Shipmate: September 2023

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. Looking

FULL SPEED AHEAD

By Jeff Webb ’95

With football season upon us, the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation is excited to welcome the alumni community back to Annapolis for tailgating, reunions and special events. This fall, we are excited to celebrate the long-anticipated opening of the Fluegel Alumni Center.

The enterprise moved into the Fluegel Alumni Center the week of 17 July. For the first time in our history, all colleagues across the Alumni Association, Foundation and Athletic and Scholarship Programs are operating in the same workspace. The positive effect on our ability to collaborate for the benefit of the Brigade and our alumni community has been welcomed and immediate.

My colleagues and I want to thank Donna and Rick Fluegel ’61 for their generous gift to help make this worldclass facility a reality. The entire alumni community stepped up to ensure alumni have a fitting home when they return to Annapolis.

More than 3,500 alumni contributed to the new facility, including more than 1,200 plank owners and 37 classes, raising more than $36 million to build, equip and operate the facility. The Fluegel Alumni Center offers a spectacular view of College Creek, magnificent decks and outdoor event spaces, large and small

conference rooms and about 100 on-site parking spaces.

An official opening event for the Fluegel Alumni Center is scheduled for 8 September. After that date, we invite you to drop in, walk the grounds, see the building and relax in the Ronald ’75 and Liane Nicol Alumni Lounge.

POSITIVE IMPACT

In the spirit of giving back and being a force for positive change in their community, the Texas Gulf Coast Alumni Association Chapter rallied support to fill a void in the Houston area. The chapter discovered that there were Houston area congressional districts that did not always nominate candidates to the Naval Academy and undertook multiple initiatives to increase USNA’s exposure among candidates and to help those candidates prepare for the rigors of the Naval Academy.

The chapter gathered resources from its membership, local Blue and Gold Officers (BGOs) and the parent community to help students develop their skills in science, technology, engineering and math, skills that are a necessity to be competitive as a candidate and successful as a midshipman.

The Texas Gulf Coast Chapter Foundation helped fund participation in the Texas Super Regional SeaPerch competition on 1 April which attracted

45 teams with 217 students, with most drawn from minority communities. The chapter also used this event to provide information about the Naval Academy. Astronaut Captain Sunita Williams ’87, USN (Ret.), attended this year’s event and addressed the attendees.

Finally, the chapter sponsored six high school students to attend the Naval Academy’s Summer Seminar and Summer STEM programs. See full story on page 18.

All of these touch points are critical to ensuring the Academy continues to field high-caliber applicants and maintains its No. 1 ranking among the nation’s public liberal arts colleges.

This is just one story of the incredible impact Alumni Association Chapters, BGOs and Parent Clubs can have on their local communities. It’s inspirational and a powerful reminder of the Naval Academy’s mission to “graduate leaders who are dedicated to a career of naval service and have potential for future development in mind and character to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government.”

I look forward to visiting with more alumni this year to learn about the great things they are doing for their community, their fellow alumni and the Naval Academy. This fall, our away football calendar will afford me and other colleagues the opportunity to visit with our alumni community in Pennsylvania, Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, Texas and Massachusetts.

I’m eager to continue connecting with our community and welcome suggestions on how we can better support you. It’s important for me to meet alumni where you are and communicate our mission and goals as we implement Strategic Plan 2030. My teammates and I always welcome your feedback, which helps us focus our resources and attention on the programs and support areas that can have the greatest impact on our alumni community and Brigade.

Go Navy! Beat Army! a

The Fluegel Alumni Center—the new home of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation.

SH IPMAT E

CASTING A WIDE NET

Texas Gulf Chapter aims to expand opportunities for underserved communities 18

TEAM BILL

18th Company, Class of 1965 keep Bill the Goat running 22

TURNING TIDES

The Naval Academy takes aim at sea level rise 20 years after Hurricane Isabel.

6

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY

Nimitz Library evolves to serve midshipmen as it turns 50 26

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 joining in on a Zoom call with the Class of 1975 on page 76 of the July-August 2023 issue of Shipmate

DEPARTMENTS

2 Letter from the President Jeff Webb ’95

4 All Hands

4 Advertisers Index

28 5 Minutes With

29 An Ocean Away Commander Doug Robb ’05, USN

30 Bravo Zulu

31 Class News

89 Chapter News

113 Shared Interest Groups

116 Last Call

123 Classified Ads

128 Staff and Assistance

Our Mission

We strengthen our MEMBERS’ BONDS to the Academy and to each other, to help them THRIVE AS LEADERS in and out of uniform and reach their FULL POTENTIAL

ALL HANDS

myUSNA

Future updates to the exclusive alumni network, myUSNA, are on their way.

This is where you can directly speak with your Class, Shared Interest Groups (SIGs), Chapter and Parent Clubs, and register for events in your area and back in Annapolis—all in one place.

MyUSNA is your way to get the most out of your experience and membership as part of the alumni community. Create and register for events, participate in professional network opportunities and receive daily updates on all things related to the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation and the brand new Fluegel Alumni Center.

POTENTIAL UNLOCKED

The Class of ’98 conducted their 25th reunion registration through myUSNA and registered more than $100,000 in 15 days by using the event registration feature on the platform.

The Class of ’83 is cycling across the country for their 40th reunion and is updating the alumni community through the live feed feature.

Classes across three decades use myUSNA as a resource to share health support resources with classmates including a Parkinson’s toolkit initiated by the Class of 1965.

We want to make sure the platform is not only efficient, but easy to use to create continued success for you. Join your classmates and fellow midshipmen parents today to personalize your alumni experience on myUSNA.com.

Please submit any feedback, suggestions or desired updates to myusnafeedback@usna.com. ®

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2024 Distinguished Graduate Award Nomination Period Closing

The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association considers the Distinguished Graduate Award (DGA) the highest recognition we bestow on a living graduate, recognizing leaders, who through their personal example of service personify the fulfillment of their “potential for future development in mind and character to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government.”

As an additional criterion, we consider it vital that our DGAs demonstrate sustained and active support of the Naval Academy and our alumni. The window for nominating graduates for the 2024 DGA cycle opened 1 July 2023. We will consider packages for the 2024 award submitted on or before 15 October 2023. Submit nomination packages as a single PDF document by email to dga@usna.com. Complete nomination process, package guidelines and selection criteria can be found at usna.com/dga. Please direct questions to Captain Wes Huey ’87, USN (Ret.), DGA program manager, at wesley.huey@usna.com or 410-295-4023. ®

O’Donnell ’15 Selected for The

Blue Angels

Lieutenant Connor O’Donnell ’15, USN, has been chosen to join the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, also known as the Blue Angels, for the 2024 air show season team. O’Donnell is currently assigned to Training Squadron Eight Six (VT-86). He is one of three F/A-18E/F Super Hornet pilots selected along with a C-130J Super Hercules pilot, an aviation maintenance officer, a supply officer and a public affairs officer to replace outgoing team members.

New team members will report to the squadron in September for a two-month turnover period. Upon completion of the 2023 show season, which concludes in November with the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show at Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL, the team will embark on a five-month training program at Naval Air Station Pensacola and Naval Air Facility El Centro, CA. ®

USNA AA&F Moves Into The Fluegel Alumni Center

The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation moved into the Fluegel Alumni Center the week of 17 July. For the first time, the entire enterprise is under one roof at 301 King George Street, which is across from Terwilliger Brothers Field at Max Bishop Stadium.

The Fluegel Alumni Center will provide a centralized home for alumni when they return to Annapolis for reunions, special events, activities on the Yard and sporting events. It includes outdoor event spaces alongside and overlooking College Creek. The center also has meeting and lounge spaces for alumni.

Thanks to the generosity of the alumni community, most of the project’s construction costs were contributed prior to the razing of the site in November 2021. More than 3,500 alumni contributed to the new facility, including more than 1,200 plankowners and 37 classes supported the alumni center to raise more than $36 million in contributions to build, equip and operate the facility.

An official opening event for the Fluegel Alumni Center is scheduled for 8 September. ®

The skies were dry. The tides weren’t surging around Annapolis.

Yet, Ramsay Road flooded … again. For Annapolis and the Naval Academy, 3 June 2023 was just another day. Nuisance flooding returned to the road fronting the Naval Academy Columbarium as well as McNair Road on the opposite side of College Creek.

These “nuisance” incidents are becoming more frequent and no less disruptive. They’re a regular reminder that the Academy is built on reclaimed land at or near sea level.

While the 3 June episode was noticeable, it didn’t hamper Naval Academy operations. Nuisance flooding, however, has forced the cancelation or relocation of memorial services over the past few years. The Columbarium and Ramsay Road, along its front edge, are among the Academy's most vulnerable assets.

NAVAL ACADEMY AIMS TO TURN THE TIDE ON SEA LEVEL RISE

In April, the Academy in partnership with the Naval Support Activity Annapolis (NSAA) released its Installation Resilience Plan. This document, completed in 2022, details the threats of sea level rise and subsidence and outlines the actions needed to curb the impact. The plan “provides an integrated adaptation framework, project portfolio and year-to-year execution strategy that will mitigate the combined effects of land subsidence, sea level rise, ground-water change, coastal flooding/ storm surge and inadequate stormwater management at the Naval Academy to the year 2100,” according to a news release. While the Resilience Plan won’t prevent flooding in the event of a 100-year storm, even when fully implemented by 2065, it is designed to deliver significant improvements to minimize disruptions to operational and educational endeavors at the Academy. Fortunately, Annapolis hasn’t seen a storm with the magnitude of Hurricane Isabel since the massive storm hit the city in 2003. Isabel and its confluence of winds, sea surge and rain left several Academy buildings uninhabitable and forced leadership to make quick decisions and craft creative solutions for keeping the Brigade of Midshipmen on track (For more information, see a column by Rear Admiral William Miller ’62, USN (Ret.), on page 10.)

The Academy has already begun making mitigation measures including a near-term project to fortify the Farragut Field bulkhead near the Robert Crown Sailing Center. Time is not on the Academy’s side with nuisance incidents happening more frequently each year. Since 1929, the relative sea level in Annapolis has risen slightly more than

one foot, according to the Resilience Plan. That has led to nuisance flooding incidents ramping up from two or three times per year to more than 40. These events force the closures of roads, sidewalks and building entry points, which hampers daily operations at the Academy.

“Sea level rise and land subsidence are increasingly impacting operations at the Naval Academy,” said Vice Admiral Sean S. Buck ’83, USN, the Naval Academy’s 63rd Superintendent. “The bottom line is that we are dealing with increasing amounts of water on the Yard every year and the projections show that the effects of climate change are an existential threat to the Naval Academy.”

PRIORITIZED PLANNING

This month marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Isabel, which hit Annapolis on 18 September 2003. Isabel left over 22 buildings flooded with varying levels of damage, including Michelson Hall and Chauvenet Hall lab spaces. A barracks barge was moored adjacent to the Dewey Field seawall and served as temporary classrooms. While only one day of classes was canceled, Isabel’s impact demonstrated

On 3 June, Ramsay Road flooded in front of the Naval Academy Columbarium. It was just one example of nuisance flooding on the Yard minus heavy rains or surging tides.

The view onto Brownson Road from Ricketts Hall in October 2021 when a storm and high tides converged to flood parts of the Naval Academy.

FEATURE

the need to bolster the Academy’s defenses. In October 2021, a much more mundane storm brought heavy rains and flooded many of the roads on the Yard, but thanks to a variety of protective measures like door dams and sand bags, most of the buildings had little to no water on the interior.

Sandbags were deployed to protect building entrances. While midshipmen, faculty and Academy leadership have become adept to adjusting to these types of flooding, steps to mitigate the effects of storm surges have been employed. Door dams are utilized on many buildings on the lower yard to protect low lying entrances from flooding.

Naval Academy Deputy for Facilities and Construction Sara Phillips said proactive mitigation measures—including door dams—have protected the Academy’s buildings from high tides and storm water since shortly after Isabel and demonstrates that Yard leadership is “actively working every avenue to keep things going.”

The Resilience Plan aims to systematically bolster the Yard’s defenses through infrastructure upgrades over the next 40 years. The first major project started in November 2022 with the groundbreaking for a new sea wall along Farragut Field. The $37.5 million upgrade will repair and raise the height of the seawall to address daily high tides and minor storms through 2100. Future plans include adding earthen berms or other storm surge barriers to protect against higher water levels that will occur in large storms.

The Resilience Plan established short-, mid- and long-term project execution parameters (see graphic on this page). The portfolio of sea-level rise mitigation measures includes a combination of adaptation approaches: engineered defenses (seawalls, stormwater retrofits); adapted structures (building and infrastructure retrofits); green infrastructure (earthen berms, stormwater retention, living shorelines); and temporary solutions (deployable floodwalls or barriers) to issues where long-term permanent protection may take years to implement.

The Resilience Plan’s project completion targets are based on when water will threaten the Yard’s current level of protection. They don’t account

for current facility conditions or the Academy’s operational requirements to train and educate midshipmen.

“We must now balance the information from the study with conditions of the existing infrastructure to create a program of projects that balances the mission of the Academy, funding availability and the risks associated with rising seas,” said Captain Tom McLemore ’97, USN, Naval Support Activity Annapolis public works officer.

Prioritizing the areas that will generate the most bang for the buck, Academy leadership is using the Resilience Plan to help craft the facilities master plan.

“We are looking at the plan holistically to better assign dates for operational requirements or when current facilities fail,” Phillips said.

Phillips noted the soil under the pavement along the Farragut sea wall was washing out under the wall. With the sea wall failing, that project was elevated in priority to tackle all the problems at once. The wall is being raised to protect the Academy for current and future sea levels. The wall is being constructed so it can be raised later if needed.

“That’s what becomes the facilities master plan,” Phillips said. “The Resilience Plan informs the master plan, but it is only the climate driver for that plan.”

RESILIENCE PLAN

The Naval Academy’s Resilience Plan includes an execution plan with short-term (for the years 2023-27), mid-term (2028-37) and long-term (2038-48; 2049-59; and 2060-65) objectives. Here is list of some of the projects included in the plan:

SHORT-TERM (2023-27)

PROTECTION OF RAMSAY ROAD IN FRONT OF THE COLUMBARIUM

PROTECTION OF FIRST-FLOOR ASSETS IN RICKOVER, MICHELSON AND CHAUVENET HALLS

MID-TERM (2028-37)

SHERMAN FIELD FLOOD BARRIER

DEWEY FIELD BULKHEAD

LONG-TERM (2038-48; 2049-59; 2060-65)

COLLEGE CREEK LIVING SHORELINE AND PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS ON SHERMAN FIELD

A new sea wall is being constructed along Farragut Field. The $37.5 million upgrade will repair and raise the height of the seawall to address daily high tides and minor storms through 2100.

Phillips said the Academy has funding programed for Fiscal Year 2024 to repair Ramsay Road which entails raising the adjoining sea wall. The road will be excavated, backfilled and stabilized.

As evidenced by frequent flooding, the Columbarium is currently threatened by sea level rise and sits in a floodplain. Relocation of the Columbarium is proposed in the 2038-48 time period in the Resilience Plan but for practical purposes, that is likely to occur much sooner, Phillips said. In addition to natural hazards, the Columbarium is running out of niches for inurnments.

ON THE HORIZON

Academy leadership is crafting a strategy to prioritize areas where sea level rise will likely cause the greatest disruption for training and educating midshipmen. Projects are requirements-based and phased in over time. The Academy is

prioritizing fortification of the lower Yard (the facilities and land east of College Creek) to sustain the most critical infrastructure where berthing, academic and training spaces are located.

“We’re trying to be cost sensitive and identify where we get the most bang for the buck and how to protect the most critical infrastructure,” Phillips said. “Those get protected at the highest level.”

Naval Academy Athletics Director Chet Gladchuk said the physical mission impacts the entire Brigade of Midshipmen. The Academy needs athletic facilities and training sites that are protected and reliably available for use to develop midshipmen, he said.

“I have seen a foot of water on the athletic fields adjacent to Santee Basin,” Gladchuk said. “It has shut down significant opportunities to participate in athletics and has taken weeks in some cases for the water to diffuse. Interruptions as a result of sea level rise are a very real detriment in our ability to utilize all of the resources that we have to ensure continuity of physical training and competition.

“The Resilience Plan is a critical step forward to ensure that the limited field space that we have is available without interruption leading to our effectiveness

Hurricane Isabel left many parts of the Naval Academy inaccessible including the bridge over College Creek.

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

in meeting the requirements of our physical mission.”

Actual execution of the plan will depend on available funding. Phillips said funding for projects is not allocated beyond Fiscal Year 2024. Each year, Yard leadership will work with the Academy’s board of visitors to socialize the need for funding, demonstrate the requirements and demonstrate the Academy is ready to progress on these questions, she said.

WATER TO THE DOORKNOBS IN

Ample warning was available as powerful Hurricane Isabel formed in the Atlantic and intensified to peak winds of 165 mph.

It came ashore in the Outer Banks of North Carolina as a Category 1 (105 mph) hurricane; the storm’s energy didn’t all dissipate, it spread out over a wider area. Isabel’s center drifted inland and passed well west of Annapolis.

Winds had reduced in intensity to tropical storm strength by the time it neared Annapolis with wind speeds of 60 mph, but it also brought significant storm surge. Unfortunately, such a storm is the most dangerous for the Academy.

As this powerful storm moved up the U.S. southeast coast, its counterclockwise rotation blew water from the Atlantic into the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Later, when the storm moved west of the Bay, its winds blew those waters up the bay and the water had no place to go but ashore, flooding the Chesapeake Bay shoreline.

The Academy and surrounding local governments prepared to fend off the anticipated high tides. The highest storm surge on record in Annapolis had been 3.5 feet above mean high tide. Isabel came ashore more than 5 feet above mean high tide, inundating all of downtown Annapolis and much of the Naval Academy.

I recall standing on Rickover Terrace at the height of the storm and seeing all of Hospital Point underwater and the river a few feet deep adjacent to Rickover and Nimitz halls. Looking in the windows at the lab level, I could see water to the doorknobs in all the labs below Michelson, Chauvenet and Nimitz. I did not realize at the time that all the utility systems located in subbasement spaces below the labs were flooded to their ceilings.

Immediate Challenges

Essentially, all the labs for teaching engineering, chemistry, physics and oceanography had been inundated; lab equipment, machine shops and support systems to support them had been destroyed. I recall the labels soaked off all the chemical bottles in the chemistry labs creating a massive hazardous waste problem, that a brand new $100,000 laser we had recently purchased for the physics department and had just been delivered was still on

its delivery pallet on the deck, now under water, and many other similarly sad tales.

Power and HVAC service was unavailable in nearly all classrooms.

Flood waters that had come ashore in Annapolis washed over several dozen sewage treatment plants as intense southerly winds pushed the waters north, so everything that the water had touched—equipment, walls, desks—had to be considered sewage contaminated.

The Naval Academy is a four-year institution. We had more than 1,000 midshipmen scheduled to graduate in just eight months, 3,000 more right behind them. We could not just suspend the program.

Immediate Response

Isabel rolled ashore in Annapolis on Thursday night, 18 September 2003. On Friday, the waters had not yet receded; classes were cancelled; damage assessment began; and planning to resume operations the following Monday was begun.

On 19 September, midshipmen were put in gym gear (shorts and T-shirts) and assigned to help clean up debris around the Yard.

Action teams were provided government credit cards and sent out in vans to buy every white board they could find, together with all the dry-erase materials, to teach all the classes outside normal classrooms. Other teams were armed similarly and sent out in search of every electric floor fan they could find.

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Fred Davis (one of the real heroes of the Academy’s recovery) met on the Academic Dean’s Porter Road porch all weekend with the schedule coordinators for every course taught, and they completely replanned and rescheduled the remainder of the fall semester.

After only one day’s cancellation, classes restarted on Monday, 22 September. Midshipmen were told to wear gym gear to class because of inadequate ventilation and sections were taught in squash courts, other athletic facilities, anywhere that had escaped flooding and still had power for lighting. Several sections even met in Alumni Hall, spread around the seating areas as much as

Door dams are utilized outside Rickover Hall to protect the low-lying entrance. PHOTO COURTESY

“The expertise of our faculty and staff on the Sea Level Rise Advisory Council has been a key factor in our ability to build a plan that is consistent with data-driven science in this field as well as with our daily operations and mission requirements,” Phillips said. “There are many opportunities to create resilience at the Academy and we are invested in finding the most efficient and effective ways to do that as we move into the

realities of climate change and its impacts here in Annapolis.”

The Academy has worked in conjunction with the City of Annapolis, Anne Arundel County and the state of Maryland to ensure efforts to combat sea level rise by each entity are complementary to the others. Phillips said even when all the mitigation measures are in place, another 100-year event similar to Hurricane Isabel would likely leave the

THE LABORATORIES

possible to reduce interference. It wasn’t ideal; it was analogous to shipboard damage control while continuing to fight after the ship had taken a hit.

There were lots of reimagined lesson plans across the entire curriculum.

One particularly significant challenge, overcome by the heroic and innovative response of the faculty, was how to teach laboratory sections of the science and engineering courses. They relied primarily on demonstrations rather than the usual student hands-on approaches, and used commercially available analogs in place of the supplies they normally would use in the classroom.

All this dedication proceeded even though many faculty members had suffered damage to their own homes during the storm.

Longer Term Response

While the Navy contributed additional funding to the Naval Academy from its Operations and Maintenance account, costs for rebuilding the Academy after Isabel’s impact approached $100 million. Consequently, the Maryland congressional delegation, led by Sen. Barbara McCluskey, who was then the chair of the Senate Appropriation committee, assisted by Sen.

Academy flooded in spots. However, by proactively addressing the issue, the Academy will be poised to remain the nation’s top accession source for Navy and Marine Corps officers.

“We believe the Naval Academy can be protected with the right amount of investment and the right timing,” Phillips said. a

By RADM William C. Miller ’62, USN (Ret.)

Paul Sarbanes, ensured that sufficient resources were added to the Navy’s appropriation to recover and rebuild the Academy for the future.

Rather than rebuilding the academic facilities as they had been, an Academy committee helped coordinate faculty reconsideration of how courses should be taught in the future. For example, many additional hands-on learning experiences were conceived for the midshipmen and project-based learning was emphasized.

Another example was that chemistry department offices were moved to the lab deck and interspersed among the laboratories, so faculty were more readily available to assist students outside of regularly scheduled classes. The lab deck was gutted wall-to-wall and electrical distribution systems moved to the roof to avoid future flooding.

While a significant challenge to Academy leadership, faculty and staff, one should also recognize the real opportunity the storm provided us to rethink the future of the Naval Academy and how we wanted to carry out its mission to “… prepare midshipmen morally, mentally and physically.”

While classroom buildings were being gutted and rebuilt, a barracks barge was located in Norfolk; it had just completed support of a carrier overhaul in Newport News. An imposing facility, the barge could sleep hundreds of sailors and even had a galley and food service facilities. We weren’t interested in those capabilities; the barge had 12 classrooms and a chapel that could be used as a classroom. After some haggling, we had the barge towed to Annapolis and moored adjacent to Dewey Field seawall to serve as temporary classrooms.

Subsequently, as money became available, the Academy contracted for a temporary modular classroom village to be erected in the parking lot that formerly was between Rickover and Nimitz Halls (where Hopper Hall now stands). That complex significantly relieved the pressure on classroom space. a RADM William C. Miller ’62, USN (Ret.), served as Dean and Provost at the Naval Academy for 12 years. He is a 2014 U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Honoree.

Chauvenet Hall’s Laboratory Deck was flooded during Hurricane Isabel. That storm caused nearly $100 million in damages to the Yard.

ISABEL RECOLLECTIONS FROM THE YARD

On 18 September 2003, Hurricane Isabel had weakened but still brought 60 mph winds and a storm surge that flooded large portions of the Naval Academy. Members of the Naval Academy community who were on the Yard during the time Hurricane Isabel hit Annapolis shared their memories with Shipmate

Scott Strasemeier, Senior Associate A.D./Sports Information Strasemeier joined the Navy athletic department as an intern in 1991 and started full-time in 1992. He said the sports information team moved their equipment to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on the Friday after Isabel battered Annapolis. The football team defeated Eastern Michigan that weekend and although the bottom floor of Ricketts Hall was flooded ankle deep, the team forged on.

“Seeing the fish on the tennis courts and watching boats drive by Riordan’s Saloon are two things I’ll never forget. It was incredible, seeing boats driving the roads around City Dock … We were back to business on Monday.”

Commander Dan Sweatman ’03, USNR; Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Nash ’03, USMC; Lieutenant Colonel Kip Rainey ’03, Rhode Island Army National Guard At the time, we were stashed ensigns/second lieutenants coaching sprint football and waiting to go to flight school and TBS. What is better than being stashed in the athletic department, living in West Annapolis with your best friends and trying to adult for the first time in your life?

Our boss and head coach at the time was Major Jerry Rizzo. I can’t recall Coach Rizzo’s reaction to hearing that we kayaked the storm surge, but I imagine it was a look that conveyed that he thought we were being idiots and we needed to get our act together if we wanted to be successful junior officers.

I recall, after the water receded, going on company runs for weeks and still seeing boats stuck on the rock walls beyond Gate 1. I remember having to go to plebe chemistry in the barges along the seawall across from Chauvenet and Michelson for the fall semester. It was a great experience to see how the entire Academy rallied around, not just each other, but the city of Annapolis as well.

Commander

C. Ryan “Red” Miller ’05, USN

I was in 26th Company, so we lived in 8th Wing which overlooks Rip Miller Field and Brownson Road. The storm surge inundated the lower part of the Yard, especially the whole of Rip Miller and Farragut Field.

During my time at the Academy, I was a big swimmer. I was very active with triathlon and swam 1-2 miles each day. Since Brownson Road was flooded, the pool was closed and me being an indestructible 21-year-old mid, I decided that my swimming workout would be outdoors for that day. Particularly, I put on my goggles and swam laps up and down Brownson Road. Smart? Definitely not, but it was a helluva workout. Plus, how many people can say they swam laps on Brownson Road?

The best part, some senior enlisted adviser saw me and came out of 7th Wing to yell at me while I was swimming. I just swam away across Rip Miller Field and then back to 8th Wing.

Left to right: LtCol Charlie Nash ’03, USMC, LtCol Kip Rainey ’03, Rhode Island Army National Guard and CDR Dan Sweatman ’03, USNR, cruise down City Dock during the aftermath of Hurricane Isabel. At the time, they were coaching the sprint football team at the Naval Academy.

Roger Calisch ’07

PHOTO COURTESY OF CDR DAN SWEATMAN ’03, USNR

Hubbard Hall, looking south.

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

John Semcken ’78

I was in town for our class reunion. I was staying at the Waterfront Hotel at the harbor in downtown Annapolis. There was this slamming noise followed by a scratching noise through the night and we couldn’t figure out what it was. We had to get out of the hotel the following morning.

The lobby was flooded so we had to climb out windows to the roof of the parking lot. That’s when we realized that the slamming and scratching noise was a section of the pier that had broken away and was slamming into the hotel then scratching down the side of the hotel when the wave retreated then back again. In the morning we were stranded because the hotel was surrounded by water like a moat. Kids from town gave us a lift across on small row boats. They got great tips that day.

Lieutenant Commander Kurtis Wong ’04, USN

I was on 2nd Batt staff and I was the Batt duty officer that night. Tons of issues:

• some middies swam out to the close buoy to ‘experience the storm up close,’

• King Hall staff stranded.

We got almost no sleep that night as we were responding to everything. Went out to meet my parents the next day and their entire hotel lobby was flooded. Only way to reach them in the hotel was to wade through chest deep water, so I had to keep my sea bag with my whites in it on my head as I waded in.

For the barges, a lot of complaining and disbelief that we’d come to this. But I was a systems engineer so our labs were flooded and I never actually had classes on the barges … It did force flexibility for a few weeks as we had to get King Hall cleaned and then sanitized and cleared for food service again. I think the Brigade adapted pretty well since we could see the circumstances.

One other thing I distinctly remember is how odd it was to see the Severn River flowing the other direction. Never seen that before, don’t know if we’ll ever see it again.

Mindy Smith

former English department staff member

I remember being one of a few civilians putting the classrooms back together for class on Monday even though the drywall was cut out about 18-24 inches all around. Things were chaotic upon everyone’s return. The phones had a party line effect and were not reliable for communication. There was no A/C as we were operating off generators.

Professors from other flooded buildings were teaching in various spots in Mahan and asking me for the most basic supplies. Meanwhile, my department had the opportunity to teach on the barge, which was brought in to help with the situation.

The interfaith chapel was destroyed. We had to bury all the Jewish books in the cemetery as they were ruined. I think that weekend was supposed to be the groundbreaking for the Jewish Chapel, but Isabel had other plans.

Commander Gray Tompson ’07, USN I was a plebe in 30th Company, giving me a front row seat from my west-facing room on 8-4 … including the sight of a wayward inflatable tender getting lodged in the fountain between Bancroft and Lejeune Hall.

From my perspective, the King Hall staff were unsung heroes. I will admit the quality of midshipman fare suffered in the immediate aftermath of the storm due to the galley facilities being completely swamped (blueberry bagels and sausage gravy, anyone?), but the fact of the matter is they kept the Brigade fed after the storerooms were contaminated and “rebuilt” King Hall in Dahlgren and the 6th Wing parking lot! Bravo Zulu.

Lieutenant Commander John R. O’Neill ’07, USN

I was a plebe in 18th Company the year Isabel hit. I remember the upperclassmen running up and down the hallways yelling to come out for a hurricane party. All four classes hung out together in the P Ways while the storm hit.

It was a rather unexpected experience as we were barely into our first-ever academic year and everyone was suddenly being real nice to us. The next morning, we were all blown away to see how high the water got, especially on the 1st Regiment side. The party ended abruptly when we were all put into working parties to clean the Yard and specifically the parade fields of all the debris that had blown around everywhere The hurricane symbol was put into our 2007 class crest because of that storm. a

A powerful storm surge from Hurricane Isabel pushed water several feet deep around the Yard including in front of Dahlgren Hall and the tennis courts.

Ricketts Hall, looking south.

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

CANOES ON THE YARD, SWIMMING ON FARRAGUT

MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2006 SHARE THEIR HURRICANE ISABEL FRONT-ROW MEMORIES

From devising ways to pass the time without power to finding creative recreational activities to sustain the physical mission, the Brigade of Midshipmen persevered despite the havoc brought on by Hurricane Isabel. The Class of 2006 recounted some of their experiences during that time.

Commander Josh Angichiodo ’06, USN 25th Company, Class of 2006 Vice President

As the storm approached, we were informed that the Brigade was going to tough it out in Mother B. She was wrapped in sandstone and protected by Poseidon (I was told), so this seemed like a reasonable decision. I’d been through a hurricane when I was enlisted and did the 18-hour evacuation drive only to return and find a few leaves along the sidewalk, so I was excited to just sit back and listen to the wind.

Hurricane Isabel didn't seem overly powerful. There was wind and noise, but it was nothing special. What I was not prepared for was the storm surge that absolutely wrecked the Academy and surrounding areas. The English poet John Donne may have said “no man is an island,” but John never said anything about USNA. When the sun came up, we could see Bancroft was surrounded by water on three sides, with Stribling as the singular escape route—only to be met by the risen waters of College Creek creeping towards Alumni Hall and the Worden Field residences.

Always a sleep thief, then-Commandant of Midshipmen Colonel J.R. Allen ’76, USMC, who retired as a four-star general, impressed the values of duty upon us (probably with a Kipling quote), and ushered several midshipmen towards their first Navy working party, picking up sticks in the flooded street behind Captain’s Row, and scouring the sidewalks of Stribling for out of place vegetation. Annapolis was a mess, but USNA would be tidy.

Shortly after the hurricane, a Rickover physics mannequin was either put out for garbage or perhaps just to dry, and somehow (via fireman carry by plebe Ryan Kimmel ’07), the mannequin made it back to the 25th Company wardroom, adorned in then-Midshipman (and now Lieutenant Commander) Nick Goddard ’07’s E-5 bus driver uniform, and christened “T.E.D.” He was prominently featured in the world famous “USNA Cribs” spirit spot, but was sadly taken from us during spring break 2004.

To this day, when touring family through the Yard, I am required to say, “That fountain was completely covered! People were kayaking in the streets! Allen made us clean up the Yard!”

T.E.D., shortly before he was stolen from the 25th Company wardroom during spring break, 2004.

“18th Company set up a game of Risk. We were eating Uncrustables and conquering the world for three days! We also had classes in the berthing barge!”

—Travis Klempan ’06

Hurricane Isabel flooded much of the Naval Academy in 2003. However, the Brigade of Midshipmen only lost one day of instruction.

Gordon McDonald ’06

Kayaking in the 7th Wing horseshoe. Wrecked sailboats on the sea wall. Relaxing the tie requirement for WWB during classes because the boilers broke or something causing the heat in classrooms to remain fixed at 85 degrees. That rule stayed even after the temperature issue was fixed and we only wore ties for formations.

“Swimming on Farragut.”

—Lieutenant Commander LaDoux Coleman ’06, USN

—Lieutenant Commander Jonathan Allmond ’06, USN

Nick Hamm ’06

Mike Matson ’06

Back in 2003, professors still clung to their paper journal archives, a wealth of knowledge lost forever to the merciless floodwaters. It was truly gutwrenching to witness these brilliant minds grappling with the sudden loss of years of research, learnings and cherished memories. The heartache was palpable.

In the aftermath of the flood, the chemistry labs found refuge in temporary shacks, affectionately dubbed T-shacks, near Dewey Field. It was a sight to behold, witnessing the resilience of our academic pursuits amidst such unconventional surroundings. Who needs fancy laboratories when you have a few humble shacks to conduct your experiments, right?

At the end of the second semester of our sophomore year, we faced a perplexing puzzle to unravel the enigmatic composition of a mysterious clear liquid. For me, it was the highlight of our chemistry experiments on the Yard.

Those box window AC units and the ventilation ducting in the fume hoods put up a valiant, yet futile, fight against the relentless Annapolis heat. After hours of tedious ether extractions in that sweltering environment, the fumes had clearly gotten to a few of our classmates. Giggles and laughter filled the air as the ether-induced giddiness took hold.

Ether fumes and stifling temperatures, a potent combination indeed. I’m sure our professors had quite the chuckle witnessing the antics and exuberance that ensued that day. I hope that memories like these slowly replaced the pages that were lost.

In true Academy fashion, we found humor and resilience. The Severn may rise and fall, but the spirit of camaraderie and laughter will always endure, leaving us with cherished memories of those tumultuous days in the T-shacks.

We gathered in my room and we had no internet and no smart phones and the only thing we had was a vintage electronic baseball game where you only had two buttons and we’d play and pass it around and all you could really hear was the 1980s game sounds clicking through our room and it was so stagnant and hot and boring. Nobody told us anything and we could see all of the crazy flooding but we knew nothing so we sat and sweated and listened to the game click.

Once we restarted classes they told us we could go in our white works and the legendary Captain Ford Shaw ’06, USMC, wasn’t going to miss the chance to be awesome. He put all of his books into his pillowcase, somehow found his canteen and clipped it on his bayonet belt, and donned his plebe cover and went to class as Nimitz himself intended, as a Plebe Summer pleber.

—Lieutenant Commander Justin Kirkpatrick ’06, USN

A boat was caught on the Naval Academy’s sea wall following Hurricane Isabel’s landing in 2003.

“I remember several mids canoeing around the Yard.”

“Playing board games in the wardroom when there was no power because the administration told us we couldn’t leave. We had to play by candlelight at night since there was no power!”

“Trying to stay awake in a DiffEQ class in a wardroom with epic leather couches.”

—Sam Fromille ’06

View from Chauvenet stairs adjacent to the Mid Store. a

UPDATE YOUR PROFILE

HAVE YOU MOVED? CHANGED YOUR EMAIL? BEEN PROMOTED?

STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOUR CLASSMATES AND THE U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION & FOUNDATION BY UPDATING YOUR INFORMATION ONLINE. UPDATE YOUR PROFILE AT WWW.USNA.COM/UPDATEPROFILE.

SEAPERCH

TEXAS GULF COAST CHAPTER RALLIES TO SUPPORT UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

By Ellen Ternes

In most congressional districts, competition for an appointment to the Naval Academy is stiff.

There are a lot more qualified applicants than openings. In three districts in the Houston area, where the Texas Gulf Coast Alumni Association Chapter is located, it’s a different story. With a large percentage of low-income minority neighborhoods that struggle with education inequity, the three districts combined might not have even one candidate in a year.

“People don’t know about the Naval Academy,” said Chris Black ’07, former chapter president, now the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter

Foundation president. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization separate from the chapter that facilitates philanthropic efforts that are closely aligned with the ideals of the Naval Academy Alumni Association Foundation, veterans, and the Houston community.

“There’s no naval base. Local schools, especially minority schools, don’t know about the opportunity at the Academy. Students who are interested in military service, but don’t have any knowledge of the academies, often choose to enlist or join a ROTC program.”

In addition, in some of those schools, especially in the districts’ underprivileged

CAPT Sunita L. Williams ’87, USN (Ret.), attended the Texas Super Regional SeaPerch competition and met with participants.

communities, STEM programs lack funding, leaving students with limited technical skills.

“The congressional districts are eager to supply candidates, but the vast majority do not have the academic record to gain acceptance,” Black said.

The chapter is working hard to change that.

“We want to increase awareness about the Academy, to reach out to highly motivated students in the area, to create a pipeline for talent,” said Black, who heads up the chapter’s outreach efforts. “We target middle school students, to make an impression early so that they are aware and motivated before high school. Early intervention is key so they can avoid common pitfalls that could derail a chance at higher education.”

To give those students a real shot at getting into and succeeding at the Academy, the chapter is working to increase students’ exposure to STEM topics with a robotics competition called SeaPerch, an international program used by the Navy Recruiting Command to interest students in STEM and the Navy.

SeaPerch

The International SeaPerch Challenge is a worldwide competition for students from third through 12th grades. Teams of three to eight students, with help from teachers and parents, build an ROV (remotely operated vehicle), in this case an underwater drone, from a kit they are given.

At the SeaPerch competition, each team puts the drone through a timed obstacle course and an underwater task, makes a project presentation and is interviewed by judges. Regional winners go on to the international competition. More than 250,000 students across the world took part in this year’s SeaPerch events.

The Texas Gulf Coast Chapter learned about SeaPerch several years ago, when a chapter member ran into a retired senior chief who was working as a Navy Junior ROTC instructor and developing the local competition. It was about the same time that some younger chapter members were taking on the outreach roles. SeaPerch looked like a great way to introduce students to the Naval Academy and give them STEM experience.

The chapter’s first SeaPerch participation was in 2019. Then COVID-19 hit, and, like the rest of the world, SeaPerch came to a halt. When it came back in 2023, the chapter was ready, getting involved in SeaPerch from start to finish. They provided SeaPerch kits for teams from underprivileged schools to compete, a total of $30,000 for the 2019 and 2023 competitions. Company matches and major donor gifts provided the bulk of the funding for the initiative.

The chapter’s efforts this year culminated with the Texas Super Regional SeaPerch competition, where more than 200 students gathered at an area high school swimming pool for the underwater drone competition.

“This year we had 45 teams with 217 students, 80-90 percent of them minority students,” Black said.

Prizes for the winners were a combination of STEM and Naval Academy experiences. Three teams got a trip to the international SeaPerch competition at the University of Maryland. The chapter then sponsored six of the rising ninth to 11th grade

students from their region to go to Annapolis for the Academy’s Summer Seminar program and Summer STEM programs. Travel and tuition were paid by the chapter’s foundation.

Leading up to the competition, chapter members, Parent Club members and Blue and Gold Officers (BGOs) connected with local schools to promote SeaPerch and recruit inspirational teachers to work with the teams.

“This also ties in with our Naval Academy Minority Association efforts to facilitate connections with key teachers who can guide talented students to us,” Black said. “It makes you feel so good to see the process. The students, the teachers, the parents, they plan, they build, they test and they make changes to their ROV. They learn teamwork. This is like a sport for them.”

At the competition, alumni, Parent Club members and BGOs took part by talking to students and serving on the interview boards. Students who stopped at the chapter information table were encouraged to sign up for Naval Academy information and summer programs on the spot with QR codes.

