Shipmate: May 2022 by U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association

1,000 WORDS

A Musical Respite

PHOTO BY MIDN ELLIOTT SCHULTZ ’22

Midshipman Ryan Le ’22 from 3rd Company played the “Pirates of the Caribbean” theme song and the “Sea Shanty” on the piano in Mahan Hall in March. The piano is available for midshipmen to play at their discretion.

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Flag Folding U.S. Marine Corps Capt Maria Arnone ’15, USMC, marketing and communication officer for 1st Marine Corps District, oversees Girl Scouts with Brownie Troop 3367 as they learn flag folding protocols at Woodland Elementary School in Hicksville, NY, in February. Marine Corps officers with 1MCD volunteered to assist with this event to give back to the young people in the community.

U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY 1STLT DEREK VANWYCK

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LETTER FROM THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE IN CHARGE

SHIFTING LANDSCAPE TRANSITION, STRENGTH AND EXPERIENCE ARE CONVERGING TO CREATE AN EXCITING NEW FUTURE

PHOTO CAPTURED FROM OUR WEBCAM ON WWW.USNA.COM

By Bob Gast

Construction progress of the future Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation Center.

hese are exciting times for the alumni community. We are a little over a year away from moving into and opening our new Alumni Center. Under the leadership of Admiral Robert Natter ’67, USN (Ret.), we are on schedule and budget for this historic project. We have just completed a successful Called to Serve, Daring to Lead campaign, raising $541M to provide the margin of excellence needed for the Naval Academy to maintain its premier status. The search continues for our next president and CEO. The search committee is narrowing the ﬁeld of candidates and we expect an announcement before the summer. I will serve as the senior executive in charge for the interim. Be assured our next president and CEO will have emerged from a truly exceptional ﬁeld of candidates. We all thank Byron Marchant ’78 for his leadership over the past 13 years. 4 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

Under his guidance, our staff and Enterprise team have never been more talented or experienced. With the implementation of new technology, learned efficiencies from successfully operating thru the COVID pandemic, and data from our recent Alumni Survey, we are well positioned to adjust and continue to deliver meaningful programmatic Alumni services to our global alumni community. As we develop the next 10-year strategic campaign for the benefit of the Naval Academy and its programs across the moral, mental, and physical mission areas, we are well positioned to assist the Academy in maintaining its margin of excellence going forward. Our financial position has never been stronger, and we continue to benchmark ourselves annually against other elite higher education foundations and alumni associations in terms of financial audits, charity rankings and G&A efficiencies. Under Byron’s tenure we have moved to an elite status as an Enterprise. We salute our 2021 Distinguished Graduates Kevin W. Sharer ’70; General

John R. Allen ’76, USMC (Ret.); Vice Admiral Derwood “D.C.” Curtis ’76, USN (Ret.); Janie L. Mines ’80; and Lieutenant Bradley W. Snyder ’06, USN (Ret.). They were honored at Alumni Hall on Friday, 25 March, and had a memorable leadership panel with midshipmen on Saturday, 26 March. Please visit www.youtube.com/ playlist?list=PLaDILgoWTM0a9jr9DUhjB VN41H-f3wcjY to view videos from the ceremony, and usna.canto.com/v/TSVG IGAKSQ/album/M6D67?display=curated View&viewIndex=0 to view photos from the rest of the weekend’s events. These Distinguished Graduates embody the Naval Academy’s mission to develop young men and women who are morally, mentally and physically ready to lead. Read more of their stories on p. 10. We want to thank the 2021 Distinguished Graduate Award Selection Committee, chaired by Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert ’75, USN (Ret.), and Academy leadership from Superintendent Vice Admiral Sean S. Buck ’83, USN, and his staff, for their integral role in making this a successful and meaningful award cycle. We appreciate the time and effort classmates along with chapter and class leadership put into the nomination process. And ﬁnally, we are thrilled to announce our 2022 Distinguished Graduates, who will be honored at the Naval Academy on Friday, 26 August 2022: Mr. Peter F. de Vos ’71; Vice Admiral William D. Crowder ’74, USN (Ret.); Mr. J. Michael Yeager ’76; Vice Admiral Walter E. “Ted” Carter ’81, USN (Ret.); and Rear Admiral Margaret D. Klein ’81, USN (Ret.). Our 2023 class of Distinguished Graduates will be selected in December 2022 and honored in the spring 2023, when we return to our traditional award calendar after the pandemic disruption. Enjoy this issue of Shipmate, and Go Navy! a

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SHIPMATE VOLUME 85 • NO. 3

IN THIS ISSUE DEPARTMENTS 4 Letter from the Senior Executive in Charge

LEADERSHIP TESTS Experiential leadership development programs provide midshipmen practical scenarios to apply classroom lessons. 22

CLANDESTINE COLLECTION The largest private espionage artifact collection belongs to Melton ’66. 26

Robert “Bob” Gast Jr.

6 All Hands 7 Advertisers Index 29 An Ocean Away Commander Kurt Albaugh ’06, USN

DISTINGUISHED GRADUATES REACH CENTURY MARK Class of 2021 exempliﬁes extraordinary leadership. 10

INFLUENCE THE INFLUENCERS Dr. Celeste Raver Luning helps direct leadership development shift at the Academy. 34

PIPES AND DRUMS

POSTMARKED ANNAPOLIS

Alumni volunteers, supporters sustain unique tradition. 30

Postage stamps highlight the Academy and alumni achievements. 36 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 the Class of 1971 proﬁle on page 85 of the March-April 2022 issue of Shipmate.

40 42 45 47 104 119 120 130 136

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

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 2021 U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Award recipients. Photo by Mike Morgan

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 5

ALL HANDS You can’t help but be inspired when listening to the stories of courage, selflessness and perseverance of the 2021 Class of Naval Academy Distinguished graduates. The Class of 2021 was honored before the Brigade of Midshipmen on 25 March in Alumni Hall. These five alumni embody the core values instilled at the Academy.

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• Kevin W. Sharer ’70 is the former CEO of the world’s largest biotechnology firm. General John R. Allen ’76, USMC (Ret.), was the first Marine to serve as Commandant at the Academy and first Marine to command an active theater of war. Vice Admiral Derwood “D.C.” Curtis ’76, USN (Ret.), was the first Black officer to command U.S. Naval Surface Forces. Janie L. Mines ’80 was the first Black female Naval Academy graduate and is the founder of a nonprofit that supports socio-economically disadvantaged students. Lieutenant Bradley W. Snyder ’06, USN (Ret.), is a six-time Paralympic gold medalist and wounded veterans advocate.

As a reminder, we rely on the alumni community to nominate future Distinguished Graduates. Nomination letters can come from any alumni, however either a class president or a chapter president must endorse the nomination. For more information on the nomination process and description of the award and criteria, please visit www.usna.com/dga. As a member of the Class of 2006, Snyder is the youngest alumni to receive Distinguished Graduate status. He’s already made an incredible impact within the alumni community. We look forward to following his future endeavors which include bringing his story to the silver screen and including veterans in the filmmaking process. Turning to another alumni Paralympic champion, Lieutenant Commander Dan Cnossen ’02, USN (Ret.), captured gold with Team USA in the mixed cross country relay event at the 2022 Paralympics in China. He adds that to his gold, four silvers and one bronze from the 2018 Paralympic games. BZ Lieutenant Commander Cnossen! Academy alumni continue to lead in a host of arenas. Lieutenant Commander Kayla Barron ’10, USN, is on the tail end of her first voyage to space. Barron has been conducting research aboard the International Space Station since November. On 15 March, she conducted a six-hour spacewalk to help install modification kits required for future solar array upgrades. It’s also inspiring to see Commander Lawrence Heyworth IV ’05, USN, and Commander AC Wood ’05, USN, on the front lines serving our nation. Commander Heyworth is the son of my predecessor and very good friend, Commander Lawrence Heyworth III ’70, USN (Ret.). Please see the Ocean Away feature (page 29) submitted by Commander Kurt Albaugh ’06, USN, who reminds us of the solemn act of swearing the Oath of Office and the commitment that comes along with it. Go Navy! Beat Army! Commander Craig Washington ’89, USN (Ret.) Editor-in-Chief ®

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81st Brigade Boxing Championships Midshipmen Adrian Johnson ’23 and Aidan McNally ’23 each captured their third titles before a packed house at the Naval Academy’s Alumni Hall during the 81st annual Brigade Boxing Championships on 25 February. Johnson captured the 139-pound championship while McNally claimed the 147-pound title with both boxers capable of moving up MIDN Joey Motzel ’24, left, and his brother, MIDN Vinny Motzel ’22, attempted to become the first or down a weight class to give brother combination since 1963 to capture Brigade themselves the ultimate test. Boxing Championships in the same year at the 81st The two spar during their Championships held on 25 February. Academy practices frequently, but there has never been a clear winner. The chance to face each other in next year’s Brigade Boxing Championships could determine once and for all who is the better boxer. “We figure whoever wins between the two of us will be a really deserving four-time champion. If I can beat Adrian, I’ll feel I belong on that list,” said McNally, son of longtime Navy boxing coach, Jim McNally. There have been 23 four-time champions at the Academy. Midshipmen Vinny Motzel ’22 and Joey Motzel ’24 were also hoping to cement their names in the Navy boxing history books by becoming the first brothers since 1963 to capture Navy’s Brigade Boxing Championships in the same year. Unfortunately, that opportunity was extinguished when Joey Motzel dropped a unanimous decision to Midshipman Jole Songonuga ’24 at 156 pounds in one of the best bouts of the night which saw the fighters stand toe-to-toe for most of the three rounds. Motzel won the opening round on a couple cards, but all three judges had Songonuga winning the second and third rounds. “He came out hard and threw a lot of combinations, I was ducking my head, which is a bad habit. We both threw some good punches and I thought overall it was a competitive fight,” said Motzel. Vinny Motzel, Navy senior men’s captain, greeted his little brother with a big hug and praised his effort after defending his own 195-pound title with a unanimous decision. He was presented with the Emerson Smith Sportsmanship Award after his win. Additional highlights of the night include Midshipman Kahlah Gillums ’24 successfully defending her title at 125 pounds by defeating Midshipman Elizabeth Grimmig ’22 by a split decision in a competitive bout to begin the program after taking control in the second round and landing numerous dangerous head shots. “I was really doubting myself coming in because she’s the captain and has so much experience. I knew I had to fight with high energy because she keeps up a high tempo. It’s just unbelievable to be able to win again this year,” said Gillums. ®

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CAPITAL GAZETTE

Editor’s Note

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS The Bradford Exchange ................3, 39 Citizen’s Watch....................................40 Falcon’s Landing ..................................25 Great Class Challenge ........Back Cover Herff Jones ................Inside Back Cover Jostens ..................................................25 Navy-Notre Dame Dublin Game......44 Patriot’s Colony at Riverside Health..18 USAA ..................43, Inside Front Cover USNA Foundation................................33

The Village at Providence Center ......41 Willow Valley Communities ..............21 Alumni Products and Services Alumni Business Directory............45 Alumni Merchandise: Chairs........46 Alumni Travel 2022 ......................46 Service Academy Career Conference 2022..........45

PHOTO BY STACY GODFREY, USNA

The 2022 NASCAR race season will mark the first time Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, co-owned by driver Lieutenant Commander Jesse Iwuji ’10, USNR, and pro football hall of famer Emmitt Smith, will field the No. 34 Empowering People LCDR Jesse Iwuji ’10, USNR, and Emmitt Smith’s team, Jesse More Chevrolet Iwuji Motorsports, is driving the Camaro SS this year. Camaro SS in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Chevrolet will provide engineering support and guidance to Jesse Iwuji Motorsports and assist in developing team members. “We are excited to have Jesse and Emmitt join our Chevrolet racing family. I respect that Jesse puts effort into continuously improving whatever he does. I grew up watching and cheering the competitive spirit of Emmitt. We will help guide this young team and provide engineering resources to accelerate them along the path to winning races,” said Eric Warren, director of NASCAR programs at Chevrolet. Iwuji currently serves as an officer in the Navy Reserve after serving seven years of active duty. He made five career starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2020-2021 and 15 starts in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series from 2018-2021. Iwuji and Smith first met when Smith sponsored a car driven by Iwuji at a race in 2020, and the two established Jesse Iwuji Motorsports in 2021. “When I decided to pursue a professional racing career, I started getting seat time in my Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06, which I still own today. The story of going from the Navy to NASCAR and having my Corvette play a key part in that journey makes this partnership not only authentic, but inspirational for any person out there looking to accomplish big goals and dreams. This journey gives people hope and shows how much life truly rewards those who stay strong enough, long enough,” said Iwuji. ®

Class of 2022 before the midshipmen selected their first ship assignment at the Academy’s annual Ship Selection Night in Alumni Hall on 3 February. Approximately 280 Class of 2022 midshipmen walked across the Alumni Hall stage to choose from an array of destinations VADM Roy Kitchener, USN, commander, ranging from Japan to Spain and Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Norfolk, VA. spoke to the Naval Academy Class of 2022 midshipmen who will serve as surface “Up here is a lot of opportunity warfare officers upon graduation ahead of and it’s yours for the taking,” their annual Ship Selection Night. said Kitchener. Ship selection allows midshipmen assigned to surface warfare to pick the ships they will serve on after commissioning in the spring to start their naval careers. Midshipmen chose their ships and new homeports by order of merit, which factors in considerations such as grades, military grade, physical education and leadership. Midshipman Matthew Ceh ’22 was the first on stage and selected ARLEIGH BURKE, homeported out of Rota, Spain. “I am really looking forward to working hard and earning the title of surface warfare officer,” said Ceh, who studied cyber operations at the Academy. The 57th pick of the evening went to Midshipman Augustus Prager ’22, who selected BLUE RIDGE homeported in Yokosuka, Japan. BLUE RIDGE is the oldest deployed warship in the Navy and serves as the flagship of the Seventh Fleet, the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. Fleets. “My practicum teacher was super influential on me, and he told me if the ship was up while I was going up to pick, don’t miss the opportunity. I can’t wait to start actually serving,” said Prager. ®

Howard ’82 Headlines Annual YWCA Luncheon PHOTO COURTESY OF THE U.S. NAVY

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHEVROLET RACING

Chevrolet Teams with Iwuji ’10 2022 Ship Selection Vice Admiral Roy Kitchener, and Former NFL legend Emmitt USN, commander, Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, spoke to Smith in NASCAR Xfinity Series members of the Naval Academy

Admiral Michelle Howard ’82’s, USN (Ret.), career has seen her become the first woman to command a Navy ship and the first Black woman to achieve the rank of four-star admiral. Now retired, Howard traveled to Spokane, WA, to deliver the keynote address at the annual Young Women’s Christian Association’s (YWMCA) Women of Achievement Luncheon on 24 March. The event highlighted six women who shine in their respective fields and serve Spokane, WA. “What a wonderful way today to celebrate Women’s History Month, these leaders and to celebrate the fact that we all have our own match. We just have to have the courage to use it,” said Howard, in reference to her mother’s advice to “start with a single match” to encourage change in the world. ® MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 7

ALL HANDS

The International Space Station (ISS) is now ready for the addition of an upgraded solar array after two National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronauts completed a nearly seven-hour spacewalk on LCDR Kayla Barron ’10, USN, and her Expedition 66 crewmate, 15 March. Lieutenant Raja Chari, exited the International Space Station’s Quest Commander Kayla airlock for their 6.5-hour spacewalk to install solar array Barron ’10, USN, and upgrades on 15 March. her Expedition 66 crewmate, Raja Chari, spent six hours and 54 minutes on their spacewalk marking their second and first spacewalks, respectively. The crewmates secured brackets and erected struts at the base of one of the space station’s eight original power-providing arrays, preparing the area for the future installation of an ISS Roll-Out Solar Array (iROSA). Their work on the S4 channel of the 3A wing deployed the support structure for the third of six new arrays and the first to be added to the starboard side of the space station’s backbone truss. Barron and Chari began the spacewalk at 8:12 a.m. EDT as they switched their extravehicular mobility unit spacesuits to internal battery power. The two then exited the U.S. Quest airlock carrying the parts and tools they would need for the iROSA kit, prior to making their way to their worksite at the far-right side of the orbiting complex. The space station’s legacy solar arrays were designed with an on-orbit life of 15 years. Though all are still functioning, they have begun to show signs of degraded power production and the new iROSA’s are installed such that they partially overlap the original arrays. When all six of the more capable iROSAs are installed, they will augment the stations existing power generation, increasing the complex’s total available power from 160 kilowatts to up to 215 kilowatts. The additional power is needed to continue operations through 2030, while also supporting increased commercial activities aboard the station. Barron and Chari wrapped up the spacewalk by inspecting the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, a cosmic ray detector that underwent repairs during a series of challenging spacewalks in 2019. The spacewalk brought Barron’s career total time in space to 13 hours and 26 minutes with another walk scheduled for 23 March to route coolant hoses and power and data cables. ®

PHOTO COURTESY OF HARVARD ATHLETICS

PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

Barron ’10 Marks Second Spacewalk

LCDR Dan Cnossen ’02, USN (Ret.), center, celebrated winning a gold medal in mixed relay cross-country with his team at the Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022.

Cnossen ’02 Wins Gold with Paralympic Ski Relay Team in Beijing Lieutenant Commander Dan Cnossen ’02, USN (Ret.), took home a second Paralympic gold medal as part of a winning U.S. cross-country ski relay team on 13 March. The former Navy SEAL and three teammates had the fastest time in the mixed 4x2.5km relay on the final day of the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Games at the Zhangjiakou National Biathlon Centre in China. The team finished in 25:59.3, ahead of silver medalists China and bronze winners Canada. A veteran with deployments to Iraq and Southeast Asia, Cnossen was injured in September 2009 after stepping on a bomb during a nighttime assault in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. One of his relay teammates, six-time Paralympian Oksana Masters, of Louisville, KY, was born in Ukraine with both of her legs damaged by in-utero radiation poisoning from the Chernobyl nuclear reactor disaster. “For me its an honor to represent the U.S. on this international field and support my fellow Paralympians,” said Cnossen. Cnossen spent two years in hospitals recovering from the loss of his legs and began cross-country skiing in West Yellowstone, MT, during his rehabilitation. He began training for the Paralympics in 2011 and debuted at the 2014 Games in Sochi, Russia. Cnossen won his first gold medal in 2018 in PyeongChang, South Korea, in the 7.5km biathlon, which involves both skiing and shooting. ®

2022 NAVY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Saturday, September 3 Saturday, September 10 Saturday, September 24 Saturday, October 1 Saturday, October 8 Friday, October 14

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Navy vs Delaware Navy vs Memphis Navy @ East Carolina Navy @ Air Force Navy vs Tulsa Navy @ SMU

Saturday, October 22 Saturday, October 29 Saturday, November 5 Saturday, November 12 Saturday, November 19 Saturday, December 10

Navy vs Houston Navy vs Temple Navy @ Cincinnati Navy vs Notre Dame Navy @ UCF Navy vs Army

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DURHAM VOICE

Jones ’98 Awarded 2022 BEYA Stars and Stripes Award

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE STARS AND STRIPES

Colonel Quintin Jones ’98, USMC, was recognized as the Marine Corps recipient of the Stars and Stripes Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) on 18 February at the BEYA Stars and Stripes dinner in Washington, DC. The BEYA program recognizes those who support mentorship, diversity and value-based advances in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. Jones was recognized for those achievements and for proving himself to be of exemplary character and outstanding ability, the final characteristic of an awardee. Throughout his career, Jones has worked to positively influence others as an instructor for the Marine Corps University Gen Eric Smith, USMC, assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, presented Col Quintin Expeditionary Warfare School Jones ’98, USMC, the Stars and Stripes BEYA distance online program and Award this February. serves as the executive vice president of the National Naval Officers Association (NNOA). Jones’s motivation for attending the Naval Academy stemmed from his desire to develop as a mentor for minority and majority individuals who have not necessarily had the opportunity to be led by a person of color. “I wanted to be a role model and a mentor; to show positive leadership from an African American perspective,” said Jones. More than two decades after his graduation from the Academy, Jones continues to serve as a mentor through NNOA, working to show high school students that the military is a viable option within the STEM field. “I credit those who saw something in me, but also pointed out the weaknesses and strengths that I have and allowed me to continue to improve,” said Jones. ®

“We have nine infantry regiments in the entire Marine Corps; he commands one. He’s a gunﬁghter, he’s a warrior and his valor in combat is a matter of naval record. This is the future of the Marine Corps.” —General Eric Smith, USMC, assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, congratulated Colonel Quintin Jones ’98, USMC, after presenting him with the Stars and Stripes BEYA Award this February.

Dr. Alisha Malloy ’90 encourages one of her students during her time at North Carolina Central University.

Malloy '90 named new NAPS Academic Dean The Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) in Newport, RI, announced in February that Dr. Alisha Malloy ’90, associate professor of computer information systems at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) had been selected to serve as its sixth academic dean. Her tenure will begin in June 2022 and she will succeed Carl Crockett, who has served as the NAPS academic dean since June 2010. Malloy, who has taught at NCCU since 2007 and has more than 20 years experience in academia, has a long record of multidisciplinary leadership, engaging classroom instruction and innovative research earning $1.5 million in grant funding from various entities including the National Science Foundation, Cisco Systems and the state of Alabama. “We are elated to welcome Dr. Alisha Malloy back to the Naval Academy team as our academic dean at NAPS. Her wealth of knowledge and experience, coupled with her passion for STEM learning and deep understanding of our mission at the Academy, will make her a force multiplier in preparing our midshipman candidates for success at USNA and their eventual careers in naval service,” said Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Admiral Sean Buck ’83, USN. Following graduation, Malloy commissioned as a general unrestricted line officer and served as a vault officer at Communications Security Material Issuing Office in Norfolk, VA, and as a database manager and administrative department head at Tactical Training Group Atlantic in Virginia Beach, VA. Malloy holds a master of science in engineering management from Old Dominion University and a Ph.D. in computer information systems from Georgia State University. She is also the recipient of NCCU’s Excellence in Service Award and Teaching Excellence Award. “I am excited and passionate about becoming a part of such an empowering and thriving NAPS and USNA community of like-minded faculty and staff as we all educate, engage, enhance and empower midshipman candidates’ success at NAPS, USNA and beyond,” Malloy said. ®

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 9

PHOTO BY DEBBIE LATTA

FEATURE

2021 Distinguished Graduates: LT Bradley W. Snyder ’06, USN (Ret.); Janie L. Mines ’80; VADM Derwood “DC” Curtis ’76, USN (Ret.); Gen John R. Allen ’76, USMC (Ret.); and Kevin W. Sharer ’70.

DISTINGUISHED GRADUATES REACH CENTURY MARK T

hey are selfless, inspiring and are models of extraordinary leadership, and with this class of distinguished graduates, we now have 100 since the program began in 1999. Each member of the 2021 Class of Naval Academy Distinguished Graduates has made significant contributions to their colleagues, communities and the Naval Academy. Their achievements include: • Kevin W. Sharer ’70 directed the creation of an initiative to assist people affected by cancer as CEO of the world’s largest biotechnology firm. • General John R. Allen ’76, USMC (Ret.), helped train the next generation of warfighters at the Naval Academy following 9/11. • Vice Admiral Derwood “DC” Curtis ’76, USN (Ret.), helped guide survivors of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon to safety. 10 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

• Janie L. Mines ’80 blazed a trail for future women of color at the Academy. • Lieutenant Bradley W. Snyder ’06, USN (Ret.), overcame the loss of sight following a battleﬁeld injury to become a Paralympic champion, wounded veterans advocate and a professor in the Academy’s Leadership and Ethics Department. Following a delay forced by COVID-19, the 2021 Distinguished Graduates were honored on 25 March in Alumni Hall. Their inspirational stories of triumph and humility are on the following pages. For more information on the 2021 Distinguished Graduate Awards, video from the event and complete honoree biographies, visit usna.com/dga.

ALL HEADSHOTS BY MIKE MORGAN

SHARER KEVIN W. SHARER ’70

Serving as an officer on attack nuclear submarines during the “Understanding high-quality operations was really height of the Cold War had a lasting impact on Kevin W. Sharer ’70. important,” Sharer said. “I had to be able to take the entire He said the challenges and high tempo of the mission were reactor plant apart in my head. It also dawned on me as I took character builders for a junior officer. He said the experience responsibility of the world’s largest biotechnology company. provided a good balance of excitement and professional satisfaction. I used the same kind of approach to really dig deep in my “I can’t imagine any better dual experience for somebody in understanding of biology.” their 20s to build self-confidence and form the foundation that stayed with me for the rest of my life,” Sharer said. “Embrace Reality” Sharer said the Naval Academy was the gateway to his Former General Electric Chairman and CEO Jack Welch offered success in the submarine force and the private sector. He served Sharer advice that continues to resonate with the son of a retired two tours in his nine years in active duty, the second as chief Navy pilot. engineer of new construction for the “Embrace Reality.” Los Angeles-Class submarines. Sharer said the simple phrase At age 26, Sharer was responsible reminds him to confront and plan for the I GOT A GOOD ENGINEERING for forming an engineering department, conditions that currently exist. It grounds EDUCATION, MET SOME working with the shipyard to construct him in the moment, not pining for a submarines and meeting demanding sunnier set of circumstances. TERRIFIC PEOPLE AND THE operational goals. He said he crafted a Sharer was on the chairman’s staff at FACT THAT I’M A NAVAL management style that focused on the GE in the 1980s. He later became general ACADEMY GRADUATE HAS essence of the job, not the complexity of manager for two of the company’s divisions. the entire operation. He put his faith in Embracing reality demands welcoming BEEN SOMETHING PEOPLE the people who worked with him. input from all perspectives to make HAVE RESPECTED MY WHOLE The Navy helped Sharer better informed decisions. LIFE. WHEN THEY MEET YOU, understand how large organizations “It’s a complicated idea,” Sharer said. operate. He said serving in the submarine THEY ASSUME THINGS ABOUT “Understanding reality means you have to force showed him what excellence looks listen widely and well. It means you have to YOU THAT ARE POSITIVE. like. The guiding principles he adhered reflect on the input you have. You have to to while in the Navy served him as he avoid magical thinking. It means you have coordinated the construction of MEMPHIS to base your decisions and actions on and into his successful private-sector career. what actually is instead of what someone else claims or you wish Amgen became the world’s largest biotechnology firm things were. during Sharer’s 20-year tenure. Amgen’s revenues grew from “It’s not a defeatist thing, reality means you can change some $1 billion annually to $3.6 billion during Sharer’s time as chief things but not others.” operating officer. Sharer was selected as Amgen’s chairman/CEO Through his relationship with Welch, Sharer learned the in 2000. When he retired in 2012, the company’s revenues had power of being nimble, adaptive, aggressive and competitive. increased to $17 billion. Those attributes surfaced as Amgen’s CEO. The leadership lessons instilled in him at the Academy and Amgen became a world-leader in biotechnology in the Navy continue to drive his charitable endeavors, which advancements thanks to Sharer’s focus on developing include Amgen’s “Breakaway from Cancer” initiative, supporting therapeutics to help tens of millions of patients around the the Naval Academy and the OneTen nonprofit he co-founded globe fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, which aims to train, hire and promote 1 million Black Americans osteoporosis, heart disease and other serious illnesses. in the workforce over the next decade. A commitment to research and development investment Sharer traces his success to his experience in the Navy and was evident in Amgen channeling nearly 20 percent of its the foundation laid at the Academy. revenues ($3 billion in 2010) to producing medicines.

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MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 11

FEATURE

PHOTO BY LAURA HATCHER, WWW.LAURAHATCHERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

“Embrace Reality” was again applicable in 1997 when Sharer took a leave of absence as Amgen COO to serve with Admiral Stansﬁeld Turner ’47, USN (Ret.), on the Special Committee to Assess the Naval Academy. This task force’s mission was to examine the performance of the Naval Academy’s leadership and ability to produce officers ready to lead in the Navy and Marine Corps. To gain the proper perspective on the Academy’s performance, Sharer partnered with Admiral Paul Reason ’65, USN (Ret.), who was then serving as commander in chief, United States Atlantic Fleet. Sharer suggested the committee ask the customers of the product—commander in the ﬂeet—if the Naval Academy was successfully preparing Navy and Marine Corps officers for the 21st century. The response was “loud and enormously affirmative,” Sharer said. “That data was powerful,” Sharer said. “Graduates were the quality we hoped. We asked the customers what they think of the product, that had never done before. It was important at the moment.” By basing assessments supported by quantitative customer feedback, the committee made recommendations in June 1997 that led to changes implemented by the Superintendent and the Board of Visitors. That experience brought Sharer back into the Naval Academy community. Admiral Charles R. Larson ’58, USN (Ret.), was Superintendent at the time the Special Committee was operating. When Larson and Admiral James L. Holloway ’43,

Kevin W. Sharer ’70 addresses the audience during the 2021 Distinguished Graduate Award ceremony in Alumni Hall on 25 March.

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USN (Ret.), were working to create the Naval Academy Foundation, they asked Sharer to become a founding member. “The Special Committee was the thing that reconnected me in a deep and everlasting way to today’s Naval Academy,” Sharer said.

Giving Back Philanthropy and outreach have been integral components of Sharer’s personal and professional lives. As Amgen CEO in 2005, Sharer directed the launch of the “Breakaway from Cancer” initiative to increase awareness of the resources available to people affected by cancer—from prevention through survivorship. Sharer recently co-founded OneTen along with former or current executives from American Express, Merck, IBM and the Black Economic Alliance. The goal is to train, hire and promote 1 million Black Americans (who do not have four-year college degrees) into family sustaining jobs with opportunities for advancement. In 2013, The Sharer Family Foundation was established. The Foundation supports junior college transferees to major colleges/universities. Recipients are often first-generation Americans or first in the family to attend college. Giving back is based on a simple principle, Sharer said. “I have been blessed by America,” he said. “America has given my family and me gigantic gifts. It gave me an education. The simple idea is we want to give back and help other people. We just want to give back to the country that gave us so much.” In addition to being an original member of the Naval Academy Foundation in 1999, Sharer has been an active member on the Board of Directors. His philanthropy extends to the Academy. He has been a major organizer and contributor for both of the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation’s capital campaigns. As a tribute to his aeronautical engineering education at Navy, he endowed a chair in the Aerospace Engineering Department. “I wanted to honor my most important professor, David Rogers, it was to support the school and honor him,” Sharer said. Following his retirement from Amgen in 2012, Sharer authored a book, The CEO Test: Master the Challenges That Make or Break All Leaders, and served as a senior lecturer/ professor at Harvard’s School of Business. He credits his time at the Academy for helping shape him as a leader. He said graduating from the Academy is an achievement which often reflects well on him. “Doing a hard thing is in itself important,” Sharer said. “I got a good engineering education, met some terrific people and the fact that I’m a Naval Academy graduate has been something people have respected my whole life. When they meet you, they assume things about you that are positive.”

ALLEN GEN JOHN R. ALLEN ’76, USMC (RET.)

By Kim Catley

When three planes slammed into the World Trade Center and was torpedoed by a German U-boat while secretly guarding a the Pentagon on 11 September 2001, General John R. Allen ’76, British convoy in the desperate effort to resupply Britain in USMC (Ret.), instantly knew that everything had changed. the early days of the war. A torpedo struck the starboard side, At the time, he was serving as deputy commandant of causing flooding and the loss of 11 men, with many wounded, midshipmen at the Naval Academy. By the end of the year, he but KEARNY survived and made it back to Iceland for repairs. would be named the 79th Commandant—and the first Marine “My father attributed the fact that that destroyer was not Corps officer to hold the position. lost,” Allen said, “to the quality of the officers on that ship— His focus immediately shifted to preparing the midshipmen all of whom were Naval Academy graduates.” for war, from physical training to mental readiness. Allen instituted Even as a small child, he recognized his father’s reverence a martial arts program—similar to the one he implemented in and awe toward Naval Academy officers. It naturally influenced the Marine Corps while serving as Allen’s eventual decision to apply and commander of The Basic School from enroll. Once there, his interests led him to 1999 to 2001—in an effort to build physical explore the Marines, and once again, his endurance. He also introduced and taught father’s memories solidified the selection. I WILL EVENTUALLY JOIN classes on the dark side of war and During the Korean War, Joseph Allen THESE MIDSHIPMEN human factors in combat, hoping to convey was on board BATAAN along with a Marine the realities the future young officers fighter squadron, the famous Checkboard SOMEWHERE ON THE would soon face. He even encouraged Squadron, VMFA-312. As he watched BATTLEFIELD. SOME OF THESE groups of midshipmen to join the surgical them fly around the clock, supporting KIDS I’M GOING TO PROMOTE. the First Marine Division, he was struck teams at local emergency rooms, hoping the exposure would normalize the carnage SOME OF THEM I’M GOING TO by their endurance and courage. they would later find on the battlefield. “My father’s view was, in peacetime, DECORATE. AND SOME OF “When I would walk home at night, in crisis and in war, the leading edge of THEM, I’M GOING TO BURY. I remember passing the Superintendent’s American influence was always going to house. I would look up to my right and be the Naval service,” Allen said. “And the see the Chapel Dome,” he said. “I would ones who are going to make the earliest think to myself, ‘Have I done enough commitment on the ground, in defense of today to get these young men and women ready to go to war?’ America, will be the Marines.” And sometimes, I turned around and went back to the office.” The gravity of his position deeply resonated with him. He Turning the Tide would often visit Memorial Hall, quietly taking in the honor roll Allen completed his term as commandant in 2003, shortly after of Academy alumni who made the ultimate sacrifice for their seeing the U.S. invasion of Iraq. As he predicted, from 2007 to country. As he read the names of the young officers who perished 2008, he deployed to the Al Anbar Province—the most violent in combat, he knew—no matter how much work he put into their province in Iraq during the most violent year of the war. preparation—more would soon follow. Allen worked closely with the Anbari tribes, eventually “As our first couple of casualties came back to us, I said that convincing them to turn on Al Qaeda and launch a counterattack this was going to be a long fight,” Allen said. “I will eventually throughout the province. Those efforts set the province on a join these midshipmen somewhere on the battlefield. Some of course to reunify with Baghdad. In the aftermath, Allen was these kids I’m going to promote. Some of them I’m going to selected to be Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command. decorate. And some of them, I’m going to bury.” “It is not an overstatement to say John’s efforts in Al Anbar Province turned the tide,” said Admiral Michael G. Mullen ’68, First on the Ground USN (Ret.), “at a time when the province and the war were all Allen attributes many of his career turning points to his father, but lost.” Joseph K. Allen, a Navy veteran of World War II and the Korean While in Iraq, Allen frequently came across former midshipmen, War. His father was serving in KEARNY in October 1941 when it many of whom were now serving as lieutenants or captains,

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company commanders, advisors or ﬂying helicopters. While he also credits the training of their warfare specialties at Quantico, Pensacola and Coronado, he could also see the preparation they gained at the Academy coming to bear. “I was so proud of them,” he said. “They were doing such a great job now truly defending their country.”

The Coalition-builder In 2011, President Barack Obama called on Allen to command the NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan—becoming the ﬁrst Marine to command an active theater of war. He commanded the 50-nation coalition and a force of nearly 150,000 U.S. and NATO troops. At the same time, he followed orders from President Obama and the NATO Secretary General to “pivot the war” by transitioning the Allied combat force into an advisory command for the Afghans and beginning the transitioning and the closing of the more than 800 base facilities across Afghanistan. Allen retired from the Marine Corps in 2013. Almost immediately, he was invited by then-Secretary of State John Kerry to join the administration’s efforts to help broker a two-state peace deal between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

For 15 months, Allen led a team of more than 100 experts and negotiators through the development of a security plan—building on work he had quietly begun while still on active duty—that was crucial to the progress of credible peace talks. “It was an unprecedented, professional effort,” Kerry said. “He proved to be a deft negotiator, on an unbelievably sensitive, delicate task. John’s conduct of a detailed assessment of Palestinian capabilities and his design of an implementation command brought closer the possibility of peace.” After serving in the peace negotiations, President Obama again called on Allen—this time to serve as a special presidential envoy to the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL. In 15 months, Allen grew the coalition to 65 members and halted the expansion of ISIL. For his service, he was recognized with awards from Secretary Kerry and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. Each of these roles required Allen to be a coalition-builder, bringing together countries and people with conﬂicting beliefs, priorities and objectives. His approach, he said, was always guided by respect, partnership and transparency. “It was always about treating countries, large and small, with respect,” he said, “and ensuring that they understood if they’re going to put the blood of their children and the treasure of their countries on the line, they deserved to be treated as partners.”

PHOTO BY DEBBIE LATTA

Setting a Course for the Future

Gen John R. Allen ’76, USMC (Ret.), talks with MIDN Alexander R. Saber ’24 prior to the Distinguished Graduate Award ceremony on 25 March.

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Allen’s post-retirement service most recently brought him to the Brookings Institution, one of the world’s largest and oldest think tanks. He initially got involved as a nonresident fellow before being encouraged to apply for the role of president and CEO, a position he’s held since 2017. At Brookings, he said, he has an opportunity to engage with consequential work in everything from economics and foreign policy, to poverty and inequality, to global development and climate change. He has been a co-inventor and awarded five patents for artificial intelligence-related inventions with military applications. He is also credited with successfully leading the organization to be even more productive in recent years, despite the disruption of a global pandemic. Looking forward, Allen is applying the breadth and depth of Brookings scholars’ expertise to four signature areas: the future of the global middle class; American leadership in the 21st century; artificial intelligence and emerging technology; and race, justice and equity. “We are a country that needs to turn its full attention to the rights of women, people of color and our vulnerable populations,” he said. “That work is a long way from being done, and Brookings is going to be square in the middle of it.”

CURTIS

VADM DERWOOD “DC” CURTIS ’76, USN (RET.) By Chase Cook

A young South Side Chicago native watched the Army-Navy Naval Forces Europe/Africa. As a young officer, he helped football game for years, visiting his local library to read about the pioneer new methods to attract Navy recruits as well as U.S. Military Academy. He dreamt of being part of the Long Grey designing training protocols for new surface warfare ensigns. Line of West Point football greats. His first shore tour was a return to the Academy to train “I really liked West Point,” Vice Admiral Derwood “DC” midshipmen. Six members of his company made Flag rank. Curtis ’76, USN (Ret.), said with a chuckle, “I didn’t really give When terrorists slammed a civilian airliner into the much thought to going Navy in those days—and wasn’t that sure Pentagon during the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Curtis’ leadership about a career in the military either.” skills were put to the test as he aided others in the evacuation. But fate would have other plans. When asked about his achievements, Curtis says he is proud Once the football coaches in Annapolis heard of Curtis’ but “couldn’t have done it without his wife, his family, his faith and talents, he quickly replaced his dreams of his shipmates.” playing for West Point and began to “None of these things I could have dream in Blue and Gold. The 1976 done alone,” Curtis said. “My wife and graduate went on to a consequential family have been my inspiration and the OUR TASK AT THE ACADEMY four-decade Navy career including rock I turn to in times of opportunity AND IN THE NAVY HAS becoming the first Black officer to and challenge.” ALWAYS BEEN TO TRAIN command U.S. Naval Surface Forces. Colonel John Kruse ’76, USMC (Ret.), When he heard his peers nominated was with Curtis when the Navy and OUR RELIEF. I HOPE THIS him as a 2021 Distinguished Graduate, he Marine Corps portion of the Pentagon RECOGNITION INSPIRES said couldn’t believe it. Curtis attended was hit by American Airlines flight 77. OTHERS TO HELP IDENTIFY, previous ceremonies and was in awe of Kruse and several other peers nominated SUPPORT AND MENTOR the other honorees. Late Senator John Curtis for the distinguished alumni award. McCain ’58 was honored with the award “I can think of no more deserving THE NEXT GENERATION in 2018, and then-Vice President Joe Biden alumni for the Distinguished Graduate OF ACADEMY AND accepted it on his behalf as McCain Award than Vice Admiral Derwood C. NAVAL LEADERS. was ailing at the time. Curtis said it is Curtis, USN (Ret.),” Kruse wrote in unbelievable to be in the same elite group his nomination letter. as Admiral J. Paul Reason ’65, USN (Ret.), Admiral Michael G. Mullen ’68, USN “Keep Charging” (Ret.), and Major General Charles F. Bolden ’68, USMC (Ret.). Curtis, and many other Black Americans of his peer group, felt “This is an awesome honor—just unbelievable. In fact, I they had to perform better than others to prove themselves. thought my classmates might be pulling my leg when I first “I always felt I had to be twice as good to be accepted,” Curtis heard the news,” he said. said. “I had to make sure to be successful and prove myself.” Leadership and success would be Curtis’ calling cards Curtis did just that. For his quiet and steadfast professionalism, throughout his service to the Navy. At the Academy, he earned he racked up personal and command accolades, including leadership recognition from the Daughters of the American several Battle Efficiency and retention awards, the Distinguished Revolution, was the Plebe Regimental Commander, was the Service Medal and Legion of Merit awards, along with the Surface Second Regimental Commander Member of the Color Guard, Warfare School Arleigh Burke Award as a young ensign. was a football standout at defensive back, was vice president of His personal and later command motto was “Keep Charging,” the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was a member of the challenging himself and his teammates always to do better and original Gospel Choir, singing at a few local churches. demand more from themselves than those around them. But Curtis’ success didn’t end at the Naval Academy. He was After retirement, Curtis wanted to continue to serve the the 11th Black vice admiral in the history of the Navy and he also Naval Academy and Navy community through coaching and served as naval aide to the 71st and 72nd secretaries of the Navy. mentoring. He co-founded the USNA Minority Association He served as the director of Strategy/Transformation for U.S. (NAMA) in 2018 to develop future minority leaders and give

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back to the Academy community. He remains active in NAMA and continues to mentor midshipmen and Naval Academy graduates of all backgrounds. Following his retirement, Curtis realized his passion for helping others and giving back. Instead of working in the Defense industry he became a small business advisor/specialist to assist small companies in becoming multi-million-dollar businesses. He founded and supported nonproﬁt organizations to improve the lives of others. He also served on the Naval Academy Alumni Association’s Board of Trustees, NSW Kids Foundation, Bay Dynamics, Smithsonian Environmental Research and OGOS Energy. He is a member of the Navy Football Brotherhood, Greater Washington Alumni Chapter, Surface Navy Association and the U.S. Naval Institute.

A Day of Terror

PHOTO BY DEBBIE LATTA

It was 9:37 a.m. on 11 September 2001 when hijackers crashed Flight 77 into the side of the Pentagon. Terrorists were attacking the United States. Two other planes hit the Twin Towers in New York, and a fourth crashed into a Pennsylvania ﬁeld after passengers fought back. “It was a terrible day,” Curtis said. “All of a sudden, we felt a rumble in the whole building … we had to get everybody out of the office.”

VADM Derwood “D.C.” Curtis ’76, USN (Ret.), and his wife, Towanda, at the lunch reception prior to the 2021 Distinguished Graduate Award ceremony on 25 March.

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Curtis immediately sprang to action as the building filled with smoke. He guided people out of the building. Before getting himself to safety, Curtis locked down classified documents and coordinated with others on following plans, part of which was relocating and establishing a new Navy Command Center. Curtis earned a spot as a flag officer during this tour. Kruse, who was with Curtis on that fateful day, remembers a calm presence who executed his duties expertly. Kruse was the Military Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy at the time and worked with Curtis to secure personnel and respond to the attacks. “There was a calmness,” Kruse said. “Absolutely no anxiety, no panic. The evacuation of the Pentagon was chaotic. He was a cool head in the chaos.” As the aide to the Secretary of the Navy, Gordon England, at the time, Curtis knew he needed to get his boss back from Texas to Washington, DC, for meetings with President Bush and other national leaders. The 9/11 terrorist attacks killed 2,996 people. At the Pentagon, 125 died. Survivors crawled through debris, smoke and fire to live. “It was a trying day you never forget,” Curtis said. Curtis’ career continued its upward trajectory after his efforts on 9/11. He earned the rank of vice admiral and was selected to command the combined U.S. Surface Forces. He oversaw 60,000 personnel, 170-plus combat ships, more than 40 commands and infrastructure. This was his seventh command and fourth flag officer tour, a rare feat in the Navy. Much like everything else he has done, Curtis excelled here too. He had the highest Surface Force retention rate, led the Navy in diversity, and started a forcewide focus on technical proficiency and professionalism. His leadership and mentoring contributions have been lasting, with programs and efforts continuing long after his retirement. “Obviously, if you think anyone deserved it, it is DC,” Kruse said. “He has commanded at every level from ship to squadron. It is well deserved, and what a fantastic representative for the class.” Curtis hopes this honor will help others aspire to be their greatest. The more diverse, intelligent and talented the U.S. Navy, the better a fighting force, Curtis said. “Our task at the Academy and in the Navy has always been to train our relief. I hope this recognition inspires others to help identify, support and mentor the next generation of Academy and Naval leaders,” he said. “Keep Charging!”

MINES JANIE L. MINES ’80

By Kat Braz

Four years at the Naval Academy tests the mettle of many “All the experiences I had throughout my childhood where I midshipmen. For Janie L. Mines ’80 some days on the Yard were was first and only, they were preparing me for this. It felt like downright harrowing. something I was supposed to do.” Dauntless, she persevered to become the first Black woman When Mines reflects on her time at the Academy, she views to graduate from the Academy. It’s a subject she speaks about it through a historical lens. It took an act of Congress to permit openly in her book, No Coincidences, where she reflects on the the admission of women to the nation’s military academies. When faith-centered upbringing that prepared her not only to endure the Naval Academy inducted 81 women (about 6 percent of the trying circumstances, but to excel in spite of obstacles and to plebe class) in July 1976, it represented a milestone for the storied lead the way for the others who would follow. institution. Black men comprised around 3 percent of the Brigade. “If being the first Black woman to graduate was my only “At the time, Black men were having a very difficult time legacy at the Academy, then I’d be kind of ashamed of myself,” leading in a predominantly white Navy,” Mines said. “They had Mines said. “But there is a responsibility only recently stopped being relegated to that goes along with my experience. stewards and cooks, so the Academy was When I meet with midshipmen, they’ll tell already dealing with that. Then you add MY HOPE FOR THE ACADEMY’S women to the mix. I was told all I would me, ‘You started this. People came behind you because you opened the door and do is get good white men killed and FUTURE IS THAT WE LIVE UP didn’t quit.’” they couldn’t permit me to do that. My TO OUR FULL POTENTIAL, Raised in Aiken, SC, Mines is the brothers can be very doggedly determined NOT ONLY AS LEADERS IN THE when they deem something is a threat to daughter of a Baptist minister and a teacher who supported her in every MILITARY BUT IN THE NATION. the mission of the Navy.” endeavor. She admits to having “a bit of Mines credits her father for raising her an anger management problem as a little to understand that peoples’ biases are formed girl,” so when an older cousin encouraged by their personal experiences. She realized her to pursue martial arts, she joined an all-male, mostly white that many in the Brigade likely hadn’t spent much time around a combat dojo. Black woman. She needed to prove to them that she was capable. “Imagine a 90-pound girl competing against grown men. “If I made it about race and gender, I would not have graduated,” I’m surprised my parents let me do that,” Mines said. “But that Mines said. “My goal was to show them how I could be an asset; experience became a true blessing for me growing up and aided how I could contribute to the mission and not be a detriment. my transition to the Academy because training in martial arts is I just had to survive the gauntlet that was placed before me in not only about the techniques and athleticism. It also teaches order to do that.” obedience, develops character and sets expectations.” Mines was fortunate to be accepted and receive scholarships Mentor to Many to every Ivy League school she applied to. As an executive officer After fulfilling her military service commitments as a supply in JROTC with stellar academics, she caught the attention of a corps officer, Mines chose not to pursue a career in the Navy. Blue and Gold Officer who encouraged her to apply to be part of “My detailer offered me different incentives to try to keep me the first class of women admitted to the Naval Academy. in,” Mines said. “I told him it was time for me to go and he said, She learned about the Academy’s reputation for outstanding ‘You think you’re leaving, but you’ll never leave us.’” academic rigor. The opportunities for leadership development and Mines went on to earn her MBA from the Massachusetts the prospect of serving her country were compelling. It felt like Institute of Technology and enjoy a rewarding career in the the Academy offered everything Mines hoped for in a college corporate world, serving as senior vice president at Bank of experience. She applied and was accepted, but still had not made America and Academy Securities. She also held management the commitment to attend when she received a call from admissions. positions at Procter & Gamble, Frito-Lay and Hershey. And, she “They said, ‘You’re going to be the only one. Are you coming?’ remained connected to the Navy, serving as a Highly Qualified and I asked, ‘The only what?’ When I realized I would be the only Expert, Senior Executive Services on the staff of the Office of Black woman at the Academy, everything clicked,” Mines said. the Secretary of the Navy (2007-2009) and as a member of the

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PHOTO BY LAURA HATCHER, WWW.LAURAHATCHERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Secretary of Defense, Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (2016-2020). Admiral Patrick Walsh ’77, USN (Ret.), met Mines at the Academy when she was a plebe and he was a firstie. Their companies were in the same vicinity, so the two shared the same corridor in Bancroft Hall and became friends. Years later, when Walsh was vice chief of naval operations and Mines was advising the Office of the Secretary of the Navy, the two found themselves sharing a corridor again, this time at the Pentagon. “All of us arrive at the Naval Academy with such different life experiences and perspectives and have to find a way to work together,” Walsh said. “After graduation, we found ourselves thrust again into unexpected situations, working with a team we had never met. But the core mission does not change, and along with it, the key qualities demanded among people do not change. Janie exemplifies this spirit. She looks at the world and sees that despite its challenges, there are far more things we share in common than what separates us. “She is a leader who found a way to stay resilient, strong, positive and a contributing member of the Academy throughout her personal and professional career. And she selflessly shares those qualities as a mentor for the people whose lives she touches.” Mines founded and directed the nonprofit Boyz to Men club in Fort Mill, SC, which provided support and guidance for socioeconomically disadvantaged adolescents. Though she’s directly impacted hundreds of lives, she’s most proud of her son, William. “He’s humbled me in ways that no one else ever could,” she said. For decades, Mines has served as an informal mentor to midshipmen and junior officers who ask for her advice. “I’ve taken a lot of phone calls in the middle of the night,” Mines said. She now serves on the Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustees’ Ad Hoc Committee on Alumni Culture, Diversity and Inclusion where she remains dedicated to the mission of the Academy and its influence on the cultivation of young officers. “My hope for the Academy’s future is that we live up to our full potential, not only as leaders in the military but in the nation,” Mines said. “That we serve as a beacon of all the things that are positive and good about our country and that we help to lead others back to our founding values. I know those 2019 Naval Academy Distinguished Graduate CAPT Wendy B. are lofty goals, but Lawrence ’81, USN (Ret.), meets with 2021 Distinguished it’s what I hope for.” Graduate award recipient Janie L. Mines ’80 on 25 March.

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SNYDER LT BRADLEY W. SNYDER ’06, USN (RET.)

By Ellen Ternes

Lieutenant Brad Snyder ’06, USN (Ret.), was a sophomore in high wounded in an IED explosion. As Snyder was clearing a ravine, school the first time he visited the Naval Academy. an IED exploded in his face. “I remember walking into the main office and looking up at “As my brothers in arms hurried me toward the helicopter, I that photo of John McCain and thinking, ‘What a remarkable realized that I couldn’t see what was in front of me,” Snyder wrote American, I want to be like him one day. I’d be lucky to go to an in his book, Fire In My Eyes. “Before my very eyes, my life had institution that helped shape a guy like him,’” Snyder said. changed forever.” The thoughts of that awed future midshipman, who went on Over the course of a few months, first at Walter Reed National to be inducted with the first Academy class after 9/11, would turn Military Center and VA facilities in Tampa, FL, and Augusta, GA, out to be prophetic. Like McCain, Snyder has been named a Snyder learned the basics of living blind. He sums it up in two Distinguished Graduate, the youngest words—tap, advance. ever to be chosen. And like McCain, “I think the metaphor is exactly how Snyder’s road to this honor would be one the whole process of blind rehab unfolded WHEN I FIRST WALKED ONTO that changed his life in ways he never on day one,” Snyder said. “I don’t know could have imagined. anything about how to do any of the stuff THE GROUNDS I REMEMBER At the Academy, Snyder admits he I used to do without my vision, from FEELING THAT THIS PLACE was not a great student, and, although he brushing my teeth to eating my food, to HAD A PURPOSE. THESE was the captain of the swim team his firstpicking out what to wear, to getting into a PEOPLE ARE CONTRIBUTING class year, he said he didn’t feel as though meeting and having a computer and writing athletically he was anything exceptional. and reading and all these things. That just THEIR EFFORT TOWARDS “I was an above-average swimmer, seems insurmountable at the beginning. SOMETHING GREAT. … I HOPE but only won one race in four years and “Probably one of the more challenging TO BE AN EXAMPLE TO THOSE things about adapting to being blind is was more often in the outside lane rather than in the middle of the pool,” he said. I need to get from point A to point B,” MIDSHIPMEN MAKING THAT Snyder’s close friend and fellow swim Snyder said. “How does a blind person do SAME CHOICE THAT I MADE. team member Lieutenant Commander that? Well, you use a blind cane. You tap Ian Getzler ’06, USN, saw something else the cane in front of you in the spot that in Snyder. your next foot is going to go. And once I “Swimming is a sport where it’s a lot of individuals kind of tap, I know that the space is clear for my right foot. And competing for a common purpose, but there’s not a lot of then I’m going to tap where my left foot is going to go, and I go. working together,” Getzler said. “He was able to kind of Then I figure out how to get out into the hallway and find my way transcend that and pull everybody together to become a to down the hallway and maybe outside. You tap, you figure out family. And this started happening earlier than senior year, when the skill that you need to learn, like brushing your teeth. Once he was the captain. I think he’s always had that inspirational you figure that out, you advance.” touch to him, where he’s able to get people to rally around for a In November 2011, at the prodding of his high school swim common purpose.” coach, Snyder found his way back into the pool. With his coach’s It was a skill that helped Snyder stand out as a leader in his help, he learned to swim blind. Not long after, he got a call from Navy career. He, along with Getzler, was chosen for one of only 15 the Military Outreach Coordinator for the United States Association Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) slots open to the Class of of Blind Athletes. Would Snyder be willing to try out for Team 2006. He was named a Distinguished Graduate of Naval School USA and the 2012 Paralympics in London? Still navigating EOD, then led units in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation getting from point A to point B in his rehabilitation, the former Enduring Freedom, where teamwork could mean the difference Navy swimmer wasn’t sure. between life and death. Then came 7 September 2011, in the mountains of Afghanistan. Alive Day Snyder was helping to open a safe area to get medical help to Alive Day is what wounded veterans call the anniversary of the Afghan Special Forces commandos who had been severely day they were injured. On his first Alive Day, 7 September 2012,

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Snyder was on the winners’ podium of the London Paralympics, a gold medal for the 400M freestyle around his neck. Since then, Snyder has won five more golds and two silvers in Paralympic competitions and been recognized by Sports Illustrated and ESPN. Alive Day is different for him now, Snyder said. “It’s no longer as important as it used to be, which I think is a great thing,” he said. “And what it reflects to me is that blindness and the injury are no longer kind of a long shadow over my life.” Since that first Alive Day, Snyder has tapped and advanced into a busy life of public speaking, working for wounded veterans’ issues, serving on the board of directors of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and other organizations, and graduate school. Once again, he was navigating new territory. “I found myself in this position where I had the opportunity to meet influential individuals who would ask me questions about important things,” Snyder said, “so I kind of set out to make the most of this platform. If people are going to actually care to give a crap what I say, I should say something meaningful. I should say something worthwhile and something impactful. So that’s part of the challenge.” In 2016, Snyder wrote a book about his experiences. Fire In My Eyes isn’t just a recounting of how he learned to live blind. He writes about wearing two left shoes for an EOD inspection, about difficult losses of loved ones, about how humor is important for leaders, even, and especially, in the darkest moments, and about the DUI that almost ended his Navy career. “I want people to know the full story,” he said.

