Shipmate: October 2022

1,000 WORDS

Symbols of Honor The Class of 2026 received their honor coins from their Class of 1976 Another Link in the Chain counterparts on 18 July. The Honor Coin symbolizes the core values pursued by all Academy graduates across the ages: Honor, Courage and Commitment.

1,000 WORDS

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

Dropping In The final Plebe Summer parade for the Class of 2026 was held on 18 August.

MIDN Vince Tenebro ’23, USN, of 18th Company was one of the members of the Naval Academy parachute team who landed on Worden Field prior to the parade.

2 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

THE SEASON OF COMING HOME

PHOTO BY DEBBIE LATTA

By Jeff Webb ’95

Superintendent VADM Sean Buck ’83, USN, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and Jeff Webb ’95 attend the first formal parade of the season.

W

ith 12 weeks in my role at the Alumni Association and Foundation behind me, I am proud to have completed my own version of Plebe Summer. Just as the Brigade is back and now fully engaged in their fall activities, our Enterprise is in full flight for our fall activities after a summer of preparation.

In August, just as we have done for the last 24 years, we honored our newest class of Naval Academy Distinguished graduates. They are Mr. Peter F. de Vos ’71; Vice Admiral William D. “Doug” Crowder ’74, USN (Ret.); Mr. J. Michael Yeager ’76; Rear Admiral Margaret D. “Peg” Klein ’81, USN (Ret.); and Vice Admiral Walter E. “Ted” Carter ’81, USN (Ret.). Read their stories starting on page 12.

This high honor is reserved for alumni who have led exceptional careers, in and out of uniform, while showing uncommon commitment to the Naval Academy since their commissioning.

We were pleased to honor them publicly in Alumni Hall in a ceremony that included biographical videos as well as remarks by each of the awardees. It was a special privilege to listen to the DGAs speak directly to the Brigade in a Q&A session the day after the public event. I found their shared wisdom to be just as relevant to alumni as it is to midshipmen. Here are a few highlights: On overcoming challenges: • You don’t have to pitch a no hitter every time. Sometimes you are going to struggle. Just stay focused on the mission.

• You are getting the skills that you need to overcome any of life’s challenges right now as a midshipman. You can’t feel it, but it’s happening.

On being a leader who people want to follow: • Learn to lead yourself before you lead others. Be energized.

Sit in the front row. Show that you care about the mission.

4 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

• You have to have people who are inspired. YOU need to be inspired for that to happen. Enthusiasm is infectious.

• Establishing trust with subordinates is critical to effectiveness as a leader.

• Do your best to understand the hopes, fears and aspirations of your team. At the same time, understand that you won’t always please everyone and that the mission always comes first.

Letting subordinates know you care about their well-being: • Start by actually caring, rather than just trying to look like you are care. People are at the root of accomplishing any mission.

On achieving high rank in the military: • You cannot script the next 35 years of your career. You aren’t always going to get the job and orders you would like. Don’t pick a community or a path based on theoretical odds of achieving high rank. Be flexible and be ready for whatever comes your way.

We are now accepting nominations for the 2023 DGA cycle—scan the QR code to hear Admiral Ferguson’s call for nominations, and please nominate those classmates you feel are worthy of this honor.

Nominations will close on 15 October.

Seeing the Classes of 1966, 1967, 1987 and 2017 converge on Annapolis for their reunions for our football home opener against Delaware was energizing and exciting. The Superintendent, Vice Admiral Sean Buck ’83, USN, gave them all an entertaining and informative update on the Naval Academy, immediately followed by the first formal parade of the season, where he welcomed Maryland Governor Larry Hogan to the Yard. The Admiral provides us all a similar Naval Academy update in his feature starting on page 24. ’66 and ’67 got a “two for one” by being able to spend time with their shipmates in adjacent classes due to COVID rescheduling.

Their enthusiasm and support for the Naval Academy has not waned one bit.

1987 had a phenomenal turnout for their 35th of four hundred and EIGHT-SEVEN attendees. With most of their classmates still in uniform, 2017 made a commendable effort to get back to Annapolis for their first reunion. For many of them, this was their first visit since their commissioning. In a great display of the meaning of the Another Link in the Chain program, 1967 and 2017 tailgated together to celebrate their 50-year bond.

For anyone who is “on the fence” on attending their upcoming reunion, I encourage you to register now. Those relationships mean so much to so many of our alumni, forged as they were in shared experiences that matters. Come home to Annapolis this fall and celebrate those enduring bonds.

Please keep the feedback and comments coming on how we can better serve you.

Go Navy! a

U N I T E D

S TAT E S

N AVA L

A C A D E M Y

A L U M N I

A S S O C I AT I O N

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F O U N D AT I O N

SHIPMATE VOLUME 85 • NO. 7

IN THIS ISSUE DEPARTMENTS 4 Letter from the President

SUPE PERSPECTIVE Academy maintains mission excellence while expanding opportunities for midshipmen. 24

Jeff Webb ’95

6 6 33 40

All Hands Advertisers Index Five Minutes With…

An Ocean Away

Commander Kevin Ringelstein ’07, USN

INTO THE STORM Midshipmen conduct summer research by chasing storms. 28

DISTINGUISHED GRADUATES The 2022 Class trace their success to virtues learned at the Academy. 12

MUSEUM MEDAL The Naval Academy museum is home to the casting dies and replica Continental Congress gold medal awarded to John Paul Jones. 38

RISING UP Men and women’s rugby becomes varsity sport thanks to alumni philanthropy. 34

Get the Goat

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

Bill was hiding in the photo on page 17 of the September 2022 issue of Shipmate.

41 42 43 107 121 122 130 136

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 2022 U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Award recipients.

Photo by Mike Morgan

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 5

ALL HANDS PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

Alumni Pitch Drug Trafficking Counter Solutions

During a Cyber Language, Regional Expertise and Culture program in Israel, midshipmen visited cybersecurity firm Check Point Software Technologies which focuses on prevention of cyber attacks rather than detection.

2022 Cyber LREC to Israel

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

Seven midshipmen, ranging from third class to first class, recently completed a three-week Cyber Language, Regional Expertise and Culture program (LREC) in Israel. An LREC is a cultural immersion trip, with this one specifically tailored to Israel’s culture and unique cyber challenges.

With the group based out of Tel Aviv University, an Israeli Cybersecurity Strategy course taught by Dr. Nir Hassid focused on the national security concept of Israel and how those guidelines influence their approach to cybersecurity policy and technology innovation, with self-reliance, deterrence and quality as their top priorities in their overall security approach. In addition to attending class, these midshipmen also immersed themselves in Israeli culture and history by visiting cybersecurity companies and tourist attractions, such as a sunrise hike to Masada, floating in the Dead Sea, camel rides in Jerusalem, exploring the ANU cultural heritage museum, learning about various surface and subsurface training simulations used at the Israeli Naval Academy, and much more.

Within the first week of staying at Tel Aviv, the midshipmen visited cybersecurity company Check Point Software Technologies, known for its development of hardware-based firewalls in the 1990s. On the tour, the hosts discussed the company’s history and business operations as well as how the operation of their company currently focuses on prevention of cyber attacks rather than detection.

The midshipmen also learned about the thought process, leadership and organizational challenges of running a private sector cybersecurity company. They were able to get an insight into their utilization of the ThreatCloud database, cloud security automation, and how Artificial Intelligence technology plays a major role in their cybersecurity products and services. They also were briefed by Check Point’s research department on the latest cyber threat events pertaining to global conflicts and threat actors.

By Midshipman Ashley Chung ’23, USN ®

Recent Naval Academy alumni participated in a “design thinking” event in August. The purpose was addressing a major challenge facing the Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-S)—limited resources to cover a huge area of operations to counter narcotics smuggling into the U.S. The Academy event—which lasted from 2-5 August and culminated in presentations to Chief of Naval Research Rear Admiral Lorin Selby and other stakeholders—was a partnership between the Office of Naval Research-sponsored SCOUT initiative, JIATF-S and multiple warfare centers.

“My job is to train people to think differently and challenge the current system,” said Selby, “and this generation is the one that will change things. We’re trying to change the conversation and talk openly about challenges, obstacles and opportunities to learn and improve.”

The event was spearheaded by SCOUT, an ongoing, multiagency experimentation campaign that rapidly brings solutions to warfighter challenges. SCOUT is committed to getting nontraditional, commercialoff-the-shelf, government-developed and/or government-sponsored technologies to the fleet rapidly.

Currently, SCOUT is helping JIATF-S, which works with U.S. Southern Command and partner naval forces to leverage all-domain technologies and unmanned capabilities to target, detect and monitor illicit drug trafficking in the air and maritime domains. This facilitates interdiction and apprehension to reduce the flow of drugs, as well as degrade and dismantle transnational criminal organizations. During the Academy event, alumni divided into two teams and listened to JIATF-S operators and subject matter experts describe challenges and needs unique to their mission. From there, they grouped these issues into themes that would serve as the basis for generating ideas. Afterward, they held a Shark Tank-style round robin to pitch ideas and select the best four for final presentation.

In addition to the ideas about connecting sensors and buoys and specialized GPS, other concepts included using artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict where drug runners might operate—as well as improve data gathering for asset allocation and case management.

By Warren Duffie Jr., Office of Naval Research ®

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS The Bradford Exchange..................11, 39 Citizen’s Watch ....................................37 Falcons Landing....................................29 Herff Jones ................Inside Back Cover Jostens ....................................................9 USAA....................31, Inside Front Cover USNA Foundation................................32 The Village at Providence Point ..........3

6 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

Alumni Products and Services Alumni Business Directory............43 Alumni Merchandise: Chairs........42 Alumni Travel 2023 ......................42 Service Academy Career Conference 2022..........43

Recent Naval Academy alumni participated in a “design thinking” event in August that focused on developing strategies for combating narcotics smuggling into the U.S. The event included a Shark Tank-style round robin to pitch ideas and select the best four for final presentation.

PHOTO BY OF KRISTOPHER BURRIS

Midshipmen Explore Ghana Through LREC Program

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

The Naval Academy sent eight midshipmen and two faculty members to explore the culture of Ghana in July as part of the Language Proficiency, Regional Expertise and Cultural Awareness (LREC) program.

The Naval Academy group visited three cities—Accra, Cape Coast and Kumasi—during their nine-day stay in the country. Drawing inspiration from the National Museum of Ghana’s motif of “Unity in Diversity,” midshipmen engaged in numerous cultural arts from Ghanaian traditional drumming to batik fabric making. These activities introduced them to the richness of the Akan culture, which has permeated most of the country.

Midshipmen even made visits to several nonprofit organizations to learn how robotics and other technologies are being used to resolve real-world problems.

They spent their last day at the Billa Mahmud Memorial Future Leaders School in Accra. Using materials donated by Captain Joseph L. McGettigan ’80, USN (Ret.), the director of the USNA STEM Center, midshipmen led Ghanaian youth in STEM classroom activities.

By the Naval Academy Public Affairs Office ®

In July, eight midshipmen traveled to Ghana as part of the Language Proficiency, Regional Expertise and Cultural Awareness program. They engaged in several cultural events during their nine-day stay including Ghanian traditional drumming.

ADM Bill K. Lescher ‘80, USN, passes the Old Goat Award to ADM Frank Caldwell ’81, USN, at the Naval War College on 10 August. The award is held by the longest serving Naval Academy graduate still on active duty.

Passing of the Old Goat Award Admiral Bill K. Lescher ’80, USN, pass the Old Goat Award to Admiral Frank Caldwell ’81, USN, during an unofficial ceremony at the Naval War College on 10 August.

The Old Goat Award is held by the longest serving Naval Academy graduate still on active duty.

“It’s been an honor to represent the Naval Academy as the Old Goat, and I know Frank Caldwell will feel the same,” Lescher said.

“I receive this award with great humility on behalf of the entire Naval Academy Class of 1981. This ‘badge of honor’ makes me reflect upon my career in the Navy and serving as a nuclear trained sailor in the submarine force. I want to thank Bill Lescher for his superb leadership as the VCNO and the Old Goat. He is anything but gnarly, and will be greatly missed,” Caldwell stated upon receipt.

Lescher serves as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations and Caldwell serves as the director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.

“Frank has been a four-star since 2015, so it’s about time he starts to stack up these ‘old guy’ awards. In all seriousness, Frank is a tremendous leader for our Navy and Naval Reactors. We’re fortunate to continue to benefit from his wisdom and insight every day,” Lescher said.

The Old Goat Award started with Rear Admiral Alton Stocks ’72, USN (Ret.). ®

ALUMNI MENTORING PROGRAM 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

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 7

ALL HANDS

2 for 7 The Naval Academy Class of 2024 signed their “2 for 7” contracts on 19 August in Memorial Hall. The “2 for 7” contract is a significant milestone because it signifies the completion of a midshipmen’s first two years at the Academy. It also binds the midshipmen to two more years at the Naval Academy and five more years in the Navy or Marine Corps upon commissioning.

Midshipmen have the opportunity to separate from the Naval Academy after their youngster year without any financial obligation. ®

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

The Naval Academy Class of 2026 includes 12 students from 11 countries, lifting the Academy’s current international student count to 58 midshipmen from 27 countries.

Class of ’26 Includes 12 International Students The U.S. Naval Academy International Programs Office offers a wide variety of services and programs to midshipmen, faculty and staff; one of those is the four-year international midshipman program.

According to the U.S. Title 10, 60 students from foreign countries are allowed to be enrolled in the program, which started in 1860 and has since produced 557 graduates from 79 countries.

During the summer, the Academy welcomed 12 new students from 11 countries around the world to the Class of 2026, bringing the Academy’s current total to 58 midshipmen from 27 countries.

International midshipmen typically arrive 10 days prior to Induction Day, or I-Day, to get acclimated to America and its culture.

“We conduct an orientation for each group of inbound international students,” said Commander Timothy A. Disher ’81, USN (Ret.), director of the International Programs Office. “It is a team effort and process to assist in this adjustment, which includes midshipmen, faculty, staff and sponsors.”

The process includes visiting the District of Columbia, attending a baseball game and watching movies related to naval history and culture, including Top Gun: Maverick.

Some midshipmen were selected for the Academy on their second application attempt; others were students at their home country’s naval academies. In addition to international midshipmen, the Academy also has 11 officers from 10 different countries currently working as faculty members through the international officer program.

The mission of the International Programs Office is to enhance the globalization of midshipman education by seeking and creating opportunities that contribute to midshipman knowledge regarding strategically important geographic regions and proficiency in foreign languages as defined by Navy leadership. ®

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Second-class midshipmen signed their "2 for 7" agreements on 19 August, committing to seven years of service to their country: two more at the Academy followed by five years in the Navy or Marine Corps.

2022 NAVY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Follow Navy Football at navysports.com

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

Howard ’90 Hands Naval Special Warfare Command Reins to Davids ’90 PHOTO COURTESY OF THE U.S. NAVY

Rear Admiral Keith B. Davids ’90, USN, relieved Rear Admiral Hugh Wyman Howard III ’90, USN, as commander, Naval Special Warfare Command during a change of command ceremony at Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, on 19 August.

Howard assumed command of Naval Special Warfare Command in September 2020. He focused on strengthening the force and Naval Special Warfare families, commissioning several new component commands and implementing a culture and sustainable architecture for concept development, experimentation and continuous assessment and development.

“When I had the privilege to assume command of this incredible team, we challenged ourselves with a deliberate, comprehensive and urgent transformation to meet new threats and create the irregular warfare options that strengthen national leverage and amplify the Nation’s integrated deterrence options,” said Howard.

Davids most recently served as commander, Special Operations Command South, Homestead Air Reserve Base, FL. He praised Howard for his warfighting vision and leaving him a strong and professional force.

“Wyman has aggressively transformed Naval Special Warfare for the step changes in capability and resourcing to stay ahead of our adversaries,” Davids said at the ceremony.

RADM Keith B. Davids ’90, USN, speaks during a change of command ceremony after relieving RADM Hugh W. Howard III ’90, USN, as commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado.

More than 10,000 strong, Naval Special Warfare includes approximately 3,000 Sea, Air, Land operators; 700 Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen; 4,600 combat support and combat service support personnel, 700 reservists and 1,200 civilian teammates.

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Destiny Cheek ®

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 9

ALL HANDS

Midshipmen Test Information Warfare Waters

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE U.S. NAVY

The second annual Information Warfare (IW) Community summer cruise was held in early June in Suffolk, VA, with the first of three waves of Naval Academy first class midshipmen touring various IW commands.

Designed to fully explore how fleet-wide IW capabilities underpin all other warfighting operations, the midshipmen took a deep dive in each of the IW disciplines: cryptologic warfare, cyber warfare engineer, information professional, intelligence and meteorology and oceanography.

This firsthand look at real-world environments and speaking directly to IW Community officers prepared the midshipmen for service selection week.

The goal is to have the IW Community make a strong, positive impression on the midshipmen to help them decide if a career in IW is right for them, and then select which strand of IW is the best fit.

Each wave of the IW Community Cruise started with Core Week, during which midshipmen collectively received briefings and visited various IW commands in Hampton Roads. Next, the midshipmen splintered off into Strand Week. Some midshipmen remained in the Hampton Roads area while others headed to Fort Meade, MD. Commands toured in the Maryland area included Fleet Cyber Command/ 10th Fleet and their MOC watch floor; Office of Naval Intelligence; Cryptologic Warfare Group SIX; Navy Cyber Warfare Development Group; and Defense Special Missile and Aerospace Center.

Throughout the three-week experience, each block of midshipmen toured a combination of commands, ships and squadrons in the Hampton Roads area that included Fleet Weather Center Norfolk (FWC-N); U.S. Fleet Forces Maritime Operations Center (FFC MOC); Navy Expeditionary Intelligence Command (NEIC); Naval Special Warfare; Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic (NCTAMS LANT); and various ships and squadrons.

By Jacquelynn Fisher, Naval Information Forces ®

O’Brien ’97 Takes Command at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach Captain Jessica J. O’Brien ’97, USN, became the first female commanding officer at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach in July.

Prior to taking command at the 78-year-old California installation, O’Brien was the first female commander of Beachmaster Unit One, a Coronado, CA-based landing craft unit. She takes the reins at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach after serving as Deputy Branch Head, Security Cooperation and Posture, OPNAV N5 and International Seapower Symposium Coordinator for the Chief of Naval Operations.

O’Brien’s previous assignments include serving as flag aide to Commander, Navy Region Southwest; flag secretary and speech writer to Commander, Naval Surface Forces/Naval Surface Force, Pacific Fleet; and as the N5 and Maritime Prepositioning Force Officer at Naval Beach Group ONE, Coronado, CA. Being a trailblazer wasn’t O’Brien’s intention.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been the first female in so many instances,” O’Brien said, according to a Los Angeles Times story.

“I’m on that bow wave of females who have really had an open path ahead to serve on combatants. Even since then females can do more.

We’ve got females on submarines now and everything is really open.

“It wasn’t something I wanted to highlight because I never did in my career. I just tried to do my job and earn the trust and respect of everyone.” ®

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION

(Act of Oct. 23, 1962; Section 4369, Title 39, U.S. Code)

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE U.S. NAVY

Date of Filing: September 2022 Title of Publication: Shipmate Frequency of Issue: Eight times per year Location of known office of publication and headquarters of publishers: 247 King George Street, Annapolis, MD 21402 Publisher: Jeff Webb Editor: Jimmy DeButts Owner: U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, Inc. Known bondholders, mortgages and other security holders owning or holding 1% or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities: None

Some first class midshipmen participated in the Information Warfare (IW) Community summer cruise which allowed them to explore how IW impact all other fighting operations.

10 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

Total Printed Sales Mail Subscriptions Total Paid Circulation Free Distribution Total Distribution Office Use Returns from agents Total

Avg. No. copies each issue during preceding 12 months

Single issue nearest to filing date

53471 0 53114 53114 61 53175 296 0

54050 0 53729 53729 61 53790 260 0 54050

53471

FEATURE

UPHOLDING THE HIGHEST IDEALS T

he 2022 Class of Naval Academy Distinguished Graduates embodies the “highest ideals of duty, honor and loyalty” instilled in them as midshipmen.

Through an unyielding commitment to these values, the Class of 2022 Distinguished Graduates inspired others by setting high expectations, serving ethically, and leading with empathy and fairness. This year’s class includes leaders who pushed beyond expectations and leave lasting legacies. They are: • • • • •

Peter F. de Vos ’71 Vice Admiral William “Doug” Crowder ’74, USN (Ret.) J. Mike Yeager ’76 Rear Admiral Margaret D. “Peg” Klein ’81, USN (Ret.) Vice Admiral Walter E. “Ted” Carter ’81, USN (Ret.)

Their legacies include helping to ensure future generations of midshipmen have the resources and experiences necessary to prepare them to lead as junior officers.

The Class of 2022 Distinguished Graduates were honored on 26 August in Alumni Hall. Their ceremony was delayed as the COVID-19 pandemic pushed back several classes over the past two years. The Class of 2023 is scheduled to be honored in spring 2023.

The stories of the Class of 2022’s triumph and inspiration are on the following pages. For more information on the 2022 Distinguished Graduate Awards, video from the event and complete honoree biographies, visit usna.com/dga.

12 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 13

PHOTO BY DEBBIE LATTA

The Class of 2022 Distinguished Graduates (from left to right) are: VADM Walter “Ted” Carter ’81, USN (Ret.), RADM Peg Klein ’81, USN (Ret.), Mike Yeager ’76, VADM William Douglas Crowder ’74, USN (Ret.) and Peter de Vos ’71. They were honored on 26 August in Alumni Hall.

FEATURE

ALL CURRENT HEADSHOTS BY MIKE MORGAN

PETER DE VOS ’71

By Chase Cook

Peter de Vos ’71 never turned down a challenge.

He spent his life pushing the boundaries of his skills and abilities. Juggle sports on top of his academics? No problem. Earn entrance into the Navy’s submarine program? Mission accomplished.

Run three different firms in the investment banking world? It’s done.

And now, de Vos can add to his list, among many other honors, 2022 Distinguished U.S. Naval Academy Graduate. When he graduated in 1971 in the top 10 percent of his class, he earned a commendation from the Superintendent for outstanding leadership. He spent about eight years on active duty with stints as a submarine officer on SPADEFISH and MEMPHIS. Now, he joins the legendary ranks of Naval Academy graduates honored annually. The list includes former presidents and generals.

“It is a humbling honor,” de Vos said. “There is a sense of humility, and I’m just very honored.”

While he didn’t go on to a lengthy career in the Navy, that time left a permanent imprint on him. He studied mechanical engineering at the Academy and earned a place in Admiral Hyman G. Rickover’s nuclear submarine program. Rickover is known as the “Father of the Nuclear Navy” and was critical in training the elite ranks of Navy’s nuclear fleet.

Getting into that class was incredibly challenging, but de Vos was relentless. He heard horror stories of hours-long interviews with Admiral Rickover before gaining entrance into the class.

But surprisingly, de Vos said his interview lasted fewer than five minutes. Shortly after the interview began, Admiral Rickover asked a female lieutenant commander, who was in the room, whether I looked like a “baseball player.”

“She said, ’I looked like a hitter.’ I turned to her and said, ’Thank you, ma’am.”

Rickover yelled at him. “She is not a ma’am.

She is a lieutenant commander in the Navy, and call her sir! Now get out of my office.”

“That was my interview,” de Vos said.

While he may have gotten lucky there, the course was rigorous.

14 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

“I found it challenging and very rewarding.

The standards in the nuclear Navy are extremely high and extremely demanding,” de Vos said.

“It stood me in good stead certainly by matching those standards in the Navy and helped me in equal stead when I got out of the Navy.”

In his time in the Navy, de Vos was licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to run nuclear reactors. He served aboard two submarines. He was selected to go to Washington, DC, as the assignment officer of all nuclear-trained submarine officers.

At the time, there were about 1,300, de Vos said.

“I’m pleased to be called a Navy Nuke,” de Vos said. “It was just an incredible experience.”

Identify and be the Best He left the Navy in 1979, ready to take on his next major challenge. He targeted Stanford Graduate School of Business and graduated as an Arjay Miller Scholar. At the time, Stanford was first ranked above Harvard Business School as the top business school. At school, he identified what the prestigious jobs were, and he found investment banking. He would go on to earn his MBA and get offers from the top firms.

It’s a theme in de Vos’ life: Identify the best. Then become the best. After 25 years in investment banking, including heading up the investment banking departments at three separate firms, he is now chairman and CEO of Tennessee Valley Infrastructure Group, a wind farm construction company.

He has kept his connection to the Naval Academy throughout his life. Not only the lessons taught, but a direct link through service and support. Peter de Vos is well known among his peers as a force of nature in supporting the Academy.

He served on the Naval Academy Foundation Board of Directors from 2007 to 2016. He has served as a trustee of the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1971 for 27 years. That class has raised more than $22 million for the Academy, ranking it six among total giving for all living classes.

Captain Perry J. Martini ’71, USN (Ret.), who nominated de Vos as a distinguished graduate,

said he couldn’t be more proud of his friend’s success. Martini was the one who pulled de Vos into the Class of 1971 group because he said he knew de Vos had the mind for it.

“Pete was a proven leader at the Naval Academy,” Martini said. “He has always been the go-to guy for support.”

PHOTO BY DEBBIE LATTA

People First That dedication is displayed whenever the classes compete to buy tickets for midshipmen. The competition happens whenever Navy’s football team goes to a bowl game, and the class with the most donations gets a 30 precent discount on upcoming season tickets.

“Pete calls (the NAAA) with five minutes to go,” Martini said.

“He buys whatever number of tickets; he wants to make sure 71 is always number 1. The Class of 1971 has won seven out of the last ten years.”

“He was highly competitive. There was never a challenge he couldn’t meet.”

Martini said he sees the best qualities of the Naval Academy in de Vos’ success. The best qualities of Naval Academy graduates don’t have to include a long career in the Navy. It is about taking that training and applying them in service to the country in whatever fashion.

His support has led to the 40th and 50th class reunion gift campaign, the Terwilliger Center, the Naval Academy Center for Cyber Security Studies—also known as Hopper Hall, the bowl game ticket donations, new Navy baseball dugouts and batting cage and the NAF Annual Fund.

“He believes in the motto ’Ship, shipmate, self,’” Martini said.

“If Pete stayed (in the Navy), he would be an admiral.”

Letters of support for de Vos echo Martini’s praise. His peers recognized his success in the business world and its ties to Naval Academy training. That success included serving as head of U.S. Investment Banking for RBC Capital Markets. Investment Dealer’s Digest recognized his team as “Mid-Market Investment Bank of the Year” in 2009.

Lieutenant General John F. Sattler ’71, USMC (Ret.), wrote in his recommendation letter that de Vos’ support has been crucial for Academy programs. Sattler was a company commander in the regiment when de Vos was its regimental commander. He wrote that he has admired de Vos’ leadership style since that first class year.

“Using the leadership he learned at the Naval Academy and honed in the submarine force, he has lit it up in business,” Sattler wrote. “In a business sector that is often toxic and selfish, he stands tall as a persuasive, conscientious, selfless leader who puts people first, guaranteeing mission accomplishment. A paragon

for any leader to emulate and an outstanding example as a USNA alum.”

In 2009, de Vos left the world of investment banking to become chairman and CEO of the Tennessee Valley Infrastructure Group, a wind farm construction company. In 2012, he spun off American Helios Constructors, which would construct solar farms. He continues to run these businesses and has secured material Department of Defense contracts. His work in support of the American military continues.

He said he always has been selective about the work he does.

He prefers to engage in projects where he can make the most impact and effect the greatest change. It’s a theme he has carried throughout his life, setting his sights on the most challenging endeavors he came across. And at the core of that drive is the Naval Academy. It gave so much to him, so he wants to continue giving back.

Hard work, tenacity, leadership and commitment learned at the Naval Academy can be applied anywhere and everywhere. It took Peter de Vos from the depths of a submarine to the heights of investment banking.

“I like to do things where I can make a meaningful contribution to areas I believe in,” de Vos said. “The Naval Academy did a lot for me. And I felt like I owed things back to the Academy. Today, I am honored and I hope to serve as mentor to midshipmen in the future.

During his time in the Navy, Peter de Vos ’71 served as the assignment officer of all nucleartrained submarine officers. He later worked in the investment banking industry and now operates a business that constructs wind and solar farms.

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 15

FEATURE

By Walinda P. West VICE ADMIRAL WILLIAM “DOUG” CROWDER ’74, USN (RET.)

When Vice Admiral William “Doug” Crowder was growing up in Greensboro, NC, in the 1960s, the Naval Academy wasn’t a place he aspired to attend. In fact, he didn’t know anything about the Academy or much about any other college.

“I didn’t know anything about going to college because no one had ever gone to college in my family,” Crowder said.

Crowder’s father, Herbert, an enlisted man, joined the Navy in 1943 on his 17th birthday, the same day he graduated high school. The elder Crowder served in combat in the Pacific and Korea, but the younger Crowder said he knew little about his father’s experience because he never talked about it.

“Like a lot of the Greatest Generation people, my father never talked about his service,” Crowder said. “The first time I even remember him being in the Navy was when we moved to Greensboro.

He’d leave in the morning in his uniform because he was the head Navy recruiter in Greensboro.”

The senior Crowder retired as a master chief petty officer.

Vice Admiral Crowder’s introduction to the Naval Academy came in 1964 when a neighbor couldn’t make it to a Duke vs. Navy football game in Durham, about 50 miles away from Greensboro. The neighbor thought the senior Crowder would appreciate his tickets since he was in the Navy.

“That morning, my father came down in his dress blues to go to the football game. Roger Staubach led Navy to victory,” Crowder said.

Staubach was a 1965 graduate of the Academy, the 1963 Heisman winner and went on to become a pro football Hall of Famer.

“After the game, my father grabbed my hand and we force-marched out of the stadium to a line of Navy buses. Between 300-400 midshipmen were there in uniform for the game.”

Crowder said his father stopped at the first bus. The elder Crowder saluted each of the midshipmen as they entered the bus.

“I asked what that was all about because my father had ribbons up to his shoulder and these were a bunch of pimply faced 18- and 19-year-olds,” Crowder said. “Why was he saluting them?

He said, ’you are right, they don’t deserve to be saluted by me, but they rate being saluted by me because they are considered officers.’

16 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

“That’s when I thought maybe I could be an officer and get a salute from someone like my dad. So that’s when I started thinking about the Naval Academy.”

Crowder Gets His Salute Crowder said he always knew his father was proud of his decision to attend the Naval Academy and live a Navy life, although he never told his son.

On 5 June 1974, Crowder graduated from the Academy. President Richard Nixon delivered the keynote address.

“The year I graduated, the President was giving the speech and that meant there was a whole lot of security,” Crowder said. “One of the traditions back then was once you graduate, you throw your hat up and you put on your officer’s hat, and the first enlisted person that salutes you, you give them a dollar. I could see that the Secret Service had locked down the field because of the president.”

“In a passing thought I wondered how all these sailors are going to get down here to give us salutes with this lockdown. Graduation went on, we threw our caps and put on our officer’s cap and it was over. I turned around and someone tapped me on the shoulder and it was my father.

He saluted me and said ’give me the damn dollar.’ I gave him the dollar and he said ’that’s the last salute you will ever get from me.’

“When I went back to Greensboro to get married, he had the dollar bill framed. That was his way of saying he was proud of me. My father died in 1981, and now I have that framed dollar.”

Crowder spent almost 40 years in the Navy with awards and recognition that show a distinguished military career. As a surface warfare officer, he commanded the strike group that assisted in tsunami relief following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, served as the U.S. 7th Fleet commander, spearheaded the Navy’s response to the attack on the Pentagon’s Navy Command Center on 9/11 and at the end of his military career, he was Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy.

He also served as director of Deep Blue, the Navy’s Operations Innovation Group. As an officer, Crowder garnered a reputation of being no-nonsense, competent, fair and fun. Rear Admiral Ray Spicer ’79, USN (Ret.), a surface warfare

PHOTO BY DEBBIE LATTA

officer with 31 years of service, said Crowder was a fantastic naval officer, leader and role model.

“Doug was always someone you could trust to give it to you straight and was ever ready to offer his sage counsel, even if you didn’t ask,” Spicer joked. “He is a wonderful combination of competence, professionalism and a great sense of humor which endeared him to those with whom he served. He definitely made a difference and left his stamp on our great Navy.”

Family Time, Volunteering and Baseball In Crowder’s office in the suburban Maryland home he shares with his wife of 46 years, Susan, just 16 minutes from the Academy, are neatly placed mementoes from his life in the Navy. Cherished books fill a bookcase, a leather jacket from his time as an ensign is carefully draped along the back of his office chair, and his personal flag given to him as a retirement gift sits atop a bookcase.

“This is my little, tiny room where I am allowed to do what I want to do in it. I’m allowed to have some Navy stuff, but nothing out of this room,” he joked, referring to his wife, Susan.

After retirement, Crowder served as the chief operating officer for a $1B business unit for Boeing, started a consultancy practice and became a director of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation and National Museum, and was chairman of the non-profit Olmsted Foundation, where he considers his work there his passion, and was a scholar in the early 1980s.

The Olmsted Foundation provides young military officers the opportunity to learn a foreign language and pursue graduate studies in that language at a foreign university. “There is a saying ‘think outside of the box,’ but at Olmsted, we put them outside of their box and tell them to think,” Crowder said.

Under Crowder’s leadership, the Olmsted Foundation donated more than $1 million to the USNA Alumni Foundation to fund summer foreign travel for midshipmen. “It gets midshipmen and the other service academies to see different parts of the world and get different perspectives,” Crowder said. Additionally, the Olmsted Foundation is a sponsor of The Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference, better known VADM William Douglas Crowder ’74, USN as NAFAC. (Ret.), commanded the strike group that Crowder donates assisted in tsunami relief following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, served as the subscriptions of Proceedings U.S. 7th Fleet Commander and spearheaded Magazine to midshipman in the Navy’s response to the attack on the Pentagon’s Navy Command Center on 9/11. his old 5th company, about

140 in all, and is a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation’s President’s Circle.

“This is a way of giving back,” he said.

In 2020, Crowder self-published the book, Sea Stories: Humor & life Lessons From a 40-Year Navy Journey. He doesn’t call the book an autobiography, but it is a thoughtful and funny collection of stories of lessons he learned along the way where he often makes fun of himself. The book is available on Amazon and he donates all of the proceeds to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society which provides financial assistance and other services to members of the Navy and Marine Corps, their eligible family members, widows and survivors.

Of all that Crowder has accomplished, one of the things he is proudest of, he joked, was to attend a game at every Major League Baseball ballpark, 30 in all in, one season, the year he retired.

In the lefthand corner of his office stands two metal hat racks. One holds military caps he has collected over time and the other showcases baseball caps he picked up from his season-long ballpark tour. In an adjacent room, Crowder pulls out a black scrapbook from his ballpark tour. The scrapbook, which could rival Jane’s Fighting Ships in its structure and organization, ranks the ballparks he has visited on metrics like charm, location and architecture.

He gives the ballpark an overall score, includes his impressions and a picture of him at the ballpark. His beloved Orioles took the top spot.

“I am a baseball fanatic,” Crowder said.

And he’s not alone. Crowder passed the love of the game down to his son. He also has two daughters, who have not picked up their father’s love of the game.

“I used to take my son to a lot of baseball games and he became a really big fan,” Crowder said. “Ten years ago, he called his mother to say his wife was pregnant with a girl and they were going to call her Ripken.”

Crowder said neither he nor his wife took their son seriously until they got a call from him eight months later from Johns Hopkins Hospital, letting them know their daughter was born.

“She was born on the 8th floor of the hospital, in room 8 and weighed 8 lbs., 8 oz,” Crowder said. “I said you better call her Ripken. So, I have a granddaughter named Ripken Crowder. I don’t know if Cal knows or not because I don’t run in those circles.

Ripken, who wore No. 8 for the Orioles, now knows about his namesake.

“Wow, that has to be a sign, right? What are the odds? Those are pretty cool coincidences,” Ripken said. “Over the years, I have met several young people, mostly guys, named Cal who told me that they were named after me. It is always nice to hear, and such a compliment. I think this is the first time I heard about a little girl being named Ripken, I hope she is an Orioles fan.”

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 17

FEATURE

MICHAEL YEAGER ’76

By Ellen Ternes

When Mike Yeager ’76, tells his story, he does not start with a list of accomplishments. He begins with where he came from.

“I grew up in this very small town of Palestine, deep in East Texas. You can drive 40 or 50 miles in any direction and there is nothing but trees and cows until you get to the next town,” Yeager said. “It was a great place to grow up, but I had never been anywhere and never experienced anything outside of that small town. As a young man my biggest goal in life was to be able to sign some kind of college scholarship and go see a little bit of the world.”

It would be an unforeseen path to the Naval Academy that not only took Yeager far from Palestine, TX, but would instill what he calls the Principles of Excellence that have been at the heart of everything he has achieved since. His journey would take him through the corporate ranks ultimately serving as an ExxonMobil vice president and running its operations in more than 20 countries.

He’s dined with heads of state. He has worked with energy ministers around the world.

After his time with ExxonMobil he served as CEO of BHP Petroleum, where he doubled the business’ profits.

Yeager played quarterback for the Palestine High School football team. He received several scholarship offers and finally signed offers from Tulane University and the University of Tulsa.

“Then this call came out of the blue during my senior year in high school,” Yeager said in the Texas accent he’s never lost. “It was from Pete McCulley, who had been one of the coaches at Baylor University. And he says, ’’I’m now at the Naval Academy, Mike. You ought to come and look at this.’

“So, I took Coach McCulley’s advice and came and looked. And what the Academy offered really started to build inside of me. So, I walked away from the other opportunities and came to Annapolis. And it was the best decision I ever made in my entire life. The Academy taught me about what excellence really is.”

Yeager was named starting quarterback and captain of the Naval Academy plebe football team. He went on to play varsity football for the Navy teams that beat Army three consecutive years by a combined score of 100 to 6, while 18 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

capturing the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy all three years. His first class year, he was also a company commander.

Classmate Commander Jerry Willett ’76, USNR (Ret.), was impressed by Yeager’s leadership skills.

“They were a rare blend of confidence, an inspiring and sincere manner with all those around him and always peppered with a timely sense of humor,” Willett said. “He was genuine, and it showed time and again.”

Yeager chose the Marine Corps, where he served in artillery and where he got lessons in leadership that stuck with him in all aspects of what he went on to accomplish.

“The senior enlisted personnel that I worked with in the Marine Corps did more to influence my leadership than any book I’ve ever read,” Yeager said. “They had two things that mattered a lot. Number one, they really knew what they were doing. In artillery, there’s a lot of mathematics and maintenance of all the huge equipment, and these senior enlisted personnel that I worked shoulder-to-shoulder with were experts in all of that. So their leadership had strong content.

“The second thing was they always took that individual Marine and talked to him about how his tomorrow was going to be better than today.

How even though you’re cold, wet, hungry, tired, halfway around the world and you’re broke, if we get in the habit of overcoming these obstacles it’s going to lead to a better tomorrow. You’re going to go forward and you’re going to do good.”

“Those leadership messages were never lost on me,” Yeager said. “Know what you’re talking about, and get people excited about tomorrow.

I carried that forward into the largest corporation in the world at that time.”

As he moved up the ladder at ExxonMobil, Yeager found himself in experiences he’d never imagined growing up in Palestine.

“I worked on these oil platforms that were 150-200 miles out in the oceans of the world, up to 10,000 feet of water depth, drilling these wells that were costing a million dollars a day,” he said.

He and his family moved 24 times across the U.S. and around the world, as Yeager rose to vice president and ran large segments of the world including Europe, Africa, USA and Canada.

Yeager credits his wife, Robin, for keeping things together when they got chaotic during the moves.

honestly, the ability to persevere is probably the number one trait that I brought with me into corporate life that separated me from my competition.”

Yeager has found that the bonds he formed at the Academy have remained.

“One thing that happens at the Naval. Academy is that you have this brotherhood and sisterhood that develops,” Yeager said.

“We have chosen to not let that die.”

For Yeager and some of his football teammates, that means meeting up at football games, gathering with families, and staying in touch with phone calls and daily texting.

“We had an extremely close group and Mike was a big part of that,” said Lenny Mokan ’76, who played football with Yeager.

“I’m not much for texting, but with these guys, I know I’m going to get up in the morning, and there’s going to be messages coming across with everybody busting each other’s chops.”

Yeager’s teammate, former Navy football star safety Chet Moeller ’76, also a Marine, wrote an endorsement for Yeager’s DGA nomination. Moeller is also on the text chain.

“Mike was so successful,” Moeller wrote. “It was a great example for me just to see what he has done, his ability to lead.

But what speaks most loudly to me is Mike’s humility.”

Yeager attributes his success to several things. One of the most significant is his family.

“What success that we’ve had, we’ve done it as a family,” Yeager said. “We were all in it together. This is where my wife, Robin, set the example. She reminded the kids and even me sometimes of what an opportunity we have, and how much fun the adventure is going to be.

“When I think about my journey from Palestine, TX, through Annapolis, through the Marine Corps, into corporate life, I really look upon this more as how successful the United States Naval Academy is in its mission. I mean, I’m nothing more than a product of what I was taught here. It’s up to me to apply it, but if the Naval Academy can take a kid who had no perspective on anything and allow him to thrive in a global environment at the Michael Yeager ’76 played football at the Naval Academy, was a Marine Corps officer, is a trustee highest level, this is a in the Athletic & Scholarships Programs and as a validation of how great vice president ran ExxonMobil’s operations in this institution is.” more than 20 countries.

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 19

PHOTO BY LAURA HATCHER

“Because of my worldwide travels and work, I’ve had experiences that are off the chart,” Yeager said. “I have flown in first class with others that had goats and chickens with them.

I have been with heads of state and eaten lunch when they’re guarded by their armed guards with their AK-47 at the ready, as we ate with solid gold forks and spoons.”

He also helped the people who were doing the hard work on the ground make better lives for themselves.

“When you are working in a foreign country, you have to look at everything through their eyes, not yours,” Yeager said.

“One thing that I became adept at was talking with these people about their world, what we could do to advance their world. I’ve had a chance to take employees, young men and women that were herding the family’s animals the year before and train them to work on our drilling rigs and operate large equipment that they’d never seen.”

Yeager has brought his leadership skills back to the Academy in a big way. He and his wife, Robin, have made major donations to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and the Terwilliger Center for Student Athletes. He’s a trustee in the Athletic & Scholarship Programs (A&SP), chair of the Fundraising Committee and leader of the team that wrote a new A&SP strategic plan. He is also a member of the USNA Foundation Board of Directors.

“We’re not just playing sports here at Navy. We’re carrying out the mission of the school,” Yeager said. “It’s a third of the education, but the government only pays for about 5 percent of the physical mission. So, 95 percent of the money that it takes to run our Division 1 men’s and women’s sports teams, our club teams, our intramurals, all of which literally touches every single midshipman, comes from private funding.

“A large group of us go out and raise the necessary funds to make sure that Navy Sports, all the way down to the intramural level, remain at a high standard, with great coaches, first class facilities, so that the school’s mission can be carried out.”

Yeager sees some good changes at the Academy since his midshipman days.

“The most significant thing is the attrition level,” he said. “We had 35 percent attrition when I was here because many of us didn’t know what we were getting into. The midshipmen today are much more prepared when they arrive. The attrition rate today is around 10 percent. To make this possible, the other big difference is the support structure that is available to the midshipmen. There is so much academic help, virtually no one flunks out anymore.

“The threats that today’s midshipmen will be facing are much more technical and complex. I think the Academy is doing a very good job of trying to help midshipmen understand that complexity and prepare for it.”

One thing that hasn’t changed, Yeager said is “what most of us would call The Grind. You’re dealing with a thousand things every day. They never let up. But you must persevere. And quite

FEATURE

By Kat Braz REAR ADMIRAL MARGARET “PEG” KLEIN ’81, USN (RET.)

Raised near Naval Air Station South Weymouth outside of Boston, MA, Rear Admiral Peg Klein ’81, USN (Ret.), developed a passion for aviation at an early age. Her father, a professor of aviation science and a Navy reservist, frequently took Klein flying.

“I remember when my dad got his private pilot’s license,” Klein said. “I would look over his shoulder while he was studying for ground school. I waited for him at the airfield while he took flight lessons. The first time he flew me over Cape Cod, it was thrilling. I loved being in the air.

I loved what you could see from the air.”

Her father’s love for the Navy through his service as a Navy Reservist inspired Klein to pursue aviation. As a Blue and Gold Officer, he knew all about the Naval Academy, but women weren’t admitted to service academies when Klein graduated from high school. She visited with a Navy recruiter who attempted to steer her toward nursing, but Klein remained focused on aviation.

She enrolled at a Penn State branch campus and applied for an ROTC scholarship. Then, her father sent her a news article covering the law signed by President Gerald Ford in October 1975 that women would be admitted to the all-male military colleges. An injury prevented her from passing the entrance physical to be part of the first class of women, but in 1977 Klein was admitted as part of the Academy’s second class of women.

“I was aware enough that I knew my vision was not going to allow me to be a pilot,” Klein said. “I knew I wanted to do something with aviation and that the Navy offered lots of opportunities in aviation. So, I jumped into the deep end of the pool and said, ‘I’ll figure it out.’

It was a total act of faith.”

Klein studied oceanography at the Academy, another passion. All the while, flying remained in

20 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

the back of her mind. By 1979, women began to commission as naval flight officers and Klein found her path forward in aviation. She would serve almost 36 years on active duty as a naval flight officer holding several prestigious positions, including the first woman Commandant of Midshipmen, senior adviser for military professionalism to the Secretary of Defense, chief of staff for U.S. Cyber Command and director of global operations for the Navy’s Network Warfare Command.

Now, Klein is dean of the College of Leadership and Ethics at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, RI. In every leadership position she’s held throughout her career, Klein has harkened back to her time at the Academy where she learned the value of integrity in leadership.

“In our second class and first class years, we met with a number of former prisoners of war who would visit the Naval Academy,” Klein said.

“We had the chance to listen and interact with them. They were the first people to put an imprint on us about virtue, about what helped them survive as prisoners of war.

“It really shaped our thinking because they spent time with us. From then on, I became more aware of the officers leading around me. As a young officer, I aligned myself with the folks who led ethically. The difference between average officers and outstanding officers is leading ethically and living by the core values of honor, courage and commitment.”

Klein has always remembered those former prisoners of war and how virtue and philosophy helped them survive their imprisonment. Over the years, she’s worked to make the Navy—a very technically focused organization—anchor virtue and ethics at the center of decision-making.

At the Naval War College, Klein teaches courses on professionalism and ethics. Every Monday, she sends a weekly message focusing

PHOTO BY DEBBIE LATTA

on inspirational aspects of leadership to a list of 1,000 people who forward it to thousands more. The list originated when she was working at the Pentagon under Secretary Chuck Hagel, but a commitment to inspirational leadership was evident in Klein as a midshipman.

“I never would have made it through Plebe Summer if Peg had not been my roommate,” said Captain Joan Skellenger Platz ’81, USN (Ret.). “She was so mature and familiar with the Navy.

She was much more prepared for the Academy than I was. She never gave up on supporting me, regardless of how poorly I did.

She remains the same amazing friend to me today.”

Praised for her unrelenting moral toughness and courage and her uncompromising and resolute character, Klein has served as friend and mentor to many. Her service to others and to the Navy has been a constant throughout her life. She’s a member of the board of directors for the U.S. Naval Institute, a past Athletic and Scholarship Programs trustee and delivered the keynote address at the 2020 U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation Leadership Conference.

RADM Peg Klein ’81, USN (Ret.), was the first woman to serve as commandant at the Naval Academy. She also served as senior adviser for military professionalism to the Secretary of Defense, and chief of staff for U.S. Cyber Command.

“Peg approaches every aspect of her life with honor, courage, commitment and loyalty,” Platz said. “She is the consummate professional both while serving on active duty and in her civilian service to the Navy. Peg gives her all to everything she does, and she does it all with grace and dignity.”

Klein and her husband, Commander Frank Klein ’79, USN (Ret.), met at the Academy the day before Frank’s graduation ceremony. The couple was married while Peg was in flight training.

They have two children, a son who works for the Department of the Navy as a civilian and a daughter who is a nurse.

Klein didn’t set out to be a trailblazer, she merely embraced her parents’ outlook that she should live a life without limits.

In doing so, she achieved many firsts for women. In addition to serving as the first woman Commandant of Midshipmen (2006-08), she was one of the first women naval flight officers and went on to lead an air-reconnaissance squadron and wing. She also was the first woman named an information warfare commander on the KITTY HAWK strike group.

“Frank and I made a commitment to ourselves that every time we received new orders there were two criteria: Could we stay together? And are we still having fun?” Klein said. “If those criteria were met, we would continue our service. Frank served for 20 years and I stayed in for 36.

“I joined the Navy to be able to fly, but I stayed because of the extraordinary people. I worked for some incredible leaders who cared for me and advocated for me, and I’ve always felt it was my duty to do the same for the people who work for me.”

Although she didn’t set out to have a career in the military, achieving the rank of rear admiral and serving as the senior advisor for military professionalism to the secretary of defense gave Klein an opportunity to help shape the military’s approach to ethics, character and leadership within an uncompromising culture of accountability. In recognition of her service, she was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal.

“I very much appreciate whoever said, ’Nobody will remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel,’” Klein said. “I hope the people I’ve worked with, and certainly the people who’ve worked for me, understand that how you lead makes a difference. We should always pay attention to how we lead and not just the results we accomplish. Leading with dignity and respect is a really valuable way to lead.” a

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 21

FEATURE

By Matthew Dewald VICE ADMIRAL WALTER “TED” CARTER ’81, USN (RET.)

High expectations and exceptional empathy have defined Vice Admiral Ted Carter’s life.

Vice Admiral Walter “Ted” Carter ’81, USN (Ret.), made one of the most consequential calls of his distinguished military career in the skies over Kosovo in 1999.

He was in his usual spot at the time, the back seat of an F-14A Tomcat as mission commander.

NATO had begun a bombardment campaign to force Serbian withdrawal from the province, bring in peacekeeping troops, and allow the safe return of refugees. The day’s target was a bridge used routinely by Serb forces to transport tanks across the Ibar River in the country’s southeast.

As the fighters closed in, Carter surveyed his team’s target. Seconds before weapons release, he called it off. The bridge—a legal, legitimate target— was packed with the private vehicles of civilians going to religious services on Easter Sunday.

“We just had to pick another day to go take that bridge out,” he said.

Throughout his career, Carter, has consistently chosen the right call over the planned call when circumstances demanded it. On that day in Kosovo, his leadership saved innocent lives. At other times during his career—including 38 years as a Naval Flight Officer and later in university leadership roles, including as superintendent of the Academy—Carter has consistently positioned people and organizations to achieve their goals and missions by strengthening their capacity, securing necessary resources, and getting them excited to perform at higher levels.

“Ted embodies everything we want in our Naval Academy’s most eminent alumni,” wrote the Honorable John H. Dalton ’64, a past recipient of the Distinguished Graduate Award, in support of Carter’s nomination. “I look forward to proudly standing beside him when he receives this award.”

Carter enrolled at the Naval Academy almost by chance. No one in his family had served in the Navy, much less attended the Academy, before him. A couple of uncles served during World War II, but in the Army. But one day, a recent graduate from the Academy visited his Rhode Island high school and made an impression that lit a spark.

He was accepted to Brown University and waitlisted at Harvard “and I was going to go to the

22 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

Ivy League and just assumed I’d do something in law or be a doctor,” he said, “but I went to the Naval Academy and fell in love with it all the way through plebe summer and had a wonderful experience.”

Four years on the USNA hockey team gave him a lot of great moments and a call sign that he took to the skies: Slapshot. Over a long flying career as a radar intercept officer, he completed 125 missions in support of joint operations in Bosnia, Kuwait, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan and received the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat V, a Bronze Star, and numerous other combat awards for valor. Over this period, he made an American record 2,016 carrier-arrested landings on 19 different aircraft carriers, became a flight instructor, and continued to fly as a rear admiral on ENTERPRISE in its last year of operation.

“I would only fly with the youngest pilots because I wanted to see how they were doing it in this new generation, which was so exciting and so cool,” he said. “I was very fortunate at 53 and 54 years old to be able to fly operationally as a two-star admiral select.”

Academic Impact The next stage of his career demonstrated his impact on education. Following a one-year stint as the 54th president of the Naval War College, he took the helm as the 62nd Superintendent of the Naval Academy in 2014.

The Academy’s accomplishments during his tenure were significant. He led the establishment of the nation’s first major in cyber operations and launched majors in Nuclear Engineering and Quantitative Economics. Construction of Hopper Hall—home to the Naval Academy Center for Cyber Security Studies and the Academy’s first new academic building on the Yard since 1975— began in 2016, and classes began there in 2020.

The announcement of Hopper Hall was significant for more than the programs it would house. It is the first building at any of the major service academies named after a woman. The move reflects what Janie Mines ’80, a 2021 Distinguished Graduate Award recipient who supported Carter’s nomination, calls his commitment to fostering “an environment in which men and women could perform equally well and succeed without regard to gender and race.”

“I wrestled with those decisions,” he said. “Maybe it was the empathy I had inside me because I wasn’t a perfect midshipman.

I always took advantage when I had a second chance to do something better. I probably retained more midshipmen than previous superintendents because I believe in second chances.

As I reflect back, I’m going to guess, probably 100 midshipmen that I retained when I certainly had enough to kick them out, not one of them ever failed themselves. They all made it.”

His mentorship is a quality that has stood out throughout his career. Major General Charles F. Bolden ’68, USMC (Ret.), repeats a story he says he has heard many times from Lieutenant Commander Kayla Barron ’10, USN, in his letter in support of Carter’s award nomination. Barron, a Gates Cambridge Scholar and one of the Navy’s first women submariners, rose to be the flag aide to Carter at the Academy.

“In the car following a Naval Academy event with a number of astronaut guests, Kayla confided in her then-boss that she had never really thought about a career as an astronaut, but that she felt inspired by the astronauts she had just met,” Bolden wrote.

“Ted asked her a simple question, if she knew the one thing she needed to do if she wanted to become an astronaut. When she said no, he left her with a short piece of wisdom: ’You have to apply.’”

Barron went on to become the youngest person ever on the International Space Station and may one day become the first woman on the moon.

“This is just one story of thousands that have defined Ted’s life,” Bolden wrote.

PHOTO BY DEBBIE LATTA

Mines, the first Black woman to graduate from the Academy, wrote that Carter recognized the Athena Conference in 2016 honoring the 40-year anniversary of women at the Academy as “not simply a celebration, but a moment of healing old wounds.”

On his watch, female midshipmen grew to make up a third of incoming classes, the number of women serving on faculty and staff increased, and graduation rates for midshipmen self-identifying as minorities rose above the overall Academy rate.

The Navy illustrated its confidence in him when it extended his tour as superintendent into a fifth year. During his tenure, he was instrumental in assuring the success of the Alumni Association and Foundation’s $541 million Called to Serve, Daring to Lead campaign. The infusion of resources allowed the expansion of facilities, international programs, and other resources for the Brigade of Midshipmen.

The reputation of the Academy rose during his tenure as well. In 2019, the Academy topped Army to achieve a No. 1 ranking among public national liberal arts colleges in the 2020 U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges guide.

Today, Carter is in a new civilian role. As president of the University of Nebraska system, he oversees four campuses with a total of 50,000 students and employs 16,000 faculty and staff, a job he describes as CEO-like.

“I run a $3 billion dollar operation,” he said. “It’s huge. We own 1,000 buildings. I’m the one that argues for our budget with the legislature and the governor.”

When COVID-19 struck and the system, like higher education institutions nationwide, faced plummeting enrollment, he implemented initiatives that actually grew it. Nebraska was one of only four states to accomplish this feat during the height of the pandemic. He draws on his Navy background frequently as he works with the chancellors who lead the system’s campuses in Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney and at academic divisions and research centers across the state.

“I try to empower the chancellors with the right resources and the right what I call ’commander’s guidance,’ which is similar to when I was a strike group commander in charge of a carrier and all the ships around it,” he said.

This approach also extends to how he cared for students at the Academy. The subject came up recently when he met with University of Nebraska basketball players. One asked him what worries have kept him up at night over his career.

“What I reflected on is that a big part of the Naval Academy superintendent’s job is the determination as to those who do not perform to a certain standard,” he said. For students who have committed honor code violations or have issues related to academic or physical standards, the superintendent is the one who decides who gets a second chance and who is separated from the Academy.

VADM Walter “Ted” Carter ’81, USN (Ret.), served as the Naval Academy’s superintendent for five years. He made a record 2,016 carrier-arrested landings during his carrier as a naval aviator.

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 23

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

FEATURE

24 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

ACADEMY BUILDS OFF SUCCESS AND EXPANDS OPPORTUNITIES FOR MIDSHIPMEN

By Vice Admiral Sean S. Buck ’83, USN

L

ast May, I stood in T-Court surrounded by hundreds of midshipmen, coaches, faculty and staff for the spring bell-ringing ceremony. One-by-one, we took our turns ringing the ENTERPRISE Bell; one resounding toll for each victory over Army in the N-Star series; 11 total for the spring semester. Combined with the nine wins from the fall semester (including our 17-13 come-from-behind victory over Army in football), we tallied 20 total N-Star victories for the year, a record for Naval Academy athletics.

This was a phenomenal year for our athletic teams, and I look forward to the continued success of all our sports this next year and in the years ahead.

With the 2022 football season already underway, I can’t help but think about the big games we already have scheduled in coming years. Next year, we will meet Notre Dame on the gridiron in Dublin, Ireland, a rescheduling of the game planned there for 2020. Additionally, each of the next five Army-Navy football games will be played in five different cities. This year Philadelphia will again host, followed by Foxborough, MA, just outside of Boston in

2023; Landover, MD, outside of Washington, DC, in 2024; Baltimore in 2025; and East Rutherford, NJ, near New York City in 2026, before returning to Philadelphia in 2027—a tour of five great historic cities in which to BEAT ARMY! As impressive as all these athletic victories are, success this year wasn’t just limited to our varsity athletic programs.

The 2022 academic year was full of noteworthy accomplishments worth celebrating across all areas of the Naval Academy mission.

The Class of 2022 set a strong example academically, earning numerous prestigious scholarships to continue their academic studies before hitting their training pipelines and the fleet. Among this group was the Naval Academy’s 54th Rhodes Scholar, Ensign Sarah A. Skinner ’22, USN, who will pursue a Master of Philosophy in international relations at Oxford University before beginning her career as a surface warfare officer.

In addition to these incredible personal academic achievements, I’m pleased to provide updates on our two newest majors —Foreign Area Studies and Data Science.

Members of the Brigade of Midshipmen took turns ringing the ENTERPRISE Bell on 19 May during the spring bell-ringing ceremony. The bell was rung once for each victory over Army in the N-Star series, 11 total for the spring semester. During the 2021-22 academic year, Navy earned a record 20-4 N-Star series mark.

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 25

PHOTO BY MIDN COLIN DUPON '25, USN

Members of the Class of 2024, the first class eligible to select Foreign Area Studies as a major, just wrapped up their first year of majors courses. Foreign Area Studies majors in ’24 have the option of focusing on one of two regions—East Asia/Eurasia, with language courses in either Chinese, Russian or Japanese; or the Middle East/North Africa, studying either Arabic or French as a language.