Top: The Texas Gulf Coast Chapter supports students from underprivileged communities to participate in the International SeaPerch Challenge. The chapter first participated in 2019.

Bottom: Students between third and 12th grades build an ROV, an underwater drone in the 2023 International SeaPerch Challenge competition, from a kit they are given. The Texas Super Regional SeaPerch competition drew more than 200 students.

The chapter also brought in some Academy alumni and STEM superstars as keynote speakers. In 2019, it was astronaut Captain Chris Cassidy ’93, USN. This year astronaut Captain Suni Williams’87, USN (Ret.), who formerly held the records for most spacewalks by a woman and most spacewalk time for a woman, was the guest speaker.

“Suni Williams did a fantastic job. She really connected with them,” Black said. “She talked to the kids, saw their presentations and asked them questions. This leaves an incredible impression on the students and their families.”

Long-Term Goal

For another chapter member, former Marine Captain Nelson Jones ’72, a retired attorney, this was his first SeaPerch.

“It was an exciting day for me to see all those kids,” Jones said. “They were all revved up for the competition. They had all worked pretty hard. Some of the alumni asked me to sit in on the judging, and it was rewarding. I was impressed with the kids. And there were a lot of Naval Academy grads there, alums working with the judges and working with the actual mechanics of running the program.”

Jones can connect with many of the chapter-sponsored students in another way. A native of Galena Park, TX, Jones was the first Black midshipman from Texas to graduate from the Naval Academy. He was one of only 27 Black midshipmen in the Brigade when he started his plebe year.

“I talked with a number of the kids. One of them said, ‘Oh you’re a historic figure,’” Jones laughed. “Texas was segregated when I was growing up. I graduated from a segregated school. I didn’t have the benefit of STEM outreach, like the Alumni Association is doing today. That just didn’t exist.”

The opportunities SeaPerch offers to connect students in minority schools to the Academy and STEM are important, he said.

“We had the Link in the Chain for my class, and the Class of 2022,” Jones said. “That class looked like America. What is the Navy, the armed forces, going to look like in 2050? It’s got to be representative of what the country looks like, so that’s the real big challenge. How do you do that?

“Science and engineering are the way of the future for the Navy. The Navy is highly dependent on people with engineering and science backgrounds. In terms of the payoff from the STEM outreach now, it’s going to mean a whole lot in 20 or 30 years, but it’s a long-term process.”

Ariana Castanon, a student at Stephen F. Austin High School in the Fort Bend Independent School District, participated in the SeaPerch competition. She attended the Naval Academy Summer Seminar and said it was an eye-opening experience “that changed how I approached aspects of my life mentally and pushed me physically.”

She said Summer Seminar pushed her out of her comfort zone. She was impressed with the camaraderie between her fellow participants and how they quickly adopted a team mentality, in which if one fell, the rest followed. They supported one another and cheered each other on.

“The way the seminar was structured, I didn’t even have time to think about failure or giving up,” Castanon said. “It made me run my fastest mile. It made me do the most situps or pushups I have ever done. It made me survive what I thought I could never do.

“This experience trains you to work under stress and pressure, pushing through barriers that you put in place, while also looking out for your teammates. However, its emphasis on completing as a unit and giving up as a last resort have made the challenges easier to overcome and laugh at adversity. Going in, I thought I could never do it. Coming out, I can say I would do it again with no regrets.”

Chris Black tells a story about the impact of face-to-face connection with students. The chapter had a booth at a robotics conference that astronaut and test pilot Colonel Nicole A. Mann ’99, USMC, was attending.

“Some of the young girls had a photo of her, then saw her. Some of them cried, they were so excited, like they’d seen a superhero,” Black said. “You see the impact when they meet people like Nicole, Chris and Suni. The kids say ‘I want to be like that.’”

Jones said SeaPerch is a great program.

“The future of the Academy, of the country, are in good hands because Chris and these young guys are working really, really hard to carry the message and get the kids interested,” he said.

SeaPerch and the chapter’s outreach have helped increase awareness of and applications to the Academy among SeaPerch

Members of the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter support participation of local youth at the Texas Super Regional SeaPerch competition. They use SeaPerch as a way to spotlight opportunities at the Naval Academy.

attendees, Black said, but there’s still work to be done to get nominations in target areas.

Black and the Texas Gulf Coast Alumni Association Chapter and Foundation plan to be there for the long haul.

“When you come out of the Academy, the Navy, you’re deeply dedicated to the service of others. We do this so others might have the privilege we did,” Black said. a

The Texas Gulf Coast Alumni Association Chapter supported the 2023 Texas Super Regional SeaPerch. Among the alumni on-site were, Chris Black ’07; Bart Jealous ’65; Capt Nelson Jones III ’72, USMC; CAPT Sunita L. Williams ’87, USN (Ret.); Blue and Gold Officer Jeff White, father of CAPT Brian White ’15, USMC; Matt Guyton ’07; LCDR Dan Hanley ’10, USNR; and LCDR Andy Howard ’75, USN (Ret.).

KEEPERS OF THE GOAT

IT TAKES A UNITED ALUMNI EFFORT TO KEEP TEAM BILL RUNNING

By Spencer Jones

He isn’t a midshipman.

He’s never slept in Bancroft Hall. He’s never studied in Nimitz Library or participated in morning PEP. Chances are he has not had a meal in King Hall. He certainly has never climbed the Herndon Monument. Yet, this beloved Naval Academy icon has been a constant presence at the Academy for more than 100 years.

This legend only stands about two and a half feet tall, has white curly hair and wears a blue and gold blanket on his back sporting the N* on each side. He’s been called old, gnarly and some say he can, “take the bacon from the worn-out Army mule” on occasion.

Bill the Goat is the undisputed beloved icon the Naval Academy community recognizes on sight and whose legacy can be traced back to 1893. It takes a team of talented, committed and passionate midshipmen to ensure Bill has everything needed to inspire the Midshipmen to glory.

TEAM BILL

For several decades, Eighth Company has been tasked with maintaining, supporting and even protecting Bill the Goat. Members of the company are interviewed and selected to earn their spot on Team Bill.

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

Midshipmen “Goat Keepers” during the 1960s, they remain by Bill's side at all times.

“On game day, we’ll give him a bath, clean him, make sure he’s brushed and ready to go, wrap his horns, put on his blanket and then walk him around and let everyone see him,” said Midshipman Ethan Proctor ’24.

Bill, an Angora goat, is also fed his favorite snacks—banana chips, peanuts and animal crackers. However, even an over 100-year-old legend sometimes gets a little impatient when he is hungry.

“He likes his snacks, and you can tell,” said now Ensign Jake Smith ’23, USN. “He’ll look you right in the eyes whenever he is hungry. It’s kind of intimidating sometimes.”

Along with prepping Bill for game day, Team Bill members field questions about Bill XXXVII and coordinate photo opportunities with Navy fans.

Being a member of Team Bill is a learning process. From understanding the daily routine to facts about Bill, members of the team say they are constantly absorbing new things about the furry mascot.

“You will see we have two leashes on him, and you may ask, why?” said Proctor. “Last year, we dropped a leash for a second and Bill took off and the only thing I could do to stop him was sit down and have him drag me. After that, I said ‘Yeah okay, this thing can pull.’”

With their abundant goat knowledge and elevated level of responsibility, there are many rewarding aspects of the role that come along with the hard work.

“We get to meet a lot of different officers, important figures of different organizations and, obviously, all the kids who have a blast petting and feeding the goat,” said Midshipman Dante Carrasco ’24. “Everybody gets super excited when they see him.”

With GOAT status, some competitors want to topple Bill’s throne and as a result, unsuccessful kidnapping attempts have been made on Bill on several occasions by ill-intentioned West Point cadets. Bill now resides at a top-secret location

undisclosed to those outside of Naval Academy leadership and, of course, Eighth Company midshipmen.

Eighth Company and the Class of 1965 share a bond through their common interest in representing Bill and ensuring his welfare. The Class of 1965 invites Eighth Company to their class tailgates before Navy football games to share stories and interact with Bill. Through additional support, the Class of 1965 has also funded the remodeling of Team Bill’s trailer to transport Bill to games.

The tradition, responsibility and fun have been passed down through the years and all 37 Bills.

“I’ve met alumni who were in Eighth Company, and it really means a lot to them,” Proctor said. “We’ll talk about the new goat, what number we’re on and they’ll say, ‘Oh I was on with Bill XXX or Bill XXVIII’ and its cool to see that it has been around for a while.”

MAINTAINING THE LEGACY

Bill XXXVII is just one in a long line of cloven-hooved heroes in the Academy’s history. As a result, there are several locations in Annapolis where alumni, midshipmen and visitors can gain appreciation for who Bill is and what he represents. Among these are two bronze statues of a charging Bill sporting the N* blanket, with stars representing each time Bill was present when Navy defeated Army in football.

Bill XXXVII’s horns are wrapped by Eighth Company before every outing to accompany his blue and gold N* blanket.

“On game day, we’ll give him a bath, clean him, make sure he’s brushed and ready to go, wrap his horns, put on his blanket and then walk him around and let everyone see him.”

—MIDN Ethan Proctor ’24

Team Bill member now-ENS Jake Smith ’23, USN, (far left) introducing Bill XXXVII before the 123rd Army-Navy game.

The first statue, donated by the Class of 1915, is across from the visitor’s center inside Gate 1 on the Yard. There are four Bills buried behind the statue at Gate 1 in honor of their service to the Academy and to the morale of midshipmen. One, Bill XXXIII, had eight stars on his blanket (representing eight wins over Army), the most of any Bill in Academy history.

As part of Another Link in the Chain (ALITC), each class at the Academy’s 50-year class bond, the Class of 1965 has taken over maintaining the statue and has even refurbished the bronze. This class continues to maintain the statue as part of their responsibility as “Keepers of the Goat.” The title represents the Class of ’65s dedication to their ALITC counterparts as well as Bill himself. The class is determined the legacy will continue.

The second statue now overlooks Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (NMCMS) and was inspired by the statue at Gate 1, but the original statue needed work before the new statue could be built.

The process to refurbish the Gate 1 statue and build the NMCMS statue took time, effort, philanthropy and teamwork among the members of Class of 1965. This began with a brass conservator assessing the needs for both statues. After designs were finalized and the bronze melted, plans were instituted to make sure both statues maintained the same level of quality. This includes regular cleaning, bronze maintenance recommended by the conservator and generating funding for the continued maintenance.

“When I found out that 1915 had donated the statue, it just clicked that we needed to get involved with this,” said Captain James “Jim” Minderlein ’65, USN (Ret.). “It’s a great connection with the Naval Academy and the 50-year relationship with ’15 was a no brainer to me.”

The second statue overlooking NMCMS was completed 50 years to the day of the Class of 1965’s commissioning ceremony. Encapsulated underneath this statue is a collection of items from the Class of 2015 and the Class of 1965 ranging from belt buckles and medals to ensign bars, and many more talismans representing both classes. Several of these items were melted down and included in the bronze pour of

the statue and what could not be melted down for the structure is now under its base.

The Class of 1965 also created a desk model of the statue for alumni and Yard leadership honoring Bill’s legacy. The desk model lives in the Superintendent’s house, the Commandant’s office and in the homes of members of the Class of 1965. The Athletic and Scholarship Programs (A&SP) and Naval Academy Athletic Association (NAAA) also administer the desk models to supporters of the physical mission of the Academy.

In 2025, as a result of their connection through ALITC, the Class of 1965 will inaugurate the Class of 2015 as Keepers of the Goat.

“We are very goat-conscious,” said Minderlein “It’s been a lot of fun.”

SINCE THE DAWN OF “BILL”

For the U.S. Navy, goats have been a supporter of sailors dating back to the early 19th century. Goats were versatile shipmates on board Naval vessels. They provided nourishment as well as companionship, helped maintain cleanliness by eating scraps from sailors and they can swim.

For the Naval Academy, there are competing stories as to how the goat became the official representative for all things Navy. Some say a goat was picked up by midshipmen on his way to the first Army-Navy game in 1890. He was seen as a good luck charm after Navy won 24-0. Others claim the official induction of the goat as a mascot was much more unusual.

During one of the early Army-Navy matchups, a midshipman reportedly wrapped himself in goat skin and ran along Navy’s sideline in an attempt to muster a Navy win over Army. After Navy won the game, the symbolic goat was again seen as good luck and enthusiasm for the four-legged mammal to become the Academy’s mascot grew.

After the goat was selected as the Academy’s mascot, midshipmen decided it needed a name that would carry on for generations. After the 1900 Army-Navy game (another win for Navy), the goat was named “Bill” after the name of a pet goat kept by Commander Colby M. Chester,

From top to bottom: The Bill the Goat statue overlooking Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The Class of 1915 statue inside of gate one on the Yard with recently refurbished bronze courtesy of the Class of 1965. CAPT James “Jim” Minderlein ’65, USN (Ret.), during the preconstruction stage of the Class of ’65’s Bill the Goat statue.

Class of 1864, Commandant of Midshipmen from 1891-1894. Chester was also the first president of the Naval Academy Athletic Association.

Even though he may not say much, Bill represents many of the ideals that the Academy instills in its midshipmen—such as it’s okay to be a little gnarly sometimes. In this case, Bill’s legacy has withstood the test of time.

The dedication plaque below Bill’s statue at NMCMS reads, “Dedicated to all United States Naval Academy Alumni who have served and continue to serve Our Country in times of peace and at war—Class of 1965.” a

Meeting of Rivals: Bill the Goat and the Army Mule meet at midfield during the 1924 Army-Navy game.

NIMITZ AT 50

THE NAVAL ACADEMY’S LIBRARY HAS EVOLVED TO MEET MIDSHIPMEN NEEDS

This month marks the 50th anniversary of the dedication of Nimitz Library. Since 1973, the library and its staff have proven to be adaptable and flexible in meeting the needs of the Naval Academy community—specifically the changing needs of 20th- and 21st-century midshipmen. Today, Nimitz plays a core role in meeting the Academy’s mission, providing services, collections and spaces that support the mental development of midshipmen. Here are some reminders of how Nimitz Library used to be and how it is now. Some things have changed a lot. Other things, not so much.

At the time of its opening, Nimitz was a showcase academic library flooded with natural light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and sporting mid-century modern furniture and modern artworks. State-of-the-art technology included study carrels equipped with either video cassette players and machines, headphone jacks for listening to preprogrammed music channels or noise-reduction panels and an electrical outlet where midshipmen could use their typewriters. With all of this technology now obsolete, these specialty workstations are gone, but a lot of the original furniture remains.

Alumni from the 1970s and 1980s probably remember the first deck of Nimitz dominated by a card catalog and shelves of print indexes that they used to find books and journal articles in the library on their research topics. With this information now stored in a computerized database accessible through any laptop, phone or tablet and a lack of student union on the Yard, the card catalog has given way to a cafe and open, flexible space where today’s midshipmen can gather to socialize, grab a snack or coffee or work on their laptops.

Rows upon rows of bookshelves dominated the other floors of Nimitz Library. This was deliberate as Nimitz was built for the express purpose of bringing all library collections and activities under one roof. As the Academy revised its curriculum in the 1950s and 1960s to offer majors and bring it in line with other colleges and universities, various committees studying the process noted the lack of a centralized library for the midshipmen. Prior to Nimitz, library collections were distributed among several buildings including Mitscher, Mahan, Griffin and Isherwood halls. The 500,000 books in these locations all moved into Nimitz Library, which was built to hold 650,000 books. At 120,000 square feet, it was the DoD’s largest library space.

Despite all this space, those who attended the academy in the 1990s may have felt a little cramped in Nimitz Library.

By Naval Academy Dean for Information Services and Director of Nimitz Library Larry Clemens and Assistant Archivist Adam Minakowski

The shelves were full with almost 700,000 books. The other academic buildings were full too, which led to some of Nimitz’s 12 group study rooms and two seminar rooms being converted to classrooms.

Fortunately, these space trends reversed course in recent years. The opening of Hopper Hall in 2020 alleviated the classroom crunch, and wider availability and use of online journals, ebooks and other digital media has allowed the library to reduce the size of its physical collections. Naval topics remain a strength of both print and electronic collections, and midshipmen once again have a variety of spaces—from group and individual study rooms to open areas with portable whiteboards—in Nimitz to study, read, write and collaborate on academic and professional endeavors.

In the past, midshipmen would use this available space as a place to grab a quick nap between classes. This led to a humorous cover of The Log featuring a photo of sleeping midshipmen and the headline “Welcome Back to Hotel Nimitz.” One could walk into Nimitz Library tomorrow and snap a similar picture.

One aspect of Nimitz Library that has changed a lot over the years is the instruction that librarians provide to midshipmen on how to use resources and services available to them. Even before Nimitz was built, librarians delivered instruction through innovative means such as live presentation through closed circuit TV to midshipmen in Mahan Hall’s theater or recorded videos that mostly demonstrated the complexity of the pre-Nimitz libraries. Videos continued to suffice in showing midshipmen how to find material in the library during the early years of Nimitz Library, but as computers became increasingly important, a dedicated instruction room equipped with desktops was added to the first deck. There, librarians provided in-person lessons to classes of midshipmen.

Today’s technology-savvy midshipmen don’t need as much assistance using Nimitz’s systems, but with the wealth of information available on the internet, identifying the best resources for academic work is a challenge. When Nimitz’s first deck was partially renovated in 2020, it included a new, flexible instruction space equipped with multiple screens, projectors and modular furniture to allow for a variety of instruction formats. Called the Nautilus Room, the space has become a popular space on the Yard for its use as an event venue. Not even five years old, it’s hosted faculty research talks, history lectures, Naval Academy Band performances and even World Cup watch parties. a

Do you have memories of Nimitz to share? Throughout the fall 2023 semester Nimitz Library will be celebrating its 50th anniversary with a series of events, and would like to share what alumni remember about the library throughout its existence. Send your memories in by email to askref@usna.edu.

FIVE MINUTES WITH…

BILLY HURLEY III ’04

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.

Billy Hurley III ’04 is putting gratitude into action. The Billy Hurley III Foundation identifies and rewards exceptional junior sailors with opportunities to relax and recharge.

Hurley’s intent is to ensure military families know they are valued and their communities are grateful for their service. On 8 May, at the Naval Academy Golf Course, Hurley hosted the sixth edition of the Brave Tournament which featured 18 active-duty service members who were the celebrity guests for each group.

The tournament is the primary fundraiser for Hurley’s foundation. Hurley said more than 200 families will receive support by the end of 2023. That includes $550,000 in direct support for military families and vacations in Hawaii, and starting this year, Mayport, FL.

The Foundation’s Koa Kai Award recognizes Navy enlisted sailors (E-6 and junior) on the Pearl Harbor waterfront who have demonstrated exceptional professional competence. Selection for this award is based on the ideals and qualities that were important to Billy and his shipmates on sea duty. These include watch team back up, leading from the front, proactive problem solving and investment in the training of peers and subordinates. Hurley and his team named the award “Koa Kai” because it is Hawaiian for Sea Warrior. The Billy Hurley III Foundation Golfer of the Year Award recognizes active duty service members who, in addition to loving the game of golf, exemplify the ideals and qualities that were important to Hurley and his shipmates on sea duty.

Hurley is also a board member of the Service Academies Golf Foundation, which launched the Commander-in-Chief’s Cup in April 2023. He recently shared part of his journey with Shipmate

Shipmate: What attracted you to the Naval Academy?

Hurley: The Naval Academy is the only college that I applied to (good thing I was accepted!). It’s the only school that I wanted to go to. When I was in eighth grade, I told my mom that I was going to the Naval Academy. I set my sights on that and I did what needed to be done to get there. I was attracted to the ideals the Academy stands for: honor, courage, commitment; but also, discipline, service, others before self. Everything the Naval Academy embodies is what I was drawn to and wanted to be a part of.

Shipmate: How did the Academy influence you as a leader and as an athlete?

Hurley: Playing golf at the Academy provided me the ability to make an impact on the team from day one. I “started” in every tournament from plebe to firstie year and thus, I gained 30-50 percent more competitive

experience than if had I “road the bench” for a few years at another Division 1 school. I credit this competitive experience with my accelerated growth and performance as a golfer, especially during my firstie year when I, individually, won six of the 12 tournaments we entered. As a leader, the Academy could not have developed me any more fully. Certainly many lessons to be learned upon graduation and even to this day, but the Academy is a “Leadership University.” I like to tell people that my degree is in leadership with a minor in general engineering, a minor in math and a minor in econ (as a quantitative economics major; now called mathematics with economics). And much of my leadership development was done through the golf team and through intercollegiate competition.

Athletics is a huge leadership opportunity and at a school like Navy, it’s amplified. I used my training from the golf team to make an impact in Bancroft Hall as a firstie and ultimately in the fleet and now in my life as a professional golfer and inside our foundation.

Shipmate: Why was it important for you to create a foundation to support and honor military families?

Hurley: My wife, Heather, and I created the Billy Hurley III Foundation in 2017 and sought to do something that was not currently being done in the military foundation space. Families are the backbone that allow our service men and women to go “down range” but very rarely receive the recognition for the sacrifices they make.

We landed on active-duty families for two reasons: 1. We recognized from our own time on active duty that the entire family unit is affected by military service; not just the service member, and 2. My kids have been able to do some extraordinary things and receive over-the-top experiences through the PGA Tour. So, we decided to figure out how to do some of those things for active duty families. Now we have the Koa Kai Award for exceptional sailors in Pearl Harbor (expanding to Mayport later this year, covering the two duty stations where I served) and we have a secondary-education scholarships for dependents of GETTYSBURG and CHUNG-HOON (the two ships I served aboard).

We have also been a part of restoring Lake Wonderwood, a nature walk, playground, gazebos and picnic areas on Mayport Naval Station. More information is available at www.billyhurley3.com/foundation and www.bh3.golf. At the Class of 2019 commencement, the secretary of the Navy said “Families are the true strength of our force.” At the BH3 Foundation, we couldn’t agree more and relish the opportunity to honor them for their sacrifices. ®

AN OCEAN AWAY YEAH, RIGHT

By Commander Doug Robb ’05, USN

Ido not remember much about my Plebe Summer in 2001, save for the buckets of sweat that dripped off the tip of my nose in the then-unairconditioned confines of Bancroft’s third wing. But one event that remains vivid in my memory is a line from a speech delivered in Alumni Hall.

Grateful for the upholstered chairs and respite from the heat, I recall the Superintendent, Vice Admiral John R. Ryan ’67, USN (Ret.), instructing my class: “Look to your left and look to your right. Someone you are looking at will go on to command and beyond.”

Pfshh, I thought. Yeah, right.

Imagining a teenager “chopping” in White Works Echo would one day command, seemed incomprehensible. Yet while I could not dispute the mathematical odds that someone in our approximately 1,000-person class would ascend to that level, I knew for certain I would not be one of them. My plans were carved in stone: I would complete my minimum commitment—if I even finished Plebe Summer—and instead pursue the “citizenship and government” charter of the Academy’s mission out of uniform. Nothing could change my mind.

Fast forward two decades: the Supe was, of course, right.

Three Plebe Summer Hotel Company, 15th Platoon-mates joined me concurrently in destroyer command: Commander Rick Slye ’05, USN, in BULKELEY; Commander Antonia Shey ’05, USN, in MCFAUL; and Commander Jack Holthaus ’05 USN, in MICHAEL MURPHY

The simultaneity is striking considering the myriad commissioning sources and paths to command, and the fact that there are only 70 guided missile destroyers in the fleet. Other company mates and classmates are commanding in their communities and excelling in their fields, as well.

Looking back as a plebe, I misjudged how much strength I would draw from my classmates’ immense individual talents and from our shared experiences. And I underestimated how the connections we were building would propel us forward together through both the smooth and rough seas of a naval career.

It would be easy to attribute such happenstance to the admission department’s randomly generated company assignments. However, other companies and classes share similar stories of cadres “growing up together” and relying on one another through life challenges and career milestones—first on the Yard and then in the fleet.

Indeed, chalking this up to coincidence belies the truth: that connections forged and values imbued—especially under difficult circumstances—contribute to our communal success; that the time spent side-by-side sweating in Bancroft Hall, or cheering at Navy-Marine Corps

Memorial Stadium, or marching on Worden Field are not just a means to an end, they are meaningful experiences in themselves.

Consequently, when alumni meet after the Academy—classmates who did not know each other at school, or even two graduates from different classes—their connection is often instant because it is rooted in a shared heritage. It can grow in short order to be deep, long-lasting and impactful.

At the time, I did not—could not— appreciate the reality the clairvoyant Supe was foreshadowing. But, having sailed a few nautical miles since Plebe Summer, I do now. a

CDR Doug Robb ’05, USN, is a former speechwriter for the Chief of Naval Operations and co-author of Naval Officer’s Guide to the Pentagon (U.S. Naval Institute Press). He commanded SPRUANCE and is currently the Navy’s Hudson Fellow to St. Antony’s College, University of Oxford, England.

Left to right: CDR Jack Holthaus ’ 05, USN; CDR Rick Slye ’ 05, USN; and CDR Doug Robb ’ 05, USN, together in 2018 while stationed in Washington, DC.

BRAVO ZULU

1980s

’82: ADM Philip S. Davidson, USN (Ret.), joined AeroVironment Inc.’s board of directors, following his appointment as a Class II Director at their June meeting. Davidson retired from the Navy in 2021, following a military career which spanned nearly 39 years of service and culminated in his appointment as a four-star admiral and 25th Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command.

1990s

’97: Elaine Luria, former U.S. Representative and retired U.S. Navy commander, has been appointed to the board of directors of BAE Systems Inc. Luria completed a 20-year active-duty career in the Navy, serving as a nuclear-trained Surface Warfare Officer, with six deployments to the Middle East and Western Pacific. Her final tour was as commanding officer of Assault Craft Unit TWO. CAPT Jonathan E. Spore ’97, USN (Ret.), was relieved of command of the Patrol Squadron THIRTY (VP-30), “Pro’s Nest,” in June onboard Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL, by CAPT Derrick W. Eastman, USN.

2000s

’83 to ’03 Jacksonville City Council Turnover

CAPT Aaron Bowman ’83, USN (Ret.), completed his second fouryear term on the Jacksonville City Council, including serving as council president, vice president and chair of numerous committees throughout his eight years of service to his community. Replacing Bowman is Jacksonville native Will Lahnen ’03, who won election to the open seat as Bowman was term limited.

’03: CDR Derek Jaskowiak, USN (Ret.), was replaced as commanding officer of Independence-variant littoral combat ship OAKLAND BLUE crew by CDR John “Nick” Van Wagoner ’05, USN, during a ceremony pier side at Naval Base San Diego in May. Do

Carty ’94 Hands AIMO Command to Hohner ’02

On 2 March, CAPT Jeffrey J. Carty ’94, USN (Ret.), relinquished command of Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Aircraft Integrated Maintenance Operations (AIMO) to CAPT Gabriel J. Hohner ’02, USN Carty, who became AIMO’s commander in March 2020, retired on 1 June after 29 years of service. During his time as a naval flight officer, Carty flew the S-3B Viking during four deployments and served as an instructor at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River, MD.

Hohner is a naval aviator with 20 years of aircraft operations experience and has served with DCMA for almost five years. His most recent assignment was commander of DCMA AIMO St. Augustine, FL, which he held since May 2020. Prior to that command position, he was St. Augustine’s deputy technical director for two years.

Navy Mutual Aid Association Honors Szemborski ’71 and Thorp ’81

Gilreath ’84 Hands Fales Committee Chair Reins to Cutler ’88

Hal Gilreath ’84, was relieved by Alec Cutler ’88, as the Naval Academy Sailing Program Fales Committee Chair. The Fales Committee is an advisory group helping support the sailing program’s intercollegiate teams and professional development.

The Navy Mutual Aid Association presented its annual Outstanding Service Award to VADM Stanley Szemborski ’71, USN (Ret.), and to RADM Frank Thorp IV ’81, USN (Ret.), as they each completed 12 years on the board of directors. For the past three years they have led the board as the chair and vice chair. VADM John Terence Blake ’75, USN (Ret.), has been elected as the new board chair.

ALUMNI MENTORING PROGRAM

Open to all Nava l Academy alum ni, 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

.

From left to right: CAPT Jeffrey Carty ’94, USN (Ret.), and CAPT Gabriel Hohner ’02, USN, with DCMA’s Director Army LTG David Bassett, who officiated the change of command ceremony.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILL LAHNEN ’03

CAPT Aaron Bowman ’83, USN (Ret.), with Will Lahnen ’03.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HAL GILREATH ’84

Hal Gilreath ’84, Alec Cutler ’88, and Superintendent VADM Sean Buck ’83, USN (Ret.).

CLASS NEWS

’38

Life Membership: 0%

Donor Participation: 0%

Sec’y: Donald E. Brown

Son of CAPT C. Donald Brown, USN (Ret.)

4105 Elizabeth Ln., Fairfax, VA 22032-1453

p: 703-978-4571; e: donaldbrown@earthlink.net

’39

Life Membership: 50%

Donor Participation: 0%

Vice Pres: CAPT Chip Seymour, USN (Ret.)

Son of Harry A. Seymour

309 Melvin Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401

c: 410-279-9195; e: seymour65@comcast.net

Sec’y: Barbara Fidel Adams

Also Sec’y for ’39 Navy Juniors

Daughter of Jack and June Fidel

215 Ikerd Dr., Concord, NC 28025

p: 704-784-3876; e: adamsjimr@aol.com

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

Greetings, ‘39ers! Our ’39 Shipmate column this month comes to you from Australia, courtesy of Alix Bradfield , daughter of ’39 Classmate Herb Kriloff. With the current USNA Class of 2027 just settling into life at the Academy, this is a timely piece of ’39 history and it would be interesting to compare to today’s Midshipmen regulations! Without further ado, here’s Alix:

M Herb Kriloff kept a scrapbook of his years at the Academy. Recently found within the worn pages, where aged glue no longer kept the little black and white photos in place, was this 90year-old document which could be of interest to all the 1939 family and other readers of Shipmate

It seems the only technology in the 1930s was the radio, one to a room and that right was reserved for 1st and 2nd classes only. I am imagining a group gathered by a radio to hear news of the day.

As the new class of 1939 arrived at the Academy, they were required to learn and follow the regulations thumb-tacked on the inside of their locker doors:

Standards of Personal Appearance and Room Cleanliness to be met by all Midshipmen.

Here is the text for your reading pleasure:

Standards of Personal Appearance and Room Cleanliness to be met by all Midshipmen

Referenced: U.S. Naval Academy Regulations 1933, Art. 4280

Standards of personal appearance and room cleanliness required of all midshipmen of the regiment are outlined below: -

1. POSTURE. Maintain a military posture and walk in a military manner at all times, head up, chin in, shoulders falling naturally. This order applies to midshipmen of all classes, and midshipmen officers and petty officers should assist in enforcing it.

2. PERSONAL APPEARANCE. Keep hair neatly cut and brushed, face neatly shaved. Uniforms must be free from spots, pressed, and carefully brushed. Wear clean linen. Shoes should be highly polished, including edges of soles, and back of shoes. (The cobbler buffs and redyes soles and heels at a cost of 5 cents per pair of shoes.) “Run down” heels shall not be worn. Every article of uniform must be worn in the prescribed manner. Shirt sleeve length should be such that cuffs are slightly exposed below the coat sleeve. Garters shall be worn. Have pride as a representative of the Naval Academy and of the Navy. Wear the uniform always in the prescribed manner. Never, when in uniform, appear in public, on leave, or on liberty, unless you present a smart and regulation appearance

3. ROOMS. (a) Interior of room, including bulkheads, transoms, door framing, pipes, baseboard, closet and showers, is to be free from spots, dust, cobwebs and dirt. Bulkheads and decks shall be scrubbed when necessary. Decks must be clean and spotless. Ink spots on same shall be removed by occupants.

(b) Cleanliness will be required of wash basins, inside, out, and underside, as well as piping beneath; also lighting fixtures, radios, victrolas, shower bath tiling, soap dishes, ash trays, closet and book shelves,

(c) Lockers and locker tops shall be kept clean and neatly stowed. Schedules or papers posted on locked doors shall be secured by thumb tacks, not by paste or glue.

(d) Paint spots shall be removed from window glass. Paper which may have been pasted on glass, lamp shades, or woodwork shall be removed.

(e) Photographs shall not be kept on tables or bookshelves.

(f) White service uniforms not ready for wear shall be placed in pillow slips and stowed on top shelf of closet.

(g) During winter months, extra blanket shall be neatly folded and placed at foot of bed. Blankets not in use shall be folded and stowed on closet shelf.

(h) Football gear except shoes shall be stowed in legs of football trousers and trousers hung in closet.

(i) Working suit for drill wear shall be hung neatly in closet.

(j) Cloths used for cleaning shall be washed out and hung over pipes in showers. A standard cleaning cloth will be on sale in the Midshipmen’s Store.

(k) For cleaning purposes, all midshipmen shall draw cleansing powder from the Midshipmen’s Store.

(l) Only one radio per room will be permitted (1st and 2nd classes only.) These must be shipshape and free from dust, loose antenna, and ground ends of wire or string.

(m) Shower bath curtains shall be changed weekly.

FORDE A. TODD Captain, U.S. Navy Commandant of Midshipmen

There was no doubt that the Plebe summer newcomers were learning that small details of discipline would be enforced for the four years ahead. The document also stipulated that the Midshipmen should have pride as a representative of the Naval Academy and of the Navy, always wearing the uniform in the prescribed manner. “Never, when in uniform, appear in public, on leave or on liberty unless you present a smart and regulation appearance.”

The stringent rules were to be followed with no excuses allowed. As an example, “Shoes should be highly polished, including edges of soles, and back of shoes. ‘Run down’ heels shall not be worn”.

In Robert Sleight’s book 1600 MEN, A Personal Remembrance, United States Naval Academy 1932-1936. (Brandylane Publishers, White Stone, Virginia, 1998) The author describes how easy it was to fail to meet required standards. Writing about his own experience,

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

he remembers “The powers-that-be made two comments: ‘When was the last time you shaved?’ and ‘Those shoes need shining. ‘Thus I learned that one shaved every day whether or not it was one’s personal opinion that twice a week was sufficient. More shocking was the lesson that new shoes were not shiny! To my anguished reply, “But, Sir, they are brand new!’ my mentor answered, ‘Oh, well, you’ll get them looking right in a day or two, ‘Looking in amazement at the classmates around me I saw what he meant. Their shoes glistened in the sun to the point of being difficult to look at for very long. A considerable portion of my spare time for the next week was spent in shining new shoes so that they would look right, a process consisting of applying layer after layer of polish and sprinkling just the right amount of water (or spit, if you preferred) to the toes and buffing them one final time. The powers-that-be were right. It did take some time to make my shoes shine.“

“On entry into the Academy, the next three days were pretty busy. We did not have to go to any drills and spent all our time in our rooms stenciling our names on our clothes… and trying to put all that stuff in one little locker…with everything in space that had been designed for it. What a task!”

Every corner of the room was expected to be free from spots, dust, cobwebs and dirt. Wash basins were to be cleaned inside, out as well as the underside and piping underneath.

Cloths and cleansing powder were to be purchased from the Midshipmen’s store, then washed out and hung over pipes in showers. The regimen and the tight space where each item was required to be in order must have been just the training they needed to live on board ship, where an officer whose belongings were left scattered was an unthinkable concept.

I suspect I am but one of many 1939 offspring whose father encouraged a neat, orderly and disciplined life.

’43

Life Membership: 0%

Donor Participation: 0%

Send News directly to Shipmate at: classnews@usna.com

’44

Life Membership: 45%

Donor Participation: 0%

Send News directly to Shipmate at: classnews@usna.com

Ahoy!

I am reaching out to you for some information regarding memories from those who graduated from the Naval Academy in 1944. I am an Academy graduate myself from the Class of ’64 (a retired captain living in Redmond, WA) but my roots to the Naval Academy go back much earlier. During the War while my dad (USNA ’27) was a submarine skipper in the Pacific, my mother, brother (Class of ’55) and I lived in Annapolis on Franklin St. about a block from Church Circle. As a very young boy, at the time, I had few friends in the neighborhood, but my mother would often take me over to Worden Field while she went across the Severn to the commissary while a friend who lived on Upshur Rd. kept an eye on me while I ran around in searched for lost lacrosse balls.

Not only were shoes to be like mirrors. Sleight says that “Shoes were placed in military alignment under the bed. The first time I was put on report was because of shoes. It was plebe summer. I was charged with room in gross disorder; specifically, shoes not aligned (adrift they called it) and paper in the waste basket. The shoe bit I accepted – I never did solve the puzzle of where the hell waste paper was supposed to be if not in the wastepaper basket, although I learned to hide it in the laundry bag if the need arose. “

Sleight also spoke of the rooms in Bancroft Hall. “Life at the Academy was Spartan in concept and the room’s décor reflected that. I suppose they were closer to monks’ cells than they might have been. There was a table that, by regulation, occupied the center of the room. The room was designed for the use of two men, ergo two movable chairs were present and placed symmetrically opposite each other at the table. These were hard, straight-backed, armless items. I recall with the exception of the barber’s chairs, no chairs with soft seats in the portions of the Academy used by midshipmen. The two beds in the room also had their allotted space. They were sturdy, tough springed items of just enough length to accommodate the frame of the six footers (the greatest allowable height). Each midshipman had a tall chest of drawers to hold all his clothing except for uniforms and shoes.”

Respectfully submitted, Alix Kriloff Bradfield daughter of Herb Kriloff, ‘39 ’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 Only ’40 is 4.0! ’41

Life Membership: 0% 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

One day when I was about 5, my mother drove by on her return from the commissary and saw me sitting with a group of Public Works men sharing a bag lunch. When she went in to see her friend just before picking me up, she mentioned to her friend that she saw Tony sitting under a tree with some Public Works men. Her friend laughed and asked my mother why she thought they were Public Works men. She replied: “All of the men had PW on the back of their shirts.” Her friend said that they were not Public Works men but German POWs who worked at the Academy as grounds keepers. I heard my mother tell that story many times over the years but I have never found any confirmation that there were POWs on the Academy grounds despite research through contacts at the Nimitz Library or at the Naval Academy Museum.

My question is, are than any members from the Class of ’44 who, as midshipmen, recall that there were POWs on the Academy grounds during the war years and do any of them have any sea stories to share to about this tale? I would love to hear from any and all who recollect this time so long ago.

Go Navy, Beat Army

Tony Taylor, USNA ’64

(425) 260-6289

23263 NE 126th St, Redmond, WA 98053

The following photo and comment are from the 1939 Lucky Bag

’45

Life Membership: 68%

Donor Participation: 0%

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

’48

Life Membership: 38% Donor Participation: 6.06%

Sec’y/Webmaster: John Tsiknas

16061 Avenida Venusto, Apt. E218; San Diego, CA 92128-4414 p: 858-829-7193; e: johntsiknas@att.net

Website: http://1948.usnaclasses.com

Paul Riley, 13th Co., sent the following memories of our plebe summer:

It was a small group who met on Wednesday, 21 June 2023, at noon EST for our hour-long weekly Zoom call. Pictured L-R are Charlie Sobel, Ted Cochrane, Nancy Taylor (widow of Thad Taylor), and Rosemary Hsu-Brooks (widow of Don Brooks). We would love to have you join us. Please contact your ’45 Class Scribe to obtain link information and connecting instructions.

As always…

’46

Look Alive with ’45!

Life Membership: 44%

Donor Participation: 28.57%

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: 75%

Donor Participation: 33.33%

Pres: CAPT Jack M. Stevens, USN (Ret.)

200 Ankersa Way, Hunt, TX 78204-3400

p: 830-238-4355; e: captjack47@hctc.net

Corr Sec’y: Eileen Marousek

Daughter of Col. L. Marousek

310 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314

e: eileenUSNA47@gmail.com

Tres: Priscilla Myerson

Wife of Ed Myerson

M “To my knowledge, no one has described 1944’s unique plebe summer featuring its tragi-comedy LCI Chesapeake Bay cruise. Class 1948 was inducted by groups averaging two dozen men daily June through August and formed into cutter crews for the summer. A crew manned one of the large cutters hanging under a shed over water. Arriving on July 3rd, I never understood the command “Up Behind” to hoist boats after use, but assumed it was tradition. We learned to sail in knockabouts and sailing whaleboats. With zero upper class present, activities were run by senior Boatswain’s Mates or Marine Sergeants, under Executive Department direction. Staggered entry allowed progression through training stages, favoring early arrivals. At the gun range across the Severn, we fired M1903 Springfield, M1 Carbine, M1911 Pistol, and shot gun. Some of us qualified for the Expert Rifle Medal and a few for the difficult pistol award.

