CA, where he conducted youth and adult tennis programs throughout the Morongo Basin. He developed a 12-week, life-skills and tennis program for youth, “Winning in Tennis – Leadership – Life,” which has received national recognition by the U.S. Tennis Association. In 2011,

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 141

LAST CALL he was honored as Yucca Valley’s Hometown Hero for his 15 years of volunteer work in youth tennis. He authored two books, Gideon’s Tales, Memories of a boy growing up on a Texas farm and Winning the Journey with Agent Orange Cancer.

Gid is survived by his son, Jeff; daughter, Esta; granddaughters, Jessica and Erica; and great-granddaughter, Autumn.

He will be inurned at Riverside National Cemetery with full military honors.

His family created the Facebook group “Gideon’s Tales,” as a living memorial to honor and remember his love and service to family, friends and community. Those whose lives were impacted by him are encouraged to share their thoughts and memories so that all who loved him may join in the celebration of his life.

Donations in his memory may be made to St. Mary of the Valley Catholic Church, 7495 Church Street, Yucca Valley, CA 92284; (www.stmaryofthevalley.com/63).

GBS ’60 & The Smith Family S

CHARLES ROY KANE ’62 Charles Roy Kane went to be with the Lord on 18 March 2022 from his home in Greenwood, IN. He was 82 years old.

“Roy” was born on 4 August 1939 in Dodge City, KS, the oldest of four children of Charles and Alberta Kane. His family moved to Emporia, KS, where he graduated from high school as an outstanding scholar and competitive swimmer, basketball player and track and field athlete.

In 1958, he was inducted into the Naval Academy with the Class of 1962.

The day after graduation, Roy married Barbara Street. She passed away in 2000. He entered the U.S. Navy “Silent Service,” where he served on a submarine as weapons officer. While serving in the military, they lived in San Francisco, where son, Scott, was born, and then Connecticut, his daughter Kristaan’s birthplace. As a father, he exemplified strength, compassion, determination and patience.

After leaving the Navy, he worked in Engineering Sales. In 1989, he began serving the Lord at One Mission Society, where he was Director of Church Relations at his retirement in 2008.

Roy was a revered Christian with a commitment to service to God. From 1975 on, he was active at Southport Presbyterian Church serving as a deacon, eder, Stephen Ministry leader, adult Sunday School teacher, choir member and Madrigal singer. He was valued by many as a spiritual leader.

In 2002, he married Bonnie Thelander and they enjoyed years of active ministry with CEBC (Chin Evangelical Baptist Church), Chin church development and BACI (Burmese American Community Institute), where he was an esteemed advisor.

Roy is survived by his wife, Bonnie. He was loved by Bonnie’s sons, Kirk (Gina) and Keir (Joanna); and her grandchildren, Eva, Mia, Erik, Luke and Sarah; as well as his own children: son, Scott (Beth) and daughter, Kristaan; his grandchildren, Elijah, Jessica, Emma and Levi; brother, Pat; and sister, Becki (Mike). In addition to his wife, Barbara, he was predeceased by his parents and brother, Jim. S

COLUMBARIUM For more information, visit usna.edu/cemetery/

142 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

DENNIS BRIAN COSTELLO ’67 Dennis B. Costello passed away on 2 April 2022 after a long and well-fought battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 76 years old.

Dennis was born on 25 September 1945 in Franklin, MA, the son of Richard “Chug” Costello and Eileen Molloy Costello and the youngest brother of the late Terrence “Terry” Costello and Paul Costello (Emilia). He was a proud graduate of the Naval Academy Class of 1967 and Harvard Business School.

After graduation, he reported to FORREST SHERMAN (DD-931) in Newport, RI, where he spent the next two and a half years as CIC officer and then fire control officer. Denny then moved on to SKILL (MSO-495) in Charleston, SC, as executive officer and then commanding officer before resigning from the service in July 1971.

Following his graduation from Harvard, Dennis moved to Chicago, IL, where he met and married his beloved wife of 45 years, Joan Marie Remini. Together, they were proud parents of Caitlin Baker (Mark) and Brian Costello, as well as loving grandparents to Kerrigan and Quinn Baker. Dennis’s happiest times were with his family, on the golf course, or at a Red Sox or Patriots game.

It was also in Chicago where Dennis began a 40-year career in pharmaceuticals and medical venture capital, which culminated in Dennis co-founding Triathlon Medical Ventures in Cincinnati, OH. His commitment to fostering revolutionary advances in the life sciences is a legacy that Dennis’ family hopes will live on in his name.