Return to the Yard

PHOTO BY LAURA HATCHER, WWW.LAURAHATCHERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

From 2017-2020, Snyder taught in the Academy’s Leadership and Ethics Department. He hopes to be back on faculty after he ﬁnishes his Ph.D. at Princeton.

LT Bradley W. Snyder ’06, USN (Ret.), receives his Distinguished Graduate medal during the 25 March ceremony in Alumni Hall.

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“When I ﬁrst walked onto the grounds I remember feeling that this place had a purpose. These people are contributing their effort towards something great. It’s the security of our country, the betterment of our country. I hope to be an example to those midshipmen making that same choice that I made.” Snyder sees two things that are very different for today’s midshipmen. “The relatively obvious one is that the national security foreign policy landscape is fundamentally changed,” he said. “We’re not as ingrained in the counterterrorism world as we were when I graduated. It’s still a threat, but I think that the general utilization of the military moving forward will be characterized by this notion of great power competition. “And I think the notion of social media is dramatically different. We’re in this landscape where you can look back and see what someone tweeted six years ago, and you can hold them to account. I think the way that our midshipmen have to navigate that is far harder and far different than the way that I did 15 years ago.”

Amazing, but Not Surprising Former Class President Lieutenant Commander Andrew Lukich ’06, USN, and 2006 classmates—Lieutenant Commander DJ Faldowski ’06, USN; Justin Freeh ’06; Lieutenant Commander Ian Getzler ’06, USN; Christian Foschi ’06—who nominated Snyder for the Distinguished Graduate Award aren’t surprised that he was selected. “We knew it was an out-of-the-box type of idea, but we all knew deep down that he deserved to be a DGA, based on his career as a midshipman, his time on active duty and overcoming his injuries, as a Paralympian, and being one of the greatest ambassadors the Naval Academy has,” Lukich said. Getzler agreed. “In the ten years now since the accident, he’s done amazing things, constantly making sure that he wasn’t going to feel sorry for himself, that he always wanted to push on and continue to do great things,” Getzler said. “And there’s no fluff there. So, when you’re competing against the caliber of people that get nominated for Distinguished Graduate, I think it’s amazing, but it’s not surprising.” Former Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Admiral Ted Carter Jr. ’81, USN (Ret.), said in his letter of endorsement for Snyder, that when Snyder speaks at the Distinguished Graduate Award ceremony, midshipmen will “see a man who had every excuse to give up, but instead chose to raise the bar … to invest his time and talents to better their lives.” Snyder is still taking in the reality that he will be addressing the Brigade as a Distinguished Graduate. “I look back to McCain and thinking I want to be like him,” Snyder said. “To be recognized in this way gives me that vote of confidence to say I’m living up to that. But, I would be uncomfortable accepting this if it weren’t on behalf of the institution as a whole and specifically my classmates of the Class of 2006. I’m incredibly humbled, but very grateful.” a

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF USNA

FEATURE

LEADERSHIP TESTS M

idshipman Cody R. Chen ’22 found a practical application for the leadership lessons instilled at Luce Hall during a conversation centered on cleaning a campfire pan in the Clearwater Mountains of Alaska. Chen was among a group of 60 first-class midshipmen who participated in a National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) expedition in either Alaska or Wyoming in the summer of 2021. The 21-day backpacking trip offered opportunities to test his leadership skills. He said simply suggesting using a bit of dirt to extricate stubborn grease on a campfire pan to a fellow camper provided an entry into hands-on leadership. It was clear to Chen the value of constructive guidance was evident during his NOLS experience. “It’s an infinitely valuable skill because how do you know if you’re getting better if you don’t listen to feedback?,” Chen said. The Alaskan excursion included two instructors. In the final week, the instructors left the midshipmen, who were then split into two groups and given four days to reach a designated location. Leadership switched each day among the midshipmen. Chen said the small group experience offered chances to hone leadership techniques. “There’s a big emphasis on actual real-world, applicable leadership,” Chen said. “While in Annapolis, 22 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

we learn a lot of classroom leadership. We apply a little of it in (Bancroft Hall) but NOLS was a great opportunity to actually see what it is in the real world and develop real-world-applications to what we’re learning in the class. “I think I’m going to be a better officer because of that. I think I’ll be a more versatile officer and I appreciate the opportunity to do NOLS.” A total of 84 midshipmen participate in NOLS encounters each year in Wyoming and Alaska. Chen was one of ﬁve ﬁrst-class midshipmen who participated in a President’s Circle forum on 22 October 2021 in Alumni Hall. Each midshipman shared how valuable their Experiential Leadership Development opportunities were to them and how they were able to apply lessons learned in their leadership classes in Luce Hall to real-world situations.

Class of 1977 Gettysburg Leadership Encounter Each June and December, varsity sports teams captains and Brigade of Midshipmen commanders travel to Gettysburg, PA. For two days in June and one day in December, midshipmen tour the battleﬁeld. They discuss leadership strategies and decision-making skills as they prepare for their responsibilities as leaders of athletic teams and the Brigade in the upcoming semester.

Each June and December, midshipmen leaders and athletic team captains spend time at Gettysburg touring the battlefield and discussing leadership strategies as they prepare for the upcoming semester.

Midshipman Heather Feldmann ’22 was the first regiment commander in fall 2021. She said the relationships developed among Brigade commanders and team captains during the Gettysburg trip laid the foundation for a successful semester. “We ran into challenges, and we were able to effectively deal with those by leaning on the relationships we were able to develop there,” she said. Feldmann said her first battlefield study was an invaluable experience. The Gettysburg Leadership Encounter (GLE) provided the foundation for midshipman leaders to tackle the challenges they faced back at the Academy including the continued impact of COVID-19. “Seeing the physical embodiment of the triumphs and burdens of leadership is very humbling,” she said. “Gettysburg is one of the coolest things I’ve done as a midshipman. Continuing to meet the commanders and team captains throughout this semester is what has enabled us to be successful moving toward where we want the Academy to be. I’m very grateful and I wish more people could participate in it.” The Class of 1977 and the Naval Academy Athletic Association support the GLE. Dr. Joe Thomas, director of the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership, said the Gettysburg experience has been extremely popular since it launched in 2012 and the Academy hopes to expand participation in the future.

Midshipmen Mentoring For many high school-aged boys in Newark, NJ, options for a productive life seem distant. Some fall through the cracks and others turn to a life of crime. St. Benedict’s Preparatory School offers a rigorous curriculum and opportunities for local youth. The Saint Benedict’s Prep Summer Professional Training Event provides midshipmen a chance to mentor at-risk young men, and more recently, young women. Midshipman Andre C. Rascoe ’22 said participating in the program gave him a chance to promote the values of the Naval Academy, mentor young men and women and put his leadership skills to work. The event includes 72 hours in the woods hiking with high school freshmen, just ﬁnishing their ﬁrst year at St. Ben’s.

The participants must meet timing expectations during a 40 to 50-mile hike. The penalty for missing a time was getting into a river. Rascoe said one young man balked at joining the rest of his group in the river. The incident allowed the first-class midshipman to impart Luce Hall lessons in a real-world scenario. “What it took in that moment wasn’t any ounce of leeway or giving him extra rope,” Rascoe said. “Having him get into that water exposed his fear of embarrassment. After that exercise, we knew we needed to debrief. After that really intense moment of conflict when it took about 30 minutes to get him down, to get at neck length under this river for maybe 30 seconds, we ended up having an hour conversation. “We talked about what it was like being a 15, 16-year-old kid in Newark and why he could never show emotion and why you can never show any break in your presentation and why he was so afraid in that moment to show humility.” Rascoe said with patience and correct timing, he was able to connect with the young man. That experience gave him confidence entering the fall semester. “As a squad leader, I am able to see the correct time to provide accountability or seek out members of my squad about an issue I see,” he said.

Arrow in the Quiver Commander John K. Welch ’72, USNR (Ret.), said the opportunity for midshipmen to sharpen their leadership skills in realworld situations prior to commissioning is invaluable. He said leadership development is the Naval Academy’s mission. Welch established an Experiential Leadership Development (ELD) fund

The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) provides midshipmen a chance to apply leadership lessons learned in Luce Hall during backpacking trips in Alaska or Wyoming.

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 23

FEATURE

MIDSHIPMEN FIND VALUE IN EXPERIENTIAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Class of 2022 at Little Round Top during the June 2021 Gettysburg Leadership Encounter. The summer Gettysburg experience lasts two days.

24 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

“I think I’ll be a more versatile officer and I appreciate the opportunity to do NOLS.”

“Gettysburg is one of the coolest things I’ve done as a midshipman.” —MIDN Heather Feldmann ’22

—MIDN Cody Chen ’22

named for his father. The Commander Raymond V. Welch ’41, USN (Ret.), Expeditionary Leadership Scholarship Fund will provide up to four midshipman opportunities for ELD activities annually. It’s critical for midshipmen to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it in the ﬁeld, Welch said. ELD programs make that possible prior to joining the ﬂeet, he said. “ELD really provides a small working environment where midshipmen can learn what teams are about and what individual leadership qualities are about,” said Welch, a former member of the Naval Academy Foundation Board of Directors. “It’s another arrow in the quiver on how we can develop leadership.” Midshipman Lauren Anderson ’22 said the Academy teaches midshipmen that “your people are your mission and your responsibility.” She said the importance of listening, being present and having the courage to ask the hard questions are also emphasized by Academy leaders. She took those lessons to heart. During her youngster cruise, she noticed morale among the crew seemed to be low. When she asked general questions about how the members of her division liked their jobs or how they’ve enjoyed their time in the Navy, she felt the crew was telling her only what they thought she wanted to hear.

Anderson said she mentioned to her running mate that she seemed kind of down. The crew member told Anderson the command climate was so toxic that she and her shipmates felt they couldn’t do their jobs. Mental health and exhaustion were also discussed. Not completely sure how to handle that information, Anderson processed it and took action near the end of the cruise when she pulled the training officer aside and relayed her concerns. “I kept thinking, ‘your people are your mission. How does your division officer not notice this in their performance?’” Anderson said. Anderson said she later connected with her running mate who told her the crew received the help they needed. “Saying something is what we learned in Luce Hall,” she said. “I was pretty young and not fully equipped to use something like this, but you don’t realize what you’ve learned or where you have to go until you’re faced with that ‘oh shoot’ moment.” Midshipman Caroline Finley ’22 also benefited by being exposed to leadership in the fleet. She spent part of the summer of 2021 on a ship off the coast of California working with a fighter squadron. A good portion of her time was spent with the fleet replacement squadron where she witnessed interactions between the instructors and students.

“As a squad leader, I am able to see the correct time to provide accountability or seek out members of my squad about an issue I see.”

“…you don’t realize what you’ve learned or where you have to go until you’re faced with that ‘oh shoot’ moment.”

“…personal leadership is the biggest thing that has come out of the Stockdale Center for me.” —MIDN Caroline Finley ’22

—MIDN Lauren Anderson ’22

—MIDN Andre Rascoe ’22

Finley said her biggest takeaway from that cruise is how important leader-follower and teacher-mentor relationships are. The lessons stressed at the Stockdale Center came into greater focus during this encounter. “The best instructors were the ones who related to them as people, who got to know them personally,” Finley said. “They kept the standard of professionalism, of course, but personal leadership is the biggest thing that has come out of the Stockdale Center for me. It was applied during my cruises and hopefully will be applied in my future as an officer.” a

Midshipmen participate in the Saint Benedict’s Prep Summer Professional Training event each summer with at-risk youth in Newark, NJ. The experience provides real-world leadership opportunities for midshipmen and includes a 40 to 50-mile hike.

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 25

CLANDESTINE COLLECTION

FEATURE

By Mike Berardino

26 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

MELTON ’66 POSSESSES LARGEST PRIVATE ESPIONAGE ARTIFACT COLLECTION

hen it comes to international men of mystery, Austin Powers has nothing on H. Keith Melton ’66. Having devoted much of his adult life to collecting and documenting virtually every aspect and artifact from the world of espionage, Melton has developed a worldwide reputation as an intelligence historian and specialist in clandestine technology. Movie and television producers have enlisted Melton to serve as a technical adviser or consulting producer for more than 60 spy-related projects, including The Sum of All Fears and critically

acclaimed cable and streaming hits The Americans and Spycraft. An estimated 600,000 annual visitors to the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC, owe much of their experience to Keith and Karen Melton’s 2017 donation of some 7,000-plus spy devices, books and papers. Only about 4 percent of the collection is on display at any given time, so the revelations should keep ﬂowing. And devoted readers of Melton’s 35 books on the dark art of espionage— including a popular children’s series— have beneﬁted from a fascination with

UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPY MUSEUM

A motorized submersible canoe, codenamed Sleeping Beauty, was an underwater vehicle designed by the British SOE during World War II. The American Office of Strategic Services, the predecessor of the CIA, obtained this Sleeping Beauty in 1944. After World War II it was used as a prototype for swimmer delivery vehicles, still used today by U.S. Navy SEALS.

the craft that dates to his time at the Naval Academy. His ﬁrst exposure to the topic came through reading Of Spies and Stratagems, Stanley Lovell’s 191-page history of the American Office of Strategic Services, predecessor of the Central Intelligence Agency. Chief gadget maker for the OSS, Lovell ignited a curiosity deep inside Melton’s fertile mind that eventually sent him around the globe in search of such items. “He was the master,” Melton said during a phone interview from his home in Boca Raton, FL. “He was the Professor Moriarty of Sherlock Holmes (fame).”

This Sleeping Beauty manual is part of the International Spy Museum’s exhibit.

In 1997, Melton was the keynote speaker at an event marking the 50th anniversary of the CIA’s founding. In the early ’80s, well after Melton had resigned his commission in 1970 and entered private business en route to becoming one of the top McDonald’s franchisees, the CIA asked him to serve as a historical consultant. Set to turn 78 in May 2022, Melton still works actively as a consultant in the intelligence community. “It’s nice to make small contributions for a very important cause,” he said.

Academy’s Impact When Melton reflects on his vast experiences from a business and writing career now in its sixth decade, he often finds himself drawing upon the training he received at the Naval Academy. “The chain of command is something I believe in,” Melton said. “I think it’s there for a reason. I think it’s important. I would like to believe in my business career my organizations had almost a militaristic bent. That’s worked very well.” He employed as many as 1,500 people across his McDonald’s enterprise, which peaked with 36 locations before he retired from the restaurant business in 2010. After 32 years, Melton was among the first in that franchise to implement themed restaurants. His team also designed some

of the first point-of-sale computer systems in McDonald’s history. “A broad engineering degree has made me dangerous in multiple different disciplines,” Melton said with a chuckle. “When I went through the Academy, we didn’t have majors. Everyone had the same curriculum. Being conversant in multiple disciplines makes you pretty well-rounded.” Melton and the many Academy graduates in his circle, especially in the South Florida alumni chapter, often discuss this topic. “If you could survive the Academy, most (everything) else seemed much easier,” Melton said. “The Academy, as I’ve often described it, was much more fun to be a graduate (of) than it was to be there. It’s a great place to be from.” Success and innovation naturally flowed from that education. “I remain in awe of the skills and the intellect of my classmates,” Melton said. “I have wonderful classmates. They are good friends and some amazing people. We truly had the best of the best. I hope that’s not being lost in the current political environment.” He cites the scientific method as a key to his Academy training and subsequent success. Take, for instance, his long-running quest to compile the world’s largest private collection of spy memorabilia. For that he used “reverse engineering” to enhance his understanding and awareness of the look and likely location of many of his ultimate acquisitions. Multiple trips to Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union were maximized once Melton had acquired both the knowledge and the available funds to round out his hobby. His work as a prolific author also took off during his days of McDonald’s ownership. “I had a very good team, and it gave me the luxury to manage projects from wherever I was,” Melton said. “The secret to McDonald’s is you only had to do four things: You had to consistently have hot food, cold drinks, a clean restaurant and a fast drive-through.”

Setting the Record Straight Melton is less sanguine when discussing certain modern spy projects in popular MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 27

FEATURE

culture. Even his appearances on talk shows or documentaries can test his patience when it comes to the details of espionage. “I’m not a conspiracist at heart,” Melton said, “so when people start talking about black helicopters and our evil government, I correct that foolishness.” Part of his life’s mission, it seems, is to set the record straight. “Every country in the world has an intelligence service, and they’re not assassins,” he said. “The purpose of an intelligence service isn’t to kill people. It’s one thing: To help a government never be surprised the way it was at Pearl Harbor, the way it was at 9/11.” When a breathless TV producer contacted Melton for his input on a show about CIA assassinations, the author coyly asked which specific events would be discussed. Melton asked the producer to name his top 10 assassinations, then slowly lowered that request to a single instance. “He couldn’t do it,” Melton said. “The answer is there aren’t any because the CIA didn’t do that. It probably provided support to other governments that did, but the CIA was never good at killing people.” Melton admittedly has such high standards when it comes to the portrayal of the “clandestine world” of spying, he and his wife, Karen, will walk out of a movie theater or switch off their TV at the first sign of inauthenticity. “I don’t have much patience for bad research,” said Melton, a consulting producer for two upcoming Netflix projects, SPY OPS and Spies and Traitors. He has often joked that any serious spy would do everything exactly the opposite of the way James Bond rolls in the long-running film franchise, and his skin crawls each time he sees a book or TV show misuse the term “double-agent.”

After Fidel Castro took power in Cuba, the CIA trained and equipped a group of Cuban exiles to invade the island and start a revolution. The 2506 Assault Brigade was meant to fly this flag as a symbol of victory in Havana following the 1961 invasion attempt. When the attempt failed, the flag was later presented to President Kennedy by the survivors of the 2506 Brigade.

Hint: To be a double agent, you ﬁrst must be recruited as an agent. “Language and vocabulary are very important,” Melton said. “They’re precise for naval officers for good reasons.”

Remaining Engaged In addition to his work with the International Spy Museum, where he holds a permanent seat on the board of directors, Melton ﬁnds time for at least one new book project each year. Cane Masters, the custom cane company where he serves as president and lead designer, is another outlet for his engineering and business skills. At CaneMasters.com, visitors can purchase

PHOTO COURTESY MELTON ’66

“If you could survive the Academy, most (everything) else seemed much easier. The Academy, as I’ve often described it, was much more fun to be a graduate (of) than it was to be there. It’s a great place to be from.” —H. Keith Melton ’66 28 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

handcrafted walking canes made of solid wood and designed to serve as a means of self-defense. “A cane is one of the most effective personal protection tools imaginable,” Melton said. “With a cane in my hand, I can dominate a room.” Canes, he noted, are ADA–protected and thus allowed on any form of transportation. A YouTube channel features a series of clips in which Melton extols the virtues of the cane-craft, even demonstrating what he terms The Unstoppable Cane Movement. Planning his days in half-hour blocks that typically include two 30-minute exercise periods, Melton tries to get 7.5 hours of sleep and starts his workday by 8 a.m. He doesn’t smoke and avoids caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages. “I’m probably pretty boring in some areas,” he said, but his wife disagrees. His younger wife, Karen, has given up on trying to get him to retire and enjoy his golden years. “It’s real simple,” Melton said. “You retire, you die.” a

AN OCEAN AWAY

COMMISSIONING WEEK, COMMISSIONED LIFE By Commander Kurt Albaugh ’06, USN

PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. NAVY, BY LTJG KATHLEEN BARRIOS

or many alumni, the month of May rekindles the fires of nostalgia, awakens memories of assembling in the building heat of morning in Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and recalls the sense of excitement and anticipation to graduate and commission as an ensign or second lieutenant. We see the Class of 2022 about to make the transition from midshipman to commissioned officer and perhaps envy them in this moment of pure potential. During Commissioning Week, a sense of unlimited possibility and hope for the future defines the moment. As we all know, graduation also confronts us—challenges us—with the administration of the Oath of Office. Amidst the joy of completing four years at the Academy, the Class of 2022 will likewise embrace their Constitutional obligations and everything that attends them. Although swearing the Oath is a solemn act, it is refreshing and renewing in its own way. Whether still in uniform or not, we whisper the words of the Oath along with them, renewing our own commitments to “Command, Citizenship and Government” whether we still wear the uniform or not. As of the writing of this article, the war in Ukraine is raging. The fighting spirit of the Ukrainian people has captured the world’s attention. Predicting the course of the conflict when these words are published is impossible. However, we know a fundamental truth, which is that the Navy and Marine Corps

CDR Lawrence Heyworth IV ’05, USN, executive officer of the guided-missile destroyer FORREST SHERMAN (DDG 98), discusses the ship’s maneuvering intentions with LTJG William Karpie, USN, the ship’s navigator on 2 March 2022. FORREST SHERMAN is deployed to the European theater of operations and is participating in a range of maritime activities in support of U.S. Sixth Fleet and NATO Allies.

are forward deployed, bringing combat power to where it matters. I think about my friends, people like Commander Lawrence Heyworth IV ’05, USN, and Commander AC Wood ’05, USN, who are at sea fulﬁlling their Oaths of Office right now, signaling American commitment to our NATO allies. Sitting in my home office in Alexandria, VA, I am supremely thankful for leaders like Lawrie and AC who have the watch. Likewise, I’m thankful for our new shipmates—the Class of 2022—who have embraced the unknown. They are taking their commitments amidst the uncertainty that comes when the highest level of global politics interacts with individual

lives in profound ways. The war in Ukraine has affected deployments, families and upended plans just as countless crises have for past graduates of the Academy. Their example is inspiring, and so we attach our hopes to them as they embark on their careers, thankful that they are willing to wade into a complex world— a world that needs their hope, energy and spirit. a CDR Kurt Albaugh ’06, USN, is a surface warfare officer. He commanded DEVASTATOR (MCM 6), and is currently a doctoral candidate in Georgetown University’s Department of Government.

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 29

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY

FEATURE

The Naval Academy Pipes and Drums Band performs at a formal parade. The Pipes and Drums band has been part of the Academy since 1996 thanks to generous donations from the Class of 1961. It performs in a variety of events including Commissioning Week and band competitions.

30 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

PIPES AND DRUMS Alumni community philanthropy helps sustain a tradition begun modestly 40 years ago By Chase Cook

ommander Gregory E. Glaros ’86, USN (Ret.), started playing the bagpipes when he was about 14 years old. His interest piqued after a British-style military band showed off the power and bravado of the bagpipes, and it was “soul-grabbing,” he said. When he entered the Naval Academy in 1982, Glaros brought his pipes with him. He continued practicing and was allowed to play in certain circumstances. But it was mostly a personal endeavor, practicing on top of Bancroft Hall or serenading his peers with the approval of senior leadership while on active duty. “By bringing it to the Naval Academy, it was part of my desire to share what I enjoy with my classmates,” Glaros said. There were no signiﬁcant concerts or practices. And there wasn’t always accompanying drums and dancers. Glaros wished there were more chances to play, but he moved on after graduating in 1986. He kept his pipes with him for multiple combat deployments and still has them at his home in Annapolis. But a nugget of Glaros’ passion stayed behind. Ten years later, while Glaros was still playing his pipes and serving abroad, the Academy received donations from the Class of 1961 and created the Naval Academy Pipes and Drums Band in 1996. For more than 25 years, the band has been part of a storied legacy of arts at the Academy. The only other active-duty military pipe band is the Corps of Cadets Pipes and Drums at West Point. Donations and volunteer work, along with interested midshipmen, are the fuel needed to keep the band playing. It is led by Edward Kitlowski, music director for the group. Several midshipmen join the band, playing concerts and traveling for performances and competitions each year. The band includes bagpipe players, highland drummers and highland dancers. Auditions are open to all midshipmen. Performances include annual competitions such as the Southeast Florida Pipe Band competition or trading skills with the Canadian Royal Military College. The band also performs at MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 31

FEATURE

CULTURAL TOUCHSTONE The pipes are a unique cultural touchstone that has blended themselves into American life, Kitlowski said. The hope with the program is to teach midshipmen a new skill—you don’t need any experience to join the band—or help experienced players hone their craft. “I don’t want them simply playing the part of a bagpiper while here,” Kitlowski said. “I want them to become bagpipers and drummers and highland dancers so that when they leave the Academy, they will continue to do that activity.” Typical responsibilities include weekly practices for individuals and groups, including some time for personal instruction from Kitlowski. The band performs throughout the country and world, with trips to Scotland and other locations to learn from the international pipe and drum musicians. Kitlowski began playing the pipes when he was 13. Some of the players in Scotland got their start at 4 or 5 years old, he said. The pandemic made practicing together challenging, but the band was able to gather online. As infections have waned and restrictions loosened throughout 2021 and 2022, the band has found times to perform together. It also helps to have supporters and volunteers who dedicate time to the program. When Glaros heard about the official pipes and drums band, he knew he needed to support it. His home in Annapolis sits close to the Naval Academy, and he has spent time with newer bagpipe players to show them essential note scales and temper the challenging instrument. There is some satisfaction seeing the band form after bringing the pipes with him 40 years earlier, Glaros said. 32 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

PHOTO COURTESY OF CDR GREGORY E. GLAROS ’86, USN (RET.)

Naval Academy functions including Commissioning Week. Kitlowski says it has been a pleasure to teach midshipmen, saying military bagpipe players honor a tradition dating back hundreds of years. That includes the United States, where bagpipes were played at President George Washington’s inaugural parade, he said. The Air Force had a pipes band before deactivating it in the early 1970s.

“I was thrilled to death,” Glaros said. “Midshipmen are coming here with no experience whatsoever, but they had the attitude and aptitude to learn the pipes, which is difficult.” To keep the band going, it needs volunteers like Glaros and its steady stream of philanthropy. Supporters help pay for competitions and simple needs such as bagpipes and drums or parts like reeds. And there is always room for more assistance. “There are a half-dozen individuals participating as volunteers with nothing in return except the joy of seeing young men and women learn to play,” Glaros said. FAMILY LEGACY The band has built a family legacy for some at the Academy. Captain Larry Kennedy ’92, USN, serves as the officer representative for the band. His sons Lieutenant Junior Grade Zachary A. Kennedy ’19, USN, and Midshipman Nicholas I. Kennedy ’22 both played in the band. Zak plays the pipes while Nik plays drums. “It is really neat to watch the kids grow,” Kennedy said. “In a way, they are all my kids because I do have such an intimate tie to the band. I saw not just my sons, but their classmates and, in one case, roommates … grow together.” Zak Kennedy still plays the pipes. He said he was encouraged by upperclassmen to try something new. Thanks to the generous support of Naval Academy alumni, he had that chance with the Naval Academy Pipes and Drums Band. He performed at the Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals NHL Hockey game in Annapolis when it was held at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in 2018. He traveled to Canada and Scotland. Some of his former band members are stationed near him, and they get together to play when they can. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn such a unique skill,” Zak said. “(And), having the instructors we had, they were so good.” The Naval Academy Pipes and Drums Band continues its work and is

CDR Gregory E. Glaros ’86, USN (Ret.), performs on his bagpipes aboard THEODORE ROOSEVELT while deployed in 1992 in support of the Bosnian War. Glaros played his pipes at the Naval Academy years before the creation of the official band and now volunteers to teach midshipmen how to play.

made possible by the philanthropy of the alumni community. Kitlowski said the Naval Academy’s Music Department created its own foundation to allow direct donations to the department. The Friends of Naval Academy Music Foundation, a nonproﬁt 501(c)(3), states that more than 1,000 midshipmen participate in music throughout the Academy. In addition to Pipes and Drums, the Academy also has the Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs and Gospel Choir, Drum and Bugle Corps and Symphony Orchestra. Donations to the USNA Pipes and Drums Band can be made online at www.fonam.org/donate-now. The band is also always looking for volunteers, Kitlowski said. Anyone who wants to help the band can contact him at ekit@verizon.net. “We are looking for more opportunities to get alumni involved with the band,” Kitlowski said. a

THANK YOU

C E L E B R AT I N G W I T H A Y E A R O F G R AT I T U D E

Show Your Support Here:

www.usna.com/give

There was a time when 30 percent or more of each Naval Academy class would not graduate, with many of those losses due to demanding college academics added to the other demands on the life of a midshipman.Today’s academic attrition averages 1.2 percent, due in large part to the Class of 1963 Center for Academic Excellence (CAE), endowed by J. Ronald Terwilliger ’63, his classmates, and additional gifts from other alumni, parents, and friends during the CALLED TO SERVE, DARING TO LEAD: THE NAVAL ACADEMY CAMPAIGN. Last year alone, the Center hosted more than 45,000 individual visits by midshipmen seeking extra instruction for their most challenging courses! A great example of philanthropy providing the margin of excellence for the Naval Academy.

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

FEATURE

INFLUENCE THE INFLUENCER 2.0 By Dr. Celeste Raver Luning, Timothy and Susanne Sullivan Director of Inﬂuencer Development

here is a new effort underway in leadership development at the United States Naval Academy that uses a complex, whole team approach, leveraging those spending the most time with the midshipmen on the Yard—faculty, staff and coaches. The key question behind this effort is—who is developing these key leadership influencers? The Influencer Development programs in the Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership are at the forefront of working with the myriad of faculty, staff and coaches that are front and center in the leadership development mission inside and outside of the classroom. Stockdale Center’s Timothy and Susanne Sullivan Director of Influencer Development position was established in 2014. Since its inception, the Influence the Influencer programs have provided faculty, staff and coaches with unique leadership development opportunities to strengthen their leadership competencies as they lead, teach, coach and develop the Brigade of Midshipmen. In 2022, Influence the Influencer 2.0 was launched to create a paradigm shift where leadership development is now considered part of an educational continuum for everyone at the Naval Academy from midshipmen to these key influencers who have an integral impact on the development of our future Naval Officers. To achieve this paradigm shift, Influence the Influencer 2.0 expands the breadth and increases the depth of its development programs, while placing emphasis on the assessment of the leadership outcomes of its programs. To expand the breadth and increase the depth, Influencer programs now include three pillars. 34 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

Pillar One includes long-term leadership development programs focused broadly on faculty, staff and coaches. This includes the popular Stockdale Associate Fellows program that was launched in 2019. The Stockdale Associate Fellows program is a leadership development course which provides faculty, staff and coaches with the tools to serve as leadership influencers. The program includes a combination of education in leadership principles paired with experiential leadership opportunities. With Influence the Influencer 2.0, the Stockdale Associate Fellows program will be expanded from a semester-long developmental opportunity to a yearlong immersive leadership experience. The intent of this year-long immersive experience is to help key influencers view leadership development as part of their own educational continuum that unfolds over their lifetime. Pillar Two is focused on targeted leadership development in each key influencer group—faculty, staff and coaches. Part of the complexity of leadership is the unique contexts in which it is occurring. As part of this pillar, different developmental opportunities will be given to each influencer group to target their specific sphere of influence. For example, a comprehensive leadership development program is in the final development stages targeted at company officers and senior enlisted leaders to provide additional tools to this target audience so that they are better equipped to support and align their leadership approach with the Commandant’s intent. Pillar Three is focused on individual leader development through coaching and provides professional development

opportunities for key influencers to generate a coaching culture at the Naval Academy. During the fall of 2021, Influence the Influencer supported the launch of the first comprehensive coaching program for the Commandant’s Staff (primarily company officers) and other key influencers. After the success of this first cohort, a second cohort began the program in January 2022. In Influence the Influencer 2.0, assessment of the impact of the programs is at the forefront of the paradigm shift. Capturing the impact of leadership development programs is a significant challenge complicated by the complexity of the role of these key influencers who may not see themselves as leadership influencers. The ultimate goal of the Influencer programs is to improve the leadership knowledge, skills and abilities of an indirect target—midshipmen. Unlike most leadership development programs focused on a direct target audience, the Influencer programs does this through a proxy force aimed at an indirect target. Thus, when considering a leadership development assessment, there must be consideration of both the direct impact to the audience— faculty, staff and coaches—and the indirect target, the midshipmen. Performing this type of multilevel assessment of leadership development is a necessary step to understand how the Influencer programs are contributing to the leadership development mission of the Naval Academy.

There are three primary considerations in these assessments: Assessing the development of cognitive, attitudinal and behavioral changes in the participants; collecting initial baseline measures and time-lapsed after-program retention; and evaluating change in the participant of the Influencer program and more importantly their impact on those within their sphere of influence. This paradigm shift where leadership development is part of an educational continuum for everyone at the Naval Academy— midshipmen to key influencers—will be an integral component to the development of our future naval officers. a Editor’s note: Dr. Celeste Raver Luning is the new Timothy and Susanne Sullivan Director of Influencer Development within the VADM James B. Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership. Dr. Raver Luning joined the Naval Academy family, with a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, in 2019 as the Class of 1967 Leadership Research Fellow and leadership instructor in the Department of Leadership, Ethics and Law. In that role, she paired her academic leadership expertise with prior business experience to have a significant impact on the brigade during the COVID years demonstrating the value key influencers play at the Naval Academy.

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 35

FEATURE

POSTMARKED ANNAPOLIS

By Martin H. Joyce III

U.S. POSTAGE STAMPS SALUTE ACADEMY ALUMNI

ALL ILLUSTRATIONS ARE FROM MARTIN H. JOYCE III’S COLLECTION

or their exemplary leadership during the Spanish-American War, Admiral of the Navy George Dewey, USN, Class of 1858; Rear Admiral William T. Sampson, USN (Ret.), Class of 1861; and Rear Admiral Winﬁeld Scott Schley, USN (Ret.), Class of 1860, were immortalized as the ﬁrst Naval Academy alumni to be featured on a U.S. postage stamp available for purchase. The 4-cent, 1937 Navy stamp was part of a series released following

36 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s call for the Post Office to honor extraordinary military leaders. Dewey defeated the Spanish ﬂeet in the Battle of Manila Bay in May 1898. Sampson and Schley destroyed the Royal Spanish Navy in the Battle of Santiago de Cuba in July 1898. Roosevelt’s Resolution On 6 March 1936, the Washington Evening Star reported:

“By request of President Roosevelt, the Post Office Department will bring out a series of postage stamps in homage to the memory of famous soldiers and sailors. The set will be known as the Army and Navy Commemoratives… …to show people the history of the military and naval establishments of the government. Patriotism, he believes, must be intelligent, and even the Post Office Department can help in the work of educating the masses to understand the traditions of the armed service.” Over the next 15 months, the Post Office Department issued 10 postage stamps, five each honoring the Army and the Navy. The first four stamps in each series honored heroes from the Revolutionary War through the SpanishAmerican War. The final two stamps featured the service academies at West Point and Annapolis. In many ways, postage stamps tell our nation’s history, highlighting the people, places and institutions that have made our country great. The Army-Navy series in 1936 formally introduced the Naval Academy to the American public from a postal perspective. The 5-cent stamp honoring the Naval Academy features the Academy seal, flanked by midshipmen dressed in 19th and 20th century uniforms. This stamp is probably the one most frequently associated with the Academy and is still used today by collectors seeking postmarks for special events.

More than a dozen designs were proposed for the 5-cent stamp, part of the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum collection. One features the figurehead of Tecumseh, which stands in front of Bancroft Hall. The other depicts a rather whimsical seahorse as its central figure. Commemorating Byrd’s Expedition, Nimitz Honored Though the 4-cent stamp featuring Dewey, Sampson and Schley was the first distributed for public sale featuring Academy alumni, it was not the first to honor an alumnus. That distinction belongs to Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd, USN (Ret.), Class of 1912, whose 1933 Antarctic Expedition is commemorated on a stamp from that year. The stamp was based upon a design suggested by President Roosevelt, who was also a renowned stamp collector. It maps Byrd’s record-setting Arctic, Antarctic and Transatlantic flights, and anticipated his 1933 Little America expedition. The stamp was printed solely for the use of mail sent through the Little America Post Office. Byrd was awarded the Medal of Honor for his 1926 flight over the North Pole. He was promoted to rear admiral at the age of 41, becoming the youngest admiral in the history of the Navy. In 1988, Byrd was personally recognized on one of four 25-cent stamps commemorating Antarctic explorers. Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN, Class of 1905, was honored in 1985 on a 50-cent stamp issued for the anniversary of his 100th birthday. During World War II, Nimitz served as Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas. When Japan formally surrendered on board MISSOURI in September 1945, Nimitz signed as a U.S. representative. He later served as Chief of Naval Operations from 1945-1947. Nimitz is the only one of the Navy’s four 5-star admirals to appear on a postage stamp. Following a series of stamps issued by the U.S. Postal Service in 2000 honoring Distinguished Soldiers, a similar series honoring Distinguished Marines was issued in 2005. These featured Medal

of Honor recipients Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, USMC, and Sergeant Major Daniel J. Daly, USMC, (Ret.), along with Lieutenant General Lewis “Chesty” Puller, USMC (Ret.), the most decorated Marine in American history, and Lieutenant General John A. Lejeune, USMC (Ret.), Class of 1888, often called the “Greatest Leatherneck of all Time.” Lejeune commanded the U.S. Army 2nd Division during its victorious action at the Battle of Saint-Mihiel in September 1918. Admirals, Sailors and Astronaut In 2010, four stamps commemorated 20th century Distinguished Sailors, including Medal of Honor recipient Lieutenant Commander John McCloy, USN (Ret.), along with Doris Miller, the ﬁrst Black man to be awarded the Navy Cross, Rear Admiral William S. Sims, USN (Ret.), Class of 1880, and Admiral Arleigh A. Burke, USN (Ret.), Class of 1923. Sims was the senior U.S. naval representative in London just prior to U.S. entry in World War I. In 1917, Sims received a temporary promotion to vice admiral and assumed command over U.S. naval forces operating from Britain. During World War I, Sims commanded all United States naval forces operating in Europe. Sims served as president of the Naval War College twice, both prior to and after the war. During his second term he wrote and published The Victory at Sea, describing his experiences in World

War I. The Victory at Sea won the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1921. The crest of the W.S. SIMS (DE-1059, later FF-1059) is depicted in the lower-left corner of the stamp. Burke distinguished himself during World War II as Chief of Staff to the Commander of Task Force 58, the Fifth Fleet’s Fast Carrier Task Force, and as commander, Cruiser Division Five, during the Korean War. He later served as Chief of Naval Operations during the Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations. Burke is featured with the crest of ARLEIGH BURKE on his stamp. In May 1961, Rear Admiral Alan Shepard ’45, USN (Ret.), one of the first Mercury Seven astronauts, made his 15-minute suborbital flight to become the first American in space. In 1971 at age 47, Shepard became the fifth, and oldest, person to walk on the Moon, and the only one of the Mercury Seven astronauts to do so. Later that year, he was promoted to rear admiral, the first astronaut to reach that rank. For the 50th anniversary of his historic flight in 2011, Shepard became the first astronaut whose portrait appears on a U.S. postage stamp. Designed by veteran stamp designer Phil Jordan, who also designed the Distinguished Sailors and Marines series, Shepard is featured along with his Mercury Redstone launch vehicle and Freedom 7 capsule. Between 2013-2015, the USPS issued folios featuring the Medal of Honor. MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 37

FEATURE

The 2013 series honored World War II recipients, followed by Korean War recipients in 2014, and the Vietnam War in 2015. Stamps on the cover of each folio depict the Medal of Honor from each service, surrounded by photographs of living recipients from that war. Each folio’s interior lists the names of every Medal of Honor recipient from that war. Captain Thomas J. Hudner Jr. ’47, USN (Ret.), appears in the lower right corner of the 2014 Korean War folio. Hudner received the Medal of Honor for his actions in trying to save the life of his wingman, Ensign Jesse L. Brown, USN, shot down by enemy ﬁre during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. Hudner intentionally crash-landed his own aircraft

38 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

on a mountain in freezing temperatures in an unsuccessful attempt to save Brown from his burning aircraft. Brown was the first Black aviator to complete the U.S. Navy’s basic flight training, and the first Black naval officer killed in the Korean War. The U.S. Postal Service issued a stamp for the Academy’s 1995 sesquicentennial featuring a composite watercolor of the Offshore Sailing Team’s sloop SWIFT, with the Academy chapel in the background. Artist Dean Ellis used a photograph by Naval Academy publications director Diane Olmstead originally taken for the cover of the Academy’s 1993-1994 catalog.

International stamps Naval Academy alumni on stamps are not conﬁned to just the United States. Among others, Fleet Admiral Nimitz was honored on a 2014 stamp in Israel. Albert A. Michelson, Class of 1873, the 1907 Nobel Prize winner in Physics, is seen on stamps from several countries, including a 1967 issue in Sweden. Former President Jimmy Carter ’47 has appeared on stamps from Guyana and Liberia. Astronauts are popular ﬁgures on stamps including Shepard who is depicted on stamps from numerous countries, including Madagascar and Paraguay. Astronaut Captain Sunita Williams ’87, USN (Ret.), was featured on a 2011 stamp from Chad. a

CLEAR THE DECK Mentors

A helping hand or sage advice can make a world of difference for a newly commissioned officer. Shipmate asked alumni to share stories about their mentors and how they were influenced as a young officer.

Admiral Crowe My firstie year, I was lucky enough to participate in Admiral William J. Crowe ’47’s, USN (Ret.), National Security Seminar—the last semester he taught at the United States Naval Academy before his passing. Admiral Crowe was the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President Ronald Reagan, and his incomparable knowledge and experiences as the highest ranking officer in the military made each class unforgettable, filled with sea stories of the most complex and challenging situations he encountered. He encouraged us to offer our own opinions and analysis and valued our voices (naive as they were). He was charismatic and humble, yet his sharp wit and commanding presence kept us all rapt with attention. My most impactful takeaway from him (to paraphrase), “Only THE most challenging, complex and emotionally difficult decisions come to the President. Every day, hundreds of decisions are made on his behalf by his staff. “When no one else is capable of making the difficult choice—that’s when it is up to the President. He alone bears the responsibility for those difficult and often times impossible decisions.” I’ve thought of this often on a smaller scale in my daily life regarding those who are in leadership positions and try to be more sympathetic and understanding of their choices. —Lieutenant Kristi (Coonfare) Bickel ’07, USN (Ret.)

40 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

Ship-full As a newly commissioned surface line ensign I didn’t have A mentor, I had a wardroom, chief’s mess and ship’s crew full of them. Interestingly of 18 officers on a frigate, I was the only Naval Academy grad. Consequently, I learned very early on that it made no difference what school you came from or what your background was, but rather it was your performance that mattered. Sure, the Academy might have given me an early advantage compared to my peers. My advice is, don’t go into the fleet or Marine Corps thinking you’re special—save that for when two or three shall meet, class reunions and later in life. First and foremost, learn your job and be the shipmate and leader you were trained to be. As my career progressed, I was very fortunate to have some great senior officer mentors from the Academy as well as from other schools and hopefully, I became a good mentor too. By the way, there was a 19th officer in the wardroom who was an Academy grad, but it was only a portrait hung next to the story of why the ship was named after him. —Commander John Kucinski ’75, USN (Ret.) ® PHOTO COURTESY OF CDR JOHN KUCINSKI ’75, USN (RET.)

Submissions have been edited for length and Shipmate style.

BRAVO ZULU 1970s

Admiral Tom Fargo ’70, USN (Ret.)

’73: David Hoagland, has received the Distinguished Devil award and was inducted into the Hunterdon Central High School (HCHS) Wrestling Hall of Fame in Flemington, NJ, which identifies individuals who wrestled for HCHS and then used the lessons learned through the sport of wrestling to take themselves into highly successful adult careers. ’76: Bruce Stutsman, was a member of a two-man team that won the Hometown Hero award at the 2022 National Finals conducted by the National Team Roping League in Jacksonville, FL. The event (limited to current and former military members as well as first responders) was the “four-header,” meaning that he and his teammate had to catch four steers. CDR Michael Bosworth, USN (Ret.), was selected by the District of Columbia Council of Engineering and Architectural Societies (DCCEAS, 36 professional societies in the region) as the 2022 Engineer of the Year, having been nominated by the American Society of Naval Engineers Flagship section. Jay Gardiner, was among a select few who were named Curtiss-Wright Technical Fellows by Lynn Bamford, president and chief executive officer, Curtiss-Wright Corporation.

1980s ’83: RADM Dietrich Kuhlmann, USN (Ret.), has been selected to serve as chief operating officer of Navy Federal Credit Union.

Admiral Tom Fargo ’70, USN (Ret.), has been selected to receive the 2022 Lone Sailor Award at the 2022 Lone Sailor Awards Dinner on 22 September 2022. The Lone Sailor Award is given to sea service veterans who have excelled with distinction in their respective careers during or after their service. “Admiral Fargo’s leadership at the highest levels of the U.S. Navy, the Department of Defense and American business will have a lasting impact for decades to come and his leadership has set an example that will be emulated for even longer,” said Rear Admiral Frank Thorp ’81, USN (Ret.), president and chief executive officer of the U.S. Navy Memorial. Fargo served as commander of the U.S. Pacific Command from 2002 to 2005 and as the senior U.S. military commander in East Asia, the Pacific and Indian Ocean areas, where he led the largest unified command while directing the joint operations of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force across 100 million square miles. Prior to serving as commander, U.S. Pacific Command, Fargo served as the commander-in-chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet from October 1999 to May 2002. His service was preceded by his command of the U.S. Fifth Fleet and Naval Forces of the Central Command during two years of Iraqi contingency operations from July 1996 to July 1998. His 35 years of service included five commands in the Pacific, Indian Ocean and Middle East as well as six tours in Washington, DC. Following his distinguished career serving in the Navy and Department of Defense, Fargo transitioned to corporate leadership in March 2005, serving as president of Trex Enterprises. In April 2008, he became a managing director of J.F. Lehman and Co., with principal responsibilities as president and chief executive officer of HSF Holdings/Hawaii Superferry. From 2006 to 2021, Fargo served on the board of USAA as well as the chairman of the board of Huntington Ingalls Industries. Fargo joined an impressive list of previous Lone Sailor Award recipients who have distinguished themselves by drawing upon their military experience to become successful in their subsequent careers and lives while exemplifying the core values of honor, courage and commitment. ®

’89: Brian King, has been selected to join the board of Aterian Investment Partners portfolio company, Vander-Bend Manufacturing, as executive chairman. RADM Frederick Luchtman, USN, has been selected to lead a new safety initiative reporting to the Chief of Naval Operations as commanding officer of the Navy’s seven-decadeold, Norfolk, VA-based Naval Safety Command.

1990s ’94: Tara McFeely, has been selected to Beacon Global Strategies’ expansion of its national security technology practice. ’96: Roderick Benson, was selected as the first Black man to hold the position of deputy to the commander and chief operations officer of the new Corpus Christi Army Depot, TX.

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

42 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

’97: LtCol Amy McGrath, USMC (Ret.), was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors.

2000s ’00: Scott Schuetter and The Scott Schuetter Team have been selected to join Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty, one of the country’s fastest-growing real estate brokerages with more than 2,000 realtors and more than $8 billion in annual sales volume.

Do you know someone who deserves a Bravo Zulu? Send to comms@usna.com.

ALUMNI PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

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

ALUMNI BUSINESS DIRECTORY Many Naval Academy alumni go on to launch and/or own businesses in a wide variety of vital industries. Many of those industries— and your fellow alumni and their families and employees—are currently feeling the immediate impact of the COVID-19 crisis. If you’re in need of a product or service, the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association’s Business Directory can help you locate the right business by class, location or industry and support your fellow alumni at the same time. Sign up today at www.usna.com/alumni-businesses.

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

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 45

ALUMNI PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

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.

Celebrate 50 years of travel with us.

Trentino, South Tyrol and the Dolomites Explore idyllic villages and the stunning Dolomites.

31 August–8 September

Grand Danube Passage

Journey to Southern Africa

Sail the glorious Danube River, plus enjoy stays in Prague and Sofia.

Luxury safaris, Rovos Rail and Cape Town.

6-20 October 2022

16-31 October 2022

Visit www.usna.com/travel-2022 to view these and all of our 2022 offerings. 46 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

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

Greetings 39ers. While this issue of Shipmate arrives in your homes in early May, it is being written and submitted in February. This very special ’39 column comes to you from Australia, and was written by Alix Bradfield, daughter of Dagmar and Herb Kriloff:

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

In 1939, on the other side of the world, Fuchida Mitsuo, joined the aircraft carrier AKAGI. He led the first wave of air attacks on Pearl Harbour and took the same crew 11 weeks later to bombard Darwin. USS PEARY was moored there and sunk by persistent dive bombers- the first Destroyer of the Asiatic fleet to be lost in WWII. ’39 Classmate, Calvin George was listed among those who died that day on board PEARY. Actually, he had been wounded in another attack while in the Philippines, taken ashore to hospital, and then captured as a POW. Calvin’s name remains on the plaque listing those who died that day on PEARY in Darwin Harbour, and it is remarkable that he lived a long life in peacetime. Herb Kriloff and Calvin George were the last two surviving members of the Class of ’39- both living to the age of 103! Herb Kriloff’s ship, USS WILLIAM B. PRESTON, was moored close to PEARY and also hit by bombs. Not only was Herb traumatised by watching PEARY detonate and disappear, but he also lost friends on board his ship. These men were buried at sea at a place that Herb described as ‘a remote stretch which shall forever be America.’ This year, on the 80th Anniversary of the bombing of Darwin, I attended a ceremony in Melbourne remembering that fateful day in Australia- an event which at the time was covered up by the government for fear of rattling civilians in the South. I attended the ceremony in the company of Lady Anna Cowen, aged 96, and widow of a famous Governor General of Australia, Sir Zelman Cowen, who had also been in Darwin on that fateful day, 19 February, 1942.”

Herb and Dagmar Kriloff’s Engagement photo

Our young men were elated as they graduated in June 1939. They were theoretically trained to protect their country at sea and were then catapulted into battle throughout WWII and beyond. Some did not come home, others suffered and each one made us proud. There are many stories of these brave, deeply respected and much-loved men. My father’s experience is simply an example of one man from the Class of ’39, and one experience of war and its aftermath. There were so many others.

SHIPMATE

Wreath laid at the 80th in memory of Herb and all who sacrificed their lives on 19 February,1942

More than 80 years are available online to all Alumni Association members. Visit usna.com/shipmate.

Pins worn by Alix at the 80th

(EDITOR’s NOTE: To get the feeling of what it was like that day, Alix sent the column along with a video link (https://www.youtube.com /watch?v=HwjNmT5kj60) which shows scenes of Darwin and the attack. The song, Blood on the Frangipani, was written by Gary Luck and the Lightfeet band, and performed as an 80th Anniversary Remembrance. It gives a dramatic and poignant account of what it was like that day during the Battle of Darwin… the largest single attack ever mounted by a foreign power on Australia- when 242 Japanese aircraft, in two airwaves… fresh from the Hell of Pearl Harbor… attacked the town of Darwin, the harbour and the two airfields- killing or wounding over 600 people. The song, and accompanying poignant photographs, depict the horror when… “…the bombs rained down on Darwin… they heard the sirens… and saw the Red Zeros coming in… and they fought them from the rooftops… in the bunkers. in the trenches… with mates they once knew… and watched a lonely plane… scramble from the airfield for the skies… and she was blown to smithereens right before their very eyes… and they saw the ships out on the harbor ablaze

Donor participation numbers as of 31 January 2022.

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 47

39/42 CLASS NEWS and disappear… when the bombs rained down on Darwin in 1942.”) Alix continues: I have written the following, in memory of my dearest Dad, and also thinking of the extraordinary courage of the men who left Annapolis in 1939, with the words “what about ’39!” ringing in their earsM It was wartime, 1942, February 19th, exactly 80 years ago. A steamy hot mid summer’s day in tropical Darwin was especially sweaty on the small metal destroyer escort where the men escaped topside as often as they could from the oppressive heat below decks. Those on board must have been tired, missing home, yearning for loved ones far away and still shaken by having been attacked by the Japanese in the Philippines. It was soon after 9:30 am when, without warning, the same air fleet that had attacked Pearl Harbor just weeks before dropped the first barrage of bombs on the unsuspecting ships and Darwinians on shore. USS PEARY, near Herb’s ship, was hit directly and sank with the loss of most of those on board. As that destroyed vessel was sinking into the sea, her brave men kept firing their guns towards the mass of low flying planes in the air before they perished beneath the boiling waves. My father had friends on board and watched it disappear. His ship was also hit, with mayhem and loss of lives. Those who were not wounded, rushing across bodies and decks slippery with blood, were somehow able to weigh anchor and maneuver the broken ship out of the harbor. The survivors, in shorts and light short sleeved shirts, burned so close to the fire of detonating bombs. It was devastating not to be able to help those who were in the sea, but to remain stationary meant that their ship with all those on board would also be lost. In 2012, I travelled with my father to Darwin for the commemoration of 70 years since this attack. Knowing him as a man who laughed readily and had a dependable sense of humor, including a store of corny jokes, I was unprepared to witness him flooded with emotion during those few days. When we visited the library, a staff member pointed out a plaque with names of all the people who died on Feb 19th and asked my father if he knew any of these. He read carefully and pointed to a number of the engraved names, then was incapacitated by tears. It was the only time I ever saw him cry. At 97 years old, he was reliving the nightmare of that time as a young, terrified officer.

MATCHING GIFTS Call 410-295-4178 to find out how you can match your recent contribution.