Midshipman interest in this program has been substantial, and as this major grows we look forward to expanding our areas of focus to include other critical regions around the world.

The political, cultural, linguistic and historical background that midshipmen in this major gain through social scientific research will better prepare these future naval officers with the skills and context required to navigate the increasingly complex geopolitical landscape we will find ourselves in for decades to come.

Just as Foreign Area Studies will provide our future naval leaders with the tools needed to meet tomorrow’s challenges, so will our newest major, Data Science. This past spring the Class of 2025 was the first Naval Academy class eligible to select Data Science. Over the next three years, this first cohort of Data Science majors will study curriculum at the crossroads of data analysis and the power of modern computers. With the knowledge gained from this course of study, these midshipmen will equip themselves with a valuable skill set that can be applied to countless challenges our Navy and Marine Corps are facing and

PHOTO BY MIDN ASHLEY CHUNG '23, USN

FEATURE

will continue to face in coming years. They will be leaders in our efforts to make best use of the available data to drive decision making across a variety of disciplines.

I am thrilled to see these new majors underway. Both Foreign Area Studies and Data Science will help diversify the expertise of our officer corps, ensuring that tomorrow’s leaders in the Navy and Marine Corps are able to better understand the environments in which we operate, and make time critical, data driven decisions.

Following two years of summer training that were significantly impacted

by COVID, we were back to sending midshipmen all over the world this summer, embarked on submarines and

surface vessels, shadowing pilots at fixed and rotary wing squadrons and furthering their understanding of cultures and regions around the world. Summer cruises and our robust international programs are key parts of a midshipman’s professional development, and I am pleased these essential developmental programs largely returned to normal this year and we were able to execute without the major constraints of COVID. When it comes to the Naval Academy’s three mission areas (moral, mental, physical), I know I am not alone in my view that moral development is the most important component of any midshipman’s four years here on the Severn. The Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership, nearing a quarter-century since its establishment in 1998, is a key part of our mission to develop leaders of character. Through a variety of publications, podcasts, programs, research and events, the Stockdale Center strengthens our midshipmen’s understanding of the complex ethical scenarios they will find themselves in throughout their careers, and equips them with the toolset to lead and make decisions when faced with these challenges.

Some midshipmen spent part of their summer aboard BULKELEY.

26 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

Above: Midshipmen participated in a three-week Cyber Language, Regional Expertise and Culture program (LREC) in Israel.

PHOTO BY MIDN LIAM MCCARTHY '25, USN

Below: Third-class midshipmen were exposed to a variety of opportunities for junior Marine Corps officers in the Fleet Marine Forces during PROTRAMID Marine Week.

This past year’s McCain Conference, planned by the Stockdale Center, demonstrates our commitment to developing our leaders with the tools needed to overcome our future challenges. Titled “The Ethics of Military Artificial Intelligence (AI),” we brought in experts from across academia and the military to discuss the ethical questions our future leaders will face as this new technology becomes more prevalent in the profession of arms.

One Stockdale Center-sponsored project I am looking forward to is the forthcoming documentary, Passing on Wisdom (POW). This film, scheduled to be released later this year, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the homecoming of Vietnam Prisoners of War, and features the stories of these heroic men, while emphasizing the connection between their generation and our midshipmen today. In sharing their stories and experiences, they impart their wisdom on midshipmen as they endure the challenges of the pandemic while preparing to become leaders in the Navy and Marine Corps.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention another fantastic cinematic opportunity we had on the Yard this past May. Thanks to the hard work of our public affairs team, Naval Academy Business Services Division (NABSD) and Mahan Hall staff, we were able to partner with Paramount Pictures to host early screenings of Top Gun: Maverick in Mahan Hall for midshipmen, faculty and staff. I hope that by now you have all had a chance to see this exciting sequel to the movie that got so many young men and women hooked on naval aviation. I have no doubt that Top Gun: Maverick will generate just as much interest in this exciting community.

In case the adventures of Maverick and his team of TOPGUN grads wasn’t quite enough naval aviation action, we have another film to celebrate this fall.

Devotion, set to be released this November, is based on the true story of the first Black naval aviator Jesse Brown and Captain Thomas Hudner Jr. ’47, USN (Ret.), two Korean War fighter pilots, and their daring and heroic combat missions flying the F4U Corsair. Just as we did with “Top Gun: Maverick,” we look forward to sharing this incredible story with our Naval Academy family.

It has been so great to see so many alumni return to the Yard for class reunions this fall. I hope that those of you who have been back to visit already have enjoyed your time, and I look forward to seeing many more of you as reunion season continues.

Depending on how long it has been since you last came to Annapolis, I am sure there are few new sights around the yard—perhaps our newest academic building, Hopper Hall; the new copper dome on the chapel; or the historic bell from SS CENTRAL AMERICA, recently mounted right next to the Herndon Monument.

Thanks to the efforts and generosity of Mr. Dwight Manley, who donated the bell, and the great Class of 1983, who donated the beautiful new granite bell carrier, the bell from Herndon’s ship is at home with the monument constructed in his honor.

Those of you who have visited recently have likely seen some construction underway. Most notably we’ve commenced the renovation of Macdonough Hall, set to be complete in November of 2024.

Macdonough has long been the center of physical fitness for the majority of our midshipmen, and I could not be more pleased that it is now undergoing a much-needed overhaul. When this project is complete, “Mac-D” will once again be a world-class facility and the center of the physical mission for years to come.

As part of our continued efforts to improve our infrastructure and ensure we provide the best possible facilities to develop midshipmen, you will continue to see various other projects around the Yard for years to come, including the upcoming reconstruction and raising of portions of the Farragut seawall.

Lastly, I would like to welcome Jeff Webb ’95 back to Annapolis in his new role as the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation President and CEO. I look forward to working with Jeff and the rest of the staff at the Alumni Association and Foundation to support the institution we care so deeply about.

To all alumni, friends and families, I look forward to seeing you around the Yard during my last year as Superintendent. GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY! a OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 27

FEATURE

INTO THE STORM, UNDER THE OCEAN

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jordyn Diomede, USN

PHOTOS COURTESY OF USNA

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Then-MIDN Hunter McAllister ’20, USN, and Jordan Sun ’20, USN, in the eye of Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

28 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

lying into hurricanes is part of some midshipmen’s summer experience.

The Naval Academy offers a variety of summer internships and programs for midshipmen. Those opportunities include the Training and Research in Oceanic and Atmospheric Processes in Tropical Cyclones (TROPIC), an internship program offered to rising first-class and second-class midshipmen during the third block of their summer training.

The program, created by Captain Beth Sanabia ’93, USN, a permanent military professor in the Academy’s oceanography department, began in 2011.

During July and August, Sanabia and her TROPIC team worked directly with the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, also known as the Hurricane Hunters, from Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS, to improve hurricane forecast accuracy by understanding what is happening under the storm during tropical disturbances in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The TROPIC team augments the Hurricane Hunters’ atmospheric measurements by collecting ocean data in and around the storm environment.

“The combination of being able to solve real-world science problems in an operationally focused environment and gaining an understanding into the mechanics under the storm is what made the program worth doing,” said Sanabia, who has a doctorate in meteorology.

“Having midshipmen evaluating these problems punches so many tickets.

“It advances them professionally, it stretches them operationally and academically, and it requires them to think.”

When the program first started, she only had two midshipmen participating.

Since then, she’s had up to 10 students in the program during one hurricane season.

Forty midshipmen in total have been a part of the program and the pursuit of unsolved scientific questions about the ocean and its movement during hurricanes.

During these missions with the Hurricane Hunters, midshipmen fly through storms in planes that drop buoys into the ocean. They are then responsible for collecting data the buoys produce throughout any given period. This data includes assessing the ocean’s temperature, salinity and density changes underneath the storm, while also evaluating the waves themselves.

Ultimately, the information they gather contributes to forecast models for current storms and weather predictions for future storms.

Then-MIDN Jordan Sun ’20, USN, CAPT Beth Sanabia ’93, USN, and then-MIDN Shannon MacAllister ’19, USN, in Savannah, GA, after a 2018 flight into Hurricane Florence.

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 29

FEATURE “They are doing real research that is often cutting edge,” she said. “We don’t know what the answer is, and that’s a really hard thing for midshipmen because they are focused on achieving an objective in a ‘see the hill—take the hill’ sequence. They want a clear objective —to look for something and find it—and for this type of research it doesn’t work that way.

“You have to be open-minded about an analysis and see where the data leads, then adjust your approach accordingly. It might take a couple of different techniques to identify a signal and then some deep thought to understand what physical processes are happening. Thankfully, these midshipmen are a trusting and tenacious bunch. They trust the process and work hard and inevitably everything comes together and they get solid results.”

There are two phases of the program: the field phase and the classroom phase.

In the field, midshipmen are focused on data collection, while in the classroom, they are focused on the research itself.

For the majority of midshipmen, the data they collect in the summer while with the Hurricane Hunters, will be used during the academic year as their research project to answer those unsolved scientific questions.

The TROPIC team is also composed of scientists from other organizations, including Steven Jayne, a senior scientist from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and Jeffrey Kerling from the Naval Oceanographic Office. The program is funded through research grants from the Office of Naval Research.

“The professional and academic development of the midshipmen who participate is really important to me,” Sanabia said. “I’m grateful for the support from the Academy and the funding from the Office of Naval Research, and I’m grateful that the midshipmen are all in on it and really give it their best shot, not just in the summer, but in the academic year too.

“We’ve been able to make some good advances to better understand what’s happening in the ocean under the storm, and we’ve been able to answer some really hard science questions that were not understood before we started.”

30 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

Then-MIDN Greg Peterson ’22, USN, and MIDN Lilli Hirth ’23, USN, participated in the summer internship program, Training and Research in Oceanic and Atmospheric Processes in Tropical Cyclones (TROPIC) in 2021. They conducted pre-mission checks in San Antonio, TX, prior to flying into Hurricane Ida for data collection.

In addition to TROPIC, the oceanography department at the Naval Academy has other various internships and research opportunities for midshipmen.

These include Severe Weather In-Field Training, a program that takes midshipmen to the Midwest to forecast and chase down severe weather (tornadoes), and the Polar Science and Technology Program— a program that allows midshipmen the chance to conduct field research in Alaska in order to evaluate and study surface water chemistry and constituent fluxes through small river systems.

At the end of the day, it takes dedicated professors like Sanabia to keep programs like TROPIC operating at the Naval Academy. These programs are faculty-driven and require extensive amounts of planning, time and preparation to execute.

“The draw is you’re helping keep people safe if you can help make a forecast better,” she said. “That’s the overarching goal, and it’s a hard problem to solve.”

To Sanabia, involving midshipmen in research programs like TROPIC allows them first-hand experience to see what it means to be a good fleet contributor.

It’s an opportunity for them to be put in a position where they are heavily relied upon to complete their assigned task within the data collection process.

“Captain Sanabia demonstrated impactful leadership throughout my involvement in the program,” said Midshipman Irene Norman ’23, USN, an honors oceanography major. “She gave us room to plan our own data collection, make mistakes and learn from those mistakes. She stayed late with us when we had to work on processing and made sure we took time off to recharge.

“She challenged us to continue improving our analysis and briefs, and she sets the standard of an officer who expects excellence and gives their people the support they need to succeed. I hope to one day be an officer with some of her intelligence, toughness and commitment.”

Despite the difficulty of collecting data and conducting research on these oceanic developments during storms, Sanabia and her TROPIC team have been instrumental in this cutting-edge research for more than a decade. a

SUPPORT YOUR NEW U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AND FOUNDATION CENTER. BE PART OF HISTORY.

BECOME A PLANKOWNER.

For more information, visit www.usna.com/give/plankowner

The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation Center will be a lasting legacy for alumni, parents and friends—and there are significant opportunities for individual and class recognition throughout the property to acknowledge our history and ongoing support needed to sustain our level of commitment to the Brigade and greater Naval Academy community.

A Plankowner is any individual who commits to a contribution of $12,500 or more through an outright gift or multi-year pledge to the new Alumni Association and Foundation Center by 31 December 2022.

Young Alumni Plankowners (graduates from the last 15 years) can commit to an outright gift or pledge of $5,000 to qualify for this recognition.

FIVE MINUTES WITH…

COMMANDER ROBERT M. BYRON ’85, USN (RET.)

Commander Robert M. Byron ‘85, USN (Ret.), is principle owner of Rye Knot, a restaurant, brewery and distillery in Ashville, NC. After his commissioning, he served in six ships, including NEWPORT, COONTZ, TICONDEROGA, ANZIO and LABOON. He commanded PINCKNEY. Following his retirement in 2005, Byron worked 13 years for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. in business development and program management. He left General Atomics at the end of 2016 and returned to his hometown of Asheville, NC, where he attended The Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast to learn the finer details of brewing, wine making and distilling.

In 2020, he opened Rye Knot which is the first of its kind in the state of North Carolina.

Shipmate: What spurred your interest in the brewing/distilling industry?

CDR Byron: I enjoyed watching the Discovery series on Moonshiners in the early 2010s and sometime around 2013, bought a still—for experimentation purposes only. My early brews and distillations resulted in bad moonshine. While attending brew school in Asheville, I fully and better understood the distilling process and with that same still was able to make some very tasty bourbon, scotch and brandy.

At the time, I had no aspirations of brewing or distilling professionally, I just wanted to be a better home brewer and distiller.

Shipmate: Why did you choose Asheville, NC, as Rye Knot’s home?

CDR Byron: I grew up in Asheville and this is my home. In 2018, a lifelong friend with 30-plus years in the restaurant business, asked if I would be interested in partnering with him in a new restaurant venture in Asheville and would I brew beer and make spirits. I jumped at the opportunity.

Little did I know this partnership would not survive and that this entire project would quickly be mine one month into construction. So, it was full speed ahead for my partner and wife, Joann, and I had to make it happen and bring Rye Knot to life.

Having lived and visited incredible places all over the United States and throughout the world, Asheville was where my heart and soul always was, and where I wanted to live. As it turned out, we opened this business just a couple of miles from my childhood home.

Shipmate: Why was it important for you to have a full restaurant to serve Rye Knot’s brews and spirits?

CDR Byron: Asheville is Beer City.

Asheville has the highest number of breweries per capita in the United States. Asheville is also a foodie town. Thus, opening a restaurant that makes its own beer was not unique. Opening a restaurant that makes its own beer and spirits is new.

Rye Knot is the first restaurant in North Carolina that brews their own beer and distills their own spirits. I am passionate about distilling—whiskeys, especially.

I am also passionate about cooking and serving top-shelf food. We were truly fortunate to hire a chef that executes with a similar passion for food, its presentation and its variety. We also hired a brew school classmate who is killing it delivering first-rate craft beers and spirits.

The backbone of Rye Knot is our menu and food sales. The backbone of our business is our repeat customers. Over the first two years, in the height of a pandemic, we supplied top-quality meals, excellent craft beers and high-quality spirits. Our customers enjoy dining and hanging out at Rye Knot because it has a cool vibe and delivers an excellent experience.

Customers return because they know they will get a first-class meal and have a safe and comfortable joint where they want to hang out.

The combination of our kitchen, brewery and distillery provides a unique experience for our customers. We have quickly become a gathering place and neighborhood joint.

As a “Yoda” told me early in this process, it is all about the experience. I am super proud of our team for their superb execution and ability to provide our customers with a satisfying experience they want to enjoy repeatedly.

Shipmate: What lessons learned at the Academy have guided you through your post-commissioning journey?

CDR Byron: I am extremely proud to have attended Navy and the life-long brother and sisterhood of classmates and other graduates.

The Naval Academy brought out the best in me. It helped nurture and develop my leadership skills and instilled a desire to improve my leadership throughout my careers.

Although I was ill-prepared for the academic rigors of being a midshipman, Navy forced me to adjust and develop sensible and workable time-management skills to achieve the tasks at hand. These attributes assured my success in the surface Navy, the aerospace industry and now the food and beverage industry.

It is my greatest honor to bleed Navy Blue and Gold. Beat Army! ®

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 33

PHOTO COURTESY OF CDR ROBERT M. BYRON ’85, USN (RET.)

This feature spotlights the extraordinary things being done by alumni in the Navy and Marine Corps and their unique, impactful achievements in the private sector and in their communities.

Please send suggestions to jimmy.debutts@usna.com

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF USNA

FEATURE

WARRIOR EFFORT FOR A WARRIOR SPORT 34 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

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ushing yourself and others to go beyond perceived limits through physical and mental challenges occurs on a daily basis for midshipmen at the Naval Academy.

Navy rugby offers a chance for midshipmen to test these limits and prepare themselves for the rigorous challenges they will face beyond their four years by the Severn.

“Rugby is the ultimate warrior sport. It epitomizes the physical mission of the Naval Academy,” said Dan Quattrini ’81, director of Class Legacy Gift Programs for the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation and former Navy rugger.

For nearly 60 years, the rugby program at the Naval Academy has competed at a national level. In May, the men’s and women’s teams were elevated from club to varsity status, increasing the Academy’s number of varsity sports from 33 to 35. The Naval Academy now ranks third nationally in the number of varsity sports offered (behind Ohio State and Stanford University) among schools that field Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) football.

This fall starts the varsity journey for the program and the competition already has deep competitive ties to the Naval Academy.

In 2014, Army designated rugby as a varsity sport and won the Division I men’s national championship in 2022.

Navy’s women’s rugby team is the reigning national champion.

With the additional support and resources as a varsity program, both teams will have the necessary additions to keep pace with top programs.

Navy has a 40-13 record over the last five years.

Alumni Have Played a Crucial Role in Moving Men and Women’s Rugby Teams to Varsity Status

Competition at its Peak Achieving this milestone resulted not only from the combined efforts of the athletic department, the coaching staff and the Academy itself, it could not have been reached without the support of the alumni community.

Rugby alumni and the athletic department shared a vision to elevate the rugby program. They also shared the goal to be the best program in the country. However, several objectives

needed to be met to even get in the arena to achieve those goals—the most important was moving the team from club to varsity status.

In the early 2010s, an alumni rugby board was formed. They knew the program needed the right coaching, the right staff and—most importantly—it needed alumni support. Naval Academy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk was on board with the move to varsity and challenged Academy alumni to a two-year timeline in which to raise $2 million to take rugby to the next level.

And off they went.

Challenge Accepted Alumni created communication and organization levels much like classes are organized at the Academy. Every class year had a representative and when fundraising began, they introduced class competitions, promoted individual challenges and encouraged donor matching. Just like when they stepped on a rugby pitch for the first time, the alumni were fired up.

“We knew as soon as he gave us the challenge, we were going to reach this goal,” Quattrini said. “Rugby is one of those sports that once you play it, it gets in your blood and you just can’t give it up. You stop when you stop playing, but you’re still involved.”

The level of involvement from alumni was immediate and overwhelming.

The $2 million was raised organically by alumni, family and friends. And instead of reaching their goal of $2 million in two years—they reached it in only six months.

Naval Academy rugby now has the ability to recruit top players around the country and begin to move toward the ultimate goal of forming the best men’s and women’s rugby programs in the country.

The journey to accomplish the varsity goal has been a long time in the making for Navy rugby alumni, but donations were not solely from those who participated in the sport. They also came from alumni who had never played, as well as family and fan supporters of Navy rugby.

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 35

FEATURE “It was a phenomenal display of teamwork, dedication and persistence by a whole lot of people,” Quattrini said.

Next year will officially mark the 60th anniversary of rugby as a sport at the Naval Academy. Starting as a club team wearing t-shirts instead of jerseys, these athletic warriors competed nationally largely due to the competitive drive and conditioning instilled in midshipmen since their Induction Day. This same competitive drive is evident today through alumni involvement with the program.

Every fall, rugby alumni return to the Yard to attend a match, induct players and coaches into the USNA Rugby Hall of Fame and to honor fallen teammates.

“Once people see what we are doing now and how far the program has come, they’re more inclined to support the team,” says Major Jeffrey “Murph” McCarthy ’00, USMC (Ret.), coach of Navy women’s rugby and former Navy rugger.

“It’s a ton of fun. What I would say to anyone is—you’ve got to come and see us play and see these facilities and these players. It’s just awe-inspiring how far the program has come.”

An example of the program’s recognition has been further showcased on a national scale with last year’s captain, Ensign Sarah Skinner ’22, USN. Her accomplishments were personally recognized by President Joe Biden during the Class of 2022 commissioning ceremony this spring.

Skinner is USNA’s 54th Rhode Scholar and will be attending Oxford University next year.

Navy’s women’s rugby team won the 2021 national championship.

“We will be the best team in the country. Not only as teams, but as a program.

We are just so fired up about the future. It could not be more exciting.”

Gavin Hickie

Aiming to be the Best The future of rugby at the Naval Academy is promising. Director of Rugby and Men’s Rugby Head Coach Gavin Hickie envisions great things for both teams— even on an international level.

“The Rugby World Cup will be in the U.S. in 2031 for men’s teams and 2033 for women’s. That is the third most-watched sporting event in the world behind only the Soccer World Cup and the Olympics.

It’s a big deal,” says Hickie.

He anticipates there will be greater awareness of rugby over the next nine

36 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

“It’s a ton of fun. What I would say to anyone is— you’ve got to come and see us play and see these facilities and these players.

It’s just awe-inspiring how far the program has come.”

Maj Jeffrey “Murph” McCarthy ’00, USMC (Ret.)

years in the United States. The Naval Academy is the only place in the country with three rugby pitches, motivating international teams from around the world to train at the Academy’s facilities, creating more opportunities for supporters as well as players in terms of competitions to play in and international teams to practice against.

Just like the timeline for varsity status went from two years to half a year— largely in thanks to alumni generosity and commitment—expectations have risen just as sharply for Navy’s program to climb from a national level to an international level.

“We are a very ambitious program and very much believe in Navy rugby and what we can achieve here. We will be the best team in the country. Not only as

teams, but as a program. We are just so fired up about the future. It could not be more exciting,” Hickie said.

This journey was more than love for a sport; this was comradery among alumni, current midshipmen and the idea of what Navy athletics can be in the near future.

None of this could have been accomplished without the support and contributions of past, present and future warriors of the Naval Academy.

The mission is just getting started.

“We have to make sure that when we recruit in the future, that we do not lose sight of everything it took to get us to this point,” Hickie said. “That’s walk-ons, crossover athletes, men and women who are willing to get out of their comfort zone and put in the work every single day to be the best they can be.” a

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 37

FEATURE

JOHN PAUL JONES WAS LONE NAVY OFFICER AWARDED CONTINENTAL CONGRESS GOLD MEDAL

By Grant H. Walker, curator, U.S. Naval Academy Museum

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n exhibition case just inside the beginning of the Naval Academy Museum’s main gallery contains artifacts associated with Revolutionary War hero Commodore John Paul Jones. Among these is a solid gold circular medal measuring 2 ¼ inches in diameter.

The obverse features a lifelike profile bust of Jones cast in bas-relief. The engraver, France’s Augustin Dupré, based his miniature portrait on a plaster cast of a bust of Jones created by his fellow countryman, the celebrated sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. Jones is shown in uniform, facing right, his long hair pulled back tight and tied by a ribbon.

The medal’s reverse side illustrates the Battle of Flamborough Head that pitted Jones’ ship, the aging former French East Indiaman Bonhomme Richard, against the new and more powerful British man of war HMS Serapis on the night of 23 September 1779. As the moon peeks through the clouds, Dupré shows the extensive damage caused when two of Bonhomme Richard’s heaviest guns burst, killing several gunners and blowing a gaping hole in the ship’s side.

Flames engulf the forecastle, while clouds of smoke rise from the explosion of the British ship’s magazine.

The words COMITIA AMERICANA (Latin for “American Congress”) written below Jones’ torso identify this as an example of one of fewer than a dozen gold medals authorized by the Continental Congress (1774-1789) for presentation to the new nation’s most revered war heroes.

Unlike the Medal of Honor, introduced at the outset of the Civil War in 1861, each

38 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

John Paul Jones was the only Navy officer to receive a Congressional gold medal from the Continental Congress.

The medals have a portrait bust of the recipient on one side and a depiction of the action where he distinguished himself on the other. The location of Jones’ original medal is unknown but the dies used to cast it and a replica medal can be found at the Naval Academy Museum.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE NAVAL ACADEMY MUSEUM

Congressional gold medal from the earliest days of the republic is unique, with a portrait bust of the recipient on one side and a depiction of the action where he distinguished himself on the other.

Of the 11 individuals honored with a gold COMITIA AMERICANA medal, 10 were Army officers, starting with George Washington in 1776. Jones was the only naval officer selected for this distinction. More prestigious than the official Thanks of Congress or even an ornate presentation sword, these gold medals were considered the highest official honor the nation could bestow upon its citizens and allies (one awardee was a French colonel) for their contributions in the recently concluded American Revolution.

The gold medal displayed at the museum are not original. However, bracketing it are the actual dies Dupré used to cast one or possibly two examples in gold in December 1789, along with several others in silver, bronze and even tin. Jones received his gold medal in Paris in the spring of 1790, but it was not among his personal effects after his death two years later. It has never surfaced in the intervening 230+ years since it was last seen. Its fate is one of numismatics’ enduring mysteries.

The Museum’s medal was struck from Dupré’s original dies in 1947 to observe the 200th anniversary of Jones’ birth.

Visitors are invited to view it and a host of other contemporary gold and silver Congressional medals on display honoring the deeds of America’s earliest naval fighting heroes. a

AN OCEAN AWAY

OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND WITH THE OLMSTED FOUNDATION

By Commander Kevin Ringelstein ’07, USN

40 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CDR RINGELSTEIN ’07, USN

O

ne morning in Mahan Hall back when I was a midshipman, a history professor approached me between classes and asked if I wanted to travel to Istanbul, Turkey, for a week excursion during spring break.

While a proposal like this might seem unusual at a civilian university, it was yet another extraordinary opportunity one may encounter at the U.S Naval Academy. My professor went on to explain how the trip would be part of a fully funded, cultural and educational program with other midshipmen, U.S. Military Academy cadets (West Point) cadets and Turkish diplomats. It was an offer I could not refuse. When I asked the professor which entity would sponsor the trip, he replied, “the Olmsted Foundation.” Fifteen years later, the Olmsted Foundation continues to impact my life, providing my family and me with extraordinary opportunities to travel, study oversees and broaden our understandings of the world.

Founded by the highly-accomplished Army General, businessman and philanthropist, George Olmsted, the Olmsted Foundation sponsors and enables experiences abroad through two programs—the Olmsted Undergraduate Overseas Travel and Cultural Immersion Program, and the Olmsted Scholar Program. The former is available to students at each service academy and select military colleges and ROTC programs and the latter is available to military officers of all branches, which now includes the

The Olmsted Foundation experience as a midshipman in Turkey in 2007 and as an officer in Italy in 2022.

Space Force. The undergraduate program provides a rare glimpse into foreign cultures as part of trips lasting one to three weeks for soon-to-be officers, facilitating the development of cultural curiosities before setting out on active duty. The graduate program is a full-time, overseas tour lasting two-anda-half to three years, in which officers and their families (if applicable) assimilate in a foreign culture, gain language fluency, pursue graduate studies abroad and travel extensively.

Scholars engage in life-changing experiences and acquire an in-depth understanding of foreign cultures; thereby further equipping them to serve in positions of great responsibility as

senior leaders in the U.S. armed forces.

As a midshipman, I gained new insights into another country’s culture, politics and social dynamics, which greatly influenced how I led and engaged allied partners upon graduating. As a result of this experience, I knew I wanted to dive even deeper and become an Olmsted Scholar during my naval career. Thanks to my history professor and other mentors who introduced me to the extraordinary opportunities offered by the Olmsted Foundation, I am fortunate enough to write this from an overseas location as such, immersing myself in a foreign culture while speaking the host nation’s language.

To alumni—if you know midshipmen who possess an adventurous spirit and want to broaden their horizons abroad, inform them of the Olmsted Undergraduate Overseas Travel and Cultural Immersion Program.

To active-duty officers—if you aspire to represent the U.S. and the Navy overseas, assimilate into a foreign culture and develop new skills by confronting diverse challenges, apply to the Olmsted Scholar Program. Such experiences will undoubtedly change your perspective of the world and life forever.

More information for both programs may be found at: www.olmstedfoundation.org. a CDR Kevin Ringelstein ’07–OSC ’21 is currently serving as an Olmsted Scholar in Parma, Italy, with his wife Kate Huppmann Ringelstein ’07 and their three bambini.

BRAVO ZULU 1960s

1970s ’74: The Honorable Donald P. Loren was inducted into the National Defense University Joint Forces Staff College Hall of Fame.

He has served as a senior fellow at the college for the past 15 years.

Induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes military and diplomatic leaders who have risen to the most senior leadership positions in government or the armed forces, and who have made an enduring contribution to international peace and stability and to the mission of Staff College. Loren retired as a rear admiral with 32 years of active service as a surface warfare officer.

1980s ’83: CDR Mike “Bing” Crosby, USN (Ret.), has been elected to a two-year term as vice chair of the Patient Advocacy Advisory Board for the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. He is president of the nonprofit Veterans Prostate Cancer Awareness Inc. ’88: RADM (lower half) Eric C. Ruttenberg, USNR, was approved for promotion by the Senate in June.

Rose ’05 and Carter ’02 Change of Command

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE U.S. NAVY

’61: Col Richard B. Rothwell, USMC (Ret.), was inducted into the Defense Credit Union Council Hall of Honor in recognition of his 31 years of volunteer service with Frontwave Credit Union. During 10 of those years, he was chairman of the Frontwave board of directors.

Commander Christopher Rose ’05, USN, relieved Captain Christopher Carter ’02, USN, as commanding officer of the LOS ANGELES class fast attack submarine, ALEXANDRIA on 8 June at Point Loma Naval Base in San Diego, CA. The change of command was held several days after the crew of ALEXANDRIA returned from an extended Western Pacific deployment, where Carter led his crew through missions vital to national security and theater operations.

Carter is now stationed at Naval Reactors as the head of the Line Locker. Rose is challenged to lead the CDR Christopher Rose ’05, USN, relieved CAPT Christopher crew of ALEXANDRIA through a docking availability and Carter ’02, USN, as commanding officer of ALEXANDRIA on then quickly transition to deployed operations in the 8 June at Point Loma Naval Base in San Diego, CA. Western Pacific. His sea tours include division officer assignments on MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL where he completed a North Atlantic deployment, engineer officer on CHARLOTTE and executive officer on SANTA FE. Rose’s sea tours include division officer assignments on PHILADELPHIA, engineer officer on GREENVILLE and executive officer on HELENA and WASHINGTON. ®

1990s ’91: RADM (lower half) Michael B. Tanner, USNR, was approved for promotion by the Senate in June.

Craig Moringiello has joined the advisory board for Academy Securities, a registered brokerdealer, certified Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise and Minority Business Enterprise. Moringiello is a former FBI executive leader with 20 years of federal experience in cybersecurity, counterintelligence and strategic communications. ’92: RADM (lower half) Calvin M. Foster, USNR, and RADM (lower half) Kimberly A. Walz, USNR, were approved for promotions by the Senate in June. ’95: RADM (lower half) David J. Faehnle, USNR, was approved for promotion by the Senate in June.

’96: CAPT Odin Klug, USN, took command of Naval Support Activity Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete in July. He relieved Captain Rafael Facundo. Klug most recently served as deputy director of support and technologies at the Joint Information Operations Warfare Center.

2000s

’03: Reann S. Mommsen, USN; Brian R. Baker, USN; Blyth A. Blakistone, USN; Brian A. Evans, USN; Michael R. Laraya, USN; Peter F. Harley, USN; Timothy J. Shanley, USN; David P. Tranotti, USN; Christian M. Byers, USNR; and Melissa A. Buryk, USN, were ’97: LCDR Brian Sandberg, USN approved for promotion to captain (Ret.), was installed as the president by the Senate in June. of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots by his father Col Jim Sandberg ’69, USMC (Ret.), a past president of the Society. ’12: LT Christina Danai, USN, The elected term as president is received the Captain Joy Bright the middle year of a three-year “fleet-up-and-down” commitment. Hancock Award in May for her leadership as the chief engineer ’99: Col Dominique B. Neal, USMC, aboard MANCHESTER. The award was approved for promotion by the honors the “visionary leadership of sailors whose ideals and dedication Senate in August. foster an inclusive culture while furthering the integration of women in the Navy.”

2010s

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

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 41

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.

ARE YOU READY TO START YOUR TRAVEL ADVENTURE IN 2023!

Tanzania Migration 11-23 March 2023

Japanese Immersion 22 March - 6 April 2023

Canary Islands and Morocco 12-20 April 2023

Visit www.usna.com/travel-2023 to see all of our options for 2023.

42 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

ALUMNI PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

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

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

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

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 43

CLASS NEWS ’37

Life Membership: 0% Honorary Vice Pres and Sec’y: Meredith Minter Hinkle Daughter of Charlie Minter ’37 3603 Prince William Dr., Fairfax, VA 22031 e: mahink@cox.net Send News directly to Shipmate at: classnews@usna.com

’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

Wyn Varney writes: M I’ve moved back into our house in Brooklin, ME - after staying with friends in Ellsworth, ME for several years. The three cats and I are glad to be home! It’s good to be able to set our own schedule. And, instead of an alarm clock, we wake to the lobster boats going out to check their catch.

Our 2000 Volkswagen VR6 is in the shop, having her engine rebuilt . . . much less expensive than replacing the car! Fortunately, I have friends who do my grocery shopping and take me to appointments.

Over the last several years, I’ve had one knee and one shoulder replaced . . . and now, no thanks to COVID, I’m waiting to replace the other knee and shoulder. All part of growing up.

Last winter was quite mild, with less snow than in prior years. I suppose it’s part of global warming. That being the case, I’m surprised that the spring and now the summer have not been terribly hot. Not a lot of rain, but when it rains, we have real downpours! Our water comes from a well which is deep and has a good history. One of the advantages of being in a rural area, where neighbors’ families go back for generations, is that ‘local knowledge’ is very helpful!

I had lived locally for a while, before I met Newell and had a number of friends in the area.

Finding the best people to ‘restore’ the house, when we bought it, was easy. We had hoped to save the old plaster, but our carpenter reported that when he patched it in one place, it would fall off somewhere else. The ‘beauty part’ he told us, was that we could get rid of the plaster and insulate. Behind the plaster, the only ‘insulation’ was old newspaper! (That confirmed the reported date of the house - 1880s!) As I look around the house, there are all sorts of unusual angles and oddities that aren’t found in modern houses - which I find very Donor participation numbers as of 31 July 2022.

44 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

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

comfortable. The house in England, where I grew up, was quite ancient, except for the addition of indoor plumbing! Heat came from a coal-fired fireplace, in one room only! But that’s another story! Maybe next time!

’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

two exceptional Service Medals, Department of Energy and received Distinguished Gradate Award, U.S. Naval Academy.

Jack wrote the following on his long association with Naval Nuclear Power and the Class of 1939: M “Seven members of the Class of 1939 made contributions of fundamental and enduring value to the foundation and still widening development of nuclear power. They are as follows: Lou Roddis, Jim Dunford, Bob Laney, Bill Turnbaugh, and Eli Roth, all Engineering Officers; and Ned Beach and Vince DePoix, Submariner and Naval Aviator, respectively.

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

’39 has lost a great friend. Capt. Jack Crawford ’42, USN (Ret.) passed from this world on 28 February 2022.

Lou Roddis

Jim Dunford

Bill Turnbaugh

Bob Laney

Eli Roth

Ned Beach

Jack Crawford - ’42 Lucky bag and USNA Distinguished Graduate.

Jack Crawford had an illustrious Naval career… graduating with distinction in December of 1941 (Class of ’42 was graduated early due to the outbreak of WWII)…survived the sinking of USS YORKTOWN (CV5) at the Battle of Midway …received his M.S. in Naval Construction and Engineering, MIT 1946 and received M.S. in Physics, MIT as one of the first two to complete a newly established course in Nuclear Engineering, 1950. Jack served 14 years in the naval nuclear power program, including NR Representative for building USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) and Deputy Manager Naval Reactors…served 16 years in civilian nuclear power programs of AEC and Department of Energy in executive assignments, including that of principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, 197981…was a Charter Board Member Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, 1989…received

Vince DePoix

39/40 CLASS NEWS Around 1948, a small organization was established to carry forward a joint effort of the Navy and the Atomic Energy Commission to develop a nuclear power plant for a submarine.

It was led by then Captain H.G. Rickover ’22 and known as Naval Reactors (NR). It included Roddis and Dunford, who had received training at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Laney, Turnbaugh and Roth had joined at an earlier date.

Two power reactor types were chosen for development: one was cooled by water under high pressure, the other was cooled by liquid sodium. Westinghouse became the lead contractor for the water type at the Bettis Laboratory near Pittsburgh; General Electric became the lead contractor for the sodium plant at Schenectady.

Naval reactors provided technical direction and guidance. As these projects advanced, Roddis became, in effect, special assistant to Rickover; Dunford and Turnbaugh concentrated on the water plant; and Laney on the sodium plant.

By mid-1953, the pressurized water effort had succeeded in producing power in a useful amount. It was the very first time this had ever been done. This achievement made it possible for the first nuclear powered submarine, USS NAUTILUS, to go to sea in 1955. It was followed by another, when the submarine, USS SEAWOLF, powered by a sodium-cooled plant, went to sea in 1957 and gave President Dwight Eisenhower his first ride in a nuclear submarine.

Meanwhile, exploratory studies had begun on applying nuclear power to an air craft carrier. Roddis had a key role for NR in this activity.

Soon however, Roddis and Dunford moved on to new assignments Roddis became Deputy Director of the AEC’s large division responsible for all power reactor development. Dunford became Assistant to AEC Commissioner, Thomas E. Murray- an especially strong supporter of both Naval Reactors program and civilian nuclear power.

The move by Dunford to this assignment proved to be providential and of large benefit to NR. The Secretary of Defense had cancelled support for aircraft carrier reactor development.

Murray and Rickover took advantage of this by persuading the full commission to turn the carrier reactor effort into one for a civilian nuclear power plant. Dunford had an important part in bringing this about, and also for arranging that responsibility for the civilian project would be given to NR. Not long after, the Department of Defense established a military requirement for a nuclear powered aircraft carrier. Suddenly, NR had two new projects, both very important to nuclear power development.

The superlative operational success of NAUTILUS created a large demand for more submarines of this type as quickly as possible.

This led to Turnbaugh’s being assigned to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as Nuclear Power Superintendent. Laney moved to Bettis Plant as NR Representative, and Dunford returned to NR as its first-ever Deputy Manager under Admiral Rickover as Manager. By that time, the burgeoning program of building nuclear

submarines had called for greatly increased numbers of personnel with nuclear training.

Meeting this demand became one of Dunford’s key responsibilities. He had exceptionally strong qualifications for the tasks involved and carried them out with consummate effectiveness.

By 1958, the aircraft carrier reactor project had reached the point where building could begin at Newport News Shipyard on this first ever, eight-reactor USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65).

Suffice it to say, this large effort was carried forward with high effectiveness so that the ship was ready to go on Builder’s Trials in the fall of 1960.Much of the credit for this goes to Vince DePoix, Prospective Commanding Officer, and a carefully trained crew. Following nuclear submarine practice, they had operated all the ship’s nuclear systems under shipyard direction.

Thus ENTERPRISE went to sea on Builder’s Trials, not with a shipyard crew, but under Capt.

DePoix and a Navy crew. The trials were so successful that Admiral Rickover, who was on board, said that ‘the ship was ready to go to war’. When it did go, it gave the Navy a high order of operational effectiveness for fifty years- from Vietnam to Afghanistan.

Being built about the same time as ENTERPRISE was the first two-reactor nuclear submarine, USS TRITON, with Ned Beach as Prospective Commanding Officer. When placed in commission, TRITON WAS the first submarine to circumnavigate the world submerged.

The extraordinary operational success of the naval ship propulsion program, as well as President Eisenhower’s ‘Atoms for Peace’ policy, encouraged many electric companies to undertake building civilian nuclear power plants. Almost all used the pressurized water type reactor pioneered by the Navy. Overall, this civilian effort did not go well. So poorly in fact, that Congress insisted the Atomic Energy Commission take corrective action. The problem was overcome by two measures: the adoption of the Naval Reactors engineering standards and procedures, and by hiring former Navy personnel- both officers and enlisted- who had received Navy nuclear training. Today, about one quarter of the nation’s electric energy comes from nuclear power plants. Members of the Class of 1939 made an important contribution to the foundations.

Important as this is, it is even more important to take note of their contribution to the establishment of sea power of a new and higher order. Today, the U.S. Navy provides the nation with sea power of a magnitude Admiral Mahan could not have dreamed of. With its fleets of nuclear powered aircraft carriers and submarines it can bring force to bear, in degree needed, as rapidly as needed, and as for as long as needed.

Many, many members of the magnificent Class of 1939 contributed to this new order of sea power in all its dimensions. Certainly Roddis, Dunford, Beach, DePoix, Turnbaugh, Laney and Roth will be remembered among them.”

Jack Crawford will long be remembered as well.

‘What about ‘39!’ ….and What about Jack Crawford, ’42!

Respectfully submitted, Barbara Fidel Adams ’39 Class Secretary

’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

Mary Elizabeth Thomson Libbey died peacefully, surrounded by family, 7 July 2022, in Mystic, CN., two months after celebrating her 99th birthday.

Born in Morgantown, WV, 20 May 1923, Mary was one of twin girls born to Anne Cookman Thomson and Earl J. Thomson.

Mary is survived by her sister, Carol Thomson Meyer of Mary T. Libbey Aurora, CO; her four daughters, Anne Libbey Kratz of Exeter, NH, Mary Libbey Katz (Gil Katz) of Guilford, VT, Barbara Swec (Len Swec) of New London, CN, and Bonny Libbey Johnson (Dwight Johnson) of Londonderry, VT; 10 grandchildren and their partners; 12 great-grandchildren; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mary spent a happy childhood in Annapolis, MD. At 15, she met her future husband, L. Blaine Libbey (Blaine) of Milford, MA—a dashing midshipman—at a Naval Academy hop, when he signed her dance card and launched a four-year courtship. After marrying in 1942, she and Blaine embarked on a life together in over 35 homes along the east and west U.S. coasts, necessitating four challenging cross-country car trips.

Mary was a “Navy wife” for 20 years; an important job in its own right—her consummate grace contributing significantly to Blaine’s career as a Navy pilot. With four little girls, she recreated a cozy home at every move.

Mary and Blaine loved Navy life and their Navy friends, long remembered for their support for each other in good times and bad.

Mary became a minister’s wife at 47, when Blaine retired from the Navy and became a Presbyterian minister—another challenging job. His four congregations in New York and Connecticut over 20 years loved Mary. During this time, she also held administrative positions at local schools.

The heart and soul of her family, Mary enveloped everyone in her warmth, humor, and sharp wit. Whether visiting with her daughters’ OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 45

40/45 CLASS NEWS friends and church members on the porch of the stone house in Hartsdale, N.Y., or hosting Thanksgiving dinners at the farmhouse in Lincolnville, she was a calm, loving presence that made everyone feel “seen.”

She was down to earth, generous to a fault, always lovely and gracious, and kept an open door to anyone in need of love and support.

Their retirement life in Maine gave them two fun decades together, sailing, lobster dinners, vacations abroad, and frequent gatherings of her ever-growing clan. For the first time since they were teens, she and her twin lived in the same town.

Following Blaine’s death, Mary continued to live in Camden and devoted time to her church, community, and volunteer organizations such as Meals on Wheels, the Monday Club, and domestic abuse shelters. She adored gardening, played a raucous bridge game, a ruthless croquet game and “Scrabble” or “Upwords” at the drop of a hat.

As loved ones of every generation noted, she was “always present,” “the quintessential mom,” and “full of heart.”

Predeceased by her beloved husband of 56 years, and her cherished twin sister, Barbara Thomson Lamb and brother, Earl J. Thomson Jr., Mary is now undoubtedly hostess for a great party as they are finally reunited. She had a wonderful life. We are forever blessed to have known and loved her.

A small celebration of Mary’s life will take place at the U.S. Naval Academy Columbarium in Annapolis, MD this fall, where her ashes will be interred with Blaine’s. Donations may be made to Memorial Fund/Mary Libbey, First Congregational Church of Camden, 55 Elm St., Camden, Maine, 04843.

Published in The Courier-Gazette 15 July 2022 L. Blaine Libbey ‘40, passed in June 1998.

His Last Call obituary was in the September 1998 issue of Shipmate.

Only ’40 is 4.0!

’41

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

’42

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

Hello Class of ’42 Classmates, Family and Friends, HAPPY FALL TO EVERYONE!!!!

46 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

IN MEMORANDIUM JOANN BYRD, 82, wife of the late VADM Gerald Miller, passed on 26 April 2021, at her residence in Oakton, VA. JoAnn forged a path quite uncommon in her generation. After growing up in the fertile plains of the Texas panhandle, she left Southern California before meeting her husband, Jerry, and marrying in 1978. After moving to Washington, D.C. and giving birth to her son, JoAnn ran and later purchased and operated Information Planning Associates, Inc. for over 30 years. JoAnn always had a passion for gardening and landscape design. She could often be found planting flowers and setting new beds. Her selfless generosity was known by everyone from her extended family, friends, employees and even her bridge club. JoAnn is survived by her son Jonathan Miller (Stephanie) and grandchildren, James, Zoe, and Gerald.

CAPT. JOHN (JACK) WILLIAM CRAWFORD, JR., USN (RET.) Interment was held at Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday, 23 August 2022 at 8:45am.

May God bless the Class of ’42 and their families.

All the best, Joan Curtis Vice President/Secretary ‘42 GO NAVY!!!!! BEAT ARMY!!!!!

’43

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

’44

Life Membership: 32% 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 Send News directly to Shipmate at: classnews@usna.com

Update from Commander Charles Burlin: I had no symptoms of Covid when it appeared in Sept 2020. Finally in March 2021, I got a single J& J vax from Chatham, MA Council on Aging. No adverse reactions; On 17 November, 2021, my youngest son John, fortunately being with me, I found I couldn’t arise from a kneeling position alongside a chair, my hips would not lift me onto the chair. I called John who came quickly, found he could not lift my 125 pounds, and called 911, which had the Fire Station ambulance at my back door in less than 15 minutes. A quick trip of the 20 miles to Cape Cod Hospital where John had followed by car, was told he could not be with me any longer since the emergency room diagnosis showed Covid in my hip area. My total belongings with

me then consisted of a pair of light summer shorts, a pair of old slippers, a T-shirt and a light-weight summer shirt. I was wheeled to a room containing about six men, was put in a bed and given a hospital gown. A case manager phoned to advise me that beds in rehabilitation clinics in MA were very scarce and to accept whatever became open. I spent 8 days in CCH when my Case Manager phoned saying one bed had become open in Care One in Newton Lower Falls ten miles west of Boston and suggested strongly that I take it, which I did, even though located 130 miles from my Chatham home. A long ambulance ride from CCH lying on my back to Newton I started there in earnest countering Covid with medications, exercises and hospital routine; day and night blending into each other. I was now in 4-man room, later moving into a 2-man room quite comfortable. Handling by the attendants and aides was taut and sometimes brusque.

It had to be to prevent the transmitting of the wide-spread virus. I spent my next 40-days at Care One Center, with some visits by John bearing necessities and family members who lived within reasonable distance. Eight family members came for a very welcome celebration of my 100th birthday on 12 Dec 2021, the Army-Navy foot-ball game in early Dec gave a welcome surprise, followed by Christmas and New Years’ all in Care One. Son John drove the 130 miles from Chatham to pick me upon 3 Jan 2022, for a welcome relief from rehab hospital living over the previous month and a half. There have been no adverse effects over the past eight months, for which I am indeed grateful. I have had no booster vaccination or plan to get any. Please excuse typing and spelling, eyes have macular degeneration....

—Charles W. Burlin.

’45

Life Membership: 63% Donor Participation: 100.00% Acting Pres: CAPT Edward L. “Ted” Cochrane Jr., USN (Ret.) Corr Sec’y: Bonnie Boyd Daughter of CAPT E. L. Cochrane Jr. ’45 4606 Marble Rock Ct., Chantilly, VA 20151 p: 571-342-2266; e: bonnieboyd2266@gmail.com Website: www.usna.com/classes/1945

Charlie Sobel celebrates 99 years!

45/45 CLASS NEWS On 1 July 2022, fellow ’45 classmate, Charlie Sobel, traveled to PA from his home in New Jersey to celebrate his 99th birthday. He is seen in the photo wearing his ’45 class ring and submariner’s cap. Happy birthday, Charlie!

Ted Cochrane is feted by his Sunday School class

Pastor Tom Joyce gives opening remarks to the class

Another classmate celebrated his 100th birthday this past July in style. Ted Cochrane on 26 June 2022 was lovingly feted by his Sunday School class at Immanuel Bible Church.

Pastor Thomas “Tom” Joyce ’79, CAPT, USN (Ret.), a fellow USNA grad, shared fascinating remarks about the traditions of the US Naval Academy to the group. Then, Ted was surprised by his neighbors in Fairfax, VA who wanted to wish him well. Finally, even the ’45 classmates and widows’ group which meets regularly on Wednesdays by Zoom, sang a chorus of “Happy Birthday” to Ted. Mike Taylor, our Zoom host and close friend of Bill Geiger, baked and delivered to Ted’s home a delicious lemon bundt cake which enhanced the festivities. There are balloons commemorating each of these celebrations all over his house.

Ted Cochrane enjoys BD cake during a Zoom session, 13 July 2022

Ted Cochrane surrounded by celebratory neighbors

Class of ’45 Zoom session, 13 July 2022 OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 47

45/47 CLASS NEWS Sadly, I must report that ’45 classmate, CDR William Bentley “Bill” Sprague Sr. USN (Ret.), passed on 14 July 2022. His daughter, Betsy, writes that her father was the proud owner of JR Myers for over Bill Sprague 33 years and that he as a midshipman enjoyed his family, Illini sports, the Army/Navy game, model trains, collecting antiques (especially Flow Blue China) and traveling. Our deepest sympathy to his wife of 66 years, Barbara, and the entire Sprague family.

Please consider joining your ’45 classmates during their Wednesday Zoom sessions at 12 noon EST. Email your class secretary for information on how you can join this fun and interesting group.

As always…

Look Alive with ’45!

’46

Life Membership: 39% Donor Participation: 15.38%

’47: Pre-Army game cheering in 1945

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

’47

Life Membership: 79% Donor Participation: 36.36% 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

Hello Forty-Seven!! Hope you are having a nice Fall. Football Season is now in full swing!

Hope you are cheering the MIDs on in your spirit gear! GO NAVY! Kicking off this edition of ’47 with an amazing photo taken at Tecumseh in 1945 pre-Army-Navy game cheering! Love this!

Our leader CAPT Jack had a slight set back but is on the mend!! Photos attached of Jack and Frances participating in the Jack’s PT. A photo of Jack reading his “get well card” and an adorable photo of Jack and Frances in High School. Hope you are back to 100% soon Jack! OX

48 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

I’ve attached a photo of Stan Gary with his kids. Great pic Stan (hugs) and a photo of me with PG Miller after we had lunch this summer.

Thanks PG (hugs to you too).

47/47 CLASS NEWS

I got a nice legacy piece from CAPT Robert Carlisle ’88. His uncle is Hank Ruppell ’47: Beautiful Ring Dance photo of the Rockwoods sent by their daughter Margy. Margaret and Clyde are so lovely. Margaret passed away in 2011 and Clyde in 2005. Another photo of them at the Academy and dancing later in life.

(Photos of Hank and Norma at Robert’s graduation in 1988 with Joe and Barbara Carlisle. A clipping photo from Hank’s Mom’s scrapbook of Midshipman Hank painting Tecumseh that appeared in the Milwaukee Journal. And a beautiful photo of the Ruppells).

Great pics Robert!

M Eileen, Thank you for the opportunity to remember my Uncle Hank Ruppel and his influence on my decision to attend the Naval Academy. Growing up near Santa Cruz, CA, joining the military was not common for graduating seniors from my high school. But I was number five of seven children, the son of Hank’s only sister Barbara Carlisle, and I was worried about how my parents could afford to send me to college.

So when a brochure from West Point came in the mail, I gave it some consideration. But admittedly, joining the Army just didn’t appeal to me so when I asked my mom about it, she told me to call Uncle Hank since he went to the Naval Academy. Growing up, Uncle Hank was always a larger than life figure who occasionally graced our home. I remember my big and gregarious uncle with a big gold ring on his finger. So I followed up with my mom’s suggestion and called him. He convinced me that Annapolis was the way to go if I was going to apply to an Academy. So I did, along with applying to Berkeley and Stanford. I was accepted to all three, but the process for the Naval Academy was so rigorous, I wasn’t about to waste the opportunity and so accepted the appointment from then Congressman Leon Panetta.

Strange, but it was only after I attended the Academy did I fully appreciate my Naval heritage on my mom and dad’s sides of the family.

All of mom’s brothers were naval officers and my dad’s three elder brothers were World War II aviators; a Navy pilot, a Marine training pilot and my dad’s eldest brother, Technical Sergeant William Carlisle, who was lost when his B-17 Liberator was shot down over Misburg Germany just after Thanksgiving in 1944. As I progressed through my career, I also gained a better appreciation for Uncle Hank and his career in the Navy as well as his work as a nuclear engineer with Westinghouse. Upon graduation, I went through the nuclear power training pipeline which included training at the Idaho OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 49

47/49 CLASS NEWS Falls S1W prototype where Hank used to be the Site Manager. My first ship was USS ENTERPRISE, the ship Hank helped build in the early 60’s and which I helped refuel at Newport News Shipbuilding. Hank and I both attained the rank of Commander in the Navy Reserves before retiring. Although according to Hank’s brother Bob (a retired Captain), Hank would have made Captain had Admiral Rickover allowed him to leave Idaho Falls to complete his Annual Training.

Hank left us on 14 August 2014 after suffering from mesothelioma, probably brought on by the asbestos on the ENTERPRISE that I oversaw removal of 30 years later. Before his passing though, he sent me his original Class of ’47 ring to replace my ’88 ring that was stolen from me on a port visit to Curacao (a carjacking at gunpoint, one sea story I’d like to forget). I will always remember the trips to his home in Pittsburgh for Thanksgiving as a midshipman, tailgaters with his classmates in Annapolis, and subsequent visits to San Diego as part of my Navy travels near where Hank retired in Escondido.

He will always be that loving big ol’ gregarious uncle with the shining gold ring to me.

Best regards, CDR Robert Carlisle, USN (Ret.) I’ve also attached an illustration from the 1945 Academy calendar drawn by Hank Ruppell under his byline “Roop”. Who remembers the Circus in Annapolis??

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: 40% Donor Participation: 8.70% Sec’y/Webmaster: John Tsiknas 16061 Avenida Venusto, Apt. E218; San Diego, CA 92128-4414 p: 858-451-0967; e: johntsiknas@att.net Website: http://1948.usnaclasses.com

Since the last issue of Shipmate, we have learned of the loss of the following: Classmates: F.L. Boushee, 8th Co. 7/05/2022

’49

In the 70s she worked with the Fire & Rescue Squad in Liberty Corner, NJ. Her most memorable event was the day she drove an ambulance from the middle of New Jersey to New York City. Over the years, she also told me harrowing stories of dreadful accidents she was called to.

After us kids moved on, she and my father moved to Annapolis, MD to be around family— yes, she was a townie. There she managed the family’s properties in Annapolis—three 10-acre plots with about a dozen homes combined.

That meant a lot of mowing and cutting up fallen trees. She inspired me.

Below are a couple of photos that I collected - a shot of her behind the wheel of one of my father’s diesel subs and a shot of her and my dad on their wedding day. Look at that smile.

She is survived by her three children, three grandchildren and 2½ great grandchildren.

Life Membership: 63% Donor Participation: 14.29% Pres: CAPT Richard A. (Rick) Claytor, USN (Ret.) 701 King Farm Blvd.,#203, Rockville, MD 20950 e. retxnavy@aol.com Exec Vice Pres and Treas: CAPT Richard A. “Al” Frost, USN (Ret.) 6516 Bellamine Ct., McLean, VA 22101-1481 Paul Laric, Honorary Secretary of the Class of 1949 Sec’y: Ursula Vosseler 2214 Chesapeake Harbour Dr., Annapolis, MD 2140 e. navygolfergirl@gmail.com Webmaster: CAPT Richard A. “Rick” Claytor, USN (Ret.) Website: www.usna-class49.org

From the President From time to time, I receive correspondence from widows and other family members that contain interesting observations about deceased classmates and widows. Often this is provided with a request that the information be passed along to classmates. Following is one about Dick Whiteside’s recently deceased widow, Betty, and their marriage, by his son.

Dick passed in 1997.

Final Hours: It is my sad duty to notify you of the passing of your Classmates and their spouses: Carl Otto, Les Pomeroy, Phyllis (Frank) Owen and Sally (John) Geary.

May they all Rest in Peace.

That’s all for now Team ‘47! Look to the next Shipmate for more updates. I love 50 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

M My mother passed 17 February 2022.

She was always quick with a smile and a rye comment. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a pragmatic view on life. “Wine and Dine” Class ’49 was central to our lives. My father was a submariner and we always visited him on his boats. I still love the diesel smell. Over the years, class reunions, football games and other ’49 gatherings were high points to our years.

In addition to raising me, Rich Whiteside, Class of 1975—a challenge in itself—and my two younger sisters. Margo and Letty, my mother also did ceramics and other art related projects. Using the initials of her name, BW, and giving a nod to her favorite flower, the daisy, she signed her pieces of art with a backwards B and a sideways W to create a four-leaf daisy with a stem. She was also active in Brownies and Girl Scouts to support my sisters.

Thank you, Class ’49, for all the memories and great time.”

In Memoriam Beverly Shannon Koach, widow of CAPT Jack Koach, USN (Ret.) died on 1 June 2022 in Sarasota, FL. Eileen Murphy (Butler) Roberts, wife of CAPT Calvin W. Roberts, USN (Ret.) died on 17 June 2022 in Kerrville, TX. CAPT Herman Joseph Bushman Jr., USN (Ret.), died on 21 June 2022 in Annandale, VA. Richard Wilbur Kelly died on 28 June 2022 in Tucson, AZ

’50

Life Membership: 67% Donor Participation: 8.75% 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

Surface Ship Warriors; are They Being Equitably Recognized as Distinguished Graduates?

Some time ago, I spent a few minutes in the lobby of the Faculty Club at the U.S. Naval Academy, and came across the magnificent, priceless and proudly displayed photos of the battleships, cruisers, and destroyers of the Great White Fleet. And what an appropriate place to display them! I felt a surge of pride in these old ships and appreciation for the heritage left for us by those Naval Academy graduates who served on the bridges, in those massive gun turrets and in the sweltering engine rooms—all superbly trained here at the Naval Academy. What a priceless display, apparent to all who enter therein.

But nary a submarine, nor aircraft carrier did I see!

So, what about the Academy alumni of today? How does this splendid heritage so beautifully depicted apply to today’s career Surface Warfare stalwarts, trained in the rigid environment of the Naval Academy, and honed and tested by the challenges encountered in those bridges, gun turrets, and engine rooms?

Are such alumni being appropriately recognized today? Are Surface Warfare Officers finding their excellence recognized for service in their chosen speciality or must they go elsewhere, to industry or government to gain such recognition?