As such, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the scientific research being done by Dennis’ doctors at Johns Hopkins Medicine, Dr. Greg Pontone and Dr. Kelly Mills, to improve the treatment and care of dementia in people with Parkinson’s disease.

Donations may be made payable to “Johns Hopkins University” and mailed to: Fund for John’s Hopkins Medicine, 550 N. Broadway, Suite 912, Baltimore, MD 21205. Donations can also be made online at (www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry/about/charitable_giving) by choosing “Parkinson’s Disease Research” on the online giving form.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated in Dennis’ honor at St. Mary’s Parish in Franklin, MA, on 9 April 2022. S

LEROY ALLEN FARR ’67 On 8 April 2022, Captain Leroy A. Farr, USN (Ret.), a loving husband and devoted father, went to be with his Lord and Savior.

Leroy was born on 23 September 1945, in Syracuse, KS, to William Sheldon and Thelma Benedict Farr. He received his undergraduate degrees in aeronautical engineering and mathematics from the U.S. Naval Academy and master’s degree in mechanical engineering from North Carolina State University.

Upon his commission into the U.S. Navy in 1967, he moved to Pensacola, FL, for flight training where he met his wife, Barbara “Babs” Eiland Farr. During Captain Farr’s distinguished 30 years of service, he was the commanding officer of squadron VA-37 and air boss on the carrier JOHN F. KENNEDY. He was also commanding officer of the Naval Weapons Evaluation Facility in Albuquerque, NM, where he was an F-18 test pilot. In his final tour, Captain Farr was commanding officer of Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station in Lakehurst, NJ. All his life, Leroy was God’s good and faithful servant. In retirement, he dedicated his time to dental mission trips with the Honduras Agape

LAST CALL Foundation and at St. John’s United Methodist Church building wheelchair ramps in his community. Leroy and Babs also traveled the world with friends and family. Leroy cherished visits with his children and grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. Leroy loved God, his family, his friends and his church.

Leroy is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara; their children, Patricia Schnur, Sherry Farr-Mus (Andy) and Andrew Farr (Patrick); grandchildren, Benjamin, Sarah, Daniel, Vivian and Drew; his siblings, Ione Louk (Melvin), Donald Farr (Donna), Jane Polson (David), Jean Bright (Archie) and Shiela Dinkel (Brian); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate Leroy’s life was held at on 23 April 2022 at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Aiken, SC. In lieu of flowers, donations in Leroy’s memory may be made by check to the Honduras Agape Foundation, P.O. Box 6315, Aiken, SC 29804, or to the St. John’s UMC Jack Meeks Memorial Ramp Ministry at (stjaiken.org/give). Please denote Leroy Farr in the memo line. S

ERIC HAROLD JOHNSON ’67 Lieutenant Commander Eric H. Johnson, USNR (Ret.), passed away on 29 January 2022 with his wife, Bonnie, and son, Scott, by his side, with his son, James, and other family members on the phone overseas.

In his 76 years of life, Eric attended the inauguration of John F. Kennedy, as a member of the Boy Scout honor guard and received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy from the same president.

Upon graduation, he was accepted to the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program and Submarine School. Eric completed five patrols on ballistic missile submarines, first on FRANCIS SCOTT KEY (SSBN-657) (Blue) as reactor controls officer, radar/sonar officer and damage control assistant; then on JOHN C. CALHOUN (SSBN-630) (Blue) as engineering officer.

Upon leaving the Navy in 1975, Eric and his family settled in Arlington, TX, where he served the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Region IV, rising to Director of Reactor Safety and Projects. In 1979, he took advantage of an opportunity and took the family overseas for two years to Paris, France. There, he served as a U.S. government liaison to the Nuclear Safety Division of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). It was there that he and Bonnie developed a love for travel, which continued throughout his life.

Eric left government service in 1987, and the family moved to Atlanta, GA, where he worked for a short time at the Institute for Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) in Evaluations and Assistance. He then went into private consulting in the nuclear energy industry, eventually creating his own firm. During this time, he consulted with such projects as Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Facility in Colorado, Hanford Nuclear Site in Hanford, WA, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee.

When he was 14, he went on his first date with Bonnie. The two of them would eventually spend the next 62 years together, getting married upon his graduation in the Naval Academy Chapel. Upon his retirement in 2012, Eric and Bonnie traveled extensively throughout the world, adding to their previous experience traveling everywhere in western Europe, as well as countries from Russia to New Zealand.