When the cruise was scheduled, only those who had been around for a week or so could go. Six Landing Craft Infantry (LCI) vessels came from Patuxent River. They were 360’ long but only 23’ wide. Most had beaching ramps on their sides. One had an enclosed bow ramp. Four diesel engines drove twin reversible propellers at 15 knots. Armament was four 20mm guns. Troop capacity was 180. Food and showers apparently were not considered.

For those classmates from the fleet, the cruise was a no-brainer. For the rest, who could not distinguish a binnacle from a barnacle, it was an adventure. Among us were a future (Marine) Medal of Honor winner (Lopez), CNO (Hayward), and NASA boss (Beggs). I don’t know how we carried extra clothes, brushes, razors, if at all. The flotilla departed in column bound for Little Creek Amphibious Base to be followed by a brief excursion into the Atlantic. Our leader, a new Ensign, assigned watches. Our first meal was a K-ration which became standard for three days. After we begged our ship’s crew, they cooked us real food, once. Primitive living made us appreciate Bancroft Hall’s beds and food, served family style at 20-man tables.

Although I did not witness the disaster off Cove Point on 12 August, everyone aboard soon knew that a military aircraft (SNJ?) had crashed into the bow of a leading LCI .The affected ship with colors at the dip led into its base to offload casualties and get essential

repairs. Carroll Boswinkle and Ralph Jillson had been killed at their #1 gun station. The careless pilot and female (WAVES) passenger were also killed. With the nation at war, the incident apparently did not get wide press coverage. The 48A Lucky Bag has a memorial page with portraits of our two 20 year old classmates in their enlisted Navy uniforms, but with no explanation of the fatal accident. Elsewhere there is only passing reference to an LCI cruise. The 48B Lucky Bag describes small boat training but never mentions LCI’s. My memoir, “Near Misses Etc.”, covers the LCI tragedy, but not other summer events.

Town liberty concluded our unique plebe summer, which overall, I enjoyed. Classmates envied my date with charming young “Ginny” from nearby Severna Park. This story is written mostly from memory after 79 years for the record and to fill our column. A definitive account requires access to official accident reports. Newspaper clips might help. The current superintendent (as of this June writing) may read this and remember hearing the narrative from his father, our popular classmate, the late E. Guy Buck. Someone should ask him whether the Naval Academy has any records. It would be interesting to know how many classmates took the LCI cruise. My estimate is about 3/4ths. I know for certain that not all went, and that two who did go, sadly never returned.”

Scribe’s note: Thanks Paul for a great cruise down memory lane. I enjoyed your report which brought back some wonderful memories except for that part of the cruise where we lost two of our classmates. And Paul, thanks again for being a regular contributor to this column.

Received the following from John C. Rainey, ’72, CAPT USNR ( Retired):

M Dear Sir

“I am saddened to inform you that my mother, Mary Rainey, widow of Richard L. Rainey, Class of ‘48, mother of John C. Rainey ‘72 and Joseph P. Rainey’82 and grandmother of Jason L. Jackson ’02 passed away on 2 June 2023.”

Scribe’s note: John: Congratulations to your family for having three generations graduate from the USNA.

Since the last issue of Shipmate we learned the loss of the following:

Classmates: H.J. Johnson, 18th Co.; 3-23-2023

Another ’45 Weekly Zoom Session, 21 Jun ‘23

Carroll Boswinkle and Ralph Jillson

48/51 CLASS NEWS

R,W. Peterson, Jr., 13th Co.; 4-02-2023

C.J. Kelly, 24th Co.; 4-01-2023

Wives:

Marilyn MacQuarrie; 7-18-2021

Mary Rainey; 6-02-2023

’49

Life Membership: 58%

Donor Participation: 19.30%

Pres: CAPT Richard A. “Rick’ Claytor, USN (Ret.) 701 King Farm Blvd.,#203, Rockville, MD 20850 e. retxnavy@aol.com

Exec Vice Pres and Treas: CAPT Richard A. “Al” Frost, USN (Ret.)

6516 Bellamine Ct., McLean, VA 22101-1481

Paul Laric, Honorary Secretary of the Class of 1949

Sec’y: Ursula Vosseler

2214 Chesapeake Harbour Dr., Annapolis, MD 21403 e. navygolfergirl@gmail.com

Webmaster: CAPT Richard A. “Rick” Claytor, USN (Ret.)

Website: www.usna-class49.org

Letter from the President

In trying to keep up with our dwindling numbers, I occasionally acquire commentary and photographs of classmates and, in the case of classmate deaths, surviving family members. Following are some recent examples of this.

ALEXANDER THOMSON

My wife, Mary Louise, and I attended Alexander’s burial service at Arlington National Cemetery on 23 May. Afterwards, gathering at Patton Hall, we posed for a photograph with family members who suggested that we include it in our Shipmate class column. So here it is:

Walter Marquardt

In Memoriam

CDR Robert “Bob” Evans Fellowes, USN (Ret.) died 24 May 2023 in Williamsburg, VA.

Wallace “Dwight” Kessel, died 3 June 2023 in Knoxville, TN.

Barbara Spangler Kuhne, widow of the late Robert G. Kuhne, died 15 June 2023 in Los Banos, CA.

to the Gallery grew less and less and then an incident at the Navy Yard prompted a ruling that only those with DOD identification cards could enter the Yard. Some invitation only events continued, but general visitation approached zero. Subsequently, when visitation did not improve a decision was made to move out from Building 70, the home of the Cold War Gallery. Not much later, with a continued decline in visitation and use of the Navy Museum, the Naval History and Heritage Command, the “Owner” of the Gallery, decided that the only solution to visitation was to move the entire museum, including the Cold War Gallery, off the Yard. To that end, a search was initiated to find a suitable off government property site. That site has now been found and agreed to by the CNO and SECNAV staffs. It will be a large establishment, some 100,000 square feet overall, with a 10,500 square foot Cold War gallery included.

At the same time, the old Naval Historical Foundation has been folded and a new foundation created. It will be the job of that foundation to raise the necessary dollars.

Life Membership: 68% Donor Participation: 10.94%

Pres: CAPT Byron A. Lee USN, (Ret.) p: 410-266-7248; e: byleeby@verizon.net

Vice Pres and Treas: Col William K. Rockey, USMC (Ret.) p: 703-842-3153; e:wkrockey@cox.net

Statistical Manager: Maj Gen Daryle E. Tripp, USAF (Ret.) p: 703-360-6988; e: darylet@aol.com

Email System Mgr: TBD

Website: http://usna50.mysite.com

Send News directly to Shipmate at: classnews@usna.com ’51

Life Membership: 63% Donor Participation: 14.29%

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

Rest assured, your class leadership is monitoring the situation, making inputs when appropriate, and will keep you informed. The intent of your donations will not disappear.

USS Block Island.

Most of you will remember the USS Block Island which was moored across the Severn for several years while we were midshipmen. Some even had lunch aboard in the course of going to and from the rifle range. We were never told much about the ship in those days, but it turned out she had quite a war record.

WALTER MARQUARDT

Academy graduate Bob Coleman ’51 sent us a photo in an email of Walt at a Memorial Day ceremony at Village on the Green, Longwood, FL where he lives. Bob states, “Your classmates might like to see Walt Marquardt today, still tall and straight at 96.” And here’s the photo:

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

It was just a few years ago that the class came together and agreed to help fund a new Cold War Gallery in the National Museum of the United States Navy in the Washington Navy Yard. The Gallery grew in fine fashion and was looked upon with great favor by historians and museum visitors alike. The contributions of the class were marked by a large engraved-in-plaster plaque immediately opposite the entrance to the Gallery. Time moved on, however. Visitation

From a review of, Valor and Courage: The Story of the USS Block Island Escort Carriers in World War II. By Benjamin Hruska, Tuscaloosa: University Alabama Press, (2021), by Lt Col. Nicholas Smith, USAF.

M “For the 957 sailors on board, the two German torpedoes with 660 pounds of explosives

Left to right, Alexander’s son, Al; my wife and I; his daughter Linda; and his daughter-in-law Judy.

One Artist’s Concept: New Museum of the United States Navy

USS Block Island

slamming Block Island caught them in a range of activities including showering, cooking meals, and doing laundry. Immediately heading for the bridge, Captain Hughes witnessed visible damage, including the port side of the flight deck curled back about ten feet and the forward part of the flight deck covered with oily water. There was a group of sailors gathered on the bow around a wounded sailor who had been serving as lookout when the torpedo struck. Besides being badly injured, his legs were trapped in the mangled catwalk as a result of the explosion.”

This excerpt from Valor and Courage provides a perfect example of how Benjamin Hruska blends life on board the Block Island with the reality of the dangers the crew faced at sea during World War II. In this case, when a German U-boat off the coast of North Africa torpedoed them on May 29, 1944, making her the only American carrier sunk in the Atlantic theater.

I don’t think we ever knew…. Potpourri. Autobiography. Several classmates have done a service for the rest of us, for their families and for history by compiling and publishing personal histories. Aside from an unknown number of more formal oral histories published by the Naval Institute or the Library of Congress or by some other institution, there might well be some histories published privately. One would hope the subject individuals would not be shy about letting us know. Two who did let us know between hard covers are Max Hill and Bob Adler

Max’s book, “Stories From Max Hill,” is a weighty tome of 576 pages covering from his childhood in Belleville, IL, matriculation to Purdue, then to the Naval Academy followed by four years flying in the Air Force to a most successful career in real estate in Charleston.

Bob Adler put together a more modest book of only 53 pages, “Memories Shared.” While somewhat shorter that what Max produced, he also covers his childhood in a Chicago suburb (where he got inoculated with Chicago Cub Fever which has lasted him all his life), a short stint at The Citadel, then to USNA. He also covers his introduction to the, “Minesweeper Mafia,” of which he has forever after been a proud member, and destroyer duty including command, duty in London (England, that is) and retirement in Arlington, VA, Texas and Richmond.

Thank you both, for those great inputs. Excerpts may follow.

Binnacle list.

One of our more stalwart ladies has been going through a rough patch medical-wise. Ruth Small has been in treatment at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and is now continuing that treatment at home. Her condition is such that she and Bob have decided to give up their home (and Bob’s superbly equipped workshop) in Annapolis and move to a local retirement

community. They are in that process now. Address change to be reported in the Newsletter. Lastly, at last count we’re down to 88 out of the 725 who got their diplomas and commissions on 1 June 1951. Hang-in there, guys! Remember what Whiskey Jim said, “With bright eyes and a bushy tail…!”

’52

Life Membership: 67%

Donor Participation: 15.60%

Pres (Interim): Jack Young 9440 Newbridge Dr., #318, Potomac, MD, 20854 p: 240-477-2512; e: jcy52@verizon.net

Vice Pres: CDR G. Phillip Case Jr., USN (Ret.) 7452 Spring Village Dr., Apt. 107 Springfield, VA 22150-4947 p: 703-451-3937; e: casep29@gmail.com

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

71 Years of Tough Shoes!

6 June 2023 marked 71 years since the graduation of the Class of 1952. Hail to the graduates, families and friends of the great Class of 1952! Happy anniversary as well to the many June brides and grooms in the class.

Paul Tetreault, Class of ’79, sent us some pictures of his father, Capt. Paul J. “Moose” Tetreault, who passed away in February. Paul served as Moose’s caretaker towards the end of his life, and he shared these recollections:

M “Dad had a lot of fun with football as a young man, especially being part of the 1950 Navy team with Zug Zastrow, Ace Lyons, Walt Gragg, Vic Vine, and others that beat Army 14-2 and the ‘51 team that won 42 to 7. We still have a piece of the goal post from the 1951 game.”

“Dad had a great career as a Naval Aviator, flying stoofs off carriers and then P-2s and P-3s. As skipper of VP-48 his squadron won the E. Like every sailor that lives long enough, he finished up in DC with tours at ICAF, the Recruiting Command during the transition to the all-volunteer force, and CNO Staff.”

Note the framed Navy diploma in the picture of Paul and Moose!

2023 NAVY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Follow Navy Football online at: navysports.com 1-800-US4-NAVY

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

Capt. Paul J. “Moose” Tetreault, February 22, 2023

Thomas Moody, March 13, 2023

RADM James K. Nunneley, USN (Ret.), May 23, 2023

Still Tough Shoes to Fill!

Paul Tetreault, Jr. and Paul “Moose” Tetrault

Paul J. “Moose” Tetreault on the Field

Paul and Jane Tetreault

’53

Life Membership: 65%

Donor Participation: 16.88%

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

Cor Sec’y: Mike Gilmore

5324 Lucas Farm Ln., Chapel Hill, NC 57516 P: 984-364-0629 E: mdgilmorevt79@gmail.com

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

Website: www.usna53.com

A small West Coast contingent representing the Class of 1953 met on 5 June for lunch at the Coronado Golf Course in San Diego. This was the same date - 70 years ago - that the Class of 1953 actually graduated.

’54

Life Membership: 55%

Donor Participation: 15.88%

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

’55

Life Membership: 64% Donor Participation: 12.90%

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/

James Kirby McPherson (13) passed away on 18 May 2023, in Midland, TX.

Carl Thomas Braun (1) passed away 5 June 2023, in North Suffolk, VA.

Marshall Thomas Slayton (14) passed away on 27 May 2023 in Rye, NH.

Alexander Basile Aronis (1) passed away in San Diego, CA on 9 June 2023.

Lisa Miller, daughter of Jim Thearle (9) submitted the following note and photo: M Nearby you will find a photo of my Mom and Dad, Capt. W. J. Thearle and Lyn Thearle. Lyn passed away 25 May 2023, in Fremont, CA.

CLASS SECRETARY COLUMN DEADLINES

Send to: classnews@usna.com

Mom and Dad were married almost 53 years. They were the best parents ever and loved each other very much. She and Jim were married during his initial tour on a ship home ported in Newport. She attended several of our reunions. Upon moving to Norfolk she established and operated a successful real estate firm that specialized in relocations. Jim passed away April 2011. They were survived by two daughters, two sons, two grandsons and four granddaughters. Lyn will be interred in the USNA Colombarium with Jim at a time to be determined.

Modern Express Cruiser

Classic Work Boat

’56

Life Membership: 74%

Donor Participation: 25.52%

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) p: 410-224-3860; e: jimvanm@aol.com

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”

It’s football season. We (’56) still have our excellent tailgate spot close to the stadium. We’re sharing it with our Link in the Chain, ‘06, and we’ve actually turned over “control” to them, since when none of us ’56-ers goes to games anymore, it’s theirs. They are great hosts for us. They bring food and drink and are entertaining. What more can one ask?

Anyway, if any of you have tickets to a game and would like first class tail-gating environs before and after the game, call me, Pete Fitzwilliam, at 703-691-1773 ahead of time so I can guide you in.

Pictured (L-R) are: Connie Hoffman Stoyakovich (daughter of the late Bob Hoffman), Anne Hoffman (widow of the late Bob Hoffman), Paul Dudley, Rufus Moore, Lou Moore (Rufus son).

Anne Hoffman, Paul Dudley and Rufus Moore.

Lyn Thearle and Captain Thearle

Half-Hull Models by Fred Schoenberger (11)

Chip Honsinger (4) was elected recently to become President Emeritus of his homeowner’s association after 14 years as its president, this after another 20 years previously as president of two other homeowners’ associations. He wrote:

M “Mary and I have devoted many years to volunteering for countless positions and jobs in our community and organizations. For the past year we have been heavily involved in the leadership and work of an organization of about 100 volunteers who sponsor and support three Ukrainian refugee families in our small city. I am happy to report that I am in excellent health, but we seized a probably once-in-mylifetime opportunity in June to move into a large independent living apartment in our local continuing care retirement community, Kendal at Lexington, which I helped to launch 25 years ago. Our new address is 160 Kendal Drive, Apartment 206; Lexington, VA 24450.”

In an email to Doug Hayman, Helen Egerton wrote:

M “This may be a strange request. I’m Helen Egerton, Widow of Jim Egerton (1), and I’m a quilter. My latest project is to use Jim’s Navy ties in a quilt. I’m particularly looking for unwanted ties: surface warfare, Academy crest, and the Academy one that was just anchor chains, or the Class of ’56 crest ties. If you are able to pass the word (to the Class) I’d be delighted. No problem if it’s not easy, just forget I asked!”

The following announcements are made about the recent passing of classmates and classmate wives. Full obituaries for classmates will be presented in the Last Call section of this or a future issue of Shipmate.

On 16 June 2023 around 30 family and friends assembled at the USNA Columbarium for the inurning of Dick Varney (20). Ray Kostesky, one of his four-year roommates, also attended. After the service all were invited by the family for a reception lunch at the USNA Officers Club.

Franklin J. “Frank” Lewis (2) passed away 22 May 2023. He was 90. This is quoted from his submission in the Class’s 55th reunion Book.

M “Retired on June 30, 1976. I explored civilian opportunities with limited interest and success. Periodically I flew for hire taking fishing parties to sites in Mexico. In 1985 I went to Miami University (Ohio) as a flight instructor grad assistant in the Dept of Aeronautics. Two years later I moved to Southern Illinois University where I trained, where I became Chief Flight Instructor and FAA-Designated Pilot Examiner for Private, Commercial, Instrument and Muti-Engine certificates.

I moved in 1988 to Grand Forks, North Dakota, to become Assistant Chief Instructor in the UND Center for Aerospace Sciences “ab-initio” airline pilot training Program. I instructed students from the Middle East (Gulf Airlines) and Taiwan (China Airlines). This proved interesting and frustrating. Students from foreign cultures with good to poor English and motor skills. The program was downsized in 1991 and we “old-timers” drawing the larger salaries were laid off. For the next three years I drove “big rigs” in the 48 States and several Canadian provinces. I really retired in 1995, bought a condo in Lakeside, CA and pursued hobbies of deep-sea fishing and flying R/C model aircraft.”

Stanley Lewis “Stan” Booth (10) passed away 8 May 2022. (The following obit is from the 25th and 50th reunion books.) Stan selected Navy Supply Corps upon graduation, and after Supply Corps School he was assigned to USS Vesuvius (AE-15), followed by USS Ammen (DD-562), and they were followed by shore duty at MCAS El Toro. Subsequently, he returned to sea duty in the then new USS Robison (DDG-2). He experienced building, commissioning and a WestPac tour before a reassignment to Ordnance Supply Office in Mechanicsburg, PA. After two years at OSO, Stan received orders to U S Southern Command, Canal Zone as a logistics planner. During a 4-year term he visited and assisted in every South American country except Brazil. In 1969 Stan was transferred to the Pentagon, Washington DC and was assigned as the only Supply Officer in CNO strategic plans and policy office, OP 605. “I had three exciting years there working joint papers… and then was ordered to an Army command, the Military Traffic Management and Terminal Service.” After that two-year duty, he retired as a commander with 20 years of service in 1974, two years ahead of his classmates because prior enlisted service. Within two weeks after Retirement from the Navy, Stan was hired by United Industries, Inc., which was then a small business providing management and engineering services to the government. After two years, Stan was selected to start an office in San Diego, which he quickly grew to 45 employees. At the 25-year mark after graduation Stan Listed as a career highlight “learning to play string bass at USNA, which gives me much pleasure…” In the Golden Yearbook, since the 25-year mark, still playing an occasional gig on his bass viol and a couple of rounds of golf a week with his buddies.

Burton R. Laub, Jr. (21) passed away11 May 2022. He was 90.

Hugh M. Walker, Jr. (11) (non-grad) passed away 22 May 2023. He was 90.

Rudolph Halouk “Rudy”Daus (16) passed away 3 Jun 2023. He was 90. Joan W. Sacarob, widow of Don A. Sacarob (24), passed away with her family at her side 18 June 2023. She was 87. Joan was active in Hadassah for more than 50 years on both the national and local levels. She served on the board of the Jewish Community Relations Council for more than 20 years. Joan was an active member of the board the Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia for over 20 years as well. She was named “Top Wedding Planner” over 10 consecutive years by the Washingtonian Magazine. Joan was a staunch advocate for human and civil rights.

Jo Anne Beagle, widow of Ron Beagle (16), passed away 2 Jun 2023.

’57Life Membership: 71%

Donor Participation: 19.73%

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

Sec’y: CAPT Peter S. Boyne, USN (Ret.) e: TheBoynes@cox.net

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/

First, the bad news:

Ejnar S. Christensen, Jr., died 15 June 2023; he was born 11 February 1934, in Baltimore, MD.

David S. Cooper (13) died suddenly 25 June 2023, suffering a stroke while swimming laps.

Leo G. Hyatt (1) died 12 June 2023 in Port Charlotte, FL. He was born 29 April 1934 in Salem, NH.

Jack O’Donnell (4) died Friday, 2 June 2023, after a long illness.

Charles T. Popik (5) died at home 22 April 2023. Chuck was born in Nashville, IL, 14 March 1935.

Eugene C. Rook (5) died 28 May 2023.

Activities update:

Our golf group lives on:

As reported in our last issue, the golf group, started by Jim Poole (15) in 1996, persists, in a renewal of our spring getaway to Rehoboth Beach. In the photo, taken 16 May, are stalwarts Dave Cooper, Dan Cooper (15), Ron Baker (14), and Bob McElwee (5).

Richard Varney

CAPT Rudy Daus

And our Class legacy gift lives on, celebrated once more with a luncheon in the Yard, described in our most recent issue. From VP Bill Peerenboom (3):

M As reported by Pres. Dan Cooper in a recent Shipmate Class column, we have revised our Class legacy Gift from being a Distinguished Professorship to become a Post Doctoral Teaching and Research Fellowship. This April, we held the final luncheon to present the Chair in Naval Heritage to Professor Gene Allen Smith, who is our final occupant of the Chair. He is pictured here with Professor Mary DeCredico, who was chair of the History Department when we began the Distinguished Professor gift and 2022-23 Post Doctor Fellow Roger Bailey. Both Professor Smith and Dr. Bailey gave their report to the gathering on their final year teaching.

Attendance was excellent - in addition to 19 classmates with 11 spouses and guests and one class widow, we hosted the chairman of the History Department, next year’s postdoctoral fellow and four midshipmen history students from the classes of “our” faculty members. Our linked Class of 2007 was represented by three of their members currently stationed at the Academy. Four of our sponsored 22nd Company’s midshipmen also joined us.

It was a most successful conclusion to the Class of 57’s contribution of 12 noted naval historians to the Academy’s History Department. It celebrated continuation of our program for post-doctoral fellows. That fellowship is expected to last until 2041 so our class’s legacy of advancing the study and adding to the literature of naval history will long succeed us!

From the Left Coast (i.e. George Lanman (6))

M On Wednesday 7 June 2023 three ‘57 classmates celebrated our graduation date by going to Petco Park and watched the San Diego Padres beat the Seattle Mariners 10 -4 Seattle dweller Dave Mitchell (4) came to visit Harry Gimber (4) for a week and see his old haunts of some 66 years prior. We took the small ferry (34 seats) to the convention center and climbed the air bridge walkway to Petco - After marveling at the noise and enthusiasm of the crowd, we had beer hot dogs and root beer all for a little less than $50. The return by ferry was so crowded I had to use my uber skills to make our 57 Wednesday dinner date with our ladies over in Coronado The L to R picture has Harry Gimber, George Lanman , and David Mitchell .

today. We heaved out and triced up at 0600 and then cleaned EVERYTHING. Then they (the Capt and Exec) inspected everything even more completely than we’d cleaned it. They spent two hours alone in the mess compartments. We got by everything okay with few complaints. We then started speed runs for IOWA’s quarterly report. She really shook and trembled. She got up to 31 knots and then settled down to 25 which they kept up for four hours. She lived through it. Late in the evening we were back with the squadron. All the little red and white lights blinking. I swear we were just off the coast of somewhere, but that is days away. I’ll be glad when the trip is over and we are home again. Mom Bancroft with her soft racks, real showers and motionless decks would look might nice now. But it will come in due time and with it home and a little real sleep.

Sunday 12 June – Clear and warm. Holiday routine all day today. That means we did no work at all. I did hang around and do odd typing jobs. Took a few pictures this morning. Beautiful day for it. Went up to the 011 level. Sunbathed all afternoon (after the Admiral left via helicopter). I also got a letter off to MN, dear MN. How I do hope she can come up for awhile this August and things work out. I know Mom would like MN. She is what every mother’s boy should have. Went to the movies for the first time. It was “Down Three Dark Streets”. Was pretty entertaining. An FBI thriller. Worked til 12:30 after the show and then they screwed us by setting the clocks ahead again. Oh sleep, where is thy blessed sting? When I get to Barcelona I’m going to sleep for one whole day just to get in shape for the next three. Only seven days to go.

To

With that, dear readers, we await further input.

’58

Life Membership: 62%

Donor Participation: 23.04%

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

SUMMER CRUISE 1955, Part III, “at sea in the mid Atlantic enroute to Europe” Saturday 11 June – Rainy all day. Inspection

Monday 13 June – Clear then rain. Another Monday. Thank God they aren’t as blue as they could be during plebe year. Again I did intermittent typing and loafing. Al Granger gave me Tom’s job of assigning guests for the Admiral. That means I’ll be doing a little work. I don’t think that Tom and I are having too rough a cruise, but the guys in the office do. We do stay up late and don’t have much free time to roam around. But we don’t stand watches or have working parties. Al says he will try to get us the job for the rest of the cruise. It’s all right with me. I never was one for manual labor. Went to the movies again tonight. “Dangerous Crossing”. It was pretty good. Must have been one of Jeanne Crane’s first. Managed to type up the memo for tomorrow by 2300 and get to bed early. Everybody did for once. I don’t see how Skip is managing to stay alive. He never sleeps. They gave him some sleeping pills down at sick bay so now he sleeps at his desk. I think it is sort of stupid not sleeping when you have no reason to stay up. I guess he’s beginning to think so. We had a smoke screen laying demonstration today by a couple of destroyers. Interesting, but not too spectacular. I liked the sub exhibition better. Had another high line. Wonderful how they do it.

Tuesday 14 June – Overcast, rainy. Got up weary, but for the first time had an appetite for breakfast. Ever since I was sick I haven’t eaten much. Today was a little bit better, but I’m still not eating as much as I’m used to. I sure hope it improves because I would like to enjoy the trip home. We were supposed to fire the 5”s and the 40 mms at GQ today, but the weather intervened. Some poor guy who didn’t get the word took a blast at a passing plane and sleeve with the after 40 mm mount. He must have felt lonesome when he heard no other guns go off. He and his crew are, I imagine, high on the Captains’ list. Another high line, over the stern this time. What won’t they think of next? Went up on the bow tonight all alone. I was sort of enjoying thinking of home and all. I still find it hard to believe I’m here. We passed close to the Azores today. Be hitting the home stretch soon. 5 more days. Getting to bed early tonight. It’s 2200 now. We are improving down here. By the time we are squared away the ROTCs will be taking over and screwing up the works again. I’d be satisfied though, as long as I had the job for another phase or both. What a free and happy idea.

MAY LUNCHEON (east coast version) –

The Washington Chapter of the USNA Class of 1958 met at the Army-Navy Country for lunch on 25 May 2023. Our Class sponsors a fellowship at the Stockdale Center and Dr. Daniel Cervone, who is the current fellow, was the guest speaker at the luncheon. He was joined by Dr. Ed Barrett, the fellowship permanent director. Class attendees were Buff Walter and his son, Jackie and Fred Victor, Phil Taylor and his daughter, Beverly Smedberg, Kay Powell, Lynn and Taylor Keith, Harry Hurst, Eileen and Mike Giglio, Jane and Gordon Gerson, Linda Gamboa, Lois and Whitey Edwards, John Carty, Charley Brooks, Dan Bellay and Ann and Jack Adams

attended the West Coast luncheon, but perhaps that is because it is harder to get to Paradise)

ammo, I thought, “Holy s**t, this is not a drill”. As soon as we were rearmed, refueled and resupplied, we were underway at best speed to join the quarantine off Cuba.

Upon arrival, we were assigned to trail a Soviet freighter carrying “deck cargo”. We stationed ourselves about 1000 yards off their starboard side and began photographing and reporting. Eventually the Soviet seamen began waving and photographing us. The OOD asked the Captain if we could wave back. The Captain immediately bumped it up the line to the onscene Admiral, who continued the request on its way to the White House. Several hours later, we received permission to “wave but not talk”. By then both ships had lost interest!

THEN AND NOW –

In June of 1958 the Dow Jones Average was about 469 and a new Chevy Impala cost $2841. Today the DJA is 35,630 and a new Impala is $30,348. In 1958 an Ensign (01) received a base monthly pay of $222. Today an 01 is paid $3477/month. When we were Midshipmen we were paid $111/month. Today Midshipmen are paid on the order of $1150/ month, but just as in our days there they do not receive all of that directly. Uniforms must be paid for along with tailor shop fees, laundry fees, etc and there is a nest egg waiting at the end of the four years. They do receive a $75/ month stipend during plebe summer which increases to $125/month the remainder of plebe year and increases each year thereafter.

CLOSING RANKS:

COL. Ricky Davidson, USAF, 4th Company, died on 17 June 2023

CAPT. Peter Roder USN, 24th Company died on 4 June 2023

James Van Hoose, 10th Company, died on 25 May 2023

Barbara Alexander, widow of Richard Alexander, 10th Company passed away on 30 April 2023. ’59

Life Membership: 65%

Donor Participation: 16.40%

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

CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS (CONT)

When the Soviets eventually backed down a week later, a number of us were ordered to hang around in case of a Soviet change of mind. We were sent to anchor off Christiansted, St. Croix, with nothing to do but investigate the island and enjoy the sun! At the time the “Limbo” was in fashion. The Captain would take me to a local bar and announce that I could beat anyone in a limbo competition. Of course, I couldn’t even come close to the local talent, but we got a lot of free drinks and made friends of the local population. And that, son, is what Daddy did in the Cuban confrontation with the Soviet Union.

Tylor “Toby” Field - 2nd Co.

MAY LUNCHEON (west coast version) –

The San Francisco group of USNA Class of 1958 Classmates and spouses met at Paradise Valley Estates for lunch in May. Those attending (from the left to the right in the attached photo) were Jude Potter, Bill Gibson, John Potter, Nancy Bartels, Bruce Bartels, John Davis, Bill Oliver and Virginia Oliver. (Note: you will observe that fewer Classmates

The night that President Kennedy announced the Quarantine, I, as Gunnery Officer, was under way aboard the USS NORRIS (DDE-859) en route to Halifax from our homeport in Newport, RI for joint operations with the RCN. We were immediately ordered back to Newport, to off load all training ammunition and on load the “real stuff”. The next day, as we were making the switch to the serious

I was Engineering Officer on the USS HAWKINS (DDR-873) homeported in Mayport, FL. We had been off Key West for a week doing ASW Ops with our Division of the “8 Ball” Squadron and were returning home Friday afternoon, 19 October 1962. We had a new Skipper who had just been promoted to full Cdr. As a result, we were the junior ship in the Division, the Squadron and, I think, the complete DESLANT. Mayport was set-up to berth at least a couple squadrons of DD’s and had berths each equipped with four shore power cables so that four DD’s could berth at each position and receive full power. Being the junior ship, we were the last one in and got the fourth position out. Normally, this would not be a problem, but there was a DDG in the first berth conducting missile check tests and they had pulled two cables. As a result, we didn’t have shore power. We were scheduled to go alongside “Building 19”, USS YOSEMITe (AD-19) Saturday morning to get a ship alt performed on our boilers (economizer section) to repair very serious leaks that we had. As luck would have it, I had the duty as CDO for the weekend and, therefore couldn’t go home. Due to not being able to pull a shore power cable, we had to keep one of our non-leaking boilers going so we could have power. Since I had the duty and had to be present for fueling, I figured I would use the evening to call for the fuel barge to fuel-up. My wife came over for dinner and we settled down for dinner and a movie. I called it quits after my wife went home and I hit the rack.

Dr. Cervone and Jack Adams

58ers in Paradise

I was up – barely – when the duty Mate of the Watch knocked the next morning and told me the Skipper was on the land-line phone on the DDG for me. I promptly got over there to answer his call. The first thing he asked was “How long before we can get underway?” I told him about the boiler being on-line and that I had fueled up. Considering these, I said we could be underway in 15 minutes on one boiler if required. The CO said it wasn’t that big of a rush, but to start making preparations to get underway. I advised the 1st Div Officer, who had the duty with me, and, together, we advised the duty Chiefs that were on board. We requested those Chiefs to start calling the crew to get them back ASAP. The enlisted crew was on 3-Section watch so one section was off for the weekend. One section was on duty and the third section was due to be back aboard at 0800. Needless to say, the weekend section was gone and unreachable. We got all the officers back and I had a second boiler fired up and we were ready to sail by 0900.

When the Skipper got on board, he advised that he had received a phone call at home from COMDESLANT saying we were to get underway, proceed at max speed Northeast to rendezvous with the USS ENTERPRISE (CVAN-65) and then proceed as directed by the ENTERPRISE

We proceeded as ordered and met the ENTERPRISE a few hours later. (The ENTERPRISE had received a similar set of orders and had made an emergency sortie from Norfolk that morning.) Upon joining the ENTERPRISE, we immediately made a U-Turn and headed southwest and then “sort of” southeast down the coast of Florida.

During that Saturday afternoon, another destroyer from our Division rendezvoused with us. The ENTERPRISE asked the two of us what speed we could make. I explained, through the Skipper, our boiler situation and advised our max on two boilers – per the “book” - was 26 knots. The other destroyer confirmed the speed on two boilers. The ENTERPRISE said they would be doing 29 knots and for us to do what we could to keep up.

They also asked us for details on our leaking boilers and said that we could “borrow” a couple of their nuclear qualified welders if we thought that would help. I told the Skipper “YES” but I wanted to check with our 1/c Boilerman (We didn’t have a BTC) The BT1 agreed, and we had a partial repair performed on our two idle boilers by the carrier’s welders that afternoon.

During that afternoon, the two destroyer Skippers were picked up by a helicopter from the carrier and flown to a meeting on ENTERPRISE

It was then we learned – partially – where we were going and that we were headed to what has become known as the Cuban Missile Crisis. We were not to be part of the “Quarantine Force” but we were part of the potential retaliatory force should that be required. Early Sunday morning, we passed through Crooked

Island passage into the Caribbean and took up our station later that day patrolling between Cuba and Jamaica.

We later learned that USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64) and her covey of destroyers were covering an area of the Caribbean east of us, while the U S Air Force had moved aircraft into Homestead Air Force Base outside Miami, FL to cover the Western Side of Cuba.

Again, being the junior ship, we had another mission assigned. We were designated to go into Gitmo Sunday morning to pick up the missing crews of the destroyers and the carrier that had been flown to Gitmo. We also got to pick up some freight – including a wing-tip tank for one of the aircraft on the ENTERPRISE

Needless to say, the deck of our relatively small destroyer was covered with a few hundred “missing” crew members and various parts and stores. I happened to be the only Officer that went ashore from the ship and that was my last trip ever to Gitmo. Due to the political situation we were in, I not only had the traditional ammo belt and 45 pistol, but the 45 was loaded with a full magazine.

Monday evening, a day after we arrived on our station, President Kennedy let us know what was going on.

We stayed in the Caribe until the USSR had removed missiles and the Ilyushin Bombers near the end of November.

We never did see a “Quarantine” ship Larry Weaver - 24th Co. I was the duty officer at the communications battalion - Camp Pendleton. I was temporarily assigned there, because I was awaiting orders to my next duty station.

Anyway, I received a call in the middle of the night from Division Headquarters. I was ordered to get all of the battalion’s trucks with drivers to the Division Headquarters ASAP. I did not know about trucks, etc. The CO was on leave, and the Executive Officer did not answer his phone. So, I found the battalion’s list of

personnel by duty assignment. I was able to reach the master sergeant in charge of the trucks. He was in my office without delay. The trucks were on their way to Division without any further delay. I have no idea what happened to the trucks after that.

Hank Estes - 24th Co.

‘59 Golf Outing in Williamsburg

After a one-year lapse ’59ers gathered once again in Williamsburg during 9-12 May for two rounds of golf-and best of all, great fellowship, as always. The event originated in 2000 with 12 golfers at Pinehurst, NC. Now held at Williamsburg, our numbers were first limited to 24 and over the years declined to just 10 players this year. Still the format, golf, and good times have held form.

Doing the heavy lifting, John Mascali, coming from California, organized the outing, supported logistically by local Williamsburg resident Walt Baskin (restaurant reservations, tee times, and hospitality suite refreshments). We again returned to Powhattan Plantation condos, where Howie Berkowitz stepped up to prepare great breakfasts for all each morning.

Golf venues were Williamsburg National and Golden Horseshoe-Green Course, where we enjoyed comfortable weather and pace of play. Larry Vogt captured the Doug Volgenau Memorial Trophy with the lowest net golf score on the Green Course. There was good natured controversy over the awarding of the Anchor Man Trophy this year. Award criteria is never predetermined, and this year the consensus winner was Bob Reifsnyder for missing eight holes of golf at the Green Course (due to a misadventure with his car keys). For the record, the recipient unsuccessfully protested that he has been a previous winner of the trophy and was thus ineligible.

The real winners were the 10 Classmates who kept the event going. In the group photo, attendees from L to R were: Walt Szczypinski, Tim Tinsley, Larry Vogt, Howie Berkowitz,

’59: Williamsburg Golf Outing

Jim Hardin, Art Emmerson, Bob Reifsnyder, John Mascali, and Bill Drake. Missing from the photo was Walt Baskin.

Reporting from Williamsburg, Tim

Travel Updates

Early June, my wife, Annemarie, and I headed out to the San Francisco Bay Area for two weeks. While there we attended our grandson’s high school graduation in San Ramon, CA. As in the past, we then took time to visit with Classmates. We stayed with Hank and Peggy Mauz in Pebble beach 7-8 June. As always, we had a wonderful visit with them in their lovely Pebble Beach home.

In the pic below, left to right are: Myself, Hank Mauz, Dick(Pag) Pagnillo, Peggy Pagnillo, my wife, Annemarie, and Peggy Mauz. Sheila was the photographer.

A few days later, we went up to Davis, CA to visit with Dave Gilmer, my subschool roommate and fellow Submariner!! Dave is doing fine and still working his farm with a vineyard, olive trees and other things. He also has a winery with a partner and produces outstanding red wine. He graciously gave us a couple bottles. To be manually working his 45 acre farm at his age is remarkable. See the pics of Dave and I as well as his vineyard. Regards, Vince Obsitnik ’60

Life Membership: 72% Donor Participation: 16.85%

Pres: RADM Peter G. Chabot, USN (Ret.) p: 443-624-0094; e: pgchabot60@gmail.com

Vice Pres: CAPT Douglas M. Johnston Jr., USNR (Ret.)

Treas: CAPT Geoege W. Dowell III, USN (Ret.)

Sec’y: Bill Lewis

1300 S Hwy. A1A Unit 508, Jupiter, FL 33477 p: 804-334-6353; e: bilewis@comcast.net

Webmaster: Richard Harper p: 805-583-1640; e: Richard.Harper@1960.USNA.com

Website: http://www.1960.usnaclasses.net

From Merf Moerschel (2):

M “Bill, the Annapolis bunch is back in business after the “Dark Ages” of the Covid 19 virus with lunch at The Fleet Reserve Club, Tuesday 9 May. In attendance Nancy & John Michalski (6), Fae & Bud Pezet (13), Betty & Ken Loveland (23), Carplyn & Willie Taylor (7), Beth & Tug Knorr (20), Dareen & Doug Johnston (5) Gene Gasser (7), Don Delude (12),

Ron Burdge( 9) and Merf Moerschel (2). Lots of catching up chatter and everyone was in good spirits. All the best, Merf”

From Doug Johnston (5):

M “Bill, A quick submission for  Shipmate: At the end of April, Hank Chiles (21) and I had lunch with the new Class of ‘60 Chairholder in National Security Policy, Col. Gary Espinas, USA (Ret), following which we observed his class on Russian Foreign Policy. Our Distinguished Visiting Professor did himself proud, as did the Mids with their questions, answers, and comments ( it is always a shot-in-the-arm interacting with some of our nation’s finest).