Well, where better to find information about the career achievements of the warriors of our generation than to consult the lists of Naval Academy Distinguished Graduate Awardees, carefully selected each year since 1999 by committees of prominent graduates.

In this review, it quickly becomes evident that those who come up from the bridges, in gun turrets and engine rooms: today’s Surface Warfare Officers, were not widely recognized in the early Distinguished Graduate Program.

Moreover, those graduates performing in aviation and submarine careers, careers practically non-existent in the Great White Fleet era, have dominated in Distinguished Graduate recognition.

For example, among recent DG selections, 31% wore wings, and 31% wore dolphins, as opposed to just 15% who could have been

50/51 CLASS NEWS identified as Surface Warfare officers. Amazingly, only 1 career Surface Warfare Officer was selected in the first 5 years of the Distinguished Graduate program, while from the aviators and submariners selected, we find that 100% of aviators, and 86% of the submariners served full careers, but only 7% of Surface Warfare officers selected did so.

However, there is another side to this seeming paradox. Surface Warfare trained Officers are well represented in the 31% of DGs selected from other fields, within, or outside the Navy. Very likely, today’s opportunities to participate in applied science and advanced technology applications in the modern Navy have made Surface Officers more competitive and account for their comeback.

Supporting this rational, the record shows that Surface Officers who transferred to other fields within the Navy, or left active duty entirely, gained DG recognition in approximately equal numbers with our aviators and submariners In summation, it is apparent that whatever career opportunities might have been available in the days of the Great White Fleet, opportunities offered in Surface Warfare today have been enhanced vastly, to include fascinating and fulfilling careers in supporting today’s Navy excellence and potential in war.

So, the answer to the question posed: “are Surface Warfare Officers being equitably recognized?” must be yes! They have virtually closed the Distinguished Graduate selection gap by opting to broaden their perspectives: embarking in widely varied scientific fields of service, all focused upon advancing the power and might of today’s Navy, just as aviators and submariners applied advancing technology in years past!

And perhaps recent DG results mirror these changes.

— CAPT John J. McNally ’50, USN (Ret.)

’51

Life Membership: 61% Donor Participation: 18.09% 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: Mr. David Ghysels Communications: VADM Robert F. Dunn, USN (Ret.) 819 Marshall Ln., Alexandria, VA p: 703-370-9589; e: robtdunn@aol.com

President’s Message: USNA Class of 1951 is “second to none,” but we are being pressed.

The recent loss of key, active members of our class is placing a burden on our nonagenarian survivors. We have replaced two very active members of our board of directors who

recently passed away. They have effectively come aboard.

The BoD has decided to make some communication changes that will ease the burden on our exceptional Communications Director Bob Dunn and make the class communications timelier. We are dropping our website but replacing it with an email system. This will enable us to make data flow more current since website and Shipmate lag months behind time.

And it will save our treasury approx. $1200 per year.

We are working with the Alumni Assn to publish a new Blue Book (class directory) as soon as possible. We have asked on several occasions for classmates, widows, and those children (who are interested) to update their Blue Book info to me immediately. If you do not update your info you will not receive communications from Bob Dunn since website will be gone. Classmates will lose contact with each other since they will not have the latest addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.

Shipmate alone will not meet your info needs.

This is an urgent plea for all classmates worldwide to help the Board of Directors improve our communications.

Passing the word. Because Shipmate publishes only eight times a year, we try to bring newsworthy items to the class and their families by other media. For some years the principal “Other Media” has been the class website. Unfortunately, there are problems with website information flow. First, it gets updated only every two weeks and very often there’s important news that should not wait for the end of the two weeks. Second, the website manager, who has been with us many years, has other important obligations and cannot conveniently ignore those obligations to administer our website in as timely a fashion as we would wish. Third, we still have a significant portion of our class and their families who are not comfortable with websites and computers.

Symptomatic of all this is that the number of “Hits” on our website have been decreasing with each report, reflecting perhaps the decreasing size of the class. Given all that, search for a communications alternative was conducted. The upshot is that a “Newsletter,” will be inaugurated, a Newsletter to be distributed by email directly to your in-box, whenever there’s news of interest or import to the class.

In short, it will be the end of the website and the start of a Newsletter. In fact, by the time you read this it may have already happened.

As stated above, our website manager has been with us for a long time and we are leaving her behind with thanks for her work of many years, work often without prompt payment, but always, despite a very small stipend, done because she felt she needed to perform some sort of patriotic duty, and this was it.

Thanks and Well Done, Amy...and Godspeed.

Class Projects and Funding. Over the many years it has been since we graduated the class has stood out for its generosity in funding OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 51

51/52 CLASS NEWS many Naval Academy projects (and the Navy Museum’s Cold War Gallery, too). Our late Fundraiser, Guy Shaffer was always very proud of that fact and said so many times. Now, in the years we have left, we want to be sure what we have begun is continued. To that end your Board have recently reviewed our major gifts to see where adjustments might be needed.

It was thought at one time that it would be appropriate and proper to match the McDonough Basketball Award for men’s’ basketball with a similar award for women. It turned out that the women already have such an award and there was no convenient way we could add further recognition.

At the 70th Reunion a motion to increase the amounts awarded in connection with the Teaching Excellence prize was passed only to learn recently that such an increase is in conflict with other Teaching Excellence awards and was discouraged by the academic hierarchy.

Thus the offer of an increase was withdrawn.

Rest assured other scheduled contributions remain unchanged, however. The chapel organ and museum maintenance accounts remain active and fully funded. We have fulfilled our obligations to the Terwilliger Center and we continuously and actively encourage individual classmates to contribute to and participate in the President’s Circle and the Naval Academy Athletic Association. We are proud to have graduated from the Naval Academy, proud to be able to contribute and remain open to other ideas about how to support our school.

Margee Hunt, granddaughter MIDN Oliva Hunt ’24, USN, and fellow Midshipmen

Update from Margee Hunt: Margee Hunt, widow of our classmate Jim, and her daughter Cathy Hunt on a recent trip to Annapolis to see granddaughter, MIDN Olivia Hunt 2024, USNA, perform in Hamlet.

Unusual Histories. From time to time we learn of unusual histories of classmates. One such is about Dutchy Hildebrand. Dutchy didn’t graduate because of a late-developing medical problem stemming from his WWII activities, but it’s a quite colorful story, nevertheless. Who knew we had a classmate who had been an underground courier in the Netherlands during the German occupation?

We thank Bob Miller for passing the story on.

It has been posted in our first Newsletter.

52 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

Another Unusual History. An article in the Spring 2022 edition of the Tailhook Association’s, “The Hook,” entitled, “USAF Joins the Navy” is a story which really begins in the summer of 1949, when the Air Force boarded the USS LEYTE for carrier ops off the Virginia Capes. At the same time there was also on board a group of Naval Academy midshipmen from the Class of 1951 at the end of their “Aviation Summer,” spending two weeks aboard LEYTE to learn about carrier operations. There they watched as the Air Force pilots, and others, flew their F8F Bearcats from and to LEYTE. Now fast forward some 70 or more years to a luncheon meeting of the “Old and Bold,” a small group of superannuated Navy, Marine and Air Force pilots in the Army-Navy Club in Arlington, VA, and find a sequel. In conversation over lunch it was discovered that now long-retired, but once-Midshipman, Bob Dunn had watched as then-USAF Major, now retired Colonel Ken Chilstrom, flew the Bearcat from and to the deck of LEYTE, becoming a carrier qualified Air Force pilot, on a straight deck too. That conversation, in turn, developed into a fast friendship including Chilstrom ever after calling Dunn, “My favorite admiral.”

When this story got to the offices of the Tailhook Association they made plans to induct Chilstrom into that Association, posthaste… at no cost to him.

By the way, the rest of the story is that Ken Chilstrom flew fighters in North Africa in WWII and after the war at Wright-Pat flew numerous captured German aircraft, later becoming the first CO of the Air Force Test Pilot School. (You can Google him).

The “Old and Bold” has come on hard times, but Chilstrom, now 101 years old, and his favorite Navy admiral continue with an unabated camaraderie unknowingly launched three fourths of a century ago.

A Bit of Class Business. At a Board meeting, held in the home of Ruth and Bob Small on 14 July, among other things, the Class Legacy Lock Box was discussed. It’s held in the Naval Academy Museum and contains the following: Books: 1951 Lucky Bag, Class of 1951–Ten Years Later, 50th Reunion Book, 1951-2001 Lucky Bag. Video cassette: Memories, Reflections on Fifty Years DVD: 60 Years of Service in Four Segments: 1947 to 2001 2001 to 2011 Princess Royal Eternal Father on the Chapel Organ Questions/Comments?

Do check with one of your Board members, listed in this column.

2022 HOMECOMING Welcome Back Alumni!

28-30 October

’52

Life Membership: 70% Donor Participation: 15.38% Pres (interim): Jack Young 9440 Newbridge Dr., Montgomery Village, MD, 20886-4021; p: 301-299-3550; e: jcy52@verizon.net Sec’y: Kip Young, daughter of Jack Young 8616 White Post Ct., Potomac, MD 20854 p: 240-205-2162; e: toughshoes52shipmate@gmail.com Treas: Col George W. Lester Jr., USAF (Ret.) 5400 30th St., N., Arlington, VA 22207-1502 p: 703-241-1989; e: geova@verizon.net Website: www.toughshoes52.org

The monthly Class Zoom calls continue to link Classmates and the extended Tough Shoes family of children and spouses. I encourage everyone to join one; Zoom Master Bob Schulze always finds interesting speakers.

RADM Larry Chambers

DEI in the Navy — Presentation Recap Although delayed a week due to technical difficulties, Classmate RADM Larry Chambers delivered a compelling presentation during the July Zoom call. Larry shared a version of the presentation he gave at North Island Naval Air Station in June 2022.

For the last 12 years, the Chambers have traveled to San Diego to work with Midway Museum in community outreach. Last year, he made a presentation about the Evacuation of Saigon to the Air Boss and his staff. This year he was asked to discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the U.S Navy. Larry stated that this presentation reflects his views and his suggestions, not necessarily those of the U.S. Navy. He explained that the word “Diversity” can mean diversity in race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc.

“Diversity means that the Navy can have all the talent of this great nation, if we know how to attract it, how to retain the right people, and how to make them feel welcome.”

He added, “We need an equitable environment to support them as well.”

Larry was the second African American to graduate from the USNA, and first African American to command a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. It was not easy for the first African American officers or their families. Some felt it was easier to live in town than to live on base, due to discrimination. Shortly after the opening

52/53 CLASS NEWS of the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., Larry visited the U.S. Navy Memorial. His family saw a display for Black History Month of African-American Naval Flag Officers, and his son-in-law spotted Larry’s picture on the wall.

Larry noted how few other photos were there.

Larry shared pictures of many “firsts”, such as a picture of Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt, ‘94, the first woman to command a nuclear carrier in the Navy and RADM Ming Chang, the first naturalized Asian-American naval officer to reach flag rank in the United States military.

Larry noted that since 1975 there has been only one other African American to command an aircraft carrier.

He stated that when President Truman issued the edict to desegregate the armed forces, the faculty and staff at USNA were supportive. He believes that the first female midshipman had less support, with minority women receiving the least support. However, he believes there will be more diversity among the officer corps in the next 50 years. “I really think the Navy is trying to do the right thing, I really do.”

Larry outlined how he believes the Navy can support a more diverse officer corps. One important first step he proposed is to create a structured mentor program for minority officers. Larry recounted how helpful his mentor VADM Sam Gravely was to his career.

This mentor program should have measurable goals, and the mentors should be evaluated on their performance in that role He also believes there should be at least one senior minority officer on every selection board who would be tasked to promote diversity. This would help increase the number of minority officers without sacrificing quality.

The Navy could also work more effectively with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s). To recruit the best, the Navy may need more Diversity training for its recruiters.

The Class Leaders thanked Larry for sharing his PowerPoint presentation of this timely and relevant topic with the class.

We asked Bill Laux, the former Class Shipmate Scribe, to write about how he and his wife Pat are enjoying their recent move to Montana:

all 110 feet of it! Begins at Giant Spring, ends at the Missouri River.And we are still exploring and learning!

M Pat and I lived for about 30 years in the far Western part of Fairfax County, VA. When we bought, we were on the western edge of the metro area. That edge moved way beyond us, leaving us with what neither wanted: stifling congestion. We got in our car and headed to the mountain west. We settled on Lewis and Clark country, Great Falls, MT, influenced by Stephen E. Ambrose’ book, “Undaunted Courage”.

We moved here in 2017, and bought a house on a hillside on the last street on the southeast edge of the city. And a city it is, of about 60,000 inhabitants. It lacks some big box stores, which we find in Helena, 95 miles to the south. However, of interest to this nonagenarian, Great Falls is the medical center of Montana, with two enormous multi-campus hospital systems, covering every specialty.

A lot of folks have asked us about the weather, assuming it is Saharan in summer and Arctic in winter. Altitude has a lot to do with it, but here in Great Falls, at about 3,500 feet, ALL the seasons are very mild, the reason being the very low humidity.

It is different here. Rodeo is a high school sport. Fairfax County, VA, 20 miles by 20 miles, has 100,000 more people than does the entire state of Montana, 255 miles by 630 miles.

People invariably wave to total strangers passing in traffic, or even on foot. Sadly, as everywhere, there is crim—ock your car and your house!I would say that Montana, although perfect for us, is not for everyone. If you need high-end shopping, don’t come here. Distances are long—people drive 95 miles to Helena for lunch. We knew of Frederic Remington, the Western painter. Here, we learned about Charles Marion Russell, and now believe that Charlie Russell is superior. And the Russell Museum is a wonderful place! We have arguably the world’s shortest river, the Roe River —

Shipmate Updates: We want to hear your stories and share your pictures!

Please send news and photos to: toughshoes52shipmate@gmail.com Still Tough Shoes to Fill.

’53

Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 21.39% Pres: CAPT Chris Zirps, USN (Ret.) 1902 Toll Bridge Ct., Alexandria, VA 22308-2447 p: 703-780-6124; e: CZirps53@aol.com Exec Vice Pres: CAPT Alvin S. Glazier, USN (Ret.) 7619 Leith Pl., Alexandria, VA 22307 p: 703-768-2762; e: glophin@aol.com Admin Vice Pres and Corr Sec’y: CAPT Arthur C. Bivens, USN (Ret.) 7448 Spring Village Dr., Apt.323, Springfield, VA 22150 p: 703-270-5940; e: acbivens@aol.com Webmaster: CAPT Paul Dudley, USN (Ret.) e: pdudley@1953.usna.com Website: www.usna53.com

Passings Alice H. Velazquez-Suarez, widow of CAPT Francisco-Suarez (6) USN, passed 6 June 2022 in Brandon, FL. Alice was a member of Brandon League of Fine Arts. She is survived by three children, 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

CDR George R. Matais (16), USN (Ret.), passed on 21 June 2022 in Tucson, AZ. After graduation from USNA, George received “Wings of Gold” in 1954. Many assignments flying A-1 Skyraider and A-7 Corsair II. He flew with squadrons in various aircraft carriers during the Vietnam War. His shore assignments: a professor of Naval Science at Dartmouth College; US Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA; Naval Air Station Lemoore, CA; and Fleet Air Western Pacific, Atsugi, Japan. During

The View from Montana

Pat and Bill’s view from their front door ’53: OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 53

53/55 CLASS NEWS retirement George was a docent for 35 years at the Pima Air and Space Museum.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, five children, 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.* Mary Ellen Sologuren, widow of Luis (Lucho) Ricardo Sologuren, passed 7 July 2022 in Pompana Beach, FL. Mary Ellen married Lucho, after he newly graduated at the US Naval Academy and moved to Lima, Peru, where Lucha began his naval career. Mary Ellen was a kindergarten teacher and taught English.

They returned to Baltimore in 1960 where Lucho worked for the Bendix Corp. She was the loving wife of 55 years to the late Luis.

Survivors include three children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

’54

Life Membership: 55% Donor Participation: 16.23% Pres: CAPT George V. Zeberlein, USN (Ret.) p: 410-570-3233; e: gvzeberlein@gmail.com Exec Vice Pres: MGen William W. Hoover, USAF (Ret.) p: 757-221-0921; e: Hoovsf8@aol.com Sec’y: Mr. Phillip N. Livingstone 718 Appomattox Rd. W., Davidsonville, MD 21035-1909 p: 443-607-8666; e: livingstonep1@verizon.net Deputy Sec’y: LtCol Edward C. Tipshus USMC (Ret.) 8315 Fairway Dr., Worthington Hills Columbus, OH 43235-1148 p: 614-571-5565; e: ed@tipshus.com Treas: CAPT Robert R. Briner, USN (Ret.) p: 757-464-4850; e: bobbriner@cox.net Webmaster: CDR Will H. Croom, USN (Ret.) e: willyaye@gmail.com Website: www.54net.org

70th Reunion - Class of 1954 As previously announced the 70th Reunion for the Great Class of 1954 will be held on 24, 25, 26 and 27 April 2024. We have contracted with the “Graduate Annapolis” hotel at 126 West Street to be our Reunion Headquarters.

This is the same hotel that we used for our 65th Reunion.

However, the room rate has gone up to $199 per night, not including taxes. We are planning to have most of our festivities at the hotel and transportation will be provided to all other events, so that no one will need to drive their own vehicle anywhere once you check in to the hotel.

While nothing is cast in concrete yet there are a few events of interest that are tentatively on our schedule: welcome aboard speech by the Supe or Commandant; Memorial Service in the USNA Chapel; Midshipmen Dress parade; Welcome Aboard Reception and Reunion Banquet at the Graduate Annapolis.

So, everyone, including widows, children, other family members and friends should mark your calendars for this likely final Class of 1954 Reunion.

54 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

’55

Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 10.10% 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/

Roger L. Coffey (21) passed away in La Mesa, CA, 19 September 2018.

Around the World in 30 Days - The amazing trip of Neil Harvey and Paul Hoff. (Continued from Sept. issue) We flew to Tripoli. That’s where the around the world circuit we knew came through. Sure enough, there was one due in the next day or so. So as soon as they landed we went to the captain and explained what we were doing and said, “We were hoping you would have space available and we could join you on the way towards India.” The Air Force was a little bit looser than the Navy. Yes, definitely, like they had more authority. It’s always a joke. He says “We just work one stop at a time, and if there’s a priority at that stop then we would have to bump you to put the priority on.” So we were on the way to India. You just have to take your chances. But the next stop was Egypt. We flew with them to Cairo, and they had two overnights before they went on, so Paul and I went to the Egyptian Museum to see all the dead Pharaohs and other rulers of the country that were there. That done, we often went out to the main square of Cairo.

People gather there at night, so we were in civilian clothes. We walked around the square. It’s a little bit ... It can be dangerous. We walked around, and we didn’t really have any problems or confrontation whereas back in Tripoli, (we had an overnight there) we went to explore the old city and the part we were in had ancient walls with steps going up to the top of the wall and a walkway around. We found ourselves there right around dark, so we walked up the steps to the top and started walking along looking down on the neighborhood. But people could see us from down below, and we had rocks thrown at us. So we decided to turn around and go back, which we did. We got to see some of Tripoli but not a lot because we didn’t feel welcome there. But back to Egypt.

We decided we wanted to climb a pyramid. We were living in the quarters where the airplane crew was. I don’t know how we got from there out to the pyramids. We hired a taxi probably but we got out. It was kind of partitioned off.

You had to go through a checkpoint sort of thing to get to the pyramids. So we did that to get to the other side and there’s a bunch of camels lined up with their owners with a leash.

What do they want? They want you to ride their camel out to the pyramids. So we each rented a camel. The person who had the lead,

led us out. They had limited tourist language skills but they were able to tell us that my camel’s name was “Pepsi-Cola.” I don’t know what Paul’s camel’s name was. We clomped along until we got to the base of the pyramids.

They showed us the route to follow to climb so we started climbing. I don’t think they let people climb those pyramids anymore, but this was in 1954. We followed their directions, and sure enough we were able to climb from one block to another block to another block all the way up to the top. And I mean the one we climbed is triangular right up to the top. And then it’s a flat place where you can stop and take pictures and appreciate the view. So we did that, took pictures of each other and all around smiling, waving, whatever. Then we climbed on down with no incidents, and there was “Pepsi-Cola” and Paul’s camel waiting to take us back to the entrance. We went to visit the Sphinx as well. We walked the length of the Sphinx and walked back. The Sphinx’s nose was missing. They’re still blaming Napoleon for that. So anyway, we got back. Those were the highlights. We stayed in military quarters. We didn’t get to leave Cairo. Anyway, the crew made arrangements for us. That was really nice of them. So then the next day we took off, and I think the stop was Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. It was some holiday. They had donkey races and I don’t know what else, but it was just an overnight, and then we flew on, all the way to Delhi.

Once again, we didn’t have any place to sleep, but there was an outdoor patio area at the embassy. Some of the military and the civilians there, when it was really hot, would go out and sleep on a cot, so we talked our way into a couple of cots. (to be continued in next issue)

L to R Paul Hoff, Neil Harvey on Knockabout Sloop

Fred Underwood (22) recalls Paris and France on First Class Cruise Our next port of call was Le Havre, France.

Before entering the port, I obtained a FrenchEnglish phrasebook. I had found that if a visitor tried to use a phrase or two, the natives became much friendlier. As I was sitting on the deck reading my phrasebook, someone asked, “What are you doing?” I replied, “Trying to learn some phrases that might be useful to me.” He then said,” You only need to know two phrases to get by in France, “Ou est la WC and Voulez vous coucher avec moi.” Roughly translated mean “Where is the Water Closet”

55/56 CLASS NEWS and “Would you like to go to bed with me?”

Well, after I retired, I was shocked, yes absolutely shocked, to learn the Patti LaBelle sang a popular song which gave much prominence to the phrase “Voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soir?” The same message but with an added “this evening” to it. The Sunday we were in port, I decided to go to the cathedral in Rouen.

It was a magnificent edifice. I was totally in awe. What a marvelous place of worship that is until the priests paraded down the aisle swinging their smoking censors. I didn’t understand a word that was said or sung. What wasn’t in Latin was in French. I spent three days in Paris on tour. I went to the top of the Eiffel Tower. What a super vista for the top of the highest structure on earth for almost 50 years.

I visited La Moulin Rouge and the Louvre as well as Versailles. Maudie had an exchange student friend living in Paris. I visited Chantal Citot at 2 Rue Fantan la Tour. I don’t know why I still remember that address when I can’t remember what I had for breakfast.

’56

Life Membership: 74 % Donor Participation: 24.54%

Jean and Ed dedication plaque

Ed Parker Rest Area on Peninsula Farm Road

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”

Ed is an advocate and supporter for the trail

Our next Class Legend is Dave Minton (18).

This is taken from the presentation in the Terwilliger Building at USNA:

Recall the Nov/Dec ’21 Shipmate article that discussed Ed Parker (13) and his volunteer efforts involving trails in Anne Arundel County in Maryland? “You shouldn’t have to have a car to go to community college. You should be able to walk or ride a bicycle,” Parker was quoted as saying. It took many years, but the Broadneck Trail was completed in 2012. And, almost ten years later in the fall of 2022, a rest area along the trail in memory of Jean and Ed Parker was completed (see pic).

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

2022 - 2023

ISSUE: Nov-Dec ’22 Jan-Feb ’23 Mar-April ’23

DUE DATE: Sep 26, 2022 Nov 28, 2022 Jan 23, 2023

David Carson Minton, III, Class of 1956 — Captain of the 1956 Dinghy Sailing National Championship Team David Carson Minton, III came to the Naval Academy at 17 directly from Upper Arlington High School, Columbus, OH. He had lettered in track for four years, football for two years and was the track team captain his senior year, but his real passion was racing sailboats, where he became the fleet captain of the Comet Class at his yacht club and sailed in the Comet National Championship as a high school senior.

Once he had received an appointment to the Naval Academy, one of his high school classmates sarcastically told him there were no ships with sails left in the Navy. Dave, of course, was aware of the USS CONSTITUTION, “Old Iron sides”, which is still in commission and that submarine fairwaters are called sails.

Dave would go on to spend 20 years in submarines. In 1972 as commander of the USS GUARDFISH (SSN-612) he conducted an important secret 25-day 6,100 nautical mile trail of a Soviet ECHO class missile submarine from Vladivostok, Russia, to the South China Sea. The Soviet Union had aggressively sent six missile submarines in response to our navy’s mining of the North Vietnam ports to deny China, North Vietnam, and Russia the ability to supply war materials to the North Vietnamese.

The story of this trail was declassified in 1999 and included in a coffee table book titled United States Submarines. Dave then co-authored with Captain First Rank Alfred Berzin, the commanding officer of the Soviet K184 that he trailed, to write a book titled From Opposite Sides of the Periscope. The GUARDFISH’s surveillance provided vital strategic intelligence to the Nixon administration. In recognition of his leadership and sound judgement during the trail, Dave was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.

After surviving Plebe Summer, Dave joined the dinghy sailing team. Dinghy sailing was the only sailing class recognized as an intercollegiate sport during that era. Dinghy regattas consist of two boats from each team. These boats are sailed in two divisions, A and B. Each skipper and crew race in every boat, to ensure that no one has an advantage in boat selection.

Dave’s first crew was classmate Dick Roberts (5). Dick was an excellent crew, but sailing and working as the business manager of the 1956 Lucky Bag yearbook were not compatible. For the 1955 season, Dave selected Midshipman Fourth Class Otto Rice as his new crew. Despite never having sailed before Otto learned quickly and became a real asset to the team.

The 1955 Dinghy Season was highly successful. Navy qualified for the intercollegiate Sailing National Championship regatta at the Coast Guard Academy. However, after two days of competition Navy could not overtake the leading team, MIT, and would have to settle for second place. For the last race of the second day Dave handed his boat over to the team’s reserve skipper, Midshipman Third Class Dick Tillman, to ensure Dick’s name would be on the second-place trophy. Overall, the Dinghy Team was a team on the rise.

During the early spring of 1956, Dave and Lt. Roberson, the varsity coach, took advantage of bad weather days to conduct chalkboard training on tactics. Dave also trained the team on how to describe a foul. It had become apparent to him that to be successful in presenting a foul to the judges you should use the exact words of the rules in describing what you saw. To the best of Dave’s knowledge, Navy never lost a contested foul during any regatta after that.

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 55

56/56 CLASS NEWS Selected as tam captain for the 1956 season, Dave led the team to the most successful year on record since the program began in 1938.

Supported by a host of letter-winners including George Weigold, Jim Googe, Dick Tillman, and Tom Lucke the team swept through nine regattas, finishing second only once.

The first regatta of the year was a nail-biter for Navy. The M.I.T. team led the Danmark Trophy Regatta by only 16 points with two races remaining in the series. In a stretch drive Navy overcame the deficit and won the regatta.

Navy went on to successive victories in the War Memorial Trophy Regatta, the Spring Invitational, and the Middle Atlantic Championship proving the depth and ability of the squad.

Their only loss that year, the Owen Trophy, was a hard fight with Brown University, who eked out a four-point with Navy a very close second in the eleven-school field. Qualifying again for the National Championship, that spring Dave was selected to compete for a place on the United States Olympic Sailing Team, in the single person Finn Class. Held at the Merchant Marine Academy and under a time constraint, the races were sailed in gale force winds. Numerous boats capsized during the series. Dave won the first five races handily. During the final race, on the final downwind leg to the finish line, Dave made the risky decision to cap his win. Standing for balance, steering with his legs, he pulled up the centerboard. Without that resistance the boat jumped on the step and took off on a plane. None of the other sailors dared to raise their centerboards and Dave passed those ahead of him howling like a banshee. His performance qualified him for the final Olympic Finn Class sailing trial. He would be competing against professional sailors who came with an entourage of coaches, sponsors, and trainers as well as several intercollegiate sailors. Competition was intense and despite winning one of the races, he did not qualify for the Melbourne Olympics. After the Olympic trials, he went immediately to the Intercollegiate Dinghy National Championship regatta.

The annual regatta for the Intercollegiate Dinghy National Championship and the Henty H. Morss Memorial Trophy is always a hard-fought contest. As the oldest of the Intercollegiate Yacht Racing Association (CYRA) Championships it was regarded as the championship, with regattas having been sailed each year since 1937. Never having won, by 1956 the Naval Academy had become a respected competitor with second place finishes in 1953 and 1955. From the perspective of the Annapolis sailors and other mid-Atlantic teams, the New England colleges had a proprietary feeling about this trophy. Competitions had been held solely at M.I.T. Sailing Pavilion from 1937 to 1947 and only twice in the 19-year history had a non-New England college taken the trophy, when Princeton won in 1940 and 1941. Navy went into the 1956 National Championship thinking this might be their year. Navy was able to send two two-man teams to the regatta that 56 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

was hosted by the Midwest Collegiate Sailing Association at the Crescent Sailing Yacht Club on Lake St. Claire, Grosse Point, Michigan.

Dave and Otto raced in Division A and Jim Googe ’57 and Alan Friedan ’58 in Division B. Over the course of the first 31 races, it became apparent that the title was going to either Navy or Brown University. With the final race of the regatta about to start, Navy’s combined scores gave Brown’s skipper big enough lead to win the championship by simply finishing, even if he came in last. The Navy skipper for the final race, Jim Googe was facing impossible odds.

To win the championship he would have to win the final race and Brown would have to foul out of the race.

Jim’s strategy was to stay close to the Brown boat at the start, watching for an opportunity to force Brown’s skipper, John Quinn, to foul out. Realizing that Quinn was risking a start at the windward end of the line with light breeze, Googe worked his way just to leeward of the Brown boat, forcing Quinn to avoid him by repeated luffing, a perfectly legitimate maneuver. Googe forced Quinn upwind and trapped him at the windward end of the line with no room left at the starting gun.

Quinn fouled the anchor line of the committee boat marking the starting line and they were forced to immediately withdraw from the race.

But Navy now had to take a first place to win the championship. Jim Googe made it to the windward mark in second place, overtook the Claremont Pomona’s boat on the downward leg, held his lead on the final leg and was greeted by a wild celebration at the finish line.

Navy had taken their first intercollegiate Sailing National Championship! This victory culminated a year of teamwork, training, and hundreds of practice races on the Severn.

That effort makes a good team great.”

Way to go, DAVE! The following announcements are made about the recent passing of classmates’ wives.

“Jane Burdick, wife of Captain Howard Burdick,(1) U. S. Navy (Ret), passed away In Jacksonville Beach, FL following a bad fall on 2 July 2022, from which she never regained consciousness. In three days she would have been 87 years old. Howard wrote the following: “As a Navy wife of nearly 30 years, she lived on both coasts of the U. S., and in Hawaii, Israel, and Italy. She traveled extensively and was a volunteer for activities at various Episcopal Church parishes, Navy Relief Society, Meals on wheels, and the Fleet Landing Retirement community. She was a member of several Episcopal and Anglican Churches as well as a past secretary of the Newport, R.I. Garden Club, and also a Daughter of the American Revolution.

She sailed extensively with her husband and was a member of various sailing and cruising associations. Jane is survived by her husband, Captain Howard F. Burdick, USN (Ret.) of Fleet Landing; a daughter Susan of Deerfield Beach, Fl; a son Joshua, his wife Melissa; grandsons

Aiden and Wyatt, and granddaughter Lily of Narragansett, R.I and Vero Beach, FL; brothers Robert Peavey of Mobile, AL, an Alan Peavey of Pawcatuck, R.I.; and a few nieces and nephews.”

Carol Jane (Sisson) Collins, widow of LeRoy Collins (19), passed away 24 June 2022 in Tampa, FL after a brief illness. She was 87.

Carol was born in Tampa to Helen Cusack Sisson and Edward Winder Sisson. She attended and graduated from Florida State University, receiving a BA in studio art, then started her career as a fashion illustrator at Al Yourkunas Advertising. While at FSU Jan was introduced to Midshipman LeRoy Collins Jr, who was attending U.S.N.A. at the time. They were married on 10 Jun 1959. They spent their first year of marriage at Bethesda Naval Hospital while Roy recovered from a plane crash. As a Navy wife she moved 15 times, living in various port cities on the East Coast before settling in Tampa to raise their four children. Roy and Jane stayed connected to U.S.N.A., attending Class reunions and other events, including dozens of Army/Navy games. They seldom missed military services on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, or Veterans Day, often driving hundreds of miles for a short speech or just to visit wounded veterans. They both “walked the talk.” Other than college and Roy’s years of military service, Jane was a constant resident of Islands and served on the Davis Islands Civic Association Board of Directors. She taught preschool at Seaborn Day School - Davis Islands, was a partner in The Owl and the Pussycat, which was a children’s clothing store in South Tampa, and she also worked for Classic Garden Designs. She was a lifelong member and supporter of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, as well as a member of the Junior League of Tampa and the D of the American Revolution. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Winder Sisson and Helen Cusack Sisson, and her husband of 51 years Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. She is survived by her sister Patricia Sisson Moore; sisters-in Jane Collins Aurell (John), Mary Call Colllins Proctor (Palmer), and Darby Collins Smith (Richard); children, Carol Jane Collins Smith (Gregg), Helen Call Collins, LeRoy Collins III (Mary Ellen), and Edward Sisson Collins (Julianne); grandchildren Phillip Call Jacob (Hadley), Virginia Darby Smith Evans (Tommy), Gregory Coyle Smith and Christian Alexander.

SHIPMATE More than 80 years available online to all Alumni Association members.

Visit usna.com/shipmate

57/57 CLASS NEWS

’57

Life Membership: 70% Donor Participation: 17.38% 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 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/

Breaking news: Class officers continue to search for a Class secretary to replace the indispensable Bart C. Campbell (6), who died this spring.

Readers: If your extended family includes a computer-literate person who might be interested in taking over Bart’s membership database, please come back to me at the above address.

We have other sad news, of course: Barbara Bishop, wife of Ron Bishop (9), has died.

Nancy Ruth Weeks Brewer-Jones, died at York Hospital on 28 May 2022. She was born on 29 March 1935 in Malden, Massachusetts.She was the widow of Gardner Brewer (8) who was KIA in Vietnam.

Bart Campbell, our outstanding Class secretary, died on 1 June 2022.

Thomas J. Krilowicz (10) of Gray, died on 16 July 2022. He was born on 4 August 1933.

The wife of Lester McMenamin (12), Loretta May Kesterson McMenamin, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, died on 20 June 2022, after a several-month battle following a motor vehicle accident. She was born on 1 May 1935 in Staunton, Virginia.

Sue Ann Bonnett Hamel, wife of Bill Hamel (23), died on 11 July 2022, of Covid-19 complicated by Alzhieimer’s. She was born on 24 November 1938 in Baltimore.

The wife of Jonathan T. Howe (12), Harriet Mangrum Howe died on 21 January 2022.

Harriet was born in Seattle, Washington on 21 June 1935.

Alan R. Thoeny (9) died in Nashville, Tennessee, on 1 April 2022.

And now for the nice stuff: From Harry Gimber (4): M “Don’t look back” is an old saying, but the nearby picture is too lovely to forget. The lovely ladies (and good looking male friends) are enjoying a change of command party at Lockwood Hall Submarine Base O Club in Pearl Harbor.

’57: Janice, Dick, Sue, John, Neenie, Dwayne, Maxine and Harry

L to R: Janice and Dick Charles (4), Sue and John Howland (24), Neenie and Dwayne Greenhoe (24) and Maxine and Harry Gimber.

As I recall I good time was had by all.

From Bob Crouch (21) our scratch golfer: M JSO GOLF OUTING 2022 On Tuesday, 7 June 2022 at 1000, exactly 65 years from the moment we assembled to march into the Field House for our 1957 graduation ceremony, five (not 848) classmates gathered to play golf in the 2022 Jerry Smith Open (JS0) at the Fort Belvoir Golf Course.

The field included Jerry Smith (01), Bill Hamel, George Philipps (17), Jim Poole (15) and Bob Crouch, plus our special golfing spouse Ginger Poole.

This year marked the 24th anniversary for our JSO, named in honor of classmates who have experienced and overcome significant medical/physical challenges but continue to compete and never give up. We have enjoyed our organized golf program for over 30 years here in the DC Chapter area with special outings at Rehoboth Beach, Penn National and Myrtle Beach. This 2022 outing was very special because in the field of play were Jim Poole, our “Commish Emeritus”, Bill Hamel, our current “Commish” and Jerry Smith our most gracious “Honoree”.

Now for the performance awards. In past years, there were entry fees and $$ awards for superior performance on the golf course. In the continued absence of such superior performance, there is no longer a need for verbal or monetary awards. If you tee it up on the first hole and complete all 18 holes on the same day, you are a “winner”. Every player in our 2022 outing was a “winner”.

We have had a wonderful day in the sun for 65 plus years enjoying our formal golf outings.

However, we have arrived at that point in time where we must retire our trophies and accept the aging and physical limitations that limit our golfing desires. With those somber remarks, it is the consensus that our continued formal golfing events will be “as we are able”.

From Bill Peerenboom (3): M Proving that classmates and spouses can keep up with the youth members of the downtown Army Navy Club, Hanveys, Smiths and Peerenbooms joined in on the Club’s June Rooftop Happy Hour. The day was perfect sunny and not too hot or humid. We clearly ran the “average age” of the attendees up a few notches, but we were treated very well and had a most enjoyable time. The views from the rooftop were somewhat impressive, and a naval flair comes from looking down onto Farragut Square park.

Pictured L-R - Diane and Dave Smith (2); Bill and Betty Peerenboom; Sylvia Auton and Forrest Hanvey (5).

Dear readers, stay cool and stay safe.

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 57

58/59 CLASS NEWS

’58

Life Membership: 63% Donor Participation: 17.44% 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

GRIDIRON DAYS – The days are getting shorter, the leaves are changing color, there is a nip in the air and the rustle of greenbacks as college football players haul their loot to the bank in the new world of college football where players can earn money for endorsements, photos, etc. College football is changing. Will Navy football ever be ranked 5th in the Country again as it was in 1957/58? Will Navy ever have an All American quarterback again like Tom Forrestal ’58 or will Navy ever play in a major bowl game like the 58 Cotton Bowl? The date was January 1st 1958. Navy beat Rice 20 to 7 in Dallas that day. Harry Hurst ’58 and Ned Oldham ’58 scored touchdowns and Tony Stremic ’58 and Tom were named the MVPs. ’58 is Great!

WHERE CREDIT IS DUE – As we know West Point has problems fielding winning sports teams, but one thing they know how to do and that is how to make a superior bathrobe! Ron Eytchison 1st Company sent in a picture of he and his wife Pat attending a West Point dinner in Chattanooga TN in March and wearing the Army B-robe he won in 1954. That was 68 years ago for those of you counting and BTW, I still have my own Army B-robe and it is as good as new.

’58: Navy 1957/58 Football Team

58 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

68-year-old Army B-Robe modeled by Ron Eytchison

NAPS – The Naval Academy Preparatory School was established in 1918 to prepare Midshipman Candidates for success at the Naval Academy. The Midshipman Candidates were Sailors and Marines that had displayed Officer qualities in the Fleet. For a long time that was the way it was, but no longer. Today about 75-80% of the 250 to 300 young men and women going to NAPS each year come from High School instead of from the Fleet.

They are chosen by the Naval Academy admissions folks from among the applicants for the Academy that were either unable to obtain a Congressional appointment or did not meet the entrance requirements. (I would like to hear from any of our ’58 Classmates out there who went to NAPS and want to share the story of their experience.)

65TH REUNION – Only 6 months to go before we gather again where the Severn meets the Bay. Hopefully you have made your hotel reservations at the Westin by now. Most of us will arrive on Thursday the 13th of April and check-in to the hotel and also check-in at our Class of ’58 registration room. This will be a good night to get together with a former roommate or special friend for a drink or dinner.

Friday will be a busy day with a full schedule.

My favorite event at the reunions is the Company dinner on Friday night so I am looking forward to that. Saturday is more relaxed and a good time to visit the Yard, perhaps check out the Mid Store or maybe wander Class Ring around Annapolis and note all the changes in Crabtown. Saturday night is the Class dinner/banquet at the Westin. On Sunday it will be time to say goodbye, perhaps for the last time, maybe catch brunch at King Hall or attend Chapel and then head for home. As we get older lots of things grow dim with age, but the Blue and Gold of the Naval Academy doesn’t fade.

CLOSING RANKS John Chrisman, 1st Company passed away on 23 June 2022 James Hocker, 5th Company died on 26 February 2022 Mel Runzo, 10th Company died on 20 June 2022 Loretta Burden, wife of David Burden, 19th Company passed away on 6 June 2022

’59

Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 17.68% 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

D-Day Dedication of Lone Sailor Statue,

by Doctor Jennifer London.

In a moving dedication ceremony on D-Day 2022, a new Navy Memorial Lone Sailor statue was unveiled on Utah Beach, Normandy France.

An impressive group of attendees at the event included officials and Navy representatives from France, Denmark and the United States. Among the sponsors of the statue were Drs. Jennifer and Jack London ’59. In their sponsorship the London’s honored Jennifer’s relatives who participated in the Normandy landing on 6 June 1944. Captain John T. Burkhart, USA landed on Utah Beach and led American forces in battles across Europe including the Battle of the Bulge. Coxswain John O. Clark, USN who participated in the Omaha Beach landing is listed on the wall of missing at Coleville Sur Mer cemetery. Dr. Jack London ’59 was a long time Board Member of the Navy Memorial. Dr. Jennifer London and sons Jackson, Jayson and Jonathon participated in the unveiling of the statue along with other sponsors and Navy Memorial leadership.

59/59 CLASS NEWS

’59: The Lone Sailor statue stands on the plaza at Utah beach Museum overlooking the Atlantic Ocean from where the US forces appeared on the morning of D-D, June 6, 1944. The statue will serve as a reminder of the historic day the United States and its allies arrived from the sea to free the world from tyranny and repression in one of the most pivotal military engagements of WWII. Among the attendees in the front row are Dr. Jennifer London with sons Jackson, Jonathon and Jayson and Navy Memorial Board member Carol Pottinger, USN (Ret.). Behind the Londons are RADM Frank Thorp, IV, USN (Ret.) President and CEO of the Navy Memorial, Navy Memorial Board member CDR Michael Newell, SC, USN, (Ret.) and RADM Brad J. Collins, USN, Commander of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central.

A Recent Trip to NJ-CT, by Vince Obsitnik.

M I looked up classmates that might be living in NJ. I came across Bob Drozd and we connected for a brunch at the Whippany Diner in Whippany, NJ for the two of us and my wife, Annemarie. We hadn’t seen each other since 1959 so we had a lot of catching up to do, personal and professional. We had a great ime talking about many things, especially our Russian language classes and club. Here’s a picture of the two of us in a Classic New Jersey Diner! Vince.

TAPS Rear Admiral Edward Bigelow Baker Jr. “Ted”, passed away peacefully on 26 January 2022, and was scheduled for burial on 8 July at the Arlington National Cemetery. One of the attendees was retired Captain Charles (Todd) Creekman, a USNA graduate, class of 1969.

I have provided three pictures from the afternoon ceremony-they are on the following page.

Here is Todd’s story. Following graduation, I reported aboard USS HOEL (DG-13) in San Diego that fall, as the ship prepared for a WestPac deployment to the Vietnam War. Ted was HOEL’s XO and had a big impact on me as an inexperienced young division officer. His leadership helped me succeed in my 30-year surface warfare career. I was also lucky to encounter him in 1991 when I started my second command tour, on USS SAMUEL GOMPERS (AD-37). Ted attended my command ceremony, therefore “book-ending” my sea duty tours from 1969 to 1991.

Ilse Frieda Clements, wife of Ray Clements (17), passed away 18 January 2022. She was born in East Germany, escaped to West Germany, and immigrated to the U. S. In 1961, she met the love of her life, Ray Clements (17).

They were married in 1963 between Ray’s ship deployments. She became a dedicated military housewife, mother, sister, and aunt with an unbounded love for animals. In her later years, she loved traveling with Ray and seeing the world. She will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, at a later date, with her husband.

LuAnn Libert Miller, wife of Charles Miller (19), died on 20 June 2022. She graduated from Trinity College and planned for a career as a teacher. They met in 1959, dated, and were married in 1961. Getting used to Navy life was a chore, with Chuck away on submarines more than at home. Her empty spare time was soon filled, however, with caring for their six little ones. As the years went by and the children needed less close care, she was teaching at an elementary school, and then managing the Public Affairs Department of George Mason University. The family scheduled a period for visitation and a brief service on 27 June. Burial with her husband will be held at a later date, in Arlington Cemetery, Captain (USN Ret.) James Richard Fuqua, Jr. (9th Company) died on 10 July 2022, surrounded by his wife and children. A Memorial Service with Military Honors was held Friday 22 July 2022. Jim’s first assignment following graduation was to the USS MANLEY (DD 941) before attending Nuclear Power School and transitioning to nuclear submarines. Jim then spent most of the next twenty years on submarines, and was the commanding officer on the last one, the USS ALEXANDER HAMILTON, SSBN 617), Blue Crew.

(More in the Last Call section.)

L-R, Vince and Bob

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 59

59/60 CLASS NEWS

von Kolnitz, Bissell, Ablowich, Whitaker & Powers ’59: Arlington National Cemetary bural ceremony for Rear Admiral Edward Bigelow Baker Jr.

’59: Arlington National Cemetary bural ceremony for Rear Admiral Edward Bigelow Baker Jr.

Chabot & Parcells

’60

Paul Cooper

’59: Arlington National Cemetary bural ceremony for Rear Admiral Edward Bigelow Baker Jr.

Life Membership: 71% Donor Participation: 19.23% 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

(16) and Ed Clexton (10) with his son as a guest. Henry von Kolnitz had to cancel at the last minute.

We were seated at a great “Round Table”, which really made it easy to swap versions of old sea stories and midshipmen escapades.

Good service and great food topped off the day.

Here’s a photo of our happy group missing the photographer, Rod. Read Left-to-Right: Jim Eilertsen (21), Bob Powers (8), Bob Osmon (17), Al Bissell (8), Pete Chabot (14), Ed Claxton’s son Eric, Ed Clexton (10), Al Whitaker (16), Al Ablowich (16), Bill Kee (9), Wick Parcells (12) and Bob Ianucci (16).

Ianucci & Friedmann

From Rod Friedmann (5): M “Bill, fighting our way through all the Virginia Beach tourists, twelve classmates and a guest arrive at an old Virginia Beach favorite, Waterman’s Surfside Grille on the beach. Pete Chabot (14), Bob Osmon (17) & Al Whitaker (16) trucked down from Williamsburg, while Bob Powers (8), Wick Parcells (12), Bill Kee (9), Al Ablowich (16), Jim Eilertsen (21), Al Bissell (8), Rod Friedmann (5), Bob Ianucci 60 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

’60: At the “Round Table

60/61 CLASS NEWS From Harry Lewis (15):

Also, from John Claman (3):

M Sad news from Barbara Watson, widow of James McCusker (14). Please have a note placed in the ’60 news (15th Company) Peg Morgan (Doug’s widow) passed away this week. She had Alzheimer’s for a long time and was in a facility. I have so many wonderful memories of times with Doug and her. Just wanted you to know. I hope you are staying cool in the oppressive heat.

My love to each of you. —Barbara

M Thanks for sharing Al! A great group of guys!!!

It’s harder to get down to Tidewater from the Piedmont these days. We’ve sold our big mountain house we’ve lived in for 15 years and are moving to a much more “compact” place in the valley here at Wintergreen. Same friends though. —John n Joyce

From Rod Friedmann (5): M “Bill, we set an attendance record with our Jul Luncheon. Twelve classmates gathered at Bubba’s Seafood Restaurant overlooking the Lynnhaven River in Virginia Beach. The weather was perfect for dining out on the deck with a great view of the river and boating activity, while having ample room for kibitzing.

Bill Kee (9) entertained us with a pre-lunch photo recognition challenge of eight classmates at a beach somewhere in MD. No one could identify all of these young men in their prime. Bill Kee (9) and Tommy Teal (16) in the photo were the only two still living. As the luncheon progressed, Bill Townsend (19) arrived late, followed by a guest appearance of Paul Cooper (5).

Other classmates enjoying the luncheon included, Ed Clexton (10) and his son Eric, Pete Chabot (14), Wick Parcells (12), Henry von Kolnitz (22), Rod Friedmann (5), Bob Ianucci (16), Al Whitaker (16), Al Bissell (8), Al Ablowich (16) & Bob Powers (8). Here’s a few photos of the group:

Key & Clexton

Bill Townsend

The summer doldrums must be getting to everybody. Not a lot of additional information to put out. Send some info updates and pictures to show how you are doing …out there.

Be advised that the Mississippi River cruise will be taking place in the next year. Make your reservations and join us in New Orleans.

’61

Life Membership: 71% Donor Participation: 22.25% 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 Treasurer: Mr. Warren “DJ” Hoppe Webmaster: Howard Winfree e: winfree@1961.usna.com Website: www.USNA61.org

Dear Classmates, Here we are, a month into the football season and practice hasn’t even started by deadline time. So I refrain from making any gridiron-related comment or predictions, except of course, BEAT ARMY!.

Speaking of Beat Army, there was an episode that nearly kept me and my two roommates on USNA restriction for our plebe year Army game. It all started with the assignment of a faculty sponsor to our room, LCDR William Bible Prigmore ’44. I remember his middle name because we learned about calling cards in the sponsor system. LCDR Prigmore invited the three of us roommates (Colin Kagel, Glenn Mays and me) to dinner at his Perry Circle quarters, and a great (alcohol-free) time was had by all. We were late, arriving back to Bancroft later than 4/c weeknight liberty, but contrary to our assumption (we hadn’t learned the folksy warning about assumptions) that all was well if we were with faculty, we got fried 15/3 to include restriction lasting past the day of the Army game. We all had dates and plans; oh me, oh my. Phone calls to disappointed dates did not improve the atmosphere at all.

We did our extra duty grudgingly, mumbling about the sponsor system. Cut to happy ending. Some dignitary, I forget who, requested amnesty for the Army game, so happy phone calls to dates were followed by a successful mission accomplished 14-0 victory over Army.

It was easy to remember the warning about

assumptions after that. It’s a note of irony that we were fried for a rather benign authorized activity which ran over time, while the adventurous antics described later in this issue went unpunished. More power to the bold.

No good deed goes unpunished.

From Dick Norman (21): M May 26, 2022 was a bittersweet day when Chris Holly, her four children, Karen, Kris, Kim and Jim (’85), Chris’s brother, Jim Ibach (Mary Ann) (21st Company) and their families gathered at the Arlington National Cemetery for the funeral of Rick Holly, a proud member of the 21 Social and Athletic Club. He was buried with full military honors (an impressive ceremony as any who have attended similar commemorations will attest). Rick’s 21st Company mates Larry McEwen (Kathy), Warren Hoppe (Donna), Chuck St Laurent (Arilla) (via Facetime) and Dick Norman (Kathy) were joined at Arlington by Jerry Smith, Bob Sherer and several crew members who served under Rick in his various commands.

A reception followed in Patton Hall at Fort Myer (the former Officers Club) where tales were told of the different sides of Rick, both the serious professional one, and the fun side of the Rick we knew at the Naval Academy. He had a distinguished Naval career, and his leadership qualities were praised by officers who had served with Rick. However, his 21st company friends made sure that the younger friends and relatives in attendance also heard about Rick’s midshipman social endeavors.

They included the role the 21st Company Officer, Captain (Bill) Leftwich ’53, USMC played motivating “21” to fight successfully and win the Colors in our 1/c year, the overnight Baltimore Truck Parties and the traditional Ambassador Hotel DC get-away Leave Parties where Rick played a featured role. That was followed by stories about Rick’s cross-country sports car journey with Saint that ended at Chris and Jim’s 23 Mesa Ave Mill Valley family home. Although Chris had never met Rick or Saint at that point, she greeted them with a beer in each hand. Jim Ibach may have had many second thoughts in telling classmates to stop by if in the area. That address became the home away from home and site of many parties for ’61 graduates who attended Nuclear Power School in Vallejo or were stationed in the San Francisco area. If you seek further party references, I’m sure someone from 21 can give you more details.

Rick was a special friend to those who knew him. He lived a full life, but he is missed.

God Speed.

The Social scene The Annapolis luncheon had a quirky angle this time. Our usual first Tuesday reserved table at McGarvey’s somehow got preempted, so here we are in the “cave area”. We welcomed as guests one of our regulars, Dr. Doug Rau, our OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 61

61/62 CLASS NEWS Leadership Education professor and surprise guest Jason Matechak. Jason had noticed the luncheon notice on his dad’s (Jack Matechak (1)) email and came over from Arlington on behalf of his dad.

In the photos: Inner cave left to right Bob Sherer (4), Jerry Smith (8), Dana French (17), Bob Giuffreda (2) and Jay Bower (14). Outer cave L-R Jim Connell (2), Jason Matechak, Paul Lang (19) Ron Carlberg (20) Doctor Doug Rau ’74 and Ike Cole (5)

’61: Tidewater Group

We continue to honor our sports legends, this month from the world of lacrosse.

Inner Cave

’61 at National Harbor

We have two reports courtesy of Ed Straw (7) of ’61 legacy plebes raising their right hands on I-day. Eric Bellino and Ben Matalavage are now members of the class of ’26. We share the pride of their parents and grandparents.

Outer Cave

From Ned Kuhns (7): M “Although many of our usual attendees were absent on summer vacations, had guests visiting or other commitments, the nine of us had a fun luncheon July 14 with lots of remembrances (sea stories) about the strong storm we encountered on our 1958 Youngster cruise and comments on the current world situations.

Attendees around the table left to right are: JP Decker (8), Kurt Rohdenburg (20), Ken Craig (7), Mike Bradley (3), Charlie Stewart (6), Buzz Needham (12), Bob Graham (18) and Tom Markley (12). Yours truly was the photographer. Tom Markley interrupted the celebration of his 60th wedding anniversary with his wife Joanne to join us (that’s dedication!). They will be departing soon for a two-week cruise to the Baltic countries as an anniversary present to themselves. Go Navy! “

Eric Bellino

’62

Life Membership: 76% Donor Participation: 20.51% 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

From Jack Pappas: M Capping off July events, the Maryland-Virginia mixed couple crowd gathered at Public House in National Harbor. Left to right Jack Pappas (2), Irina Connell, Warren Hoppe (21) Donna Ralston Hoppe, Jim Connell (2) Dot Sparling (guest of Jack Pappas) Ben Matalavage

62 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

Thomas W. “Mitch” Mitchell Tom Mitchell came from Baltimore, a lacrosse stronghold.

Mitch was an allaround athlete, who played football and squash as a plebe, but then concentrated on lacrosse, where he was a Tom Mitchell varsity player for three years.

Navy was a power in collegiate lacrosse in our day and won the National Championship in 1960 and 1961 under the tutelage of Coach Willis Bilderback, the all-time winningest coach in college lacrosse history. Mitch was an All-American attackman in 1960 and 1961 and was the recipient of the Jack Turnbull Award as the nation’s top attackman in 1961. He scored nine points against Duke in the ’61 game.

Tom chose Surface Warfare. After graduation, he served aboard USS OKLAHOMA, the 7th Fleet Flagship, and destroyer USS BLACK off the coast of Vietnam.

On 16 May 2022, The Catholic University of America held a Celebration Program in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Civil Engineering Department’s Construction Engineering and Management Program. The program was founded by Dr. Dennis F. McCahill, Ph.D. Dennis is a member of the USNA Class of ’62.

Dennis believes that a major factor in his selection for this position was his twenty-year career in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps,

62/63 CLASS NEWS performing engineering management across a wide spectrum of the civil engineering profession, in venues around the world. The new program at CUA was started in 1990, and with the addition of four new construction-oriented courses, soon became one of the main subspecialities in the civil engineering program. Dennis taught at Catholic University for nearly seventeen years, finally retiring in 2007. The Construction Management sub-specialty he founded has continued to thrive and has created a reputation for Catholic University in the Washington area construction community for knowledgeable graduates, of the highest ethical standards, who are prepared for rigorous assignments in the industry.

The 30-Year Anniversary Celebration Program Dinner held on May 16 was created to honor the program and its founding director, Dr. Dennis McCahill. Dennis’ second career in education, after retiring from the Navy, is an example of how the Naval Academy prepares individuals who will serve not only the U.S. Navy, but the general public of our nation, as well. The extensive engineering experience he obtained in his twenty-year career in the Navy was invaluable in preparing him for his later work as a professor of civil engineering.

Nearly a hundred graduates of the Construction Management Program accepted the invitation to attend the Honorary Celebration Dinner. These graduates now serve in high leadership positions (presidents and vice presidents) at some of the largest Construction and Development Companies in the United States, as well as in several other countries.

Many of them took the opportunity to speak about how the Construction Management Program at CUA has helped them to progress in their careers, as well as in their personal lives. Interestingly, what most of them spoke about was not the technical knowledge that they gained - (although they acknowledged this as well) - but the leadership qualities that they absorbed while in the Program. They remembered that, for extra credit on examinations, Dr. McCahill would not give them another engineering problem to solve, but would ask that they repeat from memory quotations from literature, poetry and history that would make them better engineering managers and leaders. For example, one of the speakers pulled from his wallet a quotation that he had been asked to memorize more than twenty-five years ago. It was from Goethe’s Faust: “If we treat people as if they were what they ought to be, we help them to become what they are capable of becoming.” The speaker said that this concept has helped him innumerable times, in his leadership positions in the industry.

Others remembered the personal help and support, educational, moral and financial (in terms of scholarship help), that they received on Dr. McCahill’s volition, which kept them in school when they felt that they were absolutely unable to continue and enabled them to

graduate. His habit of assigning a famous book to read over the summer break was also of great value.

Dr. McCahill’s program of ensuring a paid summer internship in the industry for every student was also mentioned repeatedly as an invaluable aid, both in starting their careers and in teaching them leadership principles.

They also remembered his insistence that they be honest in all ways and at all times with themselves, their clients, and their bosses.

Included below are some notes from the program for the Honorary Celebration Dinner held at Catholic University.

Program Notes: Dennis F. McCahill, Ph.D., has inspired more than an entire generation of construction managers in the National Capital Region by sharing his 35 years of practice in a wide range of graduate and undergraduate engineering courses, including surveying, which he taught well into his retirement. After 20 years of active duty in the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps, where he rose to NATO Infrastructure Officer in Europe, and a teaching assignment at the U.S. Naval Academy, he found his calling by serving as Founder and Director of the Construction Engineering and Management Program for 17 years. He is fondly remembered for his humility, patient academic advising, devotion to teaching professional knowledge, and aiding his students in embarking on successful careers by facilitating summer internships. He remains involved in the advisory board to the department.

Dean of Engineering Notes: I’m thrilled to welcome you to campus as we celebrate three decades of the Construction Engineering and Management Program! Since its creation by Dennis McCahill, this program has prepared students to manage all aspects of complex construction projects, overseeing technical details, budgets, scheduling, personnel, and other logistics. Alumni of the program have gone on to manage a wide variety of projects on every scale and achieve great things in their careers. Thank you for joining us in honoring Dennis McCahill and his legacy at Catholic University!

Director of Construction and Engineering Management Program Notes: We are glad that you have joined us on a very special anniversary — 30 years of Cardinal Construction! George J. Quinn underwrote the Program’s first undergraduate concentration with seed funds that supported the initial students. Under the leadership of the founding director Dennis McCahill, the program took shape and was instilled with virtues of achievement, pride, and knowledge.