In addition to his wife, Bonnie, Eric is survived by their two sons, Scott (and his wife, Laura) and James (and his wife, Debbie); and three grandchildren, Ansley, Drew (and his wife, Corrin) and Adrian.

The Johnson Family S

MICHAEL JAMES CUMMINGS ’68 Lieutenant Colonel Michael J. Cummings, USMC (Ret.), died at his home in Virginia Beach, VA, on 9 March 2022, of complications related to liver cancer. He was 76 years old.

Born in Chicago, IL, and the son of a Marine colonel, “Mike” grew up in Panama, Hawaii, California and Virginia, then received a Presidential appointment to the Naval Academy Class of 1968, where he was a proud member of the 11th Company.

Upon graduation, Mike was commissioned in the Marine Corps.

While a platoon commander with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, serving in South Vietnam, he was wounded in action and evacuated. Following his recovery, he served as a company commander and aide-de-camp to the Commanding General, 1st Marine Division. He then was a tactics and weapons instructor, and staff platoon commander at The Basic School, Quantico. In 1975, Mike was selected for the Excess Leave (LAW) program and attended William & Mary Law School, graduating in 1978.

As a Marine judge advocate, he served as defense and trial counsel, military judge (WestPac), deputy staff judge advocate and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, Circuit Military Judge (Hawaii), and Chief, Military Law Branch, HQMC. His military awards include the Purple Heart, Navy Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Citation and Marine Corps Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbons and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

Upon retirement from active duty in July 1990, he was appointed as a Deputy Commonwealth’s attorney in Virginia Beach and a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, prosecuting drug and violent crime cases in coordination with FBI, DEA and ATF federal strike forces. In July 1994, he was appointed as a U.S. Administrative Law Judge with the Department of Health and Human Services, serving until his retirement in 2010.

Throughout his Marine Corps and civilian careers, Mike coached, officiated and cheered at various youth athletic events – baseball, football, swimming and equestrian. He was also active in various church and community activities. While he enjoyed playing golf and fishing, his greatest pleasure was spending time with his family.

Mike is survived by his wife of almost 51 years, the former Martha Wilbourne; sons, Christopher (Donna), Nicholas (Emma) and James (Jane); daughter, Lauren (Shawn Dwyer); and nine wonderful grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to Ukraine relief efforts or to Virginia Beach United Methodist Church charity programs.

Services will be conducted at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.

Kevin Dwyer ’68 S

Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence. ~Lin Yutang

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 143

LAST CALL DAVID ALAN HODGSON ’68 Lieutenant Commander David A. Hodgson, USN (Ret.), passed away peacefully at his home in Mount Vernon, WA, following a long and valiant fight with cancer, on 9 February 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was 78 years old.

“Dave” was born on 24 December 1943, in Tucson, AZ, and grew up the son of an Air Force pilot. The family moved often, and he attended high school in Brazil.

Following his graduation from the Naval Academy with the Class of 1968 (22nd Company), Dave was a naval aviator.

Dave always had a positive outlook and a genial quick wit. He loved music, golf and spending time with his family, in person or online, “killing zombies” with his son, Matt, who resides in Mississippi. He supported and loved his grandchildren, attending countless dance recitals and choir concerts; and enjoyed their frequent visits. Dave was loved and admired by all who knew him.

David leaves behind his loving wife, Mary Ellen; son, Matt (and his wife, Robyn) of Hernando, MS; grandchildren, Noah Hallquist and Hailie Hallquist (and her fiancé, Easton Connolly); stepson, Jim Hallquist (and his wife, Mary); sisters, Diane Trunek of Bellingham, WA, and Cathy Trunek of Gloucester, MA; and his loving dachshund sidekick, Tucker.

Dave was predeceased by his wife of 22 years, Patricia Jones Hodgson.

Dave will be greatly missed and remembered for his loving, positive and easy manner.

A Celebration of Life was held at Mill at the Kasteel in Oak Harbor, WA, on 18 February 2022.

Memorial donations may be made in David Hodgson’s name to the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Patricia Jones Hodgson Scholarship Fund, mailed to: University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, 3500 Victoria Street Suite #240, Pittsburgh, PA 15261. S

SCOTT ALLEN WOOD ’68 Lieutenant Commander Scott A. Wood, USN (Ret.), passed away on 18 March 2022, at his home in Amarillo, TX. He was 75 years old.