48 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

’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

’41

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

Herb at gun salvaged from USS PEARY (photo taken 19 February 2012 at the 70th Anniversary of the bombing of Darwin

’42

Life Membership: 50% Donor Participation: 0% Pres: CAPT John “Jack” C. Crawford Jr., USN (Ret.) 11405 Farmland Dr., Rockville, MD 20852 p: 301-881-4268; e: jcraw71544@aol.com 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

Alix and Herb at the ball held at the end of the day, 19 February 2012

But let me go on. Many years later, I was going for a ski trip to Niseko in Hokkaido, Japan and was a little reluctant to admit my destination to Herb. When I did, his response surprised me and touched my heart. He said, “you’ll love being in Japan; the people are so polite and charming.” “But, Daddy”, I exclaimed, “They bombed you!” “Ah”, he said with a relaxed smile, “that was a long time ago.” He wrote about his wartime experiences in a book called Officer of the Deck, in reprint by Avonmore Books. (’39 Classmate, Ned Beach, wrote the Foreward for the book) ‘What about ’39!’ Respectfully submitted, Alix Bradfield and Barbara Fidel Adams (’39 Class Secretary)

Hello Class of ’42 Classmates, Family and Friends, HAPPY MAY AND HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL THE MOTHER’S!!! IN MEMORANDIUM Elizabeth (Betty, Betts) Bliss Divine, 98, passed on 27 January 2022, wife of the late William (Bill) Henry Divine, USNA ’42. Betts was born and raised in Washington, DC. Attended The Potomac School and Mount Vernon Seminary. Her upbringing reflected a childhood of a graceful bygone era. Among her childhood friends was the actress Dina Merrill and had many play dates at Hillwood. Betts was born into a family steeped in service to country. Her grandfather, General Tasker Howard Bliss, achieved the rank of four-star general in the U.S. Army. Betts, father, Colonel Edward (Brig) Goring Bliss, followed in his father’s footsteps as a West Point graduate, Class of 1916. Losing her mother in her early twenties, Betts assisted her father in service to her country, working as a cartographer for the Office of Strategic Services, to draw maps freehand to assist in military operations. In April 1945, she married William (Bill) Henry Divine, of Erie, PA, a United States Naval Academy (USNA 1942) graduate. Theirs was a true Army – Navy romance, with family graces at the table concluding with either a “Beat Army” followed by a “Beat Navy” or vice versa, following the final “Amen”. As was typical during the war, the earliest years of marriage were interrupted by Bill’s deployments at sea in the Pacific. They were apart for much of that time with only lengthy, handwritten letters to sustain them.

42/45 CLASS NEWS After the war, Bill’s corporate career took them around the Mid-Atlantic and in 1963 they settled in Annapolis where Betts was an active community volunteer. Betts and Bill enjoyed sailing wherever they lived and were members of the Annapolis Yacht Club and USNA Officer’s Club. In the late fifties, they discovered Bethany Beach, DE and built a cottage of Bill’s design as their vacation spot. Following Bill’s death in 2007, Betts moved to Baywoods of Annapolis and became an active participant in her new community. Betts is survived by her three children and their families (grandchildren and Great Grandchildren). Private interment will be at the Naval Academy Columbarium, at a later date. Our prayers and thoughts are with the families of the Class of ’42. Enjoy May with all its beautiful Flowers! GO NAVY!!!! BEAT ARMY!!! Joan Curtis ’42 Class Vice President/Secretary

David John born 5/9/1966. In 1967 John retired from US Navy and they moved to Springfield, VA until April of 1972 when they moved to Fairfax City, VA and remained there until December of 2000. John’s deteriorating health, due to Alzheimer’s, prompted a move to Warrington, PA. John passed away January 19, 2003. In Dec. 2005 Joan moved to Pearland, TX.

’43

Life Membership: 66% Donor Participation: 20.00%

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

’44

Life Membership: 35% 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

Johnson Family at the USNA Triton Light, Gift of the Class of ‘45

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 Website: www.usna.com/classes/1945

David and Diana Gano informed the USNA Alumni Association that Joan Gano passed away on Nov. 12, 2021: M Joan Catherine Romanchik Gano was born November 24, 1933, in Dickson City (Olyphant Hospital), PA to Stella and Henry Romanchik. At age 9, her parents moved Joan Catherine to Philadelphia when Romanchik Gano Hank went to work at Cramp shipyard during WWII. After the war, they remained in Philadelphia. She attended Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls. Upon graduation in 1951 and a few months with Bell Telephone, Joan went to work for Department of the Air Force as a secretary. She remained until 1956 when she joined General Electric Missile and Space Vehicle Department. In July 1959 Joan visited Europe on vacation and by October of that same year, was on the way to Heidelberg, Germany to work for Department of the Army. After two years in Heidelberg, she transferred to Berlin and was stationed there when the Berlin Wall was erected in August 13, 1962. In December of 1963, she went to Karachi, Pakistan to work for Agency for International Development, Department of State where she met CDR John Howard Gano, USN. They married in LaPlata, MD, 10/22/1964. Son

Mostly sad news to report this time. Classmate Leonard Robert Pavelka, age 97, passed away on 20 January 2022 in Jacksonville, FL. Also, there were two widows who have recently passed. Sally Crutcher Eaton, who was the wife of CDR William G. “Bill” Eaton, USN (Ret.) and who died on 31 January 2022. She had been a resident of Virginia Beach for over 53 years. Sally Segal, the daughter of classmate CAPT John Roland “Johnny” Johnson, USN (Ret.), informs that her mother, Suzanne Berkman “Suz” Johnson, passed away on 4 February 2022. Suz died in her Alexandria, VA home of more than 50 years and will be interred with her husband in his USNA columbarium niche at a future date. Sally shared some family photos of her parents, her father with his grandsons visiting the USNA decades ago, and an amusing shot when her father was stationed at the Pentagon.

Suz and Johnny Johnson at home circa 2005

A decorated Johnny Johnson upon learning of his promotion

The saying, “the third time’s a charm” was definitely proven to be true as the Cosgrove family had to postpone the memorial service for LTC William P. “Bill” Cosgrove, USMC (Ret.), due to snowy weather twice before. On 5 February 2022 your scribe drove her dad, Ted Cochrane, Rosemary Hsu-Brooks (widow of Don Brooks), and Nancy Taylor (widow of Thad Taylor) over to the Cosgrove’s family church, Our Lady of Sorrows in West River, south of Annapolis, to attend the service for Bill. Mike Taylor, our weekly Zoom host and close friend of Bill Geiger joined up with them there for a well-attended and fine celebration of Bill’s life. Rosemary Hsu-Brooks shared one of her photos of Blanche & Bill Cosgrove in happier times.

The Cosgroves at an Academy function MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 49

46/47 CLASS NEWS

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Life Membership: 82% Donor Participation: 8.33% 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 Blanche Cosgrove seated next to flowers with a touch of Marine Corps red at Bill’s service

As of February 2022, your classmates and their widows still gather weekly on Wednesdays for a one-hour Zoom session at noon EST. Please consider joining the group. Email your class scribe to request receiving the meeting link.

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! Couple of oldie photos! One of SUPE Fitch and Bill the Goat (aka Geronimo, a gift from Gov Stevenson of TX) and another of a group of MIDs marching on The Yard (photos taken in the mid-40’s)!

One more of our own Hugh Minor in Command! {Hi Hugh and Jackie!} Super excited to kick off this update with a legacy piece from Amanda Crowe Anderson ’11, granddaughter of Bill Crowe USNA ’47!

A young Charlie Sobel

Finally, Charlie Sobel proudly sent a photo of himself which was taken during his Academy years in the early ‘40s. If you have a photo that you would like to share with your classmates, please send it to your class scribe at the above email address. As always… Look Alive with ‘45!

To add to the fun memories: a great photo of ’47 at the N Dance and a super photo of POTUS Carter and his beautiful bride Rosalynn!!

’46

Life Membership: 42% 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: 50 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

47/47 CLASS NEWS

’47:

M Class of 1947 members, families, and friends, Greetings from the Yard! What a privilege to be asked to write to you to share briefly some stories and reflections on my journey to the Naval Academy and beyond. You’ll find these ramblings are explicitly linked to your class through your friend and classmate -my grandpa - Bill Crowe. I was about 8 years old, the proud daughter of two Marines, when I declared my intent to attend the Naval Academy, much to my grandpa’s joy. We were in the Pentagon for a family member’s promotion ceremony when we stumbled upon a picture of a West Point graduation photo. I stopped my grandpa and asked him about the picture. He explained that West Point was a school for Army officers and, knowing his humor, I’m sure he threw in a comical dig or two at West Point’s expense that likely went over my head. As my parents tell the story, I then leaned over to my grandpa and said, “well, if there was a school like that for Marines, then I would want to go.” My grandpa, I’m sure as he was grinning ear to ear, took my hand and said, “Amanda, let me tell you about a place called the Naval Academy.” And as they say, the rest is history. For my grandpa and I, the Naval Academy was a place that bonded us. It was our “thing” so-to speak. He proudly picked me up from my Summer Seminar experience as a rising high school senior and roared with laughter as I shared stories of getting hollered at by my detailers and being made to roll around in the mud. He loved to take my sister and I to the Yard for sports and other events. We were truly his pride and joy. I’d like to jokingly mention here that I had quite the fall from grace arriving at the Naval Academy as a Midshipman 4/C and realizing that the place was a lot different as a Plebe than it was as his guest at events. Instead of sitting in the stuffy boxed seats with the good view and catered meals at football

games, I found myself marching over to the stadium under the watchful eye of a Marine gunnery sergeant and doing push-ups in the endzone. I loved every minute of it. My grandpa became ill as I was completing my time at the Naval Academy Preparatory School and he passed away in October of my Plebe year. A few months prior to his passing I had been cut from the soccer team and out of hurt I told my family that I was considering leaving the Academy. I remember receiving a tearful voice message from my grandpa asking me to reconsider. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to be at my grandpa’s side at Bethesda Naval Hospital to say goodbye. I proudly wore my Service Dress Blues for the occasion and wished he could see me in them. I sat at his side and held his hand as I thanked him for sharing the Academy with me. In this moment I promised him in that no matter what happened, I would graduate from the Naval Academy. He squeezed my hand tightly and I knew that he heard me. My promise to my grandpa at his bedside was not for him, but because of him. The day after my grandpa passed away I found myself in the basement of Nimitz library attending my Plebe government class. I’ll never forget my professor addressing the class about his passing and asking me if there was anything I would like to share with the class about him. My response was to only shake my head no and cry. This moment has stuck with me over a decade later because what I wish I had the strength to say then was simply this, “you are going to hear a lot about his impressive professional accomplishments and titles, but all of these pale in comparison to who he was as just ‘grandpa’.” I’m sure this is a similar sentiment within a group that was proud to call him their friend and classmate. I graduated and commissioned as a Marine Corps officer from the Naval Academy with the Class of 2011. My journey has now come full circle as I am currently stationed back home on the Yard. I am humbled to have recently been promoted to the rank of major and I proudly accepted my promotion in front of the one person I owe all of this to – my grandpa. Semper Fi, Amanda (Crowe) Anderson Major, USMC USNA Class of 2011 PS: I attached one of my favorite pictures of my sister (Caitlin) and I with my grandpa. I’m on the left and was 7-8 years old in this picture. This was us visiting grandpa at Winfield House in London when he was serving as the U.S. Ambassador to the Court of St. James. I think ‘47 would enjoy this picture, because many of them traveled to London while my grandparents were there to visit. (See the photo on the next page.)

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 51

47/49 CLASS NEWS (Scribe) Paul, thanks for the update. Based on the Covid-19 experience of you and your wife, I am further convinced that the shots are beneficial and suggest that everybody consider them. Since the last issue of Shipmate, we have learned of the loss of the following classmate: J.T. Hayes, 19th Co. 2/08/22

’49

Life Membership: 66% Donor Participation: 0% 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: 45% Donor Participation: 1.75% 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

Paul Riley recently informed me of his Covid-19 experience in the following note: M “I did scare my folks in late December by catching the COVID-19 disease. By New Year’s Eve, I collapsed and wound up in the ER for 36 hours, there being no room in the hospital. Otherwise, I suppose the symptoms were relatively mild, loss of appetite, continual nose and throat drainage, unpleasant way to lose five excess pounds. Not recommended. I seem to be OK now here in mid-February but tried to delay recovery slightly last month by leaning on my 40-year-old mail box while waiting for the delivery. Don’t do that either. The iron support broke from corrosion at ground level and the box and I both crashed to the surface. The Postal Service added another task by rescuing me from being run over in the street. Enough, Bye , Paul R.” Paul then sent me the following note: M “John: I failed to tell you that I had taken three Moderna shots, the last being a full strength “booster” in mid-November. because of my leukemia. There seems to be no consensus as to whether these shots are worthless or that they keep you from having a bad ICU case or dying. My wife, Evelyn had three Pfizer shots including the standard booster when I did. She also caught COVID, collapsed once, took the ride to the ER, returned, and recovered faster than I. Of course, we both tested positive for the disease, assumed it was the omicron variant, but never knew that for sure. Paul R” 52 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

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 21403 e. navygolfergirl@gmail.com Webmaster: CAPT Richard A. “Rick” Claytor, USN (Ret.) Website: www.usna-class49.org

Letter from the President I’m pleased to pass along to the Class this information on a recently deceased classmate who had a most interesting and decidedly influential career in civilian life. Our classmate Richard H. Benson, died on November 17, 2021 in Guam at age 95. Following his death, he was honored in a memorial service by the Guam Legislature. He had lived in Guam for 55 years after having left the Navy after serving on active duty for ten years and then obtaining a law degree at the University of Michigan. He practiced law for the rest of his life and became a distinguished judge in Guam and the Mariana Islands. His widow, Beatrice (or Betty as she was known) forwarded this impressive eulogy by an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Guam. —Rick Claytor

Eulogy by Katherine A. Maraman, Associate Justice Supreme Court of Guam “Four things belong to a judge: To hear courteously; to answer wisely; to consider soberly; and to decide impartially.” These are the words of the great philosopher Socrates, but in my mind, they could have been written about Richard Benson. Truly, Judge Benson epitomized the best and most aspirational qualities of a jurist. For over four decades, Judge Benson presided over cases throughout the Pacific. Through his work in the island courts or our region - from Guam to the Northern Mariana Islands to the islands of the Federated States of Micronesia to Palau - he established a legacy built upon his particular attention to island custom and culture. He approached his work from the foundation of his sound legal training but framed it within the cultural realities of whatever island he was serving. And that, in my opinion, is the reason he was so beloved by the people of the is lands. He embraced them, he made an effort to learn their customs and what was important to them. He strove to resolve disputes in a manner that respected their values. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate and an alumnus of the University of Michigan Law School, Richard Benson was a man of unquestionable intellect. He poured so much thought into every dispute that came before him, and when he is sued his decision - whether you agreed with it or not - you knew that it was reasoned, deliberate, and never reached out of haste. And while these are all admirable qualities, I believe that his greatest quality perhaps even more than his intelligence and sharp legal mind - was his compassion, his desire always to resolve conflicts in the most peaceful way possible, and the unwavering respect and dignity with which he treated everyone he met - be they a litigant, a contentious attorney, or a stranger whom he encountered. These qualities were evident even in the later years of his life. When most of his contemporaries were enjoying leisurely retirements, he was still dedicating much of his work toward peaceful conflict resolution through mediation of domestic and civil disputes through the nonprofit organization, lnafa’ Maolek. Through his work with Inafa’ Maolek, he mediated more than 50 cases. He served as an Arbitrator. He also continued to serve as a jurist on appeals and trial matters for the courts of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the FSM Supreme Court and Republic of Palau. I had many professional encounters with Richard Benson. As I recall, he was the first judge I, uncertain and nervous, ever appeared before about 44 years ago. At that first hearing and the ones that followed, I was impressed by his demeanor. He was firmly in control of his courtroom and demanded that participants before him be prepared, courteous and

respectful of the law. In more recent years, I had the privilege to serve on appellate panels with him. We did not always agree initially, but we debated the matters and came to agreements on the dispositions. It was the epitome of how disputes in law should be addressed: forthright, honest discourse in a courteous atmosphere. His dedication to the law was matched only by his dedication to his Baha’i faith, which he served vigorously on a worldwide scale. And he did so even during his formative years, when at times it made it difficult for him to secure employment in his chosen profession. In many instances during this period of the late 1950s and early 1960s, Richard was a man ahead of his time as a promoter or racial equality and interracial gatherings within his faith. I have come to learn that one or the primary goals or the Prophet’ s teachings is to achieve peace through the establishment of unity, justice, and equality. For anyone who had the honor of knowing and working with Richard Benson, as I gratefully did, it was apparent that he infused these beliefs into every aspect of his work and life. In 20l2, the Judiciary of Guam bestowed upon him the Husti sia Award, and as my colleagues on the Judicial Council so aptly observed, “If humility were the measure of a man, Judge Benson would be a giant among us. “listening courteously, answering wisely, considering soberly, and deciding impartially”: those qualities of which Socrates spoke more than two millennia ago were undoubtedly woven int o every aspect of Judge Benson’s storied judicial career and his life, as were the equally simple yet important qualities of patience, open-mindedness, respect, clarity, fairness, compassion, humility, and common sense. I know that my colleagues in the Judiciary of Guam, along with legal communities of our entire Pacific region, join me in mourning the passing of Richard Benson - a learned justice, a gentleman, and a peacemaker. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Betty, his children, his faith family, and the many dear friends gathered here today.

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

HONOR CHAIRS Remember or Honor a loved one in Alumni Hall. Call 410-295-4100 for more information.

’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

Sad news: Mary Lou Jenkins Thurston Smoot From the Daily Herald on 13 January 2022 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 Mary Lou Jenkins ones on January 11, Thurston Smoot 2022, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Born on August 20, 1930, in Salt Lake City to Elmer and Mildred Jenkins, she lived for many years in Salt Lake and moved during World War 2 to the Kahala area of Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii. She graduated from Punahou, attended the University of Utah for two years, and graduated from Stanford University with a degree in English. She married Dick Wright Thurston on September 1, 1951, in the Salt Lake Temple. They lived in FL, TX, HI, CA, VA, ME, MD, London, England, Provo, UT and La Jolla, CA. She loved to teach, raise her children, play tennis and serve others. She was President of the US Naval Academy’s Officers Wives Club. She also served as President of BYU Women. She was Captain of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in many callings including President of the Relief Society, Primary and Young Women’s. She served with Dick when he was Bishop of a BYU Married Ward. They served as temple workers in San Diego. They also served a Church Mission to the Hmong/Laotian refugees in San Diego. “Service truly was her middle name.” Following Dick’s passing, she had a wonderful 6-year marriage to Steve Smoot; which brought her four bonus children, Shauna/Jim, Steve/Jill, Sherm/Sherri, and Allison/Colby, and numerous bonus

49/51 CLASS NEWS grandchildren and great-grandchildren. What a blessing they were in her life. Mary Lou and Steve served 6 years as missionaries in the Salt Lake Inner-City Mission. Survived by her son, Wright Jenkins Thurston (Janett), of Sandy; daughter, Elizabeth Malia Merrell (Wayne), of Story City, IA; son, Rob J. Thurston (Loni), of Provo; 15 grandchildren, and 41 great-grandchildren.

’51

Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 0.93% 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

PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS Tom Boyce Tom continues to remain closely involved with class matters, but as this column is being written he continues to be tied up with critically important family issues. Therefore there are no President’s Comments as such; however, rest assured that he and Barbara are doing well. BOARD MEETINGS Largely because of Board members’ understandable preoccupation with personal and family business as we come out of the pandemic, there has not been a Board meeting in some time. Important business is still carried out via phones and email but it is acknowledged that we are behind with regard to some issues. The plan is to correct that in the very near future, perhaps even by the time you read this. WEBSITE It turns out that our class website is getting increased viewing. The most recent data we have, that for the month of January, shows 328 visits. That’s pretty good considering that as this is being written we’re down to 117 classmates and an undetermined number of ladies still with us. Meanwhile, the plan is to update the site every two weeks, on a weekend; but feedback is still needed. Oh by the way: when trying to log into this website you may have stumbled on a site starring “Popeye,” “…a graduate of USNA in the Class of 1951.” We don’t know the background MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 53

51/52 CLASS NEWS but rest assured we have checked that out. It’s a bit amusing but also dated and bogus…and we can’t get rid of it. Best advice? Ignore. On the other hand, if anyone knows the source of “Popeye,” please let us know. CHAPTER ACTIVITY Unlike years past, our once-upon-a-time network of chapters has come upon hard times. For years there was a monthly luncheon of the Washington DC/Annapolis group at the Arlington Army Navy Country Club but due to moves out of the area and the vicissitudes of age, that group has not met for some time. Good intentions are about, however. In fact, that group may have met by the time you read this. Meanwhile, the San Diego team does the rest of us proud and leads the way. While this issue of Shipmate has to be put together before their February meeting, we do know that once again it was in specific honor of George Washington on his birthday, a long-standing tradition of the folks out west. The details will have been on the website by the time you read this but we’ll post any pictures we get in the next edition of Shipmate. CLASS FUNDS There have been questions with regard to class support for the Alumni Association and Athletic Foundation. In short, this support comes mainly from graduates and families and friends. Over the years the Class of 1951 has done quite well in that support. In addition to a long list of one-time gifts and individual classmate contributions the following Continuing Gifts are alive and well. -Gallery of Ships Maintenance Fund -Continued Upgrade of the USNA Museum Model Ship Workshop -McDonough Basketball Memorial Award (Two awards now; one for men, another for women). -Chapel Organ Maintenance Fund -Faculty Teaching Awards (two annual awards at $10,000 each) Payment for these Continuing Gifts is derived from a fund contributed by the class and administered by the Alumni Foundation. Because as a class we have contributed so handsomely to this fund, no further contributions are necessary; however, individual contributions to the Alumni Association and to the Athletic Association continue to be most appropriate. In order to gain a better understanding contributions to the Terwilliger Center are still a work in progress. As class leadership learn/decide more you will be kept apprised and, if appropriate, solicited. All of this and more, by the way, has been and will be covered in a much more timely fashion on the website.

IN MEMORIUM Both the class website and Shipmate carry obituaries of classmates lost but, in the event you missed them, the following is a short review since the last edition. Also included are the names of two ladies lost in the same time period. As of this writing we are down to 117 classmates surviving out of the 725 who graduated. Thomas Griswold McCreless died on February 7. Tom received a Marine commission on graduation, served in Korea, made captain, then left active duty and became a nuclear engineer. Along the way he earned the PhD in Nuclear Engineering from the University Maryland and was a member American Nuclear Society. On 22 January Mary Anne Fuller, widow of our classmate Byron Fuller, passed away after a short illness. Then, on February 6th we lost Peggy Ward, Tom Ward’s widow. BY THE WAY As you read you might want to keep in mind that just one month over seventy-five years ago we embarked on Youngster Cruise. Your stories and remembrances of that cruise posted in Shipmate would be both appropriate and interesting to your classmates and families. Send them in, please. FINAL NOTES In order to keep this column and the website going inputs, notes, prose and pictures, from classmates and their families are needed. Send whatever you have to Bob Dunn at: robtdunn@aol.com. With thanks ahead and best wishes for a beautiful and enjoyable spring….

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Life Membership: 71% Donor Participation: 1.46% 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 February 2022. Our speaker was Claude Berube, PhD, Director 54 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

of the USNA Museum, and Honorary Member of the Class of 1952. Dr. Berube described activities recently instituted at the Naval Academy, war gaming and podcasts. I have requested to our Class President, Bob Schulze, that I be relieved of my duties as the scribe for the Class of 1952 column in the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation magazine, Shipmate. My immediate contact on their staff, Assistant Production Manager Maria O’Shea, informs me that my first column as Class Scribe was in the September-October 2010 issue. That is 11½ years! No wonder I am tired… It has been a distinct honor to perform this service, which I hope has met with Class expectations. You deserve it. As many of you know, five years ago my wife and I relocated from Fairfax, Virginia, to Great Falls, Montana. This was not a problem, except that I could not take pictures at meetings. That, of course is now a non-issue, with our meeting via Zoom, a much superior medium in many ways, in my humble opinion. Some random thoughts. Did you know that the Naval Academy is the leading undergraduate producer of astronauts? Our 70thth Reunion includes a presentation to the Brigade by Classmate Astronaut LtGen Tom Stafford, to which our Reunion attendees are invited? And that the Class of 1952 is tied with one other class as the leading class producer of astronauts? I will now immodestly add that I roomed with two of the five. Yes, they went off on their supersonic, extraterrestrial adventures, while I became an anti-submarine patrol plane pilot, seldom exceeding 10,000 feet of altitude or 140 knots airspeed. One USNA roommate, Donn Eisele, had become an F-86 fighter pilot, stationed at Eglin AFB. He came to visit me in Pensacola, where I was working on carrier qualification in the SNJ-6C trainer. I invited him along on a training hop, on which he occupied the back seat. While I was doing the prescribed low-and-slow traffic pattern, gear down, hook down, full flaps, at about 58 knots, Donn kept yelling: “This thing will not fly at this speed!” and made several remarks about my sanity, or lack thereof… I am proud of my roommates. I am proud of all my classmates. It has been a good life. Anyway, in my humble opinion, the facts that we are down to 151 survivors, out of 783 graduates. Most of us, nonagenarians all, are dealing with a variety of maladies, and this means many fewer classmate activities to report about in the Class Column in Shipmate. It is my fervent hope that the Class Executive Committee can come up with an acceptable, interesting solution. We continue to receive word of the passing of Classmates, wives, and widows. Received recently: William Edwin Roberts, 14 January 2022, Biloxi, MS Frank W. Hauff, 19 January 2022, St. Louis, MO

52/54 CLASS NEWS Dorothy White Bakke, widow of Maj Thomas N. Bakke, USAF, 3 February 2022, Alexandria, VA 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!

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Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 1.03% 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

members living in the local area and there are many stories to share from their respective careers in the Marine and Navy.

Lola Dixon

Herb Tiede and Tom Warren

Darrell Dempster (16) forwarded a picture from the “Dempster Dark Ages” brunch that was held at 2212 Chesapeake Harbor Drive East in Annapolis on Feb 14, 2022. L-R; Greer Dempster, Brooke Dempster, Eric Stanko, Michelle Stanko, David, Paige Yamamato from Hawaii and Eric’s girlfriend; Darrell wearing Class of 1953 Dark Ages name tag; and Holly Dempster Phillips.

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

Website: www.usna53.com

Mail Bag “The daughter of Herb Tiede (3) and using his computer to help send a photo and news of a surprise meeting at dinner. Herb thought it might be nice for the next edition of the SHIPMATE.” [May 2022] Herb and Tom Warren (6) are table partners in their retirement community in Northern Virginia. They didn’t know each other at the Academy and did not know they had both moved to Westminster. But ever since the day they were randomly assigned to the same table for meals they have been catching up! Both men have family

Life Membership: 57% Donor Participation: 2.50%

Exec Vice Pres: MGen William W. Hoover, USAF (Ret.) p: 757-221-0921; e: Hoovsf8@aol.com

Webmaster: CAPT Paul Dudley, USN (Ret.) e: pdudley@1953.usna.com

Passing’s Francis T. Brady CAPT, USNR (Ret) died 3 February 2022 at Annapolis, MD. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth and the family will be sending an obituary for the Shipmate Last Call. The Death Notice of Frank in the Washington Post Feb 18, 2022 is quite long.

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Pres: CAPT George V. Zeberlein, USN (Ret.) p: 410-570-3233; e: gvzeberlein@gmail.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

ARMY - NAVY Basketball Games in the Winter The Midshipmen and Cadets, both men and women teams, played two games in Annapolis and West Point. My friend Phil Case USNA ’52 in Greenspring watched on the TV from Annapolis the first games. Phil said our men lost, by one point, but our women won their game. I watched the second game of our men played at West Point and this time our Navy team won 52-49. Go Navy!

M Unfortunately, the latest trend in the Corona virus pandemic prompted management to reinstate many restrictions at the Village” [Also of us at Greenspring Village in Virginia]… I cut the story a bit. All the Best, ACB

Dempster Family at Dark Ages

Edwin (Ed) Petersen (5) sent a story from Riverside, CA as follows: M “Who could believe that at age 91 would start dating again? After more than 15 years of often lonely widower-hood since the loss of Carol, my beloved wife of 51 years, someone special has entered my life. She is Lola Dixon, the widow of a retired Air Force fighter pilot. See the photo taken December 3rd at the Village Dinner/Dance….We met through a fellow Village resident and close Naval Academy alumnus friend, John McGrew ‘51, who, tragically, died suddenly after enjoying a close companionship with Lola for 16 years following the death of her husband 18 years ago. Long story short, I now have a beautiful and talented companion to share in many activities we have available to enjoy together at the Village and elsewhere…. My family is doing well. Six of my nine grandchildren are now married. Grandson Jake is serving on active duty as a Special Forces Marine, stationed in Okinawa….

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

From: Bart Dallamure (bartolodm@gmail.com) M In the Nov/Dec Shipmate, Bob Briner listed what he thought were the only classmates who experienced 7 December 1941 at Pearl Harbor. He omitted at least one, my late good friend, Dwight Agnew. I don’t know where the Agnews lived, but Dwight senior was skipper of Trever DD-339/DMS-16, a twenty year-old four- piper which was credited with shooting down two of the attackers that day. Dwight’s dad later won a Navy Cross for action at Guadalcanal, and retired as Rear Admiral in ‘56. There was another genuine hero in that family. Dwight’s maternal grandfather, Army Captain George Biegler, won the Medal of Honor in 1900 in the Philippines. I know Pearl Harbor very well. My first ship was Renshaw, DDE-499, homeported there, I lived a mile uphill in Aiea, with a view from Barber’s Point to Diamond Head. Beat Army Bart DallaMura

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 55

54/54 CLASS NEWS

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From: David Smith (subman1954@gmail.com) M A little A/N Game activity historyThe Bellevue Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia was the “go to” place after the Army Navy game each year. This 3‘ x 3‘ cloth sign hung in the lobby each year: The menu had this welcome inside, opposite the menu, that offered main courses at two dollars and under: Each year my parents entertained a group of classmates for dinner and somewhere I have a picture with Bob Gibson and Jake Everett at the table. Dave Smith

56 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

The football forward pass history for Shipmate from Dave Smith: M THE FORWARD PASS It was during my high school years (1946-50) in Wabash, Indiana, that I learned of the secret play that allowed the West Point cadets to beat the midshipmen in the 1913 Army-Navy Football Game. The owner of the local Chevrolet dealership, Gus Dorais, was famous for having revolutionized the game of football. He had entered college at Notre Dame along with Knute Rockne and by some chance they were assigned as roommates. They complemented each other in a partnership that was to shake the sport of football to its foundations. Dorais was a smart but poor boy who majored in architecture. Rockne was a smarter but poorer boy who was to become one of the most brilliant chemistry students Notre Dame ever had. They loved football with a deep and abiding passion. Despite his small size of 5-foot-7 and 145 pounds, the clever Dorais soon became the varsity quarterback. The more solidly constructed Rockne was a varsity end. Because they were inseparable companions, they even spent their summer vacations together and it was on a beach at Sandusky, Ohio, in 1913, that the forward pass was born - or at least reborn. Although a type of the pass had been used previously, it was Dorais who first hit on the idea of throwing the ball overhand, and he practiced tirelessly with Rockne that summer on the beach. As a result, that year the Irish routed the overwhelmingly favored West Point cadets 35 to 13. It was in that game that the most popular of all passing stratagems was invented by Rockne - the buttonhook. In sprinting downfield, Rockne stumbled and fell as the Army defender raced onward. Rockne arose and Dorais hit him with a pass. “I just discovered something, Gus,” said Rockne. “On the next play I’ll go downfield and double back. Try it again.” When the Notre Dame team left West Point for South Bend, Dorais and Rockne stayed over for a few days, explaining their techniques to the cadets. Thus, with the aid of the forward pass Army upset Navy that year. Although not as well known, Dorais was the moon to Rockne’s sun. In Wabash, Indiana, he was our local hero and everyone in Wabash High School knew of his accomplishments. David G Smith, 20th Company, USNA, ‘54

54/56 CLASS NEWS Debbie (Clark) Edwards, daughter of Jeanne and Shelby V.T. Clark shares some happy celebration news with the Class of 1954: M “My Dad, Shelby V.T. Clark, graduated from USNA in 1954 (his Dad in 1922; his brother too was a graduate so I am soooo very proud and truly do thank you ALL for your service to our country!) My Mom, Jeanne’s birthday in Jan, but my Dad’s 90th isn’t until April 12th (he just would not hear of a separate party for his day). Despite challenges from COVID, so many friends and family celebrated both of my parents at their retirement community Bistro and just our family at the Piedmont Club in Spartanburg, SC.”

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Life Membership: 64% Donor Participation: 0.46% 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/

The Washington area luncheon was held on 9 Feb. 2022 - good turnout, great fellowship and shared memories.

L to R Angelo Cicolani (11), Tom Stallman (14), Bob Fountain (6), Demo Kolaras (14), Jerry Holland (9) and Bob Hinton (23)

Fred Underwood (22) recalls his second class aviation cruise on the USS BENNINGTON (CV 20). M Our Aviation Summer involved two weeks of Fire Fighting Training and two weeks of Amphibious Training preceded by three weeks on a cruise in USS BENNINGTON (CV 20) to Halifax, Nova Scotia. There were two significant events In Halifax. The first was when Dale Crosier (22) and I decided to go to the local swimming pool for a swim. As we got ready to get in the water, I noticed a sign on the wall of the bathhouse, “Water Temperature 56 degrees.” I remembered being in Texas, in the bright sun with no wind, and being very comfortable at 56 degrees. I didn’t even stick my toe in the water. I just dove into the water. My hands were reaching for the side of the pool before my feet got wet. It didn’t seem to bother Dale. For me, it was the shortest swim I have ever had. The second was a dance staged for us at HMCS Stadacona, a Canadian Naval Station. Since we midshipmen were on a two-section watch, and only half the bunch could go ashore at one time, there were dances on two consecutive nights. We were given the names of the young women we were to escort to the dance. For the first night, Matt Mlekush’s (9) date was with Olga Apinis. She was my date for the second dance. Matt began to talk about her, sight unseen, commenting on the name, Olga, and her last name Apinis. He convinced himself to stand up Olga and just go out on the town. The second night, when we got to the site of the dance, we were lined up alphabetically to get in a taxi and go pick up our dates. It was twenty minutes before a taxi was available for my transportation. Olga expected to be picked up about 2000 (8 PM). When I arrived about 2030, she had changed into her nightclothes and was ready to go to bed. Her mother said, “She thought that she had been stood up again.” Five minutes after I arrived, she came down, cute as a bug’s ear. It was a Wow moment. We went to the dance and had a great time. I got to use all three of my dance steps. She was a very good jitterbugger. At the end of the dance, we were standing in line waiting for the “U’s” turn to get a ride home, and lo and behold Matt Mlekush came up to us. (He had gotten someone to

take his place on the duty section and come to the dance to check out Olga, knowing that she would be with me.) He began to chat with us, and Olga noticed his name in his hat, then said, “No wonder they matched us up for last night. Your name is as hard to pronounce as mine.” Matt stuck his tail between his legs and disappeared into the crowd. I corresponded with her for a while, but the distance was too long for anything to get serious. The ship returned to Norfolk on schedule. However, a hurricane arrived the same day. We stayed at sea for an extra day. The storm did quite a bit of damage to the ship. I started to feel queasy, so I went out on the fantail and watched the waves. They were spectacular — no seasickness on that trip.

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Life Membership: 73 % Donor Participation: 2.62% 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”

Ronald L. Amon, Class of 1956, Captain, Navy 150 Lb. Football Team and National Champions 1955 Ron was considered an outstanding student and athlete at Washington High School in Washington, PA. He participated in football, basketball, track, and baseball and was football captain his senior year. Ron caught the eye of Navy Assistant Coach Ben Martin during his junior year. Coach Martin went on to become the first head football coach at the new Air Force Academy. Ron arrived at the Naval Academy through Columbian Prep in Washington, D.C. He excelled on the Navy Plebe football team before being injured. He spent the next three years with Navy’s 150 lb. football team, “The Mighty Mites”. The 1953 team won the National championship. During the next two years his running skills continued, and he took over the punting and extra point kicking. He was the top defensive cornerback in the 150 league those last two years. The 1955 season culminated at Princeton University when, with great grit and determination, he and his running mate and classmate, Bob Forster, led the team from a 20-0 deficit at halftime to a 20-20 tie that secured the National Championship for the “Mighty Mites”. MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 57

56/56 CLASS NEWS Classmates, Wives, and Widows,

Dick Jensen

Dick Jensen (4) passed away on January 8, in his hometown of Waupaca, WI. Visitation and funeral service will be this Saturday, January 15, in Waupaca. Funeral details, obituary, and photograph may be found at: https://www. hollyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/ Richard-Jensen-22/#!/Obituary. -Doug Hayman Secretary, Class Executive Committee

’56:

Navy overcame “tremendous odds” against Princeton. Navy kicked off to open the second half and shortly thereafter gained possession of the ball on a Princeton fumble and moved to Navy’s first touchdown of the ball game. The midshipmen still trailed by 14 points at the end of the third quarter. Then, Navy dominated the fourth quarter scoring two touchdowns and holding Princeton scoreless. Ron’s conversions added the extra points and the game ended in a 20-20 tie; however, Navy’s undefeated season record was preserved and earned the team the National Championship. Following that championship win, Naval Academy Superintendent RADM W.F. Boone congratulated Ron by letter, “Not only were you able to come through an undefeated season, but to overcome tremendous odds against you in the last game in order to maintain that record. This characteristic of refusing to admit defeat will stand you and your teammates in good stead throughout your careers . . . Well Done!” Ron continued his love of football into his civilian life by refereeing high school and college football for 26 years in Southern California, culminating in his work in the top high school game in the nation in 1982 between Mater Dei and Fontana High School before 23,000 fans. He was usually quiet and reserved but always willing to lend a helping hand where needed. The model of “Leadership by Example” would fit him well. His love of sports and a great sense of humor will long be remembered.

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

2022

ISSUE: June ’22 July-Aug ’22 September ’22 October ’22 Nov-Dec ’22

DUE DATE: Mar 28, 2022 May 26, 2022 Jun 27, 2022 Jul 25, 2022 Sep 26, 2022

Casey Kenaston

Casey Kenaston (2) passed away on February 8, a few days after a fall at his home. There will be a celebration of Casey’s life on March 17. Casey’s obituary including a photo and directions for the service may be viewed at: https://www.fairfaxmemorialfuneralhome.com /obituaries/George-WarrenKenaston?obId=23975783#/obituaryInfo. -Doug Hayman Secretary, Class Executive Committee

57/59 CLASS NEWS

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Life Membership: 70% Donor Participation: 2.94% 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 Webmeister: CDR Charles R. Hall, III, USN (Ret.) e: crhall@comcast.net Website: http//1957.usnaclasses.com/ ’58: The Gatje Family

Sad news: Janice Charles, widow of Richard N. Charles (4), died 18 January 2022. Daniel E. Mc Glasson (4) died on 12 January 2022 at Arlington Hospital. Jerry G. Patterson (10), died on 8 January 2022. Dear readers, Please email me at: wshamel@aol.com with any news about deaths of classmates or wives. Reports of travels, adventures, gatherings, etc., also would be most welcome. And let us savor every day.

’58

Life Membership: 63% Donor Participation: 1.19% 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

REUNION – Just a reminder. Our 65th reunion is less than a year away. It will be 13-16 April 2023 to be exact so start your planning. HOW OLD IS OLD? - If you are starting to feel old these days just remember you probably aren’t the oldest ’58 Classmate. That honor goes to Marty Kuhneman 5th Company who was born on July 7th 1932. And yes, that is right, Marty will soon be turning 90. Actually, we have 7 Classmates who will turn 90 this year. CHAPTER NEWS – We often get reports from the Washington, DC Class of ’58 Chapter and sometimes we also hear from the San Francisco area Chapter, but we don’t often hear from the New Zealand Chapter. I’m referring to Art Bass, 2nd Company who has been living in NZ since 1980. After graduation Art served on two DDs and then had a tour as the Chief Engineer on an ice breaker which led to a visit to NZ which led to Art meeting his wife to be Gaynor (Art recalls that 85% of the bachelors on board applied for marriage licenses in NZ). Following that tour, Art resigned his Regular Commission and started a second career working for the Navy as a civilian and also serving in the Reserves. In 1980, he retired and moved to New Zealand where life has been an exciting adventure. Presently Art and Gaynor live on the North Island overlooking the sea. Next time you are in NZ, drop in and say hello. SUPER SPREADER – Pete Gatje, 24th Company, hosted a family reunion over the holidays. Isn’t it nice to see smiling faces instead of a bunch of masks? CLOSING RANKS Leroy Haenz, 20th Company, died on 21 September 2021 Stephen Guthman, 13th Company, died on 24 January 2022

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Life Membership: 66% Donor Participation: 1.24% 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

A Nice Trip, by Vince Obsitnik (3). In September 2021, my wife, Annemarie, and I flew out to Bozeman, MT to visit our grandson at Montana State. After that we were on our way to a family wedding in Estes Park, CO and then out to the San Francisco Bay area to visit two of our sons and classmates in the area. According to Robert Burns, “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men. Gang aft agley!! And mine did go aft agley!! I came down with a bunch of symptoms which caused us to skip the wedding and head back to home (Peachtree City, GA). I was admitted to the local hospital with a Sepsis diagnosis which, after a week of antibiotics, the strep infection in my blood was gone. The next five weeks of daily IV antibiotics provided good results by the end of October. With Christmas two months away, we decided to head back out to the Bay area to spend Christmas with our sons. We had a great lunch with Pag and Peggy Pagnillo (13) on Wharf 2 in Monterey. Pag and I had connected in 1955 during Plebe Summer.

READ SEA STORIES Visit usna.com’s History and Tradition page. Have a story to share? Email to seastories@usna.com

Reunion Time

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 59

59/59 CLASS NEWS

Obsitniks with the Pagnillos

We then had a delightful visit with Hank and Peggy Mauz (11) at their lovely Pebble Beach home. Hank surprised us with a golf cart ride on the last 3-4 holes of his Cypress Point Golf Club followed by dinner at the Monterey Peninsula Club. We stayed with the Mauz’s overnight and left the next morning for Palo Alto. I regret I was so overwhelmed by their hospitality I forgot to take pictures of the four of us. Sorry Hank and Peggy!! The next day we met Tony Maran (2) and his wife, Janice Rucks, for lunch in Palo Alto. Tony still involved with Silicon Valley real estate and we had a great time reconnecting.

Obsitniks with the Marans

Whenever we travel, I always like to look up classmates and reconnect. It’s a lot of fun and I recommend it to all. If anyone is coming by Peachtree City, GA please give us a call. Vince Obsitnik Plebe Year Log, by Walter Wynn (11). When I was a plebe (that was several hundred years ago), I had a leather covered memo book, about 5 x 8 inches, in which I recorded various things. Now, just four years ago when we moved to Oak Hammock, I looked at the books I brought and leafed through the old memo book It contains various tidbits of information including some rather raunchy things I needed to know including “how cold does it get in Maryland,” and some awful so-called toasts to be given. It also had “Sea Fever” by the poet laureate of England, Masefield. Rather than tear out the offending pages, I think I threw the whole booklet away so family members wouldn’t be grossed out after I turned to dust. One thing I was going to find and post verbatim was my shaving log. Those who know

60 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

me also know that I am not a particularly hairy chested and lush beard growing kind of guy. I didn’t really need to start shaving seriously until about 20 or so years later. My firstie’s roommate, Otto Faust, was a real tough guy and as my squad leader he asked me, “Did you shave today, Mr. Wynn?” I truthfully answered, “No sir.” For which he put me on report for, “shaving, failure to.” He also ordered me to maintain a shaving log, which I did for some length of time. Each morning I would fire up my trusty electric razor and pass it over the barren area of my face for a few seconds and record the event in my log. xRise and Shine, ‘59 and Beat Army, from Walt. Plebe Cruise on the NEW JERSEY, by Al Shinn (13). Like many others, I was on NEW JERSEY when we pulled into Oslo on a midsummers’ eve 1956. I had liberty the next day and met the most beautiful girl I had ever seen at a tea dance the Embassy gave for us. I’m not good on names, but I remember hers — Turi Wideroe. Great joy ensued, including a visit to her parent’s home, where I made points by giving her Dad half a dozen packs of ship’s store cigarettes — strictly illegal, of course. He was an interesting guy, a pioneer in Norwegian aviation who had started a bush airline that was eventually folded into SAS. This brief bit of heaven ended when NEW JERSEY left Oslo. I remember writing her at least once; I’m not sure I ever got an answer, but I thought of her with fond memories from time to time. And then sometime in the mid 70’s, I ran across a piece about her in LIFE Magazine. She had followed her Dad into aviation, had risen rapidly in SAS as the first woman to fly for a major western airline, and was featured in LIFE as the first woman to captain a DC-8 landing at what was then still called Idlewild. Both she and her Dad Viggo are the subject of Wikipedia articles. Her first SAS uniform is now in the National Air and Space museum. I must go see it. Back on NEW JERSEY, my memories are mainly of holystoning decks and similarly pleasant introductions to naval life. My one standout recollection was a disciplinary matter. I don’t remember the offense, but the punishment was memorable: I was required to spend a specified number of hours in the bilges underneath a (cold) main boiler, equipped with a scraper and a bucket, scraping gunk off the bottom plating. I assume this was supposed to be good for my soul, and perhaps it was. In any event, I was sustained by my memories of Oslo and Turi. Best regards, Al. December Florida trip “Whenever two or three shall meet…” by Pete Stout (10). Elaine and I headed south from Delaware in late December 2021 to spend both Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Orlando, as well as ten days of a very relaxing time with lots of sun from the Sunshine state. Along with numerous walks at our home base, Hilton Parc Soleil, we enjoyed a second time at the Scenic Boat Tour in Winter Park, FL. This trip is supposedly the

second oldest “theme park” in Florida, established in 1938. We recommend, for both visitors and residents alike, to take this one-hour trip that traverses the canals and lakes to view the luxurious mansions. The cost is reasonable and there is a military discount. Mid-trip we met with the Abdallas (10) and O’Connells (10) for a Terrible Tenth Company get together over a wonderful luncheon at the Bahama Breeze. Our group was the first to arrive and nearly the last to leave. The New Year’s Eve highlight was at the stroke of midnight, the simultaneous fireworks display that literally surrounded all of Orlando and related areas. Our view from the balcony (10th floor) was spectacular and started 2022 with a bang!

Pete & Elaine Stout, Phil &Jeanne O’Connell, Carolyn & Pete Abdulla (L to R)

To stay in touch, the Tenth Company ‘59ers have quarterly ZOOM meetings hosted by Tom Priest (10). These one-hour sessions have proved to be extremely enjoyable, keeping abreast of, not only current Company member events, but listening to a few never-beforeheard sea stories and learning what many have been doing since graduation. I highly recommend similar ZOOM sessions for your companies. Your Company Reps should be of assistance in helping set these up. Elaine and I can be of help on contacting company members if needed. Check the Class website, http://www.USNA1959.com, as a starting point. Pete Stout. Black Ice, by John Dettbarn (17). In some duty assignments, there are things that you just don’t want to happen no matter what. My story about one of those times is “BLACK ICE”. As Camp Commander of Camp David, I always greeted the President when he arrived at our helicopter pad, to escort him to the presidential lodge, Aspen, and review any special needs for the weekend. The assignment was Commanding Officer of the Naval Support Facility, Thurmont, MD. You know it as Camp David, the Presidential Mountain Retreat in the Catoctin Mountains of Western Maryland. This is a CEC officer billet. The Camp is manned by Seabees, a wide variety of fleet ratings, a full company of Marines, plus US Army and US Air Force White House Communications personnel. (My job was to make it all work, all of the time, and to take the heat when it didn’t.) On a late Friday evening in mid-winter, the

59/60 CLASS NEWS mountain top was shrouded in mist with the temperature right around 38 degrees. My Seabees had cleared the ice and snow off the helicopter pad. We used calcium chloride to melt the ice and not cinders or any grit to avoid any FOD problems. It was dark, everything was ready, the pad was clear with only a sheen of water. I stood at the head of the sidewalk leading to the helipad and watched Marine One come down out of the clouds and settle gracefully on the pad. It had been a 30 minute flight from the South Lawn. The down wash from a VH 3A is pretty strong (100 knots?). The CO of HMX-1 was the Presidential pilot that night. While I waited for the props to slow and began walking to the ramp of Marine One, I realized that the sheen of water on the pad had frozen instantly from the down draft into a sheet of invisible BLACK ICE. Footing was treacherous. The lead Secret Service Agent came down the steps and I told him, “Look out, it’s icy! He looked at me and just rolled his eyes. Then the president, President Nixon, came down the ramp. That night it was just him and the naval aide on the helo. Neither Mrs. Nixon nor either of the daughters were with him. As he came down the steps I saluted and warned him, “Mr. President, please be careful, the pad is icy!” I was on his left side, thinking I was in position to assist in case he should slip. Then the unimaginable happened! As we turned to walk away from Marine One, shockingly, my feet went out from under me, and I began to fall. (And what do you do when you lose your balance?) I reacted and reached for the closest thing which just happened to be the President of the United States. HE IMMEDIATELY SENSED WHAT WAS HAPPENING, GRABBED ME, AND KEPT ME FROM HITTING THE DECK. His words, as best I can recall, “Got you there, Commander.” Stunned and grateful, all I could muster up was “Sorry sir. Thank you Sir.” After that, the weekend continued with no further incidents. The scene could easily have been much different. Picture the two or three of us down in a heap on the icy helipad! To this day, no one was aware of what had happened that night except the President, the Secret Service agent, and me. During that particular time, the country and the President were in the middle of throes winding down the war in Vietnam. Any incapacity or delay to meet with foreign leaders could easily have been an international incident. Black ice was a close call for the President and also for the career of yours truly. This whole story has never been told except to my family and close friends. It was covered briefly in a recent book, Inside Camp David: The Private World Of The Presidential Mountain Retreat, now in publication by Little Brown.

TAPS Martha Donovan, widow of Frank Donovan (l3), the first president of our ‘59 organization, died in her Vienna, VA home on 31 January 2022. Visitation and funeral mass were held on 4 and 5 February. Interment will take place on a later date at the Arlington National Cemetery. Jack Battenburg (7) passed away peacefully on 20 January 2022 in their home in Vacaville, CA. Jack was a Navy pilot, initially flying the F-9 and then logging more than 4,000 sorties in the F-8 during Vietnam. Later he was involved in development of the Navy’s F-14, and assignments with the Navy’s Test Pilot School Jack is survived by his wife, Barbara, and others who live in the Vacaville area, where services were planned in early February. His remains will be interred in the USNA Columbarium in April. Alice Holds, Wife of Jim Holds (15), passed away on 27 January 2022. Alice earned bachelor and masters degrees in education. But later, feeling called to serve her country in time of conflict, Alice set aside her teaching career during the Vietnam War to serve six years as a commissioned naval officer stationed in Newport, Pensacola, San Diego, and Honolulu. Since settling in Saratoga in 1993, Alice has been busy in church activities as well as various other local charity organizations.

M “The speaker at our November luncheon was Jan Scruggs, the visionary behind the Vietnam Memorial who played an instrumental role in selecting its design and seeing its implementation through to completion. Because of the topic, we invited our West Point counterparts to join us, which they did in good number. Jan’s success took place over the strong opposition of the Navy and the Marine Corps, both of which wanted something more heroic, like the Iwo Jima Memorial. During his description of the political challenges, he mentioned that Bud McFarlane, who was National Security Advisor at the time, helped tip the balance in favor of moving ahead. As it turned out, the memorial itself has proven to be an instrument of reconciliation for (1) those who returned from the fighting after serving honorably, only to be vilified by their countrymen, (2) those who felt guilt in the wake of fleeing to Canada, and (3) those who still feel the loss of loved ones who were either KIA or MIA. The memorial also set a precedent for honoring veterans of other conflicts where victory has proven equally elusive, like Korea and Afghanistan.