His legacy has impacted over a generation of construction managers, for whom construction is not just a career path, but a lifelong calling to place their skills in the service of the public good. We are proud that the Program is a mainstay for construction education in the Mid-Atlantic region and produces a steady

stream of B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. graduates. Its alumni continue to be in high demand by the industry and are strongly represented at campus career fairs, guest lectures, site visits and other events. I cannot think of a better measure of success.

’63

Life Membership: 62% Donor Participation: 18.59% 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

There is a good variety of news to share this month. Regretfully, we begin by reporting the loss of two members of our Class of 1963 family.

Gary Warren Wilson died on 15 July.

His widow, Patricia, can be contacted at 135 Augusta Drive, Moorestown, NJ 08057.

Charles Helsper’s wife, Nancy, passed away on 27 June. He can be contacted at: 274 J Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118.

Ray Hoag sent news about the funeral service for our late classmate Mel Bunnell.

M Mel Bunnell was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery with full honors on 11 July 2022, in the presence of friends and family.

Among those present were three of his 21st Company classmates: Tom Batzel, Dick Kuntz, and Ray Hoag.

Dick Kunz, Ray Hoag and Tom Batzel

Watt Miles contacted me with information about Ron Klemick’s scheduled inurnment at the Naval Academy Columbarium at 1400 on 12 October. Several members of the 5th Company will be traveling to Annapolis for the service. A group discount has been arranged for lodging at the SpringHill Suites on Admiral Cochrane Boulevard. If you want to use the group discount, contact Watt by email (perrymiles@cox.net) or phone (757-423-7614) for details. Also, tell Watt if you plan to attend the reception at the USNA O-Club following the service so there will be an accurate head count to aid preparations.

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 63

63/63 CLASS NEWS Our busy West Coast correspondent Phillip Marsden submitted two items this month.

The first noted the continuation of a Coronado tradition for USNA ’63.

M A small but spirited group of classmates and their ladies braved the crowds on Sunday, 26 June, for our first Concert-in-the-Park gettogether this season. Spreckels Park was full of fans on a warm summer afternoon for an Abba cover band who had everyone dancing. This photo shows the afternoon attendees including Vern and Gail Von Sydow, Lew and Lynn Blackwell, Donna Kaup, Grant Telfer, and Lee Cargill. Bravo Zulu to Grant Telfer for his impressive mounting of the Class of 63 banner - using a complicated array of lines, bungee cords, seaman’s knots and sweat! It attracted a number of visitors. Plan to join us for the next concert in August!

A Coronado tradition continues

Bracy and Marsden

M Good things can happen when you wear your USNA gear. Martha and I were on a Viking Great Lakes cruise from Toronto to Milwaukee.

I took along my Class of 1963 ball cap figuring I might run into some grads. On the last day before Milwaukee I was on an elliptical trainer, pumping away next to another grey head jogging on the treadmill. Suddenly he paused his routine and exclaimed, “If that is a 1963 cap, we are classmates!” That is how I met Mike Bracy. We both agreed that our 60th reunion next fall may be our last best chance to see many of our classmates.

Many members of our Class are part of families with multigenerational traditions of military service. In a recent note, Pete Deutermann summarized his family’s Navy and Coast Guard service across many decades.

64 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

M My grandson, Anthony Franson, was sworn into the class of 2026 this June. He represents the third generation of my family to enter Annapolis — my father, VADM H.T. Deutermann ’27, my older brother, LCDR David Deutermann ’56, myself, and now, Anthony. My daughter, Sarah, was Navy OCS and flew F-14’s; My son, Daniel, was NROTC Florida, and was both a Navy helo (CH-46 ) pilot and instructor for 10 years, and then a USCG SAR pilot for the next 10 years. He transferred to the USCG when BuPers said he finally had to go ashore! My younger brother, Steve, was Marquette NROTC and was a surface warfare officer for 20 years. Family trade all the way.

My latest book, The Last Paladin, is being published this July. It tells the story of the USS ENGLAND, which managed to kill six Japanese submarines in the western Pacific in the space of a month.

With time available and interest undiminished, many of us are enjoying books, articles, and other information about naval history. Two rich sources of digital information were brought to my attention recently. Steve Duncan alerted me to a web site which presents a wealth of information about ship losses during WW II. The dynamic maps and graphics on the site are compelling presentations of military and nonmilitary sinkings. I encourage you to visit https://arcg.is/mTXvn to see the impressive data, time-based animations, and other interpretations of the more than 20,000 sinkings from 1939 through 1945. Well Done! to the Canadian man who did this work entirely on his own.

Dave Moore called attention to a podcast series from USNA that is sure to be interesting to most of us. Issued by the Naval Academy Museum in Preble Hall, the naval history podcasts present historians, practitioners, military personnel, and other experts speaking about various naval history topics from ancient history to more current events including Naval Academy activities and Midshipman culture.

Begun in 2019, the series now includes nearly 150 podcasts you can choose to hear. To see the list of topics, visit: www.usna.edu/ Museum/PrebleHall/ It’s always good to hear from Fred Kaiser, whose latest news concerns ’63 pride displayed on license plates.

M Earlier this year, Jud Pearson and his wife Betsy reconnected with me, as we both live in the suburbs of Chicago. When we got together with them in the Spring, Jud was proud to show me that his license plate was “NAVY 63.”

Unfortunately, he couldn’t get USNA 63 in Illinois, because I already claimed it years ago. I have been a longtime friend with my Academy roommate, Jim Stageman. Jim and his wife Sandy recently visited us from Omaha,

Nebraska, and he proudly displayed that he had been able to claim USNA 63 for that state.

These two photos show our pride in our Academy heritage.

Fred and Klara Kaiser with Betsy and Jud Pearson

Jim Stageman and Fred Kaiser

Fred, Jud, and Jim are among our numerous classmates with USNA or USN-related license plates. Enjoy a visit to our web site photo gallery of plates and their owners in the “Pride and Tradition: Vanity License Plates” section of www.USNA63.org.

In July, Dick “Rhino” Wyttenbach sent a timely account of his VA disability and the events that contributed to his illness.

M The VA just rated me 100 percent combat related disabled from Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. Am I the first in our class to be 100 percent? At Destroyer School we could ask for our next assignment. In June 1966 I asked to be Weapons Officer on a FRAM I destroyer based in San Diego just about to deploy to Vietnam.

I got my first choice. As a result, I now get the joy of riding around in my electric scooter!

Because of Agent Orange, I am electric scooter bound from diabetic neuropathy in feet and fingers. I also have atrial fibrillation and chronic diastolic heart failure.

I was Weapons Officer on USS SOUTHERLAND (DD-743) when we deployed to Vietnam for six months in 1966 and another six months in 1968. The ship fired over 40,000 five-inch rounds for naval gunfire support for the Marines and Army, going so far up the rivers that we got scratches on our sonar dome. I attribute much of our Agent Orange exposure to contact with contaminated water during that period.

It was only a short time ago that “blue water” vets became eligible for disability treatment.

I qualified several years ago because I had to escort into Danang the body of a dead marine we picked up floating in the ocean. I filmed that

63/64 CLASS NEWS trip with my personal 8mm movie camera.

That film proved to the VA that I got my “boots on the ground” which qualified me years before my shipmates.

Last month I posed a question about the size of the area that was off-limits for alcohol consumption by 1960’s Midshipmen. The near-unanimous responses received from classmates were that the area was defined by a seven-mile circle centered on the Academy.

That’s it for now, folks. Keep sending your news and photos to me. We’re depending on your support.

’64

between each element is about 2NM. The scaling on the screen, however, makes the returns look almost overlapped. It took about 20 minutes for that entire formation to fly over each checkpoint on the flight. Tom reports it is a real hoot to get to fly in that formation.

QUALITY –’63

Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 21.13% 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

Due to a severe lack of classmate contributions, this month’s column is a bare bones effort.

Without a short note from Tom Newell, another unabashed Tony Taylor plagiarism, and a very timely input from Ted Lyster, the class poet-in-residence, this page would have been blank!

Your humble correspondent makes an effort to acknowledge all classmate submittals.

Anyone submitting an un-acknowledged effort is urged to re-submit ASAP. Tom posted a couple of photos from his 23July Fly-In to EAA AirVenture 2022 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Tom posing with his Baron in Oshkosh

The B2OSH (Bonanzas to Oshkosh) group flies in every year in a formation arrival on the Saturday before the official start of EAA AirVenture.

This year had a total of 109 Bonanzas and Barons making up the Conga Line. Elements of three aircraft following one another in a long line from La Crosse, Wisconsin to Oshkosh.

The second picture is Tom’s ADS-B Scope displaying the formation line in returns from each element leader’s aircraft. The separation

Cockpit screen shot of the 109 Bonanza-Baron Conga Line

Tony penned the following 5th Company BAP report: It is still June as I cobble my notes to prepare this story; however, the first chapter was incubated back in the year ’18 when the Great Class of 1964 celebrated its 55th Reunion and the 5th Company chose to “take possession” of historic Gibson’s Lodgings near the Annapolis waterfront as its company HQ. (FYI: If you are not familiar with Gibson’s, the site of Gibson’s has recorded property roots going back to the year 1681, almost 100 years before the end of the Revolutionary War). So, as it turned out, we could not have made a better choice than to book the entire three-house inn complex with its beautifully decorated period rooms and a place where we could gather at our leisure both in the interior common rooms and on outdoor patios.

The second chapter was conceived in the Covid spring of ’21 by my good friend and company-mate Keith Waldrop who was musing three years later that maybe it was time for The Fabulous Fifth to reunite at least one more time before our 60th Class Reunion two years hence, so he put out a feeler to several of us suggesting that we take a roll call to query if the guys and their gals would like to return to Gibson’s Lodgings for an off-year reunion in the spring of ’22. We would book the entire Gibson’s Lodgings for three days and nights at a time when there would be no major activities in the Yard and no boat show at the foot of Main St. Hence it came to pass that the third chapter was ready to go to press as 33 company mates,

their ladies, and widows signed up for what would be our 7th “BAP” (an acronym coined by our late friend and classmate, Dave Lester, back in ’01 when he hosted BAP #2 in New Orleans). With that encouraging response Keith, Ray Michelini, and I got the ball rolling.

Reservations were made, activities coordinated, and logistics were arranged. At this point, I must acknowledge that Mike Farmer, our Class President, and an Annopolitan who lived just up the street from Gibson’s, pitched in to help arrange some of our planned activities… he definitely earned his pay considering that he was our man on the spot. (Also, thanks to Mike for stopping by Gibson’s on our first night to give us an informal “State of the Class” presentation). Our goal was to have fun and reunite socially with the time we had, so other than arranging for pizza and salad deliveries on night #1 and a farewell group dinner at the local Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant, everyone was either on their own or informally chose to gather as groups at one of the local great seafood or other popular Annapolis restaurants for lunches or dinner on night #2. As for planned activities we arranged for a tour of the new cyber center (Hopper Hall) on Tuesday morning (very interesting) and a private tour of the recently renovated Naval Academy Museum (Preble Hall). We felt especially honored to have Grant Walker (USMA ’73) as our tour guide considering his wealth of knowledge and his fascinating series of sea stories (not bad for a WOOP) as he kept our rapt attention throughout the tour. Personally, I was looking forward to having an opportunity to visit the museum to see for the first time on display the 1877 Gleaves Desk, an historically interesting piece of Naval Academy history that I had committed to donating to the museum several years ago. If anyone is interested in knowing more about what’s going on at the museum, you can log onto the USNA Museum at https://www.usna.edu/Museum/index.php for a 3D tour of the museum. Logistically, we had arranged ahead of time to hire mini busses to pick us up at Gibson’s and return us after the tours on both days; this was well worth the modest shared expense since 95% of us had already hit the 80-year-old mark with some, including yours truly, health issues when it came to mobility in maneuvering our way around the Yard. Of course, we made arrangements for a drop-off at the Mid Store for anyone interested.

By the way, for those who have not been back to the Mid Store since the 55th Reunion or earlier, the store has also been nicely renovated to include a fairly spacious “Starbucks-like” coffee bar serving genuine Naval Academy 1845 Coffee. Before I move on, for those who don’t know when, if ever, they will get back to the Academy, at least within the next couple of years, you can order tax-free most any USNA gear or clothing such as Midshipmen B-robes, tee shirts, and Academy souvenirs at: https://navalacademytourism.com/ midshipmen-store.

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 65

64/65 CLASS NEWS

’65

Life Membership: 64% Donor Participation: 50.09% 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

Bill Zuna finally got an approved obit for Bill DeFries, whose passing was reported in this column in the February 2022 Shipmate. Be sure and check out Last Call in the September 2022 issue for details on Bill’s life and career.

From Mike Epprecht, 29 Jun M Hope this finds you well. We had our second bi-monthly Charlotte Area Lunch today. Attending were Jim Hatfield, Gary Burris, Bob Halsey and Mike Epprecht. The attached photo is evidence of this event. Lots of stories, of which, at least half were true.

Mike

’64: Ted Lyster’s poem

As I mentioned earlier, our initial planning was based on the assumption that we would have about 33 persons attend our April reunion, but as we approached BAP Day the numbers began to dwindle primarily due to unforeseen circumstances including health issues, last-minute conflicts with other commitments, and one party of three who were waylaid due to storms and flight cancellations, but we still had a very good turnout of 28. Everyone agreed that it was a fabulous reunion from start to finish.

As an epilogue, I might as well mention that my bride, Gitta, and I chose to drive from Redmond, WA to Annapolis and back for the reunion (eight days driving each way); it was our 9th roundtrip drive across this beautiful nation of ours. After driving across the country 18 times over the years and choosing almost as many different routes going back to our first excursion when we drove from Norfolk to Coronado back in ’66 for training prior to my being deployed to Vietnam. Back then most of Route 66 was already becoming a legendary highway, and tourists were still allowed to get out of their cars at Yellowstone to take photos of black bears on the road. As for decent motels under 20 bucks, they were few and far in-between. One of our favorite routes today is 66 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

US Route 2 from Everett, Washington to Houlton, Maine; another is I-64 from Virginia Beach to the far side of St. Louis, but I suggest that you wait until gas prices drop again. Until then, Go Navy and really, really Beat Army, and Air Force too.

The attached truly appropriate Ted Lyster poem might have been previously offered.

If so, it certainly bears repeating.

Fair winds and a quartering sea, classmates

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

2022 - 2023

ISSUE: Nov-Dec ’22 Jan-Feb ’23 March-April ’23

DUE DATE: Sep 26, 2022 Nov 28 2022 Jan 23, 2023

On 30 Jun, Chip Seymour was touring around parents all day at USNA for Indoctrination Day (I-Day). And when he got home he noted that he’d received some statistical info he’d requested from the Head of Institutional Research at USNA. Some great gouge in these PDF files. If you didn’t see them on the Wardroom eForum, contact Chip at seynavy65 @gmail.com and he’ll send them along to you.

There was a whole lot of chatter in the last month on the Wardroom eForum about our Laundry Numbers when we were at USNA. Everyone was citing their numbers.

Pete Lumianski chipped in with this: M I don’t think I can solve the Great Laundry Number Puzzle, but I can report I still have my well-traveled laundry bag adorned with some of the many Bancroft addresses I had over the four years. I think maybe the laundry bags had your name and room number affixed and they mysteriously appeared outside your door every week or so. They even contained a few of the original items I placed in them the week prior, but often there were surprise extras. I remember finding plenty of flattened/broken

65/65 CLASS NEWS buttons and huge amounts of starch when opening the bags, along with lots of permanent stains and stench from the from the years and months before. My Lumianski laundry bag was regularly swapped with Hank Lewandowski’s laundry bag, and after a few times, Hank and I just decided to strap on each other’s skivvies for the heck of it. Hank and I slept through many critically important classes together, can’t remember which subjects. There’s no doubt, tho’, my final class standing in the upper one-third of the lower quartile was definitely hard earned!! Pete

“Seahawks” Northern Virginia Swim League team since they were 5 years old. This “hug dad” photo below is from July 2022 prior to a practice, with Kealani on the left in the photo and Karina on the right on the photo. In February, Kealani received her high school senior swim team award and earlier this month she received her “Seahawks” senior award. I’ve been a volunteer parent for the team since 2008 responsible for setting up the pool 2 hours prior to the start of meets. Although daughter Karina swims and plays field hockey, her main sport is lacrosse and she appears to be a good candidate to play for Navy in two years or so. Ted

From Lee Mager and Mitch Henderson, 21 Jul

From Phil Ferrara, 16 Jul M Bob Green and I went for a kayak trip off the Wye Island in the Chesapeake on 14 July.

My second kayak venture with Bob in a couple of weeks. In and out of creeks and along the forested shore lines. Lots of heron and some fishermen encountered over seven or eight miles. We spotted the “Dividing Creek Denizen” but couldn’t keep up with it as it sped toward shore. Kept swimming along and popping head up to breath... don’t know what it was.

Definitely a monster of that creek!!

From Ted Nanz, 20 Jul M All 3 of my daughters have been swimming competitively on our neighborhood South Run

M Good afternoon classmates. Mitch and I have started a prototype Healthcare Support Website primarily to make it easy to find classmates who have experience with various health topics. It is all about GRADS helping GRADS. The site also has bucket folders for some 12 diseases like Parkinson’s, Diabetes, and Cancer and hashtags to match.

Mitch kind of jumped the gun this morning and enrolled everybody. Perhaps some of you feel blindsided by a notification that you had been added to the HEALTH subgroup without your knowledge or permission. WE apologize if you felt that way. We weren’t trying to sign you up for anything nefarious. Here’s some more about the new Subgroup: There are folders for Best Books, Best Websites, Best hospitals, and Best organizations. The idea here is to save ideas from everyone and put them where others can find them. The website is a subgroup of our Wardroom Forum and is just like the Backroom and the Reunion subgroups. In the files area, there is a file set up for each of the Health topics so Power Point presentations, handouts and other material can be permanently saved. Of course, a support site like this cannot work unless there are classmates who have been there/done that who are willing to help others. Thus, someone who has had a severe bout with prostate cancer might help those who are just afflicted.

And everyone must be able to locate the classmate who has the lead as a facilitator for a particular health topic.

Therefore, we have set up a spreadsheet listing the contacts by topic (names to be filled in). Checkout the Mental Health topic to see what could be populated if other facilitators sign up.

Interested? Let Mitch know if you dare to lead as they say these days at: Dace222607@gmail.com or 401-871-2030 and put your name on the spreadsheet.

How onerous would be your commitment?

Not much. You might only get a couple of calls a year … maybe 6-10? It all depends on the topic of course but we are not talking about a 24/7 commitment. In rare cases, there may be a half doxen or dozen who want to form a Zoom group; where the facilitator or another could lead that group. It would be desirable for the lead facilitator for a topic to be in charge of saving best books, websites etc. for that particular topic. You probably know a few items to put there already since you have been through it before.

We will need someone who is very comfortable explaining/showing how to maneuver the VA website. You all have access to the site. Here’s how you find it. The URL (ie., web address) is https://usna1965.groups. io/g/Health/messages. Just like the Wardroom or the Backroom you can address email addresses to the group using the address health@USNA1965.groups.io. This site can be a shining example for other classes and the alumni association who could embellish the concept and make something like it available to all classes. We could come up with the lessons learned like we did with the Parkinson’s startup and pass them on to other classes. On the other hand, this concept is somewhat of an experiment and we may find few are interested or have needs. Time will tell. More to follow.

Mitch and Lee Finally, including a photo here of yours truly, my wife, Judy and Sunny and Denny Neutze.

They and a slew of family members were in Hawaii celebrating Denny and Sunny’s 50th Wedding Anniversary. We hooked up at the Hale Koa on 27 Jun with them for a delightful catching-up lunch. Discovered they had moved late last year into a CCRC near Miami, called The Vi. And they are really enjoying it! Here’s a photo of the four of us in the Hale Koa Lobby.

You may have noticed we’re a bit light on the reporting in this issue. So yet another pitch to

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 67

65/66 CLASS NEWS you all, especially to those superusers of the Wardroom eForum. How about interspersing maybe a couple of times a year – your reminiscences and thoughts on every topic under the Sun - with a paragraph on what you’re DOING. I can’t use for Shipmate columns what you’re THINKING or what YOU DID in the distant past. I need current stuff: where you’re living, what daily/weekly activities you’re pursuing, what you recently accomplished, what’s going on with your family, and what are your near-term plans (traveling, moving, taking in a special event, visits with classmates, etc.) Will warmly welcome your inputs!

And I’ve started a new website (bare bones, at present) to include the kind of info I requested above in paragraphs for each classmate, which I hope will be well-populated by our 60th Reunion. The site will have an alphabetical index of every classmate who responds so when you click on a name, it will take you to his write-up. Will send out the link when I have more than just a few blurbs.

More on this later.

Thazzit guys! Aloha, Dave

’66

Life Membership: 66% Donor Participation: 21.33% Pres: Gen Carlton W. Fulford, USMC (Ret.) Sec’y: CDR Mike Baird, USN (Ret.) 10439 Rivington Ct., Lone Tree, CO 80124 e: mike.baird@1966.usna.com West Coast Sec’y: Robert G. Johnson Jr., Esq. 41391 Kalmia St., Ste. 210 , Murrieta, CA 92562 Website: www.usna66.org

The 55th + 1 Reunion is now behind us and I hope it was a great event for everyone. Because of the time-late of submitting articles, I don’t expect any pics or news until the Jan-Feb 2023 issue. There are a few great stories to relate, but first I must extend apologies to Don Jackson and his family. I mistyped the date of death for his wife Maureen. The July-August 22 issue cited 2020, and it should have been 2022. The services were held, as stated on 25 July 2022.

Al Swinger sent the following email and photo of his flying experience with his son Mark.

M Had the opportunity to go flying with our son Mark (CDR, USN) on Monday, 11June from the Charlottesville airport in a low-wing general aviation single engine prop aircraft.

Since I could not fly with him (Navy Rules) in an F-18 when he was a Blue Angel, this was great fun. I was able to take the controls and fly straight and level with a few turns et al. and fly over our home - saw Sandra waving! Mark is an excellent instructor!! Check the block on the Bucket List.

Thanks, Al. Great picture!

Frank Swientek checked in from Portland, Oregon, the City of Roses and Bridges to provide the next vignette.

M “Diane and I celebrated our Golden Wedding Anniversary on June in Monterey, CA where our life together began at the Naval Postgraduate School in 1972.

We dated for two years and married the day after my graduation from NPS with a master’s in DIANE AND FRANK electrical engineerCELEBRATING THEIR 50TH ing. We returned to ANNIVERSARY Monterey in 1997 to celebrate our Silver Anniversary and now this year for our 50th. We formally renewed our vows in the Saint Thomas Aquinas Chapel at NPS and then spent our third honeymoon in Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, and lastly San Francisco. In July we will be hosting our daughter Heather and our son Adam and his family at Disneyland and Universal Studios in LA; and in late August we plan to join you all in Annapolis at “55 + 1”. Later in the year we plan to resume cruising both the Pacific and Atlantic and spending our kids’ inheritance.”

Nice, Frank!

I’m sure you were all moved by the article submitted about Carl McCullough in Romania and his work supporting Ukraine refugees.

Here is a follow photo of him with other volunteers.

Keep it going Carl.

AL AND MARK AVIATING CARL IN ROMANIA 68 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

Sadly, I report the deaths of Jim McPhetridge (35) and Warren B. (Burns) Partain, Jr. (20).

The following obituary for Jim was published in the Sacramento Bee on 17 July 2022.

James McPhetridge, 81, loving father and grandfather passed away on 23 June 2022 from a car accident. Preceded in death by his parents, three siblings, and his son, Erik McPhetridge. He is survived by his sister, Trudy Lane, three children, Mechelle McPhetridge, Elijah McPhetridge and Lisa Wheatly, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

He was an artist and a retired electrician. He attended Annapolis in the Navy and received his BA in Art from Chico State. He will be greatly missed. A burial service was held at the Northern California VA Cemetery in Igo, CA. Burns Partain died on 22 June 2022. His obituary was published in a Class-wide email.

Please keep both families in your prayers.

On 14 July 2022, Scott Redd made the final USNA Class of 1966 Enlisted Leadership Award presentation aboard HUE CITY (CG-66) at the Norfolk Naval Station, Norfolk, VA. Below is a copy of his remarks to the attendees.

M Admiral Sigler, CDR Tasso (C.O.), Petty Officer Smith, ’66 Classmates, and crew of the HUE CITY. Good morning! And thanks for allowing us to join you for this ceremony. Petty Officer Smith, congratulations on receiving the last in a long line of Class leadership awards.

Well deserved.

You may not realize it, but this is an emotional day for many of us. Let me tell you why. Today signals the beginning . . . of the end . . .the end of the life of a magnificent ship with a magnificent legacy. As you know, her formal end will be decommissioning in September and some of us hope to be there. But this is a private ceremony for those of us from the Class of ’66 and we are deeply honored to have this last opportunity to recognize one of your shipmates . . . and, if you will indulge us for horning in, also to make mention of and honor a number of our Classmates who made the ultimate sacrifice in Viet Nam. Our respect and dedication to you – and to this ship - goes much deeper than just a hull number which happens to match our year of graduation. As you may know, Viet Nam was “our war.” By one accounting, USNA ‘66 lost more Classmates in Viet Nam than any other Class. By the way, that’s also true for the West Point class of ‘66. They had more killed than any other Class and 100 Classmates received purple hearts. All of us remember friends who didn’t come back from that conflict in Southeast Asia.

HUE CITY remains the only ship named for a battle in Viet Nam. And as you know, the other ’66 hull number belongs to the GONZALES (DDG-66), named for Sergeant Alfredo Gonzalez USMC, who gave his life in the battle at Hue City and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. His mother was present for the commissioning of Gonzales. She

66/67 CLASS NEWS received a long, heartfelt and tearful standing ovation when the Chief of Naval Operations, Mike Boorda, introduced her at the commissioning ceremony in 1992.

More personally, the commissioning CO of HUE CITY was our Classmate, Captain Tom Eubanks. I happened to be the responsible Cruiser Destroyer Group Commander at the time, and – as part of the commissioning ceremony - Tom formally reported to me for duty. Others here have attended previous award ceremonies on the ship. So, you can see this is personal.

It’s important to you – and to us – that your legacy will live on. The American flag which was first raised over the Hue provincial capital - and was also raised at the commissioning ceremony of the ship - has been maintained onboard, bullet holes and all. It will be sent to the Naval History Command with a view toward its ultimate display at an appropriate location such as the Marine Corps Museum at Quantico, VA. By the way, Quantico has already requested it. There it will serve as a permanent reminder of one of the more memorable and significant battles in Marine Corps history.

As you can see, we have a long, loving, and emotional bond with this ship and the sailors and officers who have manned her over the years. You all stand here as the final crew of this magnificent ship. That’s no small thing!!!

Let me tell you a little bit about us.

The Naval Academy Class of 1966.

In 1962 – almost sixty years ago to the day - thirteen hundred and two of us raised our hands and were sworn in as Midshipmen on a hot June day in Annapolis. . . Four years later, one third of that number – 432 - had left the Academy and eight hundred and sixty-eight of us passed out of the crucible and were commissioned as officers in the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

We came of age at the peak of the Viet Nam war. We fought on the land, the rivers, the offshore waters, and in the skies over that divided country and paid the price. As I noted earlier, our Class was one of the hardest hit of all Naval Academy Classes. One of our Classmates spent five years as a prisoner of war.

More generally, our generation was raised in the shadow of the Cold War, and we saw it through to its end in victory. We manned the ships, the planes, and the submarines that hunted for Red October and parried the Red Fleet in the icebox – the cold and barren northern waters of the planet. In fact, HUE CITY’s AEGIS system was designed to parry the longrange missiles of Soviet Naval Aviation aircraft.

When the Cold War ended the world changed and America pivoted to the hot sandbox of the Middle East. We fought in the first Gulf War – Operation Desert Storm leading Marines, dropping bombs, firing missiles and guns, and protecting the fleet in the then unfamiliar waters of the Persian Gulf.

In fact, our Class President, General

Carl Fulford, USMC (Ret.) – who signed Petty Officer Smith’s award - led Marines in Kuwait in that battle just as he had at Hue City.

As our time in uniform ran its course several of us were re-bridled for service in the new war of the twenty first century, the global war on terror. That battle continues and a new Cold War threatens. That will be your responsibility.

As for us, our tribe is thinning. We are old now - those who remain - past our biblically allotted three score and ten. Our heads are gray. Our steps are slower. We are fading away.

Our Class rings are worn smooth with time, but we have not forgotten the motto engraved on them almost six decades past: “Non Sibi Sed Patriae” Not for self, but for country.

We kept the faith with those who went before. Thank you for allowing us to share this day and these memories with you. May God bless you . . . and may God bless the United States of America. For the Class, I say “Amen to it all, Scott. Well done.”

As a final input Charlie Votava sent the following email about the decommissioning ceremony for WHIBEY ISLAND (LSD 41).

M Sharon and I just returned from the WHIBEY ISLAND decommissioning ceremony.

Our Classmate Captain (Commodore PHIBRON 10) Patrick Michael Muldoon (USN, Ret.) was the First and Commissioning Commanding Officer, of LPD 41, 38 years ago.

WHIBEY ISLAND was the flagship of the new class of LPDs. As the Plank Owning CO he was invited to be the guest speaker.

You all missed a very interesting, enjoyable and entertaining, as only Doon’s could do, speech, which addressed the construction, commissioning year, and the follow-on system certifications, inspections, qualifications, assist visits, and dignitary visits during the first deployment. The historical detail narrated in Muldoon’s frank and very humorous style would have received a A+++ at our 2nd or 1st Class year After Dinner speaking sessions.

The audience was filled with plank owners and shipmates from Commander (Commanding Officer) Muldoon’s era. Upon introduction he was given a rousing standing ovation. Upon completion of his memorable, humorous, and unapologetic remarks, in the presence of the RAdm Expeditionary Force Commander, he was given an even louder longer lasting standing ovation. A very memorable presentation by our Classmate. I wish I had recorded it.

Thanks, Charlie. Pat was a company mate as well, and my best man.

CHARLIE AND PAT

And that wraps up October. Thanks to all who provided their stories. Until December...

All the best, Mike!!!

’67

Life Membership: 76% Donor Participation: 33.04% 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

In the last column, I reported the death of Dave Spisso. Doug Ogden attended Dave’s services and sent the following: M On 21 June 2022, Classmate and friend Dave Spisso crossed the Bar and went to his Eternal Rest. He had not been feeling well for a few weeks, but the situation suddenly deteriorated, and he passed away in Bluffton, SC. Visitation and Memorial/Remembrance Services were held at a local Funeral Home in Bluffton on 30 June 2022. The line to attend stretched down the sidewalk and into the parking lot, and the Class provided a beautiful flower arrangement. As an aside, the Funeral Director told me that this was the largest gathering of people at one of these proceedings that he had ever seen in his career. Funeral services were held the next day at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Bluffton, and again, the turnout was very large and a fitting tribute to Dave. Following the service, a reception was held in the Parish Social Hall, and Dave will be interred in the Naval Academy Columbarium on 1 September 2022 during our 55th Reunion.

Classmates and spouses attending one or both of the functions included Shirley and Walt Wilkening, Al Wynn, Shirley and Tim Anderson, Sakuko and Clint Wright (Sakuko is missing from the photo), Nancy and Steve Woodall, Veronica and Jack Feehan, Denise and Doug Ogden, and Ken Belisle.

Doug noted that the man in uniform standing near the right side of the nearby photo is Col. D.J. Spisso, USAF, Dave’s oldest son.

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 69

67/67 CLASS NEWS face of our own Cal Huey stands out. Strange how these things happen unexpectedly.

Suddenly when we are engaged in something else, our history stares us in the face when we least expect it. Made me proud to be a Navy grad and even prouder to know the General who was quoted on the wall and the football player who broke a lot of color barriers.

’67: Dave Spisso services

As I was working on this column, I received an email from Ed Kerins that Tim Sullivan had died in the early morning hours of 14 July 2022.

Tim and Christy were married the day after graduation, and they had 2 sons: Michael (Jacquelyn) and Matthew (Michelle) and four grandchildren. Christy predeceased him in 2012. Tim’s Navy career was spent in the VP community along with a tour teaching in the math department at USNA. He was a scratch golfer and enjoyed traveling and woodworking.

More information on Tim’s services will be distributed separately as it comes available.

Contributions in Tim’s memory may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation (www.wish.org), 5 Valley Square #210, Blue Bell, PA 19422 I received word from the Alumni Association that John Lewis Perry, a non-graduating Classmate, passed away peacefully on 25 May 2022 in Mt. Pleasant, SC. John left USNA in May of 1964, having been in 17th Company.

After leaving, he studied English, drama and philosophy, retiring as a writer, educational consultant and speaker. He loved acting, golfing and marksmanship and was very active in the Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife, Annette, two daughters, and five grandchildren..

Chuck Scherck sent word that Lynn Adams, the wife of Earl Adams, a non-graduating Classmate, had passed away 29 June 2022 in Severna Park, MD from complications related to dementia. A small memorial service was held in Annapolis on 11 July 2022. In addition to Earl, she is survived by a son, a daughter and nine grandchildren.

Sabra Welch, wife of Dan Welch, passed away suddenly on 9 July 2022 in Concord, NH. As a nurse, she was commissioned a LTJG, USNR in 1975 and met Dan at the Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, NH. They were married in 1977. Sabra is survived by Dan, their son, ENS John (Rob) Welch USN, and stepdaughters Cathy Sanford and Deidre Rief. Sabra was deeply involved in her community and loved to travel, living in Thailand for a time and for three years in Spain. She will be interred at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH. Donations in her memory may be made to the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in Maine: https://www.maineshakers.com/capital-campaign /ways-to-give/. Dan can be reached at:

dsrwel@metrocast.net; 603-435-6535; 51 Main Street, Pittsfield, NH 03263.

A note from Al Lawver: M Mary and I were coming back from a road trip to CT and stopped to get something to eat at a Mission Barbeque. Not sure what Delaware city it was in, but we have the same restaurant in Va Beach and knew they had good food. I looked up and saw a wall with interesting military pictures and artifacts. The thing that caught my eye was the large pic with a quote from General Pete Pace. I walked over to the wall to get a better read and on the bottom left corner was a picture of Navy football taken during our plebe year. I couldn’t tell if it was a pregame rush or done for promotional purposes.

I tried to identify some of the players... of course Roger Staubach ‘65 leads the rush.

The rest of the front guys are linemen and plebe year was too far away for me to remember numbers or faces in back the front line. But if you look in the way-back, the black

’67: Classic Navy football 70 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

Pace quote

This from Rick Poole: M Beth and I closed on a condo in Bonita Springs, FL in April and Joanie & Don Geismar, Sandy & Dave Tate, Hedi & Steve Fagan, Anne & Al Davey and Mike Mazurczak (Diane joined us later) were here to welcome us! Good times with good friends!

I asked Rick if all those guys are his new neighbors. He said all but Steve are in Bonita Bay, and Steve’s only five miles or so up the road in Estero, FL. I’m not sure what to say about that except that congregation has the makings of a serious party!

67/68 CLASS NEWS website now. We have settled SWAG-bag contents and our dinner menu. We’ll have a classy pre-dinner reception at the hotel and move directly into dinner. Speeches will be short, and the dance floor and DJ are in place. Please contact me (richardevert68@gmail.com) should you have any questions or suggestions, but the Website FAQ has all the details.

Please register ASAP after 1 October.”

’67: Rick and Beth Poole with Joanie and on Geismar, Sandy ad Dave Tate, Heidi and Steve Fagan, Anne and Al Davey and Mike Mazurczak

I got his from Dave Candler months ago and it has kept getting pushed back. He’s wonderfully patient! One of his pastimes is growing roses, and I asked him how he got into it. Here’s what he calls the 25 cent version of the story: M Wife Sandy had a serious hobby of horseback riding (dressage). And she drove horse and buggy and we aspired to horsedrawn sleigh. We had the bright red sleigh, but had not harnessed the horse, yet. But, we pulled it into the front yard as a Christmas decoration. And we won the Preston Christmas Decorating Competition. We did not know there WAS such a thing, but accepted the $50 check. At local garden center a couple of months later that $50 bought three different potted roses and some fertilizer. Took home, planted and in time they bloomed nicely. In the mid-1980’s I was sometimes onboard ship for 10 - 12 hours/day and that was when in Command and Inport! So coming home and holding a hose allowed brain to go flat-line in lieu of watching TV. The second year the three roses bloomed, but all the same small red blossoms, different from the tags still attached. Something was not right. When all else fails… I researched and found that winter (and I) had killed the top rose, but that there was a rootstock grafted to the base that enhanced fast growing of the spliced plant in California sand.

I was irked. I had gone through Plebe summer and was not about to let Mother Nature call the shots without a fight. So got serious, read about roses, joined the American Rose Society (ARS) and found that garden clubs were for females, but Rose Societies were 70% Type-A Competitive Males. Turned out to be a good description back then. I gained several ARS qualifications and found that one thing led to another including growing several hundred roses, showing roses competitively and President of the CT Rose Society. Turns out making it through Plebe year may instill a certain determination which is not short-lived.

I’m writing this at the end of July (and it’s

hotter’n Hades outside) so things are moving swiftly to our 55th reunion on Labor Day weekend. We have 429 registered attendees as of tonight, so it should be a great weekend.

By the time you read this, I hope to have seen many of you. In the meantime: stay safe, get boosted, and Beat Army. ... That’s it ... Goodnight!...Jim

’68

Life Membership: 62% Donor Participation: 19.73% 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.

West Coast Vice President Dick Evert and his Reunion Committee are planning a memorable 55th Reunion in San Diego. With on-line registration beginning this month, Dick encourages everyone to register ASAP after 1 October because rooms will be in high demand. Here is his update: M “The San Diego 55th Reunion Committee is hard at work to finalize reunion details for the 14-17 May 2023, reunion. The Intercontinental Hotel will welcome us, and planning is complete for our USS MIDWAY event Monday night and the Reunion Reception and Banquet Tuesday night. Various sports and touring options are described in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the reunion website including harbor, pickle ball, and San Diego bus tours (www.usna68.com).

“You are encouraged to use the commercial websites to schedule these tours or to just mix with classmates at the hotel spaces we will provide. Registration will open 1 October, and all the currently scheduled events are on the

Todd Hyde, a member of the 55th Reunion Committee, says “Join Us!” from the flight deck of USS Midway.

Thanks to Ken Pyrz his digital-imagery wizardry!

As I reported in June’s column, Ed Sundberg continues his work raising funds to assist refugees fleeing Ukraine. In July he traveled to Prague to partner directly with Caritas Charities to ensure his funds go directly to Ukrainian refugees and orphans in the Czech Republic. “Caritas Charities is one of the largest non-profit charitable organizations in the world,” Ed said. “It is working to support some 1.5 million refugees from Ukraine and approximately 3,000 orphans.” Ed’s goal is to send money each month for at least a year until his funds run out. “Unfortunately,” he said, “this crisis will continue too long.” Ed planned to return to the United States in August. To find out more, visit: https://gofund.me/Oc5b4fd9.

Planning is underway to continue next year’s annual tradition of the Class of ‘68 Winter Golf outing in Florida, scheduled for 15-19 February. Harry Buzhardt is coordinating the 2023 event. “We once again will be staying four nights at the outstanding Innisbrook Resort and play five rounds of golf from 15 through 19 February,” Harry confirmed, “including one round on the famed Copperhead course, home of the Valspar PGA Championship.”

As in past years, the outing is open to classmates, spouses, and relatives. “We have had about 20 golfers for recent winter golf outings,” Harry said, “and have space for up to 24.” If you wish to participate and have not already signed up, please contact Harry as soon as possible at tarheels3@twc.com. You may also call Harry at (856) 495-9013 if you have any questions. Go FORE it!

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 71

68/68 CLASS NEWS

Harry Buzhardt nails a drive during the 2022 ’68 Winter Golf outing at Innisbrook.

In late May, thankfully before the summer’s devastating wildfires began, Denny Young took a road trip in his Corvette to Yosemite National Park and then to Sacramento via the Sierra’s scenic backroads and countryside. “I stopped in Twain Harte (named after writers Mark Twain and Brett Harte) for lunch,” he said, “and then drove through Sutter’s Creek, where the California Gold Rush began.” Denny said he was in touch with numerous classmates at the time, provided a brief rundown on their activities, and expressed the hope for some future get-togethers with them.

we followed the procession to the USNA Columbarium where Emerson’s ashes were placed with another ceremony. The family had designed the urn especially for Emerson depicting his time at USNA, his time as a Marine pilot, and other reminders of his life.”

John recalled the three years that he and Emerson were football teammates at the Academy: “He had an amazing combination of size and speed, which was a great boost for our defensive line. As a tackle and middle guard, he started for three years for the Big Blue. He was our biggest and fastest lineman and combined that natural talent with an intense competitive spirit. Bill Dow recalled plebe summer football tryouts when Emerson outran him and most of the running backs too! He was a ‘gentle giant’ who led by example and inspired all of us with his consistency and dedication.”

“My good friend, Chaplain Norm Brown ’69 led Emerson’s memorial service and spoke of the many opportunities he had to visit with Emerson in the hospital during his illness.

The comfort of the scriptures and the times of faithful prayer were a blessing to Emerson as God brought him close to Himself during those difficult days prior to his departure.”

John reported a busy and exciting week in mid-July when he conducted a vacation bible school for 50-plus children and helpers. “What a blessing to see God working in the hearts of the next generation,” he said. “Our church has an interesting combination of inner city, international, and Philly suburban kids.”

Frank Simmons, John Cartwright, Bill Boykin, and Charlie Bolden following Emerson Carr’s Memorial Service.

Denny Young at Yosemite, with El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridal Falls in the background.

In June, Frank Simmons, John Cartwright, Bill Boykin, and Charlie Bolden attended the Memorial Service and Celebration of Life for Emerson Carr ’69 at the USNA Chapel and inurnment at the USNA Columbarium. “The memorial ceremony was beautiful with words from family and from Tim Oliver ’69,” Bill reports. “Our small group of ’68ers honored Emerson for the time he spent as our classmate prior to turning back to ’69. Afterwards, 72 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

As I was preparing this column for Shipmate in July, we learned of the sorrowful loss of Marv Floom, Carl Tamulevich and Jeff St. John.

May they rest in peace.

Tragically, Marv was killed 21 July in a car crash in Montclair, VA, when the driver of a pick-up truck ran a red light and struck his car broadside in the intersection. Marv’s wife, Jan, was seriously injured and hospitalized. Marv and Jan were on their way to attend Mass at the time. Marv’s father was a brigadier general in the Marine Corps, and Marv followed in his footsteps. He was selected for the immediate master’s degree program and earned his MS degree at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.

Marv retired as a colonel following a distinguished career specializing in communications. In civilian life he was a contractor in the defense industry. Devoutly religious, Marv was a member of the Secular Franciscan Order.

31st Company-mate Tom Neville was Marv’s roommate at the Academy and PG School.

“Marv was a man of impeccable character and integrity,” he said, “always caring and considerate—and looking out for others.”

Marv is survived by Jan, sons John Paul and Chris, daughter Tammy, and grandchildren.

The 10th Company’s Carl Tamulevich passed away 17 July after a long battle with cancer. Company-mate Leo Kuehn said that Mike Mullen was at Carl’s bedside with his wife of 54 years, Lori, and their son Jeff. The Academy’s Athletic Association and the Capital Gazette newspaper in Annapolis published laudatory accounts of Carl’s life. Both stories described him as an “athletic legend.” Chet Gladchuk, the Academy’s director of athletics, said, “We are heartbroken to lose our cherished friend and distinguished alum of the Naval Academy and NAAA. Carl touched the lives of so many in such meaningful and influential ways throughout his life as a mentor and role model to all. Our fond memories of Carl—his laugh, humor, personality, professionalism, and kindness—will always be ingrained in the lives of those that were fortunate to know him.”

Carl entered flight training following graduation. A P-3B Orion pilot for 20 years, he flew anti-submarine warfare and maritimesurveillance missions in the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions. His last P-3 assignment was the air operations officer at NAS Bermuda.

Carl was a commander when he returned to the Academy in 1986 as the executive officer of the Physical Education Department. He retired in 1992 after serving for four years as the head of the PE Department and Deputy Director of Athletics, He then continued his highly distinguished career at the NAAA until retiring early this year. Carl is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lori Herrick, son Jeff, and daughter-in-law Amanda, the widow of Carl’s late son CJ, and seven grandchildren.

The 5th Company’s George “Jeff” St. John passed away 12 July following a battle with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Born in Baltimore, MD, Jeff graduated from Mainland Regional High School, Linwood, NJ, in 1964. As a midshipman, Jeff put his prowess on the gridiron to good us playing company and battalion football. He also excelled academically. Commissioned in the Marine Corps, Jeff’s entry in our 40th Reunion Yearbook notes he served two tours in Vietnam, first as a rifle platoon commander and company executive officer in the 3rd Marine Division. During his second tour in 1970 he served as the assistant operations officer, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines.

Jeff was awarded Bronze Star Medal, with combat V for meritorious service. As the executive officer of the Marine Detachment on the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CVA 63),

68/69 CLASS NEWS he again deployed to the waters off Vietnam in 1970.

In 1974, following his discharge from the Marines, Jeff embarked on a highly successful civilian career in the energy industry that took him to Los Angeles, New York City, New Orleans, Houston, Boston, and eventually to Stamford, CT, where he settled in 1986. Jeff is survived by three brothers, a sister, and four nieces. His graveside service was held in Linwood, NJ, 29 July. Donations in Jeff’s memory made be made to Friends Central Cemetery, 5 W. Marvin Ave., Linwood, NJ 08221, or to your favorite charity in his name.

Take care, Gordo

’69

Creekman family at the Braves vs. Giants game

Life Membership: 59% Donor Participation: 21.47% 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 Website: www.usna69.org

Hey Guys – another busy summer behind us as we gather more items from our bucket lists.

The Big Blue has hit the field with a vengeance this Fall!!

Jim Tulley wrote in to say that our classmate and friend, Mike Malone (22nd co) was married on 9 July to Kathy Roberts - picture below. The wedding and reception were at Mike’s home in Ridgeville, SC. It was attended by a small USNA contingent, including John Nuernberger ’64, Jim Walsh ’67, Jim Tulley ’69 and Mary Lynn Hicks, widow of classmate Bennie Hicks ’69. Mike’s first wife (of 52 years) Patty, passed away a few years ago and Mike is fortunate to have met a new love of his life.

We wish him well.

Mike and Kathy

Todd & Pem at the Braves vs. Giants game Atlanta

Todd Creekman writes: M Debbie and I, plus oldest daughter Amanda and her two boys joined up with my roommate Pem and Lucy Ellen and Pem Cooley in Marietta, Georgia, and several of us attended the Atlanta Braves vs SF Giants game on Thursday 23 June.

The Braves got the win, taking three out of four from the Giants, on a blazing hot afternoon.

Here’s a photo of Pem and me at the game, and one of me with Amanda, Thomas (16) and Peter (7) at the game.

That’s all for this issue folks. Please keep the notes and pics coming! Beat Army -Doc!! *** Ties to Our Naval Heritage Guy Higgins, Mike Salewske, Todd Creekman and Pat Stroop Every person reading this article has some tie to the United States Naval Academy and to the United States Navy. Those innumerable and expanding ties are a large part of what binds us together as, we will boldly assert, the greatest professional and social “fraternity” in history.

They are, however, only part of the bonds.

Guy once met an alumnus who graduated from USNA in 1898. He may well have had instructors who were Civil War veterans, and he may

have walked the decks of USS CONSTITUTION when she served as part of the facilities of the Naval Academy. Ties like that take us all the way back to the dawn of the Republic.

In the late eighteenth century, the infant United States was faced with various naval challenges ranging from French and British interference with free trade and freedom of the seas to pirates. To address those challenges, Congress, in 1794, authorized the construction of six new warships – four rated at 44 guns and two at 36 guns. One of those frigates would be USS CONSTITUTION , launched in 1797. She would serve nobly in defense of the nation, and as a support ship for the Naval Academy, eventually becoming the oldest commissioned warship afloat and an inspiring symbol of the Navy and the Nation.

CONSTITUTION and her sister ships were technologically superior ships, built with American white oak and live oak and to a unique design with diagonal frame pieces that countered the tendency of ship hulls to “hog” or sag at bow and stern. With hull frames six inches wide and twelve inches thick spaced a mere inch and a quarter apart (as opposed to the then-standard fourteen-inch separation) and sheathed, inside with five-inch thick and outside with seven-inch thick planks, she very nearly did have “iron sides” or at least sides that resisted hostile cannon shot as effectively as iron.

Over her service life, CONSTITUTION has been repaired and restored a number of times, including in the 1920s following a restoration funded, in part, by the contributions of Americans responding to Oliver Wendell Holmes poem recalling, “Her deck, once red with heroes’ blood where knelt the vanquished foe.” During those restorative events, CONSTITUTION’s original structure has been replaced, bit by bit until today only about an estimated fifteen percent is original timber, but she is still OLD IRONSIDES and is still an important part of our shared history; part of the ties that bind us all together.

New oak for restorations of OLD IRONSIDES became a concern as oak trees of sufficient size became more and more difficult to find.

Fortunately, the U.S. Navy, always being proactive, owned over 50,000 acres of Indiana forest as part of Naval Facility Crane. That forest is carefully managed by two US Navy foresters and will provide oak trees of the needed sizes for the foreseeable future.

At some time in the now-dim past, the USNA Class of 1939 decided that they would present each graduating class with a gavel and sounding board lovingly crafted from the wood that became available during the various restorations. The earliest documented gavel presentation was made to the president of the Class of 1983 on 26 May 1983. Each successive class has been similarly presented with its gavel set. The Class of 1939 passed that tradition on to the Class of 1969 along with a number of completed sets and some wood OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 73

69/70 CLASS NEWS stock from CONSTITUTION as recorded in the July-August 1994 Shipmate. Mike Salewske ’69 stepped up to assume the honor of crafting new gavel sets since the sets received from ’39 lasted through Class 2000 (when’50 founded the Link-in-the-Chain tradition). The initial Mike-Salewske-crafted gavel set was presented to the president of the Class of 2001.

Since then, the president of each class through 2022 has received a gavel and sounding board with a brass plaque highlighting its provenance. Those presentations are now made in the presence of the entire class at its graduation rehearsal and include protective cases.

The Class of 2022 received their gavel and sounding board with a letter signed by the presidents of the Class of ’69 and’22’s senior Link-in-the-Chain Class of ’72 on letterhead with the class crests of’39, ’69, ’72, and ’22.

The joint intent of the classes is for each gavel and sounding board to be passed on to each junior LITC class.

The continued but sporadic availability of CONSTITUTION wood and Mike Salewske’s hard work over the years has resulted in ’69’s leadership currently holding 40 sets of gavels/sounding boards to be presented to future classes. As ’69’s fifty-fifth reunion looms, it is time to pass the gavel/sounding board torch to another class and for the tradition to be integrated with the ALITC activities.

The ties that bind us are human, personal, cultural, and historical. These USS CONSTITUTION memorial gavel/sounding board sets are among the ones most meaningful to all of us with ties to the United States Naval Academy and to the United States Navy.

’70

Life Membership: 62% Donor Participation: 15.69% Pres: CDR Edmund E. Moore, USN (Ret.) e: edmund.moore@gmail.com Sec’y: CDR Royal Connell, USN (Ret.) 7230 Meir Henry Rd., Pensacola, FL 32506 e: royal70@1970.usna.com Webmaster: Ed Moore e: edmund.moore@gmail.com Website: http://1970.usnaclasses.com

Greetings all – Not much in the way of news this month, I hope that means you all are storing up all your vacation trip reports for me to use in following issues. At this point I’m only one step away from having to make things up

74 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

to keep the column going. Although I write this in July, by the time you read it, it will be well into the football season, hopefully, the weather’s broken and you are in cooler temps and the western drought has diminished a bit.

Speaking of West, Grant Thorpe is now home and starting to get around after his accident. By now he should be able to put some weight on his pelvis and I know that he wants to get back on the horse (bike) that threw him as soon as possible.

Some closure of note. Abby Wadsworth Boretto, Rick Pilger’s daughter posted a photo of his gravestone with his ring on it. You might recall the story of its being found by a man in Norway and the long and circuitous route it took to get back home.

Plebe Dining Etiquette Class

Ring-A-Ding-Ding!

2022 NAVY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Follow Navy Football at: navysports.com

Hanks Ring

A Marine officer by the name of Brad Sharp who served in the 11th Marines First Marine Division from 1979-1982 wrote the Alumni Association looking for Cliff Kolson. The Military Rugby Community was trying to recognize him for his many achievements in the advancement and development of military rugby. In the ensuing search, we found that he had passed away back in 2016 and is inurned at Arlington. Our belated condolences go out to his family. But let this serve as a cautionary tale for the rest of us. When we were Plebes, we were all within 20 years of the beginning of our lives. Now, most of us are within 20 years of the other end of our lives. As the warranty on our bodies starts to run out, please stay in touch with the class and the Association so that we don’t lose track of you.

The class officers have been working on the Class By Laws and they should be out for ratification about now. Mostly the updates were in the areas of formatting and a new position of Decedent Affairs Coordinator.

Gary Vine has stepped up to fill that position.

Finally, Brock McMunn found the photo below on the Academy’s Plebe Summer Photo Website. Obviously, they have a class in dining and etiquette. Brock asked: Do you recall any Plebe Summer meals similar to the links below? One of the responses was from Lew Acuff: “As a plebe??? We were taught TRUCKER’S NIGHT ...and shoving out.”

3 SEPT 10 SEPT 24 SEPT 1 OCT 8 OCT 14 OCT 22 OCT 29 OCT 5 NOV 12 NOV 19 NOV 3 DEC 10 DEC

vs Univ. of Delaware vs Memphis @ East Carolina (Greenville, NC) @ Air Force (USAF Academy ,CO) vs Tulsa @ SMU (Dallas, TX) vs Houston vs Temple @ Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH) — Notre Dame (Baltimore, MD) @ UCF (Orlando, FL) — AAC Championship TBA vs Army (Philadelphia, PA) 1-800-US4-NAVY

2022 HOMECOMING Welcome Back Alumni!

28-30 October

SHIPMATE More than 80 years available online to all Alumni Association members.

Visit usna.com/shipmate

71/71 CLASS NEWS

’71

Life Membership: 62% Donor Participation:21.08% Pres: CAPT Perry Martini, USN (Ret.) e: pmartini71@gmail.com Sec’y: CAPT Mike Longworth, USN (Ret.) e: duke.longworth@1971.usna.com Website: http://1971.usnaclasses.net/

The Yard is in full fall colors now! I am always eager for the cool fall after the typically hot summer. This year is no different. I am looking forward to seeing classmates at our class tailgate and at the Army-Navy game. Navy Football is in full gear and hopefully on its way to a winning season! GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY! First up is a note from John Closs: M “Duke, As you know, our Class of ’71 included four astronauts: Bob Cabana, Frank Culbertson, David Leestma, and Bill Shepherd.

What you may not know is that the US Postal Service issued a commemorative postage stamp honoring the Space Shuttle Program in 2000 (Stamp #3411 - $3.20, ‘Escaping the Gravity of Earth’ - Set of 2 holograms). Attached is an autographed copy of that stamp. We are getting older; and since it may be difficult to read the signatures, I included enlargements of our classmates’ signatures. And it may be even more difficult to see, but that is David Leestma in the upside-down space suit on the right side of the stamp. Enjoy. John Closs. “ Way too cool!

Thank you!

Bob’s signature

Frank Culbertson- three missions – STS-38 (classified), STS-51, and to & from the International Space Station (where Frank lived for 129 days) on STS-105 & STS-108.

Frank’s signature

Dave Leestma- three missions – STS-41-G, STS-28 (classified) and STS-45.

33rd Company-mates with Phil

Dave’s signature

Bill Shepherd- four missions – STS-27. STS-41, STS-52, and to & from the International Space Station (where Bill lived for 136 days) on Soyuz TM-31 & STS-102.

Bill’s signature

Commemorative postage stamp with all four ’71 astronaut signatures

As a follow up John sent the following note: Their missions: Bob Cabana – four missions – served as pilot on STS-41 and STS-53, and was mission commander on STS-65 and STS-88.

“This group was from 33rd Company Class of ’75. We had some fun discussions about people we knew. None of them were Marines.

We did talk about Admiral Calvert’s implementation of the academic major requirement at USNA. They had heard about how it was when we were third class midshipmen and wondered why it changed. Below is a photo of me with the three 33rd Company members (L to R).

Tom Cihlar, Dave Gray, Ray Wassel and me standing. Have a great day. Semper Fi/Duces Virum, Phil. “ Excellent photo! Seems it is good idea to wear a USNA ’71 shirt!

“People frequently ask me to identify the most valuable stamp in my collection. My reply is always the same: ’Escaping the Gravity of Earth’. This stamp is priceless to me!” Very cool indeed! I am sure many of our classmates share pride in the success of these very brave men! At one point in my career I hoped to figure out how to get into the astronaut program, but that was not what the USN had in mind for me. Given the opportunity today I would jump at it!

Next up is a note from Phil Williams: M “Duke, While on vacation in Williamsburg Ann and I went to the New Kent Winery for lunch. I had on my USNA ’71 shirt and hat. A woman asked me if I had gone to the Naval Academy. After I said yes, she spoke to her husband and some of his friends who were also there for lunch.

Here’s an update from my summer! I’m sure that many of you have had exciting summers and done several things that you don’t get to do in the other months of the year. Midsummer for the last several years is when I take Boy Scout Troop 408 to a weeklong summer camp with the help of other adults.

This year I took the troop to Camp Rock Enon near Gore, Virginia. The six Scouts were a rather diverse group as three are on the autism spectrum. They are all on a higher functioning level, but it still makes the experience rather interesting and challenging. I have been very pleased to work with this young group of Scouts soon to be young men. Now is the time to help them grow and develop. You’ll recall that in my closing paragraph every month when I mention now is the time for us to be active in our communities.

The Scouts were all anxious at the beginning of the weeklong camp. The first day we had a rain storm that disrupted what they were doing and where they were going. By the next morning they had the flow down well, so my adult helpers and I just had keep an eye on them make sure they got to where they were going on time! .

I think the boys were quite delighted when our small troop from Tidewater Council, not from Shenandoah Council, was the only Scout troop to achieve the “elite unit award.” This award recognized a very active level of participation in activities other than merit badge classes. The Scouts were quite delighted when at the closing campfire Troop 408 was selected to receive the “spirit stick.” The spirit stick is a clever camp device intended to generator enthusiasm. All week Troop 408 Scouts wanted to be given the spirit stick for a day. But they were given the spirit stick at the closing

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 75

71/72 CLASS NEWS ceremony, so they have it for the full year.

Below is a photo of the troop with the stick.

You can see their smiling happy faces. This is quite a pleasure to work with these Scouts to help them develop to become productive citizens of our a great nation

Troop 408 Scouts with the Spirit Stick

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” - 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: 22.05% 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

Greetings, Classmates. Hope that your summer was productive and the fall season is off to a good start. If, by some strange happenstance, you didn’t already know, our 50th Reunion in Annapolis is this month—Thursday, 27 October – Sunday, 30 October 2022. It might not be too late to register—the Class of ‘72 50th Reunion Website: http://1972. usnaclasses.net/50th-reunion/ has the latest information. Also, updated information will continue to be posted through The Gouge. But, as we all know—time, tide and 50th Reunions wait for no man, and we’re now shoving off…Sir!