Far and away, though, the highlight of the class was Hank’s presentation on the trip he led to Moscow and the Vladimir 27th Strategic Rocket Forces (SRF) headquarters and intercontinental missile facilities in Northwestern Russia as head of STRATCOM in 1994 (the same presentation he gave to our DC lunch group a few weeks earlier). Needless to say, it was a great hit with the Mids. My best, Doug From Harris Sperling (7):

M Jim Maxfield (7) recently visited my wife, Linda, and me in our new home in Millsboro, Delaware. Here we are at Fager’s Island restaurant in Ocean City, MD. Jim was traveling from Florida to his home in Nova Scotia and stopped for a few days to rekindle our friendship from the Naval Academy.

Although we periodically had been in touch over the years, we had not seen each other since graduation where we both drove across country to our first duty stations. It was great fun talking about our football days at the academy and catching up on the over 60 years that have passed. We promised not to wait for the next 60 years before seeing each other again. Harris

7 June, we had a great reunion dinner at Fandango Restaurant in Pacific Grove. Dick (Pag) and Peggy Pagnillo joined us for a wonderful evening along with Hank’s daughter, Sheila.

’60: Front, John, Nancy, Betty, Carolyn, Dareen and Fae. Second row, Tug, Beth, Ken, Gene, Ron, Don, Willie, Bud, Doug and me in the back, back.

From Bob Osmon (17):

M “Dear Classmates, last week I was in Lake Tahoe and found out that Jim McConnell (23) was only about a mile from where I was staying. So I immediately went to his condo on the golf course and said hello to Fay and him. Was a most enjoyable afternoon telling old stories. I reminded him of when he was almost thrown out of the Navy-ND game because he was ringing the Navy bell too loud. The ushers took it away. He never did get his bell back, but he did get a nice apology from the ND President.  Unfortunately, he did not alert me to the fact that old age and high elevation and booze don’t go well together. So by the time I got back to my lodging after two of his Manhattans, I was looped and done for the night. But I enjoyed seeing my old pal! So here is a photo of Jim and Fay plus one of his flag, proving he is probably our most fanatic Navy fan in the class. God bless. Oz

From John Schmidt (20):

M “14 of us met in Coronado for lunch.Sorry, no photo. Attending were Sue & Sam Ward (8), Tom McDonough (4), Chuck Schroeder (23), Pam & Mike Fenn (4), Glee & John Schmidt (20), Avery Hallowell(3), Jan Shaw(2), Nancy & John Pethick (9), and Francette & Bernie Roeder(23).

From Rod Friedmann (5):

M “Bill, this is a report of two combined HR/ WB Class Luncheons, held at the same location, on different dates, by popular demand.

Our 9 May luncheon was coordinated by Bob Ianucci (16) in my absence. He reported

that the “luncheon at Dockside Seafood and Fishing Center on the shore of Lynnhaven Bay was well attended. Prompt arrival by 1100 ensured we had our pick of the whole place. A waterside covered porch over looking the bay was a great choice and a good way to enjoy the salt air, great seafood and the company of friends. Navy and a US Coast guard patrol craft were patrolling the bay throughout our lunch.”

Pete Chabot (14) gave a brief on the recent Mississippi River mini reunion cruise out of New Orleans and called attention to the recent email to the class which outlines plans for a possible Spring 2024 mini reunion and a big 2025 65th reunion in Annapolis.

We had a good turnout: 14 classmates attended the luncheon: Al Ablowichb (16),

Bob Antonio (14), Al Bissel (8), Bob Brenton (12), Pete Chabot (14), Ed Clexton (10), Jim Eilertsen (21), Jack Greenhalgh (9), Bob Ianucci (16), Bill Kee (9), Bob Osmon (17), Jack Suddath (6), Henry Von Kolnitz (22) & Al Whitaker (16).

Our 13 June luncheon was a repeat by popular demand. Same restaurant, great food & service , different classmate mix. Enjoying the perfect day & view were: Bert Johnson (10) & his guest Clint Johnson (10) (a MIG killer), Bob Powers (8), Bob Ianucci (16), Henry von Kolnitz (22), Bill Kee (9), Jack Greenhalgh (9), Al Ablowich (16), Al Whitaker, (16) Bob Osmon (17), Pete Chabot (14), Jack Suddath (6) & Rod Friedmann (5).

Sperling & Maxfield

Jim & Faye McConnell

’60: Tidewater group

’60: Tidewater group

’61Life Membership: 73%

Donor Participation: 22.09%

Pres: RADM Jerome F. Smith Jr., USN (Ret.)

Corr Sec’y: CAPT Bob Sherer, USN (Ret.) 2301 River Crescent Dr., Annapolis MD 21401 p: 410-266-1334 voice and text

e: enavant1305@icloud.com; sherer@1961.usna.com

Webmaster: Howard Winfree

e: winfree@1961.usna.com

Website: www.USNA61.org

Dear Classmates,

The march of time May 18 was the date of our last Pipes and Drums party. As we bid fair winds and following seas to the band, the class of ’98 assumes sponsorship. Captain Dave Forman, president of the class, was present at the home of Jerry and Jill Smith for the occasion (he’s the Deputy Commandant). The class of ’98 is not just an incidental choice; they were the ones who composed the initial members as the group organized. Jason Fox ’98 was the first drum major. Arlie Campbell, who was instrumental in getting the Pipes and Drums established was honored at the occasion. The USNA Foundation Pipes and Drums support Account will continue to finance equipment and training for the group.

At left rear: Charlie Glendenning, original pipe instructor and Steve Porter, a current pipe instructor.

Looking back 20 years Diane and I moved into senior living at Ginger Cove in Annapolis at the tender age of 66, so we experienced some overlap with the greatest generation. I encountered Maury Oldham, our former chemistry prof who showed me a watch engraved on the

back, “To Prof with my greatest thanks” Pat Boone. I remembered the week we spent with Pat Boone doing an episode of his show with recording sessions in the mess hall, T-court and the chapel. Remember that night when we made at least a half-dozen attempts to turn off all the lights of Bancroft Hall simultaneously? And Chapel Choir members will recall more takes than that as they sang Eternal Father repeatedly (in blue service in May) until Pat could read the narration correctly. But all these recollections couldn’t explain why Prof Oldham had a Pat Boone watch, so I asked. “I married Prof Gilley’s widow” was his simple reply. I also met AA (Art) Richmond who introduced himself to newcomers with “I was an Academy Bull Prof.”

Other neighbors were French prof Bill Berry (also step-father of Bob Schmidt (3)), physics prof Ed Cook, and Spanish prof Jack Griffiths. The most entertaining to talk with was Captain Frank Andrews ’41, who was the Science Department Head our first class year. I asked Frank what his reaction was to the Pearl Harbor attack. He thought a moment, then replied, “I wondered if we were still going to have the Ordnance final the next day.” A true Midshipman-like response. (The Ordnance final did occur as scheduled the next day.) Frank explained that ’41’s December graduation was not a response to the declaration of war, but was already planned as more officers were urgently needed for the neutrality patrols. The six months early departure paved the way for ’42 to graduate a year early, a practice which only ended with ‘48’s division (by class standing) into two graduating year groups. Bill Bass ’48A, another Ginger Cove neighbor, explained that Admiral Rickover wouldn’t interview anybody in ’48B because they were by definition the lower half of the class. Bass mentioned that West Point made the ’48 division by age, and consequently there was never the acrimony between ‘48’s that USNA grads experienced. Annapolis report. The Annapolis group met at McGarvey’s on D-Day, just a day short of the

’61 contingent at Pipes and Drums finale. from left: Ellie Nichols, Jerry (8) and Jill Smith, Donna Ralston-Latham, Jim Connell (2), Jay Bower (14), Ed Sclichter (4), Warren Hoppe (21), Susan Glover, Bob Glover (8), Bob Sherer (4), Howie Winfree (3), Barbra Bower, Susan Winfree, Bill Ciesla (18), Kathy Rosenberger. Not shown: Mike (5) and Marguerite Welch.

’61: Jerry Smith hands over Pipes and Drums sponsorship to Dave Forman, ’98 class president, as Jason Fox ’98, original Drum Major, Coreyanne (Rickwalt) Armstrong ’98, Ed Kitlowski, bagpipe instructor, and Pipes and drums band members look on.

Arlie Campbell in kilt

Pipes and Drums detachment entertains with guest artist, Coreyanne (Rickwalt) Armstrong.

61/62 CLASS NEWS

62nd anniversary of our graduation. We discussed the impending opening of the new Fluegel (’61) Alumni Center noting that a luncheon there would solve the mounting Annapolis parking problem. Tim Dugan (12) gave us a heads-up on the 65th reunion email to see how many might attend and preferences. Our Leadership Education professor Doug Rau ’74 advised that we’re getting our money’s worth as he has a full summer schedule teaching leadership to academic department professors as well as incoming company officers. His predecessor, Doctor Joe Thomas was in McGarveys’ for another event, but stopped by to recall old times. Joe is now Director at the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership.

’62

Life Membership: 75% Donor Participation: 22.30%

Pres: RADM William C. Miller, USN (Ret.)

Sec’y: Robert Giles 1749 Baldwin Dr., Millersville, MD 21108 p: 301-395-4379; e: robert.giles@gmail.com

Carroll’s Creek for their gathering. The subject matter of their conversation was not released. Having more presence of mind, they chose a decidedly more scenic background for their photo.

The below photo is the Official Photo-shopped version of the June Week West BBQ Group. The photo-shopped edition of this photo was accomplished at the last minute thanks to the graciousness of  Becky Mercer. I say that because you need to know that Brian Havey hasn’t shrunk, he is still a head taller than presented, but we couldn’t let his head block out the word HONOR in our Banner. And  Mike O’Connor certainly wasn’t singled out for special attention (he should be). Can you imagine him getting down to 154# at 1600 hours the day before a typical 150# football game with a

spotlight on the left side of his head. Carmen’s actual photo was taken under a pavilion and not out in the sun. At the last minute, Becky was forced to work with what she had. Tom, I think you should take the Lady out to a fancy Dinner (Diners don’t cut it).  Greg Chauncey deserves a Goat’s share of the credit for organizing an enjoyable affair. As told to me by others that had no complaints.

I was given a several dozen photos of individual shots taken at the luncheon that I simply couldn’t include. But while I don’t remember most of the guys there was one photo of  Joe John’s right shoulder and right ear lobe, and his hairy left arm that immediately got my attention. I knew it was Joe John immediately after all these years. I personally am very thankful for all the effort Joe puts into helping former military folks get into Congress.

So, we had 19 guys there sharing all their sea stories, and I promise you I will publish any I get wind of. You can help me by contacting anyone you recognize or ask me, and I’ll send you their email addresses so you can catch up on what they’ve been doing since you last met. All I ask is that you write up what you learn and send it to me. I spend more time searching for folks willing to share with us than I do putting these articles together. Every issue I send to my Editor at Shipmate, I realize just how faithful all our Class Officers, and especially  Howie Pinsky. I say a little prayer of thanksgiving for them. So do all our classmates a favor and send in your favorite sea story. If you need help, call me. If you can’t think of something to say, talk to me about it and you’ll enjoy the process. The real joy in this job is hearing what you guys have accomplished.

Ned Kuhns checks in from Virginia Beach.

“For their 8 June luncheon, the Tidewater ’61 Group had fewer members than usual due to others having prior commitments. Those who did attend welcomed Fred Lowack (7) back after a several months absence and had a good time as you can tell from the smiling faces. Lots of discussion about Tim Dugan’s recent e-mail to the class soliciting input regarding our 65th anniversary to which we all will respond.

Thanks to Tim for beginning to organize the event. Not to make anyone feel very mature, it was noted that in the fall of 1960, it would have been the Class of 1895 looking for a place to hold the corresponding reunion. Attention classmates in the region: - Tidewater upcoming luncheon dates are: 10 August, 14 September and 12 October at Rib City Restaurant in Virginia Beach.”

’61 at McGarvey’s from left: Ron Carlberg (20), Jerry Smith (8), Jay Bower (14), Tim Dugan (12), Bill Ciesla (18), Mike Welch (5), Ike Cole (5), Doug Rau ’74, and Dana French (17). The ’61 ladies were at

’61 Ladies at Carroll’s Creek from left: Ellie Nichols, Donna Ralston-Latham, Kathy Rosenberger, Barbara Bower and Chris Umberger Not shown: Julie Erickson

Tidewater group at Rib City Restaurant. From left: Fred Lowack (7), Ken Craig (7), Mike Bradley (3), Jim Noonan (23), Tom McNicholas (9), Dick Hixson (19), Charlie Stewart (6), Cyd Driscoll (22), and Ned Kuhns (7).

’62: June Week West BBQ Group

Now in case some of our classmates who are scattered nationwide can’t recognize their photos, I pulled out my Yearbook to proof the spelling of names. While there I recorded their company numbers at graduation, and the page number where I found the information. We had 19 Classmates present (I was very pleased you guys included two non-grads).

My Editor promised she’d try to give us the biggest picture ever for clarity. For my part I’ve included a sketch that is an outline of each person presented labeled with an alphabetic/ numeric code to help identify each person.

I’ve been challenged for not identifying who wrote what. So, I have to admit I wrote this with verbals from Tom Mercer and emails from Greg Chauncey. If anything is wrong, I’ll accept the call and pass the buck to where it stops.

Bob Giles, 1962 Class Secretary

’63

Life Membership: 62%

Donor Participation: 18.18%

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

As I write this, Induction Day for the Class of 2027 is only three days away, on 29 June. We wish the new plebes well as they begin their Four Years Together by the Bay. Would you begin that journey again if you could?

I’m sorry to report that Patrick W. Johnson passed away on 14 May. His widow, Ginny, can be contacted at 4404 Holter Court, Jefferson, MD 21755.

Watt Miles sent news of the inurnment ceremony for Ron Klemick at the Naval Academy columbarium.

M On 16 May a gathering of family, friends, classmates, and teammates celebrated our memories of our companymate Ron Klemick. After the Catholic service and after Sandy had placed his cremains in the niche at the Naval Academy Columbarium, we returned to the seating area at the Columbarium where our Class of 1963 President Spence Johnson talked about Ron’s character and his achievements at the Academy, in the Navy, in business, and in life. Tom Lynch ’64, captain of the 1963 football team and former Superintendent of the Academy, spoke to Ron’s achievements on the playing field. He commented especially about how Ron handled being replaced by that Youngster quarterback, how he continued to be a positive force on the team by working hard at his new role of back-up and continued to take joy in the team’s success, supporting that Youngster as he thrived. He pointed out something we tend to miss — Ron did all this without foreknowledge of Roger Staubach’s Heisman Trophy or outstanding success in the NFL. He did it because that’s the kind of guy Ron was. Finally, John-Rex Spivey ’13, then and now president of the Class of 2013, our Link in the Chain partner class, offered some personal words about how much Ron had meant to him when Ron coordinated our Class of ’63 activities for that relationship, and how deeply influenced he was by Ron’s mentoring at the Academy and on into his career in the Navy. All three touched on Ron’s optimism, his willingness to lend a helping hand, his infectious good humor, and his loyalty to friends and to the Academy itself. It was impressive. We knew Ron as a companymate and friend; he was the kind of presence one simply could not imagine not being there. As Dave Maples said it best last year, the idea of Fifth Company without Ron is surreal. His farewell was in keeping with who he was.

Following the inurnment, Sandy Klemick hosted a reception at the Naval Academy Club, where all enjoyed the camaraderie we started building over 60 years ago. This picture (see next page), which does not include several classmates who had to leave early, shows members of the Class of ’63 at the reception. Thanks to Ben Redd’s son Ben III for getting it.

I was surprised to receive a note from one of our Plebes about one of our classmates. Charlie Johnson ’66 sent this news about Fred Storz

M This picture shows Fred Storz playing clarinet at the 40th anniversary commemorative concert of one of several bands in which he plays. The band is comprised of retired school music teachers and other very accomplished musicians. Fred often is playing the more difficult parts of a challenging piece of music.

’62: Attendees from image on previous page.

Classmates will recall Fred’s expertise on the football field in Navy’s very winning 1962 varsity team. Fred was instrumental in executing the infamous “sleeper play” against Pitt that year that resulted in a touchdown. Ironically, Lou Slaby, a later-life good friend of Fred’s, was playing for Pitt on that play. After earning a Mechanical Engineering degree from Pitt, Slaby played professionally for the Giants and several other pro teams, then became a professional engineer with his own company. Lou took up his clarinet again in retirement, sometimes playing alongside Fred.

Fred was a standout New Jersey high school footballer who was recruited to play for Navy. He also was a standout saxophonist who played sock hops and proms — in a white sport coat and a pink carnation! He is still playing both instruments quite well. In addition to music, Fred hikes the Appalachian and other trails weekly. He embarks on high adventure trail and biking trips with his Navy roommates and New Jersey friends. He is often in Annapolis during football season and for other academy activities.

Last week my wife, Nan, and I were talking with Fred after one of our concerts. I was telling her of Fred’s musical expertise in high school playing in a sock hop combo. Fred added that he also had played in Navy’s Concert Band and really enjoyed some of the trips outside the seven-mile limit.

I was also in the USNA concert band. Getting away from the Academy for concerts was a thrilling break from Plebe year pressures and the routines of later years. I recall that we played, among other places, at several girls’ colleges in Maryland and Virginia. The students there seemed to be as interested in fraternization as we surely were.

Several of our classmates who were members of the concert band appear in this photo from the Class of 1960 Lucky Bag. I placed a number above each of those I recognize: (1) Al Palenscar (2) Fred Storz (3) Mike Shelley (4) Skip Wright (5) Pete Savage (6) Bill Howard (7) Bob Harrison Did I omit anyone?

Thanks go to Keith Reynolds for sending this note and photo from Annapolis.

M In late May, Steve Leisge and I attended the NAAA Lacrosse Quarterfinals between Army

Talented musician Fred Storz

’63: After Ron Klemick’s inurnment: Pictured seated are Spence Johnson, Jeff Miles, Forrest Siburt and Watt Miles. Standing are Kent Maxfield, Bob Forster, Bob Prangley, (rear), Dick Williams, Al Sherman, Eli Dabich, Jim Ring, John-Rex

’63: USNA Concert Band 1959-60

’63: In Monaco, June 1962

and Penn State hosted in Navy-Marine Corps Stadium. Unfortunately, Army lost a close game but to our surprise Steve sat in the stadium seat dedicated to Captain Pete Optekar, USMC, our classmate. Steve and I proudly wore our “USNA 63” ball caps!

Here’s some good news from our classmate, the prolific author Pete Deutermann.

M I thought I’d let you know that that my last novel, “The Last Paladin”, won the national W. Y. Boyd award honoring the best military fiction set in a period when the United States was at war. It recognizes the service of American veterans and military personnel and encourages the writing and publishing of outstanding war-related fiction. This is the second time one of my books has been so recognized. The first was for “Pacific Glory”, back in 2012 . My 26th work is set on the island of Iwo Jima in early 1945 and will be out in November of this year. For a full list of Pete’s novels, search “P.T. Deutermann” on Amazon.com and other web sites. It’s an impressive accomplishment.

I just came across this picture from our 1/C cruise in a photo album. It was taken in Monaco in June 1962 and shows Jim Newberry, Duffy Doherty and me on motor-assisted bicycles we had just ridden along the coast from Cannes. It was a beautiful day for sightseeing, and I remember it well.

I hope you’ve been having a good summer. Make it even better by contacting a classmate you’ve not been in touch with for a while. Think of someone and make the call or send the email! Believe me, you’ll be glad you did.

QUALITY – ’63

’64

Life Membership: 65%

Donor Participation: 20.60%

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

This month’s column opens with a nice update from Tom Toczek.

Upon graduation I served on SAMPSON (DDG100) as ASWO and then as Chief Engineer on MEREDITH (DD890), resulting in several long deployments including one nine-month deployment to SE Asia where we provided gunfire support for the Marines.

When I began my last deployment, my wife Mary was left with three little boys, one only two weeks old. This prompted our decision to forego a PG School selection and leave active duty, staying in the reserves for a total of 23 years.

As a civilian, I signed up with American Can Company as a process engineer. After seven moves which included stints as Maintenance Foreman, Quality Supervisor, Assistant Manager, Plant Manager at two manufacturing plants in Chicago and New Jersey at the same time (Quite a commute!), I finally wound up as the National Quality Manager for all North American Dixie products.

Picked up a master’s degree in mathematics education along the way and two weeks after retirement I was in the classroom teaching fifth thru eighth grade. Also served as a Blue and Gold Officer for local high schools for 20 years – a truly rewarding experience.

Mary and I have been married for 58 years, have seven children – all college graduates, and six grandchildren. This July we participated in a mini-reunion of four of us who served together on Meredith in SE Asia.

Each of us has been married for at least 50 years and either lives on the water or has a boat. While we have kept in contact, we have not all been together since 1969. It was interesting to see how each of us recalled our adventures.

I keep in email contact with my plebe year roommates Gary Zech and Alan Smith. Mary and I keep busy with church activities, visiting kids (who are spread out as far away as Georgia, Texas and Italy), traveling, and woodworking in my workshop (I’m a toymaker) and hitting the gym three times a week. Good Lord willing we will see you at the 60th.

Next, a Tidewater Chapter update from Ray Michelini

It’s been a little while since we’ve submitted anything from our Chapter. So, I know you’ll appreciate this input. Since you’ve included some of our past pics, which we appreciated, hopefully, you’ll include this one.

Like everywhere else, COVID shut our activities down for several years. But now we’ve pretty much returned to our standard bi-monthly luncheon meeting schedule.

One such enjoyable event that we were unable to hold during COVID was our annual Joint Spring Luncheon with classmates and their wives and/or guests. However, after a four-year hiatus, we were able to return that event to our schedule on 22April at the Hampton [VA] Yacht Club, homebase marina for Ann and George Christian’s sailboat. Needless to say, it was a fun event – a step up from our “all-guys” luncheons.

The Woodruff’s of Midlothian, VA were recognized for travelling the farthest.

The Vietnam POW Homecoming 50th Anniversary was held at the Nixon Presidential Library, Yorba Linda, CA on 22-25May. As we know, our class had five VN POWs, four attended the 50th Anniversary/reunion: Dave Carey, Read Mecleary, Charlie Plumb, Ted Triebel, and not present Al Nichols. The Homecoming had almost 200 POWs attending, with a formal dinner on the 24th, the exact same evening as the original formal dinner in May 1973, with President and Mrs. Nixon (and 1,600 guests) at the White House. Our ranks were thinner, but the atmosphere was similarly delightful and engaged. The picture includes, Dave, Charlie, Ted (missing Read who was delayed).

Henry Kissinger, three days from turning 100 years old, joined dinner by video and recounted how he spoke directly for President Nixon in December, 1972, telling the Vietnamese negotiators in Paris, there would be “NO peace agreement without full release of all American POWs.”

Keith Reynolds and Steve Leisge

’64: A picture of our great group. Attendees clockwise [left table] from left to right Joan and Butch Christie, Ellen and Bruce Woodruff, Sue and Ray Michelini, George Christian, Ronnie and Marcus Friedman, Suzanne and Joe Prueher. On the right table, we have Ginnie and Jim Doubles, Phil Boyer, Tina Meyer, Bobbie and Al Krekich, John Meyer, Linda Boyer, Carmond and Dick Robbins.

Another 50th Anniversary of Operation Homecoming commemoration was held

31 March 2023, at the 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis Air Force Base, Fairfield, California. When the POWs were released in the Spring of 1973 at the end of the Vietnam War. the Air Force flew them on C-141’s from Hanoi to Clark Air Base in the Philippines. After a brief stay at Clark most continued back to the States on C-141’s, first landing at Hickam AFB in Hawaii for refueling and from there on to several bases on the mainland — foremost among them Travis AFB.

A committee for the Travis commemoration started planning this event in the fall of 2022, with Public Affairs and the wing History Office working to determine what had happened fifty years before. The 60th AMW then invited as many participants as it could identify and find, including POWs from the various services, C-141 pilots and flight crews. Even the Commander of Operation Homecoming, 101-year-old Lt Gen John Gonge, was invited and was able to attend.

When he heard about this event, Ninth Company’s Gale Treiber put his son, Dr. John Treiber — the current 60th AMW Historian at Travis AB – in touch with his Company Mate Read McLeary, who had been a POW and returned as part of Operation Homecoming — but not through Travis. In turn, Read put John in touch with Classmate Charlie Plumb, who also had been shot down over North Vietnam and held prisoner at the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” for almost six years. Charlie was released from captivity on 18 February 1973 and returned to the US via Travis on the 20th of February. Charlie agreed to come to the 50th Anniversary commemoration, and while there gave two inspiring, well received speech about his POW experience to hundreds of Travis personnel and their special guests.

While we’re on this poignant topic so relevant to our class, Lenny Wass sent in this simple request: “Please say a prayer on Memorial Day for my ten Naval Academy classmates and friends who were killed in the Vietnam War. Some are still MIA. May they rest in God’s hands for eternity. All brave souls and fine men”. Len

Lenny’s heartfelt message gave rise to an idea for future Shipmate columns. Each column will be dedicated to one of our classmates on The Wall.

Accordingly, the November-December issue will remember Virgil “King” Cameron. Since the submittal deadline for this issue is 25 September, anyone wishing to contribute related sea stories, thoughts and remembrances should submit their thoughts immediately.

Life Membership: 64%

Donor Participation: 51.54%

Pres: CAPT Jim Minderlein, USN (Ret.) e: jimm65@verizon.net

Corr Sec’y: CDR Dave Anderson, USN (Ret.) 1600 Ala Moana Blvd. #2208, Honolulu, HI 96815

c: 816-621-0878

e: daveand65@me.com; daveand65@earthlink.net

Class of 1965 Home Page: http://www.daveand65.com/USNA65/ https://daveand65.wixsite.com/usna65photos

Alas, our losses since the last edition: Mark Kittredge, Pete Gness, and Tom Gatliffe. Jim Minderlein informed us on 10 Jun of the death of our classmate, Mark Light Kittredge. He heard about this from Mark’s good friend, Forrest Horton. Mark is the 8th deceased of 23 graduates from the 18th Company. Forrest provided the following info: “Mark died peacefully of natural causes on Wed, 31 May at his home in Castine, Maine. Our last visit with Mark in what he called, ‘his Maine

paradise’ was only two days earlier on Memorial Day when we talked fondly about the Naval Academy, his roommates, and playing soccer for Navy, one of the true honors of Mark’s life. Due to his tragic car accident just prior to our graduation, Mark received his degree but was not physically able to serve in the Navy which he had always held near to his heart. The accident did not, however, affect his zest for life, his thirst for knowledge, nor his quest for adventure. Mark graduated with the 18th Company and never forgot his Classmates, his exciting years with them at Navy, and his profound dedication to Navy Sports! It was Mark’s choice to be cremated and buried at sea by the Maine Maritime Academy. Those who wish to memorialize him can make a donation in his memory to the Brain Trauma Foundation at https://braintrauma.org/donate. Here’s a photo of Mark and Forrest Horton, taken on Memorial Day, 2021. May Mark finally Rest in Peace. (Please see his obituary in Last Call)

From Jim Minderlein, 18 Jun

M It is especially sad on this Father’s Day to notify you of the death of our classmate, Peter D. Gness. Pete graduated from the 27th Company and wore stars in his Lucky Bag photo. He is the 5th classmate to die of 23 graduates from that company. Pete was a good friend and teammate on the 150# football team. As a Guard, he wore number 65 on his jersey in our first class year. I can still recall Pete standing in the huddle in his rubber sweatsuit trying to get down to 154 lbs for the Thursday night weighin. Usually he would weigh-in the first time, shake his head and go back in the steam room to lose some more weight. He loved playing football and would have really liked today’s 178 lb. weight limit for the Sprint football team! We all owe Pete a sincere debt of gratitude for his 20 years of service as our Class President and even more years as our reunion coordinator who also ran our many tailgates during the Fall football season. His $1M Admissions Excellence Class Project is still in force today and continues to provide benefits to the Admissions process. As our President, he cared deeply for every one of us and was a good friend to so many of us. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Melanie and Tyler during this sad time. It is gratifying to know that Melanie took such excellent care of

Charlie and Dr. Treiber on the flight line at Travis in front of a KC-10 and C-5 hat were on static display for the event

Dave, Charlie and Ted (missing Read who was delayed).

Fair winds and a quartering sea, classmates

Pete during these last trying years. May Pete finally Rest in Peace, Jim.

We heard from Jim Minderlein again on 20 Jun about the death of our classmate Thomas Robert Gatliffe. Jim received an e-mail that morning from Tom’s wife, Eileen, saying that he died yesterday morning, 19 Jun, at home. Eileen was with him and he died peacefully. I expressed my condolences on behalf of the class. Tom graduated from the 33rd Company, and he wore stars for the last three years at USNA. He was an avid sailor and had a love for the sea. He was also one of the more stalwart members of the company heavyweight football team. Tom is the 9th deceased member of 24 graduates from 33. Please see more on Tom’s life in Last Call.

On to more pleasant news!

Jim Minderlein spearheaded yet another Classmate Challenge, 08-12 May. With some gentle prodding our class did great again. Second, barely behind USNA ’84 in the percentage of classmates participating. Been in the Top Two for YEARs! I am a proud Class President for your outstanding efforts and support of the Challenge over the last ten years. No class has done better overall during this time frame than the GREAT Class of 1965! And, we managed to raise $65,000 in the process!

From Phil Ferrara, 09 May

M In late April, Al Becker asked me to find for him a Navy swim team swimming cap to help in his upcoming New Mexico state competition. Finding it not in stock at the Mid Store, I wandered over to Lejeune Hall in hopes of finding a Midshipman working out. Instead, a swim coach was encountered, and after visiting his offices and relating Al’s competition plans, he offered a cap for me to get to Al. Then it was off to Santa Fe to “deliver the message to Garcia”! Best wishes to Al as he battles the competition. May the Navy cap bring him swifter times!!! After the cap presentation Al and Christina Becker hosted Dennis Johnson and his wife Linda along with myself and Linda at a wonderful brunch at their beautiful mesa-top country club. The views of mountains and desert landscapes were awesome. While in Santa Fe, we got to admire some of Al’s talents as a wood turning artist. Spectacular stuff!

M There are staterooms available for our 2024 Columbia and Snake Rivers Class Cruise onboard American Empress in Aug 2024. At this point we have 41 signed up for the cruise. I have a list of those signed up. The American Empress is part of the American Queen Voyages. The fare includes the following: One Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay with free ground transportation to Ship, Unlimited Guided Tours, Unlimited Beverages, Locally Sourced & Regionally inspired Cuisine, In Room Dining, Pre-Paid Gratuities, All Port Taxes and Fees, Unlimited WIFI, Live Daily Onboard Entertainment. You can view the deck layout, stateroom configuration, terms and conditions and details on the itinerary at their website (aqvoyages.com). Contact me at mike.epprecht65@gmail.com if you’d like to see who is going and for more details on the cruise. We had a great time on our three previous cruises and I am sure that this cruise will be even better. Karen McComb, who is handling the cruise arrangements, can be reached at kmccombaz@gmail.com or 602-793-7235. Mike

Epprecht

From Paul Reason, 25 May

M Here is some updated info from our Washington DC NW retirement community! Bit’o’news - grandson JPR III ’26 is on Youngster Cruise in NYC. His father Joe Reason ’90 was Dean of Engineering and Weapons at USNA until his recent retirement as CAPT, USN. From Pete Lumianski, 29 May

M I have a good Navy friend who lives in Phoenix. She had to go on emergency leave to Hawaii to tend her 102-year-old mom who’s in Hospice care. She asked me to cover for her and lay a wreath from the Association of the U.S. Navy at today’s ceremony in the Arizona National Memorial Cemetery. It was a beautiful, perfectly clear, warm Arizona morning. The ceremony itself was a very large, meaningful, sober and inspirational event with a ton of flags, tents, music, patriotism, remembrances and sincere condolences for those lost in war while protecting and preserving our many freedoms. The cemetery is a sprawling 225 acre, nicely manicured site which is in the middle of the desert. There are over 50,000 military related persons interred there, each of whom had a flag planted next to their burial site in honor of today’s holiday. There were about 100 veteran-related organizations who came to lay their wreaths in front of the main stage filled with VIPs and dignitaries. I was seated on stage right near Arizona’s Governor, Secretary of State and Attorney General. In addition, the State’s Adjutant General, MG Kerry Muehlenbeck was there. She is the one who has allowed us to store our 65 tons of salvaged parts from the USS PHOENIX (SSN-702) on her base while we try to raise monies to build a Cold War Monument in downtown Phoenix. The main speaker at today’s event was Sergeant R.J. Mitchell, USMC, a Navy Cross recipient and veteran of the Iraqi War, and in

particular of the Fallujah Campaign. He gave a very moving, choked-up speech which detailed the losses of many of his USMC shipmates while in action at Fallujah. It was a memorable Memorial Day and served to inspire thoughts of the huge sacrifices made by many in defense of our great country and its values. I was proud to be part of it despite my 27 years of non-combat experience in the Navy. Pete

From Phil Ferrara, 29 May

M Here’s one of 16 photos I took of the USNA Alumni Association party on Hospital Point. Classmates participating were John Wroten, Jim and Diann Minderlein, Phil and Linda Ferrara The aerial performance was breathtaking. The photos include the Fat Albert fly-by, the six jets in various formations, and catching them on camera just as they went past the flag in the foreground.

From Bob Snelling, 05 Jun

M “A few months ago Paula and I enjoyed the company over dinner of Doug and Leslie Metzger and Skip and Nancy Gunther. More recently we had a very fun-filled lunch with John Owens who had traveled to Atlanta to visit children. We revisited our very younger days in the same VP squadron in the Pacific and wondered where the time went. Our lunch was just a couple weeks after we returned from the ’65 Mississippi River Cruise in April. The cruise group numbered 63 so it’s impossible to list all who attended. Two highlights for us were the hop-on, hop-off tour of New Orleans and visit to the WWII museum with Jim and Rosie Stark. Once on the river ship, Paul Marshall and I would solve many of the world’s problems over early morning coffee in the Perks lounge.

From Mike Epprecht, 21 May

“To keep me engaged with life, I am playing my trombone in five bands, two concert, and one each big band jazz, German polka, and New Orleans Dixieland Jazz. Paula, wife and double Grammy winner, recently retired after singing for thirty years in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus.

“We had so much fun on the river that we’re already booked for the 2024 ’65 cruise on the Snake and Columbia rivers. We hope to see many of you there. Finally, kudos to Mitch Henderson for helping me wade through how to get connected to his Health website. A recent bout with Prostate Cancer has piqued my interest there. The picture is of us and the Starks just before the noted tour. Grace and peace, Bob”

us are ready for it. I have received several items for this column, so let’s go.

Larry Fish provided a brief news item and a picture of the graduation of 2ndLt George Fish ’23, Therese and Larry’s oldest grandson.

The Marine is 2ndLt George Fish who graduated from the Academy on 26 May. He starts USMC Basic School on 29 May. In the photo I’m on George’s left and Mike Haddon ’69 is on George’s right. Mike was a plebe in 31, my Company, our First Class Year. Small world. Thanks, Larry, and congratulations to George.

truly love the game of football and have a love for the other members of the team!

Coach Newberry has 25 years of coaching experience, including the last four seasons as Navy’s Defensive Coordinator. His words were right on target in that his desire to produce leaders and not just players rang true to the ’66ers at the luncheon. His three objectives for Navy football this season are to win the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy, Beat Army, and have a winning season to play in a Bowl game. Based upon his comments, Navy has a good shot at achieving all three of its objectives.

Ed Linz’ long-awaited book about the experiences of 61 of our classmates during the Vietnam War, “A Filthy Way to Die, Collected Memories of the Vietnam War,” is out and available on Amazon, in paperback and on Kindle. Check it out. Some awesome stories by our guys in all kinds of roles in all the services! More on this in the next S’mate!

GG Marshall says that Paul continues to improve and the woman who attacked him months ago is still in jail! Another update on Paul coming next month.

Stay connected with your USNA 1965 classmates through Wardroom@1965.Groups.io. Subscribe now and never miss a beat! Subscribe with an email to Wardroom+ subscribe@ USNA1965.groups.io

Thazzit, guys! Aloha, Dave ’66

Life Membership: 66%

Donor Participation: 22.41%

Pres: VADM John “Scott” Redd, USN (Ret.)

Sec’y: CDR Mike Baird, USN (Ret.) 10439 Rivington Ct., Lone Tree, CO 80124 e: mike.baird@1966.usna.com

Website: www.usna66.org

It’s September and that means football!!! Hopefully, the Navy football team will have a good year. The new head coach, Brian Newberry, spoke at the May luncheon and was well received. More on that later in this column. Fall is the promise of cooler weather and most of

Leah and I also attended our grandson’s graduation in Clayton, MO on 14 May. Tanner Baird graduated Magnum Cum Laude from the Olin Business School of Washington University in St. Louis, MO. He will begin work for Guggenheim Investments in New York City in July. Congratulations to Tanner.

Classmates in attendance were Scott Redd, Betty and Tom Eubanks Dervilla and Scott Gordon, Tom Marfiak, Kathy Percival, Phil Bozzelli, Jim Long, Kacky and Rodger Carter, Don Jackson, Pete Hesser, John Posoli, Gail and John Sigler, Pete Wright, Bev Daly, Chuck Grutzius, Jim Maynard, Pat and John Scudi, Karen and Chuck Tebrich, and Ace Sarich. Thanks, Chuck. As I stated in my opening, I hope the coach’s three goals are fulfilled this year. Sadly, I report the death of two Classmates, Bill Johnson (1st Co) and Bill Hancock (14th Co). Bill Johnson died on 5 May; Bill Hancock on 14 May. Emails to the Class were sent on both. Please keep their families in your prayers.

Robert Johnson checked in from the West Coast and provided the following email.

M Hello Mike: On our Graduation Day 57 years ago, I sent you some info from Classmate H. Keith Melton, our stellar Class entrepreneur and International Spy Museum Historian.

Chuck Grutzius provided the following summary of the May Class luncheon held on 10 May.

M “Standing Room Only” was the Word of the Day on 10 May at the Annapolis Yacht Club. The Class held its annual May luncheon in a meeting room that seated 26 people, and we had 26 Classmates and spouses who enjoyed the Deli Sandwich Buffet and the comradery among Classmates and friends.

Class President, Scott Redd, briefly spoke on the Class’s new initiative of developing a Class-wide support program of “Helping Our Classmates Help Themselves.” You will hear more details on this program in coming months.

The guest speaker was the 40th Head Coach for Navy football – Brian Newberry –who spoke for 30 minutes on his vision of developing a cohesive football team based upon a “team culture” that embodies the highest attributes of individual character, a “Team” concept and not a “me” concept, and “teammates” that

He and Karen married 10 years ago, and he sent a nice family photo with an open invitation for any of our Classmates to visit his Museum in Wash D.C. He has quite a resume, and several noteworthy avocations that you might want to consider including in next month’s issue. As you will see, he has had a most interesting career, and made a killing in the McDonald’s Restaurant franchise business, which he started in 1976, about the same time Sam Lincoln attended Hamburger University with Ray Kroc’s outfit in Chicago.

Sam had two franchises in Wyoming. At one time, Keith held the largest private collection of submarines in the world. I think he had somewhere around 6-7 of them. That was the impetus for him to get into espionage, which has always intrigued him. Subsequently, he built his International Spy Museum in D.C. to house his whole collection. It must be very interesting to see. The reference in his email to the book “Beat The Dealer” was during First Class Year, he and our late Classmate, Pat Buckley, would literally spend hours dealing blackjack to each other in their rooms in Bancroft. They got so good at counting cards they spent spring break in San Juan, Puerto Rico trying to beat the house at blackjack. They did so well, they each banked several thousand each, which was a giant score in those days. Bo Wiley and I would take turns dealing to them

MIKE HADDON, GEORGE FISH and LARRY FISH”

MIKE, TANNER and LEAH

so they could practice. We were to join them in San Juan, but we opted for Las Vegas, and did quite well at the poker tables. We never were as good as Keith and Pat at counting cards. Thought you’d like the story.