Scott was born on 21 November 1946, in Boise, ID, to Colonel Allen Harry Wood, USAF, and Olive Grace Thompson Wood. Scott graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with the Class of 1968. While at USNA, he was a varsity crew coxswain and a striper in the Drum & Bugle Corps. He later earned a master’s degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in computer science. Scott married Jo Ann Robinson on 21 April 1979 in Annapolis, MD. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1968 to 1988, during which time he was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star for service during the Vietnam War. In 1982, he was awarded the Master Explosive Ordinance Disposal Badge for ten years of field and staff level service; in 1987, Scott received the Overseas Service Ribbon for eight years of service on foreign shores; and in 1988, he received the Navy Commendation Medal for exceptional service.

Following his military service, Scott continued to use his expertise in explosives to serve his country, predominantly as a safety engineer at the Pantex Plant for the Department of Energy from 1994 to 2015.

Scott is survived by his wife, Jo Ann of Amarillo, TX; their daughter and son-in-law, Robin and Timothy Wood of Charleston, SC; his sister 144 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

and brother-in-law, Lynn and Bruce Dusenberry of Tucson, AZ; his sister, Leigh Wood, also in Tucson, AZ; brother-in-law, Neil Robinson of Richmond, VA; grandchildren, Owen, Penny and Eleanor; nieces, Courtney and Kaitlyn; nephews, Brett and Brian; and great-nephew, Theodore.

Memorial services were held on 25 March 2022 in Amarillo, TX. S

EMERSON FRANK CARR ’69 Emerson Carr passed away on 2 November 2021, after a valiant battle with heart and lung failure. He was 75 years old.

“Em” began his journey on 2 September 1946, in Minneapolis, MN. As with all successful individuals, his good fortune began at conception.

By the time he entered high school, his athletic prowess, already on the rise, expanded to include basketball, track and field, and most importantly, football. When he completed his senior year at Central High School, Emerson was talented enough to be considered the best player and received All-City and All-State recognition.

He was appointed to and accepted into all three Service Academies, along with 50 other colleges and universities. He chose to attend what would become his beloved Naval Academy. During his First Class Year football season, he was selected to play in the East-West All-Star game, was recruited to play in the NFL and was drafted by the then-Baltimore Colts. Honoring his commitment upon graduation, however, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps.

During flight school, he played for and captained the Goshawks, the Naval Air Station Pensacola football team. Emerson went on to serve six years as a Marine Corps pilot, flying the A-6 Intruder and C-130 Hercules.

He joined General Motors and eventually became an international manufacturing executive responsible for manufacturing operations in five countries. Emerson also served on numerous community boards, including the United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Goodwill and Flint Osteopathic Hospital. Two of his community initiatives remain in effect almost 50 years later.

In 1994, Emerson founded Twin City Engineering, an engineering and environmental firm. Later, he became a turnaround consultant to automotive manufacturing companies. An unfortunate and serious car accident in 2004 halted his career.

In 2021, Emerson was nominated to the Naval Academy Football Hall of Fame.

He is dearly missed and lovingly remembered as a cherished father, grandfather, “Grandpiem,” and doting husband to his wife, Anita. Known to many as “Butch,” or “Big M,” he was a role model, mentor and highly respected and valued friend. Emerson always saw the best in others.

A memorial service and Celebration of Life is planned for Friday, 24 June 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at the Naval Academy Chapel, followed by inurnment at the USNA Columbarium. S

Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened. ~Rev. Billy Graham

LAST CALL HARLEY LEROY RHODES ’70 Harley L. Rhodes of Kailua-Kona, HI, died of a heart attack on 11 March 2022 at the Waimea Queens Hospital on the Big Island. He was 75 years old.

The eldest of six children, Harley was born on 28 December 1946 in Minot, ND. He was humbled and overjoyed to be appointed to the United States Naval Academy in 1966, and graduated with the Class of 1970, 21st Company, with a concentration in applied mathematics.

In 1971, Harley was designated a naval aviator in rotary wing aircraft.

From 1971 until 1976, Harley served in the HSL community (anti-submarine warfare, and search and rescue). In 1977, he transitioned to the United States Coast Guard and served in multiple capacities including search and rescue, and aircraft flight test and evaluation for a host of different fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft at the USCG Aircraft Repair and Supply Center in North Carolina. His total service flight time with both the Navy and Coast Guard was 3,000 hours.