76 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

From the Another Link in the Chain Dept, Gary Coyle sends the following: M “In accordance with the Commandant of Midshipmen Instruction 1650.16, the Company Officers each nominated a midshipman to receive the ALITC Leadership Award, a sword donated by the Class of 1972. Our class presented one sword, donated by the family of Bruce E. Walter, 7th Company. Bruce passed away on 1 June 2007, at the age of 56. Bruce attended high school in Oshkosh, WI before entering USNA with the Class of 1972.

“Each Battalion officer briefed their most competitive nominee, based on performance as a Squad Leader, to a board made up of the Deputy Commandant and the Battalion officers, which provided the recipient to the Commandant.

“The recipient of the Class of 1972 Leadership Award sword is ENS Corine M. DeSpain, 3rd Company, from Springdale, Arkansas. She received the sword and Commandant’s Award letter at a ceremony in Memorial Hall on the 25th of May.”

“For the last ten years, I was a part time instructor in Creighton’s Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership. This June, the program held a 10th year celebration, and I was awarded their inaugural Instructor of the Year Award.

After 24 years of teaching and faculty development, this is the first teaching award that I have received, and I was humbled and honored that the folks at Creighton bestowed their first award to me!

Britt Watwood receiving Instructor of the Year Honors

“On a lighter note, my 8th Company mate Rick Haley was passing through Richmond for a family celebration, and he and his wife Michelle met Linda and I for breakfast as they were leaving town. Rick swears that Michele purposely lined up the shot so that the bus for the assisted living memory division was in the background! It was fun catching up with Rich and Michelle, who we had not seen since the 45th reunion. Hope to see you and everyone at the 50th reunion!”

Deputy Commandant, Captain Dave Forman, presenting the Class of ’72 Leadership Award to Ensign Corine M. DeSpain ’22

Thanks Gary, and heartiest congratulations to Ensign DeSpain. (An item of note: For those of you attending the Reunion, don’t be surprised if you see a few younger-looking faces in the crowd. No, not Dave Hogen…but it might be a member of the Class of ’22. If so, be sure to welcome them.)

It’s-Been-Awhile-Since-We’ve-HeardFrom… Dept. Britt Watwood sends the following: M “After 22 years in the Navy, I retired in 1994 in - of all places - Lincoln, Nebraska, where I spent my final tour as XO of the NROTC at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I spent another two years at UNL completing my doctorate in Education Leadership, then went on to another 22 years in higher education, primarily as a specialist in the emerging concept of online education. I retired a second time in 2016 at Northeastern University in Boston, and my wife and I settled in Chester, VA, near where I had spent 7 years at the VCU Center for Teaching Excellence. I continued online teaching in a master’s program at Northeastern and an interdisciplinary doctorate at Creighton University in Omaha. With my old nemesis prostate cancer resurfacing this past spring, I decided to step down from teaching for good.

Watwood and Haley

Thanks for the update, Britt, and congratulations on the award!

Quite a few of us are celebrating 50th anniversaries this year. Rich Goldsby is one of them…

M “Like many of us, Diana and I celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary this year. In June we took a river cruise that started in Paris and ended in Switzerland. On our first day in Paris, I noticed another passenger who was wearing a college ring with a large star sapphire on his left-hand ring finger. I asked him about it and met Buck Wicklund, USNA ‘78. He and his wife, Monica, were on the same cruise and the four of us quickly became “cruise buddies.” The photos show us all on the last evening of the cruise, Buck and Monica photo-bombing us on the cog-train to the Gornergrat Visitor Center

72/73 CLASS NEWS to see the Matterhorn… and Diana and I enjoying lunch and wine (of course) on our June 10th Anniversary at a winery established in 1398 overlooking Lake Geneva in Lausanne, Switzerland. Sorry, but we just don’t have much history in the USA.

Photo-bombed!

Wine-tasting overlooking Lake Geneva

“Diana and I were dining by ourselves two nights before our anniversary in Zermatt, Switzerland. Another couple was seated at the next table and, as they sounded like Americans, we struck up a conversation. They had just attended one of their son’s (USMA ‘16) wedding at Lake Como, Italy and were seeing some sights on the way home to Landcaster, PA. We had much in common (they with two kids who are Army grads and us with one Navy grad, April McBride ‘98, and her husband and classmate Scott. Being a dozen years younger than us, they were impressed that we were celebrating our 50th. We had a great conversation. While I was waiting for the server to bring our check, the couple told me to put my credit card away since they had just paid for our dinner. That was a nice gesture that reminded us that there are lots of good people in the world, despite what the evening news would lead us to believe. Now it is our turn to pay it forward.”

Photos like that make your scribe want to get out and travel some more. Congratulations to you both (and to everyone celebrating their 50th wedding anniversaries)!

Closing ranks. Vince (Trey) Cassani (10th Co.), a member of our Class who left the Academy before graduation, passed away from a massive heart attack on 11 June 2022. Vince attended and graduated from San Diego State University. After graduating, he served in the Navy and later in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, and subsequently worked as a Nurse Anesthetist

until his retirement. Vince was an avid naval historian and he enjoyed being on and near the ocean. He mentored several high school students who were interested in attending the Naval Academy. He is survived by his wife of thirty-six years, Janet Burnside, and his niece and nephew, Arianna Cassani and Paul Cassani, both of whom are former Naval Officers.

His ashes will be buried at sea.

Dave Hamilton (33rd Co.) passed away in his sleep from heart failure on 7 July 2022.

Details are thin as I write this column, but Mark Pistochini has been working with Dave’s wife, Gloria (who is suffering from COVID), to prepare an obituary. I will provide updates via The Gouge as I receive them.

We also learned through Dave Reppard that Dan Hill (33rd Co.), another Classmate who voluntarily separated from the Academy before graduation, passed away back on 26 January 2022. His obituary can be found online at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/ thebrunswicknews/name/dan-hill-obituary?id= 32515533.

The Class extends its sincerest condolences to the families of each of our deceased Classmates. Also, as I’ve mentioned before, if you become aware of the death of one of our Classmates, please pass any information you may have to me (Rich Robison—scribe72@ comcast.net) and Bill Moffatt, our VP for Class Affairs (wgmoffatt@comcast.net) so we can get the word out to the rest of the Class in a timely manner.

That’s it! Safe travels and hope to see you at the Reunion. More to come. D. O. Tried and True with ’72.

’73

Life Membership: 66% Donor Participation: 40.16% 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 and enjoying Navy Football and the tailgates. I will give you another friendly reminder, the holidays are coming up so you don’t want to forget your ex-roommate! The news has been pretty lite lately. Its July as I write this so no football or tailgates stories. Please pass them on.

My first item is a “stroll down memory lane.” On the 4th of July, Tom Broussard sent me the following picture (see next page), Tom was the Supply Officer in USS SAM RAYBURN (SSBN 635B) on patrol on 4 July 1977. So I did my own “stroll down Memory Lane” for where I was on 4 July 1977. Bob Smith, fellow 9th Company mate and I were in Rio de Janerio in USS SOUTH CAROLINA (CGN 37). We went there with the AMERICA (CV 66) and a couple of

other ships on a goodwill tour. Brazil was great and I became a shellback! It doesn’t get much better than that. If you want to send a story or pictures where you were on July 4th or any of your deployments that would be cool.

I have a couple of BZ’s to pass on: VADM Jim Zortman (Ret.), as of August 2021, is Chairman of the Board of Directors of USAA. I know I am a little late but didn’t realize it until I got an announcement of an annual USAA meeting. Paul Hendrickson was selected as the Connecticut Association of School Business Officials’ Celebrated Connecticut School Business Official. Paul provided a little background.

“Jim, about fourteen years ago after almost three decades in corporate life, I retired early from IBM and became chief financial officer of school districts. This year I was nominated and selected as the Connecticut Association of School Business Officials’ Celebrated Connecticut School Business Official. My wife Joan has been treasurer of our hometown, Darien, CT for seventeen years. Our son Rob is working towards his MBA and recently completed his first year at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. “Paul told me there is also a $1000 scholarship that goes to a student he selects with the recognition.

Congratulations and Well Done to Paul and Jim! Finally, Dirk would like to share some thoughts and info.

M “Classmates, this time next year many of us will be together again at our 50th Reunion.

I hope you are in touch with your Company Rep, Roomies, Company mates, Teammates, trying to get as many of us as possible back in Crabtown for a wonderful Reunion. Thank you, Doug Rice, (drice73@gmail.com) and the Reunion Committee. Thanks also to Bill Short (73ppt@earthlink.net) and his many helpers working with Classmates on Agent Orange issues and providing advice about dealing with the VA; Tim Ellis (tellis1456@comcast.net) and Dan Thigpen (dan.i.thigpen@outlook.com), who keep many ’73ers connected and in prayer via the ’73 Prayer Team bi-weekly calls; and Bob Bartron (bobbartron@hotmail.com), who has picked up responsibility for coordinating our Parkinson’s Disease Support Group.

Other great appreciation goes to Rick Elliott (richardaelliott73@gmail.com) for his maintenance of our Class website at USNA.com containing a wealth of useful information (and where you can update your contact info!); to Doug Leland’s (doug@dougleland.com) Ride Across America honoring Classmates who have gone before us, with a group of riders who intend to bike over 3,000 miles, which will end in Annapolis at the 50th Reunion; and to our Company Reps, our 36 main lifelines to Classmates (and whose contact info is on the Class website!). These Classmates and so many others have, and are, going above and beyond in their selfless service to ’73.

BZ, Gentlemen.

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 77

73/74 CLASS NEWS

’73: Tom Broussard and MSC Mattachione on patrol July 4, 1977.

Our 50th Reunion Gift Campaign under George Watt’s leadership (wattgp@gmail.com) is in fine shape. To be sure, we still need about 90 more Classmate donors to reach our goal of 73% Classmate contributors, and we need additional donations targeted to the Stockdale Center for Ethics, (Fred Minier Visiting Fellow), and the Academic Center Cyber Tutor, to fully achieve those donation goals. I am optimistic the Class will step up as we already have in achieving our donation goals for Athletic Excellence/the Heinz Lenz Fellow, our total 50th Reunion Gift of $3 million, and Lifetime Giving of $7.3 million. Thanks to each of you who have so generously donated thus far.

As of second quarter results: • Percent of Classmates giving in the 50thcampaign? 62+% • Number of President’s Circle Members for ’ 21 vs ‘20? 2020-40; 2021-47; • Total $ Gift donations vs goal? $4,301,452 raised on a 3M goal, 143.38% of goal, and counting!

• Total $ Lifetime donations vs goal $7,449,422 raised lifetime on goal of 7.3M • We are short $156k in Ethics and short $123k in Academic. (We’ve exceeded Athletic and Unrestricted!)

• Link for a Classmate to go to give; www.usna.com/give/1973 If you have questions on giving, please contact Dan Quattrini ’81 (dan.quattrini@usna.com (952-210-5533), our liaison at Foundation, or George Watt or me. Finally, more seminars on Planned Giving to USNA will be presented to us in the near term. As we each reach age 72, RMDs (required minimum distributions) from our 401ks, IRAs and certain annuities will kick in. In the interim, if you have questions please contact Gift Administration, giftadministration@ usna.com, 410-295-4115. Beat Army, Sir! Non sibi, Dirk”

That’s about it. You are up to date. Please stay safe. Again, the holidays are coming and you don’t want to forget that special ex-roommate ( Hint JJ) and do not forget to verify your contact info with the alumni association.

As always, Go Navy and Semper Fi! General

’74

Life Membership: 59% Donor Participation: 33.06% Pres: John Yaeger Corr Sec’y: Roger McEvoy p: 559-905-7362; e: usna745677@hotmail.com

Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried, Grapple them unto thy soul with hoops of steel Silence is golden, so they say. But when you are trying to put together the monthly column for Shipmate, silence means a short column.

Fortunately, our San Diego-based brethren continue to rally every month, and this summer, my fellow 8th Company mates rallied around one of our own to celebrate his wedding.

’74: 8th Co. Mini-Reunion 78 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

San Diego: Monthly Dose of ’74. This month’s edition, held at El Pueblo’s in North County, featured Steve Diamond (12th Co.), Dave Topolewski (31st Co.), Al Lerchbacker (20th Co.), Dan Donoghue (4th Co.), Gary Leupold (4th Co.), Dick Plush (32nd Co.), Evan Rasmussen (26th Co.), Jay Wells (16th Co.), Bob Foltyn (34th Co.), Roger Brueckbauer (16th Co.) and Bruce Lowman (16th Co.).

Roger Brueckbauer was in town for a business conference, which made 3 attendees from 16th Co. I rarely include info from 8th Company in this column. We communicate between ourselves on a regular basis, and I don’t share most of that with the class. It’s more like family business, than class events. But… A few months ago, Mike Carnes informed us that he was getting married. The wedding would be in July in Annapolis. It was a natural that we’d see this as an 8th Co. mini-reunion.

With several company mates having to cancel out at the last minute, we still had 11 8th Co. brothers converge on Annapolis for the event.

David and Bootsie Humenansky hosted a BBQ dinner at their home in Great Falls on Thursday.

Humo, Jeff Kranz and I played golf at Humo’s club Friday morning, while Lee and Lynn Culver organized a tour of various museums in DC. Friday night most of us had dinner together at the O’Club in Annapolis. Mike had organized a tour of the yard led by one of the tour guides from the visitor’s center, and Saturday afternoon we all raised a glass to the new bride and groom at the O’Club. It was a whirlwind weekend and a fantastic way to welcome Mike’s bride, Martha, into the 8th Co. family.

Mike & Martha

74/75 CLASS NEWS two months until Army-Navy. So please do not hesitate to contact John if you wish to attend.

Here is his statement in full: M With the success of last year’s tailgate at the Army/ Navy football game, this year we will again host a tailgate for the ‘74-’24 families and friends. The game of the year encore is Saturday December 10, 2022. This notice is to inform everyone that plans are in the works for replicating the fun, food and camaraderie.

The game, this year, will be played at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia for the 90th time. Our plan is to secure a convenient location where we can all gather to enjoy the day and witness Navy beating Army. Make sure you secure your tickets!

Although planning is ongoing, we are asking for everyone to let us know if you plan on attending and joining our celebration. Number of attendees is crucial to our planning. the quantity of people will determine the needs for food, etc. A $25 donation PP to the effort will be used to purchase the food and drink similar to last year. The preliminary menu will consist of: Pulled BBQ Pork, Sausage & Peppers, Burgers, Hot Dogs, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, and Chili. And as always people will supplement our spread with additions of their favorite house recipes and/or desserts. You should also plan on bringing your favorite adult beverage, if the budget allows, we will provide some beer and wine. Many of us, usually, bring enough to share.

’74: The Honor Guard

Two years until the 50th Reunion. I hope you are all making plans to attend now.

Go Navy.

—Roger

’75

’74: The Wedding Crashers

Life Membership: 60% Donor Participation: 24.81% 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/

’74: 8th Co. Classmates & Wives

Attendees of the weekend included David and Bootsie Humenansky, Jeff and Ann Kranz, Greg and Barbara Pearsall, Terry and Nancy Howell, Mick Halbreiner, Jim and Lela Burns, David and Dana Zacharias, Jim and Chris Rucks, Lee and Lynn Culver, Clovis and Leida Manley, and me.

This is what being company mates is all about.

Many of you may remember that last year we held a tailgate at Army as part of our commitment to An Other Link In The Chain program with the members and families of USNA ’24. Our Class President, John Yaeger has issued a notice regarding this year’s tailgate.

By the time you read this, there will be about

Dear ‘mates, The Tidewater contingent of the Flower Children held a great Fair Winds and Following Seas party for Jacalyn and Craig Quigley.

Craig and Jacalyn left the heat and humidity of Virginia for the desert heat of Las Vegas.

David Penman reports.

M “Thanks to Pete Squicciarini and his wife Anne, who took us out on their boat Privateer for a wonderful “three-hour tour” of the Norfolk harbor and surrounding waters.

We enjoyed good food, good drinks, Skipper Pete OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 79

75/75 CLASS NEWS

Powers and Guida in NH

’75: Quigleys and classmates

and of course—great company. Jan and Dave Duffie, Beth and Bill McGloon, Mark Klett, and Rick Schwarting joined the Squicciarinis, the Quigleys, and Gail and me. There were a few sea stories shared, and Pete allowed some folks to take the helm — but only if you had your SWO pin! Later, so that I wouldn’t be left out, they did let this Field Artillery Officer pull the lanyard on one of our several “farewell” cannon shots. All-in-all a fabulous night, which made for great memories.”

Denis Powers squeezed in a side trip to see Bob Giuda in the small town of Warren, NH. It is a little slice of heaven tucked into the mountains. No stoplights, maybe one stop sign. Bob lives in an 18th century farmhouse that he’s been adding to and fixing up for the last 20+ years. Denis and Bob had a great visit and got all caught up over dinner in town before Denis headed home the next morning.

This particular section of the AT was particularly heinous and seriously kicked ass. Denis will finish Maine in July-August and declare victory. He started section-hiking the trail in 2010 while still working—completing 150-200 miles per year (sometimes less) with a weeklong hike in the spring and another in the fall.

After New Hampshire, he had about 280 miles to finish. Maine will be a real graduation hike: very remote, buggy, few resupply points, more mountains, many river fordings, and then Mt. Katahdin to finish (gawd!). Powers plans to “power through” the pain.

Captain’s on the bridge

Fire in the Hole

Near the end of a two-week trip to New Hampshire hiking the Appalachian Trail, 80 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

’75: 11th Company at the Indy 500

Mark Lambright sent a photo from 11th company’s annual long weekend at the Indianapolis 500.

They have been ticket holders so long (1980) that their seats are among the best at the motor speedway. In the photo — Mark Disney (top), Mark Lambright, Frank Kearney, Don Moorehead, Evan Ryan (Les’ son), Pete Ortiz, and Les Ryan.

A welcome contribution from Alex Plechash: [Scribe’s note: It’s about time Alex!]

M “It’s been a long time since I submitted something for Shipmate. My life is still full of adventure … maybe too much, in that I haven’t found the time to craft a note. I was dutifully reminded of that when reading our Class News in the June issue, in which our Class Secretary lamented the dearth of items in the gouge locker. In the picture I’m holding that very issue when I was traveling in Europe in June. I was inspired to pull it out when I came across a statue of Neptune on the grounds of the Nymphenburg Palace outside of Munich. I made the trip to check off three bucket list items — the primary one being to attend the Passion Play in Oberammergau. It occurs only once every ten years (although this one was postponed twice due to COVID).

Speaking of bucket lists, I have been maintaining one for about ten years. It includes not only places to go but things to do (e.g., do a Ted Talk). I will likely never be able to check off

75/76 CLASS NEWS everything, but I am working on them bit by bit between all my current obligations — which include being actively engaged as an executive recruiter and routinely having to race off to the firehouse as an active member of our town’s fire department. I am in my second term on the Wayzata, MN city council. I turned down running for mayor in the last election but I am seriously considering it at the end of this term.

I was privileged to have been elected as a member of the Republican National Committee (168 members—three from each state and territory in addition to the District of Columbia).

I attended the GPS Defense Sniper School outside of Phoenix last year. The classmate in the photo with me is West Point ‘83. He was former 82nd Airborne. Although the school wasn’t structured to be a competition, per se, it couldn’t help but be competitive. I (figuratively) blew him away during training, happy to say.

The pinnacle for me was the last day when I challenged myself to find and range the longest distance target in the desert — 1550 yards. I said “Let’s do this!” and got down into a prone position. Dialing in the elevation I thought was appropriate (an art at that distance) and getting a wind call (even more of an art) from my instructor who was an experienced sniper in Iraq and Afghanistan, I put into practice all I had learned and gently squeezed the trigger.

Happy to say I hit dead center of the silhouette target on the first trigger pull and followed it up with a second shot within six inches of the first.

Ever the Marine. My next military style adventure is a tactical carbine course in August. Next year, I am planning to attend the Navy-Notre Dame game in Ireland along with Patrick Sullivan, a dear friend and former All American fullback from our undefeated Class 6A Illinois state championship football team in high school. We plan to travel around Ireland a bit with his son and hit some golf courses. After that, it will be an extended photographic safari in Africa … another longstanding bucket list item.”

King Neptune and a Marine reading Shipmate

Defense Sniper School in AZ

Well, this is an easy job when classmates do all the work! Here’s a fearless July 25th prediction — NAVY football will be 3-1 when you read this column in October. I called it first!

75 Sir! Larry

’76

Life Membership: 59% Donor Participation: 22.46% 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/

The Another Link in the Chain (ALITC) campaign by the Great Bicentennial Class of 1976 has completed one more milestone event.

On Monday 18 July, the Honor Coin Ceremony was yet another fantastic event! As we have come to expect with ALITC events, the turnout by classmates was phenomenal! Seventeen members of the class were present: Sally and Ed Riehl, Lou Saccoccio, Calvin Langford, Scott Beaton, Al Clark, Gail and Lee Smith, Mary and Wayne Walters, Scott Goodson, Kevin Stone, Derwood Curtis, Phyllis and John Boulden, Bob Dixon, Pete Varsanyi, Steve Taylor, Ed Gilmore, Dee and John Kruse, and Mark Nesselrode.

The event was held in the Bob Hope Performance Center of Alumni Hall which was a stunning venue since the Class of 2026 filled the amphitheater setting completely - a sea of

white with our class, VERY NATTILY DRESSED in the first two rows center. We didn’t have this event in our time, but it can best be described as the chance for the Plebes to learn about the Honor Concept and what is required and expected of midshipmen. As a physical reminder of this commitment, each Plebe was presented with an “honor coin,” which was designed, made (and paid for) by the 50-year class and presented to the Plebes by members of the Alumni class. The 50-year class also provided one guest speaker to talk about honor, commitment, and courage during the ceremony. Mark Nesselrode more than ably represented Class of ’76 and delivered a stirring speech that each Plebe will remember for years to come. The coin that was presented to each of the 1175 members of the class of 2026 is shown below.

Following Mark’s remarks, the ’76ers presented each member of the class with the coin, offered congratulations and words of encouragement, and then had a brief exchange.

Among these very eager Plebes were several who had been at the NAPS Dining In this past January, and when these new Midshipmen recognized someone, they met that evening, it was a very personal moment. The Plebes had been well coached to respond to any year group that wasn’t theirs: at the mention of our class, and two historical examples (VADM Stockdale, ’47 and Senator McCain, ’58) they very enthusiastically yelled, “26!” It was deafening and very reassuring that the traditions we had are still imbued 50 years later. A great event that has forged yet Another Link in the Chain!

[NOTE: I had an opportunity to read Mark Nesselrode’s Honor Coin Ceremony remarks.

He did an outstanding job at capturing the essence of the credo: Honor, Courage, and Commitment. His personal stories were fascinating and compelling. I had no idea of the challenges he faced as CO of the USS OLENDORF. I can only imagine the trials and tribulations many of our classmates faced and persevered in their service to our country and in their careers outside of the military. It would be nice to have someone capture stories like Mark’s and others that showcase real life examples of applying the service credo. I think

The very nattily dressed Class of ’76 at the ALITC Honor Coin Ceremony Event OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 81

76/76 CLASS NEWS back to JFK’s inspiring book, Profiles In Courage.

Since I took over the reins as Class of ’76 Secretary years ago, I have learned so much about our classmates that I probably would have never known otherwise. It bolsters my pride in the Great Bicentennial Class of 1976!]

I’d like to thank those classmates who participated in the Link in the Chain activities at USNA to welcome the Class of 2026!

The 76/26 Honor Coin that was passed out to the Class of ’26

Bryce Canyon Natural Bridge with Bob Holland ’76 and daughter, Julie ’07

Mark Nesselrode speaking to the Class of ’26

CDR (sel) Julie Holland-Wehmeyer, Old Faithful, and the Old Geezer!

at a picnic at the COMPACFLT Boathouse.

Before the picnic, the incoming class and their families were taken on the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Cruise courtesy of the COMPACFLT Boathouse crew. The cruise included an overview presentation of the Pearl Harbor attack and then visited significant sites such as USS UTAH’s Memorial and a stop at USS ARIZONA’s Memorial. Cruise and picnic were organized and led by Ted Peck ‘88, Hawaii Chapter President and Jason Afong ‘06. RDML Alma Grocki ‘81 (Ret.) provided a highly engaging “straight gouge” talk to both the incoming class and the parents as to what to expect and how to best support the new members of the Class. Danny and I are the white-haired guys along with Ethan Fiedel of ’01 (grey at temples only) in the picture. Jason Afong ‘06 is in the center, to the left of Danny.

Mark Haas (28th Co.) and wife, Phyllis, recently returned from a 17-day sojourn out west to Oregon, Idaho & California: The main thrust for the trip was to visit Jim “Sloaner” Sloan and his wife, Lori, in Oregon.

We finally accepted their invitation to come out west to visit them. Thank goodness we did, as we found out that they have decided to move back to Southern California in October.

Their new home will be in Vista, not far from another member of Frat 28, Doug “The Commodore” Austin. Had we not done our trip in 2022 we may never have experienced the beautiful state of Oregon. We spent most of our week with them touring (i.e., HIKING!) the many incredible sites and parks in and around their hometown of Bend. It was, of course, also a week of reminiscing about the past 50 years since our I-Day on July 6, 1972. During a brief hiatus from Oregon, Phyllis and I drove over to Eagle, Idaho (near Boise) to see a Marine buddy who worked with me back at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. It was great seeing (former) Sgt Marty Alsip, whom I had not seen since 1981 (but with whom I have been exchanging Xmas cards since that time).

On our way to California, Phyllis and I stopped

Ed Gilmore distributing the Challenge Coin

Eric Kimura (26th Co.) provides an ALITC update from Hawaii: M The Class of ‘76 (Dan Kalili & Eric) and ‘01 (Ethan Fiedel) of the USNA Hawaii Chapter conducted the ALITC presentation on 18 June

Bob Holland (14th Co.) writes of his recent cross-country journey: M My daughter, CDR (sel) Julie HollandWehmeyer ‘07, and I had a great bonding road trip from San Diego, CA to Washington DC in early June in support of her PCS to CHINFO at the Pentagon. While we made a dash through several National Parks, her husband, CDR Jason Wehmeyer, took a more direct southernly path pulling a trailer while enjoying a cigar-inclusive drive across the US! Julie and I visited Yosemite, the North Wall of the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, the Badlands, and Mt. Rushmore before heading directly to DC. Unfortunately, soon after our trek, Yellowstone was shut down due to excessive rain and Yosemite suffered significant forest fire damage. I fear Julie and I will no longer be allowed into National Parks due to our proven record of follow-on disasters!

Class of ’76 joins ’01 and incoming Class of 2026 at ALITC Picnic in Honolulu

82 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

76/77 CLASS NEWS

We know you join us in wishing Jackie and Brendan many, many years of wedded bliss.

Speaking of many, many years, Jerry Miller (19th Co.) writes that Benny Garcia (24th Co.) has joined the Senior Tour…the State Department Senior Tour that is, having recently accepted the position of Acting Management Officer at the U.S. Consulate in Monterrey, Mexico.

’76: Collage of Phyllis and Mark Haas on their trip to Oregon, Idaho, & California

at Crater Lake. Despite the overcast, chilly condition, we nonetheless marveled at its beauty. We had a great time in Northern California, 2 of the highlights being (1) our visit to Yosemite and (2) getting to see the monstrous trees in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Seeing the work of Mother Nature in Yosemite Valley and then days later walking among the redwoods are truly experiences that we will never forget. Another great highlight (and NOT taking a back seat to the others!) was getting to see my roomie of 3 years back in Mother B, Tim Theurer along with his wife, Marsha, who live about 1-1/2 hours outside of Yosemite. It was not until talking with him that I realized that we had not seen each other since graduating just over 46 years prior!

Phyllis and I had a great time hanging out with Tim and Marsha during the 1st part of our Yosemite adventure. Tim and I also pledged that we would not wait another 46 years before getting together again! On the last day of our vacation, Phyllis and I saw (and “conquered”) the Golden Gate Bridge. Despite the chilly and windy (and perhaps typical) conditions, we walked the bridge in both directions “in order to say we had done it”. I am extremely grateful to my wife for her countless hours of both doing research for our trip and making/ cancelling/changing our plane, hotel, and rental car reservations. We made it safe and sound back to “boring” old Virginia! We will see you, Secretary Mark Tigner, and the rest of ‘76 in less than 4 years at our 50th!

Thanks for everyone’s input!

’77

Life Membership: 74% Donor Participation: 16.67% Pres: John F. Vuolo 71 Hidden Gin, Hinton, WV 25951-5184 Sec’y: Thom McKee 1202 Shady Creek Rd., Marriottsville, MD 21104 p: 410-489-5080; f: 410-489-5071 c: 202-438-1541; e: magoo1310@verizon.net

“A life is best measured by its quantity of donation rather than its duration.” – Anonymous I’m strong to the finish, ‘cause I eats me spinach…and when I spits, I spits tar! I’se hard!

I is, I am, I are…SIR! Brings back memories, don’t it? And fond ones, at that!

Now, attention to brief.

First up, Larry Becker (11th Co.) forwarded a photo from the April 10th wedding of Brendan Kelly, the youngest son of Beth and Jim Kelly (11th Co.). Brendan and his bride Jackie tied the knot at St. Mary’s in Annapolis followed by a reception at the Annapolis Yacht Club. Featured nearby sharing the Kellys’ joy and consuming as many complementary cocktails as possible are, left to right: Gary Gambarani (24th Co.), John Kamen (2nd Co.), the proud father of the groom, Larry and Chris Feeney (11th Co.).

Benny, just when we thought you were out, they’ve dragged you back in! Best of luck in the new slot; nd remember, like a fine wine, you’re not getting older, you’re getting better.

Finally, we sadly mark the passing of two classmates. First, we were recently contacted

by Wanda Walters-Marshall, former wife of Dave Walters (11th Co.), with a belated response to an email we sent out back in 2018.

Wanda regretted to inform us Dave passed away in December of 2020 in Tempe, AZ after a long and valiant fight with esophageal cancer.

He is survived by his son, Christopher (Wash, DC); his father, Joel (Tampa, FL) and a brother, Daniel (Tempe, AZ).

Second, as most of you likely know, we recently lost John Althans (1st Co.), perhaps the greatest wrestler in Naval Academy history. What follows is in memory of John, penned in it’s entirety by Chris Diller (1st Co.), his roommate all four years: Loss Report re: JOHN ALTHANS Flew west on 23 June. 2 weeks shy of his 67th birthday and just a week after the passing of his father.

Quick resume / distillation of his official obit (which should be found in the usual section) follows.

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 83

77/78 CLASS NEWS From Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Kenston High School class of ’73. Kenston Hall of Fame.

National Honor Society. Class president. State champion wrestler. All State linebacker. Clearly a superman in high school.

1st company. Econ major. 3 times Supe’s list. 4 year starter and 4 N stars wrestling.

Co-captain. Two time All American. Graduated holding the record for most wins by a Navy wrestler, all time. USNA athletic hall of fame.

Naval Flight Officer wings ’78.

Married Rosemarie (Rory) Roberto of Pennsauken, NJ. Assigned VF-11 (the famous Red Rippers), NAS Oceana. First deployment on USS FORRESTAL in F-4 Phantoms. Quick trip through the 14 RAG, then another deployment with the Rippers, in Tomcats, on JFK. Left active (but remained in Reserve) in ’83.

Back to Chagrin Falls, and Althans Insurance.

Principal and co-owner. Understatement - did VERY well in the business world.

Always athletic: lottsa golf, paddleball, skiing and snowboarding. Outdoorsy - hunting, biking, ocean swims (at his Outer Banks beachfront home), and walks with labradors Navy and Jett, in the extensive woodlands on and around his property. Hence the call sign “Nature Boy” when he was with the Rippers.

Survived by Rory, daughter Jennifer Althans Iannarino (Kevin), son Johnny, granddaughter Paige, and siblings James Althans (Kammie) and Deborah Evans (David). https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/ 25224665/john-stanley-althans/chagrin-falls/ ohio/stroudlawrence-funeral-home “To fly West, my friend, is a flight we all must take for a final check.”

BZ, Fang; We know that wasn’t easy to write.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of both Dave and John.

Home is the sailor, home from the sea, and the hunter home from the hill.

Magoo

’78

Life Membership: 81% Donor Participation: 42.84% Pres: Glen Woods Sec’y: Vince Balderrama 1320 Homewood Ln., Annapolis, MD 21401 e: canoeu78@aol.com Website: usna1978.org

Not much in the mail bag. So here goes: As of June Andy Mohler (18th Co) is the President of the Florida Region for the Navy League. As the President he coordinates and assists 16 Navy League Councils from Key West to JAX and brings forward best practices to grow the Navy League. He also serves on the National Board of Directors. Andy encourages everyone to also serve consider also joining him in serving the Navy League through your 84 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

local Council, no matter what background you have. Thanks for staying engaged, Andy. We need to continue to support our naval service and Navy- especially with the global threats we face.

Mark Miller (2nd Co) wrote that he “managed to shuffle my way onto the podium for my age group at the Atlantic City Olympic Distance Triathlon last weekend. The N* jersey generates lots of support from fellow participants and spectators.” Way to go Mark.

Mark Miller on the Podium

I have a few Ring Stories for you: Ted Null (18th Co) posted the following on our Class Facebook page: “Lost my USNA 78 class ring 36 years ago at McGhee Tyson airfield in 1986 while flying w the 278th TN Air Calvary…fast forward 36 years. Received a MSG that my class ring had been found in a parking lot in Richmond, VA. The young man returned it to me and said, “ thanks for your service, sir”.

God is soooo good!!” A lot of guys mentioned having their rings lost or stolen, replaced, or repaired. Scott Stoner (27th Co) still hopes to have his ring returned. Rusty Chang (4th Co) had his ring stolen in a home robbery back in 1985. Tony Shaddix (24th Co) “Left mine behind on the nightstand at the Bethesda Marriott some 20+ years ago. Called the hotel but it wasn’t found. The good news is that I did replace it some 15 years later.” Jim Shulson (22nd Co) wrote “I had mine stolen from my bag while playing rugby up at Camp Hansen on Okinawa. It was on base, so it had to have been a barracks thief. Checked many pawn shops but never recovered it. Like Anthony Shaddix my wife replaced it several years later. I still wear it every day”. Bruce Gearey (30th Co) was fortunate. He left his ring in the glove box of his 1/C car. It was at the dealer for maintenance and got stolen. A few months later, a cop showed up at main office with the ring. They found it on someone they had arrested.” Some of us have found that our class rings may have “shrunk” over the years (Who would have thought?) or sustained too much wear and tear. Rick Reece (34th Co) told Neil Kennedy (12th Co) – and thereby reminds all of us- that Jostens’ has a lifetime warranty on our rings and will resize (or refinish and repair) them at no cost. Pogo wrote: “Many years ago, after banging up my ring finger, the class ring would not fit over the knuckle. Someone told me that Jostens had a lifetime policy to re-size rings

they sold. I went on the website and followed their procedure (including measuring the current size of the ring finger). I shipped the ring. A few weeks later, received an e-mail bad news, your new ring size is beyond our ability to re-size the ring. However, if you would like, we will keep this ring and make you an exact duplicate in the size that will fit your finger. Today, I have a class ring just like the one I had at Navy, and it fits on my ring finger… ” Thanks to gouge provided by Ken Heffernan (1st Co), Fred Butterfield (22nd Co) had his ring reworked and “modified”. As he wrote, “Six weeks and one day from shipment to receipt — and Jostens did a fantastic job! Brand-new fire blue spinel stone, cleaning, polishing, and antiquing (oxidizing) all covered under warranty repair (free), plus a mere $50 for goldencrusting of a cross on the top of the stone.”

It looks beautiful too. Charles [aka Spence] Witten (7th Co) needs to have his ring super glued to him as he has lost- but found- his ring twice. Here’s Spence’s tale: “I’ve lost mine twice by stupidly wearing it out in the yard in the winter when my fingers shrink. The first time I found it the next day when I decided it was in one of the eleven trash cans of yard trash from the day before. Turned the first one over and out it bounced. The second time I figured it was at the bottom of a burn pile I had not lit off, waited ‘til spring, and disassembled the burn pile branch by branch, burning it 15 feet away. All of a sudden, there it was staring at me when I went back to the original pile”.

I am sure there are more tales out there. As we get closer to our reunion, if you want to have your ring “spruced up” check with Jostens.

You can look up their warranty online and see all they cover. There is a link to the process to return it.

As I mentioned in the last column. The Class 45th Reunion will be here before you know it.

78/78 CLASS NEWS

USNA

CLASS OF 1978 45th Reunion SAVE THE DATE

H OCTOBER 19-22, 2023 H Reunion Headquarters: Westin Hotel 100 Westgate Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401 • 410-972-4300 Further updates and information will come from the Class Website (www.usna1978.org), direct e-mail, and from your company rep. Update your profile on our class website and at the USNA Alumni Association Website (www.usna.com). You can also update your Alumni Association Information with a Membership Coordinator by phone at: 410-295-4000.

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 85

78/80 CLASS NEWS This year, we are leaving Friday night (Oct 20th) open for companies and groups to have a little private gathering of your own. Feedback from our last reunion indicated that a lot of you did that anyway and many stated a preference to have time to quietly gather in smaller groups.

With our reunion, 2023 will also be time for class elections. Every slot is available for someone to run- like this job as Class Scribe. If you are interested in running for any of the four class officer or five Member at Large positions, please toss your hat in the arena. You can read more about the process in our Class By-Laws located on our class website. More will follow.

Well, that’s it for now. Launchin’ Spot Four.

’79

M Lois and I were in Ireland last week wandering about the lovely countryside when we visited the Cliffs of Mohar - a beautiful section of the western coast. As we were walking out to the viewing area on a particularly lovely day (light rain and 35 knots of wind), I saw a guy that looked like a member of in our local (Jacksonville, NC) Alumni Chapter. I thought “No way!”

But as we passed, I called his name and he spun around - it was Aaron Adams ’95 and his wife Christina.

As they say – 5 minutes either way and it wouldn’t have happened. The funny part was that Aaron & I sat together in the April chapter meeting but apparently didn’t get around to upcoming trips.

So, is it chance, or some sort of universal magnetic attraction? Whatever the label, it’s quite the interesting story. Thanks, Bob, for the update and photo.

Life Membership: 91% Donor Participation: 16.61% 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

Jeff Bontrager and Joe Mulloy in Silicon Valley

Greetings 79ers!

According to the calendar, we’re in the middle of fall. Here in Atlanta, though, it seems like we’re still in full summer. After 20 years in the mid-Atlantic, Karen and I are still getting used to the seasons in the southeast. We’re close enough to the mountains of north Georgia to see fall color without too much trouble, but we’ll have to wait until November to do it. On the plus side, my snow shovel hasn’t seen the light of day since we departed Virginia.

This column has a definite theme, but I’m of two minds on what to name it. I could call it “Chance Meetings,” since these stories both involve an element of chance. But if I wanted to get more philosophical, I could call it “Law of Attraction” – the idea that classmates and alums seem to find each other even when they’re not trying.

Example #2 comes from the west coast of the US, this one featuring 18th Company’s Joe Mulloy: M Hope you are well. Just a quick photo to share of two classmates both serving our post-Navy lives in Silicon Valley.

I am with Northrop-Grumman in Marine Systems in Sunnyvale, CA and Jeff Bontrager works for the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). Jeff flew P-3’s out of Hawaii, came to a shore job at nearby Moffett Field in Mountain View and then got out. He worked a number of places after that but stayed local.

Turns out we both live in the same area called Willow Glen in southwest San Jose. Jeff was on site to say hello. DCMA periodically inspects my products and they have a small office on our site. A few months ago Jeff was in a meeting with my Launcher Team and Andy Jarrett ’89 my Launcher OU Senior Director mentioned that he was ’89 and I was Class of ’79. Jeff said he was ’79 too and would try to find me. It took a few months but we both ended up in my office and my EA grabbed a quick photo. Life goes on.

Thanks, Joe! Glad you and Jeff were able to connect, and I really appreciate the note and photo.

Classmates, that’s all I have for this month.

Please keep a lookout for those “chance meetings” with fellow classmates. And when they occur – as I know they will - please drop me a line and tell me about it!

Enjoy fall, and I’ll see you next month.

Wiz…

Aaron Adams ’95 and Bob Dupuis meet up in Ireland

I offer two examples. First is this update from 8th Company’s Bob Dupuis, describing an event occurring in a different country: 86 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

’80

Life Membership: 96% Donor Participation: 18.30% Pres: LtCol Tony Verducci USMC (Ret.) e: Ajverducci80@gmail.com Sec’y: CAPT Joseph A. Grace Jr., USN (Ret.) 15 Allard Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70119 p: 504-915-6711; e: joe.grace@1980.usna.com Website: http://1980.usnaclasses.net

Greetings Classmates, This month has been full of activity for the Class. Our newly minted Class Council has been busy reviewing data, setting up committees, migrating our website, setting up for DGA nominations, working with RADM Sam Cox on potentially sponsoring the new carrier, CVN-80, setting up CACO committee and supporting loss within our ’80 family.

It was with great sadness that several Classmates met in Tucson, AZ, to support Netia and Joe Hayden, JosephCHayden@ msn.com, my 33rd Herd roommate, as they dealt with the death of their son Sean. Lisa and Mike Grieco, mgrieco2@verizon.net, Ray Farmer, res0m67c@verizon.net, and I were able be there with the family. It was a beautiful ceremony and a constant reminder to hug your kids every day and let them know how much you love them! In Joe’s eulogy for his son, he shared thoughts on mental illness, something that Sean had to deal with much of his adult life. I shared it in the Class email and felt that it was important enough to share again as we all age and deal with afflictions and challenges in our lives. He has openly offered to speak with anyone suffering with the same issues in their family or lives. Here is his note: M Over the past 12 years or so Sean has faced a most unfair illness. Mental illness, specifically Schizophrenia and other related diagnoses.

For those of you who are unsure of what this means I’ll tell you in Sean’s own words: “I have demons that have possessed my brain. They are voices that are always there and never go away. They say the most terrible things. Sometimes they take control of me. Nothing helps.

Sometimes they are not so loud, and I can focus on other things, but they are always there.” I would encourage you to look up the more comprehensive and technical descriptions that are easily found with a quick Google search. Schizophrenia begins in males early in life, usually between the age of 16 and 30. There is no cure, and it can only be “managed” with drugs and therapy. Sean faced this unfair condition with all the determination and effort he could muster. It continuously knocked him down, but he never gave up. Please remember this when you see someone affected by mental illness, or learn of a friend or family member whose lovedone has been afflicted by this terrible disease.

Show them compassion, mercy, and love.

Thanks Joe – for sharing such a personal message and we are here for you and Netia and Mo.

80/80 CLASS NEWS

’80

Our second loss of the month was the passing of Skip Anderson who had been battling with stage IV Glioblastoma since he collapsed on a daily 5 mile run in November of 2020.

He was surrounded by his family and faced his transition with the same courage, determination, love, and faith with which he had lived his very dynamic life. He was a NAPSTER, a proud member of the 23rd Company Wildmen, an F-14 Tomcat RIO, and flew with the VF-124 “Gunfighters,” and the VF-24 “Renegades” where he served with Classmates, Pete Andreasen, Kelly McBride, and Brian Wood, and the VF-213 “Black Lions.” Skip completed a 20-year naval career followed by a very successful second career as an account executive with Sun Microsystems, Dell, and VMware.

Skip and Susan were married in 1989 and they have two children Katherine and Nicholas.

His Shipmates describe Skip as “…an incredible husband, father, Naval Officer, patriot, corporate leader, Classmate, friend, and Christian.” Skip set a powerful example for everyone who had the honor of knowing him.

He was humble, a blessing to people and a strong supporter of everyone he met. Special thanks to Jim Gosnell, jimgosnell80@gmail. com, who was the epitome of a loving and caring Classmate, Shipmate, and friend to Skip and the family through his journey. Jim – you have our utmost appreciation and admiration!

Thank you!

Another Classmate who was instrumental in supporting Skip was Brian Wood, woodusn@ aol.com who checked in from Monterey: M Joe, I was good friends with Skip Anderson. We were in our first F-14 squadron together, VF-24 along with two other 80 classmates, Pete Andreasen & Kelly McBride. Very unusual to have 4 Classmates in the same Fighter squadron.

A story. Our first deployment was supposed to be a Love Boat cruise—lots of port visitsSingapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, 3 in Australia.

But the Marine Barracks was attacked in Lebanon, (where we lost Don Woollett) so all of our port visits (after Hawaii & Philippines) were cancelled as the USS AMERICA was kept in the Med instead of relieving us in the Indian Ocean. Four straight months & 2 beer days later we finally pulled into the PI for a port visit on our way home. After a month in the IO (lack of funding = lack of flight time), the squadron was given a quality-of-life survey. When we got the results back a month later, they were summarized by rank of respondents. The LTjg’s (80 classmates) had the highest level in all aspects of the survey—I guess since we didn’t have anything to compare it to, we loved it. The four of us sat in the back row of the ready room (seat selection done by lineal #) and had the nickname of “Retention Row” from there on out. And it turned out to be true—all four of us served 20 years, retiring as CDR’s. In “Retention Row”—Skip had the highest lineal # of the four of us (I was 4 of 4)-so he had the aisle seat of the row & I was against the wall in the corner.

All due to Skip’s big intellect. Thanks, Woodie A few quick updates: Kevin Ketchmark, kcketchmark@aol.com, is leaving Canberra soon for return to DC after a 3+ year absence.

Kim and Emory Zimmer, emoryzimmer@ gmail.com, are rounding Cape May on their

way to Nova Scotia. Walt Porr is shifting his law practice to Orlando to be closer to the kids.

John Elnitsky, jelnitsky@att.net actually, retired from Entergy, where he has been a great help to those of us who live in the Louisiana area, and is now living in New Smyrna Beach, FL. Penny and Pete Kilger, peter.kilger@gmail.com, had another grandchild, Sydney Rachel, born to their daughter Kasey. Greg Mislick, gmislick99@ yahoo.com had great visits with Classmates Pat Good in the Philly area (for his 40th wedding anniversary), and then in Oregon with Dennis O’Donoghue.

Mike Ales. alesm@usmma.edu, is actually retiring from teaching at the Merchant Marine Academy where he has become a legend.

His date – 12/31/2022. He has made such a difference for so many students! Mike well done! They will miss you!

John Speer, chuckerf14@gmail.com, let me know that “retirement rocks!” He and Roxanne lived in their RV from 2012 – 2014 looking for the place to put their family flag; and that flag now flies in Prescott Valle, AZ. He retired out of AirPac in 2005, flew for UPS until 2018 and is now enjoying building experimental aircraft, trying to farm a few acres and running back and forth to San Diego to play with their granddaughter.

Most of the Class should have seen a note from Bill Personius, billpersonius@gmail.com, our illustrious Webmaster who with the help of our new Council Member, Tom O’Keefe, thomasookeefe@verizon.net, are migrating from our current USNA 1980 Website to a new MyUSNA.com location. The move is part of a larger USNA Alumni Association plan that eventually include all USNA classes will be located on the new website. Everything has been shifted with the exception of Company Photos – they will be moved over time. All attempts to login into the old website are being forwarded to our new location. Bill requested that ALL Classmates go to the site and register. They have worked to make sure it all works well – but if you run into any glitches or broken links, please notify Bill at: billpersonius@gmail.com.

We currently have 822 Classmates already registered (more reason to make the move).

Here is the Gouge and directions to get into MyUSNA.com: 1. Go to MyUSNA.com 2. Click on “Groups” at the top of the page 3. Go to “Class of 1980” 4. Request to join the Group 5. Wait for a response from Bill 6. Login and Look Around 7. Try to contact a Classmate that is also in the group It’s always a treat to hear from my fellow Louisiana Classmate, Russ Granier, rjgranier@ gmail.com, who wrote in with a quick update on gathering with ’80.

M Joe, I met up with some illustrious Dirty30 alumni in Jackson Hole, WY., for a few days of fun. Attending this mini-reunion were Tom OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 87

80/81 CLASS NEWS Yates who lives in Palos Verdes, CA and is a retired Delta pilot, Rich Styczynski from Phoenix and is also a retired Delta Pilot, Kevin Mulloy who lives in the OBX and is VP of the private equity consulting firm Blue Ridge Partners, and me. Both Styz and Kevin were my roommates at the Academy. Whitewater rafting, Hiking in the Tetons, Yellowstone, Vintage gun shooting, and a Mountain top concert were on the agenda. It was a wonderful experience to be with old friends.

“But still when two or three shall meet, And old tales be retold, From low to highest in the Fleet, We’ll pledge the Blue and Gold “

l-r Tom Yates, Rich Styczynski, Russ Granier and Kevin Malloy.

In closing, it has been an emotional month for our Class. A constant reminder to reconnect with Shipmates and make that effort to get together. I hope that this finds each of you healthy, happy and wiser today than yesterday.

Please take a few minutes to renew a friendship, call / 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: 24.88%

stats: 8 stayed in for more than 20 years. Ten earned advanced degrees. Six went Air, five Submariners and two Surface Nukes, four Marines, one Intel, and only three SWO. Here’s where they live: CA(4), VA(4), FL(3), NY(2), MD(2), DE(2), TX, MN, MO, HI, CO, KY, RI, CT, NC. 54 kids were produced, who have produced 28 grandchildren. 13 mentioned business careers, mostly in tech and mostly in IT, with six working for the government, mostly related to the military and three in academia. Five mentioned entrepreneurial pursuits. Not a very sporty crowd, with only four talking about sports, with one triathlete and one marathoner.

Many mentioned hiking and sailing as hobbies and four talked about their pets. Only five have fully retired so far. Six people mentioned a love of traveling with some doing it extensively.

Speaking of traveling extensively, this is what Jim Hubbard (29) submitted to the reunion book as a professional yacht captain and crew with his wife Diana: We’ve logged over 60,000 offshore miles with two transAtlantics, including a three week stop in the Azores (If you haven’t been, GO!). Trans-Pacific trips included Panama Canal, Galapagos, Marquesas, Tuamotus, and Tahiti, as well as Bali to Darwin, Australia, across the north coast of Oz and down the inside of the Great Barrier Reef to Brisbane. We did five seasons between New England and the Caribbean on various private yachts, summering in Newport, Nantucket, and Maine, with winters throughout the Caribbean. Yes, we did charters; no, it’s nothing like the TV series Below Decks!

In 2017, we retired from professional yachting and were dumb enough to buy our own boat. If anyone should be smart enough NOT to buy a boat, it’s a former yacht captain!

Our current boat/home is SONGLINE, a 44’ custom aluminum trawler.

Here are some great pictures from the 29th Company that are not in the reunion book.

Pres: Kevin Haney e: kjhaney2@me.com

Chris (29) and Joni Vagts

Al Soto (29) and grandson - you pick.

Robert Woods (29) riding the waves

Hey ’81, do you remember your sponsors?

Have you been in touch with them lately? My sponsors (Bubba writing) were Ed Turner, Class of ’55 and Carol Turner. Big Ed passed away a number of years ago and we just lost Mom T on 20 May 2022. When I was a Mid, and a number of years after graduation, they resided in a big old house on the Severn River in the Wardour neighborhood of Annapolis. These wonderful people were the parent’s of our Classmate Eddie Turner (36). Their home was party central for the Class of ’55 on game days and the sponsor home for many USNA classes and at least one United States Coast Guard Academy class. One of my fondest memories was a Valentine’s Day dinner deliciously cooked up by Mom T and served by Big Ed. Corky Vazquez (36), Milt Stretton (36), Eddie, and myself were there enjoying the meal with our dates and scolding the staff on a regular basis. A picture of the staff follows.

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

Robert Grabarek (29) and family

Classwide messages: usna1981@yahoogroups.com

We knew this month would be a slow month for updates because the submission deadline is in July, and July is when everyone is on vacation making the memories for future articles.

With this in mind we are spotlighting the 29th company: Twenty-three 29th companymates sent in bios for the reunion book project. I have to say this bunch was surprisingly diverse in many ways after graduation. Let’s look at some of the 88 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

Joe Lawrence (29) having fun with the whole family.

Big Ed, Junior in the background, Mom T, and Little brother Bear in the foreground

81/82 CLASS NEWS There were so many fond memories of my time with my sponsors and I’m sure you have plenty of your own. So if it’s not too late, reach out to them and see how they are doing and thank them for opening up their home, driveway, washing machine, dryer, and dinner table all those years ago.

I’m attaching a better picture of Mom T with three of her sons. I wanted to share that wonderful smile she always carried around with her.

Art Scrivener (05) outside the Edinburgh Castle in Scotland.

Charlie, Mom T, Junior (Ed Turner (36)) and Timmy (Ed still had hair so it had to be late eighties maybe)

On the subject of sponsors, we pulled this off the ’81 facebook group from Ken Liss (14): M Mrs. Thea Lindauer, my USNA sponsor, celebrated her 100th birthday on July 16th in Annapolis…and I had the honor of being there for the celebration!

Mrs. Lindauer, who some of you may know, and her husband, COL Harry Lindauer, are both (the COL has passed) Holocaust survivors, him coming over when he wasn’t allowed to compete for Germany in the 1936 Olympics and her in 1934 on the only Kindertransport to the USA. In time, after he served in the U.S. Army during three wars, he retired and they moved to Annapolis. I met them during plebe summer because they were the sponsors of the Jewish “church” party and we adopted each other as sponsor and sponsee!

What a phenomenal woman she’s been in the 45 years I’ve known her and by association, her family! I am proud to have been one of the three mids she invited to the fete!

(Very small gathering) The whole family: her, her children, her grand- and great-grandchildren continue to be an inspiration to me!!!

We would like to remind you that Wreaths Across America is right around the corner. The Class of ’81 has been sponsoring this event since it started at the USNA Cemetery back in 2012.

Every year the goal is to get enough donations to place a wreath on each of the 2,300 headstones and to cover the columbarium. Wreaths are $15 each and if you go to the following website titled; “United States Naval Academy Cemetery (MD0011)” for every two wreaths you buy the cemetery will get a third wreath for free. Here is the website: https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ pages/18225/Overview/?relatedId=14858 The ceremony will be on the morning of 9 December 2022. It is usually around 0900 or 1000. If you are interested in participating in the ceremony go to the website and it will give you the contact information for the Coordinator, my wife, Carol Turman.

In closing, after you have checked on your sponsors, call up a classmate cuz we could always use a little help from our friends.

As always Go Navy - Beat Army!

’82

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 27.00% Pres: CDR Janeann Treadway Conley, USN (Ret.) p: 410-251-7893; e: Jtcnaples@yahoo.com Vice Pres: CAPT Matt Moury, USN (Ret.) p: 410-263-7640; e: vicepresident@usna82.org Treas: VADM Terry Benedict, USN (Ret.) p: 703-913-7183; e: treasurer@usna82.org 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

Thea Lindauer and Ken Liss (14)

Also from the facebook page posted by Art Scrivener (05):

thoroughly enjoying the daily posts by Craig Powers (20) on our class Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/usna82).

If you are not on Facebook, you may want to check out our class page and scroll back to July 6th. Craig must have saved a wealth of documents, including the “Master Summer Training Schedule for the Fourth Class Regiment for the Class of 1982”. Craig has thoughtfully posted a daily and thorough summary of what we did during each day of plebe summer (training evolutions, testing, required “rates” for the day, lectures, PEP, etc). These posts, along with many classmate’s comments will certainly bring back a flood of memories, both good and bad. I highly recommend checking this out, and want to give a huge BZ to Craig for doing all of this!

The summer heat has also brought a series of droughts to parts of the country, and this seems to have spread to my mailbag as well.

Your emails seem to have dried up recently and I am sorry to report that I had very few submissions for this edition.

Craig Leonard (36) sent in the following family update: M “Hey Mark, this is me with our daughter Ensign Kimberly Leonard (‘22). Kimmie graduated last month. After some TAD she will be heading to San Diego and reporting to DDG123 the USS LENAH H.S. HIGBEE.”

Greetings to the great class of ’82!

You should be reading this column at some point in October, personally my favorite month of the year. I’m not sure if you’ll be getting this before or after our big 40th reunion. I am writing this column, however, in the “dog days” of summer, late July. Here in the mid-Atlantic region, there has been one heatwave after another, accompanied by the usual high humidity. Sound familiar? Takes me back to the summer of ‘78 in good ole Crabtown. Speaking of the summer of ’78, many of us have been

Craig with the newly minted ensign!

Pete Suave (19) had a recent trip to the Aloha State that would make Heinz Lenz proud: M “Ann and I headed to Hawaii to visit family and participate in the Cycle to the Sun bike race on Maui. The race was 36 miles from sea level up to the top of Haleakala (10,023’) and Ann finished first overall among women, five minutes ahead of the 2nd place finisher! She really put me to shame, while I endured leg cramps for the last 10 miles or so. What made it even more special was our son, Jack (USCGA ’09), flew over from Oahu to surprise us half-way up the volcano, offering support and encouragement! After spending a few more days there riding and relaxing, we headed to Oahu to visit Jack and family. Unexpected events prevented us from getting together with old friends from our three tours there, but we did get to see Jack do a flyby as they patrolled the coast. Great time, and glad COVID relaxed enough to let us visit. All the best. Beat Army!”

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 89

82/83 CLASS NEWS Sounds like a great trip, although I prefer to ride my bike downhill!

Ann and Pete heading up Haleakala

Jane and Sandy also took a wonderful trip to Austria. Jane sent a few pics:

Jane and Sandy in Salzburg

“Follow the man in the blue corvette!”

Knowing that I was a bit short of material, our class Prez, Jane Conley (07) came through just prior to my deadline with the following: M “Hi Mark, here are two pictures taken during the Chapter President weekend at the end of April 2022:

Sandy in Austria. Note the table number!

Wish that I had more to report, ‘82. Please consider contributing to more robust future columns. I am looking forward to seeing many of you very soon (if it hasn’t happened already!) at the 40th!

As always, looking good ‘82!

—Mark

’83

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 30.00% 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

Left to right: Reeta Whitney (19), Rick Stein (18), Sandy Martin Sadler (06), Dan Proulx (31), Linda Postenrieder (33) and Terri Riggs Maginnis (01) at McGarvey’s.

Sec’y and Shipmate Contact: CAPT Chris Pietras, USN (Ret.) 9404 Jackson St., Burke, VA 22015 c: 202-308-7950; e: 83shipmate@gmail.com Facebook: USNA 1983 LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/83 Website: http://1983.usnaclasses.net

Rick Stein, Sandy Martin Sadler, Linda Postenrieder and Terry Riggs Maginnis in front of Ogle Hall.

90 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

SAVE THE DATE October 5 – 8, 2023 By the time you read this we will be approximately ONE Year from our 40th reunion. It seems like our 35th was just yesterday and it was a fantastic time. The 40th should be even better for all that attend.

Planning has been ongoing and the schedule for the weekend is in the works. Our Reunion will be held October 5 – 8, 2023. This is homecoming weekend, Annapolis Boat show

Weekend, and Columbus day weekend all in one. So it will be a packed house (town, state).