Spoke to Bob Verratti last month, just after Kentucky Derby Day. He’s making another splash in Thoroughbred Horse Racing with his newest 3-year-old, Lord of the Navy, which he andKathleen acquired early this spring. He broke his maiden in this second race out at Parx Racetrack in Philadelphia, as I sent you that info in May. Well, the horse is doing quite well, and won his next start at 2-5 in a 7 Furlong laugher, winning by over 12 lengths in a field of 9, on 24 May. I have the video of it on U-Tube, and I will send it to you. The horse is aptly named, as his sire is Lord Byron. Bob said the win only paid $2.80, for a $2.00 ticket, and he seemed disappointed. But I told him, don’t fret, what is wrong with making 40% on your money for a 2-minute romp in the sun? lol. They are pointing him for a good race at Belmont Park in a few weeks. That is the latest from the Sport of Kings. Hope you are doing well, and all is good in Colorado. All the very best, Robert.

Thanks, Robert! Great report.

I hope to have more information on the Class Wellness topic in the October column. Meanwhile, please visit the Class web site, usna66.org. In addition to the Wellness tab there is a wealth of Class news and other information for you, your spouse, and widows. There is also a “Ships Store” feature where you can see what reunion leftovers are available for purchase or giveaway. Please plan to visit the site often as it is kept up to date by our Webmaster, Therese Long-Fish. Thanks again to those who contributed to this issue. Until October—All the best—Mike!!!

’67

Life Membership: 77%

Donor Participation: 34.48%

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

We received a note in early June from Don Hefkin relaying word of the death of Tony Wayne: M I just got off the phone with Peggy Wayne. Peggy let me know that Tony passed away a week ago Wednesday (31 May 2023) in Providence Hospital in Waco, TX due to heart complications. Peg said there are no plans for a local service, and that Tony’s ashes will be interred in the Naval Academy Columbarium at a later date yet.

Tony was a member of the 27th Company. After graduation he went to Pensacola for Flight Training and into the VP Community after he received his Wings. We were in our

first squadron together - VP-19 in Moffett Field - and we were roommates on deployments to Adak, Iwakuni (Japan), and Cubi Point (Republic of the Philippines). Classmates Bill Hall and Denny Faulds were also in VP-19. Tony left the active duty Navy in 1978 after tours in VT-29 (Corpus Christi), Guantanamo Bay and the Washington Navy Yard. Remaining in Government Service after he left the uniformed Navy, Tony held several GS positions in NAVAIRSYSCOM in Crystal City, Pax River and Cherry Point, NC. Tony also flew with the Navy Reserve Squadron (VR-48) based at Andrews. He retired as a Captain in the Naval Reserve in 1992. Tony last resided in Waco, TX with wife Peggy and their two daughters. Her address is 3111 Rockbridge Road, McGregor, TX 76657.

All our classmates will recall Tony’s hard work and contributions to the Class’s 50th Anniversary Book. He was quite a guy – he loved to have fun, and he loved the Naval Academy and time with his classmates.

Don is absolutely correct about the key role Tony played in the production of our 50th Anniversary book. He and I exchanged many emails when he was tracking down your photos and your writeups. He performed a great service for all of us.

Sid Mohsberg forwarded Jim Witherspoon’s obituary to us. Jim passed away 14 June 2023. He is survived by his wife Erin and step-children William. Kathleen, Robert, Stephen, and James as well as 16 grandchildren. A Memorial Mass was offered at Immaculate Conception Church, 200 Ware Ave., Towson, MD 21204 on Wednesday, 21 June. Interment will be private. Memorials in his name may be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital (https://rb.gy/ucpjg). Got a quick note and a photo from Jack Parry of the wedding of Gary Brake and Sue Marks on 4 June 2023 at the St John’s Lutheran church in Winston-Salem, NC. Jack said he and Gary were both in 8th Company, and Gary was an usher/swordsman at Jack and Nita’s wedding.

The Brakes and the Parrys

’67: MOBILE BAY BMD Pathfinder award

67/68 CLASS NEWS

If you remember, Bob McFarland put up a web site which was a record of the Class of 1917. It was drawn primarily from their Lucky Bag, old Shipmate articles, and other sources. He’s since taken that site down and re-published the information as both a paperback and a Kindle book. If you go to the Class web site (www.usna67.com) and follow the link Reverse Link in the Chain 1917-1967 it will take you to an Amazon page where you can read a preview of the text. Maybe you could even buy a copy!

Now, a max mea culpa here. Almost a year and a half ago, Steve Woodall sent me an email reporting on an honor that the ship he commanded during OPERATION DESERT STORM, USS MOBILE BAY (CG 53), had been awarded 31 years after the fact. I misplaced it, and a few months later, he sent it again as a reminder. I misplaced that, too. Then he made a third attempt, and yeah, that one went away with the first two. So, Steve, please accept a most sincere and public apology. Here’s his note from February 2022:

M My 1991 Gulf War command, USS MOBILE BAY (CG 53), and my Combat Information Center (CIC) and combat systems team, were recently recognized by the Missile Defense Agency’s Aegis BMD Directorate as the BMD Pathfinders for 2021. This recognition, coming after 31 years since the Gulf War, was for being the very first warship ever to routinely track ballistic missiles in flight, and recognize their tracks as such. MOBILE BAY’s performance during the Gulf War was the beginning of and became the foundation for today’s highly successful Aegis ballistic missile defense (BMD) capabilities and warship programs.

I’m going to give you the actual text of the award of January 2022 because it is a well written account of the MOBILE BAY team’s discovering a huge Navy capability, what the award calls “a lethal Aegis engagement capability”: For the extraordinary efforts of the Officers and Crew in identifying and then demonstrating active radar tracking of ballistic missiles which led directly to the formation of the Aegis BMD PD 452 program office. While deployed with four Carrier Strike Groups as Battle Force ZULU during OPERATION DESERT STORM, USS MOBILE BAY assumed the duties of Force Anti Air Warfare Commander. During combat operations, alert Combat Information Center (CIC) watchstanders observed spontaneous erratic and very fast tracks displayed throughout the Aegis Combat System. CIC watchstanders expertly evaluated these to be valid tracks and, after compiling multiple observations and cross checking joint force reports, correlated the origin of these unknown tracks to Iraqi SCUD missile launch points. MOBILE BAY watchstanders then began passing data in real time to Patriot missile batteries on land, which confirmed track validity and identified them as SCUD threat missiles. Further MOBILE BAY’s cuing assisted in Patriot’s timely threat

evaluation and more successful engagements. Following the Gulf War, the War Diary data tapes of MOBILE BAY, as well as other AEGIS Cruisers operating in the Arabian Gulf during these SCUD launches, were analyzed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division. Detailed examination determined that all of the Aegis Cruisers had detected the SCUD launches, but only MOBILE BAY identified them as ballistic missiles. This information conclusively demonstrated that the Aegis Combat System had the inherent, but previously unknown, capability to detect and track ballistic missiles. Additional analysis led to the firm finding that a lethal Aegis engagement capability was also feasible, leading directly to the establishment of Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense program office, PD-452. This Aegis Pathfinder award is a testament to the expertise and dedication of USS MOBILE BAY (CG 53) in the 1991 Gulf War, whose actions led to Navy’s ballistic missile defense capability.

Here’s a one liner: Dave Church told me Bob Ryan and his grandson were in Annapolis in mid-June, then headed for New York City to make a tourist pass through there.

If you look back at your Mar-Apr ’23 Shipmate (or find it at www.usna.com in the Shipmate archives) there’s an article by Gordon Peterson ’68 entitled Midshipmen at War – Part II. On page 24 of that issue is a photo of an A-4E heading over the side of the carrier SHANGRI-LA (CVA-38) with the pilot in his ejection seat separating himself from the whole mess. The pilot was Bill Belden. Turns out there were Mids on board on their summer cruise who observed the whole thing. Here’s the note he sent to the author of the article:

M Regarding your very interesting article “Midshipmen at War - Part II…Imagine my surprise on page 24 upon seeing my ejection picture! And the most unique “coincidence” of the article/picture is that I am Bill Belden, 31st company, ’67 grad!

I was a pilot (LT) in VA-152 (“Mavericks”), one of three A-4 squadrons aboard the SHANG, just returning from a bombing mission in Laos. The ships PLAT camera system was down for this recovery, so the ship’s photographer was taking still photos of all the landings. He was able to get four photos of my ejection. As you will see, Capt Greene’s description of my ejection was mostly correct. I did lose my right brake (which turned the A-4 left to the edge of the flight deck), ejected as the nose was about a 45 degree nose down attitude, but I landed in the water near the SHANG and was recovered by helo.

There’s a lot more to my ejection story (that gets better every year), but this email isn’t the time……Thanks for getting ’67 into the spotlight!!

I’ve hit the bottom of the virtual mail bag, and I have to go. Heading out to Bozeman, MT to visit an old Skipper. Football season will be on us by the time you get this, so Beat ‘em All! Let me hear from you……That’s it...Goodnight!...Jim

’68

Life Membership: 62%

Donor Participation: 17.24%

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.

Our 55th Reunion continues to resonate. Several classmates reported they took to the open roads. Terry and Joe Conway combined their attendance with celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary—a bucket-list trip! They drove from Annapolis to San Diego. Along the way they visited six cities and the Grand Canyon in 10 days. Following the reunion, they visited Oahu (ARIZONA and MISSOURI memorials) and Kauai (26th Company mate Dennis Rowley). Departing San Diego, they were off to Las Vegas (Josie and Bill Metzger, Hoover Dam), and five more cities before returning home to 32 WSJs on their doorstep. “We logged 6,200 miles and 90 hours of driving,” Joe reported, “and we’re still in love!”

Tina and Dennis Dilley drove from their home in Oakland, CA, to San Diego for the 55th and extended their road trip. “We included a day each at Grand Canyon National Park and Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park for some of the most incredible landscapes we’ve ever seen,” Dennis said. “Along the way, we encountered kind, friendly people including recent arrivals to our country, indigenous Americans throughout the Navajo Nation, and native-born Americans. It reinforced for us our love of this country and its natural beauty, the simple decency of ordinary people, and the miracle of having been bestowed the blessing of being born in the United States.”

Dennis Rowley with Terry and Joe Conway during their post-reunion get-together on Kauai in May.

Following the reunion Ruth and Rick Blank renewed friendships made during 22 years in San Diego before relocating to Hawaii in 2021. “Then we headed to Yosemite and spent a week at Lake Tahoe with both sons and our daughter and their families—including all eight grandkids,” Rick said. “We had a great reunion. It was the first time all eight grandkids with their families were together at the same time. Afterwards, we headed to Denville, NJ, and NYC and visited my brother and his wife following his recent surgery.” Last year, Rick was asked to establish a Hawaii Chapter of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society. Mission accomplished! Rick also led a special dedication of a DFC memorial at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum where he enjoys running a “Fighter Ace” flight simulator for guests as a volunteer each Wednesday. Commissioned in the Air Force, Rick flew 248 combat missions in the F-4 during the Vietnam War.

another boat, a lightly used Manta 42, and named it Stayin’ Alive. “Our plan is to head for the Bahamas after hurricane season and, hopefully, be in the Chesapeake next summer. We look forward to anchoring off the USNA seawall for a while.”

helicopter pilot and served 12 years on active duty before beginning his eight-year quest for ordination. He will be assigned as the campus chaplain at St Bonaventure University, a Franciscan university in western New York. Several of our classmates and their wives attended Father Steven’s first Mass and the follow-on celebration. Congratulations!

I met several classmates on my flight from Tampa to the reunion, including the 19th Company’s John Robbins. He enjoyed a Sunday evening gathering hosted by the 1st Company’s Bob Gilleskie at his home north of San Diego. “They decided to invite the seven classmates who were the only ones from their respective company attending the reunion,” John said, “in the spirit of class unity.” John also enjoyed meeting other classmates during the reunion. “The reception on MIDWAy was the best part of the reunion, despite the cool temperatures and wind that evening,” he said. At home in Florida, Peggy and John continue to enjoy sailing. They are both experienced sailors; each has a captain’s license. They recently purchased

wanted to attend the reunion with their 21st Company classmates, but other commitments prevented them from making it. Last spring they enjoyed a two-week vacation in Europe. “The first week fulfilled one of Bobbie’s bucket list trips—a “tulip time” river cruise in the Netherlands and Belgium,” he said. “The tulips in the Keukenhof Gardens were in beautiful full bloom. The second week was on my bucket list—the Loire Valley of France, exploring many of the exquisite chateaus. We returned home to Florida in time to drive to Tennessee to visit our daughter in Chattanooga and son in Knoxville, where we watched our grandson graduate from high school (on the weekend of our 55th reunion).” Bobbie and Dick later made summer trips to visit children and grandchildren. “We could not be happier living in sunny Florida, just an hour north of Tampa on the “Nature Coast,” he said.

Bill Cobb, Kendell Pease, John O’Neill, Randy Bogle, Jack Klimp, and Rick Buchanan attended April’s meeting of the USNA Foundation’s Athletic & Scholarship Program in Annapolis. They are trustees for the program’s work supporting athletic excellence at the Academy and sponsoring students attending prep school to prepare for entrance. Rick reported that Jack became a trustee at the April meeting. “I also had the great opportunity as a spectator to cheer Navy on to the victory over Army at the quarterfinals of the National Rugby Championship,” he said. “It was a 30 to 6 whooping!”

Dick and Bobbie Elliott at Keukenhof Gardens in Netherlands. April was special for Mary Anne and Leo Kuehn. On the 29th, their son, Steven Kuehn ’03, was ordained as a Catholic priest in the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor. His ordination took place at the Franciscan parish of St. Camillus in Silver Spring, MD. Then, on 30 April, Father Steven celebrated his first Mass at St. John Neumann Mission Church (affiliated with St. Mary’s Parish and both located in Annapolis.) Following graduation with the Class of 2003, Steven earned his wings as a

Lee Dantzler and Linda joined Lin’s mom, Gracemarie Skahan, and family in April in New Bern, NC, to celebrate her 102nd birthday. Lee remarked that successful Navy blind dates seem to run in the family. Lin’s dad, LT James Skahan USNR, met then-Navy nurse Ensign Gracemarie Peeters on a blind date in Norfolk in 1945 after his ship, USS DENVER (CL 58), returned stateside from its wartime operations in the Battle of the Surigao Strait and the eventual liberation of the Philippines. Fast forward … Lee and Lin met in summer 1966 on an “arranged’” blind date with the sister of one of his plebes while Lee was serving on the Plebe Detail. “Navy threads and blind dates weave a solid fabric,” Lee observed!

Dennis and Tina Dilley at Monument Valley, Arizona.

Rick Blank and his combat flight simulator at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

Peggy and John Robbins on their Manta 42 Stayin’ Alive! Bobbie and Dick Elliot

Leo Kuehn with son Fr. Steven Kuehn; daughters Rebecca Guy, Julie Norton, and Anne Bodnar; and Mary Anne.

Randy Bogle and Rick Buchanan during an evening’s break at the Alumni Association’s Athletic & Scholarship Program meeting.

The 24 Company’s  Jay Potter and his wife, Zen, have moved from West Virginia to rural Virginia. “Zen’s daughter Kristy and her daughter, Sofia, live in Charlottesville,” he said. “In 2016, we bought a house in Earlysville, northwest of Charlottesville, so that Zen could be close to them.” Jay says he is “an almost-retired attorney” after a long career practicing law in Charleston, WV. A lifelong fascination with railroads began as a teenager in Wheeling. This fueled his interest in writing about and photographing the state’s railroads for several decades. As one editor wrote, “His pictures tell a story of industry, transportation, dedication, and subtle beauty seldom explored by photographers today.” I agree—Jay’s magazine articles and photography are superb.

In closing, I’m sad to report the 14th Company’s Patrick Neal Ellis died 10 June in Tucson, AZ. Pat was the 3rd Battalion midshipman commander during first-class year and graduated third in our class. Commissioned in the Marine Corps, he served in Vietnam as a platoon commander, company executive officer, and company commander in the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. Other assignments included Camp Lejeune, deployments afloat, Okinawa, and the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. After resigning his commission in 1974, Pat spent most of his civilian career in the banking industry, residing in San Diego’s Borrego Springs. Interment is planned at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego.

Take care, Gordo

Life Membership: 59%

Donor Participation: 20.53%

Pres: MAJ Steve Comiskey, USMCR (Ret.)

e: swcomiskey@gmail.com

Exec Vice Pres: Jim “Sandy” Sandberg

Corr Sec’y: Pat Stroop p: 410-279-4575; 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

’69…Welcome to Academic Year 2023-2024! Where does the time go?

The first item of business was the annual delivery of Class of ’69 Coins to 9th company (69 sponsors 9th company) firsties on 4 May. As has been our tradition, Guy Higgins, Walt Giraldi, Mike Michaelis, Todd Creekman, and Al Cipriani met with the firsties in Dahlgren Hall to tell sea stories and to deliver the coins to the happy young men and women about to graduate. Though the session was short, it was meaningful as our classmates gave the aboutto-be O-1s their experiences as junior officers. Thanks to all who made the trip to Annapolis to participate. (See photo on next page.)

Stan Bryant writes: On Saturday 20 May, a celebration of life was held for classmate Bob Garner at the Calvert Museum in Solomons, Maryland, Bob’s home of record. It was well attended by classmates, friends and family and featured a lot of great stories about Bob of which there are many! Bob’s widow, Chris Stelloh-Garner was the hostess of the great party, and it was fun catching up with Bob’s family as well as meeting his many friends from his retirement. Rusty Jones and I represented the Class of ’69 and we note that Bob was also a member of ’68 before he turned back to have a do-over of Youngster year with us in 27th Company. Rusty was a Plebe in Bob’s Company before Bob turned back. Chris provided Hippo (Bob’s call sign) hats for everyone as the party uniform. The celebration had been delayed by COVID, but it was a gorgeous day and perfect for celebrating a life well-lived by a beloved husband, father, classmate, and dear friend. It was very obvious that Bob is still missed by many. Semper Fi, Garns.

Nancy Green’s warm and beautiful home in Portsmouth, Virginia. There was plenty of food, adult beverages, music, and catching up done by all who attended. Over 30 classmates, wives, significant others and friends were there and plans are being made for next year’s Bash in the Tidewater area.

The following week Roger and Bev Henderson who were at the Bash visited with Pat and Mary Stroop at their beach cottage in Kill Devil Hills on the Outer Banks for drinks and dinner. Whenever two or three (or 30+) shall meet!

48 classmates and friends gathered on 4 June at Jim and Marja Sandberg’s Heavensgate Farm in Southern Maryland to celebrate the 54th anniversary of our graduation. A great day of enjoying the country and weather, outstanding chow and drink, laughing and scratching, singing and even throwing axes while re-engaging with friends we don’t get to see very often. Another great party!

From Rich Bulger:

M Here are some pictures from a couple of our Texas Gulf Coast Chapter Luncheons. We hold our monthly luncheons at El Tiempo Cantina’s in the Houston area that are founded and owned by our classmate Roland Laurenzo. El Tiempo’s is one of the best Tex-Mex restaurants in Houston and they all have a picture of Roland in his Mid uniform somewhere in them. Our classmate Lee Kelleher is the CFO. They always have great food and do a fantastic job on the luncheons. There are always more 69er’s than any other any other class at these luncheons! Did someone say party? Is there a theme here??

Also on 20 May the Annual Class of 1969 Tidewater Area Bash was held at Gordy and

Rusty, Chris and Stan

Lee Dantzler, Gracemari, and Linda.

Larry Thomson, (Roland), Rich Bulger, John Cates, Jim Walters, Rick Bush, Ken Koch

1969 Tidewater Area Bash – May 2023

So that about covers it for this month. By the time this hits the streets, the Brigade will be back, the Big Blue will be 1-0 having defeated Notre Dame in Ireland, and Fall will be in the air!

Non sibi.

’70Life Membership: 63%

Donor Participation: 22.50%

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, and hello from the sunny south. Although this will arrive at your homes about the middle of football season, where we’ll find out what life is like post-Ken, I write this in the middle of 100° heat and near that humidity.

Yes, July and August are the price we pay for perfect winters. But enough about the weather… can’t do anything about it anyway.

Sound the Last Post:

Lyle Dean Countryman of Humble, TX passed away in May. While at the Academy, he sang in the choir, beginning his career as a professional singer, performing throughout the U.S. and the world in off-Broadway productions, touring with Pat Boone, and singing in several Christian

’69 Coin delivery to 9th company firsties

1969 54th Graduation Mini Reunion

’69: Larry Thomson, John Cates, Pete Nazarko (Rich’s guest), Lee Kelleher, Rich Bulger, Ken Koch, Jim Walters, Tom Wojciechowski & Larry’s wife Cindy.

vocal groups. The majority of his professional career, however, has been spent in ministry, the last 28 years of which has been as the Senior Associate Pastor at Lindale Church. Lyle’s cherished bringing joy to children and adults alike as Santa Claus. And while Santa may be preoccupied with “keeping a list,” Lyle was known to be a man who loved unconditionally. He walked with his family, his friends, his church family, and his Houston Astros through all of their ups and downs. His love kept no score. Lyle will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched.

Jeffrey Bert Hawkins (“Hawk”) also died in May at home surrounded by his loving family. Jeffrey was born in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Upon graduation, Jeff spent 7 years of activeduty service as a fighter pilot flying the F-4 Phantom aircraft aboard the USS FORRESTAL He spent the remainder of his career as a Chemical Engineer with ChemTreat Water Specialists. At Jeff’s request, a private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for family and friends.

Gary Anthony Nowlin passed away in May 2020 in Alpharetta, Atlanta from leukemia. He was born in Pretoria, South Africa while his father was the Air Attache there. After leaving the Naval Academy he headed for South Africa where he made that his home. He met and married his wife in February 1974 and lived a very happy life in South Africa. He was very passionate about South Africa’s main sport rugby. Gary and his wife Debbie moved to Atlanta in February 2020 to be with their son and his family who immigrated in 2016.

Captain James Lenus McClane, USN, Retired, died peacefully at home in May after a long illness. He dedicated his life steadfastly to his three passions: the United States Navy, his family, and his friends.

His initial assignment was on USS RICHARD E. BYRD (DDG 23) where he served as a missile /gunnery assistant, fire control officer and CIC officer until 1973. Upon graduation from the U. S. Naval Postgraduate School with a MSEE, he reported to USS BUCHANAN (DDG 14) as weapons officer. After this tour, Captain McClane was selected as the commissioning combat systems officer for USS TICONDEROGA (CG 47). He participated in the first series of AEGIS training courses at the Combat Systems Engineering Development Site, in Moorestown, New Jersey, and served on TICONDEROGA from pre-commissioning through the first deployment from 1980 to 1984. Captain McClane served as XO of USS BELKNAP (CG 26) from 1984 to 1986 and assumed command of USS WADDELL (DDG 24) in 1987.

Captain McClane, then, served as senior combat systems member, underway senior inspector, and acting senior surface member of the Washington Board of Inspection and Survey from 1989-1991. After a joint professionalmilitary education at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, he reported to the

United States Atlantic Command in 1992. His assignments there included deputy director for plans and policy (J5A) and chief, cruise missile division (J56). Captain McClane commanded USS PHILIPPINE SEA (CG 58) from 1996-1998.

He assumed command of the Afloat Training Group Atlantic in 1998, from which he retired in 2001. After his retirement from the Navy, his experience allowed an easy transition to the technology integrator and defense contractor SAIC, where he worked for several years before fully retiring from professional life. Jim was supported in his more than 30-year naval career by his loving family. He always called his wife Carol “the best thing that ever happened to me,” and she called him “the love of my life and my best friend.” Despite, or maybe because of, his many deployments, Jim “was strictly a homebody and the epitome of a family man,” and his favorite times were relaxing at home with his wife and sons. Carol was initially attracted to him because he was so family-oriented and straight forward: “He told me how hard being a military wife was going to be. It was almost as if he were trying to dissuade me from marrying him, but it didn’t work. He was kind, honest, trustworthy, devoted, and he never changed.” On deployments, when his sons were young, he recorded himself reading children’s books so Carol and his sons could read along with his taped voice: “He was concerned because the boys were so young, and he felt it was important that they hear his voice while he was away.” Jim took friendship very seriously, and many of his closest friends are former shipmates or classmates. For instance, for the past 45 years, the McClanes and three other families (all of whom they had met through the Navy) have taken summer vacations together on Cape Cod. Recently, a friend wrote, “I wanted you to know that serving with you and having our families grow up together was one of the highwater marks of my Navy career. I have never met a man more honest, trustworthy, and competent in my life, and I thank you for your true friendship.” Another friend wrote, “You are a great shipmate, and I am honored to call you a friend.” When Jim was younger, he was an avid long-distance runner and scuba diver.

Bits and Pieces:

Gino Marchetti sends a photo of his Great Grandson Class of 2044-ish

Reed Clark took computer in hand and wrote:

M “To the sordid and scattered Sons of ’70, wherever thee may be. Too many Last Posts and Binnacle reports from our brothers of late. This from Beirut and your Man in the Middle East, where we lack broadband, a government, regular electricity, but we do have a 98% drop in currency value over 2-years and massive port blasts. So, along the lines of Find A Way, or Make One, you bundle up your engineering, commerce cum endurance in a bag and start walking. I’ve moved into Renewable Energy with PV in Lebanon and Cyprus. But the big one which is taking root is a 300MW offshore wind farm just off the coast north of Tripoli, Looking at 20 x 15MW Vestes turbines to fill about 10% of the national grid. Vertical to over 230m, just 4-5 km offshore and in 50m of water before the bottom drops to ultradeep at 1500-2400m. One more thing to keep you on your toes. Wishing everyone well, wiser cooking and a tad more walking. God bless and good health. Reed O”

Mike Lowe rides the Rockies.

M “Last week I completed the annual “Ride the Rockies” bike ride, not race, (an annual organized Colorado event since 1986) from Sunday, 11 June through completion on Friday, 16 June which was approximately 308 total miles and approximately 26,890 feet elevation gain over the 6 days. The web siteis https://ridetherockies.com It was my first time doing this ride and a fantastic experience!

Ring-A-Ding-Ding!

’71Life Membership: 62%

Donor Participation: 19.91%

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/

September is the beginning of my favorite season – fall, or autumn as you may prefer!

Cooling air temperatures in our northern latitudes, football is getting into full swing, the leaves are turning brown, and at Navy the brigade is re-formed and starting classes. I recall not being too excited about the plebe year fall as Scrapper, Grover than their pals were returning to resume their harassment of plebes. And, then there was the unknown aspect of the Firsties who hopefully were not like the Second Classmen! Ah, those were the days! Subsequent years the fall was only a most pleasant season.

First up is a note from Charles Quinlan: M “Hi, Duke, Last week, Don Olsen visited Ginny and John Sattler, and that provided an excuse to get together with eight local 11th CO classmates for an enjoyable dinner at the Eastport Yacht Club. In the photo above are: Back row (L-R) Don Olsen, Karen Young, Steve Brighton, Susan Brighton, Bill Butler, Bill Hoover, Mike McNallen. Front row (L-R) Ginny Sattler, John Sattler, Cathy Butler, Charles Quinlan, Jane Hoover, Pam McNallen, Wendy Quinlan, and Cass Young. Go Navy! Charles.” That surely was an enjoyable gathering of Annapolis local 11th CO members! Lots of stories to tell!

Tom Hammons sent this note from sunny San Diego:

M “Duke, A short note to let you know how we celebrated the 52nd anniversary of graduation here in San Diego. Eleven of us got together for lunch at Café Cayote in Old Town San Diego at noon on the 9th (the west coast approximation of graduation) and had a great lunch. Several sea stories were told and retold. Present and pictured in the photo below from the top left: Steve Comer, Rick Smith, Tom Hammons, Pat Doyle, Jim Bryant, Jim Mendelson, Joe Anthony, Bill Nevitt, Chuck Bongard, Jim Ward, and Russ Stahlak.

“Later in the afternoon the guys from 34th Company got together via Zoom for a remote celebration. No picture from this event because I’m not smart enough to capture a screen shot. We had eight company-mates on the call including Dick Cheliras, Jim Gosma, Randy Harper, Bill Hatcher, Mitch Marich, Kevin O’Connor, Rick Smith, and me. It was good to catch up and share some memories about June Week and graduation all those years ago. Tom.”

Sounds like a busy and most enjoyable USNA ’71 day! We Norfolk area ’71ers need to get together for the next anniversary!

Tom Gross sent this note regarding football tailgates: “Are you excited about Navy football? This year brings a new coach, new plays, and who knows what else. One thing you can count on is our class tailgate will be up and operating every home game. You will find us at our traditional spot on the Blue Side parking lot perimeter, directly out from the press box. We’re easy to find, so plan to meet up with your group at the tailgate.

“As usual, the tailgates will start two hours before kickoff and remain open through halftime. All classmates and guests are welcome. All home games except Air Force and East Carolina are scheduled for 3:30 PM kickoff. The 2 October game with Air Force is scheduled for noon. The East Carolina game on 18 November is to be determined. Nevertheless, we will be open two hours before kickoff whenever it occurs.

“Our menu is largely potluck. Classmates bring dishes, drinks, desserts, or snacks to

share; grill space is available for those who want to bring their own tailgate grill specialties. In addition, your tailgate team will be serving up Italian Sausage and burgers as well.

“Coming from out of the area? Don’t sweat it if you can’t bring something, come anyway. We haven’t run out of food yet! See you there! Beat Army! Tom.”

I am looking forward to seeing classmates this fall as Navy football wins!

It is my sad duty to note the passing of our classmate, Richard “Rick” Haley Ector, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, 28 May 2023. Rick was born on 13 September 1949, in West Point, Georgia. Rick’s family moved to Atlanta before settling in Greenville, South Carolina. While at Greenville High School, Rick earned Eagle Scout rank and played on the high school baseball team. Rick foreshadowed his future as an engineer by excelling at building model ships and airplanes. Rick entered USNA with us on 28 June 1967. While at Navy he earned a B.S. in math and was introduced to his love of lacrosse and sailing. After commissioning, Rick

’71: 11th Company at the Eastport Yacht Club

’71 Celebrating 52nd graduation anniversary

71/72 CLASS NEWS

graduated from the Naval Nuclear Propulsion training program and served as the chief engineer aboard the USS SHARK, a fast attack submarine. Rick then worked in the civilian nuclear energy sector in Chattanooga, Tennessee before entering public service. Rick served the federal government for several years, where he met his wife, Beth. In 1998, Rick founded TVIG, an engineering firm that builds large-scale wind turbine and solar panel farms globally.

Rick loved coaching lacrosse and studying history. While honoring his father, who flew P-39 Airacobras during World War II, Rick joined the Peachtree City Commemorative Air Force. There, he commentated on air shows and fulfilled his dream of flying B-22 dive bombers and P-51 Mustangs. He also ushered at Church throughout his life, and in retirement, volunteered in many roles at Dranesville United Methodist Church, Herndon, VA.

Rick is survived by his wife Beth (née Roelfsema); children, Emily, Sam, and Charlotte; sister Helen; and brother Robert. Funeral services were held 9 June at the Adams-Green Funeral Home in Herndon, VA

Too soon, it is time to close. Please keep our classmates and their families in your prayers for good health, healing when needed, safety in travels, and strength to meet every challenge. Today is a gift - life is precious and too short! Love passionately, give and share your time and 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

Life Membership: 59%

Donor Participation: 16.43%

Pres: CAPT Rick Rubel, USN (Ret.)

e: rrubel9@gmail.com

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

Hope you all had a great summer as Ac Year is underway once again and the Big Blue is back on the field with a new coach. Guess we’ll see how that goes. One thing for certain— regardless of what happens on the field, we need volunteer Tailgate Captains to help Alan Kraft with our home games this season. As you

know, Alan has been coordinating the tailgaters as a service to the Class for a long time, and he’ll be the first to tell you that it works a lot better when even a few Classmates step up to help. If you’re in the vicinity and can volunteer your services for just one of the games, reach out to him at alankraft@verizon.net

Rick Rubel pulled together a number of Classmates and spouses back on June 7th at the DoubleTree in Annapolis to celebrate 51 Years After the Hat Toss. As you can see from the accompanying photo, quite a few folks attended. One point worth noting is that invitations are always extended for spouses of our deceased Classmates to attend events sponsored by the Class. After all, you have been (and remain) an important part of our family.

Our Class Webmaster, Mike Lundblad, has taken a lot of time and effort to migrate our Class website to myUSNA.com. The results are impressive. That platform, which is sponsored by the Alumni Association, provides a number of improvements and features that were not available on our former site. One item we have implemented is the Class of 1972 Health Support Program, which affords a means to share health care information and questions in an open forum between Classmates, spouses and Classmate care and support providers. It includes a discussion forum to post health care topics for discussion, questions and information; messaging to connect with Classmates who have medical expertise or personal experience; and a Classmate list of health advisors with medical knowledge and/or personal experience with medical issues. Mike Stocks manages this initiative and the site is getting a lot of use. Check it out when you have a chance.

That’s it! Stay safe and have a great month. More to come. D. O.

51 Years after tossing the hat

Last month, your Scribe reported on several summer road trips (for which, by the way, photos have not yet been received…) Not to be outdone, Ray Glennon casually mentioned that he rode in the Bike New York Five Boro Tour earlier this year. Now, we’re not talking about some leisurely event. This was 40 miles on city streets closed to traffic and across bridges linking the five boros of NYC. Ray is into serious biking as you can see in the attached photos.

Tried and True with ‘72

HONOR CHAIRS

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

Ray Glennon biking in the Big Apple.

’72: The Scribe and his better half (Christine), and with grandkids Allie, Jack (the Graduate) and Will Shaw

’73Life Membership: 66%

Donor Participation: 29.56%

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 classmates, I hope you are well, Navy football is winning and you are getting ready for the 50th Reunion. I have a lot of news and updates so let’s get to it.

I have a great article about John and Martha Gorman that appeared in the Norfolk newspaper in April. I did some editing but I think I have the main points: John and Martha Gorman are not average retirees. The Norfolk couple, both 71, prefer traveling cross country to rip out rotten drywall following a hurricane or restocking supplies at a migrant safe house in Texas. John and Martha’s volunteering started in earnest when the Gorman family was stationed in Ecuador from May 1996 to July 1999. John served as a Naval attaché in the South American country, coordinating Navyaffiliated humanitarian efforts as part of Project Handclasp. Martha was involved in the local villages through the Diplomatic Corps and contacts made through John. Martha volunteered her time in schools, orphanages, hospitals and group homes for disabled adults. The Gormans’ experiences in Ecuador ignited a passion in them. John retired from the Navy in 2003 after a 30-year career, only to start a new one as a middle school science teacher. Martha began serving as the director of a small faith-based nonprofit before retiring in 2014. John retired in 2016, allowing the pair to dive headfirst into volunteer work. In teaming up with Operation Blessing, the couple have traveled to Florida, Louisiana and Texas for hurricane or natural disaster relief efforts. They pack up their RV camper each year on the heels of hurricane season to “go where the need is,” often spending several weeks clearing debris and gutting flooded homes. “There is no difference between them and us, except they have just experienced a disaster. We are all subject to being homeless, in a dire financial strait, because of a natural disaster, and it is only by the grace of God that we weren’t,” Martha said. The pair volunteer locally, participate in cleanups following severe flooding and organizing cold shelters for the homeless population. The Gormans’ ongoing volunteerism is not limited to natural disasters. They have also traveled to border towns in Texas to help migrants seeking asylum get established in the U.S. John credits his military career with preparing him for the challenges he and Martha face as humanitarian volunteers. “I appreciate my military career. I have done so many different kinds of things — been to over 40 different countries from very rich to extreme poverty. It gave me a

wider perspective on the world, general needs, the processes of other countries and how to find and coordinate resources,” John said. Martha’s experience as a budget counselor with the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society also prepared her for volunteerism, as she uses the skills she learned as a budget counselor to help families, both local and foreign, recover from financial crises. “It is a lot of staff work, you know on the computer or the phone searching for the resources they need,” John said. But the work, no matter how demanding, John said, is worth the effort. “At the end of the day, did we change the world? No. But did the world change us? Yes,” John said.

was a success. We have had a wonderful run of outings at Walt Disney World but the 28th Co. Tournament Committee has determined the time has come to move to another venue. About 10 years ago we started these events as solely 28th Co. in Kiawah, expanded it to include any ’73 Classmate and subsequently moved to Disney World. Now the 28th Co Tournament Committee anticipates moving the event to Myrtle Beach for 2024.”

I received another great update from Dave Stacey. “Jim, The annual 28th Co. Sponsored Class of ’73 Golf outing was held in April at Walt Disney World. While health issues precluded a few of the usual suspects from attending, fifteen classmates provided the bravado and brotherhood these events usually engender…with golf as the excuse. Arrival at this year’s gathering proved challenging for a couple of classmates. Jack Shick frustratingly flew from Virginia Beach to Orlando via Nassau and Miami, (overcoming a cancellation, a diversion and an arrival 24 hours later than expected) but persevered until he achieved an arrival at Shades of Green. Dave Stacy had to overcome a cancellation, delayed flights, a lost bag and an eventual 4 AM arrival in order to attend the ‘practice round’ the first day of four rounds of golf. Once in attendance, an ample supply of brotherhood, bravado, beer and bourbon quelled most frustrations with the airlines. By all measures, this year’s gathering

Martha and John Gorman

The Winning Foursome at 3 under par From left to right: Dean Brown (wearing Nantucket Red, not pink slacks), Bob Preston, Chad King and Rich Kramlich

The Anchor Threesome From left to right: Chris Myers, Doug Rice and John Ashmore

’73: Rich Kramlich, Mary Clott; standing; Dean Brown, Chris Myers, John Ashmore, Bob Preston,George Watt, Dave Stacy;Jack Shick, Doug Rice, Bruce Hargus, Chuck Stevens, Dave Haefne, Chad King and Larry Myers.

73/73 CLASS NEWS

Dave, Thanks. I look forward every year to hearing about 28th Company’s golf outing. I wish I played golf.

I have another “walk down memory lane!” Leif Hendrickson sent a couple of pictures from The Log magazine involving some fellow 9th Company mates There are some great pictures but we could not remember the particulars of what happened. We know it involved something about haircuts but it’s a little fuzzy on the “what and when”. I even went to the old “Log Magazine” on the class website but it was not much help. Apparently, our Company Officer went on a rampage frying folks the spring of First Class year.

9th Company’s Magnificent Seven L to r; Leif Hendrickson, Nick Smilari, Pat Brignola, Mark Salmen, Mike Gouge. Kneeling Robbie Davis and Jim Etro

I received the following pictures and input from Bob Klaus. “Capt. Rory H. Fisher was laid to rest in the USNA Columbarium on 28 April 2023. There was a large attendance mainly from 16th Company. Attending from the graduating company were and Brenda and Harv Anderson, Susan and Bookie Boland, Kathy and Mark Costa, Paul Cox, Mike Ellison, Joyce and Dennis Grabulis, Jim Hamlin, Maureen and Howard Hempenius, Bob Klaus, Scott Krajnik, Robin and Jim Murphy, Nancy and Matt Saviello, Mary and Tom Storch, Peggy and Ted Turnblacer, Ed Wilkes, and Dave Willmann, and of course Rory’s wife, Dorn. The Columbarium Chapel was overflowing with family and friends, hosted by his twin classmate: Rand Fisher (RADM (Ret.). The somber event took a lighter turn at the reception, with many pleasant shared reminisces of undergraduate and career encounters with Rory. “For still, when two or three shall meet/ and old tales be re-told….”

In the June article I inadvertently left some folks out of the caption for the 9th Company Dark Ages party. Here is the photo and correct caption. I apologize for my error. I am hoping for a lot of pictures from the 50th Reunion. Please use a digital camera or a smart phone that takes high quality pictures.