’60

Life Membership: 71% Donor Participation: 3.28% 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 Don Boecker (15) and Ward O’Brien (22)

From Doug Johnston (5):

DC Get together

At December’s lunch, Don Boecker (15) provided a different perspective on the war by sharing the details of his escape from behind enemy lines in Laos, after his A6 was blown out of the sky by the premature explosion of bombs he was dropping on a bridge along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. It was an exciting tale, the details of which can be found by Googling “Donald V. Boecker” or by searching him out on the Library of Congress Veterans History Project website. (Thanks to the efforts of Ward O’Brien (22) and his family, this website includes inputs from a number of our classmates). Those who participated in one or both of the above lunches include John Berry, Curt Herrick, Jim Lincoln, Dick Nelson, Roy O’Connor, and Charley Ostott from West Point, MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 61

60/60 CLASS NEWS Gay and Don Boecker (15), Kathy and Gary Cogdell (7), Martha and George Dowell (19), Dennis Hickey (22), Darlene Matulka, Barbara and Ward O’Brien (22), Becky and Dick Pariseau (1), Grant Sharp (19), Jeanne and Tom Solak (2), Charlotte and Bob Stevenson (2), Bob Traister (2), Dareen and yours truly. The picture has Don Boecker (15) and Ward O’Brien (22) showing a picture of the Naval Reserve unit they both joined enroute to acceptance into the Naval Academy. From Jack Gerrity (15):

60 Lunch gathering in Jacksonville, FL

M“Bill, as illustrated in the accompanying photo (above), four of us decided to enjoy brunch at The District in Jacksonville, Florida. The District is noted for Mongolian-/Tibetan inspired Yurts in its outdoor Peacock Garden; we opted for regular indoor seating. Seated clockwise from the left are JJ “Jack” Garrity (15), Harry Lewis (15), Helen Garrity, and Mimi Lewis. The food was absolutely scrumptious. From Bob Osmon (17): M“Dear Class of 1960 Classmates, back in December, I was in Giants Stadium for what probably is going to be my last A/N Game, and what a doozy that was!!! What a way to go out!! And would you believe I had 50-yard line seats? Guess the AD is feeling sorry for us old guys. About time. I decided I wanted just one photograph for my memory book and suddenly I realized what could be more appropriate than the Brigade March On! All of you and I did this for four years in Philadelphia in the 50s, in the freezing cold and stormy weather. We watched the signalman give us waves to commence removing our caps, doing our cheers, and then doing an about face and doing it again. Of course, we were far more disciplined and professional than the mids today, but they did all right. So anyhow I decided to share this with you as it may just bring back some poignant memories of long, long ago. As you may recall during our four years, we won 2, lost one, and tied one. Not a bad record at all. So, to all of you, I wish you a Merry Christmas as we all celebrate the big win over Army....ALL YEAR LONG!! Beat Army!! Oz

62 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

From Harley Barnes (22): M“Bill, greetings from Southcentral Pennsylvania. A couple of years ago, Bob Meck (19) and I, both of us now our respective Company Reps, discovered we had coincidentally chosen to retire to the same 55+ development near Lititz in Lancaster County. Our choices have given us many opportunities to fill our retirement time with interesting activities. We both had sung in vocal groups either at the Academy or in church choirs and other choral groups. When we found that our development had a choral group, we decided to contribute what remains of our singing talents to the community. For the last two years, the choral group, known as the Silver Singers, has put on a tribute to veterans on Veterans’ Day. Each year Bob has emceed that tribute with an excellent summary of the backgrounds of each of our armed services and the origin of Veterans’ Day. The community’s concern over COVID dictated that the tribute be held out of doors. At this year’s Veterans’ Day tribute, Bob explained the origins of the Navy and Marine Corps to an audience of residents gathered in front of the development’s clubhouse. (He gives equal time to the other services, too.) My contribution is represented by the bald head in the right background of the picture. Harley I heard from Jimmy McCoy (13) out in Maui, Hawaii. Doing well after retiring and moving to the Islands. After 30 years with a lot of it including time in the DC area, a change seemed interesting. From Doug Johnston (5): M“Ladies and gents, (Available at the class web site is an article) Attached for your reading pleasure is an article from the January 1990 issue of the Naval Institute Proceedings authored by our recently deceased classmate Jim Patton. In it, he describes his experience while serving as technical advisor for the movie The Hunt for Red October. In a phone conversation shortly before he passed away, I asked how he had been selected for that assignment. He said he was at a meeting in which OP 02 asked if anyone present would like to take it on. He volunteered, as did Admiral Bud Kauderer, but because of Jim’s status as a retired Captain, it was decided his involvement would make it easier for the Navy to claim plausible deniability in the event of an embarrassing outcome. As you may recall, Jim’s son, James, spoke to our lunch group some months ago in his capacity as CEO of the International Center for Religion & Diplomacy (ICRD). How that Center came into being and the impact it has had on U.S. foreign policy is the principal theme of my latest book, Mountaintops and Mai Tais, which came out several weeks ago. The book also accommodates a long-held personal desire to one day capture in writing all the humorous events that have taken place along

life’s way (many of which transpired at Canoe U). So, it’s a bit of an eclectic mix; but if you’re having trouble sleeping at night, this book was written for you. Hit the link below, if you think you might be interested. All royalties go to benefit ICRD. By the way, I just finished reading it and it is well worth reading (Bill). From Bob Osmon (17):

Oz with the Swansons

Dear Classmates, if you are not sitting down, I suggest you do so now. What I am about to tell you will knock you off your feet. This is a lifetime event none of us would ever thought would happen, but it did! JOHN SWANSON NOW HAS EMAIL!!! Of course, it happened with John screaming and kicking all the way, but here’s what happened. As some of you all know, John and Selena are Masters in Bridge. As the pandemic grew and grew, more and more bridge tournaments were being cancelled. They were going stir crazy with no bridge, so their daughter bought them two lap tops and they now play bridge on line. As a side benefit, they had to learn to use email! So, may I urge you all to welcome our last holdout to the email system and let him know we haven’t forgotten him. Dick Macke (17), John asked about you, so how about giving your old roomie...and us a little update on how things are in Hawaii? I had dinner with the two of them last night and they both are healthy and hale, although unfortunately Selena did fall and break her leg last year. But she is healing up and was in great spirits. Here is a photo of the three of us from two years ago, but they look exactly the same. Oh, and John and I got the Final Jeopardy question right last night while none of the three contestants did. Must be a military thing (60,000 US Citizens are buried in a national cemetery in a volcanic crater in which state?) Bet most of you will get it. God bless and Welcome to John and Selena to our ever-diminishing group of 17th Co. grads. Oz

61/61 CLASS NEWS

’61

Life Membership: 72% Donor Participation: 2.42% 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 Website: www.USNA61.org

Dear Classmates The merry month of May sees the class of ’22 joining the commissioned ranks in a variety of specialties, some scarcely imagined in our day. We’re familiar with the traditional warfare specialties: Surface, Aviation, Marines, Special Warfare (SEALS) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal as well as Staff Corps designators such as Supply and Medical Corps, but now there are others. New restricted line specialties have been added. Cryptological Warfare, (designated Cyber by the Marines) needs no explanation. Intelligence and Meteorology/ oceanography are Restricted Line specialties available as graduation choices now instead of being delayed pending qualification at sea and acceptance of a special application. It’s a new world. Graduation is set for 27 May with President Biden scheduled to speak. Before the class news, first a fun fact about Shipmate. Suppose you have an old wrinkled page torn out of Shipmate with a story, photo or bio you want to save. You can have a nice printer-ready copy by logging onto the Alumni Association website www.USNA.com Scroll down to Shipmate Magazine, select the number you need, and download the entire issue. Find the page to be saved and print it out. Your Alumni Association at your service. Reunion – last gasp A curiosity item from the reunion: Many of us on the way to the Center for Student Athletes for the class meeting noted Midshipmen in athletic gear walking or jogging while holding a heavy bag on one shoulder. I found out later from my on-campus source that the bags, dubbed “sand babies”, are used to improve stamina and fitness. Recipe: Fill one heavy duty plastic bag with Hospital Point sand; secure with plenty of duct tape. Serves one. Social scene From Ned Kuhns (7) The Tidewater ’61 Group celebrated the New Year with its luncheon on 13 January 2022 (second Thursday of each month) at the usual Rib City restaurant in Virginia Beach. We had a good attendance with some classmates we had not seen for a while; others declined to attend due to Covid conditions. Everyone is in good health. We lamented the recent loss of two classmates so early this year. Attendees around the table from left to right are: Bob Graham

’61: Tidewater Group in January

(18), Ken Craig (07), Buzz Needham (12), Cyd Driscoll (22), Dave Timm (20), Jay Decker (08), Marc Bruno (01), Tom McNicholas (09), Kurt Rohdenburg (20), Joe Kuhn (03Honorary), Fred Lowack (07) and Dick Hixson (19). Photo by Ned. The Annapolis gang, augmented by some faithful out-of-towners assembled at the always friendly McGarvey’s Saloon and Oyster Bar on 1 February celebrating the fact that we didn’t have to dig our way there. (The great northeastern storm had passed by a few days earlier.) Some even ate oysters. An emailed report from Professor Doug Rau (The Class of 1961 Leadership Chair) included reassurance that Midshipmen are in class in masks and that Covid cases are at a minimum. Doug also gave the outlook for the coming week’s sporting events. In the photo clockwise from left: Jay Bower (14), Dana French (17), Bob Glover (8), Bob Fitch (6), Bob Sherer (4), Jim Connell (2), Tim Dugan (12), Jerry Smith (8), Bill Ciesla (18), Dutch Deuterman (12). Out of the past. Serendipity and Don Myers Dorse DuBois (13) sends. M “My FaceBook page reminds me of Friends’ birthdays, so when Don Myers’s birthday (26 July) came up, I sent him a post-humous greeting as his Facebook page had never been deleted.

That unexpected “like” on my birthday posting was spooky. Wondering where it came from, I contacted the sender and found Thomas Myers. He responded with the below: ‘I am one of Don’s three nephews who also joined the Marines. The other two were from New York, but not with the Myers name. One transferred to the reserve after about six years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. I went to Parris Island when Don was regimental commander for recruit training. I suspected then and later had it confirmed in my career, when former drill instructors would ask if I was related to Don, that they all were after my ass. Rightfully so!!!! I did barracks duty in Subic Bay and time in the infantry before going on Embassy Duty. I moved into Intel, learned Arabic at DLI, and deployed a lot. I ended up teaching at our schoolhouse where I was about to get back surgery with a projected 98% recovery rate and just 30 days rehab. The Inspector General saw it differently and medically boarded me out. I’m 70% disabled with VA benefits. I transferred my time into the federal government with Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You can imagine how I feel with Border Patrol being one of CBP’s operational components. I’m 57, so I have maybe five more years to retirement. For Don’s funeral I arranged transportation for a group of seven of us including Don’s youngest brother, now 71. We joined with loving family members, former

’61: Annapolis Group in February MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 63

61/62 CLASS NEWS Marines and friends. Since Don commanded the 8th & I Marine Barracks for three years, I got us a charter busload of seats at the Sunset Parade the same week. The friend (I forget his name) got another 20 seats in front on the lawn.’ “In any event”, Dorse continues, “I thought this was a really neat development to share. Incidentally, I am also Facebook Friends with Tim Clark, son of the late Bill Clark (13) who threw a tailgate party for us at a game in Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. It’s refreshing to share some news besides obituaries for a change.”

’62

Life Membership: 76% Donor Participation: 1.86% 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

REAL LIFE SHENANIGANS ARE FUN

M On 26 February, at the annual Navy Crew Banquet held at the Banquet Facility at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, the Academy unveiled a new perpetual award in honor of our deceased classmate Craig Thrasher. The plaque shown below with the image of Craig taken from a 1962 issue of Sports Illustrated will be permanently mounted in Hubbard Hall.

’61 Sports Legends. As promised in the March-April issue here’s the first (alphabetically) of the citations prepared by Howie Winfree. Joseph A. “Joe” Baldwin (18) He had fast hands and quick feet in the ring. He was a tower of strength in the shell. Joe Baldwin came to us from Tarzana, CA. After being injured as a member of the Plebe football team, Joe was a walk-on novice for the heavyweight crew. He quickly showed his athletic prowess and rowed in the varsity boat for three years, including National Champions and the US Olympic Team in 1960. Navy also won the Eastern Collegiate Championship in 1961. Joe was a versatile oarsman who could row in one of the “power” seats or as the “stroke”. A multi-sport athlete, Joe also boxed during those years and won the Brigade Heavyweight Championship in 1960. After graduation, Joe won his Navy Wings of Gold and flew A-1 Skyraiders from the deck of USS BON HOMME RICHARD off the coast of Vietnam.

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 64 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

We note here the loss of two members of the Class of 1963 family. John Alan McAnally passed away on 17 February 2022. His widow, Terry, can be contacted at 5625 Caminito Isla, La Jolla, CA 92037. I’m sorry to report the death of John Morgan’s wife, Kay, on 26 January. We do not have a current address for John. Jim Fontana sent this news of a significant and permanent honor conferred on our classmate Craig Thrasher.

The following is a fun email that got forwarded to me. Seems that during our Second Class year, our classmate Jan Macgregor was participating in an exchange program at West Point when a then West Point Plebe was involved in the incident described below. Pat Graves USMA ‘64 SENDS: M I have an unusual request. When I was a plebe at USMA in 1960-61, the academies had exchange trips for the second classmen (juniors). At the instigation of the upper classmen, the plebes were expected to give the visiting Mids an early morning shower. I took a photo of one such showering. The Mid is a tall red head. I would like to ID him so I can get the photo to him. I’ll send you the photo to see if you can ID him and send him the photo if you want. This article first went to Walt who was then still a redhead himself, then he identified Jan and forwarded the photo/article.

’63

Life Membership: 62% Donor Participation: 2.75% 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

I have a nice variety of information to pass along this month. We appreciate everyone who submitted news and photos for your enjoyment. The online version of this column on our web site contains several more news items and photos. Check it out!

The Craig Thrasher Award

This is the text appearing below Craig’s image: “The Craig Thrasher Service to Rowing Award is given annually to a member of the Navy Crew alumni in recognition for their outstanding service to the rowing community.” At the bottom of the plaque is this paragraph: “This award was created in memory of Craig L. Thrasher (USNA 1963) for his extraordinary contributions to the rowing community. Craig spearheaded the creation of the Navy Masters Rowing Program and the establishment of the Navy Crew Fund. In Buffalo, New York, he formed and coached the women’s program at the West Side Rowing Club, collecting numerous national and international awards. Craig was a driving force behind the design and build of the Buffalo Scholastic Rowing Association Boathouse, and with the introduction of the sport to otherwise underserved minorities. He will be remembered as an Eastern Sprints and IRA

62/62 CLASS NEWS

USNA

CLASS of 1962

60th Reunion SEPTEMBER 8-11, 2022 Headquarters Hotel: The Westin Hotel • 100 Westgate Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401

Please update your contact information. Log In to: www.usna.com and Sign in to complete your proﬁle or call a Membership Coordinator at: (410) 295-4000 to update your information over the phone. For all registration information and questions: Email Stew Lingley at: slingley@aol.com or call: (703) 629-8670 MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 65

63/63 CLASS NEWS

63: 24th Company reunion

Champion, and as a finalist with the Class of 1963 Plebe Crew in the 1960 U.S. Olympic Rowing Trials.” Members of our USNA companies continue to stage reunions and Zoom meetings to maintain contact, enjoy coming together, and support each other. Ken Metviner filed this account of his company’s latest gathering this winter.

healthy, I took my new skis skiing the next day. I can afford skis since the mountain charges only $30 for a season pass for those over 80. Normal people pay between $800 and $1,300, depending on when one purchases. I think the idea behind charging only $30 is that we will bring our children and grandchildren to the mountain or that we will exhaust ourselves

M In early February, we had a 24th Company Reunion in Florida at Walt Disney World, with a side trip to Gatorland. I am happy to report that no one was eaten by any of the hundreds of hungry alligators. We had dinner at The Artisan Club with classmates Judi and Dave Puckett and Larissa and Bruce Webb. Shown in the photo (l-r) are Nick Nerangis, Ken Metviner, Dick Andrews, Sandy Metviner, Desi Parks, Susan Andrews, John Parks, Betty Ray Wilson, Tom Morgan, Judy Kutch, and Ray Kutch. We discussed a 24th Company initiative to memorialize our companymates who pass away and whose families wish to have donations made to the ‘63 Center for Academic Excellence. This involves the establishment of a 24th Company Memorial Fund to receive donations from surviving companymates. The Fund has already earned a spot on the 63CAE Striper Plaque. If other companies want to set up their own Memorial Funds, contact Ken Metviner by email at kmetviner919@aol.com Several members of the 4th Company continued their use of the Zoom connection for a virtual get-together on 31 January. Shown left to right, top to bottom in this screen shot are Tom Meyer, Mike Shelley, Pat Wright, Doug Tozour, Craig Barton, Harry Salmon, Steve Duncan, and Ron Saqui. I asked regular participant and Sandpoint, ID, resident Ken Sanger why he was absent, eliciting this response:

’63: Fourth Companymates Zoom in January

M I had a treadmill test and cardiologist visit. The good news is that the doc came into the room and introduced himself. No bad news. He then said, “I have been looking forward to meeting an 81-year-old who can get through three stages of the treadmill!” Up until then, I thought I had failed. Learning that I was ’63: USS FITZGERALD 66 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

early and spend our dollars in the various shops and restaurants. Tom Meyer told me about some good internet resources related to the Naval Academy. The photo sharing web site Flickr has a large collection of contemporary photographs taken in The Yard. To see them, just go to www.flickr.com and search for “Naval Academy.” Tom also mentioned the information available at www.navalacademy tourism.com. That’s a fun site to visit, and a way to connect to the Midshipmen’s Store and the USNA Gift Shop to find and purchase Academy related clothing and other items. If you’re into podcasts, Tom recommends that you check out “Preble Hall” in your podcast app. It’s produced by the Naval Academy Museum. Our previous Shipmate column published the long-secret story of an attempt by some of our classmates to steal Army’s mules in the fall of 1962. Impressed by Austin Seay’s account of the operation, Tom Robertson sent him this note:

63/64 CLASS NEWS M We are all in awe of 6th Company’s exploits after reading your long-held story from the archives. The rest of us were playing child’s games while you guys were in training for real combat. My first inclination was that this operation had been sealed in special access files. So, I did some research and was able to come up with the citation for an award to the Midshipman raiders. Congratulations to them! The just discovered “Navy Unit Commendation” recognizes the participating midshipmen for their courage, aggressiveness, intrepidity, resourcefulness, persistence, courage (a second time), gallantry, etc. However, the purported citation is signed by J. William Middendorf, who did not become SECNAV until nearly 12 years after the event. Hmmm… You can read the inspiring text in the “Pride and Tradition – Midshipman Memories” section of our web site. Nearby is a very nice image of USS FITZGERALD that I came across recently on the World Military Photos page on Facebook. It is captioned, “SM-3 Anti-Ballistic Missile Interceptor launched from DDG-62 USS FITZGERALD as part of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system.” You can see a larger version of the picture and many more images of ships, aircraft, and other military equipment and personnel on the World Military Photos Facebook page. That’s all for this month. Keep in touch. We love seeing your news and photos! QUALITY – ’63

’64

Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 2.72% 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 Tom Newell noting a recent Bucket List achievement. He writes, “Have flown the Navy ‘64 Flag to both the northernmost and southernmost

’64: Ole’s Ninth Company Mates in attendance: front - “Punker” Robertson, Sharon Sisson, Emil Morrow, Phyllis Olsen, Georgia Treiber, Lucia Westberg and Debby Boone; Back - Robbie Robertson, Hal Sisson, Ray Tenanty, Bob Orlosky, Ken Boone and Gale Treiber

airports in the Continental US. Attached are pics from my flights to Barrow, Alaska (which Shipmate posted in 2015) and to Key West Florida which I completed 14 January 2022” Tom continues, “In 2015 I had flown my Baron to Barrow, but as you can see, I flew a Citation to Key West International – N627BC owned by a long-time family friend.” “Reminiscing a bit, the last time I flew to Key West was way back in 1973 when I stood Hot Pad duty at Navy Key West. My how the time flies when you’re having a good time. Cheers - And Beat Army - Again!” Early last December, Ole Olsen was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. His wife, Phyllis, arranged a fine sendoff to honor and remember him. Friends and family, classmates and Seabees gathered for Ole’s funeral service, followed by a celebration of his life at a reception and brunch at Ft. Myer. A great classmate, naval officer and friend. We’ll miss you, Ole! Received an interesting note from Walt Ericson, “I thought this class trivia might be worth sharing with classmates. Some years ago, Jack Everett told me he thought our plebe summer squad was the only one that graduated all its members. I decided to investigate the claim and found some validity for Jack’s claim.” “A picture of our squad can be found on page 404 of our Lucky Bag. The summer detail second classman was once and future marine

J.P. Sullivan ‘62,. and our squad leader was Mike Eddy. Squad members included Sandy Beall, Mike Berkowitz, Sam Davies, Tim Drucis, Jack Everett, Mike Gierman, Gene Holloway, Mike Holman, Jim Kraft, Bruce Krum, Barry Plott, Larry Probst, Mike Schneider and Jim Williams.” “Looks like a good cross section of jocks and slashes. Some were both. (I was neither but still graduated!) Corrections are invited.” Walt” Tom Barnett sent the following photo of himself along with John Donnelly and Mike Gustavson from Whitefish, Montana seeking inspiration before Giant Slalom down Big Mountain to the Hell roaring Saloon! After 57 years of many annual ski ventures, the ancient mariners have finally found a ski area that fits their age and retired Navy budgets. Can’t go wrong with $14.50/day lift tickets for super seniors with military discount which, best of all, leaves some change left over for the slope side saloon! Go ’64 super seniors, Go retired Navy!

John, Tom and Mike ready for Après Ski

Marty Block has been doing some interesting reminiscing: “I want to share with you something I think may be of interest to all of our classmates. Each time I receive notice of the passing of one of our classmates, I look the guy up in our ’64 Lucky Bag and in that wonderful Reunion Yearbook of our 40th reunion. While I ’64: Evidence of Tom’s Completed Bucket List Item MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 67

64/65 CLASS NEWS think of the classmate who passed, I take a few minutes to look at other bios to ruminate and remember. (By the way, that Reunion Yearbook is a true gift and I want to again thank Dick Burke and other guys who put it together – a true keepsake!)” “In one of the ‘reminiscences’ I came across Bruce Welch‘s bio whom I remember, but lost track of after graduation. It knocked my socks off! All ‘64ers should take time to read it.” The last paragraphs - repeated below written by Bruce’s stepson are particularly noteworthy and which both Marty and your humble correspondent found very moving: “I will end this by saying thank you to your Class, its teachers and leaders. For a time, I was blessed with the presence of a man who walked your walk and talked your talk. Here is to Bruce “KO” Welch, a Middie, a Man, a Dad, a Fighter Jock and a friend to many. There were over 300 people at his funeral. I saw Sergeants, Majors, Colonels and all different ranks crying like kids for him. When a Midshipman starts to feel like things don’t make sense there, when he or she thinks what they are learning cannot be useful in the real world, let them know I saw the finished product; and what I saw was USNA all the way. A person I idolized and whom I attempt to emulate every day.” Fair winds and a quartering sea, classmates

’65

Life Membership: 64% Donor Participation: 2.80% 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

Alas, one loss to the class since the last submission – Gary Krebs. From Jim Minderleisn, 08 Feb I regret to inform you of the death of our classmate, Gary Lynn Krebs. I just received the e-mail below from the USNA Alumni Association Memorial Affairs Officer: His daughter informs us that he passed away on 03 Feb. Gary was a member of the 16th Company at graduation and wore stars. He was the varsity football team manager and retired as a Commander. He attended medical school while in the Navy and became a pediatrician. He also received an

68 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan. His memorial and funeral service was held in Virginia Beach on 19 Feb. Jim …and a few more details on Gary from Ron Bishop and Wayne Warnken. Gary married his hometown sweetheart, Kaye McCool on 26 Dec 1965. The two would remain happily married for 56 years and raise two daughters, Kristin and Stephanie. While still serving in the Navy, Gary, in 1973, at the ripe old age of 30, enrolled as a student at Temple School of Medicine in Philadelphia the oldest student to ever do so at the time. He would go on to complete pediatric residency training in Virginia at Portsmouth Naval Hospital and serve the rest of his naval career caring for children. Wayne Warnken warmly recalls rooming with Gary, along with John Wroten, at USNA – Gary from Pennsylvania, John from Texas and Wayne from Nebraska. They had many discussions about which state had the best football program back in the day. For more gouge on Gary’s life and career, please check out his entry in Last Call. From Jim Savard, 29 Jan I believe there is a Roger Staubach Stadium in Da Nang, Vietnam. From what I understand Roger, when he could, threw over 100 passes a day using footballs provided by the Dallas Cowboys, and since Staubach Stadium in Vietnam was an old soccer stadium with rocks and stones on the ground, Roger would actually wear the footballs out and had to ask the Cowboys for more footballs every few months. …and from Roger Sherman, 29 Jan on the Rog in Viet Nam Yep, Roger was stationed in Chu Lai during the conflict. My spotter missions in the ROKMC O1 Birddogs were out of Chu Lai. I had heard that Roger was there and had the opportunity to look him up not long after I arrived in South Vietnam in July 1967. I remember when the USMC Gunny Sargent and I were approaching the buildings where Roger was located, we saw an open relatively level sand and gravel area with a wooden post and sign with “Staubach Stadium” painted on it!!! Roger departed Chu Lai shortly after I saw him and I did not see him againuntil I went to work for EDS. Roger

From Ted Nanz, 30 Jan Photo attached with daughter with her senior awards at her final HS swim meet last

week. District championships coming up this weekend. Tried to interest her to apply to swim for USNA but sorry to have seen no interest. Younger daughter is a HS sophomore lacrosse player and D1 candidate who does show interest in playing lacrosse for Navy and as a defense player reminds me of the way Bobby Orr played hockey. Ted

From Phil Ferrara, 04 Feb On Ground Hog Day, the Class of ’65 gathered for lunch to celebrate Twosday, 2-2-22. During lunch Jim Minderlein presented two gifts to benefit the “Friends of Naval Academy Music.” He did so on behalf of our own Norm Fluhrer and Ron Bancroft who made the kind contributions during the Lucky Bag auction. Their gifts were given to Don Nelson, one of the founders and past President of FONAM, inc., which was established in 2014 to raise private funds to support USNA music activities. Attending the regular “First Wednesday Lunch” were Conrad Best, Carter Refo, Skip Orr, John Collins, Ed Linz, Don Nelson, Art Wittig, Fred Vogel, Frank Peterson, Sonny Harrison, Phil Ferrara, Jim Minderlein, Frog Kristensen, and Charlie Morrison.

From Ed Linz, 07 Feb Last week at the Class of ’65 monthly luncheon at McGarvey’s restaurant in Annapolis, I announced that I am now in the process of doing research and conducting interviews with fellow members of our USNA class concerning their experiences during the Vietnam War. So far, I have completed four

65/66 CLASS NEWS interviews, all very informative and, for me, highly educational. As a submariner who spent most of these years chasing Soviet subs, my Vietnam experience was limited to passing into “Vietnamese waters” one night on a nuclear fast attack submarine so that our crew could obtain combat pay and so that we could reenlist several sailors to provide them with tax benefits. In short, I know nada, but I am a good listener. So, I need your assistance. Specifically, I need to talk to you, probably via Zoom. I will ask you to sign a release so that I can freely publish any of your memories before you die. I hope to gather at least 40 stories prior to my return to our camp in Maine for the summer where I plan to write the book (no title yet) in much the same format as the Great Depression Book. Anyone interviewed will, of course, receive one copy free :) I cannot guarantee that your memories/stores will make the final cut, but I can assure you that your assistance will be greatly valued and appreciated. I told those in attendance at McGarvey’s that I have no set questions, other than asking where you came from when you entered USNA and via which route (Congressional, etc). I find a free flowing conversation works best because we often end up on interesting side issues. The idea is to provide a historical snapshot of this particular class of USNA grads and what they did in Vietnam and how it affected them in later life. I will be dedicating the book to our classmates who lost their lives in this war/”conflict.” You can reach me at any time to discuss this project at edlinz@edlinz.com or (703) 577-5175 or 9248 Rockefeller Lane, Springfield, VA. 22153. From Steve McDonald, 13 Feb I got my Florida USNA65 tag in 2002 after Gary Burrus gave it up. Here are my license tags from yesteryear. Someone else has all these tags except for my Florida “Navy65” tag, still on my Porsche. I am through collecting old cars. I recall Tom Murphy had Maryland’s USNA65 tag. Steve

From Phil Ferrara, 13 Feb We went down to visit Sonny and Judy Harrison at their beautiful new home in Rehoboth, Delaware, on 12 Feb weekend. Linda and I toured the Lewes and Rehoboth areas with them for nostalgia days and memories. In the photo Sonny is checking out

the canal and new cable-stayed bridge at the Indian River inlet. The great naval engineer waxed eloquently about the bridge design and use of stone barriers. Just like the old days building stuff around the world!!!

’66

Life Membership: 66% Donor Participation: 2.84% 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

From Dave Miller, 17 Feb Thought you might like this pic of Pat and me vacationing in Cancun.

From Phil Ferrara, 19 Feb Navy won an exciting and crowd-pleasing wrestling meet against Army on 18 February. 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, and Phil and Linda Ferrara. Needless to say, Navy sang second!!!

Summer approaches and I hope everyone is looking forward to the return of warmth. Leah and I sure are. We’ve certainly had our fair share of snow this year. There hasn’t been a great deal of activity to report, so this article will be short. Clay Spikes sent the following write up and photo. M On Friday 28 January, daughter, Courtney, and Clay Spikes made the trip from Annapolis to Pittsburgh to have lunch with Becky and Bruce Bickel. We had an enjoyable time, reminiscing and bringing each of us up to date on our life situations. Bruce and Becky have booked a room at the Westin Annapolis for our 55th+1 Reunion. Clay said that our Classmates attending would be happy to hear that the Bickels are going to join the rest of us for this joyous occasion that necessarily had to be postponed from 2021 due to the Pandemic. The picture shows, left to right: Courtney, Becky, Bruce, and Clay. Thanks, Clay.

Courtney, Becky, Bruce and Clay

Guy Mendenhall reported that Kathleen Grace (Reidy) Olsen, 76, of Ledyard, wife of Wayne Olsen, passed away peacefully 13 January 2022. Her passing closed the chapter on a decade-long battle against Alzheimer’s Disease. Her services were held on 5 February and Susie and Guy attended. Please keep Wayne in your prayers, and thanks to Guy for the notification. And that concludes this issue. Some things to keep in mind: the Class web site has had the capability for Classmates and surviving spouses to register for the reunion since 15 February. It’s straightforward to sign up. I hope you will consider attending. The Reunion page is also supposed to be in this issue, so please review it. There are some great activities planned. Until June ... All the best ... Mike!!!

Thazzit, Guys! Aloha, Dave MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 69

66/66 CLASS NEWS

CLASS OF 1966 UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY

55TH + 1 REUNION 1-4 SEPTEMBER 2022

OUR 55TH + 1 REUNION IS UPON US!

IT IS OVER LABOR DAY WEEKEND IN DOWNTOWN ANNAPOLIS; FOOTBALL TEAM OPPONENT IS DELAWARE BLUE HENS WE HAVE CONTRACTS WITH THREE ANNAPOLIS HOTELS FOR ROOM BLOCKS. RESERVATION INFORMATION IS POSTED ON OUR CLASS WEB SITE, USNA66.ORG. OUR HOST HOTEL IS THE ANNAPOLIS WESTIN.

THE WEEKEND’S FESTIVITIES ARE AS FOLLOWS: THU 01 Sept FRI

02 Sept

FRI

02 Sept

SAT SAT

03 Sept 03 Sept

SAT 03 Sept SUN 04 Sept

Evening Regist. at Westin; Tour of Hopper Hall (5:00 p.m.); Informal No Host Bar at Westin (7:00 p.m.) Morning Regist. at Westin; Personal Tours; Class Memorial Service (11:00 a.m.); Supe Talk (1:50 p.m.); P-Rade (4:00 p.m.) No Host Reception at Westin (6:00 p.m.); Evening Class Dinner Banquet (7:00 p.m.) Prayer Breakfast at Westin (9:00 a.m.); Personal Tours Tailgate before, during and after game at N Room of Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (1:30 p.m. start 3:30 p.m. k/o; 7:00 p.m. end) Evening Company Social Events (as scheduled by Company) Farewell Breakfast at Westin (9:00 a.m.) or various Annapolis locations (Optional)

PLEASE GO TO OUR CLASS WEBSITE AT: USNA66.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION AND FOR LINKS TO SIGNINGUP FOR EVENTS. Notes: 1. Game Ticket Purchase Info and a link will be available on the Class Website in April 2022. You MUST have a game ticket to attend the tailgate. 2. Buses will be provided for shuttle to events. 3. Anyone with special access requirements please contact Mike Baird: pmbaird@verizon.net or 410-279-1664.

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67/67 CLASS NEWS

’67

Life Membership: 76% Donor Participation: 2.17% 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

I’m not really sure how to write this column. It’s been a hard few weeks for ’67. Willie Williamson let us know that Margie Thurlow, Bob Thurlow’s widow) passed away on 3 February 2022 as a result of a fall a few weeks before. If you recall, Bob passed away in March, 2020. They had two children (Robert and Meg) and five grandchildren. I have no more information than that. Steve Halupa passed the word that Jim Ehmer’s wife Lynn died on 14 February 2022 from complications from COVID. Steve said: M Jim and Lynn were married for 47 years. They have four children, of which, one had gone to Annapolis and one to West Point. Jim and Lynn have lived outside Minneapolis (since) long before his retirement from Delta. Lynn was visiting their daughter, Daniel [Leiby ’00] who is CO of a helicopter squadron in Jacksonville, FL, when she contacted the virus. As I’m writing Lynn’s arrangements have not yet been finalized. Jim’s address is 12514 Danbury Way, Rosemount, MN 55068-3567. Gary Wear, a non-Grad who was with us until spring of 1966, passed away on 9 January 2022 at his home in Hastings, MI. Gary was an enlisted Marine before coming to USNA. After he left us, he earned a degree at Judson University, then worked for the Mead Corporation and Flexfab. After completing a Masters degree in psychology from Western Michigan University, he accepted a position with the State of Michigan as the Director of Substance Abuse Programs, a position he held until retiring in 1995. Gary traveled widely and was an avid outdoorsman. He is survived by two daughters, Jennifer and Heidi, and seven grandchildren. He will be interred at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date. And we’ve lost six other Classmates: Bob Murrian, Billy Ray Moffett, Eric Johnson, Ray Smith, John Inman, and Roger Charles. Jack Quinlan let us know of Bob Murrian’s 24 January 2022 passing. After graduation from Navy, Bob went into the nuclear power program and was assigned to ETHAN ALLEN (SSBN-608 (Gold)). Bob made five patrols on her. After leaving active duty in 1972, he attended the University of Tennessee Law School, graduating in 1974 and becoming an adjunct professor at the law school. He then became the Law Clerk for District Judge Robert A. Taylor for two years before entering private practice with a firm in Knoxville. In 1978, he was appointed U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee and remained in

that position until 2002. Bob then returned to private practice, eventually joining the firm of Reeves, Herbert, & Murrian until his retirement in 2012. He was active in his church and the community. Bob was proud of Knoxville, and he and his wife Sue were part of the revitalization of Downtown Knoxville. He was an avid jogger and hiker and enjoyed many trips to National Parks. A celebration of life service is scheduled for 9 April 2022 in Knoxville. Cards are welcome addressed to Sue Murrian at 531 South Gay #403, Knoxville TN 37902. Vince Putiri notified us that Billy Ray Moffett had died peacefully surrounded by his family on 28 January 2022 after a long term degenerative illness. Vince had received a heartfelt note from Billy’s son, Bill, expressing a keen appreciation for the values and lessons instilled on his father at USNA and subsequently passed on. After high school, Billy attended the Air Force Academy Prep School and Mississippi State before landing at Navy with us in 1963. After graduation, he was assigned to minesweepers, then to the brownwater Navy in Vietnam. After resigning his commission as a lieutenant in 1971, he entered the civilian business world and worked in project, maintenance, engineering, and facility management positions for the next 37 years. During this time, he served over 20 years on the Board of Directors as Treasurer for the Lanier Federal Credit Union in Oakwood, GA. He also worked with Gainesville and Hall County youth as a coach, a mentor, and tutor. He also worked with Gainesville and Hall County youth as a coach, a mentor, and tutor. Billy spent time outdoors hunting, fishing, traveling, riding motorcycles, scuba diving and earning his private pilot license. He is survived by his son and two grandsons. Graveside services were held on 1 February 2022 in Gainesville, GA. Memorial gifts may be made to the Boy Scouts of America Troop 26 in Gainesville, GA located at First Baptist Church of Gainesville 751 Green St NW, Gainesville, GA 30501 or call (770) 534-7354. Eric Johnson passed away on January 29, 2022 after a long illness with his wife Bonnie and oldest son Scott at his side, with his youngest son James and other family members on the phone from overseas. After an interview with Admiral Rickover and USNA graduation and graduating first in his class at Nuclear Power School, Eric entered the submarine Navy. He logged five patrols on FRANCIS SCOTT KEY (SSBN-657 (Blue)) as a division officer and JOHN C CALHOUN (SSBN-630 (Blue)) as Engineer Officer. In 1975 after leaving the Navy, Eric went to work for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Arlington, TX. In the late 70s, he spent two years in Paris on loan to the Nuclear Safety Division of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). He left government service in 1987 but remained in the nuclear business in Atlanta, GA at the Institute for Nuclear Power

Operations (INPO) in Evaluations and Assistance and eventually creating his own consulting firm. He retired in 2012. He and Bonnie went on their first date when he was 14, and they remained together for 62 years. During his career, they developed a love of travel, eventually traveling throughout the world. In addition to Bonnie, Eric is survived by two sons, Scott (Laura) and James (Debbie) and three grandchildren. Eric’s memorial service is scheduled for 6 March 2022 in Woodstock, GA with burial on 7 March 2022 at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA. We learned of the passing of Ray Smith from Pete Phelps, Steve Fisk and others. Ray passed away on 6 February 2022. Ray was a NAPSter, having come from the Navy enlisted ranks. At Navy he was captain of the indoor track team as a hammer thrower. His first assignment after graduation was the destroyer FLOYD B. PARKS (DD-884) and the gun line off Vietnam during Tet 1968. While assigned to Parks, he volunteered for BUD/S (SEAL) training, reporting to Coronado in 1969. Upon completion, he deployed to Vietnam for combat operations where he was awarded a Bronze Star with Combat “V” and a Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V.” After orders to the Naval Postgraduate School he earned a Masters Degree in Physical Oceanography. Thereafter he served in increasingly responsible command and staff billets, including an assignment to the Office of the Secretary of Defense as the Military Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, at the time Richard Armitage. Ray commanded Special Warfare Group ONE, deploying in 1990 to the Arabian Gulf in reaction to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, where he was in command of Naval Special Warfare Task Group Central during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In June 1992, he assumed command of Naval Special Warfare Command at Coronado. In June 1996, he reported to U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida as Director of Resources (J8.). In May 1997, he became Deputy Commander-in-Chief and Chief of Staff for U.S. Special Operations Command. In 1998, Ray reported to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations as the first flag officer to serve as the Director of the Assessment Division (N81). He retired from the Navy on 1 January 2001. He subsequently served on the Boards of Directors of two public corporations, and as a public speaker and advisor to various companies and organizations. He published two highly successful SEAL Manuals on nutrition and fitness. He also was awarded the California Distinguished Service Award as member of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Ray’s funeral service was scheduled for 28 February 2022 in Coronado with interment on

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 71

67/68 CLASS NEWS 1 March 2022 at Fort Rosecrans on Point Loma. We received this from Dick Collins: M I just talked to John Inman’s wife, Jane. She told me that John had a heart attack during the night, hours after our monthly 15th Co Zoom call. (John passed away from a heart attack after midnight on 29 January 2022 in Virginia Beach, VA.) Jane is putting the pieces together for a very small family memorial service on Saturday, 12 February 2022. Because of COVID, Jane and the family do not want any other attendees at the memorial service. She said that was a very difficult decision to make. Under the circumstances she would only prefer cards rather than phone calls. Her address is Jane Inman, 3328 Middle Plantation Quay, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 John was from Kansas, and after graduation became a Naval Aviator flying the F-8, F-4, and F-14. He left the Navy in 1987, becoming a contractor supporting the Tactical Training Group, Atlantic in Virginia Beach in the war gaming department and later as a systems engineer He retired at the end of 2014. He is remembered for the amazing meals he cooked for friends, family, his church, and the less fortunate. He is survived by Jane, his wife of 54 years, and their daughter Molly and granddaughter Danner. A very small family memorial service was held on Saturday, 12 February 2022. Memorial donations can be made to the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center (www.jcoc.org) where he volunteered for many years, or Pets for Patriots (petsforpatriot.org, 218 E Park Avenue, Suite 543, Long Beach, NY 11561). Roger Charles passed away suddenly on Thursday 17 February 2022 at home in Alexandria, VA. Roger was raised in West Virginia and became a Marine after graduation. In 1968 he deployed to Vietnam as an infantry officer. He spent several tours at HQMC, Quantico, and the Pentagon. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1990 and earned a Masters Degree in National Security Studies from Georgetown University. His second career was as a journalist specializing in military and national security affairs. He worked for a nonprofit news agency, National Security News Service, before embarking on freelance projects. Under the leadership of Dan Rather and Mary Mapes at CBS News, he was instrumental in the uncovering of the Abu Ghraib scandal, which garnered Peabody Awards for the team. Later dramatized in the film “Truth”, Roger was astonished to see himself portrayed with verve by Dennis Quaid. He committed his post-military life to complex investigative work that spanned the Vincennes’ shoot down of an Iranian passenger airliner to the Oklahoma City bombing. In 2012, with co-author Andrew Gumbel, he published “Oklahoma City,” a book about the 1995 bombing of the federal building. Roger was also active in veterans’ groups and enjoyed many reunions with Navy Classmates 72 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

and with friends from his Vietnam battalion, 1/27. With his mentors and friends David Hackworth and Eilhys England, he co-founded Soldiers for the Truth, a non-profit advocacy group dedicated to raising awareness of veterans’ issues. Roger is survived by his wife of 46 years and three daughters: Katie, Ginny and Ellen; another daughter, Madeleine, predeceased him. Funeral services are scheduled for 26 February 2022 in Alexandria. Interment will be private at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to Carpenters’ Shelter (https:// carpentersshelter.org/) and Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (https:// www.mcsf.org). Mary Lee’s mailing address is 2605 Russell Road, Alexandria, VA 22301. There’s no more to be said…That’s it ...Goodnight!...Jim

’68

5”/38 cal., gun turret. Sleep was ephemeral in the close quarters of forced air (air conditioning was non-existent) and seemingly constant gun-fire support missions.” John said he returned to the Academy firmly convinced the United States was “… fighting the wrong war at the wrong time in the wrong place, and most certainly in the wrong way.” Within days of graduating, he and Ollie North reported to Quantico. After an abbreviated Basic School course, they deployed to Vietnam in November 1968. John served as commander, third platoon, “Hotel” Co., 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines (“Hotel”, 2/5) during some of the war’s most bitterly fought engagements in the infamous “Arizona Territory.” Wounded twice in action in 1969, he was medically evacuated stateside following his second wound—one that resulted in the loss of his left eye and hospitalization for two years. He returned to full duty as an infantry officer and retired as a colonel following a distinguished career.

Life Membership: 62% Donor Participation: 1.84% 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 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. Stories during the past year relating to our classmates’ wartime service in Vietnam have been very informative. John McKay recently recalled how our Class first served in the war in 1967 during First Class Cruise when 100 volunteers were assigned to Seventh Fleet ships operating off Vietnam’s coast from 9 June to 4 August. John was one of those midshipmen. He also had the highly unusual experience— and possibly a first for USNA—of serving “in-country” as a midshipman during that “training” cruise After reporting aboard USS AULT (DD-698), the CO, the late CDR Robert E. Brady ‘49, met with John. “One of his first questions related to my service-selection intentions,” John recalled. “Needless to say,” I replied, ‘U. S. Marine Corps.’ Looking me straight in the eyes (at one time I did have two eyes), he said, ‘What the hell are you doing on my ship?’ Feebly trying to defend myself, I responded that as a priorservice enlisted Marine I was assured a USMC commission.” As John related: M “As a consequence, I spent a considerable portion of First Class Cruise with a USMC CAP (Combined Action Platoon (much loathed by General Westmoreland) unit on the Batangan Peninsula, Qung Ngãi Province (southern I Corps). I was also assigned to Swift Boats participating in Operation Market Time ranging

Then-2d LT John McKay (left) during operations in the “Arizona Territory” in February 1969, pictured with the Company artillery FO and an infantry platoon commander.

The 13th Company’s Jim Rather has been active in retirement as a “Meals on Wheels” volunteer driver for the past 11 years in Charles County, MD. His additional volunteer work also has an interesting historical dimension: M “My meal deliveries average two days per month. The number of people that receive meals varies, averaging 18-20 each delivery day. I still felt I could do more, so I decided to expand my love of history. I became a docent at the Dr. Mudd Museum outside of Waldorf, MD, in 2015. The house is more than 160 years old and is loaded with fine furniture and articles from the 1800s. The story of its part in the Lincoln assassination and John Wilkes Booth’s escape attempt is central to the Museum tours. I do three-to-four days of touring each month during its open season. Each tour lasts about an hour.” Jim enjoyed conducting these tours so much that he also volunteered to assist his pastor conduct holiday open-house tours at his church, St. Ignatius of Chapel Point Congregation, which dates to 1641. “The current building

68/68 CLASS NEWS complex was built between 1692 and 1798—a part of the USA’s colonial and then national history for 380 years. If any classmate or family members are in the Maryland area and are interested in a tour, I’d be glad to accommodate you.”

in a museum per se, but in the Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport terminal building lobby area. I’d love for the collection to be in the USNA museum, but I don’t have the energy to move it again!” Lee’s father, the late C.W. “Bill” Richardson, flew the Vought OS2U Kingfisher during World War II. Lee was a P-3 pilot during his career, and his son, Mark ’97, flew the SH-60 Seahawk. Coincidentally, Mark was a company mate of Ed Sundberg’s son, Edward ’97. Lee and Ed were both members of the 6th Company. Lee—your collection belongs in the National Naval Aviation Museum!

Jim Rather, second from left, during an annual Victorian Christmas open house at the Dr. Mudd Museum in Maryland.

During a month-long visit to Los Angeles in November Sandra and Gary Fishman had the double pleasure of visiting their daughter and enjoying the birth of their first granddaughter. They also visited with some 18th Company classmates. “We joined Chris Reeber, and John Church in the San Diego area for a pleasant dinner with our wives/significant others,” Gary reported. “We also visited with Kit DiCarlo, who lives in Long Beach, for a few nice lunches and a visit to the museum ship USS IOWA (BB-61), now permanently docked in Long Beach. We saw the never-ending line-up of container ships waiting to enter port, with piles of offloaded containers waiting to be loaded onto trucks to reach their final destinations. If any classmates have been waiting for deliveries, their item may have been in one of those containers!”

Lee Richardson is wearing his dad’s WWII flight jacket; he added his VP-19 squadron patch on one sleeve and his son’s HSL-32 squadron patch on the other. The model on top of the display case is an OS2U Kingfisher, the kind Lee’s Dad flew in VS-63 in 1943.

After a one-year COVID hiatus, the annual Class of 1968 winter golf outing resumed in mid-February. Owing to the pandemic, 2021 was the first year the outing was not held since Karl Krumbholz and Craig Honour started the tradition almost 20 years ago. Harry Buzhardt took the baton from Karl this year. I was pleased be on hand to photograph participants. As Harry reported: M “This year’s outing again took place at the beautiful Innisbrook golf resort just north of Tampa. Seventeen golfers participated. The winner of the low net prize was Joe Anderson, who literally ran away from the field with a couple of ‘career’ rounds. (The handicap/ tournament committee has taken note). Quentin Johnson, whose golf game seems almost ageless, continued his dominance of

the low gross award. The weather cooperated—temperatures in the 70s each day— which, along with the comaraderie, is a prime reason for the outing. Plans are to continue the tradition, likely at the same place, in February 2023.” Speaking of golf, since 2012 Sam Newton and his wife, Sandy, have volunteered at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Golf Tournament on the Monterey Peninsula, CA. “It’s really just an excuse to spend a week at one of our favorite places,” Sam said, “and one of the most beautiful places on earth.” This year’s tournament was held in February. “Sitting here in my room at the Hotel Del Monte at the PG school,” he wrote, “I can’t remember reading in any class columns about our two classmates who are in the Naval Postgraduate School Hall of Fame— Mike Hagee and Mike Mullen. Their plaques are displayed on the wall in the school’s Hall of Fame.” Mike Mullen was also honored in 2002 with the presentation of an NPS Distinguished Alumni Award. Thank you, Sam, for enabling this belated “congratulations” to Mike and Mike on behalf of our Class! A member of the board of the San Diego Maritime Museum for five years, Fran Holian participated in an interesting and timely Zoom panel discussion at the museum in February to discuss its new 22-minute film: “The Man Who Saved the World.” The film describes an undersea episode during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis when a level-headed Soviet Submarine Squadron Commander avoided a calamity during a moment of remarkable stress. Fran, who retired as a rear admiral in 1996, also appears in the film with two former U.S. submarine commanding officers, a Cold War Soviet submariner, and a noted historian. “All share their perspectives on this unique cautionary tale,” the film’s promo states. “The video was well received by all those attending the Zoom briefing,” Fran said. “I thought it was ironic that the actual Russian on our panel drew the comparison of the Cuban Missile Crisis to what is going on today in Ukraine. I keep asking myself, ‘What does Putin really hope to accomplish, and is he really prepared to be the cause of WW-III?’ I hope

From left, Lynnette and Jim Schafer, Lynne Scott and John Church, Anne Marie and Chris Reeber, Gary and Sandra Fishman.

As one member of the three generations of naval aviators in his family, since 1984 the 6th Company’s Lee Richardson has crafted a stunning model collection of Navy aircraft. His exceptional skills are reflected in models of 198 Navy aircraft spanning 1910 to the present day. More models are in the works. If you visit Spartanburg, SC, you can view his collection. “We have homes in Virginia Beach and Tallahassee,” Lee explained. “Each time we pass by Spartanburg en route to one home or the other, I drop off several additions. The display is not ’68: Our winter golfers enjoyed the links at Innisbrook’s Copperhead course. MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 73

68/70 CLASS NEWS common sense will prevail as it did at the end of the Cuban Missile Crisis.” The film is available for viewing on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUljrMm kl44 . Well done, Fran! May they rest in peace: Sadly, during the first two months of the year we learned of the loss of five classmates from our ranks dating to Kent MacNeill on Thanksgiving Day. James “Rich” Fox passed away 20 January from a catastrophic heart failure. James “Otto” Orzech died 5 February after a long battle with cancer due to Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War. David “Dave” Hodgson passed away 9 February following a long and valiant fight with cancer. William “Bill” Downing passed away 18 February 18. On behalf of our Class, sincere condolences to their wives and families. Please see salutes to them in the on-line version of this column and their Last Call entries. Take care Gordo

’69

Life Membership: 59% Donor Participation: 3.23% 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

Happy Spring Classmates ! And welcome to the Fleet ’22!! A special thanks to LTs Suzelle Thomas ’18 (left) and Alex Monteilth ’16 (right) for making a recent college /career day at Neshoba County, MS a great Blue & Gold event success. Dave Carter ’69 (center). Alex is currently assigned to the Academy Admissions Department. Suzelle, from Birmingham Alabama, just received her wings from VT-7 after a year at PG school in Monterey. She holds the distinction of being the first female Naval Aviator to receive orders to fly F35s and is on her way to NAS Lemoore, California.

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74 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

’70

Life Membership: 62% Donor Participation: 1.20% 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

Ed McMahon’s memorial service was held 4 Feb in heavy snow conditions in Meridian, TX. Gail & Ken Koch, and Tina & Rick Dempsey were able to attend in spite of the weather. Ed’s three children with two of his grandkids each, his ex-wife Becky (who kept us up to date on schedule changes), step daughter Shannon and her two children, and Ed’s girlfriend Gail were all in attendance. A video of the service can be viewed on the First United Methodist Church Meridian TX website. Speakers were his pastor, most of his grandkids, close friend Steve Livesay (USNA 72 - worked for Ed in his Oil & Gas days in Houston), and Gail. ICYMI – our 55th Reunion will be held starting 29 Aug 24 thru 1 Sep 24 homebased at the Westin Hotel. The hotel will begin accepting reservations on 24 Aug 23, so we have time to make plans and travel arrangements. We’ll start off Thursday with a Happy Hour at the Westin followed by Company dinners. Friday will begin with tours by the preceding Class Memorial Service in the Chapel at 1230, followed by the commissioning of a new USNA ’69 crew shell at Hubbard Hall thanks to the generosity of Pete Blackledge. The Class dinner will start at 1700 Friday night and we’ll party into the mid-watch!! Saturday we’ll cheer on the Big Blue and NMCS against Bucknell in the season opener with our spectacular ’69 Tailgate in the N* Room under the stadium until the last notes of B&Gl Sunday AM will be brunch, Chapel Services, and farewell until our 60th in 2029 Wow!! Hard to believe.!! That’s it from the mailbag this time folks. Our AMP Project continues to gain steam as we re-engaged with ’22 before graduation thanks to the Supe and Dant for their foresight. Looking forward to a summer full of happy travels and adventure – BEAT Army often Not a lot of mail so far this winter. That’s it for this issue. Let’s BEAT ARMY often!! – Doc

Greetings all, Spring has sprung, the grass is riz, wonder where the letters is? Not much of a poet, I guess, but maybe the sentiment will come through anyway. We do have some news so here goes… First of all, congratulations to Kevin Sharer (6th Company) for being selected as the sixth Distinguished Graduate Award for the Class of 1970 (marking our Class as the only one with six DGAs). The medal ceremony was on Friday, 25 March 2022 at Alumni Hall. Our coordinator, Jim Perry reported that the Class did not submit a DGA nomination by the 31 January 2022, deadline, but hopes to have at least a couple nominations to submit for the 2023 DGA. We encourage all of you to consider submitting nominations for 2023. Sound the Last Post: John Jay Manis passed in January, in Pensacola, FL. After graduation, he served 10 years as a fighter pilot as well as a flight instructor in advanced jets. He was an accomplished writer and a well-respected Real Estate Broker. Funeral services were held in Atmore, AL with burial following at NAS Pensacola, Barrancas National Cemetery. Harold “Wally” Boyette Wallace, from Sharpsburg, Georgia passed away in February from cancer. Wally was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. He married the love of his life, Marilyn Bess, in August 1981. After serving in the Navy for eight years on active duty and more than a decade in reserve, he retired at the rank of Captain. He flew for Delta Airlines for 30 years. After his final retirement at the age of 65, Wally’s passion for flying led him to continue as an instructor, primarily in Cirrus airplanes. He loved Jesus and spent much time and effort studying God’s word and being active in leadership and volunteer roles at his church in Fayetteville and Beaufort. As an Eagle Scout, Scouting was very important to Wally, and he served in several roles throughout his Scouting career, earning various awards recognizing his efforts. He was interred at Beaufort National Cemetery in Beaufort, South Carolina. (Late Entry. We didn’t get this until recently) Laurel “Hart” Granger 66, died in July last year in Tacoma. Laurel attended the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, graduating with a degree in business. She was hired by

70/70 CLASS NEWS IBM and assigned a sales territory in the state of Washington. It was there that she met her future husband, John “Bud” Granger, a former Marine Corps pilot and now with IBM. She saw him coming out of an elevator and said to her family, “I want to marry a guy just like him”! They were married in 1979 in Owatona, MN and lived in Mukilteo until about 2011 when they moved to Bellingham to be closer to family. Laurel worked for Nordstrom and Macys represented Estee Lauder. She later started her own business, known as “Button Ears”, a line of whimsical jewelry with buttons and charms. Laurel was a homemaker extraordinary, always filling the home with love, music, creativity and joy. She always put her family first. Bud called her “Sweet P!” Roger Jacobs came out of hiding recently and sent me his update. And what an update it was! M “More than a few times in the past five (yes, five!!) years I’ve heard the challenge: Guy! Where’s the $#@&!!! newsletter??? I have no compelling explanation for the hiatus except. . . Life. And Stuff. So what’s the latest with you? Sooo glad you asked! The most amazing thing: Melinda Christine Henning and I were married in December!

“We’ve been an “item” for a few years, the precise number of which is unclear even to us. Melinda is smart, funny, resourceful, and possessed of great insight and understanding. And she takes excellent care of me! Finding a life mate is always a miracle, arguably more so at our ages. We feel blessed, joyful and slightly incredulous at our mutual good fortune. Melinda actually moved in . . . well, hard to say . . . a while ago. Combining households has been “an opportunity for personal growth”, as Melinda might say. In other words, challenging at times! You know: older people with stuff, habits and history. Some of the bumpier parts were smoothed over with strategic remodeling, wherein Melinda remade the house into an actual home once again. Money well spent. How are you spending your time? OMG. I’ve actually heard of people my vintage who arise each morn with no clear idea of what to do that day. That would not be me. My current “career” (albeit sans paycheck) seems to be, ummm . . . “construction manager”. Or something. Please appreciate all of my remodeling efforts involve

really old buildings. William McKinley was president when Christine’s Washington, DC, row house was built (1900); Teddy Roosevelt had the job when my local church went up. (1905); my house is much newer — the Gerald Ford era. All this necessarily involved architects, plans, specs, permits, inspectors, unpleasant surprises, hair-pulling and considerable blue language. Some of these efforts have been gratifyingly successful, others less so. It does seem the more control I have over the project; the better I like the outcome. Jus’ sayin’. “What are you doing for fun? These days, not enough! Pre-pandemic, we indulged in my favorite pastime, travel: Northern India, New Zealand, Australia, Peru & the Galapagos. Then the virus struck. For a while, it seemed most of the single people I knew were truly locked down and isolated. Baking and distributing muffins seemed like a good way to create smiles. And it usually did! Sadly, the Pandemic Pastry Service eventually cratered – but not before producing almost 2,000 muffins and other treats. Turns out, too many clients and zero revenue is a bad business model. On the bright side, my baking skills are much improved. Do you miss flying? Every day! Seriously. But after 40+ years in the air, it turns out there are other worthy prusuits. I remain grateful for a lifetime of stratospheric experience and a world view from north of 30,000 feet.”