While the dates provide an excellent opportunity to have reunion events start on Thursday (Sporting events) and run through Sunday (Company events), with Monday holiday return travel, it also makes reservations for lodging a must do ASAP (OBSTCR). Please do not wait, make your reservations NOW. We had over 800 classmates and family attend the 35th and anticipate an increase for our 40th.

40th Reunion October 5 – 8 2023.

Speaking of our 40th: Neal Davidson and Mark “Turk” Powell are still soliciting donations (gifts/pledges) to our five year class project which officially ends in December 2023. With about 25% class participation as of July we are currently at 85% of our established goal of $1M. Two areas in need of assistance are the Academic Excellence and Midshipmen Activities Fund as part of the overall project.

Please contribute on the Association/ Foundation website under Class Project: www.usna.com/give/1983 Thanks for your support!

And now, da Newz !

Hello, Chris! Here is a long overdue update from Billy Daitch (35th ): M I’ve been procrastinating this update for exactly nine years, since June 2013. That was when I retired from the Navy Reserve as a CAPT with 30 years. The ceremony took place at Memorial Hall and I am still in awe with how special it was to return to Mother B, where it all began so many decades ago.

Since then I went on to retire three years ago from my other career at Homeland Security, where I served as an SES leading the National Technical Nuclear Forensics Center, preventing nuclear terrorism.

Upon retiring, my wife, Julia, and I became scuba certified and have been on many diving adventures, with each of us accumulating over 200 dives so far — I heard there was a pandemic while we were away?

The most epic dives of all took place in March, on a dive cruise at Roatan (island of Honduras). Julia and I finally convinced my old roomie Frank Vernet, to scrape off his barnacles and join us. Frank was like a kid in an underwater candy shop and we had a fantastic time together, as you can see in the pic of Frank, Julia and me. I had totally forgotten that Frank was president of the Scuba Club when we were roomies.

I also reconnected recently with my Youngster year roomie, John McCormick. John is a retired Commander and a pilot with FedEx. In one of the pics you can see John and Anne McCormick, Frank and Ruth Vernet, and Julia and me. We had a ball at the Supe’s Reception, another fantastic experience for ’83 shipmates.

Our fingers are crossed that Sean Buck will host one more reception for ’83 next spring!

83/83 CLASS NEWS

Supe’s Reception

Throwback

Trio

If you haven’t drifted over to the Class webpage on the Alumni Assn page, I encourage you to do so http://1983.usnaclasses.net/ Yeah we all use FB a bit but Mike Philbrook has done a phenomenal job on our Class Page, lots of info is there, and with a little participation we can build an active, great location. This is the best place for Reunion info as we start the sprint to our 40th.

A message from our Class President, Steve Fischer, about Class Elections: M It isn’t too late to start thinking about Class Elections. In a nutshell, our current Charter defines our slate as • Class Officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer) • At-large Board members (six individuals) We will conduct an election for the four Officers in mid-late summer of 2023, with new officers installed immediately after our upcoming 40th Reunion. We then conduct the election for the six Board members, who will be installed on 1 Jan 2024. Terms are reunion-toreunion, five years.

I encourage anyone interested to reach out to a current member of the Board, ask

questions, and see if this is a way you can support your Class and Academy. Please don’t assume anyone currently in office will run again; they may or may not, and even if they are running again, it is good to have a competitive field.

Long time reader, first time writer Steve Young (27th), checks in, …after 39 years, this is probably due…

M On February 6, 2022, MG Clarence KK Chinn, USA (Ret.) presented the Congressional Gold Medal to Daniel H.W. Chun, my father-inlaw, honoring Chinese American WW II veterans. We are so proud of him Congressional Gold Medal and his service. Dan’s service to this country commenced on 7 December 1941 and ended with his discharge in December 1945 as a Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army. Dan was one of only 15 living veterans present at the Honolulu ceremony. He qualified as a mortarman and expert rifle, serving in the Pacific theater during the island-hopping campaigns. As a nod to the Navy, he is most proud of his Shellback certificate, received when his troop transport ship, USS ZEILIN (APA-3), crossed the Equator transforming him from a Pollywog to a Shellback! Jon Yuen (14) and Alma Grocki ’81 were presenters at the ceremony. John Croce (2nd) and Russ Grocki ’81 were also in attendance.

After graduation, I went nuke subs. I did my JO sea tour on a fast attack sub and shore tour at the training command, both at Pearl Harbor, before transitioning to the Navy Reserve in 1991 after the first 4 department head jobs offered were all as Engineering Officer on boats in either overhaul or new construction – I saw where my future was headed. I retired from the Navy Reserve in 2013 as a Captain after five command tours and one mobilization. I also served for 20+ years as a Blue and Gold Officer; priorities sure are different nowadays with potential candidates. I married my best friend, Lisa, in 2004 after proposing to her on T-Court in 2003 during our 20th reunion. I figured that was a good place to start my marriage as that is where I started my Navy career.

After six years in the private sector, I decided to continue my service by entering the public sector with WA state government in 1997.

I retired in December 2020 after serving in eight different agencies and at the executive level in six of them including three tours as a Chief Information Officer. After a year-plus in retirement, I can highly encourage and recommend it.

Lisa is a practicing attorney in Honolulu, HI. The good news is she is able to work remotely and has been doing so since we were married – gotta love technology, when it works. She splits time between Washington and Hawaii.

During COVID, her scheduled seven week stay

in 2020 turned into seven months due to all of the travel restrictions to Hawaii; and, yet, we are still married.

Now, I spend my time doing things I have put off for years while working; like my motorcycle trips around the country, house projects, actual hobbies, and, as Lisa’s personal chef. I split time between our homes in Washington and Hawaii. While in Hawaii, we spend time with John and Victoria Croce and Russ and Alma Grocki. Great friends always make the stays much more enjoyable.

As has been previously said throughout the updates, take the time to reach out to a classmate and reconnect. Remember; time, tide and formation waits for no one.

Classmates, L2R: Jon Yuen, Steve Young and John Croce

L2R: Lisa & Steve Young; Russ & Alma Grocki (both ’81); Jon and Sandra Yuen. NOTE: The wearing of USNA Aloha shirts was purely coincidental

In a Classmate making sure a Classmate gets recognized, here’s Erica Ryder: M I wanted to let you know about a fellow Math major, Ed Rahme, and an award he recently received in his role as the Chief Developmental Tester in the Virginia Class Program. The Civilian Meritorious Service Award presented in May 2022, was for two major efforts. First: conducting required Tests and Trials for New Construction submarines delivered during the Pandemic—while ensuring that no member of the test teams introduced the virus on a submarine under test—in addition to ensuring the test teams were kept healthy and safe. Second: planning and executing the full spectrum of testing on USS SOUTH DAKOTA after installation of several modifications known as the Acoustic Superiority Program.

(I bugged Ed for the info after Dorthe (his wife) told me he’d been presented with an award. All I really knew was that he got to travel to cool places and he’s still working hard!)

Semper Fi and Go Navy – Erica

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 91

83/84 CLASS NEWS

Civilian Meritorious Service Award

Just a lot of check-ins in the last month, and this one comes from Vance Tisdale: Vance and Kori. Dated in HS, and made it through our entire stay at the Big House. Married June 4, 1983. Got out in 1995. Been there here In Knoxville, TN ever since. Just took an early retirement package this past summer.

Flight Lessons

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.

1983 - A Class Act!

Overseas Program Center. Mike is now working in Human Resources at Amazon.

Dave Osen retired from Navy reserves and is at SPAWAR in San Diego.

Ron MacDonald is Managing Principal of RMC Development, LLC in the greater Washington DC/Baltimore region, assisting public and private clients and partners with commercial real estate. He has been at it over 28 years involved in acquisition, brokerage, development and management, is considered an industry expert in BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) with experience as both an at-risk developer and advisor to BRAC impacted municipalities and can still clock 40 yards in 4.5 seconds.

Mac is also an Adjunct Professor at University of Maryland’s Colvin Institute of Real Estate Development which houses the Master of Real Estate Development program at the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation.

Andy Ponseigo, John Johnson, Sandy Heyward and Al Grosskurth descended upon Breckenridge Colorado for fishing, golf, hiking and a joint celebration of 60th birthdays and nearly as many years of friendship.

’84

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 47.03% Pres: Mr. Brian D. Goodrow e: goodrow2@comcast.net Vice Pres: Karen M. Halverson e: dkhalvy@earthlink.net Ring Dance

Although your Shipmate Scribe (me) failed to take a picture, I ran into John Amy (19th) in mid-July at the Advanced Machinery Technical Symposium at Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia.

Billy Daitch followed up with a PS: M One more item. Barb Bell’s book, “Flight Lessons,” arrived yesterday and I’m devouring it. I just ordered two more copies, one for each of our daughters who are early in their careers.

I will also order copies for my nieces and nephews. This book if THAT GOOD and it is perfectly timed for them in their budding career paths. I highly recommend it to all of our classmates and would love to see their pics of where in the world they’re reading it. For me, in the attached pic, the book is on the railing of our deck at our getaway home that my architect wife Julia designed for us 23 years ago, on top of the Blue Ridge Mountain, overlooking the Shenandoah Valley at Harpers Ferry, WV.

92 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

JJ, Al, Andy and Sandy

Treas: Mr. Stephen J. Shepherd e: stephenjamesshepherd@gmail.com Sec’y/Shipmate Contact: Kevin Monahan 428 Santa Mesa Dr., San Jose, CA 95123 p: 408-624-0773; e: kevin_monahan@comcast.net Website: www.usna84.org

Another month, another assault on English Literature.

I met four Women from The Class of 2024 at DFW International last week. They were on their way to Hawaii for 2nd Class Sub Cruise, seemed genuinely interested in my exploits shredding The Canadian on the Regional Routes at the equivalent of Midshipman pay, etcetera. I realized after it was like one of us meeting a Class of ’44 grad during PROTRAMID. So, back to the Column.

Mike Chase retired after 38 years of federal service and 25 years of it overseas. Classmates in attendance: Bill Hayes, Dave Osen, Ron McDonald, Dean Miller, Toni Chase, and Karen Halverson. His boss hilariously said he specialized in “open kimono transparency”.

Mike’s final job was Director of the OCHR

The Breckenridge Crew dressed either for fishing or in expectation of some horrible Tee Shots

Had a phone session with Life Coach Jack Reape last week. Jack just Upgraded to Captain with United Airlines, commanding 737 missions out of Houston Intercontinental.

More outdoorsy stuff…

84/85 CLASS NEWS

Jimmy Collins and JD Cunningham during back country beer drinking season.

JD and his wife on the back country trek.

Hal and Nancy Gilreath on the Severn

Nicole Diorio class of 2023, ME and Victor Kent class of 2024.

And of course Tent Camping with Toni, Shep & Shep and The Boss.

Nicole Diorio ’23’s dad, Nick Diorio was a company mate of mine in the class of 1987.

’85

Mike Randolph and Me in front of his house in Annapolis.

Ruddy looks great and has a firstie in the class of 2023.

Life Membership: 95% Donor Participation: 15.01% 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

I also had the chance to get together with my buddies Rich Dezelon, Jim Bonomo 25th Co, Brian Goodrow ’84 and Daryl Goodrow at McGarvey’s. Had a great time as always. Rich has moved to Baltimore and is loving not going over the bridge, Jimbo is an empty nester in Crofton. Brian is currently the president of class of ’84 and lives in Annapolis.

Corr Sec’y: Vic Otero

Chuck Rainey on his solo hike across the wildlands of Coronado

Class not a lot of stuff to report. Here some news from my family, my son Victor class of 2026, did 1st set plebe detail. He was a squad leader in Lima Co, 21st platoon. Since we did not have a normal I day for him I decided to travel back to watch I day for 2026. On my travels I ran into a few folks and have some pictures of Victor doing his thing.

Victor with my crew at McGarveys.

Tony and Vic

Mike and Cathy Groody angling with Kim Taff

Tony Kwon (35th co) runs services at the Naval Academy, so feel free to reach out to Tony if you would like to see something change.

Brian and Ryan Goodrow and yours truly riding a boat around the Academy.

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 93

86/89 CLASS NEWS

’86

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 13.64% Pres: Michael Cadwell p: 505-400-3406; e: michael.cadwell@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: 100% Donor Participation: 17.72% Pres: Jim Matheson e: jmatheson@1987.usna.com Shipmate columnist: Robert Pinataro 9953 Watermark Ln. W., Jacksonville, FL 32256 p: 770-722-6373; e: rpinataro87@gmail.com Website: www.usna87.org

Hello Classmates, By the time you receive this, our reunion will have already happened, so, please send your photos and news updates from the big event!

This month we sadly bid farewell and following seas to three classmates whose departures from this life came all too soon. Jim Matheson thoughtfully wrote the note below, which you may also have seen via class email.

M Dear Classmates, It is always with a heavy heart that I share news about the passing of a Classmate and so this feeling is amplified manyfold in this message as I inform you that we lost three members of our Class in the past few weeks.

Andrew “Drew” Vuillemot passed way at Bethesda Naval Hospital late last Thursday, 7 July after a prolonged battle with cancer.

Drew was in 6th Batt his entire USNA career first in 33rd Company as a Plebe and then in 36th company. Drew came to USNA from Saginaw, MI and was a rabid U of M Wolverines fan. On a personal note, a handful of our group of 6th Batt friends are from Ohio and avid Ohio State Buckeyes fans and Drew never missed a chance to sing/hum “Hail to the Victors” loudly in our vicinity.

Drew left USNA as a 2nd LT in the US Marine Corps and retired 20+ years later before getting into the government tech and IT business. He deeply adored his wife Julie and kids, James and Jen and was an active ’87 Classmate at many events and part of our Tailgate Volunteer crew. Drew was an avid sports fan, especially Navy football and anything to do with baseball and hockey, and he coached kids hockey and played in the beer hockey leagues for many years.

94 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

Julie plans to honor Drew with a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery as soon as is possible (likely several months out) and we will share details of this ceremony when they become available.

Charles “Charlie” Lane died in a traffic accident in Michigan on 28 June 2022. Charlie was in 15th Company and also came to USNA from Michigan and commissioned into the Marine Corps upon graduation. He was an infantry officer and served as a forward observer with the decorated 10th Marines Artillery Regiment in the First Persian Gulf War. He then served with 1st Anglico at Camp Pendleton before leaving active duty after nearly 10 years returning to his first love – tending to his land in Michigan as a gentleman farmer. He enjoyed writing with a specialty in military strategy, and additional interest in WW2 history.

In the words of Charlie’s USNA & TBS roomie, John Kyle: “Charlie was what we want our Marines to be - smart, tough, loyal, and dependable”.

Charlie’s Service will be held this Saturday, 16 July at 1 PM at the Borek Jenning’s Funeral Home located at 7425 East M-36, Hamburg Township, Michigan 48139. A follow on ceremony spreading Charlie’s ashes on the Severn River will be planned and published separately. https://www.borekjennings.com/obituary/ Charles-Lane Finally, Charles “Chuck” Little passed away at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in WinstonSalem on 20 June. A Memorial Service was held on Sunday, 26 June 2022 at the Jamestown NC United Methodist Church. While Chuck began his journey at USNA, he did not graduate with the Class, instead gaining a degree in logistics from NC A&T State. Chuck is survived by his wife Tammy of 27 years and two sons, Colton “Reed” and Christian Little. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/ obituaries/greensboro-nc/charles-chuck-little10801703 The Class will make a donation in honor of each of these Classmates to the charities they each cared deeply about.

Reminders that life is short abound, but few more poignant than losing three members of our Class in such a short time. At the upcoming reunion we’ll honor these Classmates and the too many others that we have lost in the last 39 years.

Please look for another email tomorrow about our Class Officer Election Slate and later this week about the reunion details and more SWAG. For now, please join me in remembering Chuck, Charlie and Drew…RIP dear friends and Classmates.

Jim Jim Matheson President, USNA Class of 1987 jmatheson@1987.usna.com (m) 617-510-9264 Please send your news to rpinataro87@ gmail.com with “SHIPMATE” in the subject line.

’88

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 13.24% 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: 24.16% Pres: Denise (Shorey) Willert Haendelstrasse 8, 46459 Rees, Germany German p: 49 (0)170 960 4551 U.S. p: 1 757 386 7804 e: denise.willert@1989.usna.com Corr Sec’y: Scott McFadden e: jsmcfadd1@nycap.rr.com; scottmcfadden1989@gmail.com Listserv: usna89@yahoogroups.org Listserv Subscription: send a blank email to usna89-subscribe@yahoogroups.com from the address you wish listserv traffic to be sent To Post a Message: write your message and send it to usna89@yahoogroups.com Unsubscribe: send a blank message to usna89-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Webmaster: Ingar Grev e: igrev@1989.usna.com

Greetings, 89ers! Happy Halloween!

Our class president Denise (Shorey) Willert reports in with some sad news: M Dear friends, I would love to write a happy column this month, but my heart is heavy. Should you not be aware, we sadly lost two beloved classmates earlier this summer — Jim Berg (19th Company) in June, and Tim (TO) O’Rourke (14th Company) in July. There are few words to express how hard these losses hit us, and the grief they bring for the loved ones left behind. As a class, we do the best we can to support the families of our Shipmates. I thank you all for being there for each other.

To this end, in loving memory of the six classmates we’ve lost during operations, as well as the two classmates who passed away during our time at the Academy, a drive is currently underway to fundraise in their names for the new Alumni Center. Our goal is to raise an additional $100K, adding on to our spring total of approximately $120K, which would cover the cost of memorializing these classmates as Alumni Center Plankowners. (If you’re not familiar, any individual giving $12.5K to this effort will have his or her name permanently engraved on the Plankowner wall in the new building.) Should we not reach the 100K goal to recognize all of these great warriors by name,

89/91 CLASS NEWS

’90

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 8.70% 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 ’89: The raft picture shows 11 of us - same 6 female grads along with 5 of our daughters.

all raised monies would still contribute to the overall class goal of $250K. At this point, our class will be recognized with a large plaque along the center’s beautiful outdoor walkway.

Please stay tuned for more details on this meaningful project.

Hug your loved ones tight and say a prayer for those we’ve lost. Life is short and precious.

Fondly, Denise From Kristin (Reynolds) Goodrich – M It was great to spend the day with Cathy (McCann) Gillies in Colorado Springs while she and her troop of Scouts were enroute to Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, NM. We toured USAFA, hiked in Garden of the Gods, and talked about urban wildfires.

I also had a great time visiting with Stephanie (Schollaert) Uz, Chris (Tanabe) Heiser, and Rita (Tauber) Buffington while Stephanie was also in Colorado Springs with her Scout troop on their way to Philmont Scout Camp in Cimarron, NM.

Facebook: USNA Class of 1990

’91

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 10.39% Pres: Evan Barnet p: 203-249-0071; e: evan@USNA91.info Admin VP: Ana Kreinsieck p: 703-298-9099; e: ana@USNA91.info Exec Vice Pres: Mike Rapp p: 757-620-0070; e: miker@USNA91.info Raft photo with 6 of us (left to right - Bryn (Johnson) Narcisian, Kim (Feltault) Copenhaver, Rita (Tauber) Buffington, Kristin (Reynolds) Goodrich, Ann (Hollenbeck) Rennie, and Debbie (Cuffe) Baus.

Sec’y and Shipmate Contact: Sue (Slaven) Macaluso p: 631-365-2070; e: sue@usna91.info Treas: Jen Coleman p: 989-600-9671; e: jen@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

Cottonwood Pass (left to right) - Debbie, Rita, Kim and Kristin.

Clockwise from far left in photo at pizza dinner - Rita, Kristin, Chris, Stephanie

Additionally, five of our classmates and I got together on the Arkansas River for a half-day of whitewater rafting. So great to get to know each other (again) long after we first met.

Cheers, Kristin Colorado Rocky Mountains in the background atop Cottonwood Pass, Colorado - Kim, Debbie, Kristin and Rita.

Thanks, Kristin! Awesome update with even more awesome-r photos!

I have been reflecting quite a bit on our class as a whole, and our classmates, as well as our time at the Naval Academy, in the military and beyond. As I review our USNA Class of 1991 Facebook page, I am awed, inspired and humbled by the impact our class has had, and continues to have, in the military, our country, our society and our day-to-day lives. I am proud to share the pictures, stories and snippets 7of information in our monthly Shipmate articles!

Please continue to share your experiences with all of us in your class! You can send them to sue@USNA91.info. Go Navy ’91! Sue Navy ’91 Sets Sail in the Baltics!

Despite Covid, Russia invading the Ukraine, and St. Petersburg being removed from our port of call, over 40 ’91 alumni, ’96 alumni, family and friends sailed together in July. The trip started off in Copenhagen, you know, where the 2022 Tour de France started (time trials), you know in Copenhagen because who would have ever thought it would start in Copenhagen, Denmark. Every day provided an opportunity to see a new city and explore some fantastic locations: Copenhagen, Denmark; Kiel, Germany; Gdansk, Poland; Klapedia, Lithuania; Riga, Latvia; Tallinn, Estonia; Helsinki and Kotka, Finland; Visby and Stockholm, OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 95

91/91 CLASS NEWS Austin, TX (uaustin.org, University of Austin, not to be confused with UT Austin!). Congratulations to Dave and Leticia, and Christian, Eliana and Elizabeth, for your 31 years of service! We wish you the best!

’91ers present (L to R): Mike Smith, James Baca, CAPT Dave Ruth (Ret.), RDML Rich Brophy (Presiding Officer), Chris Nicewarner, Mike Kuypers. ’91 dinner onboard Norwegian Dawn ‘Merica in the Baltics cruise (L to R - lower) Sean Reed, Dan Morio, Ana (Vaughn) Kreiensieck, Mike Hamilton. (L to R – upper) Mark Guillory, Cristobal Demier, Marc Lederer, John Jones, Pat Everly.

Sweden, all aboard the Norwegian Dawn.

With almost 5% of the entire ships guests in our group it felt like a private cruise, but not the haze grey and underway kind. Great food, great entertainment, great locations…until next time. Join us in the future on other trips with your classmates.

Dan Morio Dan@GoNavyTravel.com Go Navy!

Piping ashore.

’91 in Saint Catherine Monastery ruins in Visby, Sweden.

The monastery was completed in 1391! (L to R) Mark Guillory, Dan Morio, John Jones, Sean Reed, Pat Everly.

’91 at the start of the 2022 Tour de France in Copenhagen, Denmark (L to R): Dan Morio, Ana (Vaughn) Kreiensieck, Marc Lederer, Sean Reed, Erik Kreinsieck.

’91 in Old Town Gdansk, Poland (L to R): Marc Lederer, Pat Everly, Dan Morio, Sean Reed, John Jones.

96 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

Retirement, 35 Years in the Making after I-Day! Dave Ruth retired from military service on July 1, exactly 35 years after we were inducted at the Naval Academy for plebe summer in 1987.

He entered USNA in 1987 from Corpus Christi, Texas, immediately after high school. Dave was a plebe in 19th Company and moved to 1st Company as an upperclassman. He service selected subs and completed graduate school immediately after USNA, from 1991 to 1993, at the University of Texas in Austin. It was there he met and married his wife Leticia.

Dave then served our country in the Submarine community from 1993 to 1999 and laterally transferred to Oceanography in 1999. In 2006 he was selected for Permanent Military Professor (PMP) and taught Math at USNA from 2009 to 2022, where he retired as a Navy Captain on July 1st. For post-retirement (his second career it seems) Dave will be the Director of Center of Inquiry for Math, Engineering, and Technology at the new university UATX in

Remembering in October Taking a moment to remember our classmates who have paid the ultimate sacrifice is an important part of the ties that bind. We remember our classmates who were lost during October in years past. They are Michelle Louise (Manick) Daxer (10/13/2019), John Joseph Zuhowski (10/13/2019), John Bernard Quinlan (10/04/2018), Ronald Joseph Mobayed (10/03/1995), John Lee Higginbotham (10/18/1991), James Richard Lederer (10/12/1991), and John Joseph Lonergan (10/12/1991). Please take the time to reconnect with their families and friends – we are all ONE in the Class of 1991! For more information on our fallen classmates you can visit our class website: www.usna91.info/ InMemoriam.aspx.

Michelle Louise (Manick)

John Joseph Zuhowski

John Bernard Quinlan

91/92 CLASS NEWS sport – please get your updates in to usna1992classupdate@gmail.com!

Congratulations to Timi Burnett Lindsay for her appearance on MSNBC’s show titled The Culture is: Black Women. It may be still streaming on Peacock for anyone who’d like to see her in action We do have a great photo gleaned off the Facebook group of a group of classmates in action: Ronald Joseph Mobayed

John Lee Higginbotham

Erich Heinz rockin’ his USNA 91 triathlon gear at the Tri the Parks triathlon in July.

James Richard Lederer

John Joseph Lonergan

Class Crest for New Alumni Association Building – Pledges Needed The class has decided to raise money for our Class Crest to be included in the new Alumni Association building. We need to reach a class total of $250,000 in pledges by 12/31 this year.

We have an anonymous donor who will put in $50,000 to match at least $50,000 in donations! To be a plank owner in the building, a level of President’s Circle ($2,500/year for 5 years is needed) and the money needs to be directed to the building. Please reach out to Jen Coleman who has the signup forms. She can be reached at jen@USNA91.info. This will be a great legacy as we come back on the yard for events as we head toward our 50th.

USNA 1991 by “Starlight” A big shout out and BZ goes to Erich Heinz for sporting his Starlight newly-minted USNA 91 “tri” suit for the first time while competing in a triathlon in Elberton, GA. The Tri the Parks triathlon was hosted in July at Richard B. Russell State Park, northeast of Atlanta. Erich competes for fun, and to challenge himself, and finds his USNA 1991 gear is a conversation starter and a great way to meet other athletes and spectators – in addition to being an ambassador for the Naval Academy and the Navy in general (“as long as they don’t know my times,” so he says!). Erich also sports The Citadel apparel on his adventures as his son graduated from that institution this past May. Congratulations! And thanks to Ian Hadden for creating the USNA 91 cycling and triathlon kits, through Starlight Apparel, that celebrate and advertise our alma mater and class.

Go Navy 1991!

Join Us in Dublin! It’s Navy vs. Notre Dame 2023!

91! We’ve put together a complete touring and game package for the 2023 Navy-Notre Dame football game in Dublin. This trip starts in Dublin on August 25th and ends on September 1st, 2023 and includes many tours and sites.

For more information, including full itinerary, pricing and reservations, go to the following website: www.GoNavyTravel.com/NND2023.

Seats are filling up – register ASAP so you don’t miss out! Go Navy! Dan Morio Join Us in San Diego! For a Mini Reunion and Watch Party November 4-6.

Please join us in San Diego for a mini reunion weekend of November 4-6. Friday morning we have 16 tee times at Sea and Air in Coronado for Golf. Friday night we can watch Eric Valenzuela and Betamaxx at the Bellyup Bar. Saturday join us at Robb Chadwick’s house in Point Loma for a watch party Navy vs.

Cincinatti. For more details and to signup go to https://signupnow.events/usna1991. Thanks to Mike Kuypers, Eric Valenzuela, and Robb Chadwick for helping put this together!

“THE HELM” Hope everyone is enjoying the fall! We have some great events planned! Thanks for all that are stepping up to help get classmates together. It is encouraging to see so many people engaged and attending! The strength of our class continues with our relationships.

Go Navy! Evan sends…

’92

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 29.50% Pres: Creighton Armstrong e: Creighton.Armstrong@am.jll.com Corr Sec’ys: David Ornstein and Jerry Deren e: USNA1992ClassUpdate@gmail.com

USNA.COM Bringing the Alumni Association to you.

Website: www.usna92.com

Putting that plebe sail training to its highest and best use!

Lastly, since space permits, your humble scribe will throw out a quick plug for the USNA summer experiences for middle schoolers and high schoolers. If you are not aware of these and you have suitably-aged offspring (or nieces/nephews, godchildren, noisy neighbor kids you want to get out of town for a week, etc.) it is well worth checking them out. I sent #2 son to USNA STEM Camp in early June and #1 son to USNA Crew Camp in late June and had very positive reports from both, even extending to the quality of chow in King Hall.

Quick fun anecdote for those who have read this far: For the crew camp, parents were permitted to accompany their kids into Bancroft Hall to help them move in. This was too amusing to pass up, so I duly climbed up to 4-4 with my boy (letting him carry his own gear, of course) to see the berth. What with it being a Sunday afternoon just before I-Day, all was very quiet as I rounded the corner after leaving him, so I decided it couldn’t hurt to stop by 2-3 to see where my then-24th company crew spent our Plebe Year, so I made my way into an (apparently) empty 2nd Wing. I got a couple of quick pics of my room from first semester and set out down the p-way towards the old wardroom, and…ran right into the OOW. For at least the 500th time, but the first time in 33 years, I found myself standing in the 2-3 p-way explaining my dubious judgment. After duly checking out my story, she kindly declined to arrest me and we instead had a nice chat about life as a company officer in 2022, then she made sure I found my way out.

I say again, please get your updates in to usna1992classupdate@gmail.com!

Maintain an even strain ’92!

’92, Very brief piece this month as the update cupboard is nearly bare. As ever, this is a team OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 97

93/93 CLASS NEWS

’93

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 15.95% Pres: Bob Kuberski e: bob@usna93.com Vice Pres: CAPT Colleen C. Salonga, SC, USN (Ret.) Corr Sec’y: Shogo Cottrell 30765 W. 127th St., Olathe, KS 66061 e: shogo@usna93.com; p: 913-220-1193 Treas: CAPT Jay Matzko, USN (Ret.) e: jtdjm@yahoo.com

Three generators of Wills Naval Officers. (L to R) Eddie Wills ’93 (13th Company), Trevor Wills (2022, U of Washington NROTC), and Ron Wills ’63 (12th Company).

Shipmate Correspondence: Maj Shogo Cottrell, USMCR 30765 W. 127th St., Olathe, KS 66061 p: 913-220-1193; e: shogo@usna93.com

My son just graduated from the Air Force Academy, Class of ’22. He was selected for aviation and he’ll start flight school soon at Vance AFB. I had the privilege to give him his commissioning oath, they do it a bit differently than USNA, they commission with their squadrons, (similar to our companies), on the first day, and graduate the entire Cadet Wing the next day. Ninety days of basket leave and so far he’s used the free AMC flights, (used to be called MAC flights), to go to Hawaii, Guam, and South Korea.

I caught up with fellow 28th Company mate Karl Knox when he and his wife Jocie visited the West Coast for rock band … yeah, she’s a rocking bass guitarist.

Website: http://www.usna93.com

As I’m writing this, we have a nice summer rain falling outside and it’s been sorely needed here in Kansas. We’re definitely in a drought and the 5 acre pond behind our house has probably dropped almost a foot over the summer. The rain probably won’t come close to catching us up, but definitely nice to have a respite from the summer heat. Hope that everyone else is having a great summer!

First up is Eddie Wills: M My oldest son Trevor just commissioned as an Ensign from the University of Washington NROTC program. Ensign Trevor Wills graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and is a Student Naval Aviator headed off to Pensacola for Flight School in the fall. During the past year, Trevor managed some other astounding feats…. He got in 54 days of snowboarding, achieved a 3.7 GPA in Engineering, and somehow managed not to get drafted as a Nuke. I have attached a photo following the commission ceremony with 3 generators of Wills Naval Officers.

There are two lesser career milestones to mention...

First, I have semi-retired from Industry and am now working part-time for a municipality in North San Diego. I did this to achieve the “work-life balance” my family has been striving towards for the last 29 years. With seven months of perspective since this move, I can honestly say I have no regrets… reach out to me if you are considering doing the same and want to compare notes.

On the final career milestone, it seems I’m a bit of a late bloomer. It took me almost 30 years to achieve Command-at-Sea… I purchased a 30-foot sailboat that is parked down in San Diego Bay. If any classmates are in town and want to set (what’s left of) your hair on fire at 5 knots, give me a shout at (ejwills@yahoo.com). Classmate John “JP-5” Schultz was the first classmate to take me up on the offer. Carpe Diem!

98 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

Eddie with his new sailboat

Jim filming on set

L TO R John Schultz ’93, Trevor Wills, Eddie Wills, and Bryce Wills

Eddie, if I lived closer, I’d definitely take you up on that offer to go out for a bit on your new boat. I know that we have quite a few classmates living in the San Diego area, so I suspect after this printing there will be a waiting list.

Congrats on your son’s commissioning – looking forward to hearing updates as he goes into his naval career. Next I had a wonderful surprise update from Jim “Gimbals” Moonier.

Jim’s enjoying life in L.A. and, well, I’ll let him tell the rest: M I used my Post 9/11 GI Bill to earn an MFA in Acting for Film, I’m a starving actor in Los Angeles. Well, I eat a bit more than I should, but acting doesn’t pay any bills. I get lots of supporting roles and a few theater gigs, all pay goes right back toward travel and casting website expenses. Acting is surprisingly challenging, keeps me busy, and I really dig it!

I am a Blue and Gold Officer for the Admissions office, it’s an honor being part of the journey for our future Navy and Marine Corps leaders. ’93 Gang, we could use more Blue and Gold Officers.

As a Blue and Gold Officer, Jim has the opportunity to extend an appointment letter to a future midshipman. I looked Jim up on IMDB and he’s got a great set of photos and looks like he goes by his callsign in Hollywood – Gimbals Moonier. Look forward to seeing you on the big screen or the next big TV hit show! Don’t forget, 30 year reunion in less than 12 months!

Until then, BEAT ARMY! — Shogo

94/94 CLASS NEWS

’94

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 10.11% 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

LISA AND THEIR THREE TEENAGERS IN WARSAW DOING GOOD WORKS

Corr Sec’y: Margaret (Dotolo) Aden e: margaret.aden@gmail.com

Thank you to all of the Class of ‘94 who are living their best life, and Congratulations to those who are still on active duty; who could have imagined?!? Thank you for keeping watch at night.

Wow- what an amazing update. First of all, how many of us can put our hands on our original name plates?? And secondly, flying halfway around the world to contribute to a solution is leadership at its best and highest.

Next, we move onto sad news.

Greetings Classmates! We have three updates this month. It seems like “What you said on Facebook” is really starting to grab your attention. Ooh Rah! The first update is from Lisa (Schule) Evans: M Charlton and I celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary on May 28th this year, commemorating the milestone by going to see “Top Gun: Maverick” at Charlton’s behest. We caught it on the IMAX, and now the massive commemorative popcorn container has somehow made its way to being on display in our living room.

We have lived in the Columbia River Gorge on the OR/WA border for 10 years where Charlton eventually retired from the USMC Reserves a few years ago and now runs his company End State Solutions, Inc. He is the guru that liasons between the FAA and companies that need drone certification. I have an estate management business that specializes in short term rentals. It keeps me busy in between the chaos and adventures of our 3 teens.

The 3 teens and I flew to Warsaw, Poland, for a week in April where we split our time volunteering at the Expo Center that houses Ukrainian refugees and the Central Train Station where we helped serve hot meals.

The Ukranians were coming in so fast that we served thousands of meals in the span of a few hours. I felt very small in a very big situation; it was impactful to our whole family. If you are looking for a great charity, I cannot say enough about World Central Kitchen (wck.org). Their quality and quantity of food and organization day after day was phenomenal.

LISA AND CHARLTON WITH THEIR ORIGINAL USNA NAME PLATES

Steven John Daczkowski (August 28, 1971 - June 15, 2022) Steven John Daczkowski, 50, of Leonardtown, MD passed away on June 15, 2022 at his home with his loving family by his side. He was born on August 28, 1971 in Inglewood, CA to the late Richard Daczkowski and Katherine Daczkowski (Richards).

Steve graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering and commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy.

Upon completion of Undergraduate Naval Flight Officer training in Pensacola, FL he reported to the E-2 Hawkeye Training Squadron in Norfolk, VA and earned his “Wings of Gold”.

He then reported to the “Golden Hawks” homeported at Naval Air Station Miramar, CA. After quickly earning his E-2C Combat Information Center Officer qualification he served as a trusted Mission Commander where he accumulated over 1000 E-2 Hawkeye flight hours. After two aircraft carrier deployments (USS JOHN C STENNIS & USS NIMITZ) and his successful Fleet tour, Steve reported to Patuxent River Naval Air Station, MD where he made significant contributions in Research and Development for the E-2 Hawkeye Community.

During this time, he earned his M.A. from The George Washington University. In 2003, after completing 13 years of dedicated Naval service, he was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant. He then began his civilian career at NAVAIR Patuxent River, culminating with his current position as Senior Vice President of Vectrus Corporation.

On August 1, 1997 Steve married his beloved wife, Christina Daczkowski (Joyce), in Doylestown, PA at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. Together they celebrated over 24 years of marriage filled with love and laughter. Steve was a devoted husband and a proud

father, spending time with his family was his greatest joy. He loved having morning coffee and chatting together, family dinners and movie nights, and finding ways to make them laugh with his goofy sense of humor. He greatly enjoyed golfing, going to baseball games, and especially spending time at the beach.

Summers spent with family in Mt. Desert Island, Maine and the Outer Banks, NC brought him much joy. He was very active within his community organizing charity golf events, coaching youth baseball, and volunteering at his children’s schools and church. Steve was known for his genuine kindness and authenticity. He had a profound impact on all those around him, making everyone he talked to feel important and appreciated.

In addition to his wife, Christina, Steve is also survived by his children: Garrett Michael Daczkowski, Lindsay Grace Daczkowski, and Lila Kate Daczkowski, all of Leonardtown, MD; his sister, Lisa Catherine Poland (Allen) of Fountain Valley, CA; his brother-in-law’s, Joseph Joyce, Jr. (Jennifer) of Athens, PA and Michael Joyce of Washington, D.C.; his nieces and nephews: Greyson James Poland, Laynie Katherine Poland, Caitlin Elizabeth Joyce, and Daniel Patrick Joyce; and many extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his mother/ father-in-law: Joseph Robert Joyce, Sr. and Carol Ann Joyce.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center at hopkinscancer.org and Hospice of St. Mary’s at P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Our collective hearts are truly broken.

Steven joins an elite group of classmates who have gone ahead, and we look forward to seeing them again one day. Our final submission for the month comes from Jack Downes. Father of two, adorable husband of Jessica and still the party man. He’s laying it down for all the home tailgaters. In celebration of where we’re from, all we’ve done, and all we have to celebrate in this life, let’s turn out in 2022 for our Shipmates in Blue and Gold! Jack writes: M Hey ’94, For those of you not tracking some of the information on the class Facebook page, our class and McGarvey’s (Jimmy McLaughlin, Kevin Havens, and Chris Hannan) continue to host a tailgate in the far back corner of the Blue Lot at all of the home football games. The events are a great time with our very own XCIV branded tailgate trailer, beer truck, premium liquors, oysters on the half-shell, catered Mission BBQ, football on TV, music and of course classmates! RSVPs are helpful (for ordering food, etc) so please head over to the events on our class Facebook page or send Jack Downes a note. (johnbdownes @gmail.com) We are always looking for volunteers to help “Captain” each tailgate and help with other supporting functions. Please reach out to Jack, Brian OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 99

94/95 CLASS NEWS Bruggeman or MJ Pallotta if you are interested in volunteering! If you have ideas on how to make the tailgates better, please fire away.

If you are a season ticket holder with a parking pass you can park right next to the tailgate as well. Again, please contact Jack for more details. Please share the events among friends, family and classmates and we look forward to seeing you there!

Do you have an update? You can text (nine eight five three seven seven two zero three five), email (Margaret.Aden@gmail.com), message me on FB, Instagram, Signal or WhatsApp (same digits as above). Quick, short updates are better than none. Be safe out there, remember your sunscreen and don’t forget your exercises to prevent shin splints!

’95

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 21.37% Pres: CDR Andre Coleman, CEC, USN (Ret.) p: 571-344-0336; e: andre_coleman@hotmail.com Vice Pres: Robert “Butch” Klemeyer p: 941-266-3557; e: bklemeyer@gmail.com Tres: James “Jimmy” Loreto p: 240-505-6466; e: Jloretojr@gmail.com Comms Dir: LCDR Heidi (Huerter) Lenzini, USN (Ret.) p: 619-347-0716; e: Heidi.lenzini@gmail.com Sec’y: CDR Brian Schultz, SC, USN (Ret.) c: 904-219-7523; e: brian.schultz@msimga.com

’96

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 11.17% Pres: Bill Pennington Vice Pres: Ghislaine (Williams) Stonaker Sec’y: Cara Albright e: caramalbright@1996.usna.com Treas: Nikki Battaglia

Good Navy day, ’96!

Hope you and yours are well and enjoying life. Bringing you a roundup of summer news, starting with a 10-day Baltic cruise that several ’96ers sailed on, originally scheduled for 2021.

From Nagel Sullivan: M Here is a picture of the die-hard ’96ers that made the cruise. Andy Roberts, me (Nagel), Robert Ashburn, and Lisa Sullivan are pictured. Missing from the photo is Kerry May. Unlike a Navy cruise, the food was top-notch and we can drink alcohol publicly. Thanks to Dan Morio (‘91) at Cruise Planners for pulling that together for us.

Andy, Nagel, Rob, and Lisa on the Norwegian cruise liner during the Baltic cruise

Thanks, Nagel! I know there was a lot larger crowd initially signed up for the 2021 dates (including myself), which Dan originally planned to coincide with our 25th reunion year as well as his 30th. Hopefully we can do another event like that in the future.

Summer is a busy time, especially for those who are still standing the watch: retirements, PCS orders, work ups, change of command ceremonies, even swearing in the future of our Fleet. Back in June, CAPT Derrick Kingsley fleeted up from his Base XO tour and took command of Naval Air Station Patuxent River, where he will stay on for another 18 months.

I know at least a few area ’96ers were in attendance, including Nagel, Chad Fulgham, and CAPT Bill Selk, although no photo ops occurred. Congratulations, Derrick! Looking forward to catching up this fall. Another shout out goes to CAPT Dave “Crusty” Pollard, who finished his first at-sea period in command of USS GEORGE HW BUSH with a challenging but rewarding COMPTUEX. He heads out for deployment with the Avenger team later in the summer. And of course heat and humidity are the order of the day, so Plebe Summer must be underway on the Yard. We had a number of classmates with sons and daughters heading off to Mother B to become part of the Class of 1996+30 this summer, including CAPT Dave Carnal, CAPT Tom Heck, Anthony Bilotti, CAPT Jaime Hernandez, and Dave Brenia (I’m sure there were others – apologies to whoever I missed in my crowdsourcing of information).

Jaime sent pictures of administering the oath to his son Jacob during the swearing in ceremony held in Memorial Hall.

CAPT Jaime Hernandez swearing in his son, Jacob Hernandez, in Memorial Hall 100 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

Jaime with his two sons, Jacob (’96+30) and Jaime (’96+29)

He reports that Jacob graduated from Page High last spring in Franklin, TN, where he ran track and cross country, and joins his brother Jaime, who is already at USNA starting his youngster year. Here is another swearing in story for you from CAPT Tom Heck, from his last day of active duty. Tom writes: M Sharing some pictures of me swearing in my daughter, Elleigh, on I-Day 30 June. It was my last duty in the Navy as I was officially retired 4 hours later. For contrast I’m also attaching pictures of my father swearing me in 30 years prior. If you look closely, you can see that we used the exact spot in Memorial Hall.

Thanks, Tom! What a cool story. Enjoy a well-deserved retirement, and I’m sure we’ll see you at local events as you follow the progress of your daughter and her class.

CAPT Tom Heck swearing in his daughter, Elleigh, in Memorial Hall on 30 June

CAPT Tom Heck and Midn 4/C Elleigh Heck

96/99 CLASS NEWS will be the end of September by the time you read this, so we’ll be looking for you all under the tailgate tent. In the meantime, be well and keep the stories coming.

Beat Army! — Cara

’97 Tom being sworn in himself, 30 years ago, by his father in the same spot in Memorial Hall

The group of ‘96ers at Denizen’s

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 7.51% Pres: Tom Wagner e: twagner1@san.rr.com Send news to: LtCol Aaron Shelley, USMCR (Ret.) 1148 Via Jose, San Jose, CA 95120 c: 619-980-8297; e: apshelley@hotmail.com

’98

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 6.37% Midn 4/c Tom Heck with his father (July 2, 1992)

And to ALL of the ’96ers with plebes, whether they be offspring or sponsorees (or any class midshipmen, for that matter), please educate them on the location of our tailgate tent! Spot 12, along Farragut Road, second tent south of Gate 2. We always have food for hungry mids, especially those belonging to the great Class of 1996.

Finally, Rhoan Boucher sent me a collection of photos from wrapping up his time on the east coast. Rhoan recently finished his MBA at Maryland and headed out to the left coast this summer to Rhoan at his MBA graduation live in the LA area.

Rhoan and cohort at his MBA graduation (U Maryland)

Pres: David Forman c: 904-321-6459; e: DSForman@aol.com Corr Sec’y: Mark Symmes 529 W. 29th St., Baltimore, MD 21211 e: shipmate98@yahoo.com Temp Corr Sec’y: Alex Savage e: asavage98@gmail.com

’98, It’s been a quiet a few months. Please send your updates to: shipmate98@protonmail.com.

Stopping to visit Brian Ellison on the drive to the Los Angeles area

Congratulations, Rhoan! You sure will be missed at parties, tailgates, and gatherings here in the NCR, but we know you’ll be back to visit.

And with that, I wrap this column. We still have quite a few weeks of summer to go, but it

’99

Life Membership: 93% Donor Participation: 5.51% Pres: CDR Jason Birch e: jb1999@me.com Vice Pres: Dr. Joy Zelinski-Marquez e: drjoymarquez@gmail.com Sec’y and Shipmate Contact: Darlene Delk e: darlene.delk@yahoo.com Treas: Stacie M. Gibson e: staciegibson22@gmail.com Communications Director: CDR Jose Pehovaz-Diez, USN (Ret.) e: jose.pehovazdiez@gmail.com Website: www.usna99.com

’96: Rhoan’s going away party at Denizens Brewing Company in Silver Spring: Ryan Blomeley, Dave Perine ’97, Craig Sutton, Rhoan, Kim Mitchell, Jamie Achee, Tim Phillips and Stephen Phillips ’92

Greetings ’99! Summer is in full swing.

Vacations, moves, and life transitions seem to be what summers are all about. We have one submission this month from Lynn Lyne, wife of Jeb Lyne: M Lynn Lyne (wife of Jeb Lyne ’99), Steven Osborne, Jeb Lyne and their families send greetings from Camp Coogan Bay, Sitka, Alaska.

The Lyne and Osborne families get together for an adventure every few years. This trip took us to Seattle for a few days and then onto an Alaskan cruise.

Thank you Jeb and Lynn!

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 101

99/02 CLASS NEWS

’02

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 7.77% 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: Colonel Elizabeth (Kreft) Brienza, CDR Sean McClintock and Charlie Mello Send Submissions to: shipmate2002@gmail.com Website: www.usna2002.org

’99: Left to Right: The Lyne Family (Lynn, Vivian, Helene & Jeb), The Osborne Family (Stacie (Bergeron), Colt, Gabriel & Steve)

By now you should have received a letter from the class fundraising committee and/or a phone call from the Alumni Association asking for your support and donations to the new Alumni Association and Foundation Center which is currently under construction. The Class goal is to raise $250,000 dollars. As of the last report, we have donated or pledged $50,000 towards our goal. For those of you who pledge to donate $12,500, you will be designated as a Plankowner.

M “The Alumni Association and Foundation Center will offer premier facilities for Naval Academy alumni, parents and friends. The Center will provide the Naval Academy community a physical space in which to celebrate and commemorate alumni success and leadership in civilian life in addition to military achievements. This will be the first and only building on or around the Yard that recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the entire Naval Academy alumni body. The Center will include displays and memorabilia that celebrate our military as well as civilian success and it will serve as a living memorial to all that alumni have achieved individually and collectively. The new building will allow us to tell our story of providing extraordinary leadership in the military, government, corporate America and civic engagement.”

If you want to learn more, go to Support Academy_Stewardship-Alumni Center www.usna.com (https://www. usna.com/support-impact-alumni-center) Hope everyone is geared up for football season! Enjoy the last bits of summer and hope to see you around the Yard!

Navigamus Honore Darlene 102 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

’00

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 7.29% Pres: J.V. “Murph” McCarthy Vice Pres: Art Terry Treas: Nick Lalota Sec’y: Tim O’Connor e: Shipmate00@yahoo.com

’01

Life Membership: 96% Donor Participation: 16.19% Pres: Jen (Bohr) Tyll p: 302-528-9306; e: jenbohrtyll@gmail.com Vice Pres: Amy (Baxter) Laczek p: 240-393-9120; e: laczekaxter@gmail.com Treas: Adam Borcz e: adamhenryborcz@gmail.com Sec’y: Jen McCullough e: jennifer.mccollough@gmail.com

BLUE & GOLD OFFICER Area Coordinators See a complete list at www.usna.edu/Admissions/ BGO.php

2002, October is finally here which means it’s reunion time! Hopefully by now you have registered and purchased your tickets for the reception and tailgate. If you haven’t it’s not too late! Go to: signupnow.events/usna2002 to register and purchase tickets. More information on the reunion to include up to date schedule and links to register and purchase game tickets can be found at: usna2002.org/ reunion. Also, don’t forget to checkout our class Facebook group (USNA ’02)!

Keep the Shipmate submissions coming in!

I expect to be flooded with stories and pictures after our reunion….so don’t disappoint!

Thanks to our classmate Michael Johnson (’02) for sending in his Shipmate submission: M ’02, My Sponsor Dad, John Casey, ’02 minus 10, has texted me screen shots of ’02’s Shipmate columns for the past couple of issues (i.e., that lacked an update from me), with the messages “Weak” or “Still weak…” Nothing but Marine-Ground tough love from John – but, it works! : ) Shout-out to my Sponsor Brothers Matt Mariano and Mike Liguori!

BIG shout-out to my 28th/2nd company (Club Deuce) shipmate and former Plebe Year squadmate CDR Dan Hancock, CO of USS FRANK E. PETERSEN JR (DDG 121)! Dan assumed command at an incredible ceremony in Charleston, SC in May, and I had the good fortune to enjoy the commissioning with my former roommate Timothy Parlatore. I was also fortunate to serve in government with Frank E. Petersen III, the son of Dan’s ship’s namesake, and it has been such a blessing to work with and stay in touch with Frank III. If you haven’t read about Frank E. Petersen Jr. – the first African American Marine Corps Aviator and General Officer who retired as a Lieutenant General – you should look him up. An amazing man, and an amazing ship, now based out of Pearl Harbor. Dan, as a former SWO (I’m still recovering, with the SWO-sword wounds to prove it) you are living the SWO dream!

Back in the metro DC area, I’m lucky to live near some awesome companymates – Tim, Lucas Adin, and Brian Walsh – with Russell Thomas and Trevor Bigham (’02 plus 2) close

by as well. Congratulations to Brian and all shipmates who will retire from active duty this year, and I’m excited to reconnect at our 20year reunion. Thanks also to Brian for connecting me with David Hallisey, ’02 minus 14, and thank you to the USNA Alumni Association and Foundation Mid-Atlantic Region Trustee Juliana Vida, ’02 minus 8, for serving as a speaker in an interagency professional development speaker series I run as a fed.

Photo included with my wife Anna (a career U.S. Army civil servant, let’s not talk about that:), John Casey (’02 minus 10, aka Mr. Weak Sauce), and his wife & my incredible Sponsor Mom Jennifer (also a career U.S. Army civil servant, an eerie coincidence with Anna).

’04

02/06 CLASS NEWS

Life Membership: 95% Donor Participation: 3.45% 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

Katie (Gerhard) Vasquez ‘06, her dad CAPT (Ret.) John Gerhard ‘77, and Elijah Vasquez ‘44

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 3.34% 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

Katie (Gerhard) and Elijah Vasquez

Website: 2005.usnaclasses.net

Fun fact about ’02 minus 10, with all due respect for the Great State of Texas: ’02 minus 10’s hot sauce was so weak in King Hall, they didn’t have any Texas Pete, only Texas Pet. The last “e” just gave up. Shout-out to my Plebe Year squadmate Russell Thomas who downed a bottle of Texas Pete during Army week. I went with a traditional Beat Army, with all the fixins – those were the days, weren’t they?

’03

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 4.99% Pres: LtCol Lisa (Steinmetz) Cordonnier, USMC e: lisacords03@gmail.com Vice Pres: CDR Fernando R. Reyes, USN e: delux1981@gmail.com Treas: CDR Megan Barnett, USN e: mmbarnett03@msn.com Sec'y: Heather M. (Garland) Selig e: heather.selig@2003.usna.com Class Website: http://2003.usnaclasses.net/ Webmaster: CDR Kevin Hagan, USN e: kevin.r.hagan@gmail.com Shipmate Submissions: Kenneth Michel e: kennethmichel03@gmail.com

’06

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 4.21% 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

Hi ’06- I wanted to pass along a quick personal note and an exciting announcement for several of our classmates.

On a personal note, my husband and I, Major Nic Vasquez (Army, but a West Florida grad and not a West Pointer), welcomed our first (and only) little boy, Elijah Nathaniel Vasquez on April 29, 2022. He has lots of energy, the sweetest laugh, and has finally mastered the art of sleeping all night- a feat many of us haven’t seen since plebe year! Nic and I are currently stationed in the DC area. I’m at the Washington Navy Yard as an EDO and Nic is an ROTC instructor at the University of Maryland. We have season Navy tickets-Nic actually cheers for Navy- so if you find yourself in the area, please reach out!

Nic, Katie and Elijah

On an equally exciting note, here are a couple of updates to the current Alumni House. During the pandemic, the current Alumni House was put up for sale and purchased by a group that was comprised largely of 2006 alumni.

The Alumni House will be turned into an historic inn under the new name of Ninth Wing and provide new accommodations right outside of Gate 3. We are currently renting it back to the Alumni Association while their new building is being built (across from the baseball field) and working on permits, drawings, and all the other tape we have to navigate to open it up. We are aiming at opening up late summer/early fall of 2023 based upon when we can start the renovations. Standby for more updates and possibly a future article in Shipmate with more details!

Thanks!

Katie (Gerhard) Vasquez OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 103

07/12 CLASS NEWS

’07

’10

Pres: Brady Beauchamp

Pres: LT Robert Battle, USN e: rhbattle@2010.usna.com

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 4.50% Vice Pres: Major Benjamin Tuck e: Benjamin.Tuck07@gmail.com

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 19.59%

Vice Pres: LT Garth Thomas, USN

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

Sec’y: LT Margaret Boyle, USN e: mcboyle@2010.usna.com

Sec’y: LCDR Dan Bellomo, USNR e: dbellomo@umich.edu

Send Articles to: Shipmate2010@gmail.com

Send Articles to: classofficersUSNA2007@gmail.com

SEE YOU AT THE REUNION!!!

Reunion update: Dates: 28-30 October 2022 What: 15th Class Reunion for 2007 What else: Navy beats Temple!

Amplifying information: We are trying to duplicate as best we can our 10 year and still be financially prudent with Class funds.

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!

’08

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 24.55% Pres: Donald H. Horner III Vice Pres: LCDR Gerald Brooks, USN Treas: LCDR Daniel E. Foose, USN Sec’y: LCDR Dianna Dietrich, USN e: dianna.dietrich@gmail.com

’09

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 22.77% Pres: LCDR Andrew Poulin, USN e: andrew.poulin09@gmail.com Vice Pres: LCDR Art Griffin, USN Treas: LCDR Cody Forsythe, USN

’11

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 14.33% 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

’12

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 24.83% 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

BRAVO ZULU to classmate Christina Danai (10th Company) who received the Captain Joy Bright Hancock Award in May 2022!

Christina is currently dual-hatting as the Chief Engineer and Operations Officer aboard USS MANCHESTER (LCS 14). She recently led her crew through a rigorous and successful LOA and is gearing up for Basic and Advanced Phases. Christina also serves as the Public Affairs Officer for the Navy Junior Officer Counsel (NJOC) which seeks to foster greater innovation, agility and connection across the fleet.

“Think of it as an amoeba. NJOC acts as a Junior Officer network across Navy communities as well as a ‘direct line’ between the fleet’s Junior Officers and the most senior Navy leadership.”

Once the #CHENGwithbangs, Christina is now also embracing her role as #OPStimistic. “Drydock is a hard place. No one wakes up and says, ‘I’m so excited to go to my graveyard of a ship and put in a 12-hour work day!’ My hashtag is a light-hearted reminder to be positive and also represents my identity and purpose - to embody optimism.

We have to take care of ourselves and each other.”

Despite her busy schedule, Christina and I had a chance to catch up and reflect on her recent recognition.

“I was totally surprised and mostly humbled to be nominated by my command and recognized for my efforts at my command as well as within the SWO community and Navy at large.”

VADM Franchetti formally recognized Christina and presented her award at the Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium in Norfolk, VA. The Symposium is a two-day event assembling roughly 1,200 women across service branches. With a variety of keynotes and panels, the symposium features leaders like SECNAV and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

“It was incredibly humbling. I had been listening to all of these incredible women and role models share their stories. And then next thing, they’re calling me onstage to present my award. To be included among all these incredible women and among so many women who are getting it done every day is a huge honor that I still can’t wrap my head around.”

Sec’y: Micky Matus, USN e: michaelmatus09@gmail.com Shipmate Submissions: e: Shipmate09@gmail.com

2022 HOMECOMING Welcome Back Alumni!

28-30 October

EXPLORE & LISTEN To Compelling Topics Online www.usna.com/podcasts VADM Franchetti and Christina before the award presentation.

104 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

I asked Christina to share some of her Naval Academy and leadership reflections: 1. Embrace the peer leadership model from USNA! As Youngsters, Second and First Classmen, we were responsible for training junior midshipmen. That experience played a big role in my outlook as a baby SWO. I found it critical to train Junior Officers aboard my ships and as an instructor at the Basic Division Officer Course. It’s our job as leaders to share experiences and teach best practices so that we all become stronger. The earlier and more you invest in training your people, the better your readiness will be. This practice of committed mentorship and apprenticeship has a hugely positive impact on culture as well.

2. Be yourself! Don’t try to fit some mold of a leader you think you should be or who you think your Wardroom wants you to be. Be professional, of course, but just be you. You were appointed to the Academy and commissioned as an Officer for your unique attributes, and that’s what our fleet needs: your diverse attributes and perspectives. As leaders, we need to champion authenticity. Authenticity imbues genuine, confident leadership. It produces better leadership. Better organizations.

A better fleet.

12/18 CLASS NEWS

’13

’18

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

Pres: LTJG Dan Stitt, USN

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 34.31%

Vice Pres: LT Daniel Murphy, USN Treas: 1st LT Ted Baumgardner, USMC Sec’y: LT Hannah Yun, USN

’14

Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 34.13% Vice Pres: LTJG Michael Pahissa, USN Treas: LTJG Gio Hernandez, USN Sec’y: LTJG Rachel LaBuda, USN Send Articles to: 2018usna@gmail.com

1stLt Cory Morgan, KABUL NEO writes:

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 36.41% Pres: 1stLt William R. Roberts, USMC Vice Pres: 1stLt Conor J. Kearney, USMC Treas: LTJG Emily L. Kreyenhagen, USN Sec’y: LTJG Elizabeth J. Powers, USN Send Articles to: shipmate2014@gmail.com

’15

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 34.08% Pres: CAPT Ward “Bubba” Scott III, USMC p: 603-236-1011; e: wardscottiii@gmail.com Vice Pres: LT Dylan Cawdery, USN p: 801-638-0724; e: dcawdery@gmail.com Treas: LT Joshua David Elliott p: 772-643-4468; e: joshuaelliott2015@gmail.com Sec’y: CAPT Madeline Zell, USMC p: 410-370-3068; e: mad.zell.15@gmail.com

Christina is unapologetically herself both in and out of uniform. A bright light!