I get a fair number of pictures that were taken on older phones etc. and the pictures are difficult to see. Thanks

Finally, I will close with a note from Dirk. “Jim, Classmates, our 50th is upon us! It is hard to believe, at least for me. Not only to recognize that it’s been fifty years, but also to recognize my five years in elected office to represent ’73 is at an end. Thanks to each of you. I have too many people to thank by name in Jim’s column, but I will do shout outs and hugs at the 50th. A privilege and honor these past years to be part of ’73, as I am continually in awe of, humbled by, my Classmates. God bless. Semper fidelis. Row Navy! Go Navy! on sibi, Dirk”

Dirk, on behalf of the entire Class, thank you for volunteering and your leadership. We wish you and your family the “All the Best”

I will close now. I am at my limit. Please take care of yourselves. Susie and I are looking forward to seeing everyone next month. General

’73: Rory Fisher Inurnment Back Row, (L to R): Scott Krajnik, Jim Murphy, Bookie Boland; Step 2: Mark Costa, Mike Ellison, Jim Hamlin; Step 3: Dennis Grabulis, Paul Cox, Dave Willmann; Steps 4&5: Tom Storch, Harv Anderson, Matt Saviello, Howard Hempenius; Step 6: Bob Klaus and Ed Wilkes

’73: 9th Company Dark Ages Wives LR, FR Kyppee Evans, Bev Ritacco, Patti Golay, Susie Chapman, Karen Hendrickson, Friend, Kathy Hartling, Lynn Johnson, Marq Orr, Barbara Architzel and Mary O’Connor

Front Row, (L to R): Nancy Saviello, Brenda Anderson, Joyce Grabulis, Susan Boland; Row 2: Mary Storch, Kathy Costa, Maureen Hempenius: Row3: Robin Murphy

’74

Life Membership: 59%

Donor Participation: 31.33%

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 I know it’s the beginning of September where you are right now. But…it’s I-Day plus 53 (years) where I’m sitting as I write this September issue of the USNA ’74 Class Column. I’m 3 days late getting this submitted to Shipmate, because these milestones always serve to inspire me. And writing these columns is so much more fun when I’m inspired. There has been so much to inspire me over the years. As we get ready for our 50th reunion next year, I can hardly believe that 53 years have passed since we took “The Oath” on June 29, 1970. So, on a day like this, it’s easy to look back, and be grateful for relationships we built, the ties that bind us together, and the continuing brotherhood we experience between classmates, and especially between company mates.

Steve Shigley (12th Co.) called me a few days ago. The reason isn’t particularly important right now (although sharing with me the fact that his 2019 C7 Vette is now sharing its garage with a new 2023 C8 is noteworthy, I believe). But that call opened the flood gates to so many topics to which we share a common interest. Not the least of which is that I am currently reading Atlas Shrugged (for the fourth time), and it was Steve who introduced me to Ayn Rand during our first week of second-class summer in Quantico. We met on the confidence course that first day “in the field”, and became brothers that summer. We all have stories like this. You know what I’m talking about. But on days like this, it’s so great to know that these bonds continue to strengthen over time.

The Shipmate column schedule was kind of thrown into disarray these past four months. The June column became the July-August column when we inserted Bert Calland’s tribute into the June issue. So, several of you have been waiting a long time for the contributions you sent to me to finally get into print. So let’s catch up.

Dave Langfitt (5th Co.) sent the following write-up:

M At the last Class Reunion, the members of the 5th company came together and decided that we were not really caught up with our closest Academy brothers – and we did something about it! We are now having quarterly (approximately) Zoom calls and in April of this year we executed a perfect off-year Company reunion. Lots of planning went into the 3-day event, including a kickoff dinner at the home of the Class of 74s Distinguished Alumni

Doug Crowder Jeff Cole had done a great job of coordinating everything. We all made separate reservations at The Double Tree Inn a year in advance at a VERY REASONABLE rate, spending hours chatting over breakfast or just hanging out in the lobby.

With a GREAT turnout of nearly 30 people (including wives) we had a few days where we were able to concentrate on our company mates, getting back in touch in a way that is almost impossible during the normal Class reunions. We spent a beautiful weekend going to the Grounds and the Mid Store and were able to attend some sporting events in the yard. The final event was a very nice dinner at Maggiano’s where we had everyone give a brief summary of where they had been, what they had done, and, yes – since we are of the appropriate age- we discussed the many injuries and surgeries that we have now endured. It was a GREAT time, not to mention it was less expensive than the regular 5-year reunion and you never felt rushed to make sure you had a chance to talk to all of our class of 74 friends. This is a highly recommended evolution if you can make it happen.

reunion in Alexandria, VA this past St. Patrick’s Day.

Thanx, Dave. I’m hearing of more companies doing this sort of get-together more all the time.

Along these lines, Reed Kennedy (2nd Co.) sent in the following photo of (then 26th Co.) plebe roommates having their own mini

Ken Huston (3rd Co.) sent in a story that seems to be a recurring event.

M File this under…”no sh**”…My wife, Kathryn, and I are on our annual camping excursion out west, Utah to be exact and we were camping near Capitol Reef National Park. We did the drive by tour of the park and she was walking our pup in a part of the park and saw a gentleman with a “Navy” tee and asked “what class,” and he said “74”. So she said,”well there is a classmate of yours sitting in that white Ford pickup.” So, he crept up and said “hello classmate” as I was sipping a beer and reading some book. It was Chuck Primm (31st Co.)…

So, I probably knew Chuck at school, but it all runs together at my age. His traverse through the Nav was similar to mine. Both stashed at Cecil…both started flight school in the fall of 74…I was winged in Dec 75 he in Feb 76. I went to VP-26, (P-3’s Brunswick). He went to VP-22 (Hawaii). I got sent to VT-3, Pensacola and the T-34C after Brunswick and he went to Corpus and the manly T-28. I got out and flew for a USAir commuter for a few months then got picked up by Eastern. He taught sims in Pensacola, and also flew with the Reserve in New Orleans. He was subsequently picked up by American in 85 and

5th Co in Doug Crowder’s Living Room

2nd Co Plebe Roommates

’74: The 5th Co at the Double Tree

74/75 CLASS NEWS

retired at 60. After Eastern dissolved I went on to Northwest, which merged with Delta. He’s living in the Dallas Fort Worth area with his wife Kathleen and I’m out in Colorado. It’s a small National Park…it was midweek in May… .who would have thunk it?

the following quotation: “Volunteers do not necessarily have the TIME; they just have the heart.” Well done, Bruce and Marsh.

’75

Dan Marusa (6th Co.) was visiting his son, a newly appointed Tactical Officer (Company Officer) at West Point recently and was so mpressed with their Yacht Club, he was compelled to take the following photo:

And they say those guys have no culture!

The June edition of The Monthly Dose of ’74 was held at Shakespeare’s in San Diego. Bruce Lowman (16th Co.) became the SD-area coordinator after Stu Cvrk (10th Co.) departed for SD (South Dakota) (or is the ND – North Dakota? I always get those two mixed up). Anyway, they had a great turnout. In addition to Bruce, Dave Topolewski (31st Co.) , Al Lerchbacker (20th Co.), Marshall Nadel (2nd Co.), Mike Turner (32nd Co.), Gary Leupold (4th Co.), Jay Wells (16th Co.) and Bob Foltyn (34th Co.) were all in attendance. Thx Bruce. I sincerely miss my drives down to SD to participate in the Monthly Dose.

And while we are on the subject of the San Diego contingent, Marsh Nadel sent in a nice write-up of Bruce’s efforts volunteering Neil Ash USO Center located at the San Diego International Airport. You may remember that Marsh sits on the USO Board of Governors, and shared the recognition that Bruce so richly deserves for his work with this fine organization. The write-up Marsh sent includes

There was one other input that I received not too long ago. Steve Smith (36th Co.) related a story of perseverance and determination that you should all read. Unfortunately, it is quite long, and I am already up against the 2000word limitation Shipmate places on us. So, I am tabling that letter for next month, but I mention it now, so Steve does not lose heart, and so you all know to look for it in the next issue of Shipmate

In closing, my thoughts are turning to Navy Football. I feel a great year coming on. By now, you all know how the game in Ireland turned out. I’m thinking ND is going to be a little surprised with this Navy team. I am especially looking forward to the Air Force game on October 21. Several of my 8th Co. brothers are planning on attending, including me. The annual alumni golf tournament is going to be held on that Friday, October 20th at the freshly refurbished USNA Golf Course. I’m hoping to see a lot of you that weekend. What a great tune-up for the 50th just one year away.

Roger

Life Membership: 60%

Donor Participation: 31.33%

Pres: Chris Cikanovich

e: chickc975@gmail.com

Sec’y: CAPT Larry Warrenfeltz, USN (Ret.) 5732 Tamarack Dr., Pace, FL 32571 p: 850-525-8727; e: usna75scribe@hotmail.com

Website: http//1975.usnaclasses.net/

Dear ’mates,

Just when you think the Class of ’75’s contribution to the Long Blue Line has long since passed, Tim Born forwarded a Sit Rep letting us know that on 26 May his youngest daughter Heather received her commission — along with over a thousand other bright-eyed men and women of the Class 2023. The total included 744 Ensigns (539 men and 205 women) and 257 Second Lieutenants (198 men and 59 women). The times have certainly changed since our heyday — as evidenced by Heather being among dozens of other women selecting Marine Ground as their first choice. As luck would have it, she received one last “Navy Good Deal” by drawing the short straw and being assigned to the first TBS class with a report date of 5 June.

Joining Tim for the celebration were members of another Long Blue Line (Air Force style) comprised of his wife, Dana (USAFA ’83 and former USAFA Dean of Faculty) and eldest daughter, Hanna (USAFA ’20) who two weeks earlier graduated from undergraduate pilot helicopter training (UPHT) at Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker), AL. Following an initial instructor pilot tour, she will continue onto advanced PHT at Kirtland AFB, NM for training in the HH-60W. For the eagle-eyed among you, you may note that Tim is wearing the same Dress Whites (long since “retired” by the Marine Corps) that he and his fellow Marine options were commissioned in 48 years ago.

Ken Houston and Chuck Primm in Utah Thx Ken.

Dan Marusa at The Woops’ Yacht Club

Bruce Lowman with another USO Volunteer

’74: June Monthly Dose of ‘74

Born family at Hanna’s undergrad pilot helo training graduation

As always, 18th company showed their family attitude and commitment to each other at the committal service for company mate William “Milo” Meyers, held in Delaware this Spring. Dan “Rudy” Elins is the organizing force and the glue of this amazing company of Flower Children.

Five classmates attended the Spring USNAAA Board of Trustees meeting in Annapolis. Alex Plechash, Tom Gregory, Craig Quigley, Steve Hall and Bill Squires represented the class and fellow graduates. Thank you all for your service to USNA and to the alumni association.

Classmates at the spring BoT meeting

At a June ceremony at the National War College, EJ Wunderlich happened to run into fellow USNA ’75 submariner Les Foster. The Foster and Wunderlich families were there to celebrate their sons’ NWC graduation. In the photo: LCOL Matt Wunderlich USAF, EJ Wunderlich ’75, Les Foster ’75, and CDR James L. Foster USN.

The Youngster Luau was great/wonderful /yummy/etc! Pulled pork (spicy and not), grilled chicken, baby back ribs; vegans needed not apply. Yes, there were individual salads for fiber and the meat-averse … plus homemade peach and berry cobbler and cookies. And … there was keg beer — two kinds! Navy was never like this for us. The Class of 2025 acquitted themselves well but looked SO very young. Doing the math, it actually is possible that, age-wise, they could be our grandkids. All were respectful to our table of a dozen or more gray heads (haze gray heads??). There was no downside but we grays did agree that the DJ playing continuous Rave…music???…at 10 giga-decibels (which echoed between the 5th and 6th wings) made it impossible to converse at the table without SCREAMING at each other but … the Mids loved it! Good thing that I had Hubbs’ starboard ear.

It was nice ‘re-meeting’ new friends/ Classmates, as always happens when you haven’t seen each other for almost 50 years. We have certainly changed a bit! In the photo below, my Roomie is the good-looking one, while I’m the barnacle wearing the palm frond hat. Best Man Chick in the group shot even looks taller than me — perhaps he’s wearing aviator/elevator platform shoes?

From port to starboard in the group photo: Steve Laabs with Nancy, Diane Cikanovich, Mary (nee Kilcline, Pat’s sister) Novak, Steve Hubbard, Jan Schoenbauer, Bob Young, Steve Ferguson, Chris Cikanovich. There were several more Classmates at the event (Dave Gough, Ron Casey, Jimmy Jackson, Rob Sweeney, Jim Phillips, Mike Lipari, Tom Gregory and Ric Johns) but unfortunately, they missed the photo-op.”

National War College graduation

Let me turn the keyboard over to special guest Scribe Steve Ferguson for a fantastic report on the luau at the end of the youngster year for the Class of ’25.

M “As Another Link In The Chain sponsors (granddads???) of the Class of 2025, our Class was invited to be their guests at a new tradition at Navy: The End-of-Youngster-Year Class Picnic. This year’s theme was a Hawaiian (OOPS….I mean Hawai’ian) Luau, conducted in the Yard in Smoke Park/the L-A Area, and the event was fantastic! Brief summary follows:

Youngster luau 2023

And now, a report from Tony Barbieri

M “Howdy Guys: This was one of those events where you enjoy writing the After-ActionReport. Of the twenty remaining members of 20th Company, eight grads participated in the 8th annual “Hackin’ for Harden” golf tournament at the Legacy Golf course in Phoenix. As we know, the Harden Family started a memorial fund in the name of their son, Josh, who passed at 32 years of age after a (very)

Born family at Heather’s USNA graduation

’75: 18th Company at the Meyers committal service

Steve and Steve

brief bout with cancer. Josh was a terrific young man whose passion, besides family, was golf. As a certified professional caddy, Josh worked at the Legacy Golf Resort in Phoenix. One of his true joys was getting children and young adults involved in golf. In recognizing Josh’s devotion to the sport, especially his involvement with young people, the Hardens, in concert with the Legacy Golf Resort, sponsor a golf weekend each year. The proceeds go to the First Tee of Phoenix for youth scholarships. The festivities started with our usual toast (and roast) of those in 20th Company that have gone before us … Our most recent loss is AB (Bruce) Johnson, who passed in May.

On 2 June, a pre-tournament planning exercise was held at Tim’s son Andy’s pub — Four Peaks Brewery in Phoenix. Andy is the Brew Master there. This year’s event garnered a record breaking donation to First Tee in excess of $35,000 from entrances fees and contributions, including from many grads. A great “shotgun start” featuring more than forty foursomes reminded me of WWII movies of Rommel in North Africa. The day included best-ball events for longest ball, participants from past First Tee awardees, and “beat the pros.” (Of course, Laurie Harden, Debbi Shaw, Mary Ellen Hoffman, and Linda Barbieri kept us honest). Tim thanks all the many Alumni, especially his son, Matt Harden ’99 (really?) and his teammates; plus hundreds of well-wishers and supporters. Doing the Yeoman’s work were Laurie, Tim’s son Andy and daughter Megan, and their families and friends (without whom this would be just another beer-bust).

While the tournament is always the first Saturday in June, donations to First Tee in Josh’s honor are welcome throughout the year. We (all eight 20th-ers) would love to face off with the rest of ’75 next year. Details forthcoming! This is truly a memorable and worthwhile event for a special guy … we hope to see more of “us” next June!

20th Company Sponsored a tournament hole. 99 and 00 are on report for the graffiti

I’ve got a special treat saved for next month’s issue. The latest adventure in the exploring life of Peter Damisch. This time it isn’t polar bear guard duty in the Arctic or braving sub-zero temperatures and high seas around Antarctica. Find out in the October Shipmate!

75 Sir! Larry

’76

Life Membership: 59%

Donor Participation: 22.40%

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/

It’s very hot in Kure Beach as I am writing this column and struggle with my new iMac (the old one got zapped during a recent thunderstorm). Speaking of hot, here’s the latest news from our class.

Garry Hall (32nd Co.) received a special honor at his high school and has a touching and heartfelt update on Dave Fleischman (11th Co.) who is dealing with ALS:

M Darlene and I had the opportunity to travel to my hometown of Buffalo NY Memorial Day week. I was honored to be inducted in my High School Corridor of Honor. While that was a wonderful honor, the true and real honor was how it came about. I was nominated by our Academy Classmate Dave Fleischman who was one year behind me at Kenmore West High School. I went to NAPS while Dave excelled athletically and academically his senior year. We joined up as Plebes together with ‘76 along with 2 other Kenmore West graduates, the Pearsall brothers. Dave graduated and went Nuclear Submarines, and I went into the LAMPS helicopter community.

The true honor is that Dave is dealing with the brutal and unforgiving disease ALS, yet he took the time to dictate the nomination package to his wife Amy and submitted it through Amy. Dave now has lost the ability to communicate verbally but with the help of his

wife and daughter he communicates with a process using a graphic of the alphabet and what looks like the POW tap code.

He, Amy, and daughter Katie came to the ceremony and while there he “tapped out” that he wanted a picture with me and our wives. Later after pictures he started tapping out S - H - I - P and Amy and Katie looked puzzled. I immediately knew what he was trying to say. I said “Dave, yes I will write up something for Shipmate and send in the pictures.” He smiled broadly and nodded his head.

Before he departed, I got close to his ear and said “thank you Dave for the nomination, but the true honor is that you thought of a Classmate while you were dealing with ALS. Thinking of others was the best honor and represents the love of one classmate for another. I love you brother.”

I was choked up then and now in the retelling. His daughter recently gave testimony to Dave’s condition and the power of our prayers for him and his family. Katie also said seeing 2 classmates together and Dave’s smiles at the event was the highlight of her visit in caring for her dad.

Please continue prayers for Dave and all our classmates in need of healing at this time of our lives.

Pre-tournament: Tony Barbieri, Greg Hoffman, Dean Lahren, Bill Squires, Tim Harden, Dick Shaw, Dave Niedermaier, and Bill Neill.

The brains behind the event. Laurie, Debbi, Mary Ellen and Linda

Garry Hall with a smiling Dave Fleischman

Darlene & Garry Hall pose in front of Garry’s Kenmore West Corridor of Honor plaque in Buffalo, New York

Amy Fleischman, Darlene & Garry Hall with Dave Fleischman Garry Hall also mentioned that he has a YouTube channel as well as a book:

M For the past 4 months, Dave Papak and I have live-streamed praying the Holy Rosary for classmates, friends and their families in need of healing prayers. We are putting our words like “we will pray for you” into action. We stream the Rosary once a month and all faiths are welcome to join. While live-streaming we average 25 - 30 participants but following the live event we have had over 300 views and prayers on YouTube. We can be found by searching the YouTube channel, “The Admiral’s Almanac”. There you will find our live events and episodes of my podcast.

Also, in May my book, Navigating Leadership, Making a PACT with Excellence was released on Amazon. We were #1 in New Releases, in addition to other categories in the US and Canada.

Dave Rossetti (Co. 29) has a brief input for Shipmate:

M A few of us 29th Company classmates, including Cari and Mike Crochet, Sarah and Ed Riehl, and Kristy and Dave Rossetti, converged on Debra and Mike Flentje’s summer place just across the Virginia line in Piney Creek, North Carolina, for a few days to close out the month of June. A great time was had by all.

Barbara Leytem, wife of Brent Leytem (15th Co.) sent news that Brent has started showing their Great Danes. Gabriel’s mother BISS GCHS Antigua & Asbury Royale Dementor CGC, TKN, BCAT TT won Best of Opposite at Westminster on May 9, 2023

M I am in Tampa, FL, celebrating the 94th birthday of Retired RADM Lawrence Chambers ’52. He was the second Black midshipman to graduate from USNA (and the first African American to command an aircraft carrier as well as the first African American Naval Academy graduate to attain flag rank). He is also famous for his leadership as the CO of the USS Midway (CV-42). In 1975, during the Fall of Saigon, the Midway played a heroic role, rescuing thousands of fleeing Vietnamese men, women, and children. The flight deck was full of out-of-gas helicopters. This monumental birthday celebration was hosted by my friend Stanley Gray ’77. Also in the photo is RADM Chambers’ cousin Nicholas Brown who reports to USNA in a couple of weeks as a Plebe and will graduate in 2027. I’m a proud member of the historic and record-breaking bicentennial Class of 1976! [Note: You can read more about RADM Lawrence Chambers at https://www.midway.org/blog/admiral-lawrence-chambers-the-pathfinder/]

Several classmates met at Mattie & Eddie’s Irish Bar & Restaurant in Arlington, VA, on June 22nd.

Sadly, I received news that John Davis (19th Co.) passed away on June 10th due to cancer. Our deepest condolences to John’s wife, Diane, and to the rest of his extended family. John’s final resting place will be by his father’s side at Arlington National Cemetery.

That just about wraps it up for this edition of Class News. Looking forward to another season of Navy Football – BEAT ARMY!

Company classmates and wives converge on the Flentje’s

Ernie Halton (32nd Co.) had the pleasure of going on a family day cruise with his son, LT Ernest J. Halton ’13 (13th Co.)

29th

Piney Creek retreat

Ernie and E.J. Halton aboard the George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) for a Family Day Cruise

Dr. Brent Leytem winning Best Bred by Exhibitor with Gleneagle Misty Valley Royale Gambit V Antigua aka Gabriel

Carl Sharperson (6th Co.) reported from Florida on June 11th:

Carl Sharperson at RADM Lawrence Chamber’s 94th birthday celebration hosted by Stanley Gray and attended by incoming Plebe, Nicholas Brown ’27

’76: Left to Right - Hugh Neighbor, Tim Farrell, Bruce Petit, Peter Varsanyi, Mike Bosworth, Kevin Stone, Chuck Litz, Larry Jones, and John Locks

’77

Life Membership: 75%

Donor Participation: 15.39%

Pres: David G. Paddock

3833 Prince Andrew Ln., Virginia Beach, VA 23452-3912

p: 757-373-0977; e: dgpaddock77@gmail.com

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

“Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition!” – Words of encouragement from LT Howell M. Forgy, USN (ChC), aboard the USS NEW ORLEANS (CA-32) anchored in Pearl Harbor the morning of 7 December 1941, to the exhausted men carrying ammunition to the ship’s anti-aircraft guns. Words were all Forgy could offer, as his non-combatant status barred him from active assistance.

Since we’ve dispensed with that tidbit of Naval history you may remember from Reef Points, attention to brief!

First up, turning from the fatigued to the indefatigable, Jeff Long (13th Co.) is retiring after 36 seasons coaching the Ithaca College men’s lacrosse team.

Longman is by far the winningest coach in the school’s history, boasting a record of 362-182, which ranks 11th all-time across all divisions of college lacrosse.

He became Ithaca’s head coach in 1988 and transformed the Bombers into a top contender. His teams had 19 seasons of 10 or more wins, including a program-record 20 victories in 2016. That season, Ithaca reached the No. 1 ranking in the USILA Top 20, advancing to the third round of the NCAA Division III tournament.

Longman was named the Empire 8 coach of the year six times (2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2014 and 2016), and Ithaca won four Empire 8 championships and made 10 NCAA appearances under his tutelage.

Jeff played on the U.S. national team in 1978 and 1986 and was inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2009, and the Ithaca College Hall of Fame in 2010. He was a three-time All-American and remains Navy’s career points and assists leader.

On a personal note, we would never have developed into the defensemen we were if not for having practiced against Longman for four years. After running with him day after day on the Turf and 7th Wing field, every other attackman we came up against might as well as had only one leg.

Turning from the physically handicapped to the mentally impaired, Mike Laviano (20th Co.) sent us an account of a recent Another Link in the Chain (ALITC) event in Sacramento. Ducky had, in a moment of either weakness or inebriation (His words, not ours!), “volunteered” to be the point man in organizing a welcome for members of the Class of 2027 who were subsequently inducted on 29 June. The event, organized by the Sacramento

Parents Club, was well-attended by the parents of the future Mids, along with a couple of current Mids and a number of Veterans and former Mids. Ducky notes the Parents club is to be commended for a most successful soiré.

Shown below left to right are, Joseph Aquino, Noah Ferguson, Larry Endacott (6th Co.), Avion Ganse-Lira, Emily Kroettinger, Scott Harper (3rd Co.), Anissa Morgan, John Rostomily, and Ducky:

Andy, Barry Willcox (4th Co.), Dan Busch and Dan Acton (15th Co.).

Those unable to distinguish between the members of ’77 and ’27 are overdue for a vision test.

Larry, Scott and Ducky were joined by Henry Gonzalez (15th Co.):

Pat had to leave early but was represented by the museum’s Blue Angel No. 4 with his name on the side rail.

Since we’re on the subject of ’77’s legacy, Craig Turley (36th Co.) had occasion to forward the following photos from the June Gettysburg Leadership Experience (GLE). Shown below behind the GLE staff are, left to right, Dave Paddock (11th Co.), Dan Beach (17th Co.), Craig, Mark Troiani (4th Co.), Corky Gardner (18th Co.), Pete Grieve (6th Co.) and Mike Canders (10th Co.).

We know it’s “Once a Marine, always a Marine”, but seeing Pete reduced to doing push-ups with his knees on the ground…

Capping off the event…so to speak…was a hat specially designed to remind these future officers the Classes of 1977 and 2027 are hereafter intertwined:

Nice touch, Ducky.

In a related item, Andy Wilson (18th Co.) informed us North Texas will have a significant presence in the Class of 2027, as some 18 soon-to-be midshipmen and 5 NAPS/Foundation students (Class of 2028) were welcomed aboard by the North Texas Parents Club on 10 June at the Frontiers of Flight Museum near Dallas Love Field. Pat Walsh (12th Co.) inspired the candidates with a talk focused on the oath of office, after which Dan Busch (25th Co.) briefed the candidates on the ALITC program. Classmates present were (L-R),

…has us wondering.

Craig also submitted this picture of Rob Lamb (6th Co.) and he at LACC during the recent U.S. Open:

We’ll dispel any confusion by confirming this dynamic duo’s status as spectators, NOT participants!

And for those who missed Dave Paddock’s all-hands email, we regret to record the passing

of another classmate. French Caldwell (20th Co.) passed on 8 June holding hands with Patty, his wife of 48 years. French leaves behind four children and three grandchildren, as well as a legacy of integrity, dedication and kindness. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Patty and rest of French’s family.

Home is the sailor, home from sea, And the hunter home from the hill. Finally, we thought it fitting to close with this photo of Grady Cofield…

’78

Life Membership: 81%

Donor Participation: 41.65%

Pres: Glen Woods

Sec’y: Vince Balderrama

1320 Homewood Ln., Annapolis, MD 21401 e: canoeu78@aol.com

Website: usna1978.org

As this column arrives in your mailbox, we are one month away from our 45th Reunion. Don’t forget to register before Oct 10th as late registration will cost you more. You should also be notified soon of the slate of candidates running for our Class Board (4 class officers and 5 Trustees at Large). This year we have competition for some positions which shows increased interest in you getting involved and offering your fresh perspectives, time, and talents to help our class. We’ll be looking for that same volunteer spirit as we move forward with our upcoming Link in the Chain activities. It’s just around the corner. Yours truly is leading the effort and I’ll be looking for regional volunteers before resorting to some of you being “volun-told” or shanghaied.

Before I get to the “mail bag,” let me preface them with an apology for having to edit down to make my word limit. I hope I haven’t butchered your news too much and at least kept the “heart” of your news.

…grandson of Guy Cofield (35th Co.)

As Bert Seither (16th Co.) recently observed, though most of us still able to make formation may not be in life’s two-minute drill, we’re definitely in the 4th quarter. By the time this column is published the Class of 2027 will likely have finished Plebe Summer and the 50th anniversary of our I-Day will be some two months in the past.

So as the great circle of life continues to turn, we take this occasion to honor those who’ve gone before us, and to say to you, Shipmates, it’s been an honor to have known and served with you.

Magoo

Kevin McGhee (14th Co) wrote in June that, “It was five years ago …that I preached my last sermon at Bethany Community Church, and … began work as a full-time missionary with Converge International Ministries. God has been so good!!! He has given me an absolutely incredible team of friends to work with, including our first ever Deaf global workers. He has placed Ann in a role where she is thriving and making an incredible contribution; and we are seeing the good news of Jesus breaking through the darkness around the globe. We have visited more than a dozen countries and several dozen states across the US.” “Padre” McGhee thanked his boss for inviting him on this journey, and to every one of you who has prayed, encouraged, or invested financially. I am deeply grateful.”

Sean Coffey (13th Co) allowed me to go public with news of his wife, Anne, and her courageous recovery from a very serious accident last September. As he wrote in an April post on

’77: ’77:

our Class Facebook page: “…Anne was in an Uber that was T-boned by a guy going 64 in a 25-mph zone in Queens, NY. The seat belt kept her in place, but the side impact broke her neck at C-2, and she immediately went into cardiac arrest. Miraculously, the FDNY was there within minutes and brought her back to life, although she coded again in the ambulance and several more times at the ICU. They kept bringing her back and she kept fighting to come back. Anne suffered several other broken bones, including broken ribs and sternum from all the CPRs. She had three surgeries (including inserting a screw into her C-2) and was placed on a ventilator for two months. Again miraculously, her spinal cord was badly bruised but not severed and she had been revived so quickly that she suffered no brain injury from oxygen deprivation.” During this tough past year, Anne’s had some major setbacks but fought through them. As Sean notes, his bride of almost 34 years is “one stubborn gal”. [I’d say she also has the toughness and determination to match any SEAL!] Home since February and Anne continues to have physical therapy six days a week and has a nurse and aide providing for her needs, around the clock. She can now move all extremities, albeit very weakly. Her progress is slow but steady. They’re optimistic she’ll be able to walk in a year or two and hope to be back to tailgating together for the ’25 football season. Sean noted that it was the delivery of flowers with an awesome card from some playful, anonymous Classmate (signed as “W.T. Door ’78) that finally spurred him to write publicly of the ordeal. Besides causing him to laugh, it reminded him of “the power of nearly five decades of brotherhood.” He highlighted that he can’t say enough about the near-daily calls, texts, emails, visits, flowers, etc. -exceeded only by the many prayers – as being their important source of support during this awful time. He thanked everyone. You can read more details of Anne’s journey to wellness on Sean’s April 16th post on our Class Facebook page. As for Sean, he’s making things work and working hard. He “loves the job” as Counsel to SECNAV. He’s an official “airline shuttle commuter;” spending 3-4 days a week in the Pentagon and teleworking the rest from New York. He oversees 850 lawyers helping him handle issues ranging from the routine (personnel and fiscal issues) to the strategic (Ukraine and China). He said SECNAV, Carlos Del Toro (’83), has been very supportive of him and enables a workload that allows him the flexibility to maximize time from home to be with Anne. We’ll continue sending prayers for Anne’s healing and for continued strength and consolation for both her, Sean, and all their family. Here’s a pic of Sean when he was the guest of honor at the Marine Corps sunset P-rade at the Iwo Jima Monument last June. He’s flanked by Mark Strasser (36th Co), John Semcken (2nd Co) and Bob Vogt (35th Co).

Congratulations to Dana Sales (27th Co) for selection as the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture’s 2023 “Man of The Year”. Living in the Pajaro Valley for 43 years, Dana served for decades as a school board Trustee and was instrumental in creating and leading a number of non-profit organizations benefiting children and schools. He’s held leadership positions in numerous professional and civic organizations. For 28 years he was a Trustee on the Santa Cruz County Board of Education representing the southern portion of Santa Cruz County and the northern portion of Monterey County. He was a Trustee on the Pajaro Valley Unified School District for seven years, making it the first time a person of Filipino heritage had been elected to public office in the history of Santa Cruz County. He also served as Chair of the Education and Ambassadors Committees of the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce. Dana’s companymates may remember that he was nominated for appointment by Shirley Chisholm of New York and participated in intramural track and squash. Others will remember him from the Academy’s Drum and Bugle Corps. He is still involved with music. In fact, he and his wife, Lynn, have been part of the Watsonville Community band for over 27 years. He has served as President of the Band, Master of Ceremonies, and announcer. He’s also been a member of the Pacific Brass Band and the Thirsty Nine German Band. For over 20 years, Dana has been the bilingual choir director and lead Cantor for Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church. He’s been President of Watsonville’s Board of Realtors and the Pajaro Valley Association of Realtors; and twice recognized as Realtor of the Year. There are tons of other things Dana has done and been involved with, but I am running out of space. Suffice it to say, like many of youhe has done much good for his community, made a difference, and led by his engagement, example and from the front.

Alan Jaquith (3rd Co) -like a lot of youcontinues to help make life better for others. He does it with a tool belt, his own sweat and hard work, and that of his teammates. In late June, his Apex Baptist Missions Team was in Cleveland, TN at Ocoee Outreach (a community ministry that provides free home repair to low-income homeowners living in Southeast Tennessee). While rain was forecasted for the week of work, he credited God with parting “the clouds for the team for the first 3 days so they could complete a handicap ramp for an older gentleman.” Though they eventually got a good soaking, he said they pushed on and also did a ramp repair for another man in the area. He said he is looking forward to next year!

As this goes to print, we mourn more classmates lost since the last column was submitted: Greg Smith (29th Co non-grad), Vachel “Pat” Dowler (34th Co) and Kevin Hannan (13th Co). Greg and Kevin succumbed to cancer and Vach – Pat- died unexpectedly due to some medical issues he never let on to anyone. You can read their obituaries in the “Memorials” section of our Class website. Scott Burns (34th Co) wrote a touching tribute to his Club 34 roommate and groomsman. A few excerpts of Scott’s letter highlight Pat’s dry humor and inviting personality. As Scott noted, “At 6’7” and much less than a full head of hair, Vachel was always easy to spot in a crowd. 34th Company never needed a guidon. We had Pat. Vachel was smarter than he was tall. Majored in Naval Architecture, went nuclear power. He told the story after his Rickover nterview that Rickover told him to go stand in the closet, so that people wouldn’t think there was a radiation leak.” Scott continued, “When we returned to Bancroft Hall from Youngster Cruise, Major Jeff Gaugush was waiting for us with a hats-off haircut inspection. Everyone got fried, including Vachel, who had just a wisp of a hairline. Four hours of marching finally convinced him to shave his head. After graduation we caravanned to Chicago where he stayed with me a few days. My sisters loved him. He was a groomsman in my wedding a year later and managed to get my grandmother on the dance floor. As a strict Baptist, it was her very first

dance. But you could not say no to Vachel.” Scott closed with very wise words for all of us to heed and something I have often referred to in these columns. He wrote, “the message I would share is that as classmates and company mates, don’t be shy about asking for help or in sharing what’s happening in your life. Don’t leave anyone behind. As we head to this reunion, I hope ’78 (and 34) have the greatest attendance ever.” Amen, brother. Launchin’ Spot Four.

’79

Life Membership: 91%

Donor Participation: 16.77%

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

’80Life Membership: 96%

Donor Participation: 20.14%

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,

We just Celebrated the 47th Anniversary of I-Day – which means I turned 65! Where did the time go you might ask? How is it even possible that we are almost all now on Medicare. Some say we’re only getting better with age…but it sure seems like every warranty on our bodies expired at the same time…. Oh well, now the stories we share are about our medications, aches and pains and our portfolio (or lack thereof) …. a whole new meaning of “whenever two or more shall meet and new woes be retold….

One of the big events of the summer was the Commissioning of the USS CARL. M. LEVIN, DDG-120. Our Class was actively involved in the process. Here is a note from our RADM USN (Ret.), Vic See, vic.see2@gmail.com, about the event.

M Joe,

We had a fundraiser in Annapolis on May 11 for the commissioning of the USS CARL M. LEVIN, DDG-120. We had a great ‘80 turnout.

For the commissioning committee, I was the Co-Chairman with BGen Joe Nattans, President of Navy League Baltimore. Mark White was the Chief of Staff and Nick Katsiotis, Steve Benson, and RADM USN

(Ret.) Joe Horn were the prime movers, and VADM USN (Ret.) Frank Pandolfe was an advisor. I invited Mike Lopez-Alegria to be the guest speaker for the Chairman’s banquet, and after SECNAV Carlos Del Toro spoke, LA gave a fantastic talk about all the great stuff going on in space today and in the future. LA covered his Axiom 1 mission from May 2022 to the Space Station and finished with a wonderful video. The CO of the ship and some of the crew were in attendance. ‘80 classmates RADM USN(Ret.) Sam Cox and Harry Coker also joined us for the banquet.

Happy to be completed with the commissioning task and everything the committee did was for the crew. We all wish the CO and crew of the USS Levin Fair Winds and Following Seas. The ship left Baltimore on Sunday 25 June, and is headed to her home port of Pearl Harbor and should arrive in early August. Vic

What a great effort for ’80. More to come in the next year with the launching of CVN-80. Standby. Well done to all who assisted in the process.

Susan Stapler Cabral, dansusan85 @gmail.com sent in a short note and photo. She volunteers every other Saturday at the Dallas USO. Joe Crabbe and his wife stopped by.

and Joe JJ Stenzoski, jjstenzoski@netscape.net, one of the few from our Russian class at Navy who learned the language is still playing music with Irina. For the past 12 years, he’s been putting on a free, 4-act music show every month for the community.

On the 9June, 15 of our women of ’80 and RADM USN (Ret.) Sam Cox were onboard the USS CONSTITUTION for a turnaround cruise honoring women Navy Vets. The current CO of CONSTITUTION is the first woman CO and is a USNA grad.

John Elnitsky jelnitsky@att.net, had visitors from 21st Company who helped him “Dress” his pier on the ICW, marker 41, to show some submarine and Navy pride. He was joined by Win Everett who was gracious enough to handle the piling adornment.

Mary Jo and Dave Ray davidray58 @gmail.com, (13th) did a mini-road

Mark White, Nick Katsiotis, Bill Sizemore, Steve Benson, Pres Tony Verducci, Jerry Connolly and Vic See. Rob Blunt attended but had to leave.

Susan

trip from

Mike Lopez-Alegria gives a great talk about Space at the Chairman’s Banquet

’80: Women of 80 at CONSTITUTION

San Diego to Mammoth CA for some skiing. Amazing conditions and weather!! Warm and sunny requiring lots of suntan lotion. Snow everywhere above 9000 feet.

It was great to hear from David Foy, dfoyfamily@aol.com, with an update: M Joe, Greetings from inside the DC beltway. File this update under “some things never change.” USNA latest graduation recently finished and I have stashed Ensigns / 2nd lieutenants living in the basement until flight school and TBS starts; and man can they eat. The latest crop of plebes are sweating away during their Plebe Summer (Class of 2027, ugh) and my wife and I have adopted another round of new plebes via the Sponsor Program. For USNA ‘80 news, we had a nice 7th company get together recently. John Wells visited from sunny California. Still practicing law in the San Francisco area, this was John’s first time back to Mother B since graduation. We took him out to lunch at the local Fleet Reserve (club in ‘EGO alley’) and enjoyed great war stories and maybe a few too many brewskies.

establishment that we frequented while at the Academy. It brought back great memories but a bit of sadness as the restaurant was closing for good on June 30th. We got there in the nick of time! We ended the day with a picture in Eastport that I wanted to compare with one I had from 40 years ago (below). Anyway, I appreciated Jeff’s drive from Stoneboro, PA to make this mini-reunion. As an update on our respective statuses, Jeff is teaching high school Physics (and no, he’s not a gouge prof) and I’m retired, busy traveling along and around the west coast. Semper Fi, Dan

M Joe,

In March, I went to Las Vegas for four days with a few buds for the annual “March Madness” and one of the highlights while there was getting to see Reuben Padilla. He is retired and spends his days with Chris and trading stock options and is teaching me the ropes on them.

Karen and I then went to Puerta Vallarta for a week, and a few days before we were flying there, I contacted Dennis O’Donoghue and discovered he and Tina were going to be in PV at the same time. We met at the Marriott Casa Magna in PV for drinks followed by a great dinner at the top of the El Faro Lighthouse. Dennis has 160 acres in southern Oregon of which 45 acres are planted with a variety of grapes that he harvests. It’s a beautiful property and a lot of work!