’70 was well represented at the recent RV Chapter Come Around in Key West. Besides myself and Melinda there was Sue and Dale Gange, Ellen and Tom Shields, Rose and Tom Wolfe, and JJ Tucker and Marc Farris. Fun One is having a reunion and Steve Thompson sent the following to his company mates: “Just curious…what do you still have in your possession from your first day issue of supplies, uniforms, etc., made during plebe summer/year? Things that come to mind that I still have include: Reef points, Lock box, Name tag, Navigation tool kit (dividers, etc), Hand brush (pink colored). Things that I kept for a few years but then either it wore out or I discarded it include: Slide rule, Sea bag, Luggage, AWOL Bag, Toiletry kit, Uniforms. Anything you still have stowed away that you want to admit to keeping?” Tom Gomia added: “Uniform shirt, Name tag, Reef Points with folded chits (Absentee Report, Report of Conduct & Steward Evaluation), White hat with blue rim, Slide rule, B-robe, Laundry & sock bags, Tie, National Defense & Expert Rifle ribbons from the end of the summer (already had the defense ribbon from enlisted time)” Use that as a conversation starter at your next cocktail party. You’ll be the hit of the evening! Ring-A-Ding-Ding!

’70: RV Chapter in Key West

’70: RV Chapter in Key West MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 75

71/72 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/

May Week is here soon! Seems that as the years pass, May Week never replaces June Week in my thoughts. I have adjusted to the Memorial Day weekend event, but not the name! Many memories are still fresh of our day, tossing hats into the air, cheering our end at USNA. And, if you are like me, there are many small parts of the day that are no longer remembered! Mostly, those things are not remembered as there were so many adventures to embrace. Regardless, about 1000 midshipmen are eagerly awaiting graduation and the commencement of their naval service. I hope the Class of 2022 has fulfilling, meaningful careers! In the October 2021 column I mentioned I was hopeful a 36th Company classmate whom I had not seen in 50 years would show at the 50th Reunion. I will admit I was very pleased that William “Biz” Bizjak was there! Biz was much loved by his company-mates, and others I suspect, during his time as a midshipman. We 36th Company members often reminisce about the “good old days” and the most hilarious events involving Biz, especially when he gave Girl Scout “Thin Mint cookies” to a Segundo who liked to harass we plebes. To a man, we all hoped he would be at the reunion! I am happy to report that after leaving USNA mid-youngster year, Biz completed his college education in mechanical engineering and developed a very successful manufacturer’s representative business. Also, he received a direct USNR commission in 1981 as an Engineering Duty Officer and subsequently retired as a LCDR in 2001. USNA sailing experiences were surely in his blood as he has owned sailed

a 40-foot Hinckley since 1996! Biz recently retired from his business and is enjoying Tricarefor-Life in Delaware. The good news for 36th CO - he’s close enough to join us in future reunions! I surely hope he does! Speaking of the 36th Company, here’s an excellent note from Craig Welling: “Many of our company-mates enjoyed the wonderful 50th reunion. Highlights included a reception on Thursday night, our company dinner on Friday night, sitting as a company at the football game and tailgate on Saturday, a memorial service for fallen classmates and Dahlgren Hall dinner on Sunday and a farewell breakfast on Monday. Company-mates attending one or more of these events included Jim Barron and Jan Cockerille, Jane and Don Beaudette, Beverly and Bill Bizjak, Hollis and Lee Burgess, Yolanda and Stew Fisher, Terry and Bruce Gallemore, Diana and Mark Horgan, Lisa and Duke Longworth, Shauna and Jan Milligan, Barb and Rich Naple, and Carter and Craig Welling. The company dinner was hosted by Jane and Don, Barb and Sonny, Terry and Bruce, and Diana and Mark in Eastport. (Editor’s note: Carter and Craig contributed significantly to the dinner with tables, chairs, and delicious food!). During the reunion we were fortunate to have great weather and see a win by Navy over the University of Central Florida. The reunion weekend was certainly a great time to renew old friendships. Thanks to all who made the trip to Annapolis. Best regards, Craig.” Thank you for the superb summary, Craig! I note that Cathy and Garry Holmstrom had to cancel just prior to the reunion. They were sorely missed! I am ready for our next reunion! Many stories were told and re-told, and plans were set in motion for our annual Fraternal Order of the Disorder, aka FOOD, at either Lake Placid or Annapolis this coming fall. I know I will be there! As I noted in the March-April column, here is additional information regarding the passing of Thomas “Tom” Lewis Hoffman. Tom passed away just after midnight on January 8th in Pensacola, FL with his wife, Terry, by his side.

’71: 36th Company 50th reunion attendees: Front row (L-R) Stu, Biz, Bruce, Craig, Back rows (L-R) Duke, Jan, Jim, Don, Lee, Mark and Sonny 76 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

Tom graduated from Bloomsburg High School in 1966. He retired from the Navy after 20 years. A celebration of Tom’s life was held January 23rd at Blue Wahoos Stadium in Pensacola. 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% 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…FIVE months until we rally once more on the banks of the Severn to celebrate our 50th Reunion. Hopefully you have seen at least SOME of the information that our Reunion Committee has disseminated…but, for that 2% that didn’t get the word…here goes. When: Thursday, 27 October – Sunday, 30 October 2022. As always, the Class of ’72 50th Reunion Website: http://1972.usnaclasses. net/50th-reunion/ is the place to go for the latest information. Reunion Registration: Register online at THIS site: https://SignUpNow.Events/USNA1972. (So, if you attended the 45th Reunion and still use the same email address, click “LOGIN”, then “FORGOT PASSWORD” to retrieve your original password. If your email address has changed, click “CLASSMATES REGISTER NOW” to create a new Registration login.) What do you get when you register for the 50th Reunion Package? - Thursday night Welcome Reception at the DoubleTree Annapolis (food and drink) - Friday night Reception and Dinner at USNA Alumni Hall (Companies can adjourn for company parties elsewhere or remain at Company Tables until 2100)

72/72 CLASS NEWS

’72: Save the Date! The 50th Reunion T HURSDAY, O CTOBER 27 TH Evening Reception at DoubleTree Annapolis

F RIDAY, O CTOBER 28 TH Class Meeting, P-rade, Class Reception, Company Parties

S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 29 TH Tailgate, Football at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium

S UNDAY, O CTOBER 30 TH Class Memorial Service, Brunch in King Hall

Details at http://1972.usnaclasses.net/50th-reunion Registration at:

https://signupnow.events/USNA1972

Th e 5 0 t h R e u n i o n O c t o b e r 2 7 - 3 0 , 2 0 2 2 Tried and True with ’72 MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 77

72/73 CLASS NEWS - Tickets for the Saturday Navy football game (Big Blue vs. Temple Owls. WHO? Never mind…) - The world-famous Class of ’72 tailgate at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (preceding, during and immediately following the game) - Sunday Brunch in King Hall (“Does anyone have any scrambled eggs for…”) - Bus service (which will provide transportation between block hotels, the Yard, the stadium and downtown) - All the free stuff (including the Friday Class Business meeting, Supe’s Briefing, and “special” Dress P-rade; Religious services at the Chapel and Levy Center, and the Sunday Morning Class of 1972 Memorial Service) Pricing: As with previous reunions, there are rates for couples and singles, and discounts apply if you register earlier (If you were an early bird and registered before 30 April, congrats—you got the best rate! But, not to fear, if you register before 7 July, you can get “regular” rates (which are better than “full” rates after 7 July). Check the Reunion Registration site or the Class 50th Reunion website for current rates.) Season ticket holders that choose to use those tickets for access to the game (and the Class Tailgate) will have their Reunion package costs discounted by the amount the Class pays for its group tickets. Classmates have the option of paying in monthly installments, and your registration costs (less a processing fee) will be refunded if you need to cancel before the event. Hotels: We contracted room blocks with DoubleTree Annapolis (210 Holiday Court; 410.224.3150) and Crowne Plaza Annapolis (173 Jennifer Road; 410.266.3131), both of which are in Parole and will have Class bus service during the Reunion. As of the date of this column, the DoubleTree has sold out its block of rooms (feel free to check back to see if any rooms have opened up) but Crowne Plaza still has availability. Check with the Class 50th Reunion website for rates, special rate codes, and reservation cutoff dates. Class Ship’s Stores: As with the past several reunions, you will be able to order Class products you wish to purchase in advance of the Reunion, in lieu of being given “standard” goodie bags that you must carry around during the Reunion. For clothing items: http://www.usnaclasstore. com/72store.html. Shirts, ballcaps, polos, sweatshirts—they’re all here. For non-clothing items: https://www.forever firstie.com/product/class-packages. Here you will find glasses, mugs, decals, etc. You can order a “package” specially selected for our Class or you can purchase separate items from an array of quality merchandise. You also have a choice of two logos on your choices; either our Class crest or our new 50th Reunion logo (created by Gary Besaw). Other information: If you, your spouse or a reunion guest require mobility assistance, diet or other restrictions, please make sure to note that when you register. 78 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

We’ve had lots of questions about COVID protocols, security documentation to get into the Yard, etc. Well, we all know that those are likely to change a few more times between now and October—we will keep you informed of those changes and what will be required through The Gouge and the Class website. Also, there is an FAQ section on the Registration site that is kept up to date and is a very useful reference. If all else fails, there’s always your old Scribe (who doesn’t always have the skinny but knows where to go to get it.) Photo of the Month Dept. Some of you may think you have gardening skills but, friends, you’d be hard-pressed to outdo how Jeff Beard has transformed the patio of his condo. Take a look at the accompanying picture. I mean… wouldn’t you think he and Cecily were really having dinner on an exotic beach in Thailand…?

Jeff and Cecily Beard

The mailbag is empty, dear readers. Have a great month and stay safe. 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 well, safe and enjoying life. We are looking forward to warm weather and hopefully getting out, doing some sailing and seeing friends. I asked Dirk to share a few thoughts and he sent the following: M “Jim, Classmates, it is Super Bowl Sunday as I pen a short note to Brothers of ’73. I am wrapping up the joyful task of signing a letter to each Classmate for whom we have a USPS address, Pony Express drop, or grid for a mail buoy. Said letter is thanking each of you who has donated to our 50th Reunion Gift Campaign, while requesting a gift from each who has not given. Forms and stamped addressed envelopes included. Thank you to each of you. As I signed a letter, I looked at nearly everyone’s Lucky Bag biography and photograph. What an enjoyable endeavor to go back, in my brain and soul, to Spring of 1973 and read the

bios. While not a scientific algorithmic analysis, several themes were evident. Overall optimism about going to the Fleet or Corps. Very few negative barbs or darts thrown. Cars, girls, athletics, adult beverages, rack time, good humor, grades, the occasional foot fault, and demerits are duly noted; not every theme in every bio, but two or three. When good grades are mentioned, generally, 12 ouncers or going over the wall are not in same bio! And, “The Brigade Rumor Committee” came back to life. The most prevalent theme, at the end of Vietnam, before we saw the return of the POW’s, was what a loyal and good friend and shipmate someone was. Each of us has a “story”. I know but a few of them, and they could be fantastic biographies…turned into page turner fiction! We have numerous doctors. We have guys who retired from the Air Force and Air National Guard. Guys living in Brazil, Moscow, Switzerland. I marvel and wonder about what transpired over these past 50 or so years. But, on 6/30/1969, we were one in T Court! Take a few minutes to look at the Lucky Bag. You will smile. Get your story together for our 50th. It is going to be a great reunion with some very special people, each of whom can claim ’73 as their Brotherhood. Non sibi, D3.” Thanks Dirk. Nicely said. I do not have much news from Virginia Beach but I did receive the following from Mike Simpson. It is funny how you think of someone and then a few days later you hear from them. I was thinking over Christmas how I had not heard from Mike in a long time and then I get a nice update from him. Mike wrote: M “Hi Jim, writing to tell you about a different way of reading the ’73 news you faithfully collect and report... I read 12 columns back-toback, starting with the Apr/May 2020 issue. Reading almost two years of class news in one sitting gives a different perspective to this time of corona that we’ve all been “enjoying.” Now the rest of the story — we left home (Hamburg, Germany) in March 2020 on a 3-week trip to visit a friend in Cyprus. You will remember what happened about the middle of March — no int’l air travel from any Point A to any Point B, especially for a mixed American-EU couple. So we were stuck in Cyprus, which turned out to be a very good thing given the state of the pandemic in Germany. By the time we could travel again, and could have come home, we were happier to stay put in Cyprus. Long story short, we wound up staying for almost two years (22 months and change) and had to obtain legal residency once our tourist visas had expired. We finally came home last week. Among the mail piled on the kitchen table (we had a friend collecting and checking it the whole time we were away) were 12 Shipmates. So like any alum would do, I shoved all the bank, insurance, etc. stuff out of the way, and first read the ’73 news... 12 issues worth. BZ for keeping the news flowing while we were in various stages of lockdown, release, lockdown,

73/74 CLASS NEWS

’73: 9th Company Dark Ages L-R, F to R Bob Hartling, Dave Architzel, Dave O’Connor, Ken Calise, Rick Johnson, Steve Ritacco, Mark Golay, me and JJ Parus

release, and on and on. Sadly, I didn’t encounter any classmates or other old goats in Cyprus, but I did experience a few Navy connections while I was there. Several times, Navy SEALS visited to conduct Spec Ops training and exercises with the Cypriot Navy. Not long before we left, USS COLE made a port visit and got some good USN coverage. Two years in “corona exile” flew by surprisingly fast, and it was a tremendous exercise in flexibility and adaptability. We wound up making so many new friends there that we’ll make Cyprus a regular part of our future travels. Thanks to e-mail, I was in regular contact with company mates, but I never took time to look at the alumni or Academy websites, so the stack of accumulated Shipmates was my ’reintegration’ program. This picture is a typical “Cyprus in Dec” shot ... from our first New Year’s Eve there, in fact. Cheers, and BEAT ARMY, Mike (oj) Simpson.

9th Company Wives L-R, F to R, Billi Parus, Bev Ritacco, Patti Golay, Kathy Hartling, Mary Lou Calise, Mary O’Connor and Barb Architzel

What a great looking bunch! That’s all my news. You are up to date but the mail buoy is riding high again. As a gentle reminder, I am still looking for pictures, stories etc of your first midshipman car and our time at the Academy. As I write this many COVID restrictions are being removed. Hopefully COVID 19 is PAO (Passed and Opening). Stay safe and as always, Go Navy and Semper Fi! General

’74 Life Membership: 59% Donor Participation: 3.29% Pres: John Yaeger Mike and Regina in Cyprus. Looks like something from Masterpiece Theater!

On to my next item. I know of one Dark Ages get together. Patti and Mark Golay hosted Nineth Company at their home in February. As most of you probably remember the Golay’s have been doing this annually for many years but of course it got postponed the last couple of years because of COVID. We had a good turn out with several folks coming from northern Virginia. The farthest we had were Mary and Dave O’Connor who came from Massachusetts. It was a great time, wonderful to see company mates and extremely pleasurable to drink Mark’s booze!

of ’74 brethren in San Diego a couple of weeks ago for the Monthly Dose of ’74; an event I vowed to try to be present for once a quarter when I inherited this job form Branch eight years ago. I was doing real good on that promise, averaging more than 4 trips down each year, until the pandemic hit. The luncheons were suspended for quite a while, but when they started back up last year, I was able to get down in July. Then in August I suffered a high ankle sprain and severely strained Achilles tendon when I fell down the stairs while visiting with fellow 8th Co. mate David (Humo) Humenansky. So I was really looking forward to this month’s Monthly Dose, as I was finally ready to travel again, and play golf with classmates. Rob Vint (14th Co.), Dick Costigan (33rd Co.) and I had scheduled a golf game on Wednesday morning at the Admiral Baker course near Miramar before lunch. I decided to over-night in Temecula as I planned to play a course their on Thursday. As I pulled into the hotel parking lot in Temecula, I got a warning light telling me my battery wasn’t charging. I hoped it was a software glitch that would clear itself when I started the car at 5:00 am the next morning. Unfortunately it didn’t. The car spent the day at the local dealer, and $3100 later, they gave me my car back. So I never made it to San Diego. But David Topolewski (32nd Co.), Dick Costigan, Dan Donoghue (16th Co.), Bob Foltyn (34th Co.), Al Lerchbacker (20th Co.), Mike Turner (32nd Co.), Jay Wells (16th Co.), Gary Leupold (4th Co.), Tim Rastok (19th Co.) and Bruce Lowman (16th Co.) all made it. Unfortunately, it seems that none of these learned and accomplished individuals have learned how to use a camera, so no photos for Shipmate. Fortunately, Jim Trotter (30th Co.) and I were able to get together for a few holes of golf at this club I Chino Hills on my way down south, and he was gracious enough to invite me to dinner at his place that evening. It was a real pleasure to see Jim and Peggy again, and with all the trips I’ve made to San Diego, it’s a shame Jim and I haven’t gotten together before this. But we’ll make amends for that in the near future.

Corr Sec’y: Roger McEvoy p: 559-905-7362; e: usna745677@hotmail.com

Those friends thou has, and their adoption tried,Grapple them unto thy soul with hoops of steel: This is my payback issue for Shipmate. For all the times I’ve submitted columns that went more than just a little over the 2000 word limit for our monthly column, I’m giving back a lot of column-inches this month. To say that February has been quite is an understatement. So little news, and so much space to fill. The good news is that I still have the last of 30th Company’s updates from early last year to publish, so you’ll find them near the end of this column. And there was a notable gathering Jim Trotter and SECUSNA74 MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 79

74/76 CLASS NEWS Neil Rondorf (30th Co.) has been a steady source of information. He travels extensively, and travels in circles that include a lot of our classmates. And he has inspired his company mates to stay connected and actively communicate. To that end, about a year ago, he asked his entire company to send him a blurb on their reaction to the on-going pandemic, and he sent me their responses. I’ve been publishing a few responses at a time as space allowed. Here are the last for those notes: Joe and Alta Belinski (Kissimmee FL): Neil contacted me recently and asked me to write about the positive/good memories I had for 2020. By the time you read this, I will have retired as Director of School Planning for the Diocese of Orlando. First, like many, I have lost friends and relatives to Covid. Also, our central Florida school community (42 schools) lost two principals, not Covid-related. And we lost Travis (obituary recently in Shipmate) a really good guy. But on to the mission of “good stuff”. 10. Our local gym, with a ranked CrossFit instructor closed. I have not felt guilty one bit about not working out with him. 9. Because I am employed in the School District Office, we are constantly treated to “goodies” by the superintendent and principals. With all the shutdowns, and despite exercising lightly, I lost 10 pounds, not eating two donuts every morning. 8. Our youngest son finished advanced flight training and now flies the C5. 7. Our youngest daughter finished the University of Florida and is working as a statistician. 6. All of our six children still have jobs. None got sick, nor did their children. 5. Without vacation travel, my IRA’s and 403’s have increased in value. My three sons told me to live life, take a chance, and buy one Bitcoin. I did. Thought they were the stupid ones. Who’s laughing now? 4. My wife, who recently retired as a school teacher, and I both worked from home at the same time. We did not kill or maim each other. 3. With both of us involved in school communities, we did not have to attend the countless Christmas parties, plays, receptions, dances, etc. We focused on family and what the spirit of that season meant. 2. I attended YouTube church services from home in my shorts on my soft couch with my coffee. Still do. Having traveled and worked extensively in 40 states and in as many countries, I am most thankful for the opportunities, safety, and blessings we all enjoy in the United States. This number one cannot be overemphasized for how good we really have it. Be safe out there. Joe Gary and Debbie Jaeger (Montgomery, TX): Debbie and I became involved with volunteer work at Henry’s Home and Sanctuary in Conroe, TX. Its mission is to rescue horses and veterans. Neither of us had much contact with horses until now, but we have found a whole new world in interacting with them. The best 80 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

part is the Veterans it helps, but it’s also good for us. Debbie does a horse yoga class and I am the Chief Shenanigator on the Wednesday Team Shenanigans Hay Team. Bob and Carol Kernan (Jacksonville, FL): We were blessed to find that our business here in Jacksonville FL (Liberty Bakery) increased significantly when the COVID hit! Since we have always been drive-thru only, we only had to make some minor modifications to stay open. That, coupled with the public’s extra effort to support local businesses, sent our sales way up. Neil and Cheryl Rondorf (Virginia Beach, Va): Dave Igyarto challenged me to an add Cheryl and I had a busy 2020. Our highlight was Thanksgiving Day weekend in Pittsburgh. While that might create a question - our daughter, husband and 6-year old fled LA for safer ground and returned to PA. The apartment building in LA had a number of Chinese living there and after Chinese New Year many doors hung signs that said COVID Q. Each day there were more doors with signs so they left town. They got us an Air B&B about a mile from their house overlooking the river -so we had a retreat. We took our youngest son, his wife and 4-year old with us. The kids all stayed together and caught up. We had a quiet get away when needed. It was a great weekend of fun, family, “Cappy’s” deep fried turkey etc. In closing, we recently learned that Don Fleming, (26th Co.) passed in September, 2021. Unfortunately, we do not have any additional information to share at this time. Hope to hear form more of you in the near future, —Roger

’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/

’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 Website: http//usna76.wordpress.com/

Even though it’s February as I write this, the unseasonably warm weather experienced

lately has made me excited with anticipation for the coming spring. It’s been beach weather here in Kure Beach so that means long walks in the warm sand with Barb, seagulls swooping down from the blue skies above, dolphins leaping with elation from reflective waters, formations of pelicans skimming the wavetops... Okay Mark, now focus! On to the latest news: Bill Kneller (14th Co.) provides a summary of a recent event: M Thanks to USNA Classes of 2001 & 1976 for those who supported Another Link in the Chain (ALITC) at the dining event held at the Newport Officers Club for NAPS 2022 - future USNA 2026. It was a resounding success. I for one was impressed speaking with the Midshipman Candidates and know that the future leadership prospect looks good. The afternoon started at Buskers in Newport to swap a few sea stories before proceeding to the O Club. Joining at Buskers for USNA ‘76 were Bill Kneller, Joe McGowan, Mark Nesselrode, Jim O’Connell, Kevin Stone, and Debbie & Dave Winters. Sunny Risler ’01 successfully defended the honor of 2001 as the only member from his class at Buskers. After Buskers we arrived at the Officers Club and were joined by USNA ‘76 members Steve Chapman, Ed Gilmore, & Mark Ruprecht. Ryan Ross and Charles Chmielak from USNA ‘01 also joined. There was a pre-meeting in the Gearing Room where we had an opportunity to speak with the USNA Superintendent VADM Buck, USCGA Superintendent RADM Kelly, NAPS Commanding Officer CAPT Bahr and selected staff members from each organization. We then proceeded to the ballroom where we mingled with the Midshipman Candidates before dinner. In addition to the POW/MIA table to honor missing comrades, Billy Hubbard ’01 had his own recognition with an empty place setting having his name tag at one of the Midshipman Candidate tables. Billy was scheduled to attend but unfortunately a couple days before the event was diagnosed with COVID and had to isolate. The Midshipman Candidates integrated well with the court and did a fine job of roasting selected offenders. The tradition of penalties imposed was upheld by drinking some specially formatted (non-alcoholic) grog. Subsequent to the court being adjourned, VADM Buck addressed the group with a rousing speech to encourage NAPS ‘22 with the theme Never Quit! He included comments about mentoring through Another Link in the Chain and acknowledged the support of the 50th year ‘76 and 25th year ‘01 Classes. Jim Sanford sent exciting news about a fellow 7th Company Classmate: In a company news release on February 7th, it was reported that Jay Gardiner was among a select few who were named Curtiss-Wright Technical Fellows by Lynn Bamford, President & CEO, CurtissWright Corporation. Curtiss-Wright’s Technical

76/76 CLASS NEWS Fellows Program reinforces its commitment to technical excellence, as well as an avenue to recognize employees that go above and beyond in their field of expertise. The honor of being named a Technical Fellow is only earned by the top 1- 2% of the Engineering community in the Company. “Jay Gardiner is a seasoned Engineer whose deep knowledge of auditing, regulatory compliance, and the ASME Codes has had a profound and positive impact on EMD’s Quality Program,” said Ross Klein, Director of Engineering Processes and Resources at EMD. “His efforts and achievements exhibit the pinnacle of Engineering capability and expertise. He is one of those rare experts who can apply theory in an effective, practical way, which makes him an incredible asset to Curtiss-Wright. We are privileged to have him on our team.” [Source: https://www.cw-ems. com/news/news-details/2022/CURTISSWRIGHT-EMS-DIVISION-EMPLOYEEHONORED-WITH-CURTISS-WRIGHTTECHNICAL-FELLOWS-DISTINCTION/ default.aspx] BZ to Jay in receiving this special recognition! From Tim Farrell (27th Co.): M On January 20 Dave Lawrence and I made 1976 the most represented class at the monthly gathering of the Susquehanna Valley Chapter USNA Alumni Association. Our chapter gathers the third Thursday every month 1630-1900 at Mad Chef Craft Brewing in East Petersburg, PA, to swap sea stories while enjoying craft beer and snacks.

’76: Napsters from the Class of ’76 at the ALITC Dinner Event in Newport, RI

CLASS O F 1 976

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NAVAL ENGINEERS

Mike Bosworth ’76 Receives ASNE Gold Medal By Kevin Stone ’76

The Class of ’76 was among the first to be able to choose a major, it was a daunting choice: this would affect your every waking hour in class over the next three years and might very well change the arc of your life. Mike Bosworth, who had grown up with his father and uncle designing and building innovative craft including a 20’ long 3-person Surface Effect Ship (SES), immediately chose naval architecture. That decision in 1973 eventually led to Mike becoming an Engineering Duty Officer, post-graduate studies at MIT, and distinguished career in naval architecture at NAVSEA where he was part of the team that designed and built the SEALION, a high speed, semi-submersible SEAL delivery/extraction craft. Most recently, as the Director of the Center for Innovation in Ship Design (CISD) at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock, he successfully recapitalized CISD to help rebuild the Navy’s core ship design capabilities, providing the Navy a new generation of highly competent, highly motivated ship design engineers and rigorously applying systematic innovation to the development of new warship concepts. This incredible contribution to the U.S. Navy and our nation was not overlooked: In 2021, The American Society of Naval Engineers named Mike as the recipient of the prestigious Gold Medal Award, given to an individual who has made a significant naval engineering contribution in a particular area during the previous five years. At the award ceremony, Bob Keane, the former Chief Naval Architect at NAVSEA, said “Good leaders develop ideas. Great leaders develop people. The best leaders develop new leaders.” BZ to Mike Bosworth, yet another outstanding member of the Great Bicentennial Class of 1976! ® PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY HARRY FRIEDMAN

Mike Bosworth receiving the ASNE Gold Medal (L to R: RADM Mark Hugel, USN (Ret.), President of ASNE, Mike Bosworth and Bob Keane, former Chief Naval Architect, NAVSEA)

Tim Farrell, Dave Lawrence and Dave Teply ’74.

There are hobbies, and then there are hobbies! Bruce Stutsman (1st Co.) shares one of his hobbies with the Class: M One of my hobbies in the past was “team roping,” whereby a team consisting of a header and healer rope a steer in a competitive timed event. I stopped competitive team roping in 2007, as I gave up my roping horses at that time to my youngest daughter, who was beginning to team rope and calf rope in Junior Rodeo. I started back team roping last year with new horses, and, by the Lord’s grace and helping hand, won the Hometown Hero Award at the 2022 National Finals conducted by the National Team Roping League. This event was

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 81

76/77 CLASS NEWS a “4-header”, which means that a team must catch 4 steers and was limited to current and former military members and first responders. Out of the 20 teams that were qualified to compete in this event, my partner and I were the only team that caught 4 steers. The NTRL National Finals are conducted each year at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center located in Jacksonville, Florida. Attached is the Winners photo of me with my roping partner who I won the event with, Dennis Moore from Opp, Alabama. Lord willing, I will continue to compete in future events….trying to keep Father Time at bay.

a family name on Caitlin’s side of the family, and they chose the middle name, Margaret, to honor the memory of my oldest sister who passed away last July due to pancreatic cancer. Barb and I are so excited about the birth of our 10th grandchild!

The happy grandparents and parents of Carmella Margaret Hubbard

BEAT ARMY!!!

’77 Life Membership: 74% Donor Participation: 2.11% Pres: John F. Vuolo 71 Hidden Gin, Hinton, WV 25951-5184

Bruce Stutsman and Dennis Moore, Champions of the NTRL National Final for 2022

Carl Sharperson recently discovered that the person who recruited him to play football for Navy in high school in 1971, Tom Flaherty ’70, was on the Navy Brotherhood list so he was able to contact Tom via email to thank him personally for introducing him to USNA. Tom reminisced in his reply to Carl, “I remember heading down to Spotsylvania to visit with you and a couple of your teammates. I was one of two Ensigns that (Coach Rick) Forzano kept at USNA to help with local recruiting. So, I am glad I was one of those people you spoke of in your speech in your life that made a difference. You are making a difference Carl in the lives of young people (as well as older people too), and I am sure that is exactly what you care most about. Not sure how you got my name (or how you remembered it) but sure am glad you did. Semper Fi, and Fair Winds & Following Seas my Friend and Shipmate!” Carl mentioned Tom in a powerful commencement speech he gave last year at the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, TX, where Carl graduated in 1972. You can watch this inspirational video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blWoX04 HToU. Well done, Carl, and thanks for sharing your story! On a final positive note, my son Chris and his wife Caitlin had their first child enter the world on Valentine’s Day at home in Frederick, MD - Carmella Margaret Hubbard. Carmella is

82 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

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

“Shoot what you want, score what you need.” – Old Naval Aviation maxim modified for the ’77 45th Reunion Golf Classic

Having just been hoisted aboard with a running bowline, we can now call attention to brief! First up, on February 10th, the class of the Class of ’77’s golfers descended once more upon Hilton Head Island at the invitation of Jane & Pete Hyers (16th Co.) and Joy and Joe Camacho (4th Co.) for the most recent edition of their annual golf extravaganza and mini-reunion. Jane and Pete started this get-together with “a little golf thrown in” 15 years ago, and since its inception the event has grown from a small group that met at the Hyers home after a round of golf to the largest gathering yet, with 32 classmates (see photo below and on next page). …and 17 wives/significant others travelling from every corner of the country to attend: This year’s festivities kicked off with a welcome reception Thursday evening followed by a full day of golf on Friday at Hilton Head’s Bear Creek course, after which participants indulged in cocktails and a splendid dinner buffet arranged by Pete. Saturday morning, the action shifted to Savannah Quarters Country Club, courtesy of Joy and Joe for a second day of golf, more cocktails (DUH!) and yet another sumptuous feast, during which Joe, in rare form as emcee, handed out honors for the following: Long Drive: No surprise here, as Joe “Lama” Christofferson (big hitter, the Lama!), who, despite recent knee surgery, was able to bomb one about…oh,…280-290, outdriving Camacho by what the co-host thought to be a mere 8’, but which those with a better sense of distance estimated as more like 28’.

’77: Husbands-Left to right, front to back: Denny Simon (12th Co.), proudly displaying his putting contest plaque, co-host Pete Hyers, Larry Becker (11th Co.), Rick White (8th Co.), Dan Beach (17th Co.), Jim Kelly (11th Co.), Mike Wertz (32nd Co.), Pete Sisa (14th Co.), co-host Joe Camacho, Denny Haines (4th Co.) George Herning (32nd Co.), Dave Armitage (34th Co.), Marc Troiani (4th Co.), Dave Ziemba (19th Co.), Gary Beaver (10th Co.), Snuffy Smith (19th Co.), Ducky Laviano (20th Co.), Jerry Miller (19th Co.), Tug McGraw (22nd Co.), Chris Feeney (11th Co.), Tom Behrle (14th Co.), Mike McCarthy (19th Co.), Phil Nelson (4th Co.), Scott Neidhold (24th Co.), George Booker (19th Co.), Joe Christofferson (4th Co.), Bob Wilde (2nd Co.), and last, but certainly not least, Scott Thomas (12th Co.), aka, the great Mazu.

77/78 CLASS NEWS to right: the late Eddie Mapes (Class of ’80), Ray Crevier (6th Co.), Bill Durbin (35th Co.), Paul Croisetiere (35th Co.), Joe Christofferson and Bill Damico (21st Co.).

’77: Wives - Left to right, front to back above are: Joy Camacho, Laura Miller, Linda Armitage, Barbara Behrle, Carol McGraw, Melinda Christofferson, Annie Wilde, Patty Troiani, Jane Hyers, Kathy Smith, Patty Simon, Diane Thomas, Shantala Gowda, Lynn Beaver, Lauren Beach, Betty White and Karen Sisa. Photobombing the ladies’ picture were, left to right, Scott Neidhold, Mac McCarthy and Jim Kelly.

Closest to the Pin: The indominable Craig Turley, with what we’re told was an ugly but effective shot. Which is why there are no pictures on score cards, right Craiger? Putting Contest: The aforementioned Denny Simon; Wait a minute, was Ziemba not in the contest?!? Pete Sisa added a nice touch by awarding Pete Hyers a Roger Staubach-autographed football (shown in the group photo) as a token of appreciation for all his efforts. For those wives who opted not to golf, Joy Camacho acted as hostess par excellence for a variety of activities and luncheons in and around Hilton Head and Savannah. Shown below sharing a weekend of fun and camaraderie are Dave Armitage, Jim Kelly and Jerry Miller…

Looking good, Mrs. McKee! Finally, the amateur golfing world was surprised…his classmates not as much…by the news Kirk “Buddy” Barker (9th Co.) has begun identifying as female, as evidenced by the caption accompanying the photo below in which Buddy, or as he now prefers, Louise, is depicted celebrating back-to-back club championships.

Tug, Camacho, Joe & Marc

As contributor Christofferson observed, we may not be as young as we once were, but the bonds between us are stronger than ever. Looking good, ’77! Since we’re on the subject of bonds which are stronger than ever, shown below is our wife Jenny posing in front of the All Faiths Chapel at NAS Pensacola…

Always looking for an edge, Barker says hitting from the red tees leaves her a short wedge into most any Par 4, putting for eagle on every Par 5 and makes almost any Par 3 a Par 2. In addition to her dominance on the links, Louise is also undefeated in the women’s division of her club’s arm-wrestling competition. Magoo

’78

Dave, Jim & Jerry

Life Membership: 81% Donor Participation: 2.81% Pres: Glen Woods

Jenny at the Chapel

Sec’y: Vince Balderrama 1320 Homewood Ln., Annapolis, MD 21401 e: canoeu78@aol.com Website: usna1978.org

Marc and Craig

…the site of our wedding some 42-1/2 years ago. Shown below acting as sword bearers on that sweltering August afternoon are, from left

Clearing out the old Christmas/belated Christmas newsletters and emails still in

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 83

78/78 CLASS NEWS queue. There are a lot of “whenever two or three shall meet…” stories. Here we go. Al “Blues” Baker wrote that he and Marla splurged last year on an apartment in midtown Manhattan to be closer to family. Eerdmans released Alan’s book entitled Foundations of Chaplaincy. Marla organized a bike trip exploring the Erie Canal followed by a family vacation in Maine. Their grandson, William Hugo, celebrated his first birthday coincidental to his sister, Maggie Jane, starting pre-school. Their daughter Hannah & husband Bryan brought home a cute Cavalier King Charles puppy named Lilah. After Thanksgiving, Blues completed his service at the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership. Marla enlisted him to join her in classical Pilates following the original apparatus system created in the 1920s. This theme of the Roaring Twenties fits right in with the architecture of their NYC home, also built in the 1920’s.

Katie and Jeff Fowler (12th Co) wrote that 2021 ended Jeff’s first year as President of Golden Key Group, in Reston, VA. I bet Katie is probably busier than Jeff as most weekdays she’s watching their granddaughter, Ella, and is Co-chair of the Society of Sponsors Scholarship Committee. (Her two-year term as President of The Society of Sponsors ended in June 2021.) The daughter, Brittany (Ella’s mom), was promoted to Lead Scientist in pharmaceuticals at Labcorp Drug Development (formerly Covance) in Chantilly, VA. Another daughter, Lynsee got married twice! Actually, she and her husband, Gavin, had two ceremonies in ’21 (first in April then with a full celebration in September). She now works for her Jeff as a marketing/communications manager at GKG. Gavin is Vice President at the National Fisheries Institute. With Gavin, they gained another Granddaughter, Molly, 13. Their son, Connor was promoted to senior software engineer at Capital One in Richmond, VA. Scott Godfrey wrote of gatherings with his 24th Co gang. In November of last year, he and “four fully retired slackers.” At the time, Gwen and Jay Bowling were on a road trip from West Virginia down to their son’s wedding in Orlando. They “green lighted” Steve Howell to bunk at Steve’s beautiful brand-new penthouse suite in Roswell, GA. Steve rounded up Robin and Dan Cannan from nearby Douglassville.

Scott said they needed a “token Devil Dog” for entertainment, so he was summoned from lower ‘bama. They joined up at a local restaurant for a great 24th Company mini reunion. As for the gang: Dan retired a year ago after a worldwide career in logistics for Russell Athletics, Coca-Cola, Tyler Union, and others. (He’d previously retired from the USNR with 30 years of service). Dan and Robin have three generations of family members at home including a son, three grandsons and a granddaughter. Scott added that, “Jay retired as a RADM Naval Aviator in 1910 right after LT Ellyson became the first Naval Aviator (update from Jay...he retired in 2009). Gwen was a dialysis nurse who worked 24/7 taking care of patients. Now they travel the country visiting family, friends and playing golf.” Scott and Steve Howell were part of a reduction in pilot staffing and “early retired” back in the fall of ’20 from Delta Air Lines. (Steve flew 35 years for Delta and Scott flew 30 years.)

’78 84 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

Last October, Beth and Mike “Crabber” McCrabb hooked with fellow 8th Company mates Kevin Walsh, Brian Rochon, Joel Gonzales, John Costello (aka the 8th Co “DC area Corps” At the end of last year, Elaine and Brian Rochon hosted Beth, Mike, and their son Andrew, for dinner. Brian and Andrew are both University of Michigan postgraduate alumni. Brian’s son, Chris, and his family are stationed in Japan where Chris is in an F-18 squadron. Brian’s daughter is a traveling nurse who’s staying quite busy during the pandemic. In late January, Mike passed through Jacksonville FL and visited Dotty and Don Boland for a great lunch and catch-up time. The Boland’s have three sons, one of them in Orlando and the other two in the Navy (stationed in Mayport and Whidbey Island). Also in late January, Crabber traveled through Pensacola to fulfill Beth’s request for him to stop by the “Bodacious Olive” and pick up some special culinary ingredients. While there he had a “classmate chance encounter.” There at the front door of the gourmet shop was Bob “Bubba” Destafney (14). They caught-up and Bubba even helped Mike find the items Beth had requested. Crabber added an interesting “sidebar” story: “back in the mid-1960s his [Bubba’s] family and mine lived in the same Pensacola neighborhood where I went to 5th/6th grade with Bob’s brother Tom. Fast forward several years to our Plebe Summer where Bob recognized me from those elementary school days.” Since

78/79 CLASS NEWS then, Bob and he will occasionally run into each other.... almost always in Pensacola. Crabber’s last classmate rendezvous was with his former Navy squadron mate and civilian co-worker Dave Babcock (6th Co). He and Dave cross paths at least a couple of times per year as Dave splits time between Pensacola and DC, most recently in Arlington this past December for dinner. Mike concluded with news that after spending his last three years with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at their DC HQ, he retired at the end of ’21. He and Beth moved into their new home in Crossville, TN (about an hour west of Knoxville). They’re located in a community called Fairfield Glade, with lots of golf courses and lakes. You District/Marylanders may still see Mike as he will still make several trips back per year to the DC area for family visits and USNA events. Ann and Kevin McGhee (14th Co) kept with tradition and sent out their annual Christmas Letter over Valentine’s Day (Don’t be embarrassed, Kevin, I still have my 2010 Christmas newsletter in DRAFT form.). It’s been 2 ½ years since Kevin and Ann moved into their home on Merritt Island, Florida, the first week of December 2020. That same day, Ann tested positive for the “Rona” and felt absolutely, awful. (She’s much better now.) Their home is on a pond and replete with all forms of wildlife around it -manatees visit all summer; they see dolphins routinely and gators every day. A national wildlife refuge is right up the road, as is Kennedy Space Center. The move was precipitated by a desire to have more time with the leadership in Converge International Ministries headquarters near Orlando. Kevin thrives as its Director of U.S. Engagement; preaching in many different churches, mentoring his remarkable team, and attacking some of the big challenges rapidly growing organizations face. He has especially enjoyed partnering with Deaf leaders from across the U.S. and around the world. Ann serves as the Director of Training for Converge. She also continues as affiliate professor/ faculty mentor for several students through Sioux Falls Seminary/ Kairos University. Their daughter, Bryden, is a pastoral trainer at Hillsong College in Mesa, AZ, and teaches courses in Bible and leadership. Daughter, Kelsey, continues to serve as the “W15H” (wish) coordinator for the Tim Tebow Foundation (providing special care to families whose children have life threatening illnesses). She was tapped to help coordinate the Foundation’s new efforts to put an end to human trafficking. She lives near the beach in Jacksonville. Kevin traveled so much in 2021 that he earned a companion pass for Ann – so they hope to see many friends in 2022 as they crisscrossthe nation for ministry gatherings.

That’s it for this month. 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! Summer is here. OK, almost. But the “official” start of the summer season is fast approaching. I’m really looking forward to it – after a couple years of work-related craziness (to say nothing of other global “events” we’ve been through) I’m very much looking forward to a return to something resembling normalcy. And I know you’re all looking forward to seeing those names in bold print. So let’s get started.

Tony Konecny with new recruit Blake Horvath

I start this month by ringing the “first time writer” bell. Tony Konecny (10th Co.) checked in from my home state of Ohio with this

update from the Midwest: M Hello from Columbus, OH from a long-time reader, first-time writer. I’m guessing that is not the first time you heard that cliche, but I had to open with something somewhat clever. I have been trying to keep active in my retirement, filling it with as much alumni activity as possible. I have been President of the Columbus Chapter of the USNA Alumni Association since 2017. Because of some great volunteers in central Ohio, the Columbus Chapter has been recognized as a Distinguished Chapter for two years running and has about 70 active members. Last year, I gained a seat on the Alumni Association Board of Trustees. It has been a rewarding experience and I have realized there is an exceptional group of people working extremely hard to make our Alumni Association one of the best in the country. Finally, I had the great fortune to attend a College Commitment Signing Ceremony in Columbus on 2 February 2022. Blake Horvath committed to attend USNA - he was recruited as a quarterback by Coach Niumatalolo. Blake is one impressive individual and should be a great addition to USNA. That’s all I have for now. The 79ers of Tenth Company are meeting in Las Vegas in March for a mid-term reunion. I hope to have more input after our get together. Thanks, Tony, for your note. Congrats on your accomplishments with the Columbus chapter. Now that more venues are opening up, we hope to get some more activity in the Atlanta chapter. Looking forward to hearing about your mini-reunion! Next up is an update from one of a pair of regular 9th Company contributors. Long time readers of this column have seen many updates over the years from Bill Toti and Parks Stephenson. Well now, for the first time since 30 May 1979, the two company-mates are teaming up on a project. Bill explains: M Parks and I are two of the “talking heads” in a docuseries we are doing for Fox, titled “The Lost Ships of World War II.” Amazing that after all these years, we two 9th Company ’79ers are together again working on this 8-episode documentary to talk about the sacrifices of our naval heroes in the Pacific war. Note my Class of 1979 sweater in the attached photo: I wore it on set for several of the episodes. The series is set to premiere on Memorial Day this year. I’ll provide more info when we get it. As we were filming this, I kept reflecting back on Professor E. B. Potter’s “History of Seapower” classes Plebe year. Glad I paid attention. Cheers, Bill

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 85

79/80 CLASS NEWS

’80 Life Membership: 96% Donor Participation: 2.75% Pres: Tony Verducci e: Ajverducci80@gmail.com Sec’y: CAPT Joseph A. Grace Jr., USNR (Ret.) 15 Allard Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70119 p: 504-915-6711; e: joe.grace@1980.usna.com Website: http://1980.usnaclasses.net

9th Co. historians Parks Stephenson and Bill Toti

That’s really cool stuff, Bill. I too had Ned Potter for Seapower. All my previous history teachers were focused on having students memorize names, dates, and places. Ned Potter actually talked about the “what” and the “why” of history – which made it so much more interesting. Glad you and Parks are working together – I know I’ll be on the lookout for the series. Once again, I have the sad duty of reporting the loss of another classmate. Mick Fernbaugh (29th Co.) passed away in his sleep on 17 February 2022. Born and raised in Dillsburg, PA, Mick was quite the baseball star growing up. At Navy he eventually settled into a starring role on the 29th Company softball team, where he played and coached all four years. After receiving his NFO wings, he entered the VP community and completed an operational tour at NAS Brunswick, ME. During his subsequent shore tour at the Center for Naval Analysis, Mick was diagnosed with a debilitating heart condition and was eventually medically retired as a LCDR. He settled in northern Ohio, with his wife Sylvia, daughter Ashley, and son Josiah. Mick had battled a variety of health-related issues for decades. Company-mates Frank Dombrowski and Mac Silvester both tell stories about how Mick was never a slave to conformity. They say he didn’t let little details like room inspections, uniform appearance or sweating exams get in the way of his more pleasurable pursuits, all while maintaining a 3.8 QPR as an ops analysis major. Rest in peace, classmate... That’s all I have for this month. As you all head out on your summer travels, please drop me a line and let me know what you’re up to. And if your travels take you through Atlanta, let me know! See you next month! Wiz…

Greetings Classmates, Today is Mardi Gras Day! All dressed up and heading down to the French Quarter for a day of celebration, chaos and good fun! By the time this is in print we will have recovered from the revelry and be back on track! Last month was a lot of fun putting the column together with the photos from the Reunion. Hopefully all enjoyed seeing members of the Class! On to the Mailbag! Mike Mullikin, Mikemullikin3@gmail.com sent me a note to let me know that On Apr 30th, 2022, the ’79 Navy baseball team is honoring Jim McKee ’80 with a Seat Plaque at the Navy baseball stadium. Jim was a star baseball player, team leader and a member of the Academy’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Jim passed away several years ago. The team will dedicate Jim’s seat plaque between Navy’s double header against Lafayette on Saturday, April 30th. This may or may not have printed by the time of the dedication – but if it has - All classmates are welcomed and encouraged to attend in honoring our classmate. At the end of last month, I received a series of notes from the 33rd Herd. Joel Ross, jmrjrinfl@gmail.com (561-531-0292) and Brian Kosinski, bknamaste@sbcglobal.net, were able to get together for coffee in Ft. Lauderdale while Brian, Nancy, their son and daughter in law were house hunting near Joel’s office.

Brian also shared a photo of himself and Russ Averill, who was in San Francisco with his family. They are big Capitals fans, so they were able to attend the Sharks-Capitals game.

86 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

Karen and Ray Farmer, karenlfarmer@me.com also of the Herd, checked in with some move info: M Hello, Ray and I have sold our home in Coronado this week. We packed up and moved up to Santa Barbara! Besides being a beautiful and fun place to be, we wanted to be by our children and grandkids. Whitney is expecting her third baby in April. It’s a girl! We are having fun chasing little ones around. Little Eli keeps Ray very busy. He is two years old and loves his Pop Pop. Gracie and I are totally in love. She is four years old. Our son, Patrick has three beautiful children too. Savannah, Olivia and Ezra. Erica and Pat home school and stay very busy working and chasing the three kids around. Life is good! We literally are surrounded by boxes right now. I just wanted to keep you all posted and let you know our address. 1420 Las Positas Place, Santa Barbara, Ca 93105. Also, news from the Herd (a few more), the Olympic bobsledder, Elana Meyers Taylor, is the niece of our own Charlie “Bogard” Meyers. His (and Eddie’s) Legacy lives on! This note came in from my roommate, Joe Hayden, josephchayden@msn.com, who shared this story about Elena: M Elena was an Olympic softball player and switched to bobsled when softball was dropped from the Olympics. She is now one of the top bobsledders in the world. She has a bunch of corporate sponsorships and you should see her in commercials leading up to the Winter games. (Her last big one was with Verizon) My favorite news story about her is when one of the big magazines/networks was spotlighting her and they interviewed Eddie (Charlie’s brother). Eddie talked about how she trained for bobsled and how he helped her. He would back the family SUV down the driveway and then Elena would push it back up the slope. Over and over again. She has her dad’s leg strength and explosiveness which is what makes her a world-class bobsledder. Athletic, intelligent, a great mom and beautiful. We should all be proud of her and root her on as she represents us at the Olympics. The reason we follow her so closely is that when Charlie got married to Patti, I had to go and pick up Eddie and Janet up at BWI. Charlie and I were Company Officers at the same time and Charlie was staying with us before the

80/80 CLASS NEWS wedding. Elena was just a baby then and I remember holding her at the curb while Eddie and Janet loaded their bags into the back of our van and got the child seat set up for Elena. Joe Congratulations. In addition, my other roommate, Pete “Rat” Stanford, lauriestanford@ aol.com, just reported that they went to their first Masquerader’s show – 42 years in the “getting there.” His wife Laurie is working to give Pete a little culture. Mark Breckenridge, who was very active in the Masqueraders, and the 8th Wing Players, recently had a zoom call with Professor Mike Jasperson, who was the chair of the English Department and the Masquerader’s director when we were at Navy. Evidently, the Masqueraders is the oldest Extra Curricular Activity at the Academy, giving its first performance in 1846. Here’s the story: M Did you know that the USNA Masqueraders have been performing for and inspiring audiences since 1846, just one year after the Academy was founded? Back then, they were a bunch of young midshipmen that wanted to put on a play to “civilize” the city of Annapolis. Unfortunately, that didn’t quite happen. Buoyed by their success in the first act of The Lady of Lyons, performed outside in downtown Annapolis, they started popping bottles of champagne (a bit too early). By the time they were back for the second act, the show’s quality had deteriorated considerably, but a legend was born. Who knew….? We just turned the Company Rep job for 3rd Company, from Curt Coughlin, cogs11@cs.com, who has done a fantastic job for years serving his shipmates, to Mark “Guad” Guadagnini, guadspd@icloud.com. Curt said that the deal was that Guad would take over when he retired – which just happened. Curt will remain the XO or second in command for the Company. Thanks, Curt, for a fantastic job and for all you do and have done for the Class. I mentioned earlier that this is Mardi Gras week. Last night I had the chance to go to dinner with Griffin and John Fry, and their son, William. John is still a Judge in Georgia. He is enjoying the role and has some great stories to tell about life from the bench! William has just been selected for Jets in the Marine Aviation pipeline and is awaiting that training window. They are in town for Mardi Gras. Griffin and her daughters, and Sherri (my wife) and my daughter Shaina ride in the Iris parade. Always a great time!

Another of our great writers, Danny Archer, darcher@mitre.org wrote in from Melbourne Beach, FL. M Joe-Joe, As luck would have it, we have a few USNA 80 classmates living the OPAREA here at the Space Coast. Mike Sonnefeld, Joe Giaquinto, Jeff Gernand and I all have places here. We met last week at Ryan’s in Cocoa Village for dinner and a special USNA 80 story telling session. The stories definitely get better with time! We also had a special guest star, Jerry Dalo, fly in from the SOCAL OPAREA of Orange County and join us for a week of fun activities. Short update on what folks are doing: Mike Sonnefeld and Colleen live just outside the gate Patrick SFB and will be heading back to their house in Maryland for the spring and summer months. Mike has my dream job as golf starter at the USNA Academy golf course. Sue and Joe Giaquinto live in a nice condo overlooking the Indian River. Joe works for a company called EMCUBE, supporting SSP. Jeff Gernand has a band and is a rockstar playing at various local establishments (Squid Lips, etc.). Jerry Dalo is a Financial Planner working in California. I’m on the final leg of my journey and will be retiring from MITRE this year while going back and forth between San Diego and Melbourne Beach. Thanks for all the good work you and our Class Officers are doing!

Sandy and Lyle Burnham, lylej4@juno.com, sent in a brief update: M Joe, Sandy and I had not been on a vacation in a few years (waiting out COVID) and finally decided to do something in December. Neither of us had ever seen Niagara Falls, so we went there. We noticed in USNA.com, one of my plebe year roommates, John Fischer, and his wife, Shelley, lived about an hour east in Webster, NY. We visited with them and had a great afternoon (see picture). On the way back to Baltimore, we also stopped in near Philly and watched the Army-Navy game with MaryAnn and Pat Good. Then, during the afternoon of December 31st, our son, Lyle Burnham II, and his wife, Joi, had our first grandchild, Lyle Burnham III. Attached is a picture of the “three Lyles”. Also, since we now live in Baltimore, we get to spend more time with Tom and Marie and Tom Brodmerkel, who hosted a great

company get together for the reunion at their Annapolis home.

My final note came in from Andres “Tonto” Otano andres.otano@1980.usna.com, 27th Company: M Joe Mike “Sab” Lorentangeli has joined the ever-growing number of ‘80 airline retirees. (Picture Attached Sab and Linda Janulewicz Ternlund). He and Linda are happy to enter this new part of life together. After a successful career with Delta Airlines, it’s time to retire. He joins other 27th company retirees Rea Heatherington and Mark Rushing. Also, by this time publication is out, Mike (LA) Lopez-Alegria, would have commanded and returned the First private crew AX-1 to the International Space Station. The AX-1 mission will include the crew living aboard the U.S. segment of the ISS for approximately eight days, participating in research and philanthropic projects. It will be LA’s 5th mission to space.

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 87

80/81 CLASS NEWS fortified rice for malnourished children, food and water for the team, and everyone’s camping gear aboard Dr. Blue, the large, native-style cayuco Floating Doctors uses for navigating from its base camp on Isla San Cristóbal to the Ngäbe villages.