Harley left the Coast Guard in 1987 as a lieutenant commander, having earned a master’s degree in Engineering at the University of Virginia in 1982, with emphasis in avionics, fiber optics and advanced laser applications, to pursue a career in commercial aviation. He retired from American Airlines in 2005 as a captain, with 10,000 flight hours in DC9s, 727s, 757s and 767s.

Harley travelled the world, where he met and married his soul mate, Moanikeala “Keala” Kaupiko of Milolii, South Kona, HI. They continued travelling, eventually returning to Hawaii to be around family and to focus on supporting God, community and veterans. He remained forever grateful for the lifetime opportunity to attend the Naval Academy.

Harley was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Helga Rhodes of Palermo, ND, and his brother, Curtis. His surviving family includes his wife, Keala; sons, Michael (Michelle) and Eric; daughter, Ann Michelle; brothers, Steve, Patrick and Conrad (Nancy); sister, Charlene (Sam); and grandchildren, Mackenzie and Molly.

A formal military memorial service was conducted on 24 March 2022 at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery in Kailua-Kona, HI. During the service, Keala was presented a certified U.S. flag previously flown over the U.S. Capitol, as requested by U.S. Congressman Kaiali’i Kahele in honor of Harley’s military service to country and community. S

CHARLES SCOTT VOGAN JR. ’72 Captain Charles S. Vogan Jr., USN (Ret.), passed away on 20 March 2022 at his home in Edgewater, MD, after a courageous battle with cancer.

“Chuck” was born on 23 August 1950 in Bryn Mawr, PA, to the late Charles S. Vogan Sr. and Mary Ann Vogan. After graduating from Conestoga High School, where he played quarterback and was the student council president, Chuck arrived in Annapolis with the Class of 1972. His 10th Companymates knew him as a gentleman and a great friend.

Chuck had a very successful career as a Surface Warfare Officer with a wide range of assignments at sea and ashore. His dedication to his craft and unrivaled leadership skills were noted and appreciated at every level of his career. He was the consummate professional and a mentor to junior officers and enlisted sailors alike. His success was mirrored in the stellar record of his first command as commissioning commanding officer of INGRAHAM (FFG-61). He was most proud of the honor of taking command of LEYTE GULF (CG-55). Chuck served on the staffs of Commander Sixth Fleet, Commander Second Fleet and Commander U.S. Atlantic Fleet. His

final contribution to the Navy and our nation was as Director, Theater Air Warfare, Surface Warfare Division (N865) in the Office of the CNO. In February 1999, Chuck transitioned to civilian employment as a consultant to the U.S. Navy. He was a project management professional and a graduate of Maryland’s “Leadership Anne Arundel” program. Chuck was a regular at Mass in the Naval Academy Chapel and enjoyed Navy football games as a longtime season ticket holder. The best part was always the tailgates.

He met Linda Schnabel in T-court his First Class Year and never looked back. They were married after his first deployment and only then did Linda realize that deployments were not a one-time occasion. They became a great team.

In addition to his partner and best friend, Linda, Chuck is survived by their two children, Meagan O’Donnell (Matt) and Matthew Vogan (Amanda); three grandchildren, Dean, Marin and Reed; his brothers, John and David (Lori); and sisters, Mary Vogan and Patricia Birnbaum (Rae).

A Funeral Mass and inurnment will be held at the Naval Academy Chapel on 22 August 2022.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org) or the Anne Arundel Food Bank (www.aafoodbank.org). S

JOSEPH MICHAEL WILSON ’82 Joseph M. Wilson, 61, of Athens, TX, passed away on 8 March 2022.

Joe was born in Port St. Joe, FL, on 18 August 1960, to James and VeDora Wilson. He always described his childhood upbringing as idyllic with many fun-filled days spent hunting, fishing, playing sports and attending church.

Joe graduated from Port St. Joe High School in 1978. As a result of his academic and athletic achievements, he received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. He spent his time there as a collegiate boxer and earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering. He graduated in May 1982 and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. Joe served his country as a combat engineer, deploying to Norway, Lebanon, Japan and Korea. After leaving the military, Joe spent his career as a medical device engineer, retiring in 2021.

In April 1979, Joe met his wife, Aileen, while she was attending Hood College. They married in June 1982 and together they welcomed into their family and raised two children, Kimberly and John.