Dan and Jeff as they used to be

A great note came in from Greg Mislick, gkmislic@nps.edu, who had the chance to connect with a few different Classmates over

Ron Friddle, John Wells, David Foy, and Pat Castleman

Also writing in this month was Dan Nagao drnagao@gmail.com, who had a chance to connect with his Plebe Year roommate over a long weekend in mid-June.

M Hi Joe, Jeff Briggs and I met for lunch at the Boatyard in Eastport and then walked the Yard and visited some of the new buildings. We also reached out to our Classmates, Robin Druce Meyer, and Joe Nowak. The former when we saw her profile (sans picture) in Lejeune Hall for her fencing achievements and the latter “just because” we were having cocktails at Middleton Tavern. It brought back memories of our antics while on Protramid, which I will refrain in elaborating to maintain his saintly reputation! We finished the day by having dinner at the Canton Restaurant, an

As you know I remain very active athletically. Thought this might be interesting. Here are a few athletic results of Classmates that I am aware of: Scott Jasper – who also works at NPS in Monterey along with Brian Wood and me – has been doing a lot of training and has been competing in numerous Spartan races. See one of the “dunk” obstacles from a recent race in SoCal. Of course, probably the toughest feat of the year was Eric Grubman completing the three-day Leadville 100 mountain bike race in Colorado that alternates between an elevation of 9,800 and a high of 12,513 feet! Not much air up there. He proudly won the coveted belt buckle that goes along with successful completion in under 11 hours.

And one additional note from NPS: Matt Boensel retired from NPS at the end of 2022 and is traveling around with Heather and visiting their kids from place to place. Like many classmates, he does not miss the workday!

It is always encouraging to learn of Classmates making the effort to get together! It makes such a difference! In closing, I hope that this note finds you healthy, happy, and wiser today than yesterday. Take a few minutes to renew a friendship, call / visit / text / zoom a Classmate and take care of each other; you never know what a difference you can make!

As always, BEAT ARMY, Joe

Dan and Jeff

’81Life Membership: 95%

Donor Participation: 21.35%

Pres: Kevin Haney

e: kjhaney2@me.com

Vice Pres: George Basil

e: gbasil99@yahoo.com

Treas: Gene Juba

e: genejuba@yahoo.com

Co-Sec’ys: Frank Moreman and Bubba Turman

e: Classof81Secretary@gmail.com

Webmaster: Patty Crandlemire Whitney

Website: www.usna1981.org

Classwide messages: usna1981@yahoogroups.com

Steve Colon (26) checked in from the aloha state with the following update:

M Back in February my wife Carrie and I hosted our ’81 classmates at my home for a fun evening of food, drink, and sea stories. The impetus for making this happen was the return to Hawaii of Pat McBride (15) who was in town for a high school reunion. Besides Pat and his wife Leigh, the gathering consisted of Lovelyn and Ken Voorhees (12), Alma and Russ Grocki (32), Anne Marie and Pete Gumataotao (30), Ralph Hasegawa (29) and Susan Cowan (01) I believe only Earl Hampton (10) was off island.

We had a great time seeing everyone and catching up. Here is an update on everyone: Alma continues to work full time with a variety of nonprofits including the USS Missouri Memorial Association (with me and Pete G as fellow board members), Navy League, and Pacific Aviation Museum. Russ is retired and playing a lot of golf. Ralph is retired and back to school at the University of Hawaii learning Hawaiian. He actually sent me a thank you card that was all in Hawaiian! Ditto with Earl and Susan. Only Pete and I appear to be still doing the work

thing; Pete as Director of the Asia Pacific Center, and me in real estate development.

After hearing about all the fun the retirees are having it may be time for me to follow along…

Bob Ravener sent the following picture from the May Trustee dinner. Mike Mathes was there with his trustee wife, Mara ‘82. The Annual Bob Dolan (20) Award for Citizenship was awarded on 2 June at the Basilica School of St. Mary, Alexandria, VA. with the following citation: “Join us in honoring Alexander Rothenberg, the recipient of the twentieth annual Captain Robert E. Dolan Award for Citizenship. This prestigious award, presented by Mrs. Lisa Dolan and her son and alumni, Mr. Beau Dolan, pays tribute to the memory of Captain Dolan, who tragically lost his life during the September 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Captain Dolan’s legacy as a devoted husband, proud father, and career navy man remains an inspiration to us all. Alexander’s outstanding commitment to community service, reflecting the values that Captain Dolan held dear, has earned him this esteemed recognition.”

Because we have the space, here is another company spotlight. This one on 27th Company. John Barnhill (27) did a full career in subs and then became a self described “Beltway Bandit”. Lives in Gordonville and planned to be retired by now.

Brad Bellis (27) works in defense logistics in PA.

Larry Burt (27) did a full career flying jets and now works in program management for Boeing in St. Louis. He and Maureen have three children and nine grandchildren.

Robert Byng (27) is on his third career as a high school math teacher, making a difference for the next generation after 7 years active duty followed by a successful career in manufacturing.

Lisa and Beau Dolan with award winner Alexander Rothenberg

John Barnhill and sons

’81: Ralph Hasegawa (29), Ken Voorhees (12), Pat McBride (15),Susan Cowan (1), Steve Colon (26), Pete Gumataotao (30), Alma (32) and Russ Grocki (32). Alma and Sue had not seen each other since graduation!

’81: Ted Carter (1), Mike Mathes (5), Bill Moran (11), Patty Whitney (Crandlemire) (4), Bob Ravener (17), Dennis Murphy (1), Mike Mahre (2), Dan Quatrini (1) and Chuck French (21)

Robert Byng

81/82 CLASS NEWS

John Fisher (27) - lives in Marlton, NJ

Tom Hoffman (27) flew EP-3s for a few years and then left the Navy and wound up becoming a Flight Surgeon for the Air Force. After retiring from the Air Force, Tom has had some very interesting jobs, including several years with NASA and now with the Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). His son, Nick, is a submariner.

Tim Jarman (27) flew P-3s and then joined Delta. He has two kids and one grandchild and lives on the same street where he grew up near Jacksonville, NC.

Mick Maguire (27) had a very interesting and eclectic career after starting as a Surface Officer. He has worked or consulted in Tires, Defense work for ships and planes, Medical Publications, and Offshore Oil Rigs, and LNG Refineries (to name a few). He lives in Houston, TX.

David Marquet (27) went subs and commanded the USS SANTA FE. He wrote the book “Turn the Ship Around!”. David is married to Jane and has two sons and a daughter. He lives near Sarasota, FL.

Ollie Nanyes (27) got his PhD in Math at the University of Texas Austin and is a Professor of Mathematics at Bradley University in Peoria, IL.

David Ott (27) had an enjoyable 26-year Navy career followed by lots of interesting civilian jobs. He clearly likes variety. David and Cynthia have three grown children and live in Cleveland, TN.

Peter Polcari (27) has had a long career with Raytheon in Systems Engineering. Peter and Elizabeth live in Dallas, TX.

Ron Sandoval (27) had a full Navy Air career until 2009 and is currently the civilian AFRICOM/ AMERICAS Division Chief working for the Air Force. Ron lives in San Antonio and serves as a volunteer Catholic Deacon for the San Antonio Archdiocese.

’82Life Membership: 97%

Donor Participation: 21.74%

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

Greetings to the great class of ‘82!

You should be receiving this issue of Shipmate at some point in the month of September. The Navy football season should be underway, hopefully with some success under new head coach Brian Newberry. September is also my personal favorite travel month as kids are back in school, the weather is seasonable but not scorching hot, ocean water is still warm, prices are lower, etc. My wife and I will be checking off a “bucket list” trip to the 3 Atlantic Provinces of Canada: New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. The trip is still months away, however, as I am writing this column in mid-June. As always, thanks to those of you who have contributed to my mailbag. Here’s what I have:

First up, received the following from Fred Byers (25):

Steve Moran (27) started as a P-3 NFO and then had a career in software sales and is currently the VP of Professional Services with a medical systems company. He has three daughters and seven grandchildren. Steve and Caroline live in Cary, NC.

Kevin Taylor (27) spent 26 years as a SWO and EDO and now works in healthcare construction. Kevin and Peggy live in Glendora, CA and have one daughter and one grandson. He isn’t planning to retire anytime soon because he is one of the few to say “I truly love my work”.

Ray Van Gunten (27) retired from the Navy after 10 years of active duty and 12 years in the reserves. As a civilian, Ray has had some great jobs, including 18 years as a building contractor and 14 years as the president of Diamond Roll Up Door company. Ray and Jeanne live in Findlay, OH with two of their three kids and six grandchildren nearby.

M “Hi, Mark. My son Seth ((HN1 Byers, NAS Jax) saw this recognition of RADM Kurt Kunkle (25), while walking at NAS Jacksonville today. Kurt and I were both in 25th Co and plebe year and 1st Class year roommates, and my son recognized the name instantly having heard many stories from me about Kurt. As you may know, he passed away after battling a brain tumor.”

A nice recognition of our classmate!

In that same vein of classmates who we lost too soon, Rett Rasmussen (21) forwarded this to me from his company-mate John Lang (21). John had recently visited the grave of his roommate Rick Dempsey (21), who left us all too soon in a 1989 F-14 mishap. John writes:

David Marquet and sons

Gene Juba (4), Steve Moran (27), Kevin Taylor (27) and Ray Van Gunten (27)

Tom Hoffman

Ollie Nanyes

Peter Polcari

Ron Sandoval

David Ott

M"To mark Memorial Day, I went down to Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (San Diego) to visit Rick’s memorial. I left some flowers, as well as one of the company coins from the reunion. He is on the ocean-side of the cemetery and has a pretty good view of the Pacific. The cemetery did a very nice job of dressing the graves with flags and the whole place was pretty impressive."

recipient and author of Beyond Nam Dong.” The Military Writers Society of America awarded A Final Valiant Act their Silver Medal Award for memoir/biography in September 2021.

Every year, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation presents a series of awards that recognize literary works ranging from journalism to fiction to screenwriting, etc. It is somewhat the Marine Corps’ version of the ulitzer awards. Being honored by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation with the Joseph Alexander award is a tremendous honor for me.

Here is a link to the Heritage Foundation webpage with more information: https://www.marineheritage.org/ 2023awardwinners.html

Amazon page for A Final Valiant Act: https://www.amazon.com/Final-Valiant-ActStory-Dickey/dp/1612007570

All the Best, John.”

overlooking

And speaking of John Lang (21), not only do we have another published author in the class, John also recently received a significant and well-deserved award:

M “Mark, I don’t usually have much to report; my life is usually rather routine. However, last month, on 29 April 2023, I was awarded the 2023 Colonel Joseph P. Alexander Award by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation for my book: A Final Valiant Act: The Story of Doug Dickey, Medal of Honor. The Alexander Award recognizes, “…a distinguished book of biographical literature about a Marine.”

Here’s the background: My book was published in 2020. It tells the true story of Douglas Dickey, a 20-year-old Marine who earned a posthumous Medal of Honor when he dove on a grenade to save four other Marines, including his platoon leader, on Easter Sunday 1967. The book tells the story of Doug, his family, and his comrades. It is the product of about 13 years of research and writing. The book was very favorably reviewed by Jon Hoffman in the June 2021 edition of Marine Corps Gazette and in the December 2021 edition of Vietnam magazine. Jerry Morelock wrote in his review in Vietnam: “Importantly, this book provides readers the best insight into the life and experiences of a Medal of Honor recipient since the acclaimed autobiographies of World War II Army hero Audie Murphy, To Hell and Back, and U.S. Special Forces officer, Roger H.C. Donlan, the Vietnam War’s first

Rick’s resting place.

The dressed up cemetery

the ocean.

A photo from the award dinner on the evening of 29 April at the National Museum of the Marine Corps at Quantico. From left to right: Mr. Brian Jones (Award Committee chair); LtCol John B. Lang, USMC (Ret.); General Gary Thomas, USMC (Ret.) (Chairman of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation); and Major General James W. Lukeman USMC (Ret.) (President and CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation).

John flanked by General Lukeman and General Thomas Award dinner program page

’82: from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, also attended the ceremony. In the front row below are (left to right): his brother Norman, his brother Dennis and his nephew Bill. Next to them are Roger Young and Tim Barga. Barga and Young went to high school with Doug and enlisted with him under the buddy program. Doug’s two brothers, Young and Barga all fought in Vietnam as Marines. The lovely lady in the white dress to my right is my sweetheart, Guadalupe Martin.”

82/83 CLASS NEWS

I know that I can speak for the class by saying that ’82 is proud of you, John! Also, this book is definitely going on my reading list. Maybe I’m a bit biased, but it is always extra special to hear from 24th company! Received the following from Scott Negus (24): M Hi Mark, Sharon and I just returned from two weeks in England, Scotland and Ireland. We saw so many things. It’s hard to list them all. I am enclosing a few photos. We were on a coach tour with the company CIE. We met another academy grad from class of 73.”

Finally, members of the class of ’82 continue to do some amazing things. One current example of this is Tom Van Petten (7):

M “Hi Mark, Tom Van Petten checking in from the Appalachian Trail. My son (David) and I have been hiking since 13 April. As of today (16 June), we are just past Waynesboro, VA and continuing North. I don’t think I will make the early football games. Completion will hopefully be in late September, only 1200 miles to go. Even more important, my second grandson, Riley Thomas Van Petten was born 16 May. We will be off the trail from 1 to 4 July for a visit! Take care! TVP.”

Thank you again to everyone who contributed to this column. Enjoy some crisp Fall weather and some pumpkin spice coffee, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin pie, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin spice ramen noodles (not making this up!), etc. Keep my mailbag full and BEAT ARMY!

As always, looking good ‘82! Mark ’83

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 18.31%

Pres: Steve Fischer Fredericksburg, VA p: 540-840-7051; e: slf83usna@gmail.com

Vice Pres: Ms. Geraldine W. Santos Treas: Frank Vernet e: fgvernet@gmail.com

Sec’y and Shipmate Contact: CAPT Chris Pietras, USN (Ret.) 9404 Jackson St., Burke, VA 22015 c: 202-308-7950; e: 83shipmate@gmail.com

Facebook: USNA 1983

LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/83

Website: http://1983.usnaclasses.net

Dateline 25 June 2023, as I write the September 2023 column. But dateline 25 June 1979, 44 years ago to the day I was graduating high school and starting the shortest summer vacation I ever had. 10 days later I was taking my first plane trip ever, from NY to Baltimore and then a bus to Annapolis and with all of you, raising our right hand on 6 July and starting a new adventure. Why do I start the column off with a remembrance of high school 44 years ago? Like my advocacy for picking up the phone and checking in on a classmate or old roommate (Hey Gary, Nut-Nut, CJ, Hags, Jeff, Dave, Woop Phil, and the late Willie), I remain tight with my oldest and dearest friends from elementary & high school, one dating all the

way back to kindergarten. We started traveling together sans wives several years ago (yeah, I catch a lot of grief for that, especially since my wife has known these guys since elementary school as well). So, while you get this column in September and our reunion is 30ish days away, if you haven’t registered, now’s the time to register even though there will be a late registration fee. Don’t regret not coming and seeing the old (I mean young) friends and faces …. Plus, you can add to or counter the tall tales that will surely be told. I hope to see you next month!

Drinking Wisconsinbly

And now the newz:

Steve Fischer sent in a picture of the 83 group at the Midway dinner in early June, held at the Army Navy Country Club in DC. L-R: Jeff Huggins, Steve, Janean Fischer, Sean O’Connor, Doreen Haney, and her husband the impeccably attired Joe Spruill

Midway Commemoration Dinner 2023

Angie Roth writes in: My husband and I took our family back to London last week. Our oldest was born there, 24 years ago!! We loved seeing where we started our marriage, 28 years ago this October. Chris and I can’t wait to see everyone at the Reunion! (He loves hearing about all our crazy antics!). Rhianna (left) and Lauren (right) are our daughters. Both are Chemical Engineers and have awesome senses of humor! We know how blessed we are!

John Russell ’73 and Scott about to kiss the Blarney Stone

The beautiful Irish Sea near Dublin

Tom and son having a great adventure

Mark Carlson reads the column and chimed in with a classmate blurb and a pic! Had an unbelievable trip to the Emerald Isle with great tenth company friends last summer. Pictured L2R are Steve Johnson, Greg Murray, Mark, and Bill Flannery at the Tralee Links in Southwest Ireland. We spent a week in the Killarney area - played some amazing courses and tipped a few pints. The Guinness really does taste better in Ireland. Thanks for all your work as class secretary the past 15 years!

See you in October.

Mid-June brought a few Classmates together to hear Tom Modly chat about his book “Vectors: Heroes, Villains, and Heartbreak on the Bridge of the U.S. Navy”. Tom is donating ALL proceeds from his book to Veterans causes/charities. It is available on Amazon or from Tom if he’s talking at a book signing event near you. Tom took questions from the audience – some pointed ones too, talked about naming CVN 81: USS Doris Miller, who we all read about in our Reef Points, and read the pilogue from his book, entitled “BEAT ARMY, SIR!). L2R: Rich Woodford, Chris Pietras, Tom Modly, and Jeff Huggins

As of earlier this week we are at 93% of our 40th Reunion Class Gift. Give if you can and give what you can. Contribute on the Association/Foundation website under Class Project: www.usna.com/give/1983 If you have questions please reach out to Neal Davidson or Turk Powell.

That’s it for the mailbag this month. There are 2 columns remaining in my tenure as your scribe (the 83Shipmate@gmail.com email address will remain the same for the new scribe)! October’s column is due in July and then my last should be the November-December 2023 column which is due at the end of September. The new scribe will take over after the reunion and will be writing the January 2024 column at the end of November - but he or she will have lots of reunion pictures to include.

I hope to do the Guinness taste test soon!

Sad news: Diane Louise Reintjes, passed away on Wednesday, 17 May in Palmdale, CA after a prolonged battle with Benson’s yndrome. Diane is survived by her husband of nearly 39 years, Eric Reintjes; eldest son Brandon Reintjes and wife Ginger; son Andrew Reintjes and wife Kristina Covell; daughter Chelsea Reintjes; and five grandchildren. A Navy brat, she spent the majority of her formative years in Hawaii and Taiwan, and loved regaling anyone who would listen with tales of her time there. She enjoyed skateboarding, bike riding, racquet sports and baseball. She began skateboarding at an early age when few girls would even contemplate the sport, and continued to skateboard on her beloved longboards until her illness took that ability away. Diane enjoyed baking, scrapbooking, and her various collections, among them an impressive worldwide assortment of Starbucks mugs that complemented her love of coffee, collected personally or through husband, family and friends, and an equally extensive M&M collection. Diane was an amazing baker and made the creation of delicious treats seem effortless. She enjoyed making special and personal sweet treats that were freely shared with family and friends. Although Diane’s journey here on earth is ended, we know that she is at peace with her Lord and Savior and that we will ultimately be reunited again.

With our reunion fast approaching I ask that each company find their missing Companymates, those we graduated with and those that left before graduation – if they were there on 6 July, they are Classmates. So find your roommates from Plebe Summer and re-connect them to the Class: have them update the usna.com alumni contact info (https://www.usna.com/login?bm=1517605031) so they receive Shipmate and receive all classmail emails; connect with Steve Fischer (slf83usna@gmail.com) and get on his monthly e-mail list; activate their https:// myusna.com/ profile; and join the class Facebook group page: https://www.facebook. com/groups/191501360861460

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 do so tomorrow.

Got Newz? send to: 83shipmate@gmail.com

Once a classmate, always a classmate. 1983 - A Class Act!

CLASS SECRETARY COLUMN DEADLINES

Send to: classnews@usna.com

2023

ISSUE: DUE DATE:

October ’23 24 July ’23

November-December ’23 25 Sept ’23

2024 deadlines coming soon.

Next Generation

10th foursome

V is for Vectors

Diane Reintjes

Life Membership: 100%

Donor Participation: 52.66%

Pres: Mr. Brian D. Goodrow

e: goodrow2@comcast.net

Vice Pres: Karen M. Halverson

e: dkhalvy@earthlink.net

Treas: Mr. Stephen J. Shepherd

e: stephenjamesshepherd@gmail.com

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

Bill Blue passed away on May 23, 2023. Bill was born in New York as one of four sons in a military family and moved across several states until joining with us in Summer of ‘80. Bill was in 19th Company, a member of the Color Guard and served in the Marine Corps as an Infantry Officer before entering a long and successful industrial development career across the automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors. He held numerous domestic and international positions with Ford Motor Company, Continental, Eaton, Gulf States Toyota, and Baker Hughes. He had assignments in Scotland, Azerbaijan, as well as Moscow, where he met his wife, Ilona. They eventually settled in the Houston, TX area

Bill is survived by his wife Ilona Blue; his mother Carolyn Blue of McKinney, TX;siblings Douglas Blue of Clear Lake, TX, and Scott Blue of Las Vegas, NV; children Rachael Marciniak of Seguin, TX and William Blue Jr of Conroe, TX; step children Anna and Adelina Blue; and grandchild Damian Marciniak. Funeral services were held on 6 June 2023 in Houston, TX with 19th Companymates Bill Elliott, Stu McArthur, Mel & Susie Hamner and Mark Boulden of 31st Co. Bill was laid to rest at the Houston National Cemetery with full military honors.

Mel sent me a note this week: “In Aug 2020, Bill, his wife, and their daughter spent several days with us while she pursued an appointment to the Academy. Susie and I held a cookout while he was here; in the picture from the left: me, Bob Shoemaker, Kurt Brandquist, and Bill Blue.”

Mel also noted that Gary “Grip” Williams, of 2nd Class Summer Company 2C (and 19th Company, if you are keeping score) was in Bel Air, Maryland visiting family, and drove to Annapolis for the day to take Mel to lunch at Chick & Ruth’s.

Have a Good Navy Day.

’85

Life Membership: 95%

Donor Participation: 15.49%

Pres: Bob Smith 1009 Caiman Ct., Sellersburg, IN 47172 p: 502-432-6185; e: robertsmith5@att.net

Vice Pres: Stephen J. Pimpo e: sjpimpo@comcast.net

Corr Sec’y: Vic Otero

Mel Hamner and Gary Williams Football Season, and more importantly, Tailgate Season, is underway. We have our best people on it and maintain our same Gouge Tailgate spot, #11 shared with ’69, and it’s close enough to the field to hear audibles. Army Navy is at Gillette Stadium in New England and I’m sure 100 alumni are trying to work the Belichik angle so don’t even. Sean Sullivan is arranging tours of Historic Worcester over the weekend including the bar where he and Oak met Doug Flutie and that may be even more fun than The Game itself.

But do visit a Tailgate or two or all of them in Annapolis. It will be a lot warmer and you’ll find the Usual Friendly Faces

2023 NAVY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

v

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v

v

v

v

v

Big Blue

’86

Life Membership: 99%

Donor Participation: 14.29%

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

e: mike.althouse@gmail.com; p: 410-688-9060 ’87

Life Membership: 100%

Donor Participation: 38.05%

Pres: Scott Herbener

e: president@usna87.net; p: 410-703-3519

Vice Pres: Tim Wolf

e: vpt@usna87.net

CFO: Chris Dunphy

e: finance@usna87.net

CFO: Steve Rowe

e: comms@usna87.net

CTO: Jason Hardebeck

e: tech@usna87.net

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,

Can you believe it is September already?

I hope many of you were able to attend the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland, 26 August. How about that for an exciting way to start the Football season!

So, a guy with a flag walks into a bar and bumps into three classmates…

this summer just across the street from Terwiliger Field. - the Fluegel Alumni Center.

Construction of the center was fully funded by philanthropic gifts and made possible in large part through an anchor gift from Donna K. and Frederick. Fluegel ’61. More than 3,500 generous alumni, including 37 U.S . Naval Academy classes and more than 1,200 plank owners, raised more than $36 million in contributions to build, equip, and operate the facility. The official opening is expected sometime this summer. The Alumni Center Camera at this link is updated every 30 minutes and shows the building looking complete https://www.usna.com/news/ alumni-center-camera

The original Alumni House at Ogle Hall was sold to Fair Winds Capital Investments. Fair Winds’ principals and limited partners include Navy veterans and Naval Academy graduates. “The Fair Winds Capital Investments team is excited about the opportunity to purchase a property with such historic significance as Ogle Hall,” said Corey Chonsky, director of commercial real estate at Fair Winds Capital Investments. “We understand the importance of being able to keep this property in the Navy family and we look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve the Naval Academy family and the greater Annapolis community.” Fair Winds Capital Investments fittingly intends to convert 280-year-old Ogle Hall into an Inn catering to Navy visitors. Angela and I will make a point of staying there for nostalgia’s sake, as we had our wedding reception there the day after graduation.

So, I wish you all health, happiness, and prosperity until we meet again!

Please send your news to:

rpinataro87@gmail.com with “Shipmate” in the subject line.

’88

Life Membership: 100%

Donor Participation: 13.62%

Pres: Jim Schwab

c: 714-787-6920; e: jschwab@crimstonepartners.com

Vice Pres: Henry Stoever

w: 301-787-9700; e: henry.stoever@gmail.com

Sec’y: Sara Salas Wickard

c: 757-589-0678; e: swickard88@gmail.com

Website: www.usna.com “find my class” ’88 “Steadfast and Courageous”, USS STETHEM (DDG 63) r/Sara

Eric Reinhold:

M At the end of May, 35 years after graduation, my second daughter married a West Point grad. USMA ’15. An improbable meeting, he’s from Delaware, and she was set up by a guy from Texas, he met at West Point, who my daughter has met at a YMCA camp in NC when she was in 9th grade. Facebook makes for a great stalking tool a decade later after losing touch. Before they met, they were texting, and my daughter told him, “My father played football for Navy.” He replied, “Navy is on my hate list.” Her response? “First of all, I’m concerned you have a hate list.” When he showed up to take her out, she answered the door wearing a Navy sweatshirt! It was great to reconnect with another ’88er at the wedding. Alfred Bunge and his wife Pam.

L to r: Wes Huey, Gabe Gomez, Scott Herbener, Jim Matheson

This month, the Shipmate input box was a bit bare, so I thought I would share some interesting news about the new and the old Alumni Centers…

The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation in March announced the name of our new 65,000square-foot facility on College Creek, opening

’88: 13th Co on a river cruise

CLASS OF 1988 35TH REUNION

* 28 September-1 October 2023 *

SCHEDULE

THURSDAY 28 SEPTEMBER

1200-1800 Golf Outing – Shotgun Start - USNA Golf Course

1600-2100 Registration/Check-In/No-Host Reception – USNAAA-Alumni Center

1830-2300 NAPS Class of 1984 Reunion – Fleet Reserve Club

FRIDAY 29 SEPTEMBER

0900-1000 Class Meeting – Naval Institute

1000-1045 Guest Speaker – Navy Challenges in the Pacific – Naval Institute

1030-2100 Registration/Check-In – USNAAA-Alumni Center

1100-1145 Class Memorial – USNA Chapel

1145-1200 Class Picture – USNA Chapel Steps

1350-1500 Superintendent Briefing and Alumni Association Welcome to all Classes – Alumni Hall

1600-1715 Dress Parade on Worden Field

1800-2000 Countdown to Kickoff Party – VADM Lawrence N* Room – NMCMS (Stadium) Class Picture – Stadium

SATURDAY 30 SEPTEMBER

0900-1100 Women’s Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch

1300* Tailgate – Class Ring Northeast

1530* Navy vs South Florida Evening Company and Shared Interest Group Events

SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER

0900-1100 Brunch in King Hall

*Note – Times are subject to change pending NAAA and USNA Schedules

Ted Peck:

M Alec Cutler ’88 has been named the new Naval Academy Sailing Foundation Fales Committee Chair! Go Alec, go ’88!

13th Company:

Celebrating 35 years! 13th Co started the festivities a bit early. This past March, 13th Co classmates (including family & friends) had the opportunity to re-unite and re-connect while vacationing in France. The week-long AmaWaterways river cruise on the Rhone River was a great time. The smaller ship format turned out to be a perfect venue and the sights/tours were amazing. Our private Chef’s Table dinner was definitely, one of the highlights. Many bottles of wine, Scotch and cigars were expended … with no apparent casualties. We are pumped up and can’t wait for ’88’s 35th reunion in September!

’89

Life Membership: 100%

Donor Participation: 22.11%

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

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Webmaster: Ingar Grev

e: igrev@1989.usna.com

Fellow 89ers! I hope this issue of Shipmate finds you all well and recovering from another great summer! Let’s get going with a report from Class President, Denise (Shorey) Willert:

M Hello dear classmates, It’s finally September, with football season right around the corner! Interestingly, I’m sitting here, sweating in my non-air-conditioned German house, in late June as I type this. I

hope your summer was everything you could have wished for.

By the time you read this, I’m quite hopeful that Rear Admiral Yvette (Gonzalez) Davids has been confirmed as Vice Admiral and is now leading our great institution and its Brigade of Midshipman (with confirmation for all Flag and General Officers put on an extended hold in the spring due to a Congressional delay). She and I had a great chat earlier this summer where she expressed her deepest gratitude for the support of everyone as she undertakes this exciting assignment. I’m sure we are all looking forward to seeing her on the Yard at our upcoming 35th Reunion next fall.

Facebook is a fantastic tool for keeping in touch, and it’s been wonderful to see classmates celebrating anniversaries, graduations, and other significant milestones. What would be even nicer is if you’d put pen to paper and send your news to Shipmate! Hearing the news second-hand from me isn’t anywhere near as fun as getting it directly from you, in your own words, with accompanying photos.

Some highlights I’ve come across recently on our class page include: Scott and Joanne McFadden’s anniversary (34 years), Scott “Bull” Porter’s June engagement, Ed Drew’s many biking adventures, Scott Lysaght’s find of an Honor Concept sign at an estate sale in Williamsburg, VA (subsequently placed on eBay to be sold to the lucky winner!), Steve Lambrecht’s retirement after 39 years of service, and Cliff Salonga’s search for a replacement Black N sweater — a search in which he was joined by many others who have also lost theirs. If anyone might know how to procure this valuable item these days, please give a shout!

Word has it that Doug Brandeen and his beloved Laura Couvi got married in July at USNA — congratulations to the lucky couple and all the best for a wonderful future together! Hopefully you’ll see photos and a personal write-up of this special event in the next issue.

That’s all from me this month. Until we meet again, be well and Go Navy, Beat Army!

Now’s the Time, 89!

Warmly, Denise

Speaking of Steve Lambrecht! He sent in an update with details of his retirement:

M Hello from Vermont, classmates! After 39 years, I decided it was time to turn the page. It has been an amazing journey through three branches of the military, wearing the uniform of both enlisted and officer. The opportunities and experiences afforded to me by the military are too many to recount, and I am eternally grateful for all of them.

Present for the ceremony were my roommate from 15th Company, Dieter Jobe, along with his wife Shannon, and my daughter and 23rd Company Mid, Kiley McClure. Kiley served as the Brigade Sergeant Major last semester. Both Dieter and Kiley served in the flag detail, helping to recount my unusual and

eclectic career. Dieter donned his USMC Mess Dress uniform, which he hadn’t worn in ten years. Looks like it still fits quite well! (See the pictures below!)

If anyone had told me in 1989 that I would one day retire in an Air Force uniform, I almost certainly would have scoffed! One never knows where life will take you. It’s been a great ride. I’m grateful for many things, including USNA and the Class of 1989!

Be Well,

Brig Gen (Ret) Steve Lambrecht

Until next time…Go Navy!

Scott

Alfred & Pam Bunge with Eric & Kim Reinhold, at the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, FL

Life Membership: 99%

Donor Participation: 9.18%

Pres: Frank Bendik

e: fbendik90@yahoo.com

Vice Pres: Joe Gugluizza

e: joe@academyglobalinvestments.com

Treas: Lawrence “Kai” Yeh

e: kyeh@mpsgc.com

Sec’y: Trey Alexander

e: shipmate1990@gmail.com

Website: www.usna90.com

Facebook: USNA Class of 1990

Three contributions this month, one pulled from the Facebook group, one received via email (SHIPMATE1990@gmail.com), and one from current events. To start us off, Walter Scott shared a couple throw-back photos of a Front Royal “camping trip” in the late 80s with his Plebe year 3st Company-mate Jeff Naglestad and Jeff Grimes. Walt also noted, “We actually saw a small black bear that weekend. It ran away from us through the brush, up a hillside. Gave us something to think about when we were trying to sleep.”

dreaming of retirement when my son graduates high school in three years. Zu is putting his FFG CO skills to use mentoring the next generation in the LCS training program, where ARPAs replace MoBoards. He lamented the woes of having two West Pointer sons in the last ArmyNavy game. Joey retired from the Navy after a 30-year career in EOD and is now running a management consulting business with his two daughters. The three of us committed to not letting another 35 years go by before we get together again.”

Bob Pragada and King Charles III

Once again, a reminder to “save the date” for our 35th reunion, just a little over two years from now: October 2-5, 2025, as we watch Navy Football roast the chickens from Air Force! We will be posting and emailing registration information in the coming months, so pay attention to your inbox, the Facebook page, and this column. Note that our tailgater will take place INSIDE the stadium, so football tickets will be required for all attendees - no exceptions. We are looking forward to seeing everyone again, so make your plans now! And don’t forget to send your personal updates, memories, and photos to SHIPMATE1990@gmail.com for future editions of this column!

’91Life Membership: 98%

Donor Participation: 9.26%

Pres: Gibson Armstrong p: 717-371-0124; e: gibson@1991.usna.com

Exec Vice Pres: Mike Rapp

p: 757-620-0070; e: michaelrapp999@gmail.com

And how about this update from Bob Pragada, CEO of Jacobs Consulting, pulled from his June 22 post on LinkedIn:

Admin Vice Pres: Ana Kreiensieck

p: 703-298-9099; e: akreiensieck@gmail.com

Treas: Jen Coleman

A check-in from John Hartman, prior to his recent move to Taiwan:

M Hi Classmates - John Zuzich, Joe Polanin, and I got together in Jacksonville to catch up and reminisce about the adventures we had as roommates during 2nd class summer. This time the three of us managed to avoid getting pulled over by the police and no one was mooned on the Jersey Turnpike. Joe and Zu are living in Florida, in Tampa and Jacksonville respectively. I am PCS’ing from South Carolina to Taiwan with the State Department and

M “Update from the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference (URC) with Jon Harding OBE of PA Consulting: We had a royal welcome to London at last night’s reception, with the opportunity to meet His Majesty, King Charles III. At the conference today, I had the pleasure of a meet & greet with Anthony Blinken, Secretary of State. I also addressed URC2023, during the Plenary 2 - Scale of the Recovery Challenge, on steps the public, private, and non-profit sectors can take to help rebuild a resilient Ukraine. From digitally-driven data solutions to advanced manufacturing, health and life sciences, critical infrastructure and beyond – collectively, we have the capability to bring together the best minds in the industry to support the recovery and transformation of this nation. Now it is time for us to rise to the challenge! We know there is work that can be done now to improve the lives of Ukrainians and speed up the ultimate recovery – we can set our sights on these initial “wins” for this nation, working together to create a safer and more stable world while building hope.”

p: 989-600-9671; e: jen@1991.usna.com

Sec’y: Sue Macaluso

p: 631-365-2070; e: sue.macaluso@outlook.com

At Large: Ian Hadden p: 501-313-9597; e: ianusna91@gmail.com

At Large: Craig Benson p: 612-203-4280; e: mirca110@yahoo.com

Website: www.usna91.info

Hey ’91! I hope you enjoyed the summer! With September upon us, and start of a new school year at USNA, it seems like the summer came and went in a flash! Check out our latest updates from classmates far and wide…

Enjoy, Sue Bravo Zulu RDML Randall Peck!

As of June 2023, our very own Randy Peck has taken command of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3, relieving

Scott and Naglestag

Scott, Grimes and Naglestag

Hartman, Polanin and Zuzich- then

Hartman, Polanin and Zuzich- now

RDML Randall Peck

RADM James Kirk from Class of 1991-1…

Several classmates attended his Change of Command in San Diego, including Robb Chadwick and Chris Cote. Thanks, Chris, for sharing the pictures!

Congratulations Randy – you make us proud to be a part of the great Class of 1991!

Annapolis. Lunch at McGarvey’s, time on the Yard, a look at Hopper Hall… They completed their visit having dinner with Paul Diedrich and Dawn. A great day among classmates and friends!

and milkshake joint highly (still hard to beat Chick N Ruth’s) so make sure and reach out if you’re traveling through Little Rock. We’d love to show you a local site or 2! Go Navy!

Congrats to RDML Brian Davies! A huge shout-out to Brian Davies for his recent change of command at Submarine Group TWO. Brian led the Group for the last couple of years and received nothing but accolades from his chain of command. He was relieved by RDML Martin J. Muckian. Brian’s new assignment is Director, Learning to Action Drive Team (L2AB). Mike Eilers was on-hand for the festivities and was thankful for the tours of USS EISENHOWER and USS NEW MEXICO. Congratulations Brian – you make us proud. Go 91!

Where Two or Three (or Seven) Shall Meet…

Our first note is from Kelly Davis. San Diego was the backdrop for a mini gathering with Mike Dowling. Participants included Paul Fallace, Denny Nealon, Bobby Miller, Dave Ellison, Kelly Davis, Mike Dowling and John Duthie. They shared some laughs while eminiscing about the past and sharing sea stories. Thanks for the post, Kelly! Looking good, ’91.

M My family (wife Tiffany and sons Cole and Connor) and I recently had the chance to have lunch in Little Rock with Yianis Selinidis and his family (wife Cameron and daughters Kate and Sophia) as they hit the road from Houston for some college tours.

Wha, What?!?!?

A big thanks goes out to Ray Barata for reminding us of an important fact… “Just putting this out there: we are as far out from this the 2023 senior class as the class of 1959 is from ours. Enjoy your weekend!!!” For a bit of context, let me remind you of a few major events in 1959… The Barbie Doll was introduced, the U. S. launched its first weather station in space, and Alaska and Hawaii became our 49th and 50th states… Let that sit for a moment…

Some “91” Sightings, For a Bit of Levity

Diego

David Ochoa and Michelle spent a beautiful June afternoon with Gib Armstrong in

We regaled the kids with sea stories of our adventures when stationed together (different ships) in Mayport, at Ian and Tiffany’s wedding in New Orleans and at Navy Bowl games in Houston with Anthony and Dana Spinler. We are confident the kids were enthralled and even if they weren’t, it is always special spending time with Classmates and friends. We vowed not to let as much time pass between visits.

The Selinidis family rated the local burger

Jerry Gordon shared his 91-day streak on DuoLingo learning Danish…Gå til Navy! Justin Shineman shared a very fine wine… Mike Eilers is keeping it in the family…His daughter was enthusiastic to share her “91” sighting while on her way to NC Governor’s

Robb, Randy, and Chris at Randy’s Change of Command in San Diego.

The mini gathering in San

Gib, David and Michelle in Annapolis. Enclosed is a note from our At-Large Officer Ian Hadden:

Yianis and Ian catching up in Little Rock.

Yianis, Ian, Tiffany, and Cameron.

Anthony and Dana Spinler in London. Wha,

Brian making remarks at the Change of Command Ceremony.

Original Barbie Doll from 1959.

91 Sighting. Must be a damn fine wine.

school. Dad raised her right!

Ken Engle shared the BEST TRAIN EVER out of Wilmington, DE. Way to go!

And last, but certainly not least, Nelson Santini gets the gold star for providing a “1991” sighting at Zaxby’s…

Honoring Our Fallen Classmates

I wanted to send a personal note of thanks to Chris Thomas for sharing “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae for Memorial Day…Such moving words, it made me weep while reading it…Thank you for sharing such a solemn piece of literary work in honor of our fallen classmates.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

A Note From Our President

Happy Fall USNA 1991! It’s been a privilege to serve at the helm for what will soon be a year. I’m most often asked, “How’s it going?” or “How do you like being president?” In a word, it’s a joy. It’s a joy in part because of the rest of our officer team. Mike Rapp, Sue Macaluso, Craig Benson, Ana Kreiensieck, Ian Hadden and Jen Coleman are as engaged as I could ask any board to be. It’s also a joy because of you. Serving as president has given me the opportunity to reconnect with many old friends and get to know new classmates as well, which has been a lot of fun and very fulfilling.