It’s been a busy month. We had an All Class Zoom call where we updated everyone on past, recent, and upcoming events, the direction of the Class and info about Janie Mines and her Distinguished Graduate nomination. Lots of great activity. In closing, I hope that this note finds each of you healthy, happy, and wiser today than yesterday. Please take a few minutes to renew a friendship, call / zoom / teams / text / visit a Classmate and take care of each other. You never know what a difference you can make. 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

Depending on where you’re living, Spring is here and we hope the Winter wasn’t too hard on your old bones. As a reminder, tell us what is up with you at classof81secretary@gmail.com. Dave Lane (36), as some of you know, was a corpsman before he was a midshipman and after graduation flew A-6’s and then decided to be a fancier version of a corpsman and went to medical school. Well, Dave retired as a onestar and he’s been pretty busy since retirement. Dave sent a Christmas note to his friends (and me) and I asked him if I could use it in the Shipmate article. He was kind enough to let me share. I edited it just a bit, but here is the note from Dave and Vicki Lane who are currently living on their sailboat, S/V At First Sight, in the Grand Caymans, preparing to return to the states after a stint serving as full-time volunteers with Floating Doctors.

Dave and Vicki aboard S/V At First Sight

Take it away Dave, M Our cruising adventure breaks down into four parts this year: (1) A transatlantic crossing from Spain to St. Lucia with a lengthy stopover in the Canary Islands, January – May, (2) two short passages from the Lesser to Greater Antilles in the Eastern Caribbean, May – June, (3) a direct passage from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Bocas del Toro in June, and (4) volunteering with Floating Doctors in the Bocas archipelago. We also made a mid-year pilgrimage to Central Florida to see family (all well), daughter Shelby’s family (temporarily relocated to DeLand from Myanmar/Burma), sons Charlie (4th year med student at Emory) and Ben (computer design engineer in Seattle), and of course, grandchildren Maebel and Evan (simply adorable). For more details about the sailing and all our ports of call, you can check out our blog posts at www.svatfirstsight.com.” As noted above, we arrived in Bocas del Toro in July, and volunteered full-time with Floating Doctors (www.floatingdoctors.com) until Christmas Day. A typical work week began on Sunday evening with the introduction of new volunteers and a community profile brief for the Ngäbe villages being served that week. (The Ngäbe are native to northwest Panamá, and together with their nearby cultural and linguistic cousins, the Buglé, make up the largest indigenous population group in Panamá. They live in isolated, spartan island communities of a few hundred to a few thousand people all around the Bocas Archipelago and in the surrounding mountainous mainland.)”

Dr. Blue ready to cruise

We would repeat the process in reverse on Thursdays, arriving back at the base camp in early afternoon, allowing Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings to reload and reset for the next week, when the cycle would start over. These multi day clinics were both rewarding and a lot of fun – and also a lot like real work. I wrote the narrative for this update on Christmas Day. We then got together with the other volunteers (from England, France, Mexico, Holland, and USA) for an international potluck Christmas Dinner at the base camp. We had Christmas Dinner with our new family – our friends and colleagues at Floating Doctors. Who knew they were also Santa’s Elves, and would pay us a visit at our anchorage the day after Christmas, seen here chillaxin’ after a hard night’s work?”

The volunteers

Dr. Lane and the brains of the family, Vicki

Monday morning’s team loads a dozen waterproof pelican cases of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, boxes and boxes of Christmas dinner with other volunteers

88 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

81/82 CLASS NEWS

Santa’s Elves

Pete, Suzanne, Mark, Bonnie, Joe and Delana

We motored the following day to Bocas Marina and began to make detailed preparations for getting underway again. When we arrived in Bocas 6 months ago, we were planning to transit the Panama Canal when we finished volunteering, and begin cruising in the Pacific. However, our plans changed, and we sailed to Florida. What’s the draw to Florida compared to the adventures that awaited us in the Pacific you might ask? Grandkids!

That concludes the Class of ’81 Shipmate article. Take care of yourselves and don’t forget to reach out to a former roommate or teammate or squadron-mate and find out how they’re doing. The pandemic is petering out, but it has affected our classmates in different ways. Let’s make sure our classmates are doing well. I hope those who ordered a Reunion Book have received theirs and love it. if you want to order one and didn’t, look on our class website for how to do it. ’81 Second to None!

’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 The kids and grandkids, Maeble, Evan, Shelby, Ben, and Charlie

Thank you Dave for letting us use a part of your Christmas note. Pete Morgan (30) sent us a brief email from the panhandle of Florida. Here’s what Pete had to say, M “Hey Bubba, hope you and Carol are surviving the Winter especially since the groundhog saw his shadow! 68° in Pcola today. Anyway, that good looking group is of course Suzanne and I, Bonnie and Mark Schwan (15) and Delana and Joe Calle (36). We are members of the Daedalians, ShangriLa Flight 21 in Pensacola and we’re at the February dinner meeting. Joe and Delana were Mark and Bonnie’s guests and even though he was a bubble head he saw the light and is probably going to join the Daedalians. Anyway, we had an ’81 table! So that’s my input for Shipmate...” Brief and to the point, Pete, much like those vertrep flights you used to fly in the Sea Knight. Did you see that everybody? How hard was that? If Pete Morgan can write a short note anybody can.

speed skating and the “Miracle on Ice” victory by the U.S. hockey team over the heavily favored Soviets. It’s gonna be hard to top that! It is comforting to know that the “dark ages” will soon be over and that you all should be reading these words at some point in the glorious month of May! My wife and I were able to thaw out for a few weeks in January down in Weeki Wachee, Florida with lots of great kayaking, swimming with Manatees, and awesome seafood. If you have not experienced this area on the Gulf coast, I highly recommend it. After a few robust columns, I am sorry to report that my mailbag has been quite light recently and that therefore this column is on the short side. Here is what I have: Heard from Laurent Reinhardt (10) who passed along some kudos regarding a 10th company mate: M “Following is a classmate update I’d like to pass along for Shipmate. I had the honor of attending the event last month. Dr. Paul Shigley (10) was awarded his PhD in Information Sciences at Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey on 17 December 2021. Paul (third from the right) is Director of the International Cooperation Office at Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific in San Diego.” Thanks, Laurent and congrats to Paul! Linda Postenrieder (33) checked in with the following: M ”Hey Mark, Here’s a pic from the Puget Sound Chapter Army/Navy football game 2021. It was great to catch up with Pete Hoffman (35) and meet his wife Christy.”

Treas: VADM Terry Benedict, USN (Ret.) p: 703-913-7183; e: treasurer@usna82.org 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

Greetings to the great class of ’82! As I sit here working on this issue’s column, it is 16 degrees outside and the Winter Olympics are on TV. Remember the 1980 games when we were at the Academy? They were hosted at Lake Placid, NY and highlights included Eric Heiden winning 5 gold medals in

Pete and Postie enjoying the Navy victory

’82: Paul (3rd from right) receiving his Doctorate degree MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 89

82/83 CLASS NEWS Rett Rasmussen (21) sent me an article (summarized below) regarding a career transition for classmate Mike Petters (36): M The shipbuilder who oversaw the construction of the Ford-class carrier program and the Navy’s restart of the Arleigh Burke guided-missile is stepping down as the CEO of Huntington Ingalls Industries, the company announced on Friday. Mike Petters, a Navy submariner turned shipbuilder, has led the country’s largest naval shipbuilder since the company spun off from Northrop Grumman in 2011. In March, he will turn over the CEO position to Chief Operating Officer Chris Kastner and assume a role as vice chairman of the board, according to the announcement from the company. “Starting March 1, Petters will support the leadership transition as executive vice chairman and will remain an HII employee through 2022, during which time he will continue to represent HII,” according to the statement. Prior to the HII spinoff, Petters was president of Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding and of Newport News Shipbuilding. He started at the company as part of the Los Angeles-class (SSN-688) nuclear attack submarine program in 1987. “He held a number of increasingly responsible positions throughout the organization, including production supervisor for submarines, marketing manager for submarines and carriers, vice president of aircraft carrier programs, vice president of contracts and pricing, and vice president of human resources,” reads his HII bio. “We’ve spent the past 11 years building a company for the 21st century,” Petters said in a statement. “HII is now that company, with a leadership team and portfolio to serve our nation’s critical national security needs.” Thanks for the info, Rett and BZ to Mike! On a very sad note, we recently learned of the passing of Serge Rigisich, who was a member of 15th company for plebe and youngster year, and John Russell (17). John’s obituary was sent to the class via email in February, and Serge’s can be viewed on our class webpage (go to “In Memoriam” and scroll down to “Those we left behind”). Speaking of our class webpage (http://1982. usnaclasses.net/), this is an excellent site for all of the gouge related to our upcoming 40th reunion. Our reunion coordinator Rich Clyborne (01) and the planning committee have been working hard, and as I write this column in February, there have already been a number of webpage posts along with emails with important info regarding lodging options, etc. I am looking forward to seeing you in Crabtown on 27-30 October! In closing, please consider sending me stories and pics of your summer adventures, USNA memories, family updates, classmate encounters, etc. I completely rely on your input for these columns. Enjoy the warmer weather! As always, looking good ‘82! Mark

90 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

’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 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

Bigger Services

Facebook: USNA 1983 LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/83 Website: http://1983.usnaclasses.net

Happy Spring Classmates. I am writing this column on Presidents Day and the weather outside isn’t frightening, but in the low 60s, so it does appear spring like. This column should show up in your mailbox in the first week of May, so shortly there will be yet another alumni class joining our ranks. It is difficult to believe that the class of ’22 will be graduating, the 39th class to graduate after ours. That also means that our 50th link of the chain class will be about 10 years old already- their parents are worried about how their kid will adjust to middle school, maybe they are even thinking about how will pay for college, and maybe they will know someone who went to West Point or Air Force who will tell them the better choice is Navy! So if you know a 10 year old (your granddaughter or grandson perhaps), put that bug in the ear now. And since it will be May when you will be reading this, the class reception gathering at the Supe’s house is just a couple of weeks away too (sold out but there is a waiting list). The west coast reception was held I March so there should be some photos posted on the class Facebook page. The fundraising for the Herndon Bell project continues (well likely continues), so make a donation – large or small, all are appreciated. We are about 15 months from our 40th reunion, have you made a hotel reservation yet – might want to consider it. Have you thought about making a donation to the legacy class gift – think about that now if you can too. Give what you can whether a large contribution or a small one: www.usna.com/give/1983 Three Classmates represented us all at Bryan Bigger’s internment in Texas in late January.

DONATE ONLINE Support the Annual Fund, visit usna.com and click Give Online.

A Marine at 4

Coin

Scott Watson writes: M I was humbled, honored and saddened to attend Bryan’s service at the Central Texas Veteran’s Cemetery near Ft. Hood. I was joined by Harry Dorman (29th) and Paul Johndrow (9th company classmate who resigned shortly after I-Day). The service was short but very poignant with Bryan’s Dad Bill, his sons Zack and Matthew, and his Mom speaking. The sons both broke up and sobbed during their tributes to their Dad. Kathy, Bryan’s wife, was also shaken and she did tell a few funny stories. Bryan and Kathy met in 1983 while Bryan was at Quantico. Bill Bigger’s tribute was simple with a few great stories - Bryan loved everything about the marines and had dreamed of it since age 4 (see pic below). The Marine color guard comprised of a Captain and Staff Sgt, handled the flag and presentation beautifully. We had a reception at Rudy’s barbecue which was likely a Bryan favorite. Regarding a tribute - Matthew, Bryan’s son, suggested Wounded Warrior.

83/84 CLASS NEWS The other thing which may be even more meaningful to Mr. and Mrs. Bigger, his 2 sons and wife would be a short video with your memories of Bryan or a follow-up 9th company zoom where we share memories. I told your stories, and each family member was visibly touched. Dave Eguchi your tutoring story was especially touching. The family really now craves hearing stories about Bryan. Mr. Bigger, who Bryan looks so much like, shook my hand as I left and said, “You don’t know how much your coming and your stories from 9th company mean to us.” I also told Mr. and Mrs. Bigger that I have been praying for the Bigger family. Mrs. Bigger started crying and we hugged. Harry provided the USNA 83 coin which went with Bryan’s remains in the columbarium. I cannot conclude without saying - life is short - and we never know. If you want to talk about it, you can call me anytime – Scott And now, da Newz: The mailbag has been relatively light, so I am thankful for the class Facebook page. Knowing that not everyone is linked to the closed group at least allows me the luxury of grabbing some newz form there knowing that not everyone has seen it already. There was a sighting of a couple of Wildmen in Patagonia. Charles Ray and Keven Talbert (Bancroft Hall room 4034) completed the famed “W” Trek in Chile Patagonia.

Hiking

Brian Antonio posted a pic, stating ’83 is well-represented Thursday at West 2022 in San Diego, making it a true Class Act! Sighted but not pictured: Pete Hunt and Bill Galinis

’83: Army-Navy Gala

Kona

Lynn Thomas will have retired by the time you read this column (I expect there will be some pictures on FB too). With Lynn’s retirement we will have two remaining Classmates wearing the uniform (at least that I am aware of), Sean Buck and Bill Galinis. Congratulations Lynn! This was sent to me quite a ways back, but then it fell down in my inbox soi I never included it in a column – my apologies Classmate. I’ve decided to trade in the family station wagon (AKA PA-32-260 Cherokee Six) and got myself a sportscar, uh, a sports plane (AKA Vans RV-7A). Okay, it’s not an F-14A, but it’s at least as fast as a T-34, my first Navy trainer. This little baby cooks and is as fun to fly as they come. And, yes, fully aerobatic, just in case the notion strikes. Forget 60, life begins |at 200 now - 200 mph that is.

your latest mailing address, your correct phone number, your spouse’s name (if you have one – or at least update it to the correct one). And when you retire and move, update it again – that’s the only way you will get Shipmate in your mailbox. https://www.usna.com/profile. If your email address is wrong or out of date, then you will not get Classmail with urgent info. Join the Class Facebook group (https:// www.facebook.com/groups/191501360861460), so you get the latest newz when it happens. Otherwise you are reading about things that have already occurred that you wish you knew about. Upcoming dates to remember/consider: Navy vs Notre Dame: August 26, 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. 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. ’83—A Class Act!

’84 Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 2.74% Pres: Mr. Brian D. Goodrow e: goodrow2@comcast.net Vice Pres: Karen M. Halverson e: dkhalvy@earthlink.net Treas: Mr. Stephen J. Shepherd e: stephenjamesshepherd@gmail.com Jeff Lett

West 2022: L2R: Dave Radi, Evan Edwards, Sean O’Connor, Paul Becker, Joe Tofalo, Brian Antonio, and Dixon Smith

In the there’s never a bad time for a beer with a Classmate series, Larry Vonier and Kevin Lui hoisted a couple at the Kona Brewing Company.

The picture is from the Army-Navy gala; the night before the Army-Navy game. Clearly the team got a good pep talk from SECNAV and all our fine Classmates (or a promise of a form 2 if they didn’t step up). A reminder for you to update your profile on usna.com Only you can do it. Update with

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

Some great news to pass. Steve and Lisa Skinner’s daughter Sarah was selected as the Naval Academy’s 54th Rhodes Scholar. Sarah is an Honors Political Science major, minoring MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 91

84/85 CLASS NEWS

’84: Lisa Skinner, Sarah and Family with Kathleen Murray at Steve’s Memorial Service

in Chinese, is currently 21st Company Commander, Co-Captain of Navy Women’s Rugby D1 Champions, and a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society. (I am exhausted just typing all that…) Her honors research is aimed at evaluating the overall effectiveness of middle power nations and middle power institutions in mitigating hegemonic competition and conflict between the U.S. and China and she studied Taiwanese virtually through National Taiwan University last Summer. Sarah was a Finalist for the M.A. Sorensen Award as the top women’s college rugby player in the United States.

Sarah Skinner in National Championship Game in November

Priceless Pictures from the Archive… Steve & Lisa Skinner and Family

May God Bless You all and protect your Sons and Daughters Serving Our Country. Semper Fidelis

’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 e: vic@otero-pearl.com ’84 92 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

87/87 CLASS NEWS

CLASS OF 1987 35th REUNION

1-4 SEPTEMBER 2022 Registration opens 1 May at: signupnow.events/usna1987 Register before 5 June 2022 for the best Early Bird deal *** Go to: www.usna87.com for the latest updates, gouge, and SWAG ordering *** Join the Class Friday, 20 May at 1900 ET for a virtual 35th Graduation Party (Zoom info will be shared via email & at: www.usna87.com)

REUNION HIGHLIGHTS Thursday, 1 September 1000 Golf at The Preserve at Eisenhower Golf Course, Crownsville 1800 Welcome Reception at the N-Star Room, NMCMS Friday, 2 September 0815 Networking Coffee at the Jack C. Taylor Conference Center, Hospital Point 0900 Memorial Service/ Class Photo/ Class Meeting (USNI, Hospital Point) 1215 Ladies’ Luncheon (O’Club) 1600 Dress Parade (Worden Field) 1900 Evening Reception at The Graduate, Annapolis Saturday, 3 September TBA Class of ’87 Tailgater, NMCMS TBA Navy vs. Delaware (Game time TBA) Sunday, 4 September TBD Various informal Company and Team gatherings Please update your contact info with the Alumni Association at usna.com or contact the Reunion Planning Team: usna1987reunion@gmail.com MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 93

86/91 CLASS NEWS

’86

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 1.91% 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

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 1.69% 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

’88

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 2.36% 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”

’89

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 4.88% 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! Our class president, Denise Willert, checks in with this report: 94 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

M Hello everyone, Just a quick note this issue to congratulate our own Rear Admiral Fred “Lucky” Luchtman, who assumed command in February of the Navy’s newest Naval Safety Command, previously known as the Naval Safety Center. The ceremony took place at the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia. From a recent Navy press release: “NAVSAFECOM will serve as the naval enterprise lead for non-nuclear safety standards, expertise and oversight of the Navy and Marine Corps Safety Management System (SMS). The command will operate with the requisite authorities and responsibilities to establish an SMS that provides defense-in-depth and ensures the naval enterprise is both safe to operate and operating safely.” Great job, Lucky, we are very proud of you and your fine team. As I hope by now you’re aware, in preparation for the development of Strategic Plan 2030, the Alumni Association surveyed the entire alumni community in April 2021 to understand how it can better serve our membership. More than 5,700 survey responses from a sample demographically representative of the alumni community were received. After 10 months of analysis by two professional research firms, an Executive Summary of Key Findings were approved for release earlier this year and can be found at http://www.usna.com. If you have any questions about these findings, please don’t hesitate to ask. An opportunity that’s often overlooked is our own Alumni Mentoring Program. Participation in this outstanding program is a great way to “give back” to fellow Officers and help them as they navigate their careers. From our USNA website: The Alumni Mentoring Program (AMP) was formally established in 2012 as the 50th Legacy Gift of the Class of 1969. AMP promotes the USNA culture of alumni helping alumni to achieve “the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship, and government.” Alumni from all classes are encouraged to participate as volunteer mentors or protégés or both. These mentors and protégés (more than 4,300 as of 30 September 2021), matched through an e-mentoring on-line platform, engage in meaningful, confidential discussions about today’s challenges, career and life planning, goal setting and moving forward toward a higher level of achievement.” Again, any questions, just ask. AMP needs you! Have a wonderful spring ... Now’s the Time, ’89! Fondly, Denise That’s it for this month! Beat Army! Scott

’90

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 1.92% 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

’91

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 1.50% 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

Navy 1991 (Literally) Flying High! Our very own Robb Chadwick sported his USNA ’91 skydiving rig in Lake Elsinore, CA, while jumping with the Naval Academy Parachute Team in January. He made a cool video to commemorate his jumps – very professional! You can check it out by going to YouTube and searching on “Robb Chadwick skydiving” or typing the link https://www. youtube.com/ watch?v=Xg37CZT64cM. The video is 9 minutes long – very entertaining. Go 1991! ’91 Sightings We have had plenty of “91” sightings – enjoy!

Elizabeth (Franklin) Bailey was graded with a “perfect” score on her driving by her new Prius!

Morgan Miller shared a photo from a USNAAA gathering in San Diego. He was joined by three other classmates, including

91/92 CLASS NEWS volunteered for class leadership. It takes about 10% of the class to run the class over the years. If you haven’t volunteered for an official position, please host a local get together. Let us know and we can help get the word out to bring classmates together. As we enter the beginning of the transition years to yet another career or retirement, please help keep our connections and interactions strong! Go Navy!... Evan sends…

’92 ’91: Robb Chadwick on far left, with other jumpers in Lake Elsinore, CA.

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 3.00% Pres: Creighton Armstrong e: Creighton.Armstrong@am.jll.com

Robb Chadwick who made the presentation.

Corr Sec’ys: David Ornstein and Jerry Deren e: USNA1992ClassUpdate@gmail.com Website: www.usna92.com

From left to right, Morgan Miller, Sara (Saltzstein) Burger, Admiral Robb Chadwick, and Max Folkers.

New “hybrid” cap with N* and Capitals insignia.

David Blackwood shared a picture from the Cincinnati Bengals win over Tennessee Titans. They know a great number when they see it!

Julie and Scott Shepard at Capitals game for Naval Academy night.

Stan Krasovic shared the following: Exciting Army/Navy basketball doubleheader today. One point win for the women and a one point loss in OT for the men. But at least the “Guess the Year” was spectacular!

Seeing 9 + 1 in pro football.

Scott Shepard and his wife Julie attended Naval Academy night at the Capitals vs. Golden Knights hockey game.

The best class from USNA – go 1991!

“THE HELM” Hope everyone is enjoying the warm weather! Thanks to all that have reached out and

‘92, Reunion Dates Confirmed!!! As you will likely already be aware from our Facebook and LinkedIn posts, we have confirmed our 30th Reunion for the weekend of September 9th through 11th, with some early festivities beginning on the evening of Thursday 8 September. The time to register at www.SignUpNow. Events (look for “USNA 92 Class Reunion”) is now! If you have not already, we also recommend securing your accommodations ASAP, as there is also a 2/C Parents’ Weekend on the same dates. (Ed. Note – Your correspondent here thought it odd that 2/C now have a Parents’ Weekend and started to write various snarky “old man” comments, but he then realized that this class probably didn’t get to have a Parents Weekend at end of Plebe Summer due to Covid so thought better of it). Importantly, from the time you are reading this onwards we will not be able to provide timely updates in these pages due to the length of the publishing cycle. Instead, please check Facebook, LinkedIn, or the registration site (detail below) M As referenced above, we will be using www.SignUpNow.Events (scroll down to USNA 92 Class Reunion) for a la carte registration and payment for all events. This will also be the primary source for promulgating updated information, schedules, lodging options, recommended attire, company gatherings etc. Registration for all events should be opening around the time this issue of Shipmate reaches you; those who register and pay before May 27th (a very important date for all of us!) will enjoy a significant discount. Prices for all events will increase with varying cutoff dates, and we’re likely to have a firm cutoff date to sign up for most events. Last-minute registration or “walk-ups” are strongly discouraged as it makes the planning and budgeting processing

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 95

92/95 CLASS NEWS

’95

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 1.40% 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

’92: Rob Berryman ’92, Dave Cox ’98, David Ornstein and Hank Viado pre-gaming the victory over Army at the Meadowlands

very difficult. Bottom line, if you haven’t signed up already, please commit now! As you lock-in your travel plans and prepare your constitutions for intense celebration, please also bear in mind the three points for your attention from our last column, namely: To please attend the class meeting if feasible, to please support the class memorial service, and to consider making a contribution to the Naval Academy Foundation (via www.usna.com) to help us reach our class goal for our 30th anniversary gift. In case of questions about the reunion, please refer to www.SignUpNow.Events or post questions on either the Facebook or LinkedIn sites, where your faithful co-secretaries will attempt to obliterate any potential obstacles to us all having a blow-out celebration. In ordinary business this month, we have again received no items of ordinary business. Given the manifest accomplishments which this class has no doubt achieved with the passing of another month, we can only assume that our electronic comms have been compromised by nefarious troublemakers (probably the class of ‘92+2). Don’t let them slow us down – overwhelm them with traffic by sending in your updates to: www.usna1992classupdate@ gmail.com! Get that registration done and those hotel reservations made, ’92!

’93

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 2.91% 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

M I hope all is well! I’m retiring from the Navy Reserves on April Fools day! (Thinking of my roomie Joy on her birthday!). See attached photo, Class of ‘67 President, Dave Church. He and my Dad are lifelong friends and their class was kind enough to invite ‘93 to their Dark Ages gathering. Good food and even better company. All the best, Meghan Tuttle-Jobin

Dave Church ’67 and Meghan Tuttle-Jobin

Congrats on your retirement, Meghan, and on April Fool’s Day to boot. Not a bad way to end a career. Best of luck in your next endeavor! Carpe Diem — Shogo

’94

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 — For those of you (nearly 500!) who made it to Annapolis for our 25th reunion it was great catching up and spending time together. I can truly say that I enjoyed seeing so many of you; it took me days to get my voice back! We were honored by The Honorable Charles Bolden Jr. ’68 — our former Deputy Commandant — his wife Ms. Alexis Walker Bolden, and family members of our deceased classmates (including the Erik Kristensen (parents Ed ’65 and Suzanne), Eugene Orlanes (widow Jane Orlanes), Charles Reese (widow Elizabeth Hui), and Kedric Webster (mom Frozena) families) joining us in the festivities. Sonja Knight Lemott has generously agreed to chair the next reunion, and we are looking for volunteers to assist in the planning, which will start in 2022. Debbie Latta documented the reunion’s events and provided us a link to access the photos. You will need to register on her site and then you will have the ability to view and download all of them. You can download digital copies of any of the photographs and purchase prints for an additional fee. Latta photography | USNA Class of 95 25th Reunion (zenfolio.com) https://lattaphotography.zenfolio.com/ p744065383

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 1.84% 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

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

It was great to hear from Meghan Tuttle-Jobin this month! She’s got some news to share:

96 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

USNA.COM Bringing the Alumni Association to you.

‘95’s gavel, presented by ‘69.

95/95 CLASS NEWS Our class certified the vote, as there was only one nominee for each officer position and completed the induction of new class officers (see nearby). Many thanks to the Election Committee - Dave Richardson & Jesko Hagee – for setting it up as required by our bylaws and counting the votes. Andre Coleman is back for FOR MORE YEARS! We identified the location of the class gavel made from the USS CONSTITUTION and given to us at our commissioning (our first class president John Fleet had it, carefully archived at his parents’ home). During the reunion, we held our State of the Class meeting, and we discussed the 30-year reunion gift giving goals. Our class project has a goal of $600,000, which will be split four ways in support of some very special initiatives: * 42%: $250,000 will go toward the new Alumni Center which breaks ground this Fall * 33%: $200,000 to Athletic Excellence, which endured major financial setbacks because of COVID-19, and will support all levels of athletics at the Academy including varsity, club, and intramural teams. * 17%: $100,000 to Experiential Leadership, which prepares midshipmen to excel in leadership positions through practice. Also supports the Class of ‘77 Gettysburg Leadership Encounter, Outward Bound Spring and Summer Expeditions. * 8%: $50,000 to Project Based Learning, where Mids in STEM majors gain real-life experience and work in teams to create projects and make sense of problems. Thanks to everyone who shared in the eventful weekend, and we can’t wait to see you again for the 30th! Here’s a few updates from our classmates: CAPT Jason Rimmer shared pix from his change of command, along with classmates CAPT Matt Kawas and CAPT Chris Inskeep:

M I’m leaving Norfolk after three tours of duty. Last two were in command of USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and then Commodore of COMPHIBRON 8. I am headed to USNA to be the Director of LEAD Division (Leadership and Development) in Luce Hall. Josh Sager, Bo Johns and Maria Pallotta ’94 are serving in Luce Hall already. I hope I don’t leave anyone out, but other fellow classmates stationed on the Yard include Jim Bates (COS), Mike Jefferson (SUPPO), Rob Wolfe (Dean, Engineering) and Scott Drayton (PMP, Aerospace). [There are several other PMPers, including Mike Flynn and Tracie Andrusiak Severson, also Dave Richardson and Andrew Ledford…need to have a ‘95 get-together and get some pix!]

CAPT Shane Halloran pinned by son Ryder and wife Jeanie Halloran

It’s been an interesting 16 years since my last Shipmate submission. I left active duty upon completion of my tour with NORAD/ USNORTHCOM J2 in 2004. After a few years selling medical implants in Jacksonville, FL, I mobilized as a reservist to USCENTCOM J2 for three years. I did a tour in Afghanistan, and then an LNO tour in London (tough duty!). I took follow-on reserve orders for 4 years in D.C. at ONI and then at Ft. Meade. In 2016 I took a government job in the area with DoD. I saw another prayer answered recently when I was selected to command a local reserve unit (NR JIOCEUR 0166). Command has been a great deal of work, but it’s an awesome honor to lead a dedicated team of citizen-sailors. I hope to be selected to one more CO position before I retire from the reserves in 2025. I have lived in or around Annapolis since 2012, and it has been surreal walking Main Street and frequenting all the same old haunts (and some new ones as well). Two of my three sons are pursuing military service. My oldest is a top cadet with AF ROTC at University of South Carolina, and my middle son is a plebe at USMMA (go Chicken of the Sea!). My youngest is a freshman in H.S., still figuring it all out. For me, I’ve been enjoying tailgating at Navy football, sailing on the bay, and hunting in Maryland. That’s it from Naptown. I look forward to seeing more friendly faces at the next reunion. Look me up on FB if you want to hit the Fleet Reserve Club for happy hour some sunny day. Non Sibi! Reunion Photos:

Stepson Dakota Deck, wife Jeanie, CAPT Shane Halloran, son Ryder, and sister April Halloran.

CAPTs Matt Kawas, Jason Rimmer and Chris Inskeep

A note from newly promoted CAPT Shane Halloran: M Avast classmates! It was great to see so many folks at the reunion, and it was an honor to organize the Memorial Service at the Chapel. I got an October surprise as well when the Navy decided to promote me to CAPT! After some investigation on the yard for ceremony venues, I settled on the new NAAA recruiting center at Rickets Hall. October 11 was a spectacular day overlooking the bay. My mentor, CAPT John Byington ’90, did me the honor of executing the oath of office. I was joined by family, friends, and some Boat School alumni for the celebration. My wife Jeanie and youngest son, Ryder, pinned on the eagles. Afterwards we held an appropriate wetting down at Galway Bay on Maryland Avenue. Thanks to Lance Lantier and Heidi Lenzini for the outstanding promotion gift!

Guest with classmates Darron Lee, Eric Tansky, Becky Tschampl Gonzalez and Tony Gonzalez (sporting our official ’95 backpacks!)

Elizabeth (Schoonover) Broadus, Christina Mock, Carolyn (Wisner) Andros (Carolyn Marie WA), Amy Hutchison Dubois, Kim Jagiello and Kara Kouloheras Dumont

Jason Rimmer, his wife Amanda and son Marvin

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 97

95/97 CLASS NEWS

Matt Kaslik, Lamont Gourdine and Eric Mulville

’95: NAPS reunion!

John and Suzanne Hopper with their son Midn 2C Selik Hopper and friends

’96

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 6.38% Pres: Bill Pennington Vice Pres: Ghislaine (Williams) Stonaker ’95: Company reunion (19th plebe/1st grad): Andre Coleman family, Mike and Sue Yesunas, Rob and Amy Wolf, Norm and Alison Presecan, Eric Dudley family, Brad and Katie Busch.

Sec’y: Cara Albright e: caramalbright@1996.usna.com Treas: Nikki Battaglia

’97

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 1.59% Pres: Tom Wagner e: twagner1@san.rr.com Send news to: LtCol Aaron Shelley, USMCR (Ret.) 1148 Via Jose, San Jose, CA 95120 p: 619-980-8297; e: apshelley@hotmail.com

’95: Classmates at dinner reception

Ms. Fronzena Webster (mom of Kedric Webster), Hon. Charlie Bolden, Mrs. Bolden, Gabriel Gourdine, Lamont Gourdine and guest. 98 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

Michael Nolan Jefferson and his lovely date LaSonya Williams

Many of you have already heard about our confirmed 25th Reunion dates this fall. We are all set for the weekend of 21-23 October which aligns with a Saturday home football game versus Houston. Please reference our full-page advertisement included in this issue for a tentative weekend schedule of events. We realize that you may also be interested in making further arrangements for other group activities (i.e. company, sports teams, family, etc), so we will keep you updated on any changes to the plan. Tom Wagner has reserved the N-Room at the stadium for our tailgater which is a welcome upgrade from huddling under tents in the mud and rain that we were accustomed to during our years as junior officers. Don’t get me

97/97 CLASS NEWS

CLASS OF 1997 25TH REUNION

OCTOBER 21-23, 2022 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, 21 October 0730-1600: Midshipmen Store Hours 0900-1700: Visitor Center and Museum Visits 1200-1215: Noon Meal Formation (Tecumseh Court) 1350-1500: Superintendent’s Brief in Mahan Hall 1600-1715: Formal Dress Parade (Worden Field) 1730-1930: Check-in + Class Welcome Reception (TBD) 1915-2030: Jewish Worship Service (Levy Center) 1930-TBD: Company / Other group gatherings (TBD) Saturday, 22 October 0730-1200: Midshipmen Store Hours 0900-1700: Visitor Center and Museum Hours 1330-2000: ’97 Reunion Tailgater (N-Room, Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium) Navy beats Houston Sunday, 23 October TBD: Sunday Brunch 0900-1000: Catholic Worship Service (Main Chapel) 1000-1100: Class Memorial Service (TBD) 1100-1215: Protestant Worship Service (Main Chapel) Stay tuned for more details soon, to include our reunion website where you can register and access other information. Looking forward to seeing MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 99

97/06 CLASS NEWS wrong, that was fun then, but this is our 25th after all, so we want to celebrate a little more in style this time around. I encourage everyone to double check your contact information with the Alumni Association to ensure that you receive upcoming class emails which will include a link to our reunion registration site (you may have already received it by the time this issue is published). Please reach out with any questions or inputs along the way. Hope everyone is doing well out there and looking forward to seeing you in October! Beat Army! -Aaron

’98

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 1.42% Pres: David Forman p: 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

’99

Life Membership: 93% Donor Participation: 0.61% 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

’00

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 0.34% Pres: J.V. “Murph” McCarthy Vice Pres: Art Terry Treas: Nick Lalota Sec’y: Tim O’Connor e: Shipmate00@yahoo.com

100 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

’01

’03

Pres: Jen (Bohr) Tyll p: 302-528-9306; e: jenbohrtyll@gmail.com

Pres: LtCol Lisa (Steinmetz) Cordonnier, USMC e: lisacords03@gmail.com

Vice Pres: Amy (Baxter) Laczek p: 240-393-9120; e: laczekaxter@gmail.com

Vice Pres: CDR Fernando R. Reyes, USN e: delux1981@gmail.com

Treas: Adam Borcz e: adamhenryborcz@gmail.com

Treas: CDR Megan Barnett, USN e: mmbarnett03@msn.com

Sec’y: Jen McCullough e: jennifer.mccollough@gmail.com

Sec'y: Heather M. (Garland) Selig e: heather.selig@2003.usna.com

’02

Class Website: http://2003.usnaclasses.net/

Life Membership: 96% Donor Participation: 2.98%

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 3.12% Pres: David Gravseth Vice Pres: Kate (Kranz) Jordan e: katherine.kranz@2002.usna.com Sec’y: Kristi (Tjoa) Laughlin e: shipmate2002@gmail.com Treas: Andy McCann At-Large Directors: LTCol Elizabeth (Kreft) Brienza, CDR Sean McClintock and Charlie Mello Send Submissions to: shipmate2002@gmail.com Website: www.usna2002.org

2002, From our classmate, Elizabeth (Kreft) Brienza: M Hello Shipmates! First up, HUGE congrats to Dan Cnossen on his 2022 Paralympic Winter Games Gold medal! Dan and his team won the downhill skiing mixed relay race, proving once again 2002’ers know how build a team and get stuff done! SAVE THE DATE: the 20-year class reunion is officially scheduled to take place Oct 22, 2022! The class leadership secured The Graduate (just down the street from Rams Head, formerly Loews) to host the group hotel block, and it’s also the location for the Friday evening welcome reception. When you call for reservations, tell them you are under the Class of 2002 reunion block! More details and the current list of weekend activities are posted on the USNA2002. org website. We are also pushing updates via email; If you aren’t getting those, send a note to class president David Gravseth (at: dgravseth@ gmail.com) and he will add you to the list! We are also using USNA.com to manage contact info, so please make sure your profile is up to date. On a personal note – my family exited the NCR and moved to sunny Florida! If you travel down to catch a rocket launch along the space coast, hit me up! Or, if you are looking to transition to corporate/defense contractor life (now that most of us are eligible for retirement) hit me up! elizabeth.brienza@l3harris.com I hope you all have an excellent summer! - Elizabeth (Kreft) Brienza

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 1.11%

Webmaster: CDR Kevin Hagan, USN e: kevin.r.hagan@gmail.com Shipmate Submissions: Kenneth Michel e: kennethmichel03@gmail.com

’04

Life Membership: 95% Donor Participation: 0.78% Pres: Lincoln Lukich e: Lincoln.Lukich@gmail.com Vice Pres: James Brobyn e: Brobs@2004.usna.com 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: CDR Reed A. Kitchen, USN hometown: Arlington, VA p: 619-208-0770; e: reedkitchen@gmail.com Website: 2005.usnaclasses.net

’06

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 0.59% Pres: LCDR Adrienne A. Maeser, USN Vice Pres: CDR Joshua M. Angichiodo, USN Treas: CDR Joshua J. Larson, USNR Sec’y: Ms. Ashley E. Pelzek e: usnaclassof2006@gmail.com

07/11 CLASS NEWS

’07

’08

Pres: Brady Beauchamp

Pres: Donald H. Horner III

Vice Pres: Major Benjamin Tuck e: Benjamin.Tuck07@gmail.com

Vice Pres: LCDR Gerald Brooks, USN

Treas: LCDR Patrick Sullivan e: patrick.timothy.sullivan@gmail.com

Sec’y: LCDR Dianna Dietrich, USN e: dianna.dietrich@gmail.com

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 0.91%

Sec’y: LCDR Dan Bellomo, USNR e: dbellomo@umich.edu Send Articles to: classofficersUSNA2007@gmail.com

Alright here it is – the 2022 Navy Football Schedule has been finalized, dates have been released, teams have been named, and we have started going into full blown reunion planning and logistics ramp up! Pending any lingering pandemic complications, overzealous senior Classes pulling rank on our ideas and venues, and WW3 – we are ago! Some quick generic details below, but more specifics will be put out via email and social media. If you are local to the DC/Virginia/Annapolis area and want to get more involved with the planning and execution of this Reunion, please reach out! We continue to look forward to seeing what the future can bring. Reunion update: Dates: 28-30 October 2022 What: 15th Class Reunion for 2007 What else: Navy beats Temple! Amplifying information: This is as official as it gets right now. We are trying to duplicate as best we can our 10 year and still be financially prudent with Class funds. Our next classmate update comes from Joshua Parsons (4th Company). Josh recently joined the State Department, taking the Oath of Office in January 2022 and officially becoming a Foreign Service Officer with Economic specialty. A ridiculous amount of congrats and excitement are passed to Josh and his wife Liz. In addition, they just received their first posting as bonafide diplomats and can be found in Athens, Greece starting in 2023. Not only does Josh now get to rock “diplomatic plates”, but he gets to officially visit the crew of “Below Deck Mediterranean” when they pull into Greece! Congrats Josh and Liz!! Keep sending us your submissions. We need them! We’ll take anything and everything! To our Classmates currently deployed and/or away from home – be safe and come back soon. We miss you! Your friends, Classmates, and loved ones wish you the best. For those of you stateside in Fall ’22, get ready for the Reunion, we are going to have a blast!

Mitch Harris celebrated the Navy win in person and alongside The Bachelor’s Matt James! Maybe we’ll see Matt at more Navy games?

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 1.68%

Treas: LCDR Daniel E. Foose, USN

Hello ’08! Happy 14-year anniversary of our graduation! Can you believe it’s been that long? Soon we’ll be celebrating our 15-year reunion! Enjoy some exciting news and fun Army/Navy football game pictures from classmates below: Congratulations to Scott Wallace and Julia Wallace who recently welcomed their newest family member, Levi, home from Korea after an arduous 5-week adoption journey. Siblings Lorelei and Ronan are ecstatic as are grandparents Sharon, Doug, Laura, and Jim (‘76).

Mitch Harris and Matt James

’09

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 0.97% Pres: LCDR Andrew Poulin, USN e: andrew.poulin09@gmail.com Vice Pres: LCDR Art Griffin, USN Treas: LCDR Cody Forsythe, USN Sec’y: Micky Matus, USN e: michaelmatus09@gmail.com Shipmate Submissions: e: Shipmate09@gmail.com

’10

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 0.71% Scott, Julia and their kids

No doubt the Army/Navy football game is watched all over the world and that is especially true for alumni scattered all over the globe. Amanda Towey celebrated Navy Football’s victory over Army this year at the O-Club in Yokosuka Japan with a 0530 Sunday morning kick off. Joined with fellow Academy grads Nathan Farish Class of 2010 and Elizabeth Moten Class of 2012.

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: 0.79% 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

Amanda Towey and her crew in Japan celebrating a Navy Win! MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 101

12/12 CLASS NEWS

’12

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 0.50% Pres: Capt Ian Cameron, USMC Vice Pres: LT Nicholas DeMasters, USN Treas: LT Nicolas Woods, USN Sec’y: LT Jane M. Baird, USN Send Articles to: shipmate2012@gmail.com

It’s hard to believe that 10 YEARS have passed since our own graduation and Commissioning Week. This issue’s column highlights members of our stellar Reunion Committee - volunteers from our class who are organizing a memorable weekend for the upcoming football season. Bravo Zulu, shipmates! Thank you for your hard work and looking forward to our 10-year reunion this fall!

Tyler Trombetta - Admin (online registration, database management)

TYLER TROMBETTA: M What company were you in? 16th Company Centurions Any USNA activities? YP Squadron, NAFAC, Powered Flight Club, Rock Climbing Team and Battalion Ops. Service selection? Naval Aviation Life, family updates? My wife Khouryanna. We have one cat “child”. Where are you now? Living in Ridgecrest, CA, testing Super Hornets and Growlers at VX-31. What are you most looking forward to at the reunion? Seeing everyone back in one place! I wasn’t able to make it to the 5-year reunion, so this is my first reunion.

NATE JESTER: M What company were you in? 3rd Company Any USNA activities? Club Boxing Service selection? Marine Corps Ground Where are you now? Transitioned from Active Duty in 2017 and attended Harvard Law School. Currently, practicing commercial real estate attorney in Atlanta, Georgia. Other roles: Board Member, Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, Inc.; Committee Member, Atlanta BeltLine TAD Advisory Committee; Vice President, Young Democrats of Atlanta. What are you most looking forward to at the reunion? Reconnecting with classmates

Pip Jones - Logistics (lodging, transportation, security)

PIP JONES: M What company were you in? 15th Company Feisty Goats Any USNA activities? Brigade SgtMaj Service selection? Marine Infantry Life, family updates? Engaged to be engaged Where are you now? Political neophyte, management consultant, USMCR (Marine Innovation Unit)

Codie Younger and Yana Kupke are serving as co-chairs of the Reunion Committee and will be organizing the memorial service.

CODIE YOUNGER: M Codie, what company were you in? 22nd Company Any USNA activities? Women’s Crew, Navigators, Dance Club Service selection? Surface Warfare Life, family updates? Married to Mark Elliott Johnson II (USNA ’12), we have a 7 yr old son named Josiah and a Carolina Dog named Scout. Where are you now? We live in Hampton Roads, VA where I work as a government contractor for Booz Allen Hamilton. What are you most looking forward to at the reunion? I am looking forward to catching up with all of our classmates!

Nate Jester - Logistics (lodging, transportation, security)

YANA KUPKE: M Yana, what company were you in? 9th Company Service selection? Surface Warfare Life, family updates? I have a Cane Corso named Gio. Where are you now? I live in Hampton Roads, VA where I work as a government service employee at US Fleet Forces. What are you most looking forward to at the reunion? I am looking forward to seeing old friends! ’12: Ben Ward - Operations, Golf Tournament 102 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

12/22 CLASS NEWS What are you most looking forward to at the reunion? Plebe Summer stories! BEN WARD: M What company were you in? 7th Company Mustangs Any USNA activities? Intramural Warrior, Oceanography Club, USNA Aviation Squadron, Platoon Commander and Squad Leader Service selection? NFO Life, family updates? I’m married to Ashley with three boys Carter (8), Dalton (3) and Emerson (1). Where are you now? I currently live in Winchester, VA and am working for GDIT as a Sr. Quality/Kaizen Specialist What are you most looking forward to at the reunion? I’m most looking forward to reconnecting with everyone, watching some good Navy football, and enjoying a fun round of golf.

’13

’18

Pres: LT John-Rex Spivey, USN e: johnrexspivey@gmail.com

Pres: LTJG Dan Stitt, USN

Vice Pres: LT Daniel Murphy, USN

Treas: LTJG Gio Hernandez, USN

Treas: 1stLT Ted Baumgardner, USMC

Sec’y: LTJG Rachel LaBuda, USN

Sec’y: LT Hannah Yun, USN

Send Articles to: 2018usna@gmail.com

’14

’19

Pres: 1stLt William R. Roberts, USMC

Pres: 2ndLt Isaac Phillips III, USMC

Vice Pres: 1stLt Conor J. Kearney, USMC

Vice Pres: ENS Tate Schumacher, USN

Treas: LTJG Emily L. Kreyenhagen, USN

Treas: ENS Leor Golan, USN

Sec’y: LTJG Elizabeth J. Powers, USN

Sec’y: ENS Gil Wright, USN

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 0.29%

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 0.48%

Send Articles to: shipmate2014@gmail.com

’15

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 0.78%

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 4.29%

’20

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 1.30% Pres: 2ndLt Mike Smith, USMC Vice Pres: 2ndLt John Finnegan, USMC

Vice Pres: LT Dylan Cawdery, USN p: 801-638-0724; e: dcawdery@gmail.com

Sec’y: ENS Nolan Kreipe, USN

Sec’y: CAPT Madeline Zell, USMC p: 410-370-3068; e: mad.zell.15@gmail.com

MIKE BRANT: M What company were you in? 5th Company Rocks - strong as rocks and twice as smart! Any USNA activities? Navy Wrestling Service selection? Marine Ground Life, family updates? Married to Meghan for nine years in April, and our Norah is 3. River the Great Pyrenees is 9! Where are you now? Trading US Rates for TD Securities in NYC What are you most looking forward to at the reunion? Drinking a few pops with my classmates.

Vice Pres: LTJG Michael Pahissa, USN

Pres: CAPT Ward “Bubba” Scott III, USMC p: 603-236-1011; e: wardscottiii@gmail.com

Treas: LT Joshua David Elliott p: 772-643-4468; e: joshuaelliott2015@gmail.com

Mike Brant - Operations

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 0.20%

’16

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 0.48% Pres: Capt Eric B. Kellogg, USMC Vice Pres: Capt Matthew L. Chavez, USMC Treas: LT Renata M. Kolinko, USN Sec’y: Capt Zachary L. Coffman, USMC Send Articles to: Shipmate2016@gmail.com

’17

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 0.0% Pres: 2ndLt Chosnel Raymond, USMC e: chosnel.ra@gmail.com 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

Treas: ENS Grayson Gossett, 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

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 0.0% Pres: MIDN Andre C. Rascoey, USN Vice Pres: MIDN Jonathan D. Miranda, USN Treas: MIDN Hampton B. Boyd, USN Sec’y: MIDN Rory S. Cox, USN

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

2022

ISSUE: June ’22 July-Aug ’22 September ’22

DUE DATE: Mar 28, 2022 May 26, 2022 Jun 27, 2022

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 103

CHAPTER NEWS 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

The Alabama Chapter meets for lunch at 11:30 on the Second Tuesday of each month at Daniel George restaurant located on 2837 Culver Rd., Mountain Brook, AL. No reservations are required and we have a private room. Come join us!!

Los Angeles Chapter

Sec’y: Jim Hillenmayer ’73 e: jhillenmayer73@msn.com

Pres: Shane Skopak ’05 e: shane.skopak@yahoo.com

Website: http://southernarizona.usnachapters.com

Vice Pres: Adrian Montecinos ’14 p: 562-587-3690; e: admont19@gmail.com

Arkansas

Sec’y: Russel Hill ’06 e: hill_russ2@live.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Scott Pursley e: Scott.J.Pursley@gmail.com

Arkansas Chapter Pres: Denny East ’08 e: denny.east5@gmail.com

BGO Acting Area Coordinator (LA County): Jim Trotter p: 909-631-7669; e: Jimstrotter@yahoo.com

Vice Pres: Doug Waller '02 e: waller_doug@yahoo.com Sec'y Treas: Jason Coyle '09 e: jason.coyle@gmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator (Riverside/San Bernardino): CDR Bill Lauper, USN (Ret.) p: 619-840-2846; e: lauperwm@gmail.com

Asia

Monterey Bay Chapter

BGO Area Coordinator: Wes Trubeville e: bgoarea501coordinator@gmail.com 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

Pres: COMMO Alberto B. Carlos ’89, AFP p: +63-2-525-1003; m: +63-917- 521-1637 e: carlosabet@yahoo.com

Treas: Jack Everett ’64 e: jeverett@quicknet.com

Singapore Chapter

Website: sacramento.usnachapters.net

Pres: Say Yong Tan ’05 e: say@2005.usna.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Bob Proano p: 530-274-9205; e: rproano730@gmail.com

Vice Pres: Andy Harrell e: andyh125@gmail.com Sec’y: LTJG Nicole Uchida ’12, USN e: Nicole.Uchida@fe.navy.mil

Republic of Korea Chapter Pres: CDR Chong (John) M. Yi ’85, USN e: John.M.Yi@raytheon.com

Sec’y: Steven W. Ranes ’02 e: StevenWRanes@gmail.com Website: http://arizona.usnachapters.com

104 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

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

CHAPTER SECRETARY COLUMN DEADLINES Send to: chapternews@usna.com

2022 ISSUE: July-Aug ’22 September ’22 October ’22

DUE DATE: Jun 1, 2022 Jun 30, 2022 Jul 28, 2022

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

Y AL UM

2021

I AT I O N

Pres: Capt David M. English ’86, USMCR e: David.English@1986.usna.com www.usna.com/Chapter/us/arizona

Vice Pres: Dr. Terry Brown ’67 p: 530-676-0327; e: twbrown@innercite.com

SOC

Arizona Chapter

Pres: Dennis P. Joyce ’61 p: 916-996-1333; e: djoyce1961@hotmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Capt. Chris Palmenberg e: palmenberg@yahoo.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Paul Kepner e: paulkepnerGONAVY@gmail.com

Website: www.groups.yahoo.com/communityusnaphil

Tokyo Bay Chapter

Arizona

Website: http://montereybay.usnachapters.net

Sec’y: Bob Bartron ’73 e: bobbartron@hotmail.com

South Alabama Chapter Sec’y: Ruth Lichtenfeld p: 251-343-6264; e: ruth29@bellsouth.net

Corr Sec’y: Steve Tackett ’87 e: stackett99@yahoo.com

Sec’y: Capt Carl Roy Catalan ’08, PMC (PN) p: +63-917-706-8042; e: Roitime23@gmail.com

Chapter Email: USNASG@gmail.com Pres: Brian Campbell ’94, USNR p: 251-776-4000; e: Brian.Campbell@1994.usna.com

Pres: LT Vic Kanth ’15 e: usnaalumnimontereybay@gmail.com

Sacramento Chapter

Philippines Chapter

The Chapter will host our annual Spring Leadership Award Dinner at the Vestavia Country Club on Saturday evening, 14 May. For information and reservations please contact our Executive Assistant at usna.ala@gmail.com

Treas: Michael Seaver 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

Guam Chapter

Attendees at our January gathering were (L to R) Morris Hackney ‘53, Greg Hess ’85, Dennis Read ‘59, Jim McVoy ‘49, John Vereen ‘00, Kristin Bakkegard ‘88, Kevin Patton ’85.

California

USNA Alabama Alumni Chapter

Pres: Thom Rossa ’63 e: TRossa@hayes-soloway.com

. N AVA L A

BGO Area Coordinator: Brian Campbell ’94, USNR p: 251-776-4000; e: Brian.Campbell@1994.usna.com

Southern Arizona Chapter

U.S

Alabama

DISTINGUISHED CHAPTER AWARD

Website: http://usnaaasd.com BGO Area Coordinator: Mike Philbrook ’83 e: michael.philbrook@1983.usna.com

The San Diego Chapter is coming back to life as things start to return to normal in San Diego. The mask requirement is optional for vaccinated people and unvaccinated should still wear one when in contact with other people. Fortunately for us our monthly meeting place is large and allows more than just elbow room to keep everyone safe. This month’s guest speaker was CAPT Gervy Alota ’98 who is the Commanding Officer of USS JOHN P MURTHA (LPD 26). CAPT Alota is a native of San Diego and holds a Masters degree from Webster University. If his name sounds familiar it’s because he was also the captain of the USNA football team his

CHAPTER NEWS first class year. CAPT Alota talked about his ship, his history and how important his Sailors were to him. His positive thinking and energy filled the room.

Santa Barbara Chapter Pres: Stephen L.A. Callahan ’81 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 CAPT Damon Dixon ’96, Brian Grana ‘96, Jeff Melody ’96, Kelly Smith ’98, CAPT Gervy Alota ’98 & Sal Convento ’96

We also celebrated CAPT Chic Bowling’s 100th birthday. Chic graduated with the Class of ’46. Congratulations to Chip!

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

Colorado Springs Chapter Pres: LCDR John Sledgianowski ’87, USN (Ret.) p: 719-287-2187; e: sledgesix@msn.com BGO Area Coordinator: CDR James Keating e: James.keating@bgo.usna.com

CAPT Chic Bowling ‘46

There are upcoming events which may have already passed by the time you read this. They include Alumni Happy Hour Mar 3 at the Coronado Municipal Golf Course Club House, Navy Track & Field Teams will be here for the San Diego Collegiate Challenge Mar 11 and the Ross & Sharon Irwin Meet Mar 19. Check our website if you are visiting for all of our activities and want to find classmates in the area. https://www.usnaaasd.com/

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

San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

Website: http://connecticut.usnachapters.net

Pres: Lauren (Baker) Cosgrave ’04 e: usnaaasf.president@gmail.com

Naval Academy Parent Club of CT Website: http://ct.usnaparents.net

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 Website: http://sfbayarea.usnachapters.net Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ usnaaasfbayarea Instagram: @usnaaa_sfbaychapter BGO Area Coordinator: LT Paul Kepner ’04, USN (Ret.) e: PaulkepnerGONAVY@gmail.com

SF Chapter President, Bobby Nefzger ’14, and his Team are planning: USS HORNET (USS HORNET Sea, Air & Space Museum) in Alameda, CA in late May or early June Golf Tournament in late June or July. Fliers will be emailed to Chapter members.