As a young child, Joe accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized. As an adult, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Joe deeply loved God and served Him throughout his life. He was so excited in February 2021 to enter into full-time ministry. His passion for setting captives free and helping others discover their spiritual birthright was the hallmark of his role as a prayer coach with Bride Ministries.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, James T. Wilson Jr. and Jessie “VeDora” Clements Wilson. He is survived by his wife, Aileen D. Wilson; children, Kimberly A. Wilson and John C. Wilson (Nikki); and grandchildren, Bruce Campen, Dana Campen, Keira Wilson and Blake Wilson. He also leaves behind his sisters, Pamela Boede (Fred) and Cynthia Summers (Clyde); sister-in-law, Elizabeth Williams (Michael Hering); nieces, Niki Moore (Thomas), Jessica Shirvan (Kash) and Grace Hering; nephew, Caleb Hering; his cousins, Steve Freeman, Cheryl Steen, Roy Clements and Mark Clements; and several great-nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank all the many intercessors who prayed for and supported Joe in his ministry. They also wish to thank the many individuals who cared for and prayed for Joe during his cancer journey.

The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. ~Daniel 11:32 S JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 145

CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE • EAST

REAL ESTATE • EAST

REAL ESTATE • EAST

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Jeannie Ingraham jsingraham@aol.com Cell: 401-640-5929

SHIPMATE More than 80 years available online to all Alumni Association members. Visit usna.com/shipmate 146 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

CENTURY 21 Top Sail

CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE • EAST

REAL ESTATE • EAST

REAL ESTATE • WEST

The San Diego Union-Tribune Selects Eric Kalisky as the Best Realtor for San Diego For Honest and Expert Real Estate Representation Call Eric.

CDR Eric Kalisky ’78 (Ret.) 858-232-4671 E-Mail: EKALISKY@AOL.COM VISIT: www.erickalisky.com

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JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 147

CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE • WEST

REAL ESTATE • MID-WEST

REAL ESTATE • ANNAPOLIS

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REAL ESTATE • SOUTH WEST

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148 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

* 410-266-0600

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REAL ESTATE • ANNAPOLIS

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CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

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RICK STEIN USNA ’82 (843) 557-7021 Rick.Stein@CBCarolinas.com JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 149

CLASSIFIEDS FINANCIAL SERVICES

150 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

FINANCIAL SERVICES

SERVICES

CLASSIFIEDS MISCELLANY

MISCELLANY

MISCELLANY

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SIZE

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2022 SHIPMATE Classified Information & Insertion Order Classified Advertising Policy Classified ads are accepted on a space available basis as a service to USNA Alumni only. The Alum’s name and class year MUST appear in the ad. Spouse ads are accepted only with the Alum’s name and class year included in the ad. Ads are accepted camera-ready and electronically; jpg., tif. or PDF formats. (300 dpi) Any classified ad may occupy one column width (2.5 inches) by a maximum of up to 8 inches of column length.

1

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Please select the issue(s) in which you wish to run, or specify: RFN -“Run Until Further Notice.”

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q Please charge my Discover/Visa/MasterCard/ American Express Total $_____________ per issue Credit Card No. _______________________________ Expiration Date _______________________________ Signature ____________________________________

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05/19/22

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q September 2022

06/21/22

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q October 2022

07/18/22

Attn: Maria O’Shea 247 King George St. Annapolis, MD 21402

q Nov-Dec 2022

09/19/22

fax: 410-295-4003; phone: 410-295-4074

Name_______________________________________ Street ______________________________________

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Please contact Maria O’Shea via email or phone for space availability — even if the due date has passed, we will try to be as flexible as possible.

JUNE 2022 • SHIPMATE 151

EXECUTIVE OFFICE VOLUME 85 • NO. 4 Editor-in-Chief Craig Washington ’89 craig.washington@usna.com Editorial Managing Editor Jimmy DeButts jimmy.debutts@usna.com Associate Editor Samantha Casamassima samantha.casamassima@usna.com Assistant Editors Anne Sharpe anne.sharpe@usna.com Bridie Bryant bridie.bryant@usna.com Design and Production Art Director/Production Manager Jackie Furton jackie.furton@usna.com Assistant Production Manager/Classes Editor Maria O’Shea maria.oshea@usna.com Chapter and Classes Editor Sandra Stansbury-Spadaro sandy.spadaro@usna.com Obituaries Editor Timothy Elizabeth Woodbury timothy.woodbury@usna.com Associate Art Director Heather Payne heather.payne@usna.com Copyeditors Captain Andrew Wilson ’77, USNR (Ret.) Kat Braz Contributing Editor Captain David Poyer ’71, USNR (Ret.) Contributing Photographers Captain Laura Hatcher ’92, USN (Ret.) Debbie Latta Contact Shipmate 410-295-4000 Main 410-295-4003 Fax 410-295-4074 Classified Advertising 410-295-4020 Display Advertising 410-295-4000 Address Updates/Corrections Submissions Editorial shipmate@usna.com Address/Delivery alumni@usna.com Bravo Zulu comms@usna.com Chapter ColumnsS chapternews@usna.com Class ColumnsS classnews@usna.com Obituaries obits@usna.com Register of Alumni registerofalumni@usna.com S