Speaking of connections, with the football season upon us, I hope you’ll join us at a class tailgater if you live within striking distance. Come out and see our new trailer! Thanks to the board, and especially Mike Rapp, for

making it happen. We hope to see you there. In the meantime, Beat Army!

Gib

’92

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 14.33%

Pres: Donnie Kennedy

Vice Pres: Glenn Viado

Treasurer: Joe Zurzolo

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

Website: www.usna92.com

’92,

As this reaches you in the season of back-to-school, you may miss the motivating intensity of a term paper deadline. Not to worry – your class co-secretaries are here to help! Go ahead and pull that frantic all-nighter, but instead of a brilliant re-examination of the Battle of Lake Erie for that mandatory Naval History class, write a masterful update on your own bold exploits and share it with the class via usna1992classupdate@gmail.com!

We begin this month with a quick update on class leadership and initiatives: Donnie Kennedy has officially sworn his loyalty to the class as its elected President, and under his leadership your elected officers and membersat-large have been meeting monthly to focus our collective energy toward writing the next chapter for our storied class. We know we have the potential to have a significant and positive impact on our beloved institution and we want to make sure we’re poised to capitalize on the opportunity.

Current initiatives of class leadership include a rewrite and modernization of our class bylaws, a review of class finances, solidifying support and promoting improvement of the ’92 class tailgater, and thinking longerterm about our next reunion, other potential events, and our next class gift. We’re building momentum and look forward to sharing a more detailed update with the class when we have more to report.

In other examples of ’92 outstanding-ness, congratulations to Brett Crozier on the publication of his new book “Surf When You Can.” At this writing it is #1 in its category on Amazon and Brett is getting some great media exposure (first time your loyal correspondent ever watched “The View” for six minutes). BZ Brett!

Elsewhere in ’92 excellence, we understand that Jake Ellzey was the driving force in this year’s Congressional Baseball Game, leading the Republican team to their third straight victory in front of strong classmate support.

’92 After-Action CBG Debrief. BZ Jake!

For those who aren’t dialed into the class Facebook comms, here are a few tidbits recently posted:

• Larry Gonzales is now the proud owner of a short-term rental property in Annapolis. Contact Larry directly to take advantage of the 92% class discount he’s offering! Or maybe it was 9.2%...Larry, can you confirm?

• CAPT Timi Lindsay (Ret.) and her daughter, ENS Elise Lindsay were recognized for being the first African American motherdaughter USNA graduates. Congratulations to both!

• Shawn Callahan recently earned his PhD… congrats, Dr. Callahan!

• RDML Dennis Velez recently completed his command tour of CSG-10. Fellow NAPSters Hank and Glen Viado were honored to attend his change of command

• Eric Reese was recently promoted to FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Counterintelligence & Cyber Division at the NY Field Office. Congratulations!

• Scott Erb continues to post videos of superhuman strength…it’s truly impressive! There’s a lot more good stuff on the Class of ’92 FB Group. It’s a great way to stay connected to the class, so for those who aren’t connected, please consider joining the fun!

Shelby Mounts, Sean Haley, Ian Warnberg, and Tim Fetch prepare to lead a rousing rendition of ‘The Goat is Old and Gnarly’ in support of Jake Ellzey at the CBG

The Viado brothers and Dennis Velez as Dennis completed is command tour

Exit stage right…Go ’91!

Another “91” sighting…On our BEST Amtrak train… 1991 Sighting.

Paul Drake and Shelby Mounts celebrated ‘23s Commissioning Day by hitting the links – rumor is that they want in to the ’92 T-Cup Team!

See you at the tailgater this fall, ’92!

’93

Life Membership: 98%

Donor Participation: 10.95%

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

Shipmate Correspondence: Maj Shogo Cottrell, USMCR

30765 W. 127th St., Olathe, KS 66061

p: 913-220-1193; e: shogo@usna93.com

Website: http://www.usna93.com

Greetings 93! This is the last print issue of Shipmate before our 30th reunion in October. As of this writing in June, the hotel blocks are starting to fill up and the reunion registration is about to go live. If you would like to attend, please check out our class website (usna93.com) or our Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/ 11504623587). Here’s the schedule of events for the weekend:

Thursday, 5 October 2023

1200 - Golf Outing - USNA Golf Course

1700 - Informal Reception - ‘93 House (417 Fourth Street)

Friday, 6 October 2023

0930 - Class Meeting – Location TBD

1100 - Memorial Service - Memorial Hall

1200 - Check-in/Registration

- The Graduate Hotel

1200 - Noon Meal Formation

- Tecumseh Court

1230 - Class Photo - Tecumseh Court

1350 - Superintendent’s Brief - Mahan Hall

1400 - ‘93 Ladies Lunch - Mission BBQ

1600 - Full Dress Parade - Worden Field

1830 - Evening Reception

- The Graduate Hotel

Saturday, 7 October 2023

0800 - 5K Race - Greenbury Point

1200 - Check-in/Registration

- Stadium Tailgate

1230 - Football Game & Tailgate

- Class Ring NE

Sunday, 8 October 2023

0900 - Catholic Mass - Main Chapel

1100 - Protestant Worship Service

- Main Chapel

TBD - Farewell Brunch - Alumni Center

The tailgate will be inside the stadium, so you will need game tickets to attend the game “tailgater”. You can purchase them online through the Naval Academy Athletic Association.

Hope to see everyone at the 30th! Until then, Carpe Diem 93! — Shogo

’94

Life Membership: 99%

Donor Participation: 9.06%

Pres: Jim Keck

c: 904-477-2133; e: JKeck@usna94.com

Vice Pres: Julie Spencer e: jspencer@1994.usna.com

Treas: Brian Bruggeman

e: btbruggeman@hotmail.com

Sec’y: Maria J. Pallotta p: 410-440-7552; e: mariapallotta@yahoo.com

Corr Sec’y: Margaret (Dotolo) Aden e: margaret.aden@gmail.com

’95

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 18.62%

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: 13.79%

Pres: Bill Pennington

Vice Pres: Ghislaine (Williams) Stonaker

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

Treas: Nikki Battaglia

Good Navy day, ’96!

And what a fine Navy day it is… especially given that we are not the ones standing in T Court in white works today. Yes, it is I-Day on the Yard as I write this column, sitting on my front porch in Arlington, enjoying a cool breeze and what might be the lowest temperature/ humidity I ever remember for this area, at this time of year. It doesn’t seem like there is going to be much sweating in those white works, especially now that Bancroft is air conditioned. But the dog days of summer will arrive eventually! Shout out to my 8-Ball companymate Terry Nawara for sending lots of news from the Yard today to share with you all. Terry’s son Liam is a 1/c Detailer for Papa company this summer, so Terry shared some photos of his Yard wanderings, including ordering coffee at the Mid Store location of 1845, which is a full-blown coffee and espresso bar.

M For those who haven’t been back in a while, the Yard in some ways is a very different place. Take a look at that menu, will you? Coconut cream pie lattes were not to be had, or even thought of, by us. There is another coffee shop over in Nimitz Hall as well, where mids can order food and drinks between classes. (!!!) And any of us who did Detail will remember our nice heavy cotton shirts – I still have mine, and love them dearly, but there’s a lot of technical fabric on the Yard now. You can spot detailers like Liam in their bright yellow technical tees now.

For all that, though, there are still many things with the familiar vibe. Summer whites and white works, guide-ons, T Court, nametags … none of them look so very different (if you don’t squint at the nametags or do the math on some of these class years).

Thank you to Terry for sharing with us all a glimpse of Yard life today. There are quite a number of new plebes who are offspring of ’96ers this year. Another big shout out goes to Jill Hanson for sending me a few photos to share of Mike Hanson swearing in their daughter Arleigh today. Arleigh is in November company this summer and will be playing on the Navy volleyball team. Jill reports that Mike ran into Jim Bahr at the Navy Lodge on the way to I-Day. Jim is currently up in Newport, RI, serving as the CO of NAPS. Once on the Yard, Mike ran into Mark Wrzyszczynski, who was also dropping off a plebe.

Thank you, Jill! Congratulations to all of our classmates who have mids on the Yard today! I’m certainly not tracking on all of them, but besides Mike and Mark, I had reports from various sources that included Yolanda Blair, Sean Mcgrath, Michelle (Vanyo) Mitchell, Matt Schnappauf, John Lydon, Toby Lemerande, TJ Grady, and Jill (Perehinec) Emerick. It’s wonderful to see a new generation of inspired youngsters who will be our nation’s future leaders. To all of our classmates with mids, please tell/remind them where our class tailgate is, so that come football season we can take care of them. Spot 12 along Farragut Rd, two tent sites in from Gate 2. All are welcome!

Finally, I had a great update from Phaedra (Haussler) Link earlier this month to share with you all. She writes:

M What an awesome year to celebrate with fellow 5th company friends as they continue to lead the Fleet! In March I flew to Seattle and watched CAPT Dale Klein turn over Trident Training Facility in Bangor, WA after a successful command tour. He graciously gave family and friends a tour of the facility after the ceremony, and while I was having flashbacks of PROTRAMID and King’s Bay, Dale was still just as excited about submarines as he was on Service Selection night. Thanks, Dale, for the invite and the chance to check off another “state visited.”

A month later in April, CAPT Rick Burgess took command of USS GERALD R FORD (CVN-78) a week before taking the ship on her first deployment. I can think of no one better suited to set the standard for FORD, her crew, and the many years of service she will have. Twenty-seven years ago, Rick was our 5th company commander. Now he is the 5th Commanding Officer of the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier leading with the same poise and professionalism we saw in Bancroft Hall. Fair winds and following seas, my friend.

My last update is a shameless plug for organ donation. I just celebrated 3 years since donating a kidney to a friend of mine. There are currently more than 90,000 people waiting for a kidney and only 6,466 donations were completed in 2022. I feel great with absolutely no regrets. I am always willing to talk about my experience with others. It was a fascinating process, and my friend is now a healthy mom raising 3 energetic boys. Look me up if you have questions about how to “share your spare.”

Terry found our old company guide-on… OSCAR 27’s GONNA FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!!! I bet they don’t sing “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” as well as we did!

Terry Nawara and his son Liam, who is doing 1st set detail on the Yard this summer

CAPT Mike Hanson swears in his daughter Arleigh on I-Day

CAPT Jim Bahr and Mike Hanson at the Navy Lodge just before I-Day

Classmates Mark Wrzyszczynski and Mike Hanson on the Induction Day of their plebes, who will also be classmates

(L to R) Matt Boland, Dale Klein, and Phaedra Link sharing sea stories the night before the Dale’s Change of Command

5th company at Rick’s change of command – (L to R) Rick Burgess, Phaedra Link, and Rob Flickinger

’96 celebrating Rick’s change of command – (L to R) Phaedra Link, Kevin Watkins, Rick Burgess, Rob Flickinger and Craig Bangor

Thank you, Phaedra, for the great roundup and photos! Since it will be September by the time you read this, I close this column with another reminder to get up, get out, and get to NMCMS this football season and visit our class tailgate. We will be leading from the front with a rockin’ new trailer, so stop by and partake in some camaraderie and fun. Don’t forget we broadcast the game from within our tent, so no tickets required – just look for the big ’96 class crest atop a white tent along Farragut Rd. Hope to see many of you all this fall! BEAT ARMY!

—Cara

’97

Life Membership: 99%

Donor Participation: 5.72%

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: 7.01%

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

’99

Life Membership: 93% Donor Participation: 7.76%

Pres: CDR Jason Birch

e: jb1999@me.com

Vice Pres: Dr. Joy Zelinski-Marquez e: drjoymarquez@gmail.com

Sec’y and Shipmate Contact: Darlene Delk e: darlene.delk@yahoo.com

Treas: Stacie M. Gibson

e: staciegibson22@gmail.com

Communications Director: CDR Jose Pehovaz-Diez, USN (Ret.) e: jose.pehovazdiez@gmail.com

Website: www.usna99.com

’00

Life Membership: 97%

Donor Participation: 5.37%

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: 11.20%

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

’02

Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 6.03%

Pres: Kate (Kranz) Jordan e: katherine.kranz@2002.usna.com

Vice Pres: Elizabeth (Kreft) Brienza

Treas: Danielle Thomasson

Sec’y: Mike Johnson e: johnson.michael.a@gmail.com

At-Large Directors: Rob Ballard, Lauren Coia Friedman and David Gravseth

Send Submissions to: johnson.michael.a@gmail.com

Website: www.usna2002.org

LinkedIn: USNA Class of 2002

LinkedIn Class Website: https://www.linkedin.com/ groups/3900492

Facebook: To join the USNA ’02 group, please reach out to Mike or Kate.

myUSNA: Visit “myUSNA” in the Apple App Store (also accessible at myusna.com). To access the ’02 Group, go to Groups and then Class of 2022.

Greetings ’02!

I’m starting to write this the night of the September column deadline – on June 26, about a quarter ‘til midnight – which brings me back to late nights at Bancroft and Nimitz writing papers, many at the last minute. It was still better for me to be an English Major, after I almost failed out of Computer Science. Respect to all the Comp Sci majors out there! I could hang with you programming motivators for one semester of C++. OMG – that was so painful. Then I switched to English, and I remember my first English elective – Drama! With Prof. Annemarie Drew. Such a great class. Ah, English majors. The 7 of us really got to know each other well, didn’t we! I kid, I kid. We were in double digits for sure! Rounding up, of course, with following seas.

With Memorial Day just a few weeks ago (as I write this in late June), I’ve been reflecting on recent visits to Arlington National Cemetery and the Naval Academy Cemetery and Columbarium, as well as two fallen classmates who aren’t buried or remembered in either location. John Cude and John Cabigon

In 2nd Company (Club Deuce, as we started in 28), John Cude was my roommate for all of firstie year, and I believe all of second class year as well. I remember John being so very intelligent. As in he never studied or had a care in the world, and I was in awe. I remember John telling me that he would write his papers in his head, and then when it was time to actually write the paper on the computer, he just typed it all out – it was already done. He played a lot of computer games – one fantasy role-playing game in particular that was popular in the early 2000s – and he dipped A LOT. I remember his locker was full of Gatorade bottles filled with his dip. He was so laid back. I lost touch with him after graduation, and I was grateful to talk with Mike Mieres at our 20-year reunion to remember John.

John Cabigon, I don’t think I knew very well at USNA. John and I were at SWOS in Newport together, though, and along with Steve Carter (Steve, please correct me), I think the three of us left Newport early (from our final school in Combat Systems) to head to Yokosuka, Japan, to the “Mighty Moo” – USS COWEPENS (CG 63), to head to the Gulf. I think I learned that John played the ukulele at SWOS – and if I didn’t know it then, I learned aboard COWPENS how kind of a man John was. He was so good natured. I remember John got sea sick on Cowpens, though. I think he had to wear a bracelet or something to help. I think on the bridge, too, John used a small wooden step to see best out the bridge window– was that right, Steve? John was a great bridge watch-stander. Very intense. At a Run to Honor event in Arlington Virginia in 2022, I was grateful to talk with Patrick McConnell about John, who I believe served with John after COWPENS.

After my tour on COWPENS, I ended up in Kuwait with the Military Sealift Command, and I ran into John while he was in Kuwait, I think

Phaedra Linkcelebrating my 3rd “kidney donor anniversary” #shareyourspare

when he was stationed out of Bahrain – I think before he served on USS BULKELY (DDG 84) with Patrick (maybe??). I have some emails between me and John that I have saved from that time – 2005-2006 – which bring back so many memories when I re-read them. It’s so weird- reading the emails from John, I can imagine him, right there. It’s like he’s right there with me.

If you Google “John Cabigon USS COWPENS” you should see a picture of John on the bridge – it is not high enough resolution for Shipmate, but it looks great online – and this article pops up, which I had never seen before until now –about Mail Call on COWPENS during our deployment to the Gulf in the spring of 2003. John is quoted – and spoiler alert, but it won’t be a spoiler for anyone who knows John, it’s about his ukulele.

https://www.stripes.com/news/ mail-call-two-sweet-words-for-sailors-on-theuss-cowpens-1.3434

“‘Mail call’ — Two sweet words for sailors on the USS Cowpens” - From March 26, 2003

To John Cude and John Cabigon: Rest in Peace, Shipmates. We miss you, and we remember you.

Until next time, Mike Johnson

28th — > 2nd Company, “Club Deuce” johnson.michael.a@gmail.com

’02 Detachment Arlington, Virginia ’03

Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 4.00%

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

’04

Life Membership: 95%

Donor Participation: 4.94%

Pres: Jeff McLean

e: jeffreyjmclean@gmail.com

Vice Pres: Shannon Webb

Treas: Jarrett Berke

Sec’y: Deni Baykan

Comms Officer: Leigh Ross

Philanthropic and Inclusion Officer: Kristen Murdock Operations Officer: Alexa Hunter

Send Submissions to: classof2004usna@gmail.com

Classmates,

We’re keeping our streak of Shipmate updates alive thanks to a great update from Billy Hurley below. If you have an update you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you. I know there are many changes of command happening out there – send us some photos! Anyone can send update notes to: Classof2004USNA@gmail.com

Update from Billy:

M Hey ’04, Billy Hurley, 9th Company, here. First, it’s been my privilege to work on the recent Bylaws Committee and now with the newly elected Class Officers. We are looking forward to having a wonderful 20th reunion next year. It’s been great to reconnect with so many of you though these committees.

Too much to catch up on since I’ve never written into Shipmate. But I will start by saying that it’s been an honor to represent the Blue and Gold and the Class of 2004 throughout my golf career. I had back surgery for a pinched sciatic nerve in late 2019 and that has held me back from competition for over 3 years now. But it’s provided me the opportunity to not travel 30 weeks per year and be home with my kids for a bit (16, 14, and 9)…can’t believe we are now old enough to have teenagers!

Earlier this year in May, we held our 6th Annual BH3 and the Brave charity golf tournament at the Naval Academy Golf Course where my wife, Heather, and I host 18 active duty service members to play in the golf tournament

(picture inset). Our charity golf tournament is the primary fundraiser for the BH3 Foundation (if you haven’t yet read the write up in this issue about our BH3 Foundation, please do so. It’s a quick one page read about how our Foundation is impacting active duty military families).

And finally, my family and I recently moved to Mount Pleasant, SC (outside Charleston), so if you make it down this way look us up along with Matt Eck and Derek Jennings. Matt may even volunteer to take you out on the water for what we’ve grown to call “casting”, it’s a lot like fishing but without the fish part!

Beat Army!

’05

Life Membership: 98%

Donor Participation: 2.91%

Pres: LtCol Thomas A. Kulisz, USMC hometown: Oceanside, CA e: kulisz@2005.usna.com

Vice Pres: CDR Matthew J. Bernhardt, USN hometown: Annapolis, MD p: 619-889-1968; e: mjbernhardt@gmail.com

Treas: Allen J. Murphy hometown: Severna Park, MD p: 410-212-1082; e: allen.murphy.2005@gmail.com

Sec’y: CDR Reed A. Kitchen, USN hometown: Arlington, VA p: 619-208-0770; e: reedkitchen@gmail.com

Website: 2005.usnaclasses.net

’06

Life Membership: 99%

Donor Participation: 6.42%

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

Hello Aught Six!

Members of 14th company recently converged on Annapolis for a golf tournament

’04: Billy and Heather w/ the 18 brave service members at their Foundation golf tournament

’08

Life Membership: 97%

Donor Participation: 25.51%

Pres: Donald H. Horner III

Vice Pres: LCDR Gerald Brooks, USN

Treas: LCDR Daniel E. Foose, USN

Sec’y: LCDR Dianna Dietrich Bunt, USN

e: dianna.dietrich@gmail.com

’09

Life Membership: 99%

Donor Participation: 27.14%

and to help me celebrate my 40th birthday. We descended upon the USNA Golf Course for the Annual Crab Cup Invitational. Of the two foursomes, defending champion Buzz Keel was the heavy favorite. Maggie Keel and Adam Hudson both had respectable rounds, yet somehow I managed to capture the Cup with a two shot lead. A good time was had by all, and we are looking forward to next year’s tournament. Following golf, we had a great dinner at Harry Browne’s to celebrate my big 4-0.

Here’s a quick life update: After 8 years of playing the start-up game in San Francisco, my wife Katia and I moved to Philadelphia’s Main Line in 2022 with our sons James (5) and Rory (3). It has been great being back on the east coast seeing Navy friends and visiting my folks in Annapolis. I finished an EMBA at Villanova University in May of 2022 and will be starting a doctoral program at Penn State this August. My research will target the correction of operational management friction points in the supply chain industry. I am focusing on two areas; core supply chain management strategies as they pertain to start-up operations, and supply chain management leadership development.

If any of you are ever in the Philly area, do look me up. Beat Army!

Sean Doherty

Life Membership: 99%

Donor Participation: 462%

Pres: Brady Beauchamp

Vice Pres: Major Benjamin Tuck

e: Benjamin.Tuck07@gmail.com

Treas: LCDR Patrick Sullivan

e: patrick.timothy.sullivan@gmail.com

Sec’y: LCDR Dan Bellomo, USNR

e: dbellomo@umich.edu

Send Articles to: classofficersUSNA2007@gmail.com

Summer has come and is almost gone and depending on when you read this submission – Plebe Summer may have wrapped up and the Academic Year is in full swing! That also means that it has officially been TWENTY

YEARS since our Plebe Summer. Holy Cow! We are rapidly approaching old.

We still want your submissions! Send in your articles on babies, weddings, change of commands, business openings, graduations, jail time, etc. We will pretty much submit anything. Please send your updates to Dan at dbellomo@umich.edu.

Our note this month comes from Rob Edison:

M On 10 June 2023 a Gazebo Dedication was held at the Medal of Honor Grove near Valley Forge, PA. The gazebo was donated by the Kennedy family in memory of Brian Kennedy (30th Co) and the other members of the Pegasus 31 & 32 crews who were lost on 14 January 2016. It also is focused on paying tribute to all those who have been lost in training accidents and to honor their sacrifice. The Gazebo had been under construction for more than 2 years and is intended to be a place of rest for those visiting the Grove. The Medal of Honor Grove is a beautiful, serene, wooded area on the banks of the Schuylkill River. Additional information can be found here: https://friendsmohgrove.org

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.

Pres: LCDR Andrew Poulin, USN

e: andrew.poulin09@gmail.com

Vice Pres: LCDR Art Griffin, USN

Treas: LCDR Cody Forsythe, USN

Sec’y: Micky Matus, USN e: michaelmatus09@gmail.com

Shipmate Submissions: e: Shipmate09@gmail.com

’09,

In case you haven’t heard yet, we have a date for our 15th Reunion: Homecoming Weekend, October 18-20, 2024! (see ad on next page.)

The football schedule should be finalized by Feb/Mar 2024, but over the next several months our reunion planning team will be working hard to make our 15th the best reunion yet! Please check our “U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2009” facebook group for a listing of our Reunion Committee members and any updates they may have. See our “save the date” reminder on the next page!

A big part of the reunion effort is also ensuring the Alumni Association has your best contact information so you receive our updates. If you need to update your information, including your e-mail address, please do so at usna.com. If you have any issues, you can e-mail: membership@usna.com or call 410-295-4000.

Until next time, please keep the stories, life updates, and pictures coming our way via our USNA ’09 facebook page or our Class Slack channel: usna09.slack.com

GO NAVY!

-’09

Class Officers

’10

Life Membership: 99%

Donor Participation: 21.00%

Pres: LT Robert Battle, USN

e: rhbattle@2010.usna.com

Vice Pres: LT Garth Thomas, USN

Sec’y: LT Margaret Boyle, USN

e: mcboyle@2010.usna.com

Send Articles to: Shipmate2010@gmail.com

Remember and Honor

’06: From left to right: Adam Kassulke, Maggie Keel, Latham Hudson, Adam Hudson, Buzz Keel, Sean Doherty and Katherine Ogden

’11

Life Membership: 97%

Donor Participation: 13.08%

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: 22.32%

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

’13

Life Membership: 99%

Donor Participation: 31.71%

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

Vice Pres: LT Daniel Murphy, USN

Treas: 1stLT Ted Baumgardner, USMC

Sec’y: LT Hannah Yun, USN

’14

Life Membership: 98%

Donor Participation: 32.652%

Pres: 1stLt William R. Roberts, USMC

Vice Pres: 1stLt Conor J. Kearney, USMC

’18

Life Membership: 100%

Donor Participation: 33.93%

Pres: LTJG Dan Stitt, USN

Vice Pres: LTJG Michael Pahissa, USN

Treas: LTJG Gio Hernandez, USN

Sec’y: LTJG Rachel LaBuda, USN

Send Articles to: 2018usna@gmail.com

’19

Life Membership: 99%

Donor Participation: 4.80%

Pres: 2ndLt Isaac Phillips III, USMC

Vice Pres: ENS Tate Schumacher, USN

Treas: ENS Leor Golan, USN

Sec’y: ENS Gil Wright, USN ’20

2014 Header details continuedTreas: LTJG Emily L. Kreyenhagen, USN

Sec’y: LTJG Elizabeth J. Powers, USN Send Articles to: shipmate2014@gmail.com

’15

Life Membership: 97%

Donor Participation: 32.00%

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

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

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

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

’16

Life Membership: 98%

Donor Participation: 32.92%

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: 25.70%

Pres: 2ndLt Chosnel Raymond, USMC e: chosnel.ra@gmail.com

Vice Pres: ENS Robert Winning, USN e: robertwinning34@gmail.com

Treas: ENS Theodore Schopf, USN e: tedschopfii@gmail.com

Sec’y: ENS Molly McGuckin, USN e: mollykmcguckin@gmail.com

Life Membership: 98%

Donor Participation: 4.02%

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: 1.53%

Pres: ENS Cameron R. Kinley, USN

Vice Pres: N/A

Treas: ENS Lakayla D. Deshields, USN

Sec’y: Ann M. Jackson

’22

Life Membership: 99%

Donor Participation: 7.89%

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: 98%

Donor Participation: 29.68%

Pres: MIDN Grant A. Booker, USN

Vice Pres: MIDN Julius W. Aebly III, USN

Treas: MIDN Zion A. Armstrong, USN

Sec’y: MIDN Jason Santiago, USN

’09: Reunion time! Save the Date

CHAPTER NEWS

Alabama

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

USNA Alabama Alumni Chapter

Pres: Greg Hess ’85

p: 205-307-9191; e: greghess8599@charter.net

Vice Pres, Central Alabama: Eric Riddle ’94 p: 469-363-4295; e: ericriddle94@gmail.com

Vice Pres, Northern Alabama: Michael McFarland ’04 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

South Alabama Chapter

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

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

Arizona

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

Arizona Chapter

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

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

Arkansas

BGO Area Coordinator: David Chucoski e: david.chucoski@gmail.com

Arkansas Chapter

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

Vice Pres: Doug Waller ’02 e: waller_doug@yahoo.com

Sec'y Treas: Jason Coyle ’09 e: jason.coyle@gmail.com

Asia

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

Guam Chapter

Pres: CAPT Noel M. Enriquez ’84, USNR P.O. Box 26849, GMF, Barrigada, GU 96921-6849

h: 671-472-9629; f: 671-472-1966

c: 671-777-9629; e: NME@1984.usna.com

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

Website: www.groups.yahoo.com/communityusnaphil

Singapore Chapter

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

Vice Pres: Andy Harrell ’12 e: andyh125@gmail.com

Sec’y: LTJG Nicole Uchida ’12, USN e: Nicole.Uchida@fe.navy.mil Chapter Email: USNASG@gmail.com

Republic of Korea Chapter

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

Tokyo Bay Chapter

Pres: Mori Nixon ’81

1-15-19-301 Minami-Aoyama Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062 Japan: 090-9402-1291 / US: 253-656-6992

e: mnixon@gns-inc.us

California

Los Angeles Chapter

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

Vice Pres: Paris Scott ’12 p: 949-756-4286; e: pscoot89@gmail.com

Treas: Michael Seaver ’83

e: michaelseaver@gmail.com

National Trustee: Brian DeJarnett

e: Brian@dejarnett.net

BGO Area Coordinator (LA County/Orange County): CDR Steve Shatynski ’83, USN (Ret.)

p: 714-255-6108

e: Stephan.shatynski@wellsfargoadvisors.com

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

Ahoy Shipmates!

With a new summer season comes the grand tradition of sending off future candidates to begin their journey at the Naval Academy. Members of the alumni chapter partnered with the Southern California Parents Club on 11 June to send off candidates to the Naval Academy where they will begin their journey of Plebe Summer. In attendance were multiple graduates (Paris Scott ’12, Adrian Monticenos ’14, David Yaguchi ’83, and Stephen Shatynski ’83) who attended this year’s event sharing their knowledge on how best to avoid the eyes of one’s summer detailer!

The Mimi’s luncheon group met on 22 June 2023 and was pleased to again welcome Rosy Hom, mother of Anthony (Future Class of ’28). Anthony brought his two brothers, Alexander Hom (10th grade and recent attendee at the USNA STEM program) and Jonny Hom (6th grade). Anthony reports to NAPS in July 2023 and to USNA in June 2024. Congratulations and Smooth Sailing wishes to him.

As we are the LA/OC chapter of the alumni association we are looking for opportunities to host more events in the greater LA area. We are seeking volunteers who would be willing to coordinate meet ups, watch parties, or Happy Hours for our alumni in the LA area. If there is any interest, please contact the club leadership.

As a reminder, we continue to promote all Alumni in the area to sign in to their MyUSNA.com account as this is the primary means the club will pass information on future events. Lastly, look out for information on this year’s Army v. Navy watch party. The past two years have been a huge success and we look forward to carrying that tradition forward (especially with a win over Army!!).

Paris Scott

Los Angeles Chapter: L to R: Rosy Hom, Jonny Hom, Alexander Hom, Anthony Hom, Beverlee Kelly, Jim Kelly ’66, Mitch Marich ’71, Joe Koch ’57 and Colin Mackenzie ’77. Not in photo: Glenn Shindler ‘64

CHAPTER NEWS

Monterey Bay Chapter

Pres: LT Vic Kanth ’15

e: usnaalumnimontereybay@gmail.com

Corr Sec’y: Steve Tackett ’87

e: stackett99@yahoo.com

Website: http://montereybay.usnachapters.net

BGO Area Coordinator: Bob Garcia

e: bob@coeususa.com

Sacramento Chapter

Pres: Terri (Riggs) Maginnis ’82

p: 916-203-5115; e: tmaginnis@yahoo.com

Vice Pres: Brian Grubbs ’92

p: 916-712-1747; e: bgrubbs1992@gmail.com

Sec’y: Paul Deveaux ’96

e: paul@pauldeveaux.com

Treas: Alan Abbs ’91

e: alanabbs@gmail.com

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

Area BGO Coordinator: Lauro Aguila ’81 p: 530-417-1082; e: Lauro.Aguila@bgo.USNA.com

On Sunday, 4 June, the Sacramento Parents Club hosted a welcome luncheon for our Class of 2027 plebes at the Dante Club in Sacramento. The program included two speakers from the Class of 1977, Mike Laviano and Henry Gonzales, Jr. who shared information about the link in the chain program and their perspectives on the future for our class of 2027 plebes.

A special update from Lilian Huang ’25 on Academy Life was followed by recognition of each of the incoming plebes in attendance.

By this time, the Navy football watch events will have started. We had good turnouts for the Air Force and Army games. Look for updates on times and locations through emails and myusna.com. We’re also planning a Navy and/or Marine Corps birthday event in October. Be on the lookout for that event as well!

Our VP, Brian Grubbs ’92, is sending monthly emails for reminders and updates to our calendar. You might see the subject changed from just Navy to ’All Academy’ events as we are including Air Force and West Point. If you don’t get those emails and would like to be included, let one of us know. We continue to work on transitioning to myusna.com for all of our communications and networking. If you’re in the area and would like to join us, just show up.

San Diego Chapter

Pres: Keith Kitagawa ’92

e: president@usnaaasd.com

Vice Pres 1: Debbie Balsley ’93

Vice Pres 2: Michael Philbrook ’83

Treas: Juan Rose III ’04

e: treasurer@usnaaasd.com

Sec’y: Mark Powers ’06 e: secretary@usnaaasd.com

Corr Sec’y: Charlie Carey ’70 p: 619-589-0945; e: cdcarey@1970.USNA.com

Website: http://usnaaasd.com

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

1st Friday: Every 1st Friday at 7:30 AM, we’ve been meeting at Black Bear Diner for our monthly breakfast meeting. This is very informal, but always fun to get together, share a few stories, do some planning for the chapter, and then on our way. We welcome anyone from the area or just passing through to stop in and join us. Black Bear Diner, 7935 Madison Avenue, Citrus Heights, 7:30-9:00 am.

2nd Wednesday: We added a monthly lunch event on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 11:30 AM at Brookfield’s, 4343 Madison Avenue, Sacramento.

3rd Thursday: A monthly happy hour was added last Fall on the 3rd Thursday; we tried different venues and agreed on Clubhouse 56, 723 56th Street, Sacramento, 5:00-7:00 PM. For July, we moved to J. Wilds Burgers and BBQ, 614 Sutter St, Folsom. Check emails and myusna.com for monthly updates.

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

Since our last report was just a month ago we don’t have a lot to say. Our normal activities like happy hour happened as usual. We did hold our new plebe dinner and I hope to have a pic or two on that for the next column. We also held our annual USNA Diego Chapter at the Padres in June. Now, say what you will about the Padres but It’s a blast going to the game, win or lose. Besides, we’re just about at the halfway point for the season so plenty of time to recover and make the playoffs. We’ll see. Here’s a pic of two of our recent game attendees.

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

Instagram: @usnaaa_sfbaychapter

BGO Area Coordinator: Bob Garcia e: bob@coeususa.com

Santa Barbara Chapter

Pres: Stephen L.A. Callahan ’81

Treas: CAPT Stephen H. Huber ’80, USN (Ret.)

BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Greg McGiffney

e: Greg.McGiffney@bgo.usna.com

Chapter email: usnaaasantabarbarachapter@gmail.com

Web: http://santabarbara.usnachapters.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/santabarbara. chapterusna.9

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usnaalums santabarbara/

Don Lathen ’66 (senior attendee) and Jessica McGill ’17 (our junior attendee).

San Diego Chapter: Class of 2027 Welcome Luncheon- back row, left to right- Emily Kroettinger ’27, Gavin Lippman ’08, Justin Long ’97, Philip Jaramillo ’26 ,Brian Grubbs ’92, Terri (Riggs) Maginnis ’82, Lilian Huang ’25, Jack Everett ’64,<unknown>, Denny Joyce ’61, Michael Laviano ’77; Front row, left to right- Noah Ferguson ’27, Joseph Aquino ’27, Avion Ganse-Lira ’27, Henry Gonzales Jr ’77 , John Rostomily ’2 and Ray Luevano ’77

2022 Distinguished Chapter

Colorado

Colorado Chapter

Pres: CAPT S. Guy Higgins ’69, USN (Ret.) e: guyhiggins1234@gmail.com

Sec’y: CAPT Matthew McLaurin ’92 e: matthew.s.mclaurin@gmail.com

Website: http://usnacolorado.com

BGO Area Coordinator (Denver): CAPT Dick Eason ’84, USN (Ret.) p: 720-747-4615; e: dick.eason@lycos.com

Hello fellow Colorado Alumni, Hope everyone is enjoying the Colorado summer, getting outdoors, and taking advantage of travel opportunities. It was great to see many Chapter members at our annual Arleigh Burke Dinner on April 28. Those in attendance were treated to a great evening of cocktails, dinner and wonderful insights from retired ADM Harry Harris ’78 about current events and focus in the Asia Pacific region based on his active duty time in the Pacific and his role post retirement as the US Ambassador to South Korea. If you missed out, please plan to join us for the next event in Spring 2024.

Colorado Springs Chapter

Pres: LCDR John Sledgianowski ’87, USN (Ret.) p: 719-287-2187; e: sledgesix@msn.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Andrew Graziano e: ajgraziano512@gmail.com

Connecticut

BGO Area Coordinator: Evan Barnet ’91 p: 203-249-0071; e: evan@barnetassociates.com

Connecticut Chapter

Pres: Alan Weigel ’79 p: 860-376-5775; e: aweigel@blankrome.com

Treas: Tom Hogsten ’85

Sec’y: Eric Irwin ’86 p: 860-857-8748; e: irwiner@comcast.net

Comms Dir: David Candler ’67 p: 860-823-0862; e: davcandler@aol.com

Meeting Chairman: Vacant Website: http://connecticut.usnachapters.net

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

Ahoy Shipmates!

Well when you receive this the Brigade should be gearing up for another exciting year! And part of the exciting part au USNA is most of the courses are in subjects that are new and unusual to the new students. And not only that, there is not yet enough experience in the fleet to have a rational expectation of how this new course will be used in a practical way rather than just the classroom next lecture. Determining what was important WAS a lecture’s likelihood to be on an exam. Later… determining what IS important often varied with time, and certainly varied with service selection.

But what WAS Important to CT Alumni in the summer was items like the meeting of the USNA Command and Seamanship Sail Training Squadron, with five Navy 44s, 40 midshipmen and 10 coaches (each boat). These boats had a port visit at Mystic Seaport in mid-July.

Costa Rica

BGO Area Coordinator: Wes Turbeville

e: bgoarea501coordinator@gmail.com

Costa Rica Chapter

Pres: Claudio A. Pacheco ’64

Apt. 4307-1000, San Jose, Costa Rica

p: 506-2224-4325; w: 506-2225-4239

c: 506-8876-1394; e: cpacheco@1964.usna.com

Delaware

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

Delaware Chapter

Pres: Chris Dierkes ’85

p: 302-256-8949; h: 302-449-0795

e: Christopher.F.Dierkes-1@usa.dupont.com

Delaware Shipmates, Greetings. Our Chapter has been silent for a little while initially due to COVID, and more recently due to my increased responsibilities at work that have been consuming the better part of my waking hours. Now that the pandemic is hopefully behind us and I am getting some reprieve in my workload, we are looking to focus more attention on energizing our Chapter. You’ll be happy to know, there are several irons in the fire for us to meet up - stay tuned.

In the meantime, we posted “Summer Concert Series” musical events being sponsored by the state parks and/or local towns. Each band posted on our site is somehow in alignment with the Navy - even one promoting the USNA. So, check it out depending on what part of the state you’re in over the next few months. All venues look like a good time and a way to enjoy the great outdoors! Maybe we’ll see you there! Note: Most of these musical events are free if you don’t include parking.

Your Colorado Chapter is registered with the King Soopers and City Market Community Rewards Program. Alumni who are registered with King Soopers/City Market/Kroger can designate the Chapter to receive cash rewards without any additional cost to the alumni. Please register your card using this link: https://www.kingsoopers.com/i/community/ community-rewards.

Just a quick reminder to everyone to ensure your Alumni Association profile is up to date since that is the only way we can stay in touch and inform you of Chapter events. Upcoming events include happy hours and the annual Tri Service Academy Golf Tournament on 18 Aug. Check the Chapter website for details, https://www.usnacolorado.com/.

Matt McLaurin

’92

Another enjoyable periodic activity is the Blue and Gold Happy Hour gatherings in various locations. For example in June we met in South Norwalk on Thursday, 15 June the American Craft Distillery (Ted Dumbauld, USNA ’81, owner).

Another thing we can again be excited about is SPORTS. Football, of course, but don’t forget to reach out and find other very competitive intercollegiate sports that may be playing in our region. At last count there were 34 such sports/teams. Football is probably the one that comes to mind most quickly, and that is, of course, because the USNA Ring is so often thought to be a winning Super Bowl ring by folks we meet in social settings.

Looking for information you have that I should share with Shipmates. Send to DavCandler@aol.com.

Dave Candler ’67

Jim Ring

Jim Ring - VP South informed us that he will be retiring out of state to enjoy more family time and travel. Jim has contributed a great deal of time over the past ten years keeping our lower slower USNAAA Delaware Chapter connected. With great determination, he created the Specialty License Plate option for USNA Delaware alumni - with much success. (Note: if interested in a plate going forward, please refer to Media on Chapter Website <or> contact

Retired ADM Harry Harris ’78 Speaks at Annual Arleigh Burke Dinner