Aloha Shipmates! In past issues after COVID hit and while we were unable to meet in person, the subjects of this column was shifted to Our Mentors and Favorite Professors and other people and this transitioned into History in the Physical components of the Yard such as the Chapel, Chapel Doors, Bancroft Hall…. Those areas will be explored more deeply in the future, but this issue will focus on Midshipman Traditions… That Linger. It has been said several times that if you do something at Navy twice, it becomes a tradition. And examples can be found! The actions below are Learned at the Academy and, for some (or many) became a tradition: For me, Dave Candler: Always stand and sing at the playing of Navy Blue and Gold, and add the “Beat Army!” at the end.

For me: still fold my skivvies in the time-honored fashion. (Or as a True Navy Man once said: “There is another way???”) Jack Young: Always give myself a tuck with a dress shirt. Richard Strickland: Tuck all my shirts, including golf shirts. Georgie Johnson: To be on time!! Hyatt King: I still fold my underwear, tuck dress shirts and taught my wife how to make my bed! Bob O’Rourke: Start everyday with a shave, and making my bed. Be 5 minutes early for appointments, Keep haircuts close to reg.; tuck dress shirts… Ross Bagully: I clean the mirror over the sink every day since getting fried for that Plebe summer. (I was ICOR having no idea what ICOR even meant!) Bill Kalish: Gig line: belt buckle and trouser fly always lined up properly. On time means early. Jim McNeese: Plebe year I was in the old 1st Wing with splintery wooden decks. Still put on my trou without the legs touching the floor to keep from picking up dirt, splinters or lint. Bob Cassell: Whenever someone asks “What’s Up?” I automatically reply Fidelity… and then have to explain it. Randa Isabell (wife of Bob): I learned as a wife how to make beds properly; how to iron uniforms (didn’t last long); don’t kiss in public (didn’t last long either); and if you’re on time— you are late. Chuck Scherck: tucking shoelaces inside shoes before putting them in the rack. Never miss a payday (forgot to pickup my Plebe pay of $15, Mom had to send me $5! John O’Neill: Always on time. Dave Church: Ever since that second day of Plebe Summer I have drunk sugar-free iced tea. When I asked for the sugar I had to put the entire sugar bowl into my tea and drink it! Tim Martin: Spit shine my shoes still… and they look great! Ted Witt: Quick showers. Always on time. Jack Feehan: I drive my wife nuts. I fold all my skivvies and socks iaw Boat School Regs. And other Traditions: *Honor code *Haircuts- not just like the old days, but still reasonable *Respect *Lead, follow or at least get out of the way *Staying clean and tidy. Environment (ship, room, house…) tidy and Bristol Fashion *Leave the situation for the next watch better than you received it. And these are but a fraction, no doubt. Especially for those who served a career in the Navy and had opportunity to frequently reconfirm and practice these habits, they would be difficult to forget. So continue to remember our Shipmates and help those in need. Fair Winds and … Dave Candler ’67

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 105

CHAPTER NEWS

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

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

Delaware

Pres: Doug Backes ’70 e: dougbackes@aol.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Maj Brad Boyd ’87 p: 302-377-4479; e: Brad.Boyd@bgo.usna.com

Sec’y: Herbert John Andrews ’68 e: herbiejohn383@gmail.com

Delaware Chapter

BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Dennis R. Neutze ’65, JAGC USN (Ret.) p: 305-705-4722 ; e: dennis.navy65@googlemail.com

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 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

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

Website: southwestflorida.usnachapters.net

Greetings from our sunny Southwest Florida chapter. Our chapter started 2022 with several wonderful successes. The latest, our February luncheon included great entertainment plus recounting of times in service by three of our members. We now look forward to our March 28th luncheon with special guest speaker Chet Gladchuk. Consider joining our chapter if you are spending time 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 Activities Roundup: On February 7th , our Navy alumni golf team took on the Army and Air Force alumni in the 11th Annual Academy Challenge. Good news, we managed a close (8 strokes) second place finish. The coveted trophy went to the Air Force team (whose players included 5 Generals!). We did in fact Beat Army, but we would like to do even better. Thanks goes to co-captains Jim Mintun ’59 and for their stellar efforts. On Valentine’s Day 14 February we welcomed our significant others and our special entertainment guests Janie Spangler and Glen Loontjens of the local well-known event group.

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

Our guest speakers were our members. Four brave souls shared interesting stories of their time during service (academy and beyond). Speakers included: Bailey Geeslin ’60 USCGA relating his time as a young Coast Guard LTJG performing Shore Patrol duties at Guantanamo Naval Station; Herb Andrews’68 talking about interesting times at NAPS; David Finch ‘67 sharing lessons learned during his command at sea aboard a US SSN and Vince Obsitnik ’59 sharing a few of his submarine service tales. Well done all! Wed March 28 –It’s our Navy Athletics Luncheon: We are so pleased to have secured again the USNA Director of Athletics, Mr. Chet Gladchuk during his recruiting trip through Southwest Florida. (It has been a couple of years since his last visit). We plan to show our appreciation and make this our best attended event of the season! Many thanks go out to David Finch ’67 who arranged this special event. It is of special notice that for this school year, Navy teams are 17 -1 over Army!! Chet has led that effort all the way! Chet and his staff give us the best information on USNA plans and actions for a superior athletic experience for Midshipmen as well as fielding nationally ranked varsity teams. Our April luncheon at Wyndemere CC is still in the planning stages. Our Secretary Herb Andrews is working on getting a special possible speaker, here’s hoping it works out. We will keep you informed. That will complete our 2021-2022 season activities. 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 announcements will go out approximately 2 weeks prior to each event. Final thought by Herb! 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.usna chapters.net. Herb Andrews ’68, Secretary, herbiejohn383@gmail.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

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The Vanderbilt Strings

Thank you, Herb Andrews ’68, who arranged for them to perform. They kept us in the Valentine’s Day mood for 90 musically beautiful minutes.

Space Coast Chapter Pres: CAPT Pete Peterson ’56, USN (Ret.) p: 321-952-2066; e: RETEP401@gmail.com Sec’y: LtCol Tom Schwartz ’56, USAF (Ret.) p: 321-255-5452 ; e: thomasschwartz@bellsouth.net BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard O’Sullivan ’77, USN (Ret.)

CHAPTER NEWS nized as a Distinguished Chapter for the second straight year in 2021. Quoting from the letter of recognition received from USNAAA, “Your chapter has performed exceptionally, through extremely difficult COVID affected conditions. Your volunteer team provided steady leadership, effective communications, organizationally aligned messaging, and provided an opportunity for your chapter members and others to connect in person and/or in a virtual setting. We appreciate your outstanding service and commitment to our Naval Academy alumni, parents, and friends within your area.” - Craig Washington, EVP Congratulations and thanks to our Tampa Bay Chapter members that keep our chapter robust, active and focused on supporting USNA.

Tampa Bay Chapter: CDR Brian Bourgeois ’01 was honored and memorialized at the 13th Annual Tampa Bay Frogman Swim. 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

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Pres: CAPT Chris Heath ’72, USN (Ret.) p: 813-210-2615 e: christopherheath.fl@gmail.com

SOC

Tampa Bay Chapter

BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Steve Swift ’87, USNR e: sswift@1987.usna.com

DISTINGUISHED CHAPTER AWARD

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 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 the annual Gasparilla Festival in Tampa passed, the Tampa Bay Chapter gathered for our monthly meeting in February. A lively discussion of the Gasparilla festival ensued, and we learned the details and workings of the pirate ship and crew that has “invaded” Tampa Bay each year since 1904. Needless to say, the good order and discipline that was imbued in

our Alumni from day one of Plebe Summer does not emerge among the pirates during the Gasparilla festival. Our February attendees included Miller Detrick ’63, Tim Corcoran ’67, Perry Dempsey ’72, Bill Graham ’72, Chris Heath ’72, John Kamen ’77, Don Aiken ’78, Thomas Hartline ’81, James Hamm ’84, Jane Lochner ’84, Paul Matthews ’85, Steve Swift ’87, Maria and Maj Gen Paul Rock ’88, James Castano ’91, Leon Jablow ’91, Chris Thompson ’92, John Miles ’93, Jon Calvert ’95, Derrick Clark ’98, and Brian Tsai ’16. We were also honored to have A.J. Bauer and Ted Ahrens from the USNA Foundation join us for our meeting. A.J. and Ted provided our group with updates on the USNA foundation, foundation programs, and the progress of construction of the new Alumni Association and Foundation Center. Another guest at our monthly gathering was future Midshipman Ryan Matthews (son of Paul ’85) who will begin his journey at USNA as part of the Class of 2026. The 13th Annual Tampa Bay Frogman Swim swim portion was cancelled due to gale force winds, however, the celebration of the SEALs that have given their all, such as former Fishawk resident from 2017-2019, CDR Brian Bourgeois ‘01, continued at Hula Bay. Some swimmers swam the distance to honor them as well after the fact. Board elections took place in late February. Results will be available in the next issue of SHIPMATE and on the chapter’s social media sites. The key officer roles were not up for reelection. As we continued preparations for the Chapter’s annual Candidate Picnic, we were pleased to learn that the Tampa Bay Chapter was recog-

The Tampa Chapter President, Chris Heath ’72, proudly displays the Distinguished Chapter Awards presented to the Tampa Chapter for 2020 and 2021!

Future Events Monthly Meetings Army-Navy golf (May) Check Us Out Chapter Facebook Page (https://www.facebook. com/pages/USNA-Alumni-TampaSt-Petersburg/ 120095454740213?sk=wall), our Website – http://tampabay.usnachapters.net/ and/or our LinkedIn Page https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3912975/

Georgia Atlanta Chapter Pres: DJ Marzetta ’94 p: 404-996-7019; e: djmarzetta@gmail.com Website: http://www.usnaaaa.com BGO Area Coordinator (Atlanta/North Georgia): Deborah Catrini e: deborah.catrini@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator (Southern Georgia): Ryan McDonel e: rmcdonel.usna@gmail.com

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CHAPTER NEWS Remember...all alums, fans, friends, & family are invited. What an opportunity to hang out with great folks and hear “one of a kind” sea stories!

Hawaii Hawaii Chapter National Chapter Trustee: Steve Colon ’81 Pres: Ted Peck ’88 p: 808-371-7514; e: ted.peck@gmail.com Vice Pres: Keno Knieriem ’06 e: keno@honokea.com Sec’y: Deni Baykan ’04 e: deniz.baykan@mac.com Treas: Tom Marzec ’87 e: tamarzec@gmail.com Parent’s Club Pres: Mason Savage (Jacob ’22, Jordan ’24) BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Jason Afong ’06 e: jason.afong.navy@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/USNAAA. Honolulu/; https://www.facebook.com/NavalAcademy Hawaii/

Idaho BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Todd Severance ’92, USN (Ret.) p: 208-620-9436; e: tjseverance1992@gmail.com

Northwest Chapter Pres: Raymond Kutch ’63 e: rjkutch@comcast.net

Southern Idaho Chapter Pres: Andrea Hovey ’03 e: andrea.hovey@gmail.com Vice Pres: Paul Campbell ’98 e: Paul.Campbell@1998.usna.com Sec’y: Joan Taylor (wife of CAPT Rufus Taylor ‘66, USN (Ret.)) e: foozhigger@gmail.com Treas: Dennis Hanrahan ’68 e: dennisdannyehanrahan@gmail.com Idaho Parents’ Club President: Nicola McIntosh (Luke ’24) e: themacs97@hotmail.com.

The January event for Southern Idaho Chapter was a Boise Hawks hockey game which honored members of the pre-commissioning crew of the USS IDAHO (SSN799) which is currently under construction.

L to R: Rick Schellhaus ’68, Tom Neville ’68, Natty Neville and Dennis Hanrahan ’68 gather around the oldest World War II veteran in attendance at the Army-Navy game in December.

The Southern Idaho Chapter (SIC) meets monthly. Alumni and their spouses/SOs living in or visiting the Boise area are invited to join us. If you would like information about SIC activities, contact Rufus Taylor ‘66 at medmoored@gmail.com.

A recent luncheon at Bar Louie.

Illinois Chicago Chapter 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 Website: http://chicago.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator (Northern, IL incl Chicago): LCDR Drew Thomas ’04, USNR p: 317 682 8441; e: drew.thomas@bgo.usna.com BGO Area Coordinator (Southern, IL): Gene Marquez e: gdsm_marquez@charter.net

Indiana BGO Area Coordinator: Kurt Greggs e: Greggsusnabgo@gmail.com

Indianapolis Chapter CDR Lynn Thomas ’83 h: 317-329-1773; e: lynntw@aol.com

Michiana Chapter Pres: John Ross ’94 e: johnwmross@me.com 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 Treas: John Strauss ’69 e: e:jstrauss3373@att.net

Laurna Simmons, Tom Simmons ’73, and Cody Rome ’12 are in the foreground of the USS Idaho cheering section.

The February meeting was held on line to demonstrate the new myUSNA.com website. Andrea Hovey ’03 demonstrated many of the features of the new website.

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Greetings all. As I write this column in February, there’s snow falling outside the window and according to the news, another “monster storm” heading towards the East Coast. Oh well, time to get the snow shovel out again. I’m hoping when this Shipmate issue arrives in May that Spring will have arrived in the Midwest. Time for the Dark Ages to be through! Our South Bend/Michiana Chapter continues to meet at the Bar Louie location at 7320 Aspect Drive, Granger, IN. The meeting is the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 12PM.

Our Lucky Bag foto & mystery midshipman!

A recent luncheon foto shows President John Ross ’94, meeting with Debby & Pat Sloan ’75, & Joan & Chris Haizlip ’72. The hot topic is figuring out the name of the midshipman in the mystery foto. We have a new mystery foto this month & we will offer this clue: the mid’s nickname at USNA was “Toad.”

Iowa See Minnesotta Send Shipmate input to: Nathan CW Smith ’98 e: nathancwsmith@outlook.com BGOArea Coordinator: Ted Olt III ’85 p: 563-355-1709; e: tolt@l-wlaw.com

CHAPTER NEWS

Kentucky 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 BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Gregory Reinhardt ’79, USN (Ret.) p: 502-244-7707; e: greinhardt@1979.usna.com

Louisiana Louisiana Chapter Pres: Garrett Miller ’95 p: 985-590-2425, e: torrens.miller@gmail.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 Treas: Drew Dodenhoff ’70 e: drewdode@yahoo.com Website: http://www.USNALouisiana.org BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Jessica Thornhill ’01 e: jessica.mp.thornhill@gmail.com

Maine Maine Chapter Pres: Jen Bohr Tyll ’01 e: jenbohrtyll@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: LT Jen Bohr Tyll ’01, USNR p: 207-829-8159; e: jenbohrtyll@gmail.com

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/

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

Michigan Detroit 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

BGO Area Coordinator: Kevin Schaaff e: Kevin.Schaaff@bgo.usna.com

Website: http://detroit.usnachapters.net

EVENTS As I write this, it’s the “Dark Ages”, darn those pesky deadlines! If you were expecting a long report on lots of events, prepare to be disappointed in this issue! You must realize not much happens in the “Dark Ages”! Even those folks unaffiliated with USNA and good old Mother “B” can understand the ennui that sets in between Christmas Leave or “end-of-term exams”, depending on your USNA generation and “Spring Break”, or whatever it’s called now. So, sit back and enjoy your fireplace and your lot in life which puts your Commissioning as an Ensign or 2nd Lieutenant in the rear-view mirror. And enjoy the “Dark Ages”!!! Hopefully, you locals lightened your mood by coming to our “Dark Ages” Dinner on February 25! And, please, don’t forget that I’m still looking for “Eggs and Legs” origin stories! If you’ve got one, please send it to me. I assure you that I won’t comment on grammar or punctuation.

BGO Area Coordinator (Eastern): CAPT Michael Johnson ’79, USNR e: mj007mj@hotmail.com

ALUMNI IN THE NEWS Please see Future Issues of Shipmate! COMING EVENTS Date TBD in May! (sometime after finals, but, before Commissioning Week): Midshipman Luncheon. Come on out to recognize Southern Maryland members of the Class of 2022 and their families. 1700, 2nd Wednesday (pls 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!

Communications Sec’y: Chris Bernard ’88 e: gcb117@gmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator (West & Upper): Col. Benjamin Richmond ’93, USMCR e: brichmond97@earthlink.net

Minnesota 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 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

Welcome to Spring, Shipmates. No updates right now, but stay tuned for activities from your local Chapter. Go Navy!

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

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ 1118214745191/ (or search for: Naval Academy Alumni Annapolis Chapter)

Massachusetts

BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Charles Mello e: Charlesmello@gmail.com

Pres: James Kras ’69 141 Dorchester Ave., Unit 406, South Boston, MA 02127-1836 p: 617-645-1032; e: jameskras@comcast.net

Baltimore Chapter

Shipmate contact: CAPT Pete Seibert ’65 p: 781-235-5909; e: pkseibert@comcast.net

Vice Pres: Victor Hurlbert ’10 p: 816-665-1647; e:vhurlbert@wradvisors.com

Website: http://boston.usnachapters.com

Treas: Jack Rush ’73 e: jackrush7376@gmail.com

Pres: Jason Hardebeck ’87 p: 443-269-1599; e: jhardebeck@whoglue.com

Boston Chapter

BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Charles Mello e: Charlesmello@gmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator (Boston and SE Mass): Kimber Johnston e: Kimber.Johnson@bgo.usna.com

Join the Chapter: https://www.signupnow.events/USNA Alumni Chapter_ Annapolis/

BGO Area Coordinator (N Shore and Central Mass): CDR David Grim e: david.grim@1982.usna.com

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ 1118214745191/ (or search for: Naval Academy Alumni Annapolis Chapter)

Missouri Greater Kansas City Metro Chapter Pres: Bob Culler ’74 p: 913-488-6319; e: bculler@sbcglobal.net

Website: http://KansasCity.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: Lee Gilgour e: Gilgour42@gmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator (Western Mass): Mike Cousins e: Cuztri67@gmail.com

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CHAPTER NEWS 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

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

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

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

Officer Forum (ICOF). Mr. Ken Fladager ’78, who volunteers to serve as our Chapter Treasurer will attend the Forum scheduled to be conducted on May 11th and 12th. A report to the Chapter is normally provided by the ICOF Chapter representative after their attendance. One of the most challenging issues that a graduate can face after completing their military service obligation is to move to a new city and begin a business. That issue has been met by Kentucky native Ms. Tasha Druggan ’13, who came to Albuquerque in 2018. A short assignment to Kirtland Air Force Base was enough to impress her with our mild climate, scenic mountain surroundings, and affordable cost of living. Having run track for Navy and trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, she mainly looked for a business where she could set her own schedule and stay active. She started small with dog walking, dog boarding, and house sitting, accumulating customers by word of mouth. Just as her efforts were beginning to pay off, the pandemic hit, and her former customers began working from home, no longer needing her services. She made it through the lean times, and now her clients are returning as pandemic restrictions are lifting. Her story came to the attention of the Albuquerque Journal newspaper, which printed an article about her business titled “Leader of the Pack” in the Friday, February 18th, 2022 edition on page B5.

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 (North NJ):Marcy Abbate e: Abbate.Marcy.M@gmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Jeff Hughes e: Jeffrey.M.Hughes1@gmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator (South NJ): Martha Christinziano e: Christinziano.area114@gmail.com

Central New York Chapter

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 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

The New Mexico Chapter is responding to the call for Chapter representatives to meet in Annapolis for the annual International Chapter

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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 is being 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

CHAPTER NEWS Western New York Chapter

Eastern North Carolina Chapter

Pres: Dan Sullivan ’95 p: 585-410-1941; e: daniel.sullivan@savox.com

Pres: Rob Skrotsky ’67 P.O. Box 847, New Bern, NC 28563 h: 252-514-0299; e: robert.skrotsky@1967.usna.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Doug Peters ’73 e: douglastpeters@gmail.com

Sec’y: Tim Marvin ’59 P.O. Box 731, Kure Beach, NC 28449-0731 e: tmarvin738@charter.net

We welcome alumni to join at any time. Our next (virtual) chapter meeting will be 7 March. We plan to recognize area appointees to the Class of 2026 at a dinner in May, tentatively scheduled for 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; daniel.sullivan@savox.com VP: Pete Owen ’86; (949) 701-2733; pfowen0302@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: Doug Peters ’73; douglastpeters@gmail.com Web page: http://westernny.usnachapters.net/ Beat Army! Pete

Treas: Randy Bogle ’68 4308 Periwinkle Pl., New Bern, NC 28562 p: 252-631-3109; e: rbogle1968@gmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Col. Kevin Hart ’75, USMCR (Ret.) p: 847-910-4502; e: kevinphart1@gmail.com

Cape Fear Chapter Pres: Ray Decker ’72 p: 703-939-0202; e: dax24@icloud.com

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

North Carolina Triangle Chapter Pres: CAPT Steve Gillespie ’87, USN (Ret.) e: smgillespie44@gmail.com Sec’y: Chris Perrien ’74 e: ibmchris@mac.com

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Charlotte Chapter

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Chapter

The February meeting was at Camp Lejeune on Thursday, the 24th. The chapter has moved to the 4th Thursday so the April meeting at Camp Lejeune is on the 28th. Ten members and guests were at the club for a great discussion about the world of bicycle shops and bicycle racing. Jack Kane of The Bicycle Shop in Jacksonville and the renown Jack Kane Racing discussed getting the shop going and how he creates unique bicycles for professional and amateur racers around the country. Many of his racing bikes have been seen racing in other countries but he does not sell outside of the US. Several members are bicycle enthusiasts so we finally concluded lunch around 1345 after quite a bit of discussion. Navy took two of the three baseball games against Air Force in Kinston; they looked pretty good. The May meeting will be at a restaurant not yet determined in New Bern. Rob Skrotsky ’67

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Sec’y/Treas: Steve Yandle ’75 e: sryusna75@gmail.com

Ohio

Website: http://easternnc.usnachapters.com

Vice Pres: Paul Normand ’74 e: paulnormand@mac.com

Blue & Gold Area Coordinator: Mary Plumb e: Mary.plumb@yahoo.com

North Carolina

See Minnesota Send Shipmate input to: Nathan CW Smith ’98 e: nathancwsmith@outlook.com

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Website: http://westernny.usnachapters.net/

Upper Midwest Chapter

Vice Pres: Rick Kunkel ’67 p: 910-347-6251; e: rkunkel@ec.rr.com

U.S

Vice Pres: Pete Owen ’86 p: 949-702-2733; e: pfowen0302@gmail.com

North Dakota

DISTINGUISHED CHAPTER AWARD

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

LinkedIn Group: http://linkedin.com/groups/8344487

Salute to ’22 – Congratulations on your upcoming Commissioning! On behalf of the Charlotte Alumni Chapter, we salute and thank you. Good luck in the Fleet. Feb 17, 2022 Event Recap: Chapter get together at Lenny Boy. The chapter held its first successful event of 2022. Great time had by those able to attend! Upcoming Event – 11 June 2022: Race to the Taste 5k. A fun, family event to participate in as a Chapter. There’s also a 1mile cupcake run/walk. The event starts at 9am; more details about the race will be sent via email. General Announcement: Check out My USNA.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.

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 Website: http://www.usnacinci.org BGO Area Coordinator: Bryan Grubert e: bryan.grubert@gmail.com

Shipmates & Friends - This is to let you know that earlier this week, Gaby Blocher (USNA ’98) and I (’74 - and oh yeah, the hands-down best class!) switched our leadership positions in the Cincinnati Chapter of the USNA Alumni Association. I turned over the purse strings to her; she is now the Treasurer, and I am honored to be your President. Gaby and I have become good friends during this process, and I want to thank her for her fine leadership of the Chapter. I look forward to continue working with her, along with Jen Yuchaz and Jon-Michael Pollock, in our future endeavors. I anticipate your continued strong support. My contact info is below; please do not hesitate to get a hold of me if you have anything to discuss. BEAT ARMY! Earle “Bud” Babcock

Cleveland Chapter 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

Charlotte Chapter: 17 February 2022 event at Lenny Boy

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Vice Pres: Ben Sandman ’10 e: bensandman2@gmail.com

Pres: CDR Tony Konecny ’79, USN (Ret.) e: adkonecny79@gmail.com

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Columbus

Columbus Chapter

DISTINGUISHED CHAPTER AWARD

Sec’y: Dave Goins ’84 e: dgoins84@gmail.com 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

recognized as a Distinguished Chapter for superior administration and alumni engagement. Here is a picture of the trophies that commemorate that accomplishment. On February 2, 2022, Chapter President Tony Konecny ’79 attended a College Commitment Signing Ceremony at Darby-Hilliard High School in which Blake Horvath committed to attend USNA as a member of the Class of 2026. Blake is an outstanding student, citizen, and was recruited as a Quarterback by Coach Niumatalolo.

Website: https://columbus_usnachapter.net/ FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ 100549757152451/

The Alumni Association is implementing a new communication and engagement platform called myUSNA.com The new tool is very powerful and will enhance alumni experience through a more professional system that should make it easier to stay connected to the Alumni Association and to interact with fellow alumni. The Columbus Chapter was selected as one of eight chapters to be the first to receive myUSNA.com due to our already strong communication abilities. In order to activate your myUSNA.com, you must go to https://www. usna.com/find-connect-myusna to register. The officers and board members are in the process of a campaign to educate Chapter members and bring everybody on board the new platform.

Toledo Chapter Pres: CDR Meghan Michael ’97, USN (Ret.) e: meghanmichael@me.com BGO Area Coordinator: Mr. Arthur Wickerham e: artwickerham@gmail.com

Oklahoma BGO Area Coordinator: Jeff Stewart e:jeff.stewart@hpidc.com

Oklahoma City Chapter Pres: Jonathan Mason ’07 e: jrmason03@gmail.com

Twitter: @USNAAACbus

BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT D. Michael Crites ’70, USNR (Ret.) e: mcrites@dinsmore.com

Vice Pres: Patrick Hamilton ’87 e: patrickhami@gmail.com

(Shipmate apologizes for the omission of this text and photo from the January-February Shipmate.) A good crowd gathered on November 3, 2021, at the Wine Bistro in Upper Arlington for Pub Night. The drink selection, food and atmosphere were excellent. A few attendees ordered the crab cakes. They were very good, but it is tough to beat the local flavor of Annapolis crab. Attending were Jim (’66) and Dana Cowardin, Tom (’70) and Libby Gomia, Wayne (’71) and Lisa Hallenbeck, Dave (’78) and Nancy Guza, Dave Goins (’84), Mark Andreas (’85), Todd Forney (’86), Chris Rosen (’90), and Rachelle Nowlin (’92).

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Pres: Rocky Goins ’84 e: rockygoins@hotmail.com

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Parents’ Club President: Eric Forrest e: Ea4rest@gmail.com

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Tulsa Chapter

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Instagram: USNAAACbus

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ groups/12356597/

DISTINGUISHED CHAPTER AWARD

Sec’y and Treas: Kasey (Cregge) Carradini ’84 e: kcarradini@hotmail.com Website: http://tulsa.usnachapters.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USNA-Alumni-TulsaChapter-2202431113307009/

Tony Konecny ‘79 and Blake Horvath

The Tulsa Chapter had their annual luncheon with local Midshipmen and their families to catch up on new and not-so-new stories.

From left to right: Shea Ferrell ‘81, Willow Harbert, Kasey Carradini ’84, Nicole Breen ’13, Becky Schofield, Patrick Hamilton ’87, Kathy Harbert, Carol Phelan, Rocky Goins ’84, George Carradini ’84, Bennet Cline Moudy ’22, Alexandria Schofield ’22, Addison Schofield ’25, Ash Harbert ’24, Jenna Holderman and Craig LaGrone Sr. ‘67. 2020 & 2021 Distinguished Chapter Awards

As mentioned in the March-April 2022 edition of Shipmate, the Columbus Chapter has been 112 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

Blake Horvath Darby-Hillard High School

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Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter

Oregon

DISTINGUISHED CHAPTER AWARD

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

RV Chapter

BGO Area Coordinator: Capt. Jill Richards e: gillianac@comcast.net

Pittsburgh Chapter

Website: oregon.usnachapters.net

Pres: Conor McKenzie ’06 e: cmckenzie@janney.com

The chapter was able to get back on track in February with our annual Valentines Dinner. Attending were Mike Carmichael ’69 and his wife Suzie, Doug Ballard ’74, Tony Lash ’58 (VMI), Ted Scypinski ’90, George Schultz 72(NAPS) and his wife Jolee, Jim Unger ’53, John Adams ’69 and his wife Barbara, Scott Fitzpatrick ’80, Frank Swientek and his wife Diane. It was great to get together again. See picture below of one of our tables with flowers.

Website: Pittsburgh.usnachapters.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/usnaaa pittsburgh/

Shipmate inputs to: ‘Nita Parry e: mauryplace@aol.com

Pres: Del Becker ’85 p: 717-537-5732; e: delbecker@gmail.com Sec’y: Tim Farrell ’76 e: Tim Farrell@1976.usna.com

The Class of 1976 was most represented at our monthly gathering on January 20. Our chapter gathers the third Thursday every month 1630-1900 at Mad Chef Craft Brewing, East Petersburg to swap sea stories and enjoy craft beer and snacks. Please bring your family and friends and join us.

Pennsylvania Website: http://philadelphia.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Tim Farrell ’76, USN (Ret.) e: tim.farrell@1976.usna.com

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Sec’y: Scott Rodgers ’78

Susquehanna Valley Chapter

BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Matt Chabal ’77 e: chabal@1977.usna.com

Pres: Rob Bender ’73 p: 267-625-3459; e: rbender@travismanion.com

Pres: Jack Parry ’67 e: eeusna67@aol.com Treas: Dale Gange ’70 14518 Black Bear Rd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418

Website: http://www.usnasvc.com

Philadelphia Chapter

American Chapter

BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT David Gates ’77, USN (Ret.) p: 724-632-6621; e: LJreese357@aol.com

Treas: Charlie Perkins ’71 e: CharlesPerkins71@gmail.com

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, and Ted Scypinski ’90. Next Month will be a real treat as Rich Waldon, parent of a 2010 grad and longtime Afghanistan contractor will speak to us about his recent book “One Brick at a Time, Winning the Hearts and Minds of the Afghanistan People”.

Recreational Vehicle

Left to right: Tim Farrell ’76, Dave Lawrence ’76, Dave Teply ’74

Beat Army! Tim Farrell ’76 Commander, United States Navy, Retired Secretary, Susquehanna Valley Chapter

More than 80 years are available online to all Alumni Association members. Visit usna.com/shipmate.

Website: www.rv.usnachapters.net Facebook: USNA RV CHAPTER

After a year gap because of COVID & with a huge thanks to NAS Key West Commanding Officer Captain Mark Sohaney USN, this RV Chapter resumed a 2-decade old tradition of gathering at NAS Truman Annex, the REAL Southern Most of the Point of the USA, to celebrate winter. Firsties Ellen & Tom Shields ‘70 created this 21st KW Come-Around with a capacity gathering included long-standing chapter members as well as welcoming these eight (8) new members — Jen & Michael Weiner ‘87; Gail & Dave Penman ‘75; Pamela & Lee Van Oss ‘73; Angela ‘83 & Daniel ‘82 Brady — for their 1st Key West. Experienced hands were: Karen Drake ‘01 & her fiancé Pete Silaghi; Tom Keane ‘87; Jerry Cribb & Kathy Shanebrook ‘80; Eileen & John Madaio ‘77; Wendy & Kirk Daniels ‘75; Eva & Andy Wehrle ‘72; Allison & Marty McGee ‘72; Jim Salamon ‘72; Su & Dale Gange ‘70; JJ Tucker & Marc Farris ‘70; Rose & Tom Wolfe ‘70; Melinda & Royal Connell ‘70; Val & Gary Polansky ‘69; Vicki & Mike Tkach ‘68; Stevie & Hank Giffin ‘67; Patti & Jay Williams ‘67; ‘Nita & Jack Parry ‘67; Elizabeth & Mike Currie ‘67; Barbara & Bill McCracken ‘67. Special guest was Sofi Loomis ‘99, USNAAA Senior Director, Alumni Regional Engagement & Outreach, who joined this traditional “beach party” to update RVers on USNA happenings. Sadly, Mother Nature also attended resulting in cancellation of some events as strong winds & heavy rains impacted all the great planning by our Firsties. Over our 9-day “Beach Party”, events included: Executive Director Emeritus at Harry S. Truman Little White House regaling us about the Navy’s influence on Truman Annex & anecdotes about the Truman Presidency; Informative briefing tour of the Army Special Forces Underwater Warfare Operations School, led by “The School

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CHAPTER NEWS House” OIC, a WooPoo from USMA ‘09 who received a rousing “BEAT ARMY” salute; 3-hour bike tour of Historic Old Town Key West; Sunset Cruise with Sebego Watersports, just offshore from our Truman Annex campsite & including free-flowing choices of wine, beer or champagne; Tour of the Navy’s newest addition to The Fleet, USS SAVANNAH, a Littoral Combat Ship (LCS 28) for anti-submarine warfare, only 6-days following commissioning in Brunswick, Georgia; Game Day competitions in cornhole, freesbie, golf pitch, football toss & farkle; Experiencing some of Key West best eating at Chico’s Cantina & El Siboney, Home of Fine Cuban Cuisine & the original Better Than Sex Dessert Restaurant for intriguing desserts & drinks in addition to our Welcoming Orientation Dinner of Publix’s fried chicken, our own Pot Luck Grilled Dinners & Happy Hour Appetizers; Spouse Board Representative gathering to gain ideas & feedback as much of Come-Around planning & implementation involves spouses who take on a large load of work either as Co-Firsties or help as work crew; Super Bowl LVI Viewing Party on an RV outdoor 50” screen; Farewell Breakfast of candy kisses & danishes for Valentine’s Day. Setting a record, the Chapter White Elephant Auction was the usual fun as well as helping to clean member’s cabinets, garages, attics & so forth while also solving some Valentine gift dilemmas. Farewells are always somewhat sad after a fun & active week, but all part of the RV lifestyle “until we meet again”. As you read this Key West report, the Chapter will have already concluded Come-Arounds in Fredericksburg, Texas & points further west so the fun continues across the country.

Rhode Island

Charleston 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 Website: www.RickSteinOnline.com

Low Country Chapter

Website: http://k-or.usnachapters.net/

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

Central Savannah River Area

Sec’y: Dustin Cunningham ’06

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 BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard Cataldi ’69, USN (Ret.) p: 865-966-4677; e: cdrcataldi@tds.net

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

Vice Pres: Mike Epprecht ’65 e: mike.epprecht65@gmail.com Treas: “Mac” Mclain ’69

Sec’y: Chuck Tebrich ’66 e: chuckteb@gmail.com Website: www.usnasc.org

South Dakota

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 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

Send Shipmate input to: Nathan CW Smith ’98 e: nathancwsmith@outlook.com

Website: http://www.alamo.usnachapters.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Sharon Holt ’00 p: 605-390-3430; e: holtsharonl@aol.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Dave Driskell ’63 p: 210-275-4011; e: daved@frand.com

(Aiken, SC; Augusta, GA; and surrounding areas) Pres: LtCol Dave Smith ’73, USMC (Ret.) e: dsmith708@atlanticbb.net

Facebook: Alamo Chapter NAAA

Austin Chapter Pres: Brad Holbrook ’06 p: 410-718-8839; e: bradley.holbrook@gmail.com

Sec'y: Bob Van Buren ’63 e: bobjanvb@aol.com

Treas: Kevin Windbigler ’86 p: 512-923-5010; e: hans2886@austin.rr.com

Website: http://csra.usnachapters.com

STAY CONNECTED Find a Chapter. usna.com/FindAChapter

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Treas: Cassidy Masey ’06 e: cassidy.a.massey@gmail.com

Pres: Jerry Pilewski ’97 e:palmettousna@usna.com Sec’y: Suzanne Hopper e: hoppermomx6@gmail.com

Pres: Craig Augenstein ’87 4847 Furman Ave., Columbia, SC 29206 p: 803-309-3060; e: Craigaugenstein@gmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT A.J. Olsen e: Aljolsen_1920@yahoo.com

Vice Pres: Ryan Eilerman ’15

Palmetto Chapter

Rhode Island Chapter

South Carolina

Rota Chapter Pres: Michael Carsley ’88 e: michael.carsley@eu.navy.mil

South Carolina Midlands Chapter

Sec’y: COL Paul Muller ’88, USMC (Ret.) p: 401-248-3405; e: usmctanker@cox.net

BGO Area Coordinator: Wes Trubeville e: bgoarea501coordinator@gmail.com

On Monday February 21, The Charleston Chapter held its Monthly Luncheon. Our Speaker was RADM George Voelker ’72, USN (Ret.) who spoke on the Athletic and Scholarship Programs. In Attendance were: Fuzzy Knight ‘53; Tom Mayberry ‘53; Jim Flatley ‘56; Curt Holcomb ‘61; Ray Setser ‘65; Jim Welsch ‘67; Chuck Meyer ‘68; Mike Malone ‘69; Charlie Young ‘70; Mike Clawson ‘72; Rik Dilgren ‘72; George Voelker ‘72; Steve Weise ‘74; Jim Lyons ‘74; Dennis Simon ‘77; Dan Cloyd ‘79; John Blackburn ‘82; Chris Cechak ‘82; Rick Stein ‘82; Jeff Gordon ‘83; Seamus Flatley ‘83; Greg Shore ‘84; and Pat Hunkler ’89. The Chapter mourns the passing of LCDR Dave (Jack) Belton ’62, USN (Ret.). The Charleston Chapter meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 12 Noon in Mount Pleasant. No reservation required.

BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Stuart Craig ’86, USN (Ret.) e: sbcraig@1986.usna.com

Pres: Mike O’Sullivan ’73 p: 401-742-7091; e: michael.osullivan1973@gmail.com

Spain

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

CHAPTER NEWS

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

North Texas Chapter: Mark Lambright 75 and USNA gymnastics team

Website: www.usnaaa-ntx.com

Treas: Rich Bulger ’69 e: rlbulger69@gmail.com

DISTINGUISHED CHAPTER AWARD

Website: txgulfcoast.usnachapters.net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USNAAATxGC/

Pre: Bill Murray ’83 e: whmurray34@gmail.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

United Kingdom BGO Area Coordinator: Wes Turbeville ’01 e: bgoarea501coordinator@gmail.com

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Pres: Renee Reedy ’81 e: reedy81@usnahamptonroads.com h: 757-312-8969; w: 757-328-0030

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We had another February freeze this year that delayed our monthly luncheon. Thankfully, we were able to reschedule to have a good presentation on servant leadership by Tim Stroud. It was nice to see so many new faces at the event. We hope to continue to see more of you at upcoming events too. So make sure to activate your myUSNA account to keep apprised of the latest chapter news and activities. We will continue to update the chapter’s myUSNA page, as well as our Facebook and LinkedIn pages for upcoming events. Also, we’d like to share more about the accomplishments and life events of our chapter members. Please keep us informed of career changes, retirements, additions to the family, or anything else you’d like to share. Who knows, it may find its way into a future issue of Shipmate. Go Navy! Beat Everybody!

Hampton Roads Chapter

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BGO Area Coodinator: Rick Mawdsley e: ramawdsley@gmail.com

Email: txgulfcoast.usnachapters@gmail.com AS

Congrats to the Class of 2022 from the North Texas Alumni! We wish you the best as you begin your journey in the fleet. This past February the North Texas area hosted a gymnastics competition that included all three service academies in head to head competition. Navy CRUSHED our sister academies with a team score of 393.50 points to Army’s 381.25 and Air Force’s 379.90. The Naval Academy Gymnastics team left Texas with the Commander in Chief’s gymnastics trophy! North Texas Alumni were on hand to cheer Navy to victory including Greg Colandra ‘90 and Mark Lambright ‘75, former captain of the Navy Gymnastics team, who got to share some of his gymnastic “sea stories” with the Mids. Beat Army! As we begin the summer, we want to make sure North Texas Alumni are aware of the upcoming events: in June we’ll welcome the Class of 2026 to the USNA family as they prepare to leave for Plebe Summer and then on October 14th we will welcome Navy Football to Dallas as they play SMU. The North Texas Alumni tailgate looks to be a grand affair and we encourage you to mark your calendars! Also, with a return to normalcy we’ve restored our monthly breakfast and luncheons. We are always actively looking for members who want to participate in the planning committees, so come join us! Please visit our website to sign-up for events.

U.S

BGO Area Coordinator: Tom Eschenbrenner p: 972 740 4060 ; e: eschenbrenner@gmail.com

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Sec’y: John Augusto ’02 e: m020234@2002.usna.com

Vice Pres: Jordan Mack ‘08

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Sec’y: Frankie Delgado ’95 e: secy@usnaaa-ntx.com

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Pres: Bill Pritchett ’01

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Pres: Clif Colbert ’09 e: pres@usnaaa-ntx.com

Texas Gulf Coast Chapter

Central Virginia Chapter North Texas Chapter

DISTINGUISHED CHAPTER AWARD

Website: www.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

Coming on the heels of a thrilling win over Army on 11 December and the excitement of the Holiday Season, things were moving a little slow; and it seemed that the infamous Dark Ages that have forever plagued our alma mater had spread its dreariness southward to Hampton Roads. But on February 24th we revived ourselves and began to snap out of the doldrums by gathering for our annual Dark Ages Happy Hour. This year’s event, held at the Haygood Kelly’s Tavern in Virginia Beach, was attended by a crowd of several dozen alumni and family members. The chow was tasty, the liquid refreshments were varied and cold, and a good time getting reacquainted with friends and shipmates was had by all! There are at least a half dozen Kelly’s Taverns in the area, and we may just plan to visit all of them in the coming months!

United Kingdom Chapter Pres: Tim Fox ’97 e: timfox97@hotmail.com Vice Pres: Cody Nissen ’11 e: cnissen.mba2018@london.edu

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

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

Dave Duffie ’75, Mark Klett ’75, Rob Aeschbach ’90, and Al Ponessa ’68 at the Hamptons Roads Dark Ages Happy Hour

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Kelly’s happy Hour 2 – Tony Pham ’89 and Bill Lee ’74 are smiling through the Dark Ages at Kelly’s Tavern

In conjunction with the Happy Hour, we also conducted our first ever silent auction! All funds raised went straight into the coffers to help fulfill our mission to support local alumni, the Naval Academy, and the Midshipmen. Organized by Rob Aeschbach ’90, it was a big success! Nine prizes included several local restaurant gift cards, a Cocktail Cruise on Linkhorn Bay courtesy of Ted Digges ’85, a guided sailing trip on the Elizabeth River conducted by Al Ponessa ’68, two Pedego E-bike Norfolk Trail tour tickets, and some USNAthemed note cards. The auction raised nearly $500, and we are already planning to use it multiple times going forward. Still to come in the spring and summer on dates TBD, will be additional Happy Hours, our annual Summer Picnic, an evening of baseball at Norfolk’s Harbor Park, and one of our signature events, the Plebe Recognition Dinner, already scheduled for June 2nd at the Norfolk Waterside Sheraton Hotel. 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

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Vice-President: Dan Morio ’91 dan@gonavytravel.com

Pres: John Keenan ’81 theskinans@gmail.com

Quantico Area Chapter

Foundation and Naval Academy Athletic Association. In her comments she briefed the group on the Alumni Association’s strategic goals, communications methods (current & emerging), selected programs championed by USNAAA, and the Special Interest Groups. She also made some preliminary remarks pertaining to the 2021 All-Alumni survey results. Of note, Cdr Vida pointed out that only 20% of Alumni surveyed identified as being actively involved in the Alumni Association but 50% indicated they want to be more engaged. The Chapter enjoyed Cdr Vida’s talk as well as the new breakfast location.

April for the Army-Navy Lacrosse match. The first Friday in May is reserved for our Annual Membership Meeting. A special event coming up on Memorial Day is the 5th Annual QAC Run To Honor Remembrance Run. For the first time in two years we’ll return to the Semper Fidelis Park, adjacent to the National Museum of the Marine Corps, for an in-person event. However, we’ll also retain a virtual option so anyone and everyone can participate! Proceeds fund scholarships to the Naval Academy Summer Programs (STEM Camp & Summer Seminar) for high school students in need. We dedicate each run to a fallen graduate and involve that Warrior’s family and Classmates in the event, live or virtually, making it a memorable, yet very poignant, experience. QAC invites all area (and visiting) alumni to participate in our events. More information is on the Chapter website and our Facebook page. Go Navy!!

Richmond Chapter Pres: Michael Metzger ’89 e: michael.metzger@1989.usna.com Quantico Area Chapter February Breakfast Speaker Series Meeting

Then on 12 February, Chapter Members gathered at 6 Bears and a Goat Brewing Company in Fredericksburg to watch Army-Navy Basketball. We were glad for the one win, but it was too bad Navy didn’t get a clean sweep!

Army-Navy Basketball Party (L-R) Bob Taylor ’74, George Williams ’87 & Nancy Springer ‘87

DISTINGUISHED CHAPTER AWARD

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

The Richmond Chapter started off the year with our cornerstone event, our annual dining out. After cancelling the dining out in 2021 the members showed up in force and we had one of the largest and most enjoyable events in recent memory. This years’ event was unusually raucous with nearly 60 attendees consisting of alumni, spouses, and distinguished guests. While President Jeff Brown ’84 and Mr. Vice Matt Laser ’97 made a valiant effort to maintain good order and discipline within the mess, a calm evening was not to be had and violations of the mess were handed out in spades. At one point we had shift to the reserve bottle of GROG when the primary was drained.

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

On 4 February, Quantico Area Chapter tried out a new venue for our monthly breakfast speaker series. Sixteen QAC Members met either on Zoom or at The Hampton Inn in Dumfries, VA and greeted our guest speaker, CDR Juliana Vida’94, USN (Ret), the MidAtlantic Trustee, USNAAA Board of Trustees. Cdr Vida gave a very informative talk on the functions and interrelationships between the Alumni Association, the Naval Academy

116 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

Army-Navy Basketball Watch Party (L-R) Nancy Springer ’87, Laura Edwards, Jon Edwards ’85 & George Williams ‘87

Going forward, the Chapter will host one of its own, LtCol George Williams’87, USMC (Ret), at our March breakfast for a talk about Dahlgren, followed by ADM James Caldwell ‘81, Director, Naval Reactors, for our final 2022 breakfast event in April. We’ll also return to 6 Bears in

Mark James ’78 poses for a photo after over-indulging in the GROG.

CHAPTER NEWS

Sec’y: LCDR Grayson Redford ’63, USN (Ret.) p: 540-662-6142 BGO Area Coordinator: Jim Ripley ’74 e: james.m.ripley@gmail.com

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 L to R Dave Denson ’68, Janet Denson, Janet Lehre, Ed Lehre ’69 enjoy the festivities at the annual dining out.

VADM Mustin ’90, Chief of Naval Reserve, was our distinguished speaker and guest of honor. He provided one of the more insightful and motivational speeches we have had at the chapter. The Richmond Chapter would like to extend its sincere gratitude to VADM Mustin for his inspirational words. We were also honored with the presence of our SOPA Robert Wellborn ’57.

President Jeff Brown ’84 recognizes our distinguished speaker VADM Mustin ’90.

2022 ACTIVITES On February 11th, Dr. Eric Weisel ’88, Associate Vice President for Applied Research at Old Dominion University and Executive Director at ODU’s Virginia Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation Center presented an overview of the Center and discussed its organization and future plans. VMASC is an applied research center focusing on innovation, workforce development, and industry engagement programs leading to digital transformation. He serves on the Boards of Directors for the Society for Modeling & Simulation International and the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing and teaches courses at ODU in

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

Puget Sound Chapter Pres: Linda Postenrieder ’82 e: usnaaa.psc@gmail.com

Y AL UM

2021

I AT I O N

JOINT SERVICE ACADEMY SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT The 2nd Wednesday each month we conduct a Joint Service Academy Small Business - Business Development Forum meetings. Last May we started meeting in person and guests were able to join via Zoom. Mike Ohlhaver’75 is the host of these meetings. Contact Ben Francisco if you are interested in checking us out.

Washington

SOC

Please be on the lookout for invites to our upcoming events. Our spring schedule of events includes the Dark Ages Social on March

SUMMER SEMINAR AND STEM SCHOLARSHIPS IN 2022 The Virginia Peninsula Chapter is soliciting applications for highly qualified high school students to participate in Academy Summer Programs this year. Our Chapter’s Blue and Gold liaison member Bob Lynch solicited applicants via his network of high school guidance counselors and our Chapter Board approved the funds. Supporting local students who have a high potential to become Midshipmen is the main purpose of our annual dues and fund raising. Our Board voted to do this again in 2022 as a good use of our dues. Chapter dues are $20 a year and nametags are $12. DUES and Contributions: Send your checks to our treasurer: USNAAA VA Peninsula c/o Gary Carlile 3724 Mesa River Williamsburg, VA 23188

Distinguished speaker VADM Mustin ’90 poses with classmate Dave Sanders ’90 and family (Sandy Sanders and Joe Sanders ’28).

Website: vapeninsula.usnachapters.net

FUTURE EVENTS May 5th Congressman Rob Whitman and VA Senator Monty Mason will join us for a Town Hall discussion and luncheon at Patriots Colony in Williamsburg. In June we will have the 3rd Annual VA Peninsula Picnic. This will be a family theme this year focusing on fun for everyone. We will invite Candidates, Parents, Alumni and new members. This will be a good occasion to renew acquaintances, meet new members and recognize plebes of the class of 2026. If you live on the Virginia Peninsula and are interested in joining our chapter, please contact Ben Francisco, our chapter president, to be welcomed and put on our email list. If you know of other USNA grads in the area who might be interested in joining us, please let Ben Francisco know and pass along their contact information and the hospitality committee will contact them.

Pres: David McLellan ’73 p: 540-722-2060; e: dcmclmd@earthlink.net

. N AVA L A

Shenandoah Valley Chapter

Engineering Management and Computational Modeling and Simulation Engineering. In March, Tom Petters, President and CEO of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), joined us for a luncheon at the James River Country Club. He updated us on HII and what their plans are. Afterwards he held a Q & A session. This was a Joint event with the Hampton Roads Chapter. On April 30th, we held our annual Gauthier Vineyards Winetasting. Mo Gauthier ‘69 hosted us this year at his Vineyards. He described the continued growth in his facilities and progress in producing wine. Members of the Richmond and Hampton Roads Chapters joined us.

U.S

23rd, the Spring Luncheon on April 13th, and the Candidates Reception on May 22nd.

DISTINGUISHED CHAPTER AWARD

Corr Sec’y: George Windsor ’75 e: gbwindsor@icloud.com Website: http://pugetsound.usnachapters.net

The Puget Sound Chapter would like to welcome our new board members Bob Fishman ’73, Rich Anderson ’74, Mike Mathews ’75 and our new Secretary George Windsor ’75.

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 117

CHAPTER NEWS recognized a visitor, tell the congregation why you’re there. Set up the opportunity to widen your circle with new relationships. *Get out of your comfort zone. Strive to include people in your circle who do not think as you do. This will sharpen your saw and expose you to thoughts and considerations outside your “bubble.” *Take a stand when you find social injustice. Injustice affecting one of us affects all of us. Don’t assume that you will find injustice during your routine, which is why we all must strive to get out of our comfort zones. *Use your critical thinking skills to question what you see and hear. What is the backstory? Our big May 2022 events include our Plebe Welcome for the Class of 2026 on Saturday, May 14th and our Run to Honor on Memorial Day, May 31st. Please check out the website for upcoming events if you’d like to get involved.

2021

U.S

. N AVA L A

Y AL UM

DISTINGUISHED CHAPTER AWARD

Vice Pres: Anthony Calandra ’88 e: vicepresident@usnagwc.org Sec’y: Crysta Gonzalez ’18 e: secretary@usnagwc.org Puget Sound Chapter: Speaker Series

We also welcome the Class of ’22 to the Puget Sound Area.

Syd Abernathy ’81

On February 16th, 2022 we held our Speaker Series and celebrated Black History Month with CAPT Syd Abernathy ’81, USN (Ret.) 118 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

Treas: Jennifer Shaar ’92 e: treasurer@usnagwc.org

as our speaker. Syd served a distinguished Naval career including being the very first Diversity Officer of the Navy (2002 - 2004) and Commander of NAS Whidbey Island (2004 - 2007). He Syd Abernathy, Boeing presented an interesting and timely perspective on where we are in America from several approaches. *Race *Ground Truth in History *Rich versus Poor *Political Extremism *Democracy Itself *Organizational Barriers His presentation was full of extremely thoughtful and substantial challenges to ponder and upon which we can act. His challenges included *Use linked in as your search engine. Find and connect with a professional black woman. Linked in is a great networking tool. Set up a lunch or coffee meeting. Reach and listen to understand her journey, goals, and dreams. *Attend a Black church on Sunday morning. Immerse yourself in the culture. Upon being

I AT I O N

Pres: Luis Martinez ’01 e: president@usnagwc.org

SOC

Greater Washington Chapter

Washington, DC Area

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

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

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” Directions 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.org Website: www.runtohonor.com

NAMA

EVENTS Upcoming Events: Keep on the lookout for observance month events, career fairs and getting ready to welcome the Class of 2026! Join NAMA today and become part of a team! Past Events: Thank you to everyone that took part in the 2022 United States Naval Academy Alumni Leadership Forum on Diversity and Inclusion! It was a huge success! We officially recognized VADM D.C. Curtis ’76 (Ret.) and Ms. Janie Mines ’80 as distinguished graduates. Congratulations to Dr. Alisha Malloy ’90 for her selection as the next Naval Academy Preparatory School Dean! Bravo Zulu to all of you! Last, but not least, fair winds and following seas to Mr. Byron Marchant ’78 and thank you for 13 years of service to the Alumni Association and Foundation. It is great to see our NAMA members doing great things! Make sure to check out our new merchandise! 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.