3. The Naval Academy network is alive and well! In the wake of receiving the Joy Bright Hancock Award, I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of care and support from classmates and other alums. Everyone was so excited for an Academy woman to be recognized. I’m so grateful for this enduring familial connection, and I’m so excited for our 10-year reunion!

’16

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 35.22% 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: 28.24% 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 Christina meets with classmates during the Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium. From left to right: LT Susan Wimer (Truelove) USNA ‘12 (10th co), Kaleo Kina USNA ‘09 (1st co), and LCDR Shun White USNA ‘09 (10th co).

Sec’y: ENS Molly McGuckin, USN e: mollykmcguckin@gmail.com

M One year ago, I was serving as the Combat Logistics Battalion 24 (CLB 24) Landing Support Platoon Commander, as part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24 MEU).

As the Landing Support Platoon Command, my platoon and I were responsible for the operation and implementation of the NonCombatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) Tracking Systems as well as managing and controlling the Evacuation Control Center (ECC). All of which were used in the evacuation of United States

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 105

18/23 CLASS NEWS

’20

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 2.73% Pres: 2ndLt Mike Smith, USMC Vice Pres: 2ndLt John Finnegan, USMC Treas: ENS Grayson Gossett, USN Sec’y: ENS Nolan Kreipe, USN

’21

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 2.01% Pres: ENS Cameron R. Kinley, USN Vice Pres: N/A Treas: ENS Lakayla D. Deshields, USN

’18

Sec’y: Ann M. Jackson

Citizens and Afghan citizens out of HKIA, Kabul. There is not very much that I can say or stories that I can tell that was not already broadcasted to the world during those two weeks in August 2021. I would, though, like to add how outstanding the Marines of CLB 24 performed under such brutal conditions.

Operating 24 hours a day, operating inside and out of the ECC, every Marine pushed on with little sleep, sickness, and minimal hygiene.

Due to the overflow of evacuees, Port-a-Johns, toilets, and showers became over filled with dirt, feces, and urine. The risk of Dysentery became a severe issue early on in the evacuation.

Dealing with constant threats and endless road-blocks, CLB 24 and the 24 MEU foraged through every adversity. If it was not for every individual’s 100% effort, we would not have evacuated the amount of personnel that we did. For those two stressful and exhausting weeks, every Marine attached to the 24 MEU worked tirelessly under constant threat and combat conditions to evacuate over 100,000 personnel. It was an absolutely honor to be an ECC OIC and to serve alongside the Marines of CLB 24. I had the privilege of serving alongside Sergeant Nicole Gee aboard the USS IWO JIMA and aground in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Sergeant Gee, along with 12 other Marines and Sailor were killed in action on 26 August 2021,

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

106 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

by suicide vest attack on the Abbey Gate.

Their ultimate sacrifice on 26 August is a constant and humble reminder that there is a price that is paid so that U.S. citizens can enjoy the many freedoms that they may or may not take for granted. Please keep those 13 and their families in your thoughts and prayers. At the same time, remember that there were hundreds of others severely affected, both physically and mentally by that same attack. Those Marines and Sailors continue to battle with their physical and mental recovery today and will for years to come. In closing, I am thankful to have attended the United States Naval Academy as it gave me a multitude of tools and skills that I have utilized throughout my time in the United States Marine Corps and during the execution of the Noncombatant Evacuation Operation in Kabul, Afghanistan.

’22

’19

Treas: MIDN Zion A. Armstrong, USN

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 4.50% Pres: 2ndLt Isaac Phillips III, USMC Vice Pres: ENS Tate Schumacher, USN Treas: ENS Leor Golan, USN Sec’y: ENS Gil Wright, USN

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 31.31% Pres: ENS Andre C. Rascoey, USN Vice Pres: ENS Jonathan D. Miranda, USN Treas: ENS Hampton B. Boyd, USN Sec’y: ENS Rory S. Cox, USN

’23

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 0.0% Pres: MIDN Grant A. Booker, USN Vice Pres: MIDN Julius W. Aebly III, USN Sec’y: MIDN Jason Santiago, USN

2022 NAVY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Follow Navy Football at: navysports.com

3 SEPT 10 SEPT 24 SEPT 1 OCT 8 OCT 14 OCT 22 OCT 29 OCT 5 NOV 12 NOV 19 NOV 3 DEC 10 DEC

vs Univ. of Delaware vs Memphis @ East Carolina (Greenville, NC) @ Air Force (USAF Academy ,CO) vs Tulsa @ SMU (Dallas, TX) vs Houston vs Temple @ Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH) — Notre Dame (Baltimore, MD) @ UCF (Orlando, FL) — AAC Championship TBA vs Army (Philadelphia, PA) 1-800-US4-NAVY

CHAPTER NEWS Tokyo Bay Chapter

Alabama

Arkansas

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

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

USNA Alabama Alumni Chapter

Arkansas Chapter

Pres: Greg Hess ’85 p: 205-307-9191; e: greghess8599@charter.net

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

Vice Pres, Central Alabama: Eric Riddle ’94 p: 469-363-4295; e: ericriddle94@gmail.com

Vice Pres: Doug Waller '02 e: waller_doug@yahoo.com Sec'y Treas: Jason Coyle '09 e; jason.coyle@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: Carolyn Freeman, son, Reid ‘24 e: usna.ala@gmail.com

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!!

California Los Angeles Chapter Pres: Shane Skopak ’05 e: shane.skopak@yahoo.com Vice Pres: Adrian Montecinos ’14 p: 562-587-3690; e: admont19@gmail.com

Asia

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

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

Guam Chapter Pres: CAPT Noel M. Enriquez ’84, USNR P.O. Box 26849, GMF, Barrigada, GU 96921-6849 h: 671-472-9629; f: 671-472-1966 c: 671-777-9629; e: NME@1984.usna.com

Philippines Chapter Pres: COMMO Alberto B. Carlos ’89, AFP p: +63-2-525-1003; m: +63-917- 521-1637 e: carlosabet@yahoo.com Sec’y: Capt Carl Roy Catalan ’08, PMC (PN) p: +63-917-706-8042; e: Roitime23@gmail.com

Attendees at our July gathering were (L to R) Greg Hess ’85, Kevin Patton ’85, Dennis Read ‘59, Kristin Bakkegard ‘88, John Vereen ’00 and Jim Selkirk ‘89.

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

Southern Arizona Chapter Pres: Thom Rossa ’63 e: TRossa@hayes-soloway.com Sec’y: Jim Hillenmayer ’73 e: jhillenmayer73@msn.com Website: http://southernarizona.usnachapters.com

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

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

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

Website: http://montereybay.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: Bob Garcia e: bob@coeususa.com

Vice Pres: Andy Harrell ’12 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

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

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

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

Singapore Chapter

Arizona Arizona Chapter

BGO Area Coordinator (LA/Orange County): CDR Steve Shatynski ’83, USN (Ret.) p: 714-255-6108 e: Stephan.shatynski@wellsfargoadvisors.com

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

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

Treas: Michael Seaver e: michaelseaver@gmail.com

Website: www.groups.yahoo.com/communityusnaphil

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

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

2023 ISSUE: Jan-Feb ’23 Mar-April ’23 May ’23 June ’23 July-Aug ’23 September ’23 October ’23 Nov-Dec ’23

DUE DATE: Dec 1 Jan 26 Feb 23 Mar 30 May 30 Jun 29 Jul 27 Sep 28

Sacramento Chapter Pres: Terri (Riggs) Maginnis ’82 p: 916-203.5115; e: tmaginnis@yahoo.com Vice Pres: Brian Grubbs ’92 p: 916-712-1747; e: bgrubbs1992@gmail.com Sec’y: Dave McKie ’66 e: david.mckie2155@gmail.com Treas: Jack Everett ’64 e: jeverett@quicknet.com Past President: Dennis P. Joyce ’61 p: 916-996-1333; e: djoyce1961@hotmail.com Website: sacramento.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: Bob Proano p: 530-274-9205; e: rproano730@gmail.com

San Diego Chapter Pres: Steve Rasmussen ’88 e: President@usnaaasd.com Corr Sec’y: Charlie Carey ’70 p: 619-589-0945; e: cdcarey@1970.USNA.com Website: http://usnaaasd.com BGO Area Coordinator: Mike Philbrook ’83 e: michael.philbrook@1983.usna.com

This being summer The San Diego Chapter had its annual visit to PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres. While the game did not go well for the Padre fans the USNA party was a blow out and nearby is a picture of our senior and junior attendee.

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 107

CHAPTER NEWS San Francisco Bay Area Chapter Pres: Bobby Nefzger ’14 e: bobbynefzger@gmail.com Vice Pres: Gordon McDonald ’06 e: usnaaasf.vp@gmail.com Sec’y: Ray Fazzio ’57 e: rayfaz57@pacbell.net Treas: Brian Frack ’89 e: frackbrian@gmail.com Website: http://sfbayarea.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: LT Paul Kepner '04, USN (Ret.) e: paulmkepner@gmail.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ usnaaasfbayarea

SD Chapter at the Padres. Our most senior attendee CAPT Jack Lucked ’65, USN (Ret) and our junior attendee 1st Lt Roman Benitez ’20, USMC

Our San Diego Chapter July Luncheon Speaker was VADM Charlie Martoglio ‘78, USN (Ret.).

From being on the cutting edge as a Surface Warfare Officer, he was the Commissioning Weapons Officer of USS BUNKER HILL (CG 52), the first VLS/Tomahawk equipped cruiser, the Commissioning Executive Officer of USS BARRY (DDG 52), the second VLS/Tomahawk equipped destroyer, & Commanding Officer of USS FITZGERALD (DDG 64). Serving as Deputy Commander, United States European Command, VADM Martoglio became an expert in operations in the European Theater & provided an outstanding presentation on the history of how things progressed to the current conflict in Ukraine. His presentation was very informative & riveting, with several great VADM Charlie Maroglio ‘78, USN (Ret) questions from those who attended.

If you’re in our area check out our space on MyUSNA - we always have something going on that you might be interested in joining.

Delaware Delaware Chapter

Santa Barbara Chapter

Pres: Chris Dierkes ’85 p: 302-256-8949; e: Christopher.F.Dierkes-1@usa.dupont.com

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

Florida Gainesville Chapter

Chapter email: usnaaasantabarbarachapter@gmail.com

Pres: Vacant

Web: http://santabarbara.usnachapters.net/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/santabarbara. chapterusna.9 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usnaalums santabarbara/

Jacksonville Chapter

Colorado

Vice Pres: Glen Hamilton ’85 e: glenhamilton@cbvfl.com

Pres: CAPT Scott Neidhold ’77 USNR (Ret.) e: scottneidholdsr@gmail.com

Colorado Chapter

Treas and Chapter Trustee: Enochia Anderson ‘94

Pres: CAPT S. Guy Higgins ’69, USN (Ret.) e: guyhiggins1234@gmail.com

Sec’y: Britney Brown ’12

Sec’y: CAPT Matthew McLaurin ’92 e: matthew.s.mclaurin@gmail.com Website: http://usnacolorado.com

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

BGO Area Coordinator (Denver): CAPT Dick Eason ’84, USN (Ret.) p: 720-747-4615; e: dick.eason@lycos.com

Website: jacksonville.usnachapters.net

Colorado Springs Chapter

Greater Miami Chapter

Pres: LCDR John Sledgianowski ’87, USN (Ret.) p: 719-287-2187; e: sledgesix@msn.com

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

BGO Area Coordinator: CDR James Keating e: James.keating@bgo.usna.com

Connecticut

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

108 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

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

BGO Area Coordinator: Bob Garcia e: bob@coeususa.com

Pres: Alan Weigel ’79 p: 860-376-5775; e: aweigel@blankrome.com

Go Navy! Beat Temple!

Costa Rica Chapter

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

Connecticut Chapter

Welcome Back Alumni 28-30 October

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

Instagram: @usnaaa_sfbaychapter

BGO Area Coordinator: Evan Barnet ’91 p: 203-249-0071; e: evan@barnetassociates.com

2022 HOMECOMING

Costa Rica

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

BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard O’Sullivan ’77, USN (Ret.) p: 407-687-6877; e: raaos@aol.com

Orlando Chapter Pres: Christopher Clark ’01 e: Orlando_Chapter_President@alumni.usna.com Sec’y: Greg Hemphill ‘72 e: E. usnaaamembershiporlando@gmail.com Webmaster: Joe Cooney ‘83 e: josephc993@gmail.com Website: https://myusna.com/topics/9546 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ 1415188042037372 BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard O’Sullivan ’77, USN (Ret.) e: RAAOS@aol.com

Palm Beach Chapter Pres: Ivan Rosa ’84 e: irosa@1984.USNA.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Dennis R. Neutze ’65, JAGC USN (Ret.) p: 305-705-4722 ; e: dennis.navy65@googlemail.com

CHAPTER NEWS 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

Tampa Bay Chapter: A Few Hours Together by the Bay …(Tampa Bay that is) for the Tampa Bay Chapter Annual Family Picnic

Pensacola Chapter

Tampa Bay 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

Pres: CAPT Chris Heath ’72, USN (Ret.) p: 813-210-2615 e: christopherheath.fl@gmail.com Communication Director: CAPT Steve Swift ’87, USNR (Ret.) e: sswift@1987.usna.com Sec’y: CDR Leon R. Jablow IV ‘91, USN (Ret.) e: leon.r.jablow@gmail.com 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

Southwest Florida Chapter Pres: Hank White ’68 e: hfwhitejr@aol.com Sec’y: Lukas Rebertus ’12 e: lwrebertus@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Dennis R. Neutze ’65, JAGC USN (Ret.) p: 305-705-4722 ; e: dennis.navy65@googlemail.com Website: southwestflorida.usnachapters.net

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.) p: 407-687-6877; e: raaos@aol.com

Suncoast Chapter Pres: Alois (Al) Burda ’68 e: alburda3@verizon.net Vice Pres: George Thompson ‘77 e: thompsonw77@gmail.com Second Vice Pres: George “Bo” Hamrick ’79 e bhamrick@financialpreservation.com Treas: Dick D’Anna ’68 e: dannari68@comcast.net Sec’y: Vacant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usnaalumniflorida suncoastchapter BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Steve Swift ’87, USNR e: sswift@1987.usna.com

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

Recent Events: In July alumni and families came together for our “Pin the Tail on the Mule” picnic. We enjoyed a great BBQ meal, fellowship and a challenging game of USNA trivia.

In attendance were Val and Gary Polansky ’69, Marcia and Mark Krivonak ’71, Perry Dempsey ’72, Ginger and Chris Heath ’72, Karen Ward (widow of Larry Ward ’74), Karen and Mark Arnold ’80, James Hamm ’84, Mike Zabel and Jane Lochner ’84 with their children, Carol and Paul Matthews ’85, Steve Swift ’87, Paula and James Castano ’91 with their children, Camille and Jonathan DeSimone ’13 and Brian Tsai ’16 We were very pleased to meet several members new to the area/chapter including Laura and Jim Blasko ’77, Dina and Elliott Kugel ’82 and Erica Ryder Wogaman ’83.

As fall approaches, we are looking forward to our Navy football watch parties, held on both sides of the Bay. Put on your blue and gold, come on out and GO NAVY! Future Events Monthly Meetings 01 October - Football watch party – Navy vs. Air Force 12 October – Founders Day Candidate dinner 05 November - Tampa Bay Wine Society (social/potluck) 19 November – Navy at UCF Game in Orlando 10 December – Army-Navy football (USMA hosting) Check Us Out Chapter Facebook page (https://www.facebook. com/pages/USNA-Alumni-TampaSt-Petersburg/ 120095454740213?sk=wall), our

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

Hawaii Hawaii Chapter Pres: Ted Peck ’88 p: 808-371-7514; e: ted.peck@gmail.com Vice Pres: Keno Knieriem ’06 e: keno@honokea.com Sec'y: Eric Kimura ’76 e: kimurayoshihiro9@gmail.com Comms: Brian C. Smith ’05 e: brian.conley.smith@gmail.com Treas: Tom Marzec ’87 e: tamarzec@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Jason Afong ’06, USN e: jason.afong.navy@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ USNAAA.Honolulu; https://www.facebook.com/ NavalAcademyHawaii/

Aloha from the 50th State. On June 11 the Hawaii Alumni Chapter hosted a picnic for the incoming plebes and NAPSters from Hawaii at the COMPACFLT Boat House. The event was attended by Hawaii Blue and Gold Officers, members of Another Link in the Chain (ALITC), the Hawaii Parents Club, and volunteers.

The program was put together by Jason Afong ’06, Blair Suzuki ’08, Alma Grocki ’81, Ted Peck ’88, and Mason Savage, President of the Hawaii Parents Club, and had over 40 people in attendance.

The event began with the guests and their family members partaking in the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Boat Tour. Incoming plebes Anuhea Haunio-Lore, Aidan Alexander, Isaia Togia and NAPSters Jaden Pladera, STS2 Anthony Gaiser and IS3 Joseph Nardozza were the guests of honor.

After the tour Dan Kalili ’76, Eric Kimura ’76 and Ethan Fiedel ’01 provided their presentation as part of the Another Link in the Chain program (ALITC). They tied together the link and bonds between all Midshipmen and Academy Alumni with sea stories and their experiences as Midshipmen. The guest speaker of the event was Rear Admiral (Ret.) Alma Grocki ’81. Alma provided some great tips as well as her perspectives both as a graduate, and as a parent of a graduate.

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 109

CHAPTER NEWS

Hawaii Chapter:Incoming Plebes and NAPSters with Alma Grocki ’81 at the annual Pre-Induction Day picnic

plan USNA support projects and have great fellowship. Any and all alumni are welcome.

The Chapter is planning Game Watch gettogethers including a Joint Army-Navy Alumni Game Party at the Row Bar in Waterfront Plaza.

Last year we had over 150 Navy and Army alumnae in attendance. Admiral Chris ‘Lung’ Aquilino ’84, INDOPACOM Commander, was in attendance, and led us all in a rousing rendition of Blue and Gold after the game.

August 1st was the culminating day for the amphibious portion of RIMPAC ’22, a multinational naval exercise held every 2 years in Hawaii. To showcase the event, Marine Corps Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC) held a demonstration exercise for Distinguished Visitors.

Steve Colón ’81 was there representing the Hawaii Military Affairs Council. Ricardo Miagany ’94 is the MARFORPAC G3 (Operations) and was the event MC. Matt Seay ’94 is the MARFORPAC G4 so was in charge of all logistics. Marine Corps Base Hawaii Commanding Officer Speros Koumparakis ’97 hosted the event which featured a flawless amphibious landing conducted by a multinational coalition.

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

Northwest Chapter

Hawaii USNAAA Chapter leaders

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 Treas: Dennis Hanrahan ’68 e: dennisdannyehanrahan@gmail.com Idaho Parents’ Club President: Nicola McIntosh (Luke ’24) e: themacs97@hotmail.com.

Hawii Chapter: Speros Koumparakis, Matt Seay, Steve Colón ’81, 1st LT Mark McDonough ’19 and Rick Magany at RIMPAC culminating exercise, Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay

The incoming Plebes were also able to “talk story” with Midshipmen 2/C Samantha Nakagawa ’24 during the picnic.

110 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

The Hawaii Chapter meets every third Thursday of the month at 1630 at Mangiamo By 604 at the Navy Marine Golf Course Club House (943 Valkenburgh Ave). We have speakers,

Beer and baseball! Southern Idaho Chapter members gathered at the Barrelhouse Pub and Grill for our July social. The plan was to have a burger and a brew, then head over to watch the Boise Hawkes take on the Grand Junction Rockies. However, by acclimation the consensus was that the weather was too hot to attend, and thus the continuation of the social hour won out. SIC attendees included Joan & Rufus Taylor ’66, Linda & Jim Perkins ’68, Rick Schellhaas ’68, Laurna & Tom Simmonds ’73, Pete Butler ’86, Andrea Hovey ’03, and Cody Rome ’12. Pete Butler ’86 was joined by his son, Conner Butler, who was saluted by all as just having been drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the recent major league baseball draft.

Congrats to Conner!

CHAPTER NEWS

Maryland Annapolis Chapter Pres: CDR Scott J. Shepard ’91, USN (Ret) p: 540-419-5564; e: scottjshepard@hotmail.com Vice Pres: Michael Rapp ’91 e: michaelrapp999@gmail.com Sec’y–Shipmate Contact: Liesel (Danjczek) Schopler ’99 e: lieseldanjczek@hotmail.com Treas: Chuck Dixon ’79 e: CBDixon@firstcommand.com Membership: James McNeal ’86 e: jamesm@ispards.com Website: http://annapolis.usnachapters.net Join the Chapter: https://www.signupnow. events/USNA AlumniChapter_Annapolis/ Southern Idaho Chapter members have the backs of the prospective Southern Idaho Chapter members have the backs of the prospective midshipmen who were in attendance: Cormac Mullin, Austin Durfee and Nicholas Schiedler.

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

Iowa Cody Rome ’12, his guest Tirzah, Laurna & Tom Simmonds ’73

In other news SIC members, USNA Parents Club members and Idaho area Blue & Gold Officers gathered on June 18th for our annual welcome aboard/plebe sendoff picnic for the soon-to-be USNA midshipmen from Idaho who will be joining the Class of 2026.

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: tincansailor980@gmail.com

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

Kentucky

BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Charles Mello e: Charlesmello@gmail.com Join the Chapter: https://www.signupnow.events/USNA Alumni Chapter_ Annapolis/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ 1118214745191/ (or search for: Naval Academy Alumni Annapolis Chapter)

Greater Southern Maryland Chapter Pres: Micheal W. Thumm '75 e: thummer75@md.metrocast.net Sec’y: Katie Ellefson ‘13 p: 661-992-9190; e: katieelllefson13@gmail.com Corr Sec’y: Michael Dougherty ’73 p: 240-925-7518; e: doughertymj8@aol.com BGO Area Coordinator: Kevin Schaaff e: Kevin.Schaaff@bgo.usna.com

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

Louisiana 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

Pres: Garrett Miller ’95 p: 985-590-2425, e: torrens.miller@gmail.com

Website: http://chicago.usnachapters.com

Sec’y: Wayne Morgan ’98 e: wayne.morgan@1998.usna.com

Vice Pres: Bob Ferrante ’90 p: 985- 237-2091; e: mbrlj5@gmail.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

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

Maine

Indianapolis Chapter

Pres: Jen Bohr Tyll ’01 e: jenbohrtyll@gmail.com

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

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

Website: http://www.navyalumni.org

Louisiana

Indiana

Baltimore Chapter

Pres: CAPT Gregory Reinhardt ’79, USNR (Ret.) 712 Talon Pl., Louisville, KY 40223 p: 502-244-7707; e: greinhardt@1979.usna.com

Chicago Chapter

BGO Area Coordinator (Southern, IL): Gene Marquez e: gdsm_marquez@charter.net

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

Louisville/Southern Indiana Chapter

Illinois

BGO Area Coordinator (Northern, IL incl Chicago): LCDR Drew Thomas ’04, USNR p: 317 682 8441; drew.thomas@bgo.usna.com

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

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

EVENTS Events: 25 June: Class of ’26 and Napsters ’27 Welcome Picnic Mike and Patti Thumm again hit a home run without the rain this year in hosting the Welcome Picnic for the Class of ’26 and Napsters and Foudation sponsorees ’27 and their families.

Terrance McCauley’27, Kerra Miller ’26, Elleigh Heck ’26 and Sophia Cadena ’27 were welcomed to the USNA family. Terrence graduated from St. Mary’s Ryken High School. He will attend NAPS this year. He plans to play football.

Kerra also graduated from St. Mary’s Ryken High School and will go directly to USNA Class of 2026. Elleigh graduated from Leonardtown High School and will also go directly to USNA Class of 2026. Sophia also graduated from Leonardtown High School and will attend a Foundation Preparatory School in California.

ALUMNI IN THE NEWS: 16 June: CDR Daniel Kitts ’01 USN relieved CAPT Elizabeth Somerville USN as Commanding Officer, Air Test And Evaluation Squadron OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 111

CHAPTER NEWS River in perfect weather. Hal Anderson ’64 attended the day before his 80th birthday.

Happy Birthday Hal! Keep your eye out on MyUSNA and your e-mail for the latest on events and updates. We’re looking forward to a full slate of events this fall.

Thank you for reading, and until next time: Beat Army!

Joe Zane ‘07 Chapter President

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 Greater Southern Maryland Chapter: L to R , Terrance McCauley’27, Kerra Miller’26, Mike Thumm ‘75 and President of GSMC, Elleigh Heck’26, and Sophia Cadena ‘27.

23 (VX-23). CDR Kitts was the Chief Test Pilot of VX-23 prior to assuming Command.

16 June: LtCol Scott Shadforth ‘01 USMC relieved Col Justin Eggstaff, USMC as Commanding Officer, Marine Aviation Detachment, Patuxent River.

Michigan

COMING EVENTS 9 Dec – Eggs and Legs BreakfastTime and Place TBD 10 Dec – Army-Navy Game Day Party Time and Place TBD 1700, 2nd Wednesday of each month: Chapter Meeting. The Brudergarten, Leonardtown. Please, check your email and the GSMC website: www.navyalumni.org for all event updates throughout 2022!

Website: http://detroit.usnachapters.net

Massachusetts

Michigan Chapter Pres: Maj. Joe Zane ’07 USMCR e: joseph.zane.2007@gmail.com Vice Pres: Shawn Hoch ’08 e: shawn.hoch@2008.usna.com Communications Sec’y: Chris Bernard ’88 e: gcb117@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator (Eastern): CAPT Michael Johnson ’79, USNR e: mj007mj@hotmail.com BGO Area Coordinator (West & Upper): Col. Benjamin Richmond ’93, USMCR e: brichmond97@earthlink.net

Website: www.USNAUpperMidwest.org Facebook: www.fb.com/USNAAAUpperMidwest BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Mark J. Salmen, USN (Ret.) NAIP Area Coordinator-Minnesota 15230 Afton Hills Drive South; Afton, MN 55001-9670 p: 651-436-5842; c: 651-271-669 e: mark.salmen@1973.usna.com; e: mjsalmen@aol.com

Mississippi BGO Area Coordinator: David Price ’78 e: dep-78@sbcglobal.net

South Mississippi Chapter Pres: CDR E. Spencer Garrett IV ’88, USNR P.O. Box 1792, Gautier, MS 39553 p: 228-497-5050; e: esgarrett44@aol.com Sec’y: CAPT Harry J. Rucker ’73, USN (Ret.) e: navynomad50@caldeone.net

July saw the return of the Annual Alumni Association Boat Outing, hosted by Mike Droogleever ’05. It was a change of pace from last year, with a quiet cruise down the Clinton

Boston Chapter Pres: James Kras ’69 141 Dorchester Ave., Unit 406, South Boston, MA 02127-1836 p: 617-645-1032; e: jameskras@comcast.net Shipmate contact: CAPT Pete Seibert ’65 p: 781-235-5909; e: pkseibert@comcast.net Website: http://boston.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator (Boston and SE Mass): Kimber Johnston e: Kimber.Johnson@bgo.usna.com BGO Area Coordinator (N Shore and Central Mass): CDR David Grim e: david.grim@1982.usna.com BGO Area Coordinator (Western Mass): Ken Walton e: ken.walton@bgo.usna.com

EXPLORE & LISTEN To Compelling Topics Online www.usna.com/podcasts

112 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

Michigan Chapter: The whole crew posed in front of a YP we saw while cruising up the Clinton River. Mike Droogleever ’05 is in front, manning the helm, with Joe Zane ’07, Marguerite Johnson, Michael Johnson ’79, Bill Lipstreau ’07, Hal Anderson ’64 and CDR Jim Semerad, USN (Ret.).

CHAPTER NEWS

Missouri

New Mexico

Greater Kansas City Metro Chapter

New Mexico Chapter

Pres: Bob Culler ’74 p: 913-488-6319; e: bculler@sbcglobal.net

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

Vice Pres: Victor Hurlbert ’10 p: 816-665-1647; e: victorh@yahoo.com Treas: Jack Rush ’73 e: jackrush7376@gmail.com Website: http://KansasCity.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: Lee Gilgour e: Gilgour42@gmail.com

St. Louis Chapter Pres: Dave Turnbaugh ’89 Website: https://stlusna.com Shipmate contact: Raese Simpson ’61 1138 Westmoor Pl., St. Louis, MO 63131-1320 c: 314-757-1221; e: raese1961@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Kent Higginbotham ’76, USN (Ret.) e: kenth@hbistl.com

Montana BGO Area Coordinator: Andy Metroka e: METROKA@MT.NET

Nebraska BGO Area Coordinator: Eric Taylor e: etaylor@1994.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

With our current mid-summer temperatures flirting with triple digits daily, it’s difficult to believe that we will have a Fall this year.

However, we are seeing reliable reports that Fall is coming, and with that high probability of a change of seasons, our Chapter President, Scott Kraus ’73 has made arrangements for our Chapter’s Fall Football meet-ups. The location of each meet-up is the Craft Republic, 4301 The Lane At 25 NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, (near Jefferson and I-25 NE). A menu is available on their website. The Chapter is normally provided with a spacious room for the games by their management. Chapter alums and their guests are encouraged to sport their blue and gold regalia when attending.

The New Mexico Chapter meet-ups are arranged for the following Navy football events: Navy/Air Force: 1 October Game time 1000 MDT USAFA Falcon Stadium, Colorado Springs, CO Navy/Notre Dame: 12 November Game time 1000 MST M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD Navy/Army: 10 December Game time 1300 MST Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA Each USNA New Mexico alum is invited to enjoy the sport, social interaction, and camaraderie that inevitably comes with supporting Navy Football. GO NAVY!

Website: http://southernnevada.usnachapters.com/

New York

New Jersey

New York Capital District Chapter

Pres: Patrick Hurley ’87 e: patrick.hurley@1987.usna.com BGO Area Coordinator (North NJ):Marcy Abbate e: Abbate.Marcy.M@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator (South NJ): Martha Christinziano e: Christinziano.area114@gmail.com website: www.usnanj.org

Pres: Frank Hughes ’80 p: 518-432-9193; e: frankhughes2@yahoo.com Sec’y: Gordon Lattey 40 First St., Troy, NY 12180 p: 518-274-4989; e: ussslater@aol.com Website: http://capitaldistrictny.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: Jeff Hughes e: Jeffrey.M.Hughes1@gmail.com

Central New York Chapter Pres: Steve Erb ’68 e: steveerb@windstream.net Sec’y/Treas: Bob Fegan Jr. ’64 e: bobfegan64@gmail.com Website: CentralNY.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: Tom Ravener e: tom.ravener@gmail.com

Alumni, and Navy 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 see if they are open and to let them know if you will be attending a 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.

Metro New York Chapter (NAANY) Pres: George O’Garro ’05 e: georgeogarro@gmail.com HotLine: 1-800-234-USNA (8732) Website: http://www.NAANY.org BGO Area Coordinator: Gardner Jackson e: ghjackson86@gmail.com

Western New York Chapter Pres: Dan Sullivan ’95 p: 585-410-1941; e: daniel.sullivan@savox.com Vice Pres: Pete Owen ’86 p: 949-702-2733; e: pfowen0302@gmail.com Website: http://westernny.usnachapters.net/ BGO Area Coordinator: Doug Peters ’73 e: douglastpeters@gmail.com

Our chapter’s next meeting will be the Army-Navy football game viewing on 10 December at Flaherty’s in Macedon.

All alumni and friends of the Naval Academy will be welcome. Please RSVP to Pete Owen ’86 at: pfowen0302@gmail.com.

Please contact us as indicated below for details or to join the chapter.

Pres: Dan Sullivan ’95, (585) 410-1941, e: daniel.sullivan@savox.com VP: Pete Owen ’86, (949) 701-2733, e: pfowen0302@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: Doug Peters ’73, e: douglastpeters@gmail.com Web page: http://westernny.usnachapters.net/ Beat Army!

Pete Owen ‘86

SEA STORIES

A Navy tradition Stories of action and inspiration. Entertaining and educational https://www.usna.com/sea-stories OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 113

CHAPTER NEWS

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

Cape Fear Chapter Pres: Ray Decker ’72 p: 703-939-0202; e: dax24@icloud.com Vice Pres: Paul Normand ’74 e: paulnormand@mac.com Sec’y/Treas: Steve Yandle ’75 e: sryusna75@gmail.com

Although summer temps have been brutal around the country including SE North Carolina, the Cape Fear Chapter is moving forward in better weather with planned monthly lunch meetings to include our Election of Officers on 11 October. More details in next Shipmate.

The Chapter’s 2022 Calendar of Events is posted on our website: capefearnc.usnachapters.net.

If you graduated from the Academy during the Vietnam War era and earlier, there was a tradition Firsties enjoyed that seems to have disappeared. The purchase of a ceramic tankard with your company logo on the obverse and class crest or name on the reverse was a special rite of passage. These high quality “beer” steins were special ordered and delivered to thirsty Firsties. Besides your class ring, this functional drinking vessel with a unique company connection was much treasured. Fast forward. During our Bring Your Company Mug (BYCM) socials at local craft beer venues in Wilmington, Chapter members are encouraged to bring their company tankard to celebrate the Academy with a cold brew. It was during a BYCM gathering that a very junior grad indicated that he had no idea about the company mug tradition.

If any alum reading this column knows when this tradition ceased and why, please email Ray Decker ’72 at DAX24@icloud.com The Cape Fear Chapter has decided to resurrect the “company” mug tradition with a Chapter spin. Since the Cape Fear Chapter doesn’t have a logo, we are holding a “friendly” design competition with the winner receiving a free mug and bragging rights. After approval by the Chapter members, this logo will adorn the ceramic beer steins available for purchase by all members especially our junior shipmates. This fun initiative is being ably led by Tom Wolfe ’72.

Later, we hope to use the logo on Chapter polo shirts, golf towels, and cocktail napkins to promote our “brand” and build Chapter unity.

All local graduates, Blue & Gold Officers, and parents of midshipmen or graduates are invited to join the Chapter and participate in our activities. Most lunch meetings are held 1145 at the Cape Fear Country Club on the second Tuesday of the month except when a social or other special event occurs.

All members planning to attend should contact Steve Yandle ’75 (sryusna75@gmail.com) at least 3 days before the meeting so we can coordinate meal count and service support with the Club. Cost is $20 cash at lunch. Go Navy!

114 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

Vice Pres: Rick Kunkel ’67 p: 910-347-6251; e: rkunkel@ec.rr.com Sec’y: Tim Marvin ’59 P.O. Box 731, Kure Beach, NC 28449-0731 e: tmarvin738@charter.net Treas: Randy Bogle ’68 4308 Periwinkle Pl., New Bern, NC 28562 p: 252-631-3109; e: rbogle1968@gmail.com Website: http://easternnc.usnachapters.com

The meeting was convened at the Cyprus Hall restaurant in New Bern at 1200 on 28 July.

Twenty-two (22) members and their guests were present. Rob Skrotsky, president, welcomed the assembled group and noted new member LCDR Ronald N. Fry ’85, USN (Ret.), recently retired as the New Bern High NJROTC instructor.

Rob called for a moment of silence for military personnel deployed, for their loved ones awaiting their safe return and for the citizens of Ukraine who are suffering during the war with Russia. He announced that the Founders Day dinner will be at the New Bern Country Club on 16 September. He also noted that the USNA football team will be playing ECU in Greenville on 24 September. Any member who wants to help with the Tail Gate event in Greenville, NC, to contact him.

The speaker for the meeting was Lt Col Aaron Adams ’95, USMC (Ret.) who discussed the new Alumni link “myUSNA.com”. He described how it is a new way to communicate with classmates and members of the chapter.

He encouraged the members to get logged in by starting with muUSNA.com then following the prompts.

Capt Skrotsky concluded the meeting by announcing the next meeting will be at MCB Camp Lejeune on 25 August and again on the 27th of October. The meeting adjourned at 1345.

Tim Marvin ‘59 Secretary

North Carolina Triangle Chapter Pres: CAPT Steve Gillespie ’87, USN (Ret.) e: smgillespie44@gmail.com

Pres: Christopher (Nix) M. Nickels ’91 e: CHRISNIX@AOL.COM

Sec’y: Chris Perrien ’74 e: ibmchris@mac.com

Email: UsnaaaCharlotte@gmail.com

National Chapter Trustee; CDR George Lipscomb ’87, USN (Ret.)

Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/usna-alumniassociation-charlotte-251965968210794/

Website: www.usnatriangle.com

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

Bringing the Alumni Association to you.

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

Charlotte Chapter

Website: Charlotte.usnachapters.net

USNA.COM

Eastern North Carolina Chapter

Greetings from the Research Triangle Park of North Carolina, We’ve enjoyed plenty of ‘no-chopping in the halls’ in these dog-days of summer. Of course, neither winds nor weather deter our golf squad led by Warren Schultz 71. The crew mustered in June at the River Ridge Golf Course and again in July at the Lochmere Golf Club hosted by

CHAPTER NEWS Bill Laughlin 81. Grads in attendance included: Tom Clemons ’83, Warren Schultz ’71, Dave Ruff ’82, Dan Marusa ’74, Steve Gillespie ’87, John Walls ’86, Marty Carpenter ’70, Conrad Chin ’15 and John Walls ’86 (see photos).

families). To view the schedule of future events, please visit https://www.usnatriangle.com or follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/USNAAARTP/. Linked-in: USNA Alumni Association-Triangle Chapter (USNAAA Triangle).

Piedmont Triad Chapter Pres: Tom Cornejo ’00 e: thomas.cornejo@yahoo.com Sec’y: Josh Fogle ’03 e: foglejw@gmail.com

North Dakota Upper Midwest Chapter See Minnesota Send Shipmate input to: Nathan CW Smith ’98 e: nathancwsmith@outlook.com Tom Clemons ’83, Warren Schultz ’71, Dave Ruff ’82, Dan Marusa ’74, Steve Gillespie ’87 and John Walls ’86

Our Chapter enjoys a strong relationship with the Piedmont NROTC Consortium comprised of Duke University, North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill commanded by Captain Andy Hertel USN, Chapter Associate Member. To foster this relationship, we sponsor leadership awards at the 3 universities: Duke - in honor of Admiral Frank Bowman, a Duke graduate and former Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion, and whose wife, Linda, is the sponsor of the USS NORTH CAROLINA (SSN 777); UNC - in honor of George Herbert ’45, the 1st President of of the first company in the Research Triangle Park (RTI International); NCSU- in honor of Ensign Worth Bagley 1895, who played in the first Army-Navy game and lost in action in the Spanish-American War. Emory Miller ’07 manages the relationship with these 3 outstanding universities and their proud NROTC units (photo attached).

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

Ohio Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Chapter Pres: Earle Babcock ’74 p: 513-520-7776 e: earle.babcock@1974@usna.com Vice Pres: Gaby Blocher ’98 p: 513-316-5903; e: Gabrielle.Bolton@gmail.com Vice Pres: Jennifer Yuchasz ‘98 e: jen.yuchasz@rhinestahl.com Chapter Sec’y and Shipmate Submissions: Jon-Michael Pollock ‘10 e: jonmichaelpollock@gmail.com Website: http://www.usnacinci.org BGO Area Coordinator: Bryan Grubert e: bryan.grubert@gmail.com

Cleveland Chapter

BGO Area Coordinator: Mr. Arthur Wickerham e: artwickerham@gmail.com

Oklahoma BGO Area Coordinator: Mike Whaley e: mwhaley@ossaa.com

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

Tulsa Chapter Pres: Rocky Goins ’84 e: rockygoins@hotmail.com Vice Pres: Patrick Hamilton ’87 e: patrickhami@gmail.com 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

Oregon Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter Pres: CDR John Adams ’69, USNR (Ret.) e: john.adams@1969.usna.com Vice Pres: CDR Mike Carmichael ’69, USNR (Ret.) e: mikec@1969.usna.com Treas: CDR Ted Scypinski ’90, USNR (Ret.) e: ted.scypinski@flir.com National Chapter Trustee: LtCol Doug Ballard ’74, USMCR (Ret.) e: Cassandra.alpha61@comcast.net BGO Area Coordinator: Capt. Jill Richards e: gillianac@comcast.net

Sec’y: John Blackburn ’82 e: joblackburn@clevelandtrack.com

Website: oregon.usnachapters.net

BGO Area Coordinator: Doug Cabarle e: douglas.cabarle@bgo.usna.com

Pres: CDR Tony Konecny ’79, USN (Ret.) e: adkonecny79@gmail.com Vice Pres: Ben Sandman ’10 e: bensandman2@gmail.com Sec’y: Dave Goins ’84 e: dgoins84@gmail.com Treas: Jim Waddell ‘71 e: jbwaddell@columbus.rr.com

On the horizon is our ever-popular Annual Family Picnic at the Durham Bulls Ball Park coordinated by George Lipscomb ’87.

Recognized for the 5th consecutive year as a Distinguished Chapter in the USNA AA network, our Triangle Chapter comprises 165+ active members from eight decades of USNA classes, their families and a growing set of supporters (parents, friends, all-Navy veterans and

Pres: CDR Meghan Michael ’97, USN (Ret.) e: meghanmichael@me.com

Pres: CAPT Fred W. Bergman ’75, USNR (Ret.) p: 440-570-3564; e: FWayBergman@aol.com

Columbus

Emory Miller ’07 presenting Ensign Worth Bagley Award at NC State University

Toledo Chapter

Shipmate Contact: CDR Tony Konecny ’79, USN (Ret.) e: adkonecny79@gmail.com Chapter email: USNAAACbus@gmail.com Website: https://columbus_usnachapter.net/ FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ 100549757152451/ Twitter: @USNAAACbus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ groups/12356597/ Instagram: USNAAACbus Parents’ Club President: Eric Forrest e: Ea4rest@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: Carla Dowling-Fitzpatrick e: dowlingfitzpatrick@sbcgolbal.net

July saw the return of our annual chapter picnic at Parker’s Landing in Camas, WA. This was the first picnic in three years. We invited alumni/parents from the other service academies and had attendees from West Point and the Merchant Marine Academy present.

Special guests were Alice Quesenberry ’94, USMA, President of the USMA Alumni Association with her daughter Sarah and Jeneane and Peter Douglass who have sons that are graduates of or attending USNA, USMA, and USAFA. (Pictured nearby) Overall we had over 60 participants and outstanding weather. Our most senior alumni present was Bart Della Mura ’54 and his wife Ann. The most junior was Kris Ullman ’07. Others attending were: Ted Scypinski ’90 and his wife Jennifer, Arlen Aspenson ’93, Todd Washburn ’93, Hod Wells ’59 and his wife Peg, Doug Ballard ’74, Shelley Lipscom (President of the Parent’s club), Mike Carmichael ’69 and his wife Suzie, John Adams ’69 and his wife Barbara, OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 115

CHAPTER NEWS Jim Everle ’77 and his wife Elsa, Mark Cooksey ’71 his wife Susan and grandkids, Kevin Staples USMA ’95, Lee Hall ’80, Eryc Cooper USMMA ’11, Bill Roller USMA ’82 and his wife Shannon, Mike Wertz ’77, Pete Kurzenhauser ’79, Peter Hagedorn ’09 USMA and his wife Agatha, Ralph Lobdell ’65 and his wife Diane, Ray Kutch ’63 and his wife Judy (The Kutch’s had the longest commute, coming from Cour d’Alane Idaho), Joe Broz ’62 and his wife Nancy, Scott Fitzpatrick ’80, Doug Bomarito ’68 and his daughter Marcie two of his grandkids, Jack Kohl ’65 and his wife Joan, Rick and Shirley Walton, former Parents club, and Candi Cunningham ’94. Also a guest of Mark Cooksey was Noah Withee, Navy enlisted having just finished Nuclear Power training and headed for SSBN 730. Our only regret is that due to the timing there were no midshipmen home on leave to attend.

Our weekly Zoom happy hours continue and have become a excellent forum to keep Chapter activities on track. We plan to continue them.

Participating this month include: included Mike Carmichael ’69, John Adams ’69, Doug Ballard ’74, John Frerichs ’50, David Lutes ’63, Janette Sandberg ’96, Tim Myers ’64, Jack Kohl ’65, Mark Cooksey ’71, Ted Scypinski ’90, Shelley Liscom, President of the Parents Club.

Pennsylvania Philadelphia Chapter Pres: Rob Bender ’73 p: 267-625-3459; e: rbender@travismanion.com Website: http://philadelphia.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Tim Farrell ’76, USN (Ret.) e: tim.farrell@1976.usna.com

Pittsburgh Chapter

Left to right: Rob Gundlach ’84, Tim Farrell ’76, Dave Teply ’74 and Catherine Gundlach

Beat Army!

Tim Farrell ’76

Pres: Conor McKenzie ’06 e: cmckenzie@janney.com Website: Pittsburgh.usnachapters.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/usnaaa pittsburgh/ BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT David Gates ’77, USN (Ret.) p: 724-632-6621; e: LJreese357@aol.com

Susquehanna Valley Chapter Pres: Tim Farrell ’76 e: im.farrell@1976.usna.com VP: Rob Gundlach ’84 e: rjgundlach@msn.com

Recreational Vehicle American Chapter Pres: Tom Wolfe ’70 e: tsrjw71@gmail.com Treas: Dale Gange ‘70 14518 Black Bear Rd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 Shipmate sec’y: Jennifer Stone p: 202-909-5676; e: jastone0330@gmail.com Website: www.rv.usnachapters.net Facebook: USNA RV CHAPTER

Treas: Charlie Perkins ’71 e: CharlesPerkins71@gmail.com Website: http://www.usnasvc.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Matt Chabal ’77 e: chabal@1977.usna.com

We gather on the third Thursday of every month 1630-1900 at Mad Chef Craft Brewing in East Petersburg to swap sea stories while we enjoy craft beer and snacks. Please join us and bring your family and friends with you. The photo was taken there July 21.

Our geographic chapter area is all of Pennsylvania except Pittsburgh and Philadelphia so if you live far from East Petersburg but would like to get together with other USNA alumni please send our Chapter President an email with a date, time, and place and he’ll get the word out to all alumni for whom we have an address in our chapter area and an email address.

Rhode Island BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Stuart Craig ’86, USN (Ret.) e: stuart.craig@bgo.usna.com

Rhode Island Chapter Pres: Mike O’Sullivan ’73 p: 401-742-7091; e: michael.osullivan1973@gmail.com Sec’y: COL Paul Muller ’88, USMC (Ret.) p: 401-248-3405; e: usmctanker@cox.net

South Carolina BGO Area Coordinator: Ryan Blacklock e: ryan.blacklock@2004.usna.com

Central Savannah River Area (Aiken, SC; Augusta, GA; and surrounding areas) Pres: LtCol Dave Smith ’73, USMC (Ret.) e: dsmith708@atlanticbb.net Sec'y: Bob Van Buren ’63 e: bobjanvb@aol.com Website: http://csra.usnachapters.com

Next month we are back at the Old Spaghetti Factory with Scott Fitzpatrick ’80 giving a presentation.

2022 NAVY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Follow Navy Football online at: navysports.com 1-800-US4-NAVY

116 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

CHAPTER NEWS

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

Rota Chapter Pres: Michael Carsley ’88 e: michael.carsley@eu.navy.mil Vice Pres: Ryan Eilerman ’15 Treas: Cassidy Masey ’06 e: cassidy.a.massey@gmail.com Sec’y: Dustin Cunningham ’06

Low Country Chapter: From left to right: Tom Cavanaugh ’69, John Scanlan ’83, Harry Gardner ’95, Megan Williams ’93, Rich Weidman ’63, Don Baldwin ’74, and Dave Igyarto ’74. Doug Ogden ’67 snapped the picture

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

On Monday, July 18, The Charleston Chapter held its Monthly Meeting. We enjoyed some videos from the Alumni Association, introducing Jeff Webb ’95 as CEO and a recap of the Class of 2025 Plebe Summer.; In Attendance were: Max Hill ‘51; Fuzzy Knight ‘53; Curt Holcomb ‘61; John Nuernberger ‘64; Ray Setser ‘65; Frank Bryant ‘66; Bernie Magdelain ‘67; Chuck Meyer ‘68; Mike Malone ‘69; Charlie Young ‘70; Al Olsen ‘72; Jim Lyons ‘74; Bill Konrad ‘75; Jose Calahorrano ‘76; Dave Shimp ‘76; John Blackburn ‘82; Rick Stein ‘82; Jeff Gordon ‘83; Perry Ramicone ‘83; Greg Shore ‘84; Ron Allen ‘88; David Kern ‘92; Ben Pittard ‘05; and RJ Jackson ’05.

Low Country Chapter Pres: Tom Cavanaugh ’69 p: 516-220-9896 e: tomcusna69@gmail.com VP: Dave Igyarto ’74 e: igyartodp@icloud.com Sec’y: Tim Johnson ‘02 p: 843-715-2664 e: tim.w.Johnson@outlook.com Treas: John Scanlan '83 p: 843-342-2793; e: ping1@hargray.com

Greetings from the Low Country. With the submission deadlines for Shipmate, this fall submission is coming due during our down period in the summer with not much having occurred in the Low Country Chapter since our last submission. Hopefully by the time you read this we will have had our September luncheon and may have already had our Navy vs Air Force watch party.

There was one summer event, the board met for its quarterly meeting at the end of July.

A post IHOP board meeting breakfast shot shows the board after a productive breakfast meeting outside the Bluffton IHOP. Looking ahead to upcoming events: 1 October 2022 we will have a Navy vs Air Force watch party. Time and location is 12:00PM at R Bar & Grill in Bluffton.

11 November 2022 we will be placing flags at Beaufort National Cemetery. Time is TBD. Typically, we meet for lunch following, but a location is also TBD. 10 December 2022 we will have an Army Navy watch party at R Bar & Grill in Bluffton.

Time is TBD. (Check out our website http://sclowcountry .usnachapters.net and our myUSNA.com SC Low Country Chapter group area for updates and additional information as it becomes available)

Palmetto Chapter

Tennessee Chattanooga Chapter Pres: Richard “Scott” Jones ’00 9935 Penneywood Ln., Ooltewah, TN 37363 p: 804-363-3589; e: rsjones23@hotmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard Cataldi ’69, USN (Ret.) p: 865-966-4677; e: cdrcataldi@tds.net

Knoxville-Oak Ridge Chapter Pres: Kristen Daniel ’02 e: kristenandwesley@gmail.com.

Sec’y-Treas: CAPT Mark Kohring ’73, USNR (Ret.) e: mark_kohring@mac.com Website: http://k-or.usnachapters.net/ 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 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

Pres: Jerry Pilewski ’97 e:palmettousna@usna.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Thomas Forsythe ’79 e: tom_forsythe@kyzen.com

Vice Pres: Brian Treanor ’89 e: brian_treanor@hotmail.com Sec’y: Suzanne Hopper (husband, John Hopper ’95 and son, Selik Hopper ’23) e: hoppermomx6@gmail.com

Texas

South Carolina Midlands Chapter

Alamo Chapter Pres: CAPT Ron A. Sandoval ’81, USN 18010 Keystone Blf., San Antonio, TX 78258-3436

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

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

Sec’y: Chuck Tebrich ’66 e: chuckteb@gmail.com

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

Website: www.usnasc.org

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

South Dakota

Austin Chapter

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

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

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

Treas: Kevin Windbigler ’86 p: 512-923-5010; e: hans2886@austin.rr.com Shipmate Contact: CDR Don McAlister ’63, USNR (Ret.) p: 512-365-7068; e: don.mcalister@austin.rr.com Website: Austin.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: Dave Driskell ’63 p: 210-275-4011; e: daved@frand.com

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 117

CHAPTER NEWS North Texas Chapter

Texas Gulf Coast Chapter

Director at Large: Daryl Smith ’88

Pres: Bill Pritchett ’01

Pres: Jamey Cummings ’93 e: pres@usnaaa-ntx.com VP of Programs: Carrie Murdock ’99, VP of Membership: Ty Rose ’06, Treasurer: Greg Colandrea ’90

Vice Pres: Jordan Mack ‘08

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

Website: txgulfcoast.usnachapters.net

Website: www.usnaaa-ntx.com

Email: txgulfcoast.usnachapters@gmail.com

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

BGO Area Coodinator: Don Link e: cdr.dlink@gmail.com

Friday, 14 Oct at 6:30 PM, Navy will be playing SMU at Ford Stadium. Come early and join us for the Beat SMU Tailgater! Please see our website for details! We hope to see you there!

As of July, the North Texas Chapter elected new officers and a board member. The newly elected officers and board member are: Director at Large - Daryl Smith ’88 President - Jamey Cummings ’93 VP of Programs - Carrie Murdock ’99 VP of Membership - Ty Rose ’06 Treasurer - Greg Colandrea ’90 Secretary - Frankie Delgado ’95

Well Shipmates, by the time this Shipmate issue comes out (I’m writing this in July), Navy Football is 7-0, after having successfully beat Air Force just a few weeks ago and motivated going into home field advantage against Notre Dame. Join us at our football game viewings; we meet weekly to watch Navy win, and it’s a family friendly environment to have fun, even if they run out of time to complete a victory. Look out for info on the annual Army Navy Game Party, presented by Combined Arms. Also, by this time, we’ve had a successful lunch series at Houston’s newest El Tiempo Cantina (owned

by Rolando Laurenzo ’69). We still have some more lunches on the books, so sign up and join us. Although everyone is welcome to our events, Membership has its added privileges, like discounts to our lunches. You can sign up by going to our new group page at myUSNA.com, and searching (and joining) our group. Once you join the group, you will get all of our posts and newsletters, but select Membership, and buy an inexpensive membership, and you’ll unlock additional privileges. Just reach out to our Secretary (listed above) if you have questions.

Want to give back in other ways? Get involved w/ our Chapter! The officer slate for 2023 will soon be selected. Nominate yourself or a friend. Look out for the email soon!

We need your help.

A message from our new President: I am honored to be taking the helm as President of the North Texas Chapter at U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association. In partnership with my fellow chapter officers and board members, I am looking forward to working with other alumni, parents, family and supporters in our mission of connecting and creating shared experiences within the extended USNA family in North Texas and assisting current and prospective midshipmen in their desire to serve our nation. Our goal as a team is to build on the momentum we have gained with the resurgence of in-person events in 2022 to drive increased involvement in our major events, such as the Navy/SMU in October game and our annual Blue Chip Dinner event to cap off the year in late December, as well as our monthly chapter lunch and happy hour gatherings that will feature a variety of compelling guest speakers.

We welcome everyone’s input and active involvement to help us best serve our North Texas Naval Academy Community, and we look forward to seeing y’all soon.

Go Navy!

Jamey Cummings ’93

Sec’y: John Augusto ’02 e: m020234@2002.usna.com Treas: Rich Bulger ’69 e: rlbulger69@gmail.com

Before the heat wave hit, a group of mids under the guidance of Matt Testerman ’93 came through London on an LREC to explore groups that have separated from largergroups, and of course the UK Chapter welcomed them in style at Passyunk Avenue, Navy’s “home away from home” on this side of The Pond.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USNAAATxGC/

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

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

Matt Testerman ’93 (2nd from left), a PMP in the USNA Political Science Department, headed a successful (and timely) LREC to the UK in early summer.

Mids Liam Brown ’24, Kelly Hughes ’23, Ashley Bewley ’23, Darby Ratcliff ’24, and Lance Christopher ’23 visited four cities for tours and seminars focusing on national and sub-national identity and separation: London (Brexit), Belfast (the Troubles), Dublin (Irish independence), and Edinburgh (Scottish independence). Local highlights included the U.S. Embassy, the Churchill War Rooms, and the War Studies Department at Kings College London. The collapse of Boris Johnson’s government and the announcement by Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland of a second independence referendum in late 2023 both made the trip especially timely!

In early July, several alumni came together at Cliveden House, a magnificent stately home just west of London, for the wedding of Valerie Cerasuolo, daughter of John Cerasuolo ’83, to Andrew Tytel. As the former home of the Astor family, Cliveden is a Grade I listed stately home built in 1666 and one of the UK’s treasured National Trust properties. Valerie and Andrew are an amazingly talented and wonderful couple who hosted an extraordinary weekend of festivities for their family and friends, and the USNA alumni who attended agreed that the wedding was the perfect excuse for a mini reunion.

Sec’y: Lisa Aszklar (Wife, Henry ’81) e: lisa.aszklar@gmail.com Board of Directors: Tony Cox ’89 e: tony.cox@gboutdoorfires.co.uk Chris Robinson ’98 email: naples98@gmail.com

Greetings from London, where this summer we managed to survive some of the hottest temps ever recorded. Less than five percent of homes in the UK have A/C, which helped make it very memorable for so many!

118 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

L to R: Taylor Toombs ’10, Brad Cerasuolo ’10, Brad Olds ’85, Valerie Cerasuolo (the bride), John Cerasuolo ’83 (father of the bride), and Tim Fox ’97 celebrating Valerie’s wedding to Andrew Tytel.

CHAPTER NEWS Chapter President Tim Fox ’97, who previously worked with both the bride and the groom, welcomed several grads over from the US for the event. John Cerasuolo ’83, father of the bride, was joined by his sister Joanne Fry ’82 and his son Brad ’10. John’s longtime friend and shipmate from their SWO (nuke) days, Brad Olds ’85, also attended, along with Brad Cerasuolo’s classmate, Taylor Toombs ’10.

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

Like most of the rest of the country, it is H-O-T in Hampton Roads! As a result, unless of course you are a diehard “beach person,” the summer heat and humidity we have come to know and not love so much in this area, has slowed things to a crawl. The snail-like pace of life carried over to the world of Chapter events in July and August; but with Navy football having kicked off on September 3rd, we know football-watching at Shorebreak Pizza surely got things going again!

L to R: Taylor Toombs ’10, Brad Cerasuolo ’10, John erasuolo ’83, Joanne Fry ’82, Tim Fox ’97, and Brad Olds ’85. Proof that, like fine wine, former mids only improve with age!

Intermountain Alumni Chapter

Mark Rupprecht ’76 (2nd from left) with Midshipmen at Hampton Roads Happy Hour gathering

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 Central Virginia Chapter 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

STAY CONNECTED Find a Chapter. usna.com/FindAChapter

Quantico Area Chapter Pres: Robin Dreeke '92 e: rdreeke@gmail.com Vice-President: George Williams '87 e: bucketokinawa@gmail.com Treas: Ron Diefenbach ’00 QACUSNAAAtreasurer@yahoo.com Sec'y: Nancy Springer ’87 nancy.a.springer.nancy@aol.com BGO Area Coordinator: Jim Ripley ’74 e: james.m.ripley@gmail.com Website: http://quantico.usnachapters.net

All the best to Valerie and Andrew for a long life and much happiness together!

Look for news of the UK Chapter’s annual Army-Navy game watch event in our next column. Until then … Beat Army!

Utah

amount of food the average Midshipman can consume!