For Secretary use only, please

Address emails to individual staff as follows: first name . last name @ usna.com

Opinions expressed in Shipmate are those of the authors.

They do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policy or attitude of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, its officers or editorial staff. All pictures are official Department of Defense photographs unless otherwise credited. Member, Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

Shipmate (ISSN 0488-6720) is published monthly except for combined issues (January-February, MarchApril, May, June, July-August, September, October and November-December). Copyrighted 2022 by the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association, Inc., 247 King George Street, Annapolis, MD 21402-1306. Membership dues (including Shipmate) are $70 per year. Subscription rate is $70; Canadian and foreign subscriptions are $75.

Single copies are $7 each. Periodicals Postage Paid at Annapolis, MD, and at additional mailing offices.

All editorial matter should be addressed to Jimmy DeButts, p: 410-295-4085, jimmy.debutts@usna.com. Inquiries concerning membership or subscriptions and notification of change of address of members and subscribers should be addressed to U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, 247 King George St., Annapolis, MD 21402-1306; p: 410-295-4062; alumni@usna.com.

152 SHIPMATE • JUNE 2022

Robert “Bob” Gast Jr Senior Executive in Charge Gwenn Dennis Executive Administrator for the President ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS Craig Washington ’89 410-295-4089 Executive Vice President, Engagement and Communications Elizabeth Beedenbender 410-295-4166 Executive Administrator Dr. Sofi Loomis ’99 410-295-4035 Senior Director, Alumni Regional Engagement and Outreach Cody Dickson ’13 410-295-4037 Alumni Engagement Director Joe Fagan ’89 410-295-4013 Director, Career Programs Wendy Owen 410-295-4017 Director, Class Programs Lori Coogan 410-295-4038 Director, Parent Programs Carrie Carroll 410-295-4062 Membership/Records Assistant Ashley Parker 410-295-4000 Member Services Coordinator Amy Garwood 410-295-4000 Member Services Coordinator Programs and Services Tonya McGinnis 410-295-4022 Assistant Director, Career Programs Melissa Nelson 410-295-4021 Coordinator, Joint Service Academy Career Programs Communications Wes Huey ’87 410-295-4023 Executive Director, Strategic Communications Dr. Heather Epkins 410-295-4175 Director of Communications Jackie Furton 410-295-4073 Associate Director, Publications Jimmy DeButts 410-295-4085 Managing Editor Anne Sharpe 410-295-4078 Assistant Director, Communications Maria O’Shea 410-295-4074 Assistant Production Manager Sandra Stansbury-Spadaro 410-295-4076 Communications Specialist Samantha Casamassima 410-295-4027 Communications Specialist Timothy Elizabeth Woodbury 410-295-4064 Memorial Affairs Heather Payne 410-295-4033 Associate Art Director Bridie Bryant 410-295-4081 Communications Coordinator EVENTS AND MARKETING Nadine Smith 410-295-4020 Senior Director, Enterprise Events and Marketing Alexandra Dooley 410-295-4012 Director, Enterprise Events and Marketing Gail Hutchinson 410-295-4019 Event Planner Laura Cylc 410-295-4014 Event Coordinator Judy Buddensick 443-994-2511 Partnership Marketing Liason TREASURY AND OPERATIONS Robert “Bob” Gast Jr. 410-295-4040 Executive Vice President and CFO Lisa Strobel 410-295-4051 Senior Director, Finance and Treasury Operations Kevin Mitchell 410-295-4039 Director, Treasury, Analytics & Investment Reporting Tim Smith 410-295-4059 Director, Financial Reporting Angela Berteaux 410-295-4053 Accounting Manager