Memorial Day is a solemn day set aside to remember the men and women who gave their all to defend our freedom. This Memorial Day, 30 May 2022, RuN* To Honor has organized runs where our community can gather to run, honor, and share the stories of Naval Academy graduates lost in combat or training. Sign-up for our newsletter and visit myusna.com to find out more about Memorial Day events organized near you. To learn more about our alumni whose names are listed in Memorial Hall, visit us at https://usnamemorialhall.org. We are excited to be able to gather to honor them and keep their memory alive. Looking for other ways to support, remember, and honor our fallen alumni? Honoring our alumni that have perished in the line of duty through action is RTH’s main outlook, however, running is not the only way to do so. There are many ways to honor the fallen through RTH and other organizations that align with our mission. Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on social media, or contact us to learn about getting involved. RTH is always looking for volunteers to assist our committees in organizing and supporting events around the globe. If you’d like to join a RTH committee, contact Shannon at secretary@runtohonor.com Follow and share with us at: www.facebook. com/runtohonor Sign up for our email list at: www.runto honor.com/mailing-list/ Get the stories behind the names in memorial hall at: www.usnamemorialhall.org Find RTH gear at: http://runtohonor. bigcartel.com/ 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

The Women’s SIG would like to welcome the Women from the Class of 2022 to the alumnae ranks! We’ve all been where you are, on the threshold of a new life adventure. We decided to share some of our experiences and lessons learned with you, in short “primers” as you begin your new careers. You may view the primers upon joining our group via MyUSNA.com. Membership is currently free. About the Women’s SIG The purpose of the US Naval Academy Women’s Shared Interest Group (USNA Women’s SIG) is to provide a platform for alumnae, alumni, and interested members of the USNA community to address issues of concern to women; to increase and strengthen the presence and leadership of women within the Naval Academy, the Naval Service, and the communities where we live and work; and to provide opportunities for alumnae mentoring and networking. There are many issues that are unique to women as leaders, wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, and friends. The USNA Women’s SIG provides an opportunity for interested members to share experiences and perspectives, ask for help, offer assistance, and promote issues of importance to alumnae. We encourage alumni, midshipmen, and friends of USNA to get involved. You don’t need to be a USNA graduate or a woman to be a part of the USNA Women’s SIG, but you must have an interest in issues important to USNA Women. If you have a women’s issue or concern send an email to sigwomenusna@gmail.com

Shared Interest Groups https://www.usna.com/sharedinterest-groups-current-sigs?

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 119

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.”

Alan Spenser Lee ’44 CDR, USN (Ret.) 16 January 2022

Richard Stanley Jensen '56 CDR, USN (Ret.) 8 January 2022

Richard Edwards Rumble ’45 RADM, USN (Ret.) 1 March 2022

Algernon Sidney King Jr. ’56 27 March 2021 Daniel Eubank McGlasson ’57 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 12 January 2022

Isham Wiseman Linder ’47 RADM, USN (Ret.) 22 January 2022

Joseph Francis Neary ’57 CDR, USN (Ret.) 8 March 2022

Thomas Bibb Hayward ’48 ADM, USN (Ret.) 3 March 2022

Samuel Martin Purvis III ’57 CAPT, USNR (Ret.) 6 March 2022

Rufo William Robinson ’48 3 February 2021 Thomas Frederick Blake Jr. ’49 Col, USAF (Ret.) 16 July 2019

Charles Harry Collins ’58 7 February 2022

Harold Cowan Griffin Jr. ’61 3 February 2022 Alfred Ray Joyner ’61 4 March 2022 Jared Prescott Kennedy ’61 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 17 February 2022 Thomas Owen Tucker ’61 10 August 2021 David Calvin Belton ’62 CDR, USN (Ret.) 17 February 2022 Thomas Michael Kincaid ’62 3 February 2022 James Peter Werlock ’62 LCDR, USNR (Ret.) 16 February 2022

George Quigley Langstaff Jr. ’49 3 January 2022

Samuel Howell Swart Jr. ’58 Maj Gen, USAF (Ret.) 4 March 2022

Bobby Roger Avery ’50 Lt Col, USAF (Ret.) 8 March 2022

Daniel Harry Ziegler ’58 Lt Col, USAF (Ret.) 21 February 2022

John Martin Costigan ’64 3 March 2022

Frank Alan Stelzer ’51 28 January 2022

Edward Bigelow Baker Jr. ’59 RADM, USN (Ret.) 26 January 2022

Jonney Lynn Barto ’65 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 17 February 2022

Charles Allan Best ’53 Col, USAF (Ret.) 20 July 2020

William Stephen Burgess ’59 6 22 February 2022

John Joseph Smith ’65 Maj, USMC (Ret.) 29 May 2018

Robert Keith Coulter ’55 Lt Col, USAF (Ret.) 9 February 2022

William Donald Palmer ’59 Col, USAF (Ret.) 14 January 2022

James Lewis DeGroff ’55 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 28 February 2022

Donald Thomas Peters ’59 15 February 2022 Carl F. Kuehne ’60 15 February 2022

Richard Bruce Gilchrist ’55 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 4 March 2022

John Henry Rickelman ’60 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 5 February 2022

Aaron Bennett Jacobs ’55 15 January 2022 John Melbourne Jones ’55 1 March 2022

James William Brunner Sr. ’56 24 January 2022

120 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

John Alan McAnally ’63 6 17 February 2022

Joseph John Castoro ’67 CDR, USNR (Ret.) 14 March 2022

Roger Gavin Charles ’67 LtCol, USMC (Ret.) 17 February 2022 John Philip Inman ’67 CDR, USN (Ret.) 29 January 2022 Michael James Cummings ’68 LtCol, USMC (Ret.) 9 March 2022 William Milnor Downing IV ’68 6 18 February 2022 Thomas Nelson Inglis III ’68 6 16 February 2022 David Hugh Ruddock ’69 CDR, USN (Ret.) 8 March 2022 Kevin Thomas Fitzwater ’70 27 February 2022 Thomas Joseph O’Leary ’70 9 March 2022 Dan Lee Olson ’70 25 April 2020 Robert Harold Stuhlman ’71 CDR, USN (Ret.) 2 March 2022 Donald Hugh Atchison ’73 27 February 2022 Finley Edward Nunn ’76 5 October 2021 Micki Laine Fernbaugh ’79 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 17 February 2022 Kevin Scott Roberts ’79 30 November 2020 Lawrence John O’Connor ’83 LT, USNR 16 February 2022

Fred Robert Scalf II ’60 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 16 February 2022 6

James Robert Gloudemans ’61 18 August 2019

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.

LAST CALL VINCENT LEROY BACON ’46 Vincent L. Bacon was born on Flag Day, 14 June 1922 in Fort Wayne, IN. He died on 14 January 2022, just five months shy of his 100th birthday. He had been under hospice care at Casa de las Companas in San Diego, CA, since 1 December 2021. “Vince” graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1945 (Class of 1946) and that same month, married Nancy Elaine Hess. While in the Navy, he served as acting navigator on a light cruiser; electronics and communications officer on a destroyer in the Western Pacific; and as electronics officer on an experimental ship operating out of the Naval Electronics Laboratory on Point Loma. This, in 1947, was his first introduction to San Diego. Vince used to tell a story about when he was stationed in the Philippines tasked with assisting in the Philippine independence efforts. He had requisitioned a jeep which was denied, so he went to the military wreck yard and put a jeep together using parts taken from several non-working jeeps. He received his Wings as a naval aviator in 1948. Perhaps one of his most unusual experiences as a pilot was to fly large naval airships (blimps) off aircraft carriers in the North Atlantic. One of his typical operations was fleet maneuvers where he would have to land on the aircraft carrier every 12 hours to refuel and change flight crews. He also served as a balloon pilot, including some interstate flights, some of which lasted 17 or 18 hours. Though he had planned a lifelong career in the Navy, a family medical condition compelled Vince to leave the Navy as a lieutenant after only ten years of service. He and his family moved to San Diego, where he became an aeronautics design engineer and worked on jets and then the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space missions, making frequent trips to Cape Canaveral. He even did a small bit of design work on the Space Shuttle. He retired from his primary work in 1977, but kept busy with real estate, traveling, sailing, numismatics, genealogy, computers, church and especially family and friends. He leaves behind his wife of 76 years, Nancy; three children; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He led a life of hard work, integrity and service to his country. S

HOWARD RICH WEISS ’47 Howard R. Weiss passed away quietly on 4 December 2021. Born on 1 October 1924 in Cleveland, OH, he resided there until young adulthood. He attended the Naval Academy, graduating in 1947 with an Electrical Engineering degree. As a commissioned officer, he served aboard RICH (DD-820) as disbursement officer, during which time in 1949, he met and married Phyllis Innes-Grant. He transferred to the Naval Reserve and they relocated to California, where they raised their four children. In 1952, Howard resigned from the Navy, but maintained contact with Navy friends and alumni. In 1959, Howard founded Whitmor Wire and Cable Corporation, which became one of the wire and cable industry’s most recognized companies. Whitmor manufactured the wire and cable used in the first

U.S. spaceflight satellite and was the sole provider of cable for the legendary Lockheed P3C aircraft. He developed Wirenetics in 1968 and years later (after moving to Reno, NV) founded Silver State Wire and Cable. Howard received the Wire & Cable Manufacturers Association’s distinguished career award. In the 1960s, Howard developed a passion for quarter horses, leading to involvement as a competitor, breeder and advocate. Howard was elected and served as president of the American Quarter Horse Association, the Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Association, the Valley Quarter Horse Association and the Reno Rodeo Foundation. He served on the University of California-Davis Equine Research and the California Department of Agriculture Horse Drug committees. In 1997, he was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. Howard never let life’s challenges hold him back and was a generous multi-cause philanthropist. He attended the annual Army/Navy game when possible. Later in life, he discovered Canada’s Scott Lake Lodge, and spent weeks there each summer. Being a feisty and determined man helped him maintain an active and full life until shortly before his passing. He was predeceased by his son, David Weiss in 1974, and his wife, Phyllis, on 23 March 2021. A devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother, mentor and friend to many, Howard is survived by his three living children, Wendy Weiss Lee, Michael Weiss and Nancee Weiss Siebert; and many family members, friends and extended family. A Celebration of Life is pending; to be announced later. As a remembrance, please consider donating to the Phyllis & Howard Weiss Scholarship Fund, administered by the Reno Rodeo Foundation. Please call (775) 322-9875 for information. S

RICHARD JEROME LANDES ’50 Richard J. Landes of Palo Alto, CA, passed away peacefully on 24 January 2022 surrounded by his family. He was 94 years old. “Dick” was born on 10 July 1927 in New York City to Kathryn and Lewis Landes. He attended Penn State and then enlisted in the Naval Reserve as a radio technician. He was selected to go to the Naval Academy Prep school and was eventually sworn in as a Midshipman at the Naval Academy. Dick received his Bachelor of Science from the U.S. Naval Academy with the Class of 1950. After graduation, his first assignment was to Navy Supply Corps training in New Jersey. When the Korean War broke out, he was assigned to the cruiser DES MOINES as disbursing officer and later to ELLYSON as supply officer. After his tour on ELLYSON was over, he applied for and was assigned to the Navy Purchasing Office in New York City as officer-in-charge of contract administration. He resigned in June 1954 as a lieutenant. After leaving the Navy, Dick worked in contract management and negotiation for various companies, including Lockheed Martin and Hewlett-Packard, for the rest of his working years. He received his Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University in 1963. Dick enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially at his vacation home in Grass Valley, CA. He delighted in attending Naval Academy reunions, and cruises to the Mediterranean Sea, through the Panama Canal and with his family to Alaska for his 90th birthday. He loved both listening to and playing music, especially his accordion.

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 121

LAST CALL Dick will be remembered as a wealth of knowledge, a devoted family man and a proud alumnus of the Naval Academy. He was greatly admired, loved and respected by everyone he came to know. He was the loving husband to Caroline (Hunt) for 68 years; beloved father to Susan Gilbert, Richard H. Landes and Stephen Landes; and grandfather to Matthew, Megan, Kyle and Alison. Dick was cremated and a memorial service was held on 10 February 2022. His ashes were laid to rest at Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo, CA. He will be forever missed. S

THOMAS GRISWOLD MCCRELESS JR. ’51 Dr. Thomas McCreless died on 7 February 2022 at age 94. “Tom” was born in San Antonio, TX, and after attending Brackenridge High School, enlisted in the Navy. Upon his discharge from the Navy after the end of World War II, he attended Columbian Preparatory School and was subsequently appointed to the Naval Academy. On graduation day in 1951, he married Nancy Lee Ament, and they raised two daughters. Tom was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps and attended Basic Officers training at Quantico and Field Artillery School at Ft. Sill on his way to Korea. During the war, he served as a forward observer with an infantry company and participated in the Battle of the Hook and later served as artillery liaison officer and intelligence/assistant operations officer. At the end of the war, Tom was assigned to 155mm self-propelled guns at Twentynine Palms, CA. In 1954, he was sent to Albuquerque, NM, where he served as nuclear supervisor and later officer in charge of a Marine Corps atomic ordinance platoon for the next four years. His last assignment on active duty was as battery commander and later, operations officer in Camp Pendleton, CA. In 1960, after seeing the promise of nuclear energy, Tom sadly relinquished his commission as a captain and joined the Atomic Energy Commission, which later became the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the next 28 years. During his tenure at the NRC, Tom attended the University of Maryland, where he was awarded a Master of Science in 1965 and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1977, both in Nuclear Engineering. At the NRC, he served as a Nuclear Safety Criticality Engineer, a Branch Chief and finally, as an Assistant Executive Director for Technical Activities with the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards. Tom was especially proud of the work he did in overseeing the fellowship program that was mandated by Congress. He received the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Meritorious Service Award for his contributions. On retirement in 1988, Tom and Nancy moved to San Clemente, CA, where Tom was active in the community serving as Rotary president and association president of Cyprus Cove Community. Tom was predeceased by his wife and companion of 60 years, Nancy, and their daughter, Nan McCreless Klein. He is survived by his daughter, Cindi McCreless Tate; six grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. Memorial services and interment took place at the Naval Academy Columbarium in March 2022. S

122 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

CHARLES HOWARD BROWN ’52 Captain Charles H. Brown, USN (Ret.), passed away on 19 August 2020. He was 90 years old. After graduation from Annapolis in 1952, “Charlie” lived the bulk of his life at sea, often prowling the South China Sea in an AD Skyraider during Korea and his A-4 during the Vietnam War, for which he was awarded four Distinguished Flying Crosses and 21 Air Medals, among other honors from several grateful nations. Charlie was happiest in the cockpit of an A-4 Skyhawk, or an American Champion Citabria, dancing in the sky in fair weather. Or, you could enjoy the calm on his face when he was writing his first book on U.S. Naval aviation history, Dark Sky, Black Sea: Aircraft Carrier Night and All-Weather Operations. His second work, Romance of the Century, was a celebration of his 45 years with Janet Brown, the love of his life. His creative passions drove his retired life: carving model tall ships out of seasoned wood and masterfully rigging the CONSTITUTION, for example, to scale. After he retired, he settled in Arlington, VA, in the early 1970s, only leaving for two years in St. Louis during his 10-year career at McDonnell Douglas as part of a team carving out a vision for the 21st Century Navy. He capped off his professional life in an ironic fashion, as a civilian aviation expert hired by the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps to fix its ailing Harrier jump jet program. Consequently, this dyed in the blue wool Navy man ended his life’s work surrounded by the distinctive shade of Marine green—the same uniform his much-loved Uncle Robert wore in the 1920s as a China Marine and at Quantico, where he helped plan the pivotal World War II assault in the Pacific on Guadalcanal. Robert died in combat there while saving many of the lives of his men in a skirmish with the Japanese. Charlie’s Uncle Robert was awarded the Navy Cross for heroism. Robert’s profound influence on his nephew inspired this young man from Victoria, TX, to follow in Robert’s footsteps to Annapolis. They will now rest in peace for eternity, approximately one hundred yards apart at Arlington National Cemetery, where Charlie was interred alongside his beloved wife, Janet, on 29 March 2022. He is survived by his adopted son, Brad, and greatly missed by his friends, who will always remember his enormous courage, humility and insistence on order and accountability. S

FRANCIS THOMAS BRADY ’53 Captain Francis T. Brady, USNR (Ret.), of Annapolis, MD, passed peacefully at home on the morning of 3 February 2022. He was 92 years old. From his early childhood on, “Frank” proved himself to be an extraordinary athlete, excelling in baseball, basketball and football. At Navy, Frank was a stellar defensive back and half-back, contributing to one of the Midshipmen’s longest winning streaks. His most thrilling moment came on his birthday in 1951 when, facing top-ranked Maryland in Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium, Frank fielded a Terrapin punt and raced 100 yards to the endzone, setting an NCAA record that stands today. Frank’s drive for excellence wasn’t limited to sports, however. Upon his Naval Academy graduation and commissioning in 1953, he served

LAST CALL on deployments to the Caribbean, Pakistan and Lebanon, among other global hot spots of that era. A particularly fortuitous twist of fate occurred when the warship on which Frank was serving suffered minor damage and was directed to Norfolk, VA, for repair. A shipmate whose girlfriend lived in nearby Portsmouth invited Frank to join them on a double date. Frank accepted the invitation and met the beautiful young Elizabeth Ann “Libby” Warren, who would become his wife of nearly 65 years. Frank and Libby married in 1957 and embarked on the Navy life with stops in Jacksonville, FL, and Charleston, SC, before returning to Annapolis, where Frank served as an assistant coach with the Navy football program. Frank joined Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1963, while continuing to serve as an officer in the Naval Reserve until his retirement at the rank of captain in 1982. Frank’s 33-year career at Westinghouse was marked by great success and enduring friendships, culminating with his service as Director of International Marketing for the company’s Electronic Systems Group. In retirement, Frank remained an avid golfer, enjoying many great days with friends at the Naval Academy Golf Course and continued his life-long commitment to Navy sports. His greatest reward in his later years was the chance to spend time with Libby; their children, Regina, Kathy, Elizabeth, Frank Jr., Cary (deceased 2021) and Edward; and the 21 grandchildren who called him “Pop.” Frank believed strongly in giving back to the community and demonstrated that commitment in a long record of service to local organizations, including board positions with the Naval Academy Foundation, the Naval Academy Alumni Association, the Annapolis Touchdown Club and Anne Arundel Community College, to name a few. S

JEROME JOSEPH OLSEN ’54 Commander “JJ” Olsen, USN (Ret.), 90, passed away on 9 September 2021 with his wife by his side. Jerome was born to Philip and Irma Olsen in Spokane, WA, on 22 June 1931. Growing up in a staunch Norwegian family, they were all active in the Sons of Norway from an early age. He developed a love for flying while working at Felts Field in Spokane. He took his pay out in flying lessons and earned his pilot license at sixteen. He graduated from Rogers High School in 1948 and studied engineering at Gonzaga University before entering the Naval Academy. He graduated in 1954 from the Naval Academy and went on to attend flight school to become a Navy pilot. From that time on, “the sky was the limit!” He was fiercely loyal to his country. A very proud American. He served in the military for 28 years. He saw much of the world at that time, mostly from high above. He logged in just short of 700 carrier landings. After retiring from the Navy, he spent time with military and aviation companies in New Mexico and Idaho. He also worked for Boeing in Seattle as a 747 instructor. He belonged to the Society of Test Pilots Association, was active in the Masonic Lodge and Shriners. He was a dedicated fan of the Mariners and the Seahawks. He loved boating in the San Juan Islands and attending air shows. He moved to Oak Harbor in 2013. JJ was active in Whidbey Presbyterian Church with the men’s Bible Study and hosted a couples study.

The last year of his life, he resided at Home Place in Oak Harbor. While there, he came across a saying which he repeated daily, “Family is for always and forever.” He believed that statement with all his heart. He loved his Lord first and loved his country and would defend them both to the end. He will be missed. JJ is survived by his wife, Sally; daughter, Linda Klotz (Bryan); grandchildren, Kristina (Collin), Jessica (Ian) and Nathan; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Phyllis J. Campbell and Richard (Barbara); and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Jim. Memorial services were held on 9 October 2021 at Whidbey Presbyterian Church in Oak Harbor, WA, followed by interment at Fairmount Cemetery in Spokane, WA. Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warriors, Whidbey Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice. S

JOHN MELBOURNE JONES JR. ’55 John M. Jones Jr. of Severna Park, MD, passed away peacefully with his wife, Carol Ann, by his side on 1 March 2022. He was 90 years old. While attending the Naval Academy, “Jack” excelled in lacrosse, becoming an Honorable Mention All American (1953) and First Team All American (1954) at the position of goaltender. He also captained Navy’s 1954 undefeated National Championship team and was awarded the “Ensign C. Markland Kelly Jr. Award” as the Nation’s top collegiate goaltender. He was inducted into the Naval Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. Upon graduation with the Class of 1955, Jack married the love of his life, Carol Ann Roberts, on 4 June 1955. During his service in the Navy, Jack served on several ships, including SALISBURY SOUND and the ice breaker, ATKA; attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA; and served a tour of duty at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Jack achieved the rank of lieutenant commander before electing to leave the service in 1965. After leaving the Navy, Jack accepted a teaching position at the Severn School, where he also coached lacrosse, before becoming the Director of Data Processing at the Naval Academy. While working at the Academy, Jack was an assistant coach on Navy’s lacrosse team from 1966 until 1982. In retirement, Jack was involved in coaching youth lacrosse, and spent several years as president of the Severn School Alumni Association. Jack was a tremendous husband, father, grandfather, teacher, mentor and friend. Jack led with dignity and respect and believed to his core that everyone, regardless of age, relation or stature, had the right to be valued for their own sake. His passions and interests included family, coaching, teaching, lacrosse, the Severn School, USNA, golf, vacations at the beach, and beer and BBQ on the deck. Jack is survived by his wife of 67 years, Carol Ann Jones of Severna Park, MD; four children, Mary Louise York (Tom) of Milton, DE, David Ian Jones ’82 of Annapolis, MD, John Richard Jones of Severna Park, MD, and Laura Ann Jones of Milton, DE; nine grandchildren, Carrie Howard (Max), Christine Layton (Blake), David Taylor Jones (Krista), Genevieve Leigh Jones, Samuel Eversfield Jones ’14, Jack Jones, Grace Jones, Sophie Lipa and Matthew Jones; and two great-grandchildren, Jack and Bennett. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s name to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy, Pasadena, MD 21122; (www.hospicechesapeake.org). S MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 123

LAST CALL JOHN ROBERT BAALS ’56 Commander John R. Baals, USN (Ret.), passed away on 1 August 2019. John was born in Paintsville, KY, to the late D. Stewart and Hazel Preston Baals on 5 August 1932. After two and a half years at the University of Cincinnati, John entered the Naval Academy on a congressional appointment from Kentucky. Following graduation with the Class of 1956 (Fifth Company), John married Mary Reeves. He became a naval aviator and was a student at the Naval Postgraduate School. After 21 years of service, John retired to Lexington, KY, where he taught engineering and technical subjects at Kentucky State University until 1986. In retirement, he did recreational woodworking in his own shop and made cabinets and other furniture that became a business. In 1999, he began a period of volunteer service at the Aviation Museum of Kentucky. In addition to his wife, Mary, John is survived by their children, Julia Katherine Sanford (Kenneth) of New Jersey and John Robert Baals Jr. of Colorado; five grandchildren, Amanda, Katherine, Erin, John III and Rachel; and four great-granddaughters, Ella, Layla, Emma and Nora. S

GEORGE WARREN KENASTON ’56 Commander George W. Kenaston, USN (Ret.), died of natural causes in Fairfax, VA, on 8 February 2022. He was 88 years old. Born in Rupert, ID, to George H. and Anna Mae Long Kenaston, “Casey” was raised in Shoshone, ID. He graduated from Shoshone High School in 1951 and attended Idaho State University for one year prior to receiving a principal congressional appointment to the Naval Academy from Idaho. He graduated with the Class in June of 1956 as a member of the Second Company. Upon graduation, he served as a gunnery division officer on HELENA (CA-75) for seven months prior to attending the Naval Submarine School in New London, CT. After Submarine School, he served on AMBERJACK (SS-522) and CORPORAL (SS-346) prior to entering the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, where he obtained a Master of Science Degree in Physics in 1965. In 1973, he obtained a Master of Science Degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California. Casey served the last 12 years of his naval career in weapons engineering duty in development of torpedoes and missiles. He also served as ordnance officer at the Naval Ammunition Depot in Colts Neck, NJ. After retiring from the Navy, he entered business as a partner and corporate officer in seven successful small businesses. He served in his business roles for 24 years before retiring for a second time, and when the companies were sold. Following his second retirement, Casey enjoyed extensive travel experiences and adventures with family members and close friends. He was involved in a range of church and other philanthropic activities. He also enjoyed hobby interests in photography, videography and reading history. Casey is survived by his wife of 65 years, the former Carmela “Mel” Alesse of Brooklyn, NY; daughter, Diane Kenaston Sauerborn; sons, Tom Kenaston and Jim Kenaston; four grandchildren, Sarah S. Ramos, Nathan Paul Sauerborn, Laura Jeanne Sauerborn and Kristen Marie Sauerborn; and two great-grandchildren, Elaina Anne Ramos and Hannah Grace Ramos. S 124 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

ANDREUS AUGUST PISKE JR. ’56 Dr. Andreus A. Piske Jr. passed away in Kootenai County, ID, on 14 June 2021. “Andy” was born on 18 November 1933 in New Orleans, LA, to Marion Madere Piske and Andreus A. Piske Sr. He graduated from Metairie High School in 1951 and attended Tulane University. There, he was in the Navy ROTC and was encouraged to take the exam to enter the Naval Academy. He did well and was admitted with the Class of 1956. Andy was commissioned in the Air Force and married his high school sweetheart, Jean Price, on graduation day. During his ten years of active duty, Andy earned a master’s degree in astronautics from the Air Force Institute of Technology. By then a father of five, Andy turned down a transfer within TRW Systems to Australia, took a demotion with pay cut to stay in the Dickerson, TX, area, and took pre-med requirements at the University of Houston on the chance that his application to medical school might be accepted. The gamble paid off, for he was accepted at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, as the oldest freshman medical student (37-3/4 years old) in the state in 1971. Andy started medical school when his daughter, Becky, born in 1957, entered high school. He graduated in 1974, did a 14-month residency in Family Medicine, and became a partner in a ninedoctor clinic in Texas City. Andy functioned as a general practitioner for family patients in a medical clinic covering multiple disciplines. He never regretted his decision to become a physician because he enjoyed practicing medicine and he liked his patients. In retirement, he and Jean camped extensively throughout the U.S. and settled in Hayden, ID, to be closer to their children. Andy is survived by his wife, Jean; three daughters, Becky, Mary Jo and Beth; two sons, Greg and Brad; ten grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; as well as his brothers, William and Barry. A celebration of Andy’s passing is planned for early September on the Oregon Coast. S

JAMES MILLER GALLAGHER ’57 James M. Gallagher of Dayton, OH, passed away on 3 September 2021 at Hospice of Dayton. He was 86 years old. Born on 22 June 1935 to Edward and Helen (Miller) Gallagher in Fort Wayne, IN, “Jim” was the youngest of three children. His family moved to Kettering, OH, in 1949 and he graduated from Fairmont High School in 1953. In his senior year at Fairmont, he and his future wife, Nancy Kuhbander, met and started dating. A proud graduate of the Naval Academy Class of 1957, Jim married Nancy the day after graduation, 8 June 1957, in the Naval Academy Chapel. He commissioned into the U.S. Air Force and served with honor at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton. His Air Force career introduced him to his lifetime profession—program/project management. He spent over 25 years working on major Air Force missile and airplane programs. From 1986-1995, he had a second career at Wright State University in executive development. In addition to his career, Jim became a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI) and served on their international board of directors, ultimately designated as a Fellow. He served as a member and

LAST CALL past president of the Rotary Club of Dayton, Criterion Club of Dayton and the Dayton Council of World Affairs. Jim had a love for his friends, playing tennis and world travel— especially to Ireland and San Diego. Jim was a lifelong learner, earning his MBA at University of Dayton and staying active in teaching and taking coursework. His family were the loves of his life and he also had a special relationship with his Miniature Schnauzer “grand-dog,” Libby. Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy; their children, Tim (Patti) of Carlsbad, CA, and Mary Ankenbauer (Jerry) of Centerville, OH; grandchildren, Anna, Jerry, Tim, Aaron and Bryce; and his loving sister, Beverly Baker of Northbrook, IL. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Eddie Jr. S

WILLIAM STEPHEN BURGESS ’59 “Stephen” Burgess of Naples, FL, peacefully passed away on 22 February 2022 in the presence of his wife, Joan Jett Burgess. He was 88 years old. Stephen was born on 2 August 1933 to William and Margaret Burgess of Lacrosse, WI. After attending Wayland Academy, he attended Dartmouth University, later transferring to the U.S. Naval Academy and graduating on 3 June 1959. Stephen served in the Navy for seven years, attaining the rank of lieutenant commander. He then went to work for Donald M. Jett as a contractor. He completed his career with Lee Enterprises as the publisher of the Quad City Times. The newspaper business was his passion. In 1998, Steve and Joan retired to Naples, where he became an avid golfer. Steve was a wonderful husband, father and friend. He will be greatly missed for his hard-working spirit, generosity and loyalty to his family and friends. Steve and Joan met in 1956 and were married on 4 June 1959 in Timonium, MD. They have two daughters, Stephanie Joan Burgess (1961) and Julie Burgess-Dennis (1967), and three granddaughters, Holand, Isabel and Maclean; all currently living in the Pacific Northwest. A private service will be held. The Burgess Family S

JARED PRESCOTT KENNEDY ’61 Captain Jared P. Kennedy, USN (Ret.), 82, passed away in Gainesville, FL, on 17 February 2022 after prolonged health issues. Known by most as “Jerry,” he was the son of Samuel and Mary (Todd) Kennedy of Somerset, KY. Born on 19 March 1939, he grew up in Somerset and graduated from Somerset High School in 1957. He was an excellent student and was president of his class. Jerry glimpsed Navy life as his family followed his father, a Reserve officer in World War II. The experience moved him to seek admission to the United States Naval Academy. He sought and received an appointment from Kentucky’s (then) 8th Congressional District and graduated With Distinction with the Class of 1961. After graduation, Jerry entered nuclear power training and went on to serve in three submarines, BARB, FRANCIS SCOTT KEY and HADDOCK.

He left active duty in late 1970, and continued to serve in the Naval Reserve, retiring as a captain in 1992. After leaving active duty, Jerry spent ten years with the Babcock & Wilcox Company, in both the power generation and research and development divisions. He remained active in companies providing services to nuclear utilities until the late 1980s, when he began an accidental career in turnaround management. Just after 9/11, the family relocated from the Philadelphia area to Gainesville, FL, where he was soon involved as a mentor and coach for the Warrington College of Business at the University of Florida. He founded EnviroFlux, Inc., a company deploying environmental monitoring technology licensed from the University. Earlier, in 2005, he joined Paperless Solutions Group, a software development company as executive vice president and continued there until his retirement in 2021. He was a member of The Union League of Philadelphia and an officer of the Navy League of Philadelphia. He was active in veterans’ organizations in Philadelphia and Gainesville. He was a life member of the Naval Academy Alumni Association and of the Military Officer’s Association and was a past president of the Gainesville Chapter of MOAA. He took great delight in his family and often proclaimed his exceptional good fortune. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Gloria (nee McKibbin); children/stepchildren, Annette, Elizabeth, Jared Jr., Michael, Alison and Julie; and three grandchildren, Samuel, Emma and Ruby. Services were held at McIntosh Presbyterian Church in McIntosh, FL. Interment took place at the Naval Academy Columbarium on 30 March 2022. S

JOHN ALAN MCANALLY ’63 John A. McAnally of La Jolla, CA, passed away peacefully after a brief illness, in San Diego, CA, on 17 February 2022. Born on 26 September 1940 in New York City, “Alan” was the son of Arthur McAnally and Rosemary (Urgo) McAnally. Raised in Manhasset, NY, Alan was a graduate of Saint Mary’s High School. He attended Boston College for one year before receiving an appointment to the United States Naval Academy from the Chief of Naval Operations, Arleigh Burke ’23. Alan graduated with the 21st Company, Class of 1963. He served for four years as a Surface Warfare Officer on the destroyers, JOHN W. WEEKS and FORREST SHERMAN, and on the Staff of Destroyer Squadron 62. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy in 1967, Alan spent the rest of his career in sales, sales management and consulting, primarily in the food service industry. In 1998, he founded Commonwealth Sales Consulting, which he thoroughly enjoyed operating until his retirement in 2015. After several moves on the East Coast, in 1977 Alan settled with his young family in Andover, MA, where he spent 30 very happy years. He loved Andover and always felt it was a great place to raise his children. He especially enjoyed coaching his boys and helping out on several youth sports organizations. In 2008, a family emergency brought about a move to Irvine, CA. Alan quickly acclimated to life in Southern California, and with two sons living there, ended up settling in La Jolla in 2013. Alan derived great pleasure from photography, cooking (especially soups and Asian cuisines), doting on and spoiling his rescue dog, Riley,

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LAST CALL traveling the world (including all seven continents) and spending time with family and friends. After his retirement, Alan volunteered as a plaque designer for the Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial, a unique monument honoring veterans of all branches of military service. He loved hearing the veterans’ stories as well as the creative process each plaque entailed. Alan is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Terry McAnally; three sons, Glenn (Lorraine), Brian (Cheryl) and Chris (Vivian); sisters, Judy Lewis and Kate Graham; and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Art and Rosemary; his sister and brother-in-law, Lynn and Bill Walz; and his daughter-in-law, Ruth Kanto. A celebration of Alan’s life will be held in July 2022, and he will be interred at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, CA. S

JAMES CLINTON KRAFT ’64 Lieutenant Commander James C. Kraft, USN (Ret.), of Morehead City, NC, passed away peacefully on 9 February 2022. He was 80 years old. “Jim” was born on 22 January 1942 to Clinton Joseph and Mary Jane Cantwell Kraft in Washington, DC, moving to Charleston, WV, at age 12. Upon graduation from Charleston Catholic High School, Jim entered USNA with the Class of 1964 and the 10th Company (the Terrible Tenth). While at the Academy, Jim met his future wife, Karyl, on leave in New Orleans and they were married shortly after graduation. Jim served in the Navy for 20 years in multiple billets at sea, on shore and around the globe, including a short tenure in Vietnam, and a one-year tour on Diego Garcia. His last duty station was as naval port control officer at the port of Morehead City. Upon retirement, he and Karyl, with their two sons, Jim and Andy, made Morehead City home, and Jim entered the investment advisory business with Interstate/Johnson Lane, retiring from BB&T Scott & Stringfellow in December 2007. Jim’s interests included his love of all things Navy, particularly his involvement with the Naval Academy, working as the local Blue & Gold officer. Antique cars kept him busy with his own cars and serving multiple terms as the president of the local chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America. Jim served on the Carteret Community College Foundation, was an active member of the Rotary Club (serving a term as club president) and a term as president of the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Jim served in numerous roles within the St. Egbert Catholic Church Community and was involved with his boys in the Scouts. Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Karyl; sons, James (Melanie) and Andrew (Lenora); four dear grandchildren, Alex, Ryan, Camden and Hunter; his sister, Kitty Strauss Rosenthal (Richard) of Cincinnati, OH, and her sons, Matthew and Michael. Jim is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Loretto Ann Kraft; and his brother-in-law, Peter J. Strauss. A Mass of Christian Burial took place on 17 February 2022 at St. Egbert Catholic Church in Morehead City. He will be inurned at the Naval Academy Columbarium at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Naval Academy Alumni Association (www.usna.com/give) or St. Egbert Catholic Church (www.crystalcoastcatholic.org). Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at (www.noebrooks.net). S 126 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

GARY LYNN KREBS ’65 Commander Gary L. Krebs, MC, USN (Ret.), died peacefully at home in Norfolk, VA, on 3 February 2022. Gary was born on 20 October 1943 in Hanover, PA, to Robert and Ethel (Trone) Krebs. At Eichelberger High School, he excelled in academics, serving as student body president and was a member of the undefeated 1959 football team. A model student, he earned an appointment to the Naval Academy. At Annapolis, Gary served as a four-year student manager of the Navy football team, which took him to the 1964 Cotton Bowl. He graduated with the Class of 1965 with a BS in mathematics. Before joining the fleet, Gary married his hometown sweetheart, Kaye McCool, on 26 December 1965. They were married for 56 years and raised two daughters, Kristin and Stephanie. A lifelong student, he entered a graduate program in electrical engineering at the University of Michigan with sights set on a PhD. But having finished his master’s in 1969, Uncle Sam had need of his skills in Vietnam. Before he left Ann Arbor, he was recognized as the outstanding graduate student in the engineering school. Gary spent a year in Da Nang with the Civil Engineering Corps. Gary returned to the States and was handpicked to serve as personal aide to a series of admirals, but ultimately, his desire to learn pushed him in a new direction. In 1973, at age 30, Gary enrolled at Philadelphia’s Temple School of Medicine; the oldest student to ever do so at the time. He completed pediatric residency training at Portsmouth Naval Hospital and served the rest of his naval career caring for children. After 20 years of service, he entered private practice, helping develop a new generation of physicians as a guest lecturer and mentor at Eastern Virginia Medical School and Medical College of Virginia. He traveled to the Philippines with Operation Smile. In 1989, Gary settled in Virginia Beach, VA, and despite multiple attempts to retire, worked over 20 more years. Gary enjoyed life on the water, overlooking Little Creek Naval Base. An avid genealogist, he cultivated a family tree dating back centuries and collected stamps, coins and music. He cherished time with his daughters and six grandchildren. Gary loved watching Navy football with a bowl of Hanover pretzels. A service celebrating Gary’s life was held on 19 February in Virginia Beach. At his request, his ashes will be spread at sea from a Navy ship. S

OBITUARY GUIDELINES Please note that we have a maximum word limit of 400 words. Obituaries may be submitted electronically (preferred) to obits@usna.com, or via U.S. Mail to: Shipmate obituaries, 247 King George Street, Annapolis, MD 21402-5068. If you have any questions regarding the submission of obituaries to Shipmate, please contact Timothy Elizabeth Woodbury (410-295-4064 or obits@usna.com).

LAST CALL JOHN MICHAEL SZUBSKI ’65 John M. Szubski of Queens, NY, passed away on 2 November 2021. He was 79 years old. He came to the Naval Academy from his home in Garfield Heights, OH, and graduated from Cleveland’s Benedictine High School. First Class year, John was a member of the 12th Company and enjoyed water polo, art and music, and participated in the Neuman Club and the Academy’s Solidarity. On active duty, John served in Vietnam. He received an advanced degree from Princeton University in 1973 and made his career as an architect. John was an eccentric who shared his insatiable curiosity and extraordinary love of travel, the arts and science with the enthusiasm and heart of an inspired educator. The Naval Academy sparked his desire for exploration. He completed his quest to plant a flag on every continent and to visit the county seat of all 3,143 counties in the U.S. He traveled to over 38 sovereign nations and managed to be at every family celebration near and far. His faithful, monthly family updates kept our vast diaspora connected. John was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Wanda; siblings, Jim and Jannette; nephew, Frankie; and his partner, Tim Donahue. He is survived by his sister, Marina Averyt; his adoring nieces and nephews (and their children); and his dear friend, Humberto Alers. John’s birthday is July 3rd, and a celebration of his life and his inurnment at the Naval Academy Cemetery will be held during the 4th of July weekend, 2022. niece, Marietta Szubski & Bill Zuna ’65 S

BILLY RAY MOFFETT ’67 Billy Ray Moffett, age 78, passed away peacefully with his family on 28 January 2022. “Bill” was born on 22 October 1943 to William Lee and Pauline Murray Moffett, the second of four children (Patty, Jay and Jack). Raised in Bridgeport, IL, Bill excelled in sports including basketball, baseball, and track and field. He spent a year at the Air Force Academy Preparatory School and another year at Mississippi State University on a basketball scholarship before receiving his appointment to the Naval Academy. He graduated in 1967 after playing Plebe basketball, earning his Jump Wings at Fort Benning, GA, and being academically ranked in the top 50% of his class. Upon graduation, he was an “eligible bachelor” for one day, until he married Connie Mack Anderson from Charlotte, NC, in USNA’s St. Andrew’s Chapel. During their 25-year marriage, they raised two sons, William Lee II and Matthew Wayne. He reported aboard the minesweeper ABILITY in Charleston, SC, as engineering officer and departed three years later as executive officer at Todd Shipyards in Brooklyn, NY. He spent his last year in Vietnam with the “Brown Water” Navy – IV Corp as operations officer with PB River Division 594 (River Riders) at an Advanced Tactical Support Base on the Vam Co Tay River. During Nixon’s Vietnamization Program, he was reassigned as senior advisor to Coastal Group 34, located at the hamlet of Tiem Ton on the Mekong River. Leaving the service in 1971, Bill entered the civilian world and worked as project, maintenance, engineering and facility managers for the next 37 years. He retired from both Chicopee Manufacturing and Liberty

Mutual in Gainesville, GA, with 15 years of service with each organization. He served 20+ years on the board of directors at Lanier Federal Credit Union and worked with Gainesville and Hall County youth as a coach, mentor and tutor. In retirement, Bill spent his time hunting, fishing, traveling and riding motorcycles. He also earned his SCUBA certification, obtained his private pilot’s license and hunted elk. He was “chief mechanic” on his son’s award-winning motorcycle road racing career, treasuring the time they spent together. Finally, he reveled in seeing his grandsons, Walker and John Bishop, both achieve success in academics, sports and their becoming BSA Eagle Scouts. A graveside service was held on 1 February 2022 in Gainesville, GA, where he was interred adjacent to his predeceased son, Matthew Wayne. The Moffett Family S

WILLIAM MILNOR DOWNING IV ’68 William M. Downing IV passed away on 18 February 2022, in Southern Shores, NC. Born in Bristol, PA, on 11 October 1946, he was the son of Doris Trommer and William Downing. “Bill” graduated from Bristol High School, where he excelled at athletics, especially wrestling, and made many friends. There, he met his future wife, Christine “Tina” Grow, in 1961. After high school, Bill entered the Naval Academy with the Class of 1968. At Annapolis, he was a member of two battalion wrestling and two gymnastics brigade champion teams. After graduation with the 16th Company in June 1968, he and Tina were married. Bill served for six years as a surface warfare officer in MCMORRIS (DE-1036) and WHIPPLE (DE-1062). These sea tours included a deployment to Vietnam. Bill resigned his commission in 1974 as a lieutenant and began a long career in both the civilian and government workforce. Initially, he worked for Johnson & Johnson, then transitioned to government service in the U.S. Postal Service, from which he retired in 2012. Bill loved the Lord, his family, the beach and life. He was known for his gentle, cheerful, brave and generous personality throughout his life, even during his valiant battle with Parkinson’s disease. He enhanced the lives of all around him with his joyful spirit. Bill always stood tall—in heart, spirit and courage. He cared for others. His quick wit and humor served as a bright light in our midst. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Doris Trommer and William Downing; and sister, Nancy Ennis. Bill is survived by his wife of 53 years, Tina; daughters, Mary Downing and Elizabeth Gray (Scott); and son, Bill Downing Jr. (Janell). He is also survived by his sisters, Judy Rossman and Susan Downing; brothers, Thomas Downing and James Trommer; and six grandchildren he adored: Jacob, William, Nora, Joshua, Foster and Harrison. A Celebration of Life was held on 23 February 2022 at Grace Lutheran Church in Nags Head, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Interfaith Community Outreach, P.O. Box 1663, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 or (www.interfaith outreach.com/donate). Expressions of sympathy and comfort may be shared with the family via the online register at (www.gallopfuneralservices.com). S

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 127

LAST CALL THOMAS NELSON INGLIS III ’68 Thomas N. Inglis III died of complications from a stroke and COVID-19 at Plano, TX, on 16 February 2022. He was 75 years old. The son of Thomas Nelson Inglis II and Polly Grainger Inglis, “Tom” was born in Bryan, TX. Later, his family moved to Phoenix, AZ, where he graduated from Camelback High School. With a congressional appointment, Tom entered the Naval Academy as a member of the 27th Company. After graduation with the Class of 1968, Tom reported to Pensacola, FL, for flight training. During his training, Tom was briefly hospitalized and, as luck would have it, was cared for by a young Navy nurse named Kathy North. They were married in 1970 and have two children. After receiving his Wings, Tom and Kathy were stationed at NAS Lemoore, CA. He transitioned to the A-7 attack aircraft and served two tours of duty with VA-153 on the carrier ORISKANY, flying combat missions in Vietnam. After five and a half years of service, Tom resigned his commission and began his civilian career as a manufacturing executive for several Fortune 500 companies. This led Tom and his family to live in several states before settling in Plano, TX. In his spare time, Tom enjoyed working on his computer and listening to the music of his favorite artist, Andrea Bocelli. In Plano, Tom became an avid Cowboys fan and enjoyed season tickets during the Cowboys’ Super Bowl years in the 1990s. Tom valued his family and friendships from his military days. His most treasured recent memory was his 2018 Navy squadron reunion in Pensacola, followed by his 50th Naval Academy class reunion. He enjoyed reconnecting with old friends. Tom was known for his dry sense of humor and was characterized, particularly in his later years, as possessing a strong work ethic. He could never see himself retiring. Tom was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Kathyleen Inglis; son, Thomas Nelson Inglis IV (Wendi); daughter, Elisa Deal; four grandchildren, Brynley Inglis, Cayden Madden, Lindsey Deal and Brendan Deal; his sister, Cindy Phillips (John); nephew, Matt Phillips (Melissa); niece, Mandy Wick (Francis); and various grand-nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s name to the American Stroke Association (www.stroke.org) or the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org). An inurnment service took place on 15 April 2022 at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery. S

JAMES KENNETH ORZECH ’68 Captain “Otto” Orzech, USNR (Ret.), died on 5 February 2022 after a long battle with cancer due to Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War. Born in Cleveland, OH, on 28 June 1946, Otto credited his qualification as an Eagle Scout for his basic leadership skills and command presence during his Navy career. A member of the Class of 1968’s 32nd Company, as a midshipman, Otto attended the Navy’s Underwater Swimmer’s School and the Army’s Jungle Warfare School. He was a member of the USNA Scuba Club and graduated with a minor in oceanography.

128 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

He served in TURNER JOY (DD-951) and as executive officer in HITCHITI (ATF-103) during deployments to Vietnam. A graduate of the Naval Schools of Diving and Salvage and Deep Diving Systems, Otto was recognized as an expert in the ocean sciences and deep-saturation diving during his distinguished naval and civilian careers. While assigned to Submarine Development Group One, Otto directed saturation diving operations with the Mark 2 Deep Diving System aboard the diving training vessel ELK RIVER. He supervised more than deep-saturation dives, participated in multi-national research projects, and traveled throughout the world to research shipwreck-diving sites. He transitioned to the Naval Reserve in 1974. During his command of the Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit One detachment in Long Beach, CA, he led the first underwater survey of the battleships ARIZONA (BB-39) and UTAH (BB-31) in Pearl Harbor in 1986. Otto worked for many years at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where he earned his PhD in oceanography in 1988. He combined his operational experience with the most sophisticated deep-saturation diving systems and marine archaeology globally with his impressive academic credentials. In 1987, Otto co-founded the Ocean Sciences Research Institute in San Diego, CA. While assigned to the Office of Naval Research in Washington, DC, Otto evaluated new anti-mine and special warfare technologies. After 30 years of service as an instructor, researcher and leader, he retired from the Reserves in 1998. He served as the historian for the NATO-led Stabilization Force in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, from 1997-2005. Retiring to Little River, SC, Otto enjoyed many boat trips along the Intracoastal Waterway. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Liz” Crotty; sister, Gail Fry; and niece, Mary Fry of Vancouver, Canada. Burial at sea off California’s coast is being arranged on a U.S. Navy ship. Memorial donations may be made to the World Wildlife Fund (www.worldwildlife.org) or The Nature Conservancy (www.nature.org). S

TIMOTHY MARTIN REICHERT ’70 Commander Timothy M. Reichert, USN (Ret.), 74, began his next journey on 22 March 2022. Born in Cheyenne, WY, “Tim” grew up in Wyoming and Colorado. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Denver, CO, and received an appointment to the Naval Academy. He graduated in 1970, and then completed Naval Nuclear Power School in Mare Island, CA, Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit in Idaho Falls, ID, and Naval Submarine School in Groton, CT. Tim’s first assignment was to BATFISH (SSN-681), where he served as division officer until 1974. He then reported to PERMIT (SSN-594) as engineering officer. In 1977, he was assigned as squadron engineer for the newly formed Submarine Squadron Seven in Pearl Harbor, HI. His next assignment was as navigator aboard SARGO (SSN-583). In 1980, he reported to HAWKBILL (SSN666) as executive officer. Then, in 1983, he served as force nuclear power officer on the staff of Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. In 1986, he reported as the prospective commanding officer of TOPEKA, a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, which was under construction in Groton, CT. He oversaw her construction, led her precommissioning unit and became

LAST CALL her first commanding officer. TOPEKA is still in active service to this day. Commander Reichert was entitled to wear the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal w/Gold Star, Battle Efficiency Ribbon, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. After retiring from the Navy with 20 years of honorable service, Tim began a new career with Entergy Nuclear Power, working in Arkansas, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. He retired to Polk County in 2006, keeping a second home in Connecticut. Tim was kind-hearted, 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. Tim was preceded in death by his father, Clarence “Rike” Reichert; mother, Dortha “Doty” Reichert; and his first wife, Christy Hopkins Reichert. He is survived by his wife, Ginger Wiggins-Reichert of Lakeland, FL; sister, Marianne Hindman (Phil) of Jupiter, FL; daughter, Tisha Ladia of Mystic, CT; son, Tim Reichert (Melanie) of Auburndale, FL; and eight grandchildren. His ashes will be interred at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL, at a later date. S

STEPHEN TODD RAPHAEL ’71 Stephen Raphael passed away on 28 January 2022 in Houston, TX, of COVID-19 complications. He was 72 years old. “Steve” was born in Denver, CO, on 1 February 1949. 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 before Steve was recruited to the Naval Academy for sailing. At Annapolis, he was in the 14th Company and was a four-year member of the sailing team and 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 with the Class of 1971, Steve first served as navigator on 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. He became a senior captain, flying almost every Boeing aircraft Delta had, including the B-767 400ER on international routes, and the L-1011. Steve lived mostly in the Dallas/Fort Worth area during that time and took up windsurfing on the lakes in Texas, and out in Hawaii, whenever he could get away. Steve retired from Delta in 2004 and flew Gulfstreams for a charter company, then international luxury 757s for EOS Airlines, across the Atlantic. Steve was later hired by Southwest Air Lines. Until his passing, Steve worked for Southwest as a simulator instructor pilot in the t raining department. Steve and his wife, Melinda, lived on a lake where he took up , which became his recreational passion. In the mid-eighties, 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 skiing for team USA. Steve and Melinda attended our 50th USNA Class Reunion in October 2021, where classmates were able to congratulate him for his impressive waterskiing accomplishments. Steve is survived by his wife, Melinda of Southlake, TX; son, Scott Raphael (Heather); granddaughter, Sarah Trinity; sister, Lesley Raphael; brother, Martin Raphael (Susan); niece, Samantha Quilici (Armin and their children, Vincent and Adriana). Funeral services are pending. S

ROBERT BRAND BENEFIELD ’72 Commander Robert B. Benefield, USNR (Ret.), died peacefully at home in Fort Worth, TX, on 11 November 2021 from post-polio syndrome and ALS. A native of Lubbock, TX, “Rob” attended NAPS prior to the Naval Academy. At Annapolis, he was a proud member of the 31st Company. After graduation with the Class of 1972, he served on DUBUQUE before reporting to fight school in Pensacola in 1973 and received his Wings at NAS Kingsville in 1974. Rob’s first tours were in VA-83 and VA-174, flying the A7E. Rob served as both an LSO and instructor pilot in the A-7. Assigned to VFC-12, he flew the TA-4J and the A-4F. He was first in his class at Naval Fighter Weapons Schools (Top Gun) and served as commanding officer of VFC-12. Rob joined American Airlines in 1979, flying the 727, 737 and 777. Selected as an instructor, he served as a check airman on the 727 and 737. He was part of the team that introduced the 737 into American Airlines operations, developing the flight manuals and curriculum. He retired from AA as a 777 captain in 2011. Rob later worked for Boeing as a 737 flight instructor, teaching pilots from around the world. Rob loved golf, playing for the joy of the game, and volunteered with the USGA and Texas Golf Association (TGA) on the USGA Regional Committee and TGA Rules Committee. A USGA Rules Official and Official in Charge, he ran qualifiers for all levels of competition, including the U.S. Open, U.S. Amateur, U.S. Senior Open and U.S. Junior Open, many NCAA tournaments and the Kathy Whitworth (Junior Girls) Invitational. He was 2010 and 2013 Member-Member Club Champion at his local club, and an occasional team winner at USNA ’72 reunion tournaments! Rob was the definition of a leader and true gentleman: strong, kind, humble, wise, and always with a quick smile and a gentle laugh. Those who knew him realized that there was no one finer. Above all, Rob’s greatest love and source of pride was his family. He treasured them and his face beamed when he spoke of them. He is survived by his wife, Lazelle; children, Ann (Mike) and David (Natalie); grandchildren, Emma and Robert; sister, Devi (and her family); sister-inlaw, Forrece (and her family); as well as cousins and extended family. Services will be held on 9 May 2022 at the Naval Academy Chapel with inurnment at the USNA Columbarium. S

COLUMBARIUM For more information, visit usna.edu/cemetery/

MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 129

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Annapolis Waterfront Specialist 132 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

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134 SHIPMATE • MAY 2022

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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.

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07/18/22

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MAY 2022 • SHIPMATE 135

EXECUTIVE OFFICE VOLUME 85 • NO. 3 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

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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.

136 SHIPMATE • MAY 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 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 Cynthia Belt 410-295-4000 Member Services Coordinator 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 Janet Douglas 410-295-4057 Staff Accountant

410-295-4040 410-295-4091

STAFF AND ASSISTANCE

TREASURY AND OPERATIONS CONTINUED Julie Kopp 410-295-4054 Payroll Manager

DEVELOPMENT CONTINUED Dan Quattrini ’81 410-295-4167 Director, Class Legacy Gift Programs

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 410-295-4083 Help Desk Technician Ashley Norfolk 410-295-4084 SQL Application Developer

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

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 Annual Programs Rusty Yeiser ’74 410-295-4174 Senior Director, Annual Programs

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 Anna Galloway 410-295-4120 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

Welcome to the Great Class Challenge of 2022.

Be the Greatest Of All Time! 75 CLASSES. 5 DAYS. 1 MISSION.

t Be

T! A GO

From 16-20 May, the challenge is back and you'll have the chance to support the Naval Academy while you compete to see which class is really the greatest. We don't need to compete against West Point or Air Force to know that Navy is the best, but the top class is up for grabs. For the past eight years this giving challenge, formerly the All Academy Challenge, has allowed thousands of alumni to come together in a short period of time to raise tremendous support for the Naval Academy. In addition to the greatest class bragging rights you and your classmates have used the challenge to generate nearly $10M in support for the Naval Academy during the eight years of the challenge. Make your gift now through 20 May to be counted in the challenge. Don't forget to view the class leaderboards after 16 May to see if your class has what it takes to take the top spot.

#GreatClassChallenge www.navalacademychallenge.com