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

Christy Cowan ’95 chats with a Midshipman

On 27 July we wrapped up the last of three very successful, enlightening, and enjoyable social gatherings for rising 1/C Midshipmen undergoing Summer Training at Naval Information Forces headquarters in Suffolk. Once again, Events Coordinator Al Ponessa ’68 orchestrated a Happy Hour at the Blue Moon Taphouse in Norfolk’s Waterside venue that was attended by about two dozen alumni and the same number of Mids. Alumni who were able to participate came away with nothing but good things to say about the impressive and enthusiastic young men and women receiving a firsthand introduction to the worlds of METOC, Intel, IW, and Cryptology at several local commands! Oh…and we are also happy to report we noted absolutely no decrease in the

Returning from summer break, Quantico Area Chapter (QAC) welcomed its August breakfast speaker, Colonel Wendall Leimbach, Jr., who talked to the group about The Battle of the Penobscot. Colonel Leimbach is the Director of the Joint Intermediate Force Capabilities Office located in Quantico.

Looking ahead, the Chapter plans to celebrate the U. S. Navy and U. S. Marine Corps birthdays in conjunction with the October and November breakfasts, respectively. VADM John Mustin ’90, Chief, Naval Reserve, accepted our invitation to be our Navy birthday guest of honor and speaker.

Navy football is back and so are QAC watch parties! The Chapter hosted a Navy-Air Force watch party at 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company in Fredericksburg and is now planning the Chapter’s 6th Annual Army-Navy watch party at The Basic School for the lieutenant students, staff, QAC Members and guests. All are welcome to join us and watch a Navy victory while enjoying some camaraderie with the Marine Corps’ newest officers! Every seat in the warm, dry Hawkins Room Officers’ Club is “the best seat” in the house! Go Navy! Beat Army!

Also, starting in October, QAC Members on Congressman Wittman’s (VA-1) Service Academy Advisory Board will interview local students vying for one of his service academy nominations. A core group of 12 Chapter Members has conducted these interviews for at least the past eight years. Based on the quality of these young people, our future is in capable hands!

Additionally, the Chapter supports and advertises the Joint Service Academy Business Mixer-DC’s monthly (2d Tuesday) networking events. This gathering is a great way to meet

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 119

CHAPTER NEWS

Washington, DC Area Greater Washington Chapter Pres: Luis Martinez ’01 e: president@usnagwc.org Vice Pres: Anthony Calandra ’88 e: vicepresident@usnagwc.org Sec’y: Crysta Gonzalez ’18 e: secretary@usnagwc.org Treas: Jennifer Shaar ’92 e: treasurer@usnagwc.org Outreach and Engagement: Heidi Lenzini ’95 e: outreach@usnagwc.org Diversity and Inclusion: Alberto Ramos ’10 e: diversity@usnagwc.org

Puget Sound Chapter

Trustee: Fred Latrash ’87 e: trustee@usnagwc.org

other Service Academy graduates in the area and to expand one’s network. The QAC calendar lists the monthly meeting time and location.

Alternatively, email Jess Posey ’83 at bwjessposey@gmail.com to get on his mailing list. Check it out if you either live in the area or are visiting!

All area and visiting alumni are welcome at QAC events. Please consult our web page calendar (http://quantico.usnachapters.net/) for the schedule and other details. Additional information is on the Chapter Facebook page.

Richmond Chapter Pres: Michael Metzger ’89 e: michael.metzger@1989.usna.com Sec’y: Matt Laser ’97 e: lasermatthew@gmail.com Website: http://richmond.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR David Lannetti ’81, USN (Ret.) p: 757-423-8602; e: dlannetti81@gmail.com

Shenandoah Valley Chapter Pres: David McLellan ’73 p: 540-722-2060; e: dcmclmd@earthlink.net 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: Kathleen Jabs ’88 e: kjabs@aol.com Vice Pres: Rick Yasky ’78 e: rickyasky@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR David Lannetti ’81, USN (Ret.) p: 757-423-8602; e: dlannetti81@gmail.com Website: vapeninsula.usnachapters.net

120 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

Washington BGO Area Coordinator: Darin Perrine e: dperrine@mailbox.org

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

Website: www.usnagwc.org BGO Area Coordinator: Pat Seals e: pseals@ymail.com

Wisconsin BGO Area Coordinator: Mr. Leonard Green e: leonard.green.a@gmail.com

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/

Corr Sec’y: George Windsor ’75 e: gbwindsor@icloud.com

WISNAPA Co Presidents: Andy and Laura Kittleson e: kittleson5@yahoo.com

Website: https://myusna.com/topics/9554

Website: http://wisconsin.usnaparents.net/

On 28 July 2002 we continued our guest speaker series with CAPT Darin Perrine ’90 our BGO Area Coordinator providing and overview of the application/admission process including other candidate opportunities (STEM/Summer Seminars/Candidate Visit Weekends).

Watch our muUSNA.com events page for networking events, social gatherings and football watch parties this fall. Go NAVY!!

BGO Area Coordinator: Mr. Leonard Green e: leonard.green.a@gmail.com

2022 NAVY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Follow Navy Football at: navysports.com

3 SEPT vs Univ. of Delaware 10 SEPT vs 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

SHARED INTEREST GROUPS

NAMA Shared Interest Group

NAMA Pres: RADM Julius S. Caesar ’77, USN (Ret.) e: executive-director@usnama.com Vice Pres: LCDR Valerie Mansfield ’92, USN (Ret.) e: deputy-director@usnama.com CoS: CDR Calvin Bumphus ’97, USN (Ret.) e: chief-of-staff@usnama.com Treas: C.J. Willis ’75 e: treasurer@usnama.com BGO Coordinator: Nikki Betz ’05 e: bgo@usnama.com Shipmate Contact: LCDR Jessica Anderson ’08, USN e: communications@usnama.com Website: www.usnama.com

EVENTS Upcoming Events: We are looking for volunteers for the 2023 USNA Alumni Leadership Forum. The 2023 Gala Dinner theme is Hispanic Achievement at USNA and the Naval Service. ALL Alumni are welcome. Join NAMA at the Homecoming Tailgate, October 29 vs. Temple! NAMA offers a multitude of resources and is an excellent way to GIVE BACK to the institution that shaped us into the leaders we are today and in the future. We plan to host more in-person events. Join NAMA and get involved!

Past Events: NAMA leadership conducted an off-site in July to take time to relook, reset, and develop a strategic plan for a successful future. Jeff Webb ’95, CEO USNAA&F, attended and helped recognize Robert Alleyne ’98, for his STEM outreach to Great Oaks Elementary School and for sponsoring the Gospel Choir in NYC. BZ to Dr. Reuben Brigety ’95 on his confirmation as the next U.S. ambassador to South Africa and to CAPT Glen Leverette ’90 (Ret.) on his installation as Reverend at Community Baptist Church in Newport, RI, pictured with Dr. Alisha Malloy ’90, NAPS Academic Dean.

Activate your MyUSNA account and join NAMA.

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. Alumni can achieve Presidents Circle recognition by donating to NAMAF. 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.usama.com/donation-selection/ NAMA has also partnered with Amazon Smiles. Learn more at smile.amazon.com, and https://org.amazon.com.

Run to Honor Pres: David G. Paddock ’77 p: 757-373-0977; e:president@runtohonor.com Website: www.runtohonor.com

October is a big month for the Navy, the Naval Academy, and the RTH community. First up, the Honor Our Fallen Heroes will have a weekend of activities including a ceremony in Memorial Hall and a recognition of family of the fallen at the Navy vs. Tulsa game on the 8th. Honor Our Fallen Heroes is a celebration of life and memories, a chance for families and alumni to support one another and reconnect at the place where lifelong bonds were first formed.

Near the end of this month, the 46th Annual Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) Weekend will be held the 28th-30th in Arlington, VA. RTH is eager to gather, celebrate, and RuN* to Honor the lives of our fallen Naval Academy Alumni.

A RTH Shindig will be on that Friday, October 28th. MCM and RTH event updates and details are communicated via our newsletters and social sites. If you are planning to participate in or on the side-lines of this year’s MCM events, we would love to see you out there! Please see below for ways to connect with us.

Last but certainly not least, RTH would like to wish everyone a Happy 247th Navy Birthday this 13th and Naval Academy Founder’s Day on the 10th! Just two weeks following these two celebrations is Navy Day on the 27th. With three days hailing the men and women of the U.S. Navy and Naval Academy this month in addition to several military related events, what better reasons to remember our Naval Academy Alumni that gave their all, in sacrifice to our nation. Get out and run, walk, bike, swim, cheer, etc. in their honor. *** Follow and share with us at: www.facebook.com/runtohonor.

Sign up for our email list at: www.runtohonor.com/mailing-list/.

Learn 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

Become a Shared Interest Group Want to start a Shared Interest Group (SIG)? As a SIG, you will be a recognized USNA AA&F Group in our Alumni community, be provided with no cost Volunteer management tools on myUSNA, have a place to post in Shipmate, and receive one on one Alumni Staff support. Please reach out to Sofi Loomis for more information.

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 121

LAST CALL Robert Beresford Williams ’45 17 August 2022 Philip Miller Pahl ’51 Col, USAF (Ret.) 14 July 2022 Clarence Earl Chinn ’52 CDR, USN (Ret.) 14 July 2022 Robert Harold Schulze ’52 CDR, USN (Ret.) 15 August 2022 William Anthony Studabaker ’52 Lt Col, USAF (Ret.) 8 August 2022 Reeves Ramsey Taylor ’53 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 7 August 2022 Eugene Garove ’54 Col, USAF (Ret.) 18 August 2022 Richard Glenn Murphy ’54 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 3 August 2022 Peter Yadlowsky ’54 LtCol, USMC (Ret.) 9 August 2022 Walton James Grinke ’55 CDR, USN (Ret.) 1 August 2022

“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.”

Ernest Joseph Toupin Jr. ’55 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 9 August 2022

Joseph Francis King ’59 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 8 August 2022

Stanley Lewis Booth ’56 CDR, USN (Ret.) 8 May 2022

Lennis Larry Lammers ’60 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 31 May 2022

John Lewis Bossert ’56 1 November 2019

Francis Xavier Munger ’60 31 July 2022

Edmund Burke III ’56 23 February 2022

Joseph Lawrence Sestric ’60 CDR, USN (Ret.) 31 July 2022

William Henry Stiles V ’56 6 19 July 2022 Thomas Francis Drumm Jr. ’57 CAPT, USNR (Ret.) 4 August 2022 Paul Dominic Gober ’57 Lt Col, USAF (Ret.) 10 August 2022 James Percival Googe Jr. ’57 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 3 August 2022 Frederic Northey Howe Jr. ’57 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 6 August 2022 John Milton Heiges ’59 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 6 August 2022

Kenneth Edward Junkins ’62 1 August 2022

John Christopher Babka ’65 10 August 2022 Frank Medford Blanchard Jr. ’66 9 August 2022 Curtis Wayne Broussard ’67 29 July 2022 Thomas Reilly Mewhinney ’68 6 4 August 2022 Ronald Walter Lukat ’70 12 August 2022 Rory Hilton Fisher ’73 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 2 August 2022

Lawrence Michael Rank ’62 Lt Col, USAF (Ret.) 30 June 2022

Daniel Louis Simpson ’73 6 30 July 2022

Anthony Phillips Ditteaux ’63 6 31 July 2022

Mark Allan Clark ’77 19 August 2022

Roger Joseph Milos Sr. ’63 6 2 August 2022

David Todd Walters ’77 Capt, USMC 1 December 2020

Edward Arthur Monaco Jr. ’64 CAPT, DC, USN (Ret.) 7 August 2022 Robert Allen Newkirk ’64 6 August 2022

Timothy Francis Casey ’83 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 31 July 2022 Rodolfo Casals ’97 2 August 2022

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 (410295-4064 or obits@usna.com).

6 Obituary appears in this issue

This list consists of alumni deaths we have learned of since our last issue.

Full obituaries will appear in Last Call if/when families send them in.

122 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

LAST CALL LESLIE KLETT POMEROY JR. ’47 Captain Leslie K. Pomeroy Jr., USN (Ret.), passed away on 23 July 2022 at the age of 97.

“Les” was born on 19 April 1925 in Leaksville, NC, to Leslie K. Pomeroy Sr. and Fay Roberts Pomeroy and was raised in Monticello, AR. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1946 (Class of ’47) and married Constance L. Heynen in February 1949.

Designated a naval aviator in 1950, he served in VF-62, VF-91 and the U.S. Naval School—All Weather Flight.

Les was selected to attend the Naval War College, where he graduated in 1957.

After serving two years in Washington, DC, as aide to the Commander, Defense Atomic Support Agency, Les attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and received a MS in Management. He then served in London with Commander in Chief, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe, where he had staff responsibility for the nuclear strike readiness of the Sixth Fleet.

Subsequently, Les served in the executive office of the Secretary of the Navy and in the Naval Air Systems Command headquarters. He received a PhD from American University in 1970. His final tour of duty was as commanding officer of the Naval Air Rework Facility in Quonset Point, RI. Upon retiring from the Navy, Les and Connie settled in East Greenwich, RI, where Les joined the faculty of Providence College. Les taught both undergraduate and graduate classes, helped develop the MBA program and ultimately served as the director of the MBA program.

While in Rhode Island, he served as a trustee/director of Kent County Memorial Hospital, the East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce and the East Greenwich Rotary Club. He was a life member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, the Naval Academy Alumni Association, the Navy League and the Scottish Rite (32 degree Mason). After retiring from his 15-year career at Providence College, Les and Connie moved to Virginia Beach, VA, in 1997.

Les and Connie shared a very happy marriage. They enjoyed traveling, snow-skiing and sailing. They were also avid duplicate bridge players.

Les and Connie moved to Lake Prince Woods retirement community in Suffolk, VA, in 2011, where Connie will continue to live.

He is also survived by his three children, David Pomeroy (Karen), Anne Doerge (Dan) and Catherine Hankins (Dan); grandchildren, Scott, Connie, Shelly, Erin and Robin; and great-grandchildren, Catherine, Caroline, Stella and Jack.

Les will be buried with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

The Pomeroy Family H

NICHOLAS ANTHONY CASTRUCCIO ’48 Captain Nicholas A. Castruccio, USN (Ret.), a 51-year resident of St. Croix, USVI, died while visiting family in Southern California on 7 May 2022. He was 96 years old.

“Nick” was born on 24 February 1926 in Los Angeles, CA, the oldest son of Mary Canepa and Constantine Castruccio. He attended Santa Clara University prior to receiving an appointment to the Naval Academy, where he graduated in June 1948, as a member of the Fourth Company.

Nick married Anne Arleth of San Marino, CA, on 26 June 1948.

Designated a naval aviator, he qualified in jets and in 1950, reported to NAS North Island. As a member of VF-191, he participated in two

Korean War deployments (60 missions) on PRINCETON (CV-37), flying Panther F9F. He was a jet flight instructor at ATU-200; catapult and arresting gear officer on VALLEY FORGE (CVS-45); and Aviation Safety School and ops officer of VF-81, flying Cougars (1953-1959).

Nick joined the Carrier Suitability Branch of Flight Test following Test Pilot School. His projects included the Automatic Carrier Landing System and Auto Throttle and Optimum Wind over the Deck, earning him membership in the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.

After the Naval War College, he was XO/CO of VA-81; became a member of the Caterpillar Club after ejecting from his A-4; and was air boss on AMERICA (CVA-66), a deployment which included the 1967 attack on LIBERTY. As head of the Attack Aircraft Branch of NavAir, he left his mark on the S3A, Viking. His decision to have crews eject through canopies and his incorporation of a command ejection sequence caused concern, however, fleet experience validated the decision.

The Castruccio family moved to St. Croix in 1971. As Antilles Air Boats chief pilot, he flew “the Goose” for Captain Charles Blair and Maureen O’Hara. In 1976, Anne and Nick participated in the first crossing of the Atlantic by a flying boat in 25 years.

In 1982, Nick formed Virgin Islands Seaplane Shuttle and in 1984, introduced the Grumman Mallard turbo prop.

As president of the Virgin Islands Sailing Association, Nick was a member of the Virgin Islands’ Sydney and Athens Olympic teams.

Nick and Anne’s greatest accomplishments were their children, Carolyn, Constance, Nicolette, Anthony, Susanne and Cecile; 15 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Nick was buried next to Anne in Norfolk, VA, on 2 June 2022.

A memorial service was held on 17 June at Holy Cross Catholic Church in St. Croix. H

G. DONALD FISHER JR. ’49 “Don” Fisher passed away on 20 July 2022.

Born on 20 February 1927 in Huntingdon, PA, to G. Donald and Sarah Fisher, Don graduated from Huntingdon High School in 1944, The Bullis School in 1945 and the U.S. Naval Academy in 1949. At the Academy, he was a plebe football manager and ran intermural track. Upon graduation with the 13th Company, Class of 1949, he entered the Supply Corps.

On 11 June 1949, he married Christel MacDonald. He graduated from Supply Corp School in 1950 and was supply officer aboard HENRY W. TUCKER (DDR-875) with nine months in Korea; supply officer of FasRon 52, Patuxent River, MD; and assistant supply officer on INTREPID (CVA-11). He resigned as a lieutenant in 1955 and joined Eastman Kodak for 31 years as a purchasing/materials manager. He retired in 1986 as a unit director.

They moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, and traveled the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Europe, Greek Isles, Turkey and Scandinavia.

Don held life memberships in the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Huntingdon BPO Elks 976. In Rochester, he held positions in Wesley United Methodist Church, the local USNAAA Chapter and the Boy Scout Troop Committee. In Ponte Vedra, he was a member of the Cranes Lake Board, the Jacksonville USNAAA Chapter and was a charter volunteer (1998-2010) at the World Golf Hall of Fame as a docent. He performed 140 role plays as golf legend Walter Hagan to visitors and groups in New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. He volunteered at Baptist Beaches

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 123

LAST CALL Hospital and Palms Presbyterian Church and organized five 21st Company reunions in Ponte Vedra Beach and Annapolis.

After Chris’s passing in 2013, Don moved to Las Vegas to be close to his son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Sylvia. He enjoyed an active lifestyle participating on the finance committee, Bible study, OLI classes and Men’s Dinner Club at his retirement community, Las Ventanas.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, G. Donald and Sarah Fisher of Huntingdon, PA; his beloved wife of 63 years, Christel MacDonald Fisher; sister, Ann Brown, brother-in-law, Charles L. Brown; and son, Charles MacDonald Fisher.

He is survived by his son, Bill Fisher (Sylvia); daughter-in-law, Jamie Fisher Hall; five grandchildren, Charles Fisher (Julie), Brett Fisher (Diane), Ryan Fisher, Erin Haskamp (Nick) and Samuel Fisher; and six great-grandchildren, Cecilia, Isabella, Olivia, Quinn, Rory and Landon. H

JAMES IRWIN WILSON ’50 James I. Wilson entered eternal glory on 25 May 2022. He was 94 years old.

“Jim” was born in 1927, near Monroe, NE, to the late Leonard and Lillian Wilson.

He received a fleet appointment to the Naval Academy and while a midshipman, converted to Christianity. He then committed his life to personal evangelism, along with counseling, preaching and teaching.

The month the Class of 1950 was graduated, the North Koreans invaded South Korea, thrusting Jim into war. He served in BRUSH (DD-745) and BRINKLEY BASS (DD-887), where he earned nine Battle Stars. His other assignments included the staff of a carrier division, the Naval Postgraduate School and a Naval Security Group.

While BRUSH was conducting shore bombardment, Jim’s life was miraculously saved when he was called topside from his battle station in CIC, just as the ship hit a mine. Many in CIC were killed. The gunnery officer, who Jim reported to, and who issued the order, testified that he had ordered him topside, out of CIC. The incident is further described in his autobiography, Grace Upon Grace. Other books he authored include, The Principles of War, How to be Free from Bitterness and Taking Men Alive.

They are available through the evangelical ministry and publishing house of Community Christian Ministries at (ccmbooks.org/bookstore).

After he left the Navy in 1956, Jim moved to Annapolis as the East Coast representative for the Officers Christian Fellowship (OCF), working primarily with Midshipmen. He founded the USNA OCF ministry that still thrives today. In 1968, Jim moved to Ann Arbor, MI, to work among college students. He later moved to Moscow, ID. At one time, Jim’s outreach from Moscow included several separate college bookstore ministries in the area.

Jim was an evangelist, counselor, preacher and teacher of practical Christianity. He was a living testimony to what can be accomplished when one faithfully lives out their Christian faith. Jim’s work touched thousands of lives.

In 1952, Jim married Bessie Dodds, a Canadian missionary to Japan.

They were married for 58 years. Jim was predeceased by Bessie and his daughter, Heather Torosyan. He is survived by his sons, Douglas, Evan and Gordon; 15 grandchildren; and 41 great-grandchildren (and counting!).

Memorial donations may be made to Community Christian Ministries, P.O. Box 9754, Moscow, ID 83843, designated for “literature distribution.”

Online donations may be made through (ccmbooks.org/donate). H

124 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

DAVID WARMINGTON HOWELL ’53 On 10 June 2022, Lieutenant Colonel David W. Howell, USAF (Ret.), was suddenly taken away from his earthly home and his loving family.

He was a young 92 years old.

David was born in San Diego, CA, on 27 March 1930. He attended San Diego State for one year, when he was also in the Naval Reserve as a fireman apprentice. He was then accepted into the Naval Academy Class of 1953. Upon graduation, David was commissioned as a second lieutenant into the United States Air Force.

His military career took him to many states and foreign countries.

He was in Vietnam for a year in 1968, which included the Tet Offensive; and returned again for a 3-month tour in 1972. During his total time there, David flew 280 missions for 1,254.5 combat hours in the AC-47 and C-130 gunships. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star. Among his many other awards was the Air Medal with 12 Oak Leaf Clusters. Earlier in his Air Force career, David was a missile launch officer, he earned his master’s degree, and his last assignment was as chief of cost and economic analysis for TAC. After retirement from the Air Force, David worked at the Newport News Shipyard as a nuclear materials engineer for 14 years.

David is survived by his wife of 67 years, Barbara; daughters, Beth Groundwater and Cynthia Howell; five grandchildren, Timothy Allamong, Amy Allamong, Kaitlin Howell, Anne Groundwater and John Groundwater; and two great-grandchildren, Toby Allamong and Tyler Allamong. His son, Rick, died in 1994.

He and Barbara enjoyed hiking various mountain trails. A good hike was 8-10 miles. They hiked in all kinds of weather, staying in lodges or cabins. They visited all 50 states. He loved to body surf and did so in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and the Gulf of Mexico.

They moved to the Chesapeake Retirement Community in 2013, where he was blessed with many friends and a good life.

A Celebration of Life was held on 18 July 2022 at the Chesapeake.

Services will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. H

ROBERT FRANCIS GALLAGHER ’55 Captain Robert F. Gallagher, SC, USN, (Ret.), passed away peacefully in his hometown of Morgantown, WV, on 25 June 2022 while in the company of his bride of 67 years, Peg, and their children.

“Bob” was a native of Charleston, WV, and graduated from St. Albans High School in West Virginia prior to entering the Naval Academy. He made a career of the Navy, serving 21 years including tours aboard the ships MCNAIR (DD-679) and ENTERPRISE (CVAN-65) as well as overseas tours in Sasebo, Japan, and Vietnam. He received a master’s degree from Stanford University.

He retired in 1976.

After his retirement, Bob graduated from law school in his home state from West Virginia University. He practiced law in private practice and later became a county judge in family court in Monongalia County, WV, before retiring from a second career.

Bob loved to travel the world with Peg and enjoyed reading, listening to music and playing his sax. He and Peg were always looking for ways

LAST CALL to gather their large family, which included six children, 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Bob donated his body to the West Virginia University School of Medicine. His body will eventually be cremated and without doubt, some of his ashes will be spread at sea.

Bob summed it up himself: A happy life - family, Catholic, Navy, West Virginia. H

WILLIAM HENRY STILES V ’56 William H. Stiles V passed away on 19 July 2022, surrounded by loved ones at Haven Hospice in Gainesville, FL. He was born in Rome, GA, to May Brokstad and Charles Phylip on 12 January 1935 and was raised in Cartersville, GA. His high school days were spent at Culver Military Academy in Indiana. He bet his dad $1,000 that he wouldn’t drink or smoke until he was 21…and he won the bet! At the Naval Academy, he was a member of the Third Company and graduated with the Class of 1956.

Bill’s first duty orders were to Supply Corps School in Athens, GA, and he then served as a Supply Corps officer for four years before resigning his commission on 1 September 1960 as a lieutenant (junior grade).

He graduated from Harvard Law School in 1963 and was an attorney in law firms and in private practice in the Miami, FL, area. Bill relocated from Miami to Gainesville, FL, in 2014, having retired from practicing law. He remained close with his Navy friends and associates for the duration of his life. Upon moving to Gainesville, Bill met new military friends and associates through the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, which has active programs for physical fitness and social groups. Bill enjoyed sharing his interests in boating, horseback riding, reading and sports with future generations.

Bill is survived by his sister, Gulie Quatrano; six children; ten grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Burial will take place later this year at Oak Hill Cemetery in Cartersville, GA, alongside his parents and other family members.

He is loved, admired and already, dearly missed. H

JAMES RICHARD FUQUA JR. ’59 Captain James R. Fuqua Jr., USN (Ret.), died at age 86 on 10 July 2022 in Virginia Beach, VA, surrounded by his wife and children.

“Jim” was born on 28 February 1936 in Orlando, FL, to James Richard Fuqua Sr. and Flora Morrie Wells. Spending his childhood years in Florida, Jim attended The Citadel in Charleston, SC, before entering the Naval Academy. He graduated with the Class of 1959 as a member of the Ninth Company. Jim later earned an MBA at Old Dominion University.

His pride and love of the Submarine Force ran deep. Jim served on MANLEY (DD-941) before attending Nuclear Power School and transitioning to submarines. He served on CUBERA (SS-347), WOODROW WILSON (SSBN-624), JOHN C. CALHOUN (SSBN-630), GEORGE WASHINGTON (SSBN-598) and ANDREW JACKSON (SSBN-619). He was commanding officer of ALEXANDER HAMILTON (SSBN-617), Blue crew. Later, he was on the Submarine School and NATO staffs, retiring in 1983.

Jim’s personal awards include Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Polaris Patrol Pin with 15 Patrols and the Command at Sea insignia.

Jim was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach, where he loved singing in the choir and attending musical performances. In his younger years, he enjoyed spending time on his boat, fishing and traveling. He had a passion for good food and wine and enjoyed describing his favorite meals. He was an avid golfer with the men’s golf group at Cypress Point Country Club.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Jane B. Martin Fuqua; and their children, Ruth Ann Clark (Michael) of Reston, VA, Laura Beth Meinster (Doug) of Chesapeake, VA, Jane Elyce Glasgow (Bob) of Chesapeake, VA, and Jamie Fuqua (Stacy) of Virginia Beach, VA. He was very proud of his ten grandchildren, Emily, Katherine and Mary Adelaide Clark; Robyn Podolsky (Chris) and Benjamin Meinster; Jacob and Hannah Glasgow; and Joshua, Paige and Abigail Fuqua. Jim is also survived by numerous extended family members. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Flora Lee Thomas.

A memorial service with military honors was held on 22 July 2022 at Jim’s church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to the music program at First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach, 300 36th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451; (https://firstpresvb.org/worship/music).

The Fuqua Family H

JOSEPH FRANCIS KING ’59 Captain Joseph F. King, USN (Ret.), of Annandale, VA, passed away on 8 August 2022 following a lengthy illness. He was 85 years old.

“Joe” was born in Concord, NH, on 15 January 1937 to the late Joseph and Irene King. Following high school, he attended Holy Cross before receiving his appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. He took great pride in the fact that he began Second Class Year at the very bottom of his class in conduct, although he was vague with family about how he landed there.

Upon graduation with the Class of ’59, he began a 32-year career highlighted by command at sea in CLAUDE V. RICKETTS (DDG-5) and VIRGINIA (CGN-38).

On 1 April 1960, he met the love of his life, Nicki, at a party and two weeks later, asked her to be his bride. Over the course of Joe’s naval career, they made their home in over 25 communities, finally settling in northern Virginia.

Following his retirement from military service, Joe worked for the Department of Energy. Once fully retired, he turned his energies towards assisting individuals with filing their income tax returns at the local AARP tax office.

Joe’s favorite week each year was spent in Sandbridge, VA, with his children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Family members traveled from across the country to enjoy “Camp Nana.” Joe was up early each day to make the daily doughnut run and did not rest each evening until the kitchen floor had been thoroughly swiffered. His grandchildren took great delight in hiding the cleaning supplies from him so that he would be forced to relax.

Joe is survived by his wife of 62 years, the former Wilma “Nicki” Acree of Pauls Valley, OK; their children (and spouses), Kelly Henry ’84 (Mike) of Lexington, VA, Stephen (Danielle) of Cottage Grove, WI,

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 125

LAST CALL Elizabeth Tripp (Wayne) of Fairfax, VA, and Kathryn Billingsley (Matt) of Annandale, VA; grandchildren, Brittany, Courtney, Chelsea, Sydney, Mallory, Maggie, Nora, Mitch, Allie, Abbie, Nick, Jake, Megan and Molly; and great-granddaughter, Charlie Kaye. He is also survived by his five siblings, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his son, Joseph Francis King Jr. ’83.

A Funeral Mass was said at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Annandale, VA, on 19 August 2022. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery. H

ROBERT JOSEPH ROSS ’61 Commander Robert J. Ross Sr., USN (Ret.), passed away on 22 July 2022 in Sherman, IL, where he had been a resident of The Villas – a senior care community. He died from complications of Parkinson’s disease.

“Bob” was born in Albertville, AL, the son of Annie Frances Watson and John William “Bill” Ross. He was raised in Tuskegee, AL, graduated from Tuskegee High School in 1955, attended Marion Military Institute (1956-1957) and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1961. He later earned master’s degrees in Personnel Management (1967) and Business Administration (1984). Bob married Sylvia Rebecca Smith in the First United Methodist Church in Tuskegee on 17 June 1961. They divorced in 1986, then re-married in St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Tucson, AZ, in 1996.

His sea duty service included assignments on destroyers and amphibious ships in the Pacific and Vietnam. He attended the Naval Command and Staff College in Newport, RI, graduating with honors.

Bob was an instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy and was the naval exchange officer to West Point in 1968. His duty stations included San Diego, Norfolk, Guam, Newport, Long Beach, Washington, DC, and Yokosuka, Japan. His family accompanied him on these assignments.

Bob retired from the U.S. Navy in 1981.

Following his naval career, Bob worked in various positions for General Dynamics, Hughes, and ultimately, Raytheon in Tucson, AZ. Bob was an intrepid traveler, visiting every continent except Antarctica. He enjoyed photography, genealogy, all things U.S. Navy (Beat Army!), and growing cactus and roses. Above all, he enjoyed watching his grandson, Alex, grow into “a fine young man.”

Bob was predeceased by his loving wife, Sylvia; his mother, Annie Frances Ross; his father, Bill Ross; and his son, Robert Jr. Bob is survived by his daughter, Amy Elisa Henrikson (and her husband, Tom, and their son, Alexander) of Sherman, IL; Tom’s daughters, Kathleen Cribbs and Margaret Reinhard, both of Muskegon, MI; brother, Lieutenant Colonel John William Ross Jr., USAF (Ret.) (and his wife, Nancy) of Timonium, MD; niece, Laura Gay (and her sons, William and Nathaniel) of Aldie, VA; and many cousins and friends.

A memorial service took place on 6 August 2022 at St. Mark’s Methodist Church in Tucson, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcomed to a Tucson food pantry; or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (michaeljfox.org/donate). H

COLUMBARIUM For more information, visit usna.edu/cemetery/

126 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

THOMAS EDWARD UBER ’62 Lieutenant Commander Thomas E. Uber, USN (Ret.), 82, died on 1 July 2022, at his home in Greensboro, NC. “Tom” was born in 1939 in Greenville, PA, to Evalyn (Sermak) and Joseph Uber. He graduated from high school in Greenville and attended Thiel College for one year before reporting to the Naval Academy with the Class of 1962. As a Midshipman, Tom was an officer in the USNA Christian Association and an outstanding wrestler, undefeated his Plebe Year.

As a Submarine Warfare Officer, his assignments included CARBONERO (SS-337), QUILLBACK (SS-424) and BARBERO (SSG-317). Tom served as an ROTC instructor at Villanova University, where he earned a Master of Science degree; on the staff of ComSubLant; and attended the Naval War College. He then taught at the Naval Academy, where he helped establish Maranatha Mansion, a ministry home of the Officers Christian Fellowship (OCF) and served as the first director.

During his 20 years of active duty, Tom served on the OCF board, was active in Bible studies, taught Sunday School and led youth groups.

His last assignment prior to retiring in 1982, was with the Naval Sea Systems Command in Alexandria, VA. In retirement, Tom followed his long-standing dream to minister to disadvantaged children through camping. In 1982, he moved to northern Pennsylvania and founded and directed His Thousand Hills, a Christian camp and retreat center which continues to minister to this day. He also taught part time at a community college, served as a foster dad and supported his church.

In 2002, Tom moved to North Carolina, where he continued as a leader of men’s groups and mentor of men for Jesus Christ. Tom also volunteered with the Randolph County Honor Guard and was a Naval Academy Blue & Gold officer.

Tom is survived by his wife, Shirley Anne Henney Uber; sons, Peter (Meredith) and Jonathan (Jacqueline); brothers, Norman (Nancy), Larry (Wilma) and Robert (Beverly); sisters, JoAnn Fatica and Phyllis Price (Don); and five grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents; sons, David Lee Uber and James Matthew Uber; and sister, Eleanor Messner.

A funeral service was celebrated on 9 July 2022 at Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church with burial at Grays Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Randolph Honor Guard.

Tom was a steadfast Christian who lived his faith in Christ in every area of his life. He was an example to all and will be missed. H

ANTHONY PHILLIPS DITTEAUX ’63 Anthony P. Ditteaux passed away peacefully at his home in Virginia Beach, VA, of natural causes on 31 July 2022. He was 80 years old.

“Tony” was born in Washington, DC, on 14 January 1942 to Mary Woodrow and Carl Brooks Ditto. He graduated from Princess Anne High School (1959), where he served as student council president, played varsity football and was voted ’most intelligent’ by his classmates. He graduated with the Class of 1963 from the United States Naval Academy as member of the First Battalion.

Upon completion of his military service, Tony updated the spelling of his surname from Ditto to Ditteaux. He was employed by the Corning

LAST CALL Company in New York. Tony then returned to Virginia Beach, where he consequently pursued a career in construction and property management.

His endeavors included tenures with Larasan Realty, Bush Construction Company and WHH Trice & Company, until achieving his dream of launching his own property management company, Flagship Realty. He enjoyed almost three decades as an 87th Street Reveler at the North End. In addition to his parents, Tony was predeceased by his second wife, Carroll, and his cherished stepson, Britt Mosher. Left to cherish his memory are four children, Tony, Mark (Karen), Jane Fine (Robert) and Marybeth Thompson (Jason); stepson, Andrew Mosher; seven grandchildren, Luke, Carmela, Hannah, Ty, Duke, Grace and Matthew; step-granddaughter, Lauren; his beloved sister, Jackie Ditto Murray (Vernon); nephews, Ross Harvey (Gillian) and JR Harvey (Hulya); his first wife, Margy Barr (Bob); his third wife, Cynthia Meeker; and a host of extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life was held on 8 August 2022 at Old Donation Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach. A family graveside service will take place at a later date in Douglas, GA. In lieu of flowers, please consider visiting (www.usna.com/give) to donate in Tony’s honor.

Condolences may be left for the family online at (www.altmeyerfh.com). H

ROGER JOSEPH MILOS SR. ’63 Roger J. Milos Sr. passed away on 2 August 2022 at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN, surrounded by family. He was 81 years old.

Roger was born in July 1941 in Biwabik, MN. He graduated as salutatorian of the Biwabik High School class of 1959, and proudly graduated from the United States Naval Academy Class of 1963. While at Annapolis, he met Ellen Joyce (née Fowler), the love of his life. They were married for 45 years, separated only by her passing in 2008.

Roger’s joyous, rich bass voice graced church choirs and the halls of his home, inspiring his children’s love of music and setting them up for a lifetime of spontaneous songs to mark occasions of all sorts, from the mundane to the monumental. An avid fisherman, he spent many hours on the lakes of Minnesota, and amassed a truly epic collection of fishing rods and tackle while teaching his children and grandchildren the joy of hooking a big one out there. He was a lifelong fan of the Minnesota Vikings, which is perhaps the greatest possible testament to the depths of his loyalty. He loved traveling, and sometimes dreamed of moving out West to see mountains and wildlife, but his heart was in Minnesota with his extensive family. He was a man of integrity, with a sharp mind and a loving heart tucked in behind a playfully curmudgeonly exterior.

Roger is survived by his younger brother, John (Eileen); sister-in-law, Jan (Guy); six children, Karyn, Roger Joseph Jr., Christopher (Carolyn), Jennifer, Victoria and Amanda; 17 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen; close companion, Audrey; and granddaughters, Beatrix and Jenifer.

Funeral services were held on 12 August 2022 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Eagan, MN. The Milos Family

DO YOU HAVE YOUR DD-214? http://www.usna.com/DD-214

RONALD FLOYD BISHOP ’65 Commander Ronald F. Bishop, USN (Ret.) of Virginia Beach, VA, passed away at home on 20 May 2022.

“Ron” was born in Casper, WY, on 3 June 1943 to Carl and Helen Bishop and was raised in Drumright, OK. At the Naval Academy, he was a member of the 11th Company during First Class Year, and after graduating and retiring, enjoyed videoconferencing with his Companymates during the Covid-19 pandemic to keep his classmates connected.

While on active duty, Ron initially served as the DASH officer on RICH (DD-820). His next tour was on DAHLGREN (DLG-12) while she was assigned to operations in Vietnam. He subsequently served as weapons officer on RICHARD L. PAGE (DEG-5). Upon completion of his sea tour, he was selected for the Naval Postgraduate School, where he earned a master’s degree in physics. Following his graduate work, he took command of NESPELEN (AOG-5) and followed that with an assignment at the Defense Nuclear Agency in DC. He completed his executive officer tour on RICHARD E. BYRD (DDG-23) and then managed the naval cruise missile testing at the Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OpTevFor). He completed his proud 20 years of service to the country as commanding officer of JOHN KING (DDG-3).

After his naval service, Ron worked as a government contractor with multiple companies until retiring to spend time with his grandchildren.

In retirement, Ron enjoyed being a volunteer leader at his daughters’ private school and also served on the board of the Virginia Beach Public Library.

Ron is survived by his wife of 56 years, Page Bishop; two daughters, Allison Hartraft (Scott) of Chesapeake, VA, and Meighan Bishop of Virginia Beach, VA; five grandchildren, Kyle, Connor, Katie, Colton and Cameron; plus two granddogs, Parker and Libbie.

A service of remembrance was held on 4 June 2022 at King’s Grant Baptist Church in Virginia Beach.

Contributions in honor of Ron may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org).

Mrs. Page Bishop, Bill Zuna ’65 & William Neill ’75 H

JAMES RICHARD FOX ’68 Lieutenant Commander James R. Fox, USN (Ret.), unexpectedly passed away in Virginia Beach, VA, on 20 January 2022. He was 76 years old.

“Rich” to most of us, but “Richard” to his family, Richard was born in Covina, CA, on 11 December 1945. An Army junior, Richard entered the Naval Academy with the Third Company and graduated with the 21st Company on 5 June 1968.

He was destined for Surface Warfare. Following two destroyer tours off Vietnam, Richard took a billet at USNA. He earned a Master of Business Arts while straightening out the Weapons Department. Time at sea took its toll on Richard’s knees. He was medically discharged as a combat veteran with ten years’ service, eventually leading to a full disability. His final duty station was as flag secretary for CruiserDestroyer Group 2 in Charleston, SC. While working in project management, Richard gradually found his next vocation in counseling. He became an ordained minister, OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 127

LAST CALL specializing in military families. As a licensed counselor of 35 years’ experience with a Master of Counseling degree, he and his wife, Louise, operated a private practice. Three quarters of his clients were activeduty members, retirees and veterans, often with their families.

Closing his private practice, Richard took a contractor’s position within the Virginia Beach school system. For his last eight years, Richard served his community as a Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC) at Birdneck Elementary School, near the Oceana Naval Air Station. Ever resourceful, Richard decided to honor the military affiliations of the staff and faculty of Birdneck by making purple stars (the color of the military child) that hung on their door to describe their affiliation: e.g., Mrs. Jones, Army Brat, Navy Spouse. There are hundreds of MFLCs serving worldwide and this practice has now spread throughout the MFLC program.

It was his vision that the school design a garden to honor those students and staff that so deeply touched its membership, past and present. The garden now bears his name.

Richard is survived by his wife of 52 years, Louise; their children, Jennifer and David; and grandson, Nathan.

Deeply missed by all those whose lives Richard touched, a Celebration of Life was held on 2 April 2022.

People wishing to honor Richard’s lifelong commitment to helping military families may make a donation in his honor to either America’s Gold Star Families or to Angels of America’s Fallen (www.aoafallen.org). H

THOMAS REILLY MEWHINNEY ’68 Thomas R. Mewhinney of Stephenville, TX, died on 4 August 2022. He was 76 years old.

Born in Pensacola, FL, “Tom” was raised in Denton, TX, by World War II submarine skipper, Rear Admiral Leonard “Tex” Mewhinney ’27 and Maggie Lou Mewhinney. One of five siblings, he and his three brothers each served in a different branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Tom was one of USNA’s early rugby players in the fledgling “club sport” days and was a two-set Fourth Company commander. After graduation, he attended Georgia Tech in the Immediate Master’s Program, followed by Nuclear Power School, Submarine School and sea duty in DANIEL WEBSTER (SSBN-626). After five FBM patrols and qualifying as engineer officer, he transferred to Submarine Squadron One. Tom left active duty in 1975 and worked in the nuclear power and engineering fields in Miami, Houston and Baton Rouge. In 1986, he returned to his north Texas roots, where he worked on the start-up of the Comanche Peak nuclear power plant.

Tom “retired” again in 2003 and settled into yet another full life in ranch real estate, as an adjunct engineering/math professor at several local colleges, a USNA Blue & Gold officer, poker player and in-residence hunting guide for several of his ’68 Classmates.

A passionate sports fan, the Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys and Stephenville Yellow Jackets were among his favorite teams. A talented athlete himself, he competed in several marathons, qualifying for the Boston Marathon in 2001.

Tom was an avid outdoorsman; he was in his element sharing his love of the Rocking M Ranch—where he lived for over 30 years—with his grandkids. Driving the four-wheeler, learning to shoot and checking the wild pig traps are all memories they will cherish. Everyone who knew him will remember his gift for storytelling—most of which were true.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Pat; daughters, Kate Lino and Anne Powell; stepson, Michael Guthrie; and stepdaughter, Amy Guthrie.

He was the “Bo Buck” and Grampa to nine grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brothers, Leonard (Air Force), Michael (Army) and James (Marine Corps), a nephew, nieces and grandnieces. He was predeceased by his parents, and sister, Mary Anne.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Remembrances in Tom’s name may be made to the Erath County Humane Society (www.erathcountyhumanesociety.com) or Foster’s Home for Children (www.fostershome.org).

Mrs. Pat Mewhinney & Steve Hannifin ’68 H

CARL JOSEPH TAMULEVICH ’68 Commander Carl J. Tamulevich, USN (Ret.), went home to his Father in heaven on 17 July 2022, joining his son, CJ; parents, Bolic and Gladys; and his brother, Michael. Carl is missed by all blessed to know him.

Carl was appreciated by thousands, and known by so many different titles: Teammate, Champion, All-American, Schmeisser recipient, Hall of Famer, Golfer – Carl was a formidable force on any team he played for. Playing on five State Championship teams in football, basketball and baseball at Nashua High School brought him to Navy as a fullback on the football team.

Through persistence from Willis “Bildy” Bilderback, Carl found his athletic passion in lacrosse. His passion carried over to golf, where he organized an annual, much loved golf event among his cherished friends.

Classmate, Companymate, Shipmate, Naval Officer, Citizen, Friend – As a Company Commander, he chose to pilot the P-3 Orion upon graduating from USNA in 1968, chasing down Soviet submarines during a stellar 24-year career in the Navy. With relationships formed during his humble Lithuanian and Polish upbringing, to bonds forged on the Severn and beyond, Carl was a dear friend to so many.

Mentor, Counselor, Father-Figure, CDR T. – He cared immensely about people, helping shape generations of young men and women, in addition to countless coaches, during his 30-plus years at the Naval Academy Athletic Association.

Brother, Father, Poppy – Forever looking up to his big brother, Mike, Carl is survived by his son, Jeff ’99; Amanda and Kelly; and his seven grandchildren, Alex, Lauren, Tabitha, Lily Belle, Drew, Madison and Genevieve, whom he treasured every moment with.

Husband, Christian – Carl is also survived by the love of his life, Lori, who he was married to for 54 years. There was nothing Carl would not do for her. He loved his life with her, and was an active participant at Calvary UMC in Annapolis, where services will be held on 15 October 2022 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the CJ Tamulevich scholarship fund at Saint Mary’s High School; or to the Naval Academy Golf Association, where he will be remembered at the golf course he loved.

Memories of Carl can be shared online at (kalasfuneralhomes.com/ obituaries/Carl-Tamulevich,Sr.-8910). H

MEMORIAL AFFAIRS RESOURCES https://www.usna.com/memorial-affairs

128 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

LAST CALL JOHN DELBERT RUSH ’73 Commander John D. Rush, SC, USN (Ret.), passed away on 29 December 2021 after a short battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

“Jack” was born on 24 July 1949 in Avella, PA, to John and Ethel Rush. He attended Avella High School, and after graduation enlisted in the Navy. While at Electronics School in San Diego, Jack was selected to attend the Naval Academy. Jack graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and was a member of the varsity wrestling team. He was a proud member of the 16th Company.

Jack was a loving husband, father of three and a man of unquestionable integrity and impeccable character. While at the Academy, Jack met his wife, Patty O’Donnell of Severna Park, MD. Once graduated, he and Patty married and had three children, Erin Marie, John Edward and Kathryn Margaret. Remaining in the Naval Reserves, Jack simultaneously pursued a successful career in the telecommunications industry, where he rose to the position of senior vice president at Nortel Networks.

Jack epitomizes the USNA Class of 1973 motto, Non Sibi (Not for Self). For more than 26 years, Jack was an active volunteer and member of the Navy League, where he held various offices in the Greater Kansas City Council. Jack was a USNA Blue & Gold officer, assisting many young men and women from the Kansas City area to a coveted seat as Midshipman. Jack served as president of the Greater Kansas City USNA Alumni Association and as executive director for the American Fallen Warrior Memorial Foundation. Jack was a eucharistic minister for the Church of the Nativity in Leawood and volunteered for the homeless community of Kansas City.

He could also ’smoke up’ some very flavorful BBQ, as well as a good cigar or two.

Jack is survived by his wife, Patty; their children, Erin Herren (Jon), John Rush and Kathryn Dean (Mark); five grandchildren, Miles and Maxwell Herren, Elliott Rush, and Hayes and Charlotte Dean; and his siblings, Jay Rush (Joyce), Kathie Hunnell (Wayne) and Susan Kepler.

He was predeceased by his parents and brother-in-law, Earl Kepler.

Funeral services were held at Cure of Ars Catholic Church in Leawood, KS, on 8 January 2022. Inurnment took place at the USNA Columbarium on 29 July 2022, with many 16th Companymates and an abundance of friends and family members in attendance, all of whom will miss Jack’s contagious and gregarious personality.

With so much love, The Rush Family H

DANIEL LOUIS SIMPSON ’73 Dan Simpson died on 30 July 2022 in Nashville, TN. He was 71 years old.

Born in Okeene, OK, on 7 March 1951 to the late Evelyn Marie and William Harry Simpson, Dan’s father was a career Coast Guard officer.

In 1964, the family moved to Nashville and Dan met Melinda Ann Earhart that same year.

From that moment on, Dan and Melinda were boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife, parents and grandparents for the next 58 years.

A sharp student and a natural leader in high school, he was student body president. Athletically talented, he was highly recruited for his football skills by numerous SEC schools and Navy. Dan chose Navy and received a presidential appointment.

Dan was sworn into the Naval Academy with the Class of 1973 in June of 1969. At Annapolis, he was an Oceanography major and a spectacular athlete. During Youngster Year, he was Navy’s starting fullback. Thanks to Dan, the team won the 1970 Army/Navy game when he threw a crushing block that allowed Navy to score the game winning touchdown.

Upon graduation, Dan selected naval aviation. He chose to fly the P3, and joined VP-16 out of Jacksonville, FL. After Dan fulfilled his Navy commitment, he became a commercial airline pilot at Republic Airlines in 1979. Republic was acquired by Northwest Airlines in 1986. He made captain at Northwest. Northwest was acquired by Delta Airlines in 2008. Dan made international captain on the Airbus A330, and then he moved up and made international captain on the Boeing 747, which was the pinnacle of success for a commercial pilot. He retired in 2013.

As a member of the USNA ’73 Seventh Company Seadogs, Dan was a key participant in numerous Fat Boy Olympics. He was good at and loved all kinds of sports and games, and he enjoyed getting together with old friends.

Dan was a kind man with a sweet disposition and a generous heart.

He will be missed by the many people who knew him, but most especially by the Seadogs. We will see you on the other side, brother.

Dan is survived by his wife of 49 years, Melinda; son, Travis (Anita); daughter, Danna Williams (Taylor); grandchildren, Cole, Alli, Sutton and Abe; and brothers, Bill and Larry.

Memorial services were conducted on 6 August 2022 at Donelson Church of Christ in Nashville, with military honors provided by the Navy, the VFW and the American Legion.

John M. Kenny ’73 H

GLENN REVERDY SNYDER ’82 Captain Glenn R. Snyder, USN (Ret.), died on 21 July 2022 after several years battling renal cancer complications. He was 62 years old.

Glenn received his appointment to the Naval Academy from Pottstown, PA. At Annapolis, he was a varsity fencer and a company commander with the 21st Company.

Upon graduation with the Class of 1982, he served on three attack submarines out of New London, CT, and Norfolk, VA. Between tours, he graduated with a MS in Physics at the Naval Postgraduate School.

While assigned to Fleet Staff in Hawaii, he changed his career path to the Engineering Duty Program and spent tours at Pearl Harbor and Kittery, ME, as well as at the Pentagon and Program Executive Office Submarines.

After 24 years of service, Glenn retired as a captain and worked for Progeny Systems for 16 years as a program manager, developing weapons and systems for the U.S. Submarine Force.

In his past, Glenn enjoyed running, ran a couple of marathons and liked to think he could become a better golfer, but the most important aspect of his life was to be a husband, father and a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Glenn is survived by his wife of 37 years, the former Betsy Brons; five children (and their spouses), Drew Snyder (Katie), Brent Snyder (Julia), Mandy Cantarella (Sean), Cory Snyder (Brooke) and TJ Snyder; nine grandchildren; and four sponsored children from Pakistan, Guatemala, the Philippines and Honduras.

A Funeral Mass took place on 2 August 2022 at St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church in Fairfax, VA. Interment will take place at the Naval Academy Columbarium on 27 October 2022 at 2:00 p.m. H OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 129

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130 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

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132 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

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134 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

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1” 2” 3” 4” 5” 6” 7” 8”

25% LifeMember Discount Rates

$ 70.00 $140.00 $210.00 $280.00 $350.00 $420.00 $490.00 $497.00

2022-23 SHIPMATE Classified Information & Insertion Order Classified Advertising Policy Classified ads are accepted on a space available basis as a service to USNA Alumni only. The Alum’s name and class year MUST appear in the ad. Spouse ads are accepted only with the Alum’s name and class year included in the ad. Ads are accepted camera-ready and electronically; jpg., tif. or PDF formats. (300 dpi) Any classified ad may occupy one column width (2.5 inches) by a maximum of up to 8 inches of column length.

1

Advertiser

2 Advertisement

3 Payment and Billing

Classified ad rates are $70 per inch for black and white and $90 per inch for color. A $50 set up fee is charged if ad is designed for advertiser. LifeMembers are eligible for a 25% discount—reducing the cost to $55 per inch for black and white and $65 per inch for color.

Please select the issue(s) in which you wish to run, or specify: RFN -“Run Until Further Notice.”

Issue

Insertion Order/Ad Due

q Please charge my Discover/Visa/MasterCard/ American Express Total $_____________ per issue Credit Card No. _______________________________ Expiration Date _______________________________ Signature ____________________________________

q Nov-Dec 2022

09/19/22

Payment information must accompany order.

Email Insertion Order and ad files to: maria.oshea@usna.com

City ________________ State ____ Zip ___________

q Jan-Febr 2023

11/21/22

USNA Alumni Association mailing address:

Daytime Phone ______________________________

q Mar-April 2023

01/17/23

Attn: Maria O’Shea 247 King George St. Annapolis, MD 21402

q May 2023

02/14/23

fax: 410-295-4003; phone: 410-295-4074

Name_______________________________________ Street ______________________________________

Email _______________________________________ Class Year ___________________________________

Please contact Maria O’Shea via email or phone for space availability — even if the due date has passed, we will try to be as flexible as possible.

OCTOBER 2022 • SHIPMATE 135

EXECUTIVE OFFICE VOLUME 85 • NO. 7 Publisher Jeff Webb ’95 jeff.webb@usna.com Editor Jimmy DeButts jimmy.debutts@usna.com Editorial Assistant Editors Anne Sharpe anne.sharpe@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 Kelly Eskelsen 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 Class payments checkrequest@usna.com Chapter ColumnsS chapternews@usna.com Class ColumnsS classnews@usna.com Obituaries obits@usna.com Register of Alumni registerofalumni@usna.com S

For Secretary use only, please

Address emails to individual staff as follows: first name . last name @ usna.com

Opinions expressed in Shipmate are those of the authors.

They do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policy or attitude of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, its officers or editorial staff. All pictures are official Department of Defense photographs unless otherwise credited. Member, Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

Shipmate (ISSN 0488-6720) is published monthly except for combined issues (January-February, MarchApril, May, June, July-August, September, October and November-December). Copyrighted 2022 by the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association, Inc., 247 King George Street, Annapolis, MD 21402-1306. Membership dues (including Shipmate) are $70 per year. Subscription rate is $70; Canadian and foreign subscriptions are $75.

Single copies are $7 each. Periodicals Postage Paid at Annapolis, MD, and at additional mailing offices.

All editorial matter should be addressed to Jimmy DeButts, p: 410-295-4085, jimmy.debutts@usna.com. Inquiries concerning membership or subscriptions and notification of change of address of members and subscribers should be addressed to U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, 247 King George St., Annapolis, MD 21402-1306; p: 410-295-4062; alumni@usna.com.

136 SHIPMATE • OCTOBER 2022

Jeff Webb’95 President/CEO Kara Fagley Executive Administrator for the President ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS Dr. Sofi Loomis ’99 410-295-4035 Senior Director for Alumni Engagement Elizabeth Beedenbender 410-295-4166 Executive Administrator Isaac Phillips ‘19 410-295-4036 Alumni Engagement Officer Wendy Owen 410-295-4017 Director, Class Programs Lori Coogan 410-295-4038 Director, Parent Programs Carrie Carroll 410-295-4062 Membership/Records Assistant Ashley Parker 410-295-4000 Member Services Coordinator Amy Garwood 410-295-4015 Alumni Travel Program Manager 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 Emily Lucht 410-295-4047 Director, Digital 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 Spencer Jones 410-295-4026 Communications Specialist Timothy Elizabeth Woodbury 410-295-4064 Memorial Affairs Heather Payne 410-295-4033 Associate Art Director Spencer Jones 410-295-4026 Communications Specialist EVENTS AND MARKETING Alexandra Dooley 410-295-4012 Director, Enterprise Events and Marketing Bridgette Lundfelt 410-295-4030 Associate Director, Engagement Experience and Sponsorship 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 Gwenn Dennis 410-295-4091 Executive Assistant Lisa Strobel 410-295-4051 Senior Director, Finance and Treasury Operations Kevin Mitchell 410-295-4039 Director, Treasury, Analytics & Investment Reporting Tim Smith 410-295-4059 Director, Financial Reporting Angela Berteaux 410-295-4053 Accounting Manager

410-295-4090 410-295-4092

TREASURY AND OPERATIONS CONTINUED Janet Douglas 410-295-4057 Staff Accountant Julie Kopp 410-295-4054 Payroll Manager Linda Reyes 410-295-4056 Staff Accountant Jim Scally 410-295-4058 Staff Accountant Patricia (Patty) Ratigan 410-295-4028 Staff Accountant Information Technology Garrett Keating 410-295-4087 Director, Information Technology Jordan Bailey 410-295-4060 Computer and Information Systems Manager Denise Clark 410-295-4079 Database Engineer Derrick Planz 410-295-4067 Senior Software Developer Rick Clark 410-295-4088 Systems Administrator Sean Henson 410-295-4083 Help Desk Technician Dustin Tripp 410-295-4086 Help Desk Technician Ashley Norfolk 410-295-4084 SQL Application Developer Facilities Don Kennedy ’92 410-295-4068 Senior Director, Facilities Operations Scott Gaiser ’05 410-295-4068 Director, Real Estate, Facilities and IT Operations John Cooper410-295-4031 Facilities Manager John Taylor 410-295-4029 Facilities Assistant 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 ’78 410-295-4191 Vice President of Development Meghan Murphy 410-295-4189 Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations 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 Regional Director of Development John Maconi 410-295-4185 Regional Director of Development Dean Castaldo 410-295-4052 Regional Director of Development Ted Ahrens 410-295-4183 Regional Director of Development Lexxie Monahan 410-295-4128 Regional Director of Development Brittanny Lee 410-295-4182 Assistant Regional Director of Development Kate Peterson 410-295-4178 Assistant Director, Regional Development Planned Giving Patti Bender 410-295-4187 Senior Director, Planned Giving

STAFF AND ASSISTANCE DEVELOPMENT CONTINUED Jennifer Macris 410-295-4105 Planned Giving Coordinator Annual Programs Rusty Yeiser ’74 410-295-4174 Senior Director, Annual Programs Dan Quattrini ’81 410-295-4167 Director, Class Legacy Gift Programs Gabbie Kulcsar 410-295-4147 Director, Annual Giving Megan Farmer 410-295-4188 Director, President’s Circle Clay Evans 410-295-4034 Coordinator, Class Legacy Gift Programs Hannah Geib 410-295-4127 Annual Giving Programs Coordinator Development Services Adriana Bitoun 410-295-4150 Director, Advancement Services Dawn Beach 410-295-4115 Director, Foundation Data and Reporting Natalie Brianas 410-295-4102 Director, Donor Relations and Stewardship Catherine Blanar 410-295-4111 Assoc. Director, Donor Relations and Stewardship Gift Administration Team Liz Root 410-295-4126 Director, Gift Administration Victoria Sever 410-295-4122 Assistant Director, Gift Administration Elvira Reyes 410-295-4116 Gift Administrator Shirley Crawford 410-295-4071 Gift Administrator FOUNDATION ATHLETIC AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS Don Hughes ’88 410-295-4096 Vice President 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

Your Midshipmen are headed back to Ireland in 2023!

Navy and Notre Dame are returning to the Emerald Isle and we can’t wait for you to experience the energy, culture and excitement in Dublin.

For the best selection of game tickets and hotel accommodations, be sure to act quickly to secure your package.

GO NAVY! BEAT NOTRE DAME!