410-295-4040 410-295-4091

TREASURY AND OPERATIONS CONTINUED Janet Douglas 410-295-4057 Staff Accountant Julie Kopp 410-295-4054 Payroll Manager Linda Reyes 410-295-4056 Staff Accountant Jim Scally 410-295-4058 Staff Accountant Patricia (Patty) Ratigan 410-295-4028 Staff Accountant Information Technology Garrett Keating 410-295-4087 Director, Information Technology Jordan Bailey 410-295-4060 Computer and Information Systems Manager Denise Clark 410-295-4079 Database Engineer Derrick Planz 410-295-4067 Senior Software Developer Rick Clark 410-295-4088 Systems Administrator Sean Henson Help Desk Technician Ashley Norfolk SQL Application Developer

410-295-4083 410-295-4084

Facilities Scott Gaiser ’05 410-295-4068 Director, Real Estate, Facilities and IT Operations John Cooper 410-295-4031 Facilities Manager John Taylor 410-295-4029 Facilities Assistant HUMAN RESOURCES Heather Scott 410-295-4048 Senior Director, Human Resources Tom Cloutier 410-295-4050 Human Resources Generalist DEVELOPMENT Bill O’Connor 410-295-4101 Executive Vice President Abby Repko 410-295-4103 Exec. Administrator/Principal Gift Administrator Development John Rudder ’78 410-295-4189 Vice President of Development Erin Pelletier 410-295-4106 Principal Gift Strategist Caroline Rossiello 410-295-4190 Assistant Director, Corp. and Foundation Relations Major Gifts Michael Hoffman 410-295-4184 Executive Director, Regional Development Ashley “AJ” Bauer 410-295-4160 Senior Director of Dev. (TX and W Coast FL) John Maconi 410-295-4185 Regional Director of Dev. (Annapolis, DC Metro, Chicago and Pacific NW)

Dean Castaldo 410-295-4052 Regional Director of Dev. (E Coast FL, NC and GA) Ted Ahrens 410-295-4183 Regional Director of Development Lexxie Monahan 410-295-4128 Regional Director of Development Brittanny Lee 410-295-4182 Assistant Director, Regional Development Kate Peterson 410-295-4178 Senior Development Coordinator Planned Giving Patti Bender 410-295-4187 Senior Director, Planned Giving Jennifer Macris 410-295-4105 Planned Giving Coordinator

STAFF AND ASSISTANCE DEVELOPMENT CONTINUED Annual Programs Rusty Yeiser ’74 410-295-4174 Senior Director, Annual Programs Dan Quattrini ’81 410-295-4167 Director, Class Legacy Gift Programs Gabbie Kulcsar 410-295-4147 Director, Annual Giving Megan Farmer 410-295-4188 Director, President’s Circle Clay Evans 410-295-4034 Coordinator, Class Legacy Gift Programs Hannah Geib 410-295-4127 Annual Giving Programs Coordinator Development Services Adriana Bitoun 410-295-4150 Director, Advancement Services Dawn Beach 410-295-4115 Director, Foundation Data and Reporting Natalie Brianas 410-295-4102 Director, Donor Relations and Stewardship Catherine Blanar 410-295-4111 Assoc. Director, Donor Relations and Stewardship Jill Cook 410-295-4121 Associate Director, Research Gift Administration Team Liz Root 410-295-4126 Director, Gift Administration Victoria Sever 410-295-4122 Assistant Director, Gift Administration Elvira Reyes 410-295-4116 Gift Administrator Shirley Crawford 410-295-4071 Gift Administrator FOUNDATION ATHLETIC AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS Don Hughes ’88 410-295-4096 Vice President Chris Knott 410-295-4097 Office Manager and Administrative Assistant Tracey Cook 410-295-4164 Director Mariola Baker 410-295-4098 Assistant Director QUICK REFERENCE Death Notifications

obits@usna.com 410-295-4064 Class Ring Information classrings@usna.com Register of Alumni registerofalumni@usna.com Address/Delivery alumni@usna.com 410-295-4000 Donate 410-295-4115 Membership Updates 410-295-4000 U.S. Naval Academy Main Phone 410-293-1000 U.S. Naval Academy Athletics 410-293-2700 CONTACT US U. S. Naval Academy Alumni Association 247 King George St., Annapolis, MD 21402-1306 Main Phone 410-295-4000 Ogle Hall Fax 410-295-4001 49 House Fax 410-295-4005 Human Resources Fax 443-458-0972 Cottage Fax 410-295-4003 Foundation Development 274 Wood Rd., Annapolis, MD 21402 Main Phone 410-295-4100 Fax 410-295-4107 Foundation Athletic and Scholarship Programs 25 Maryland Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401 Main Phone 410-295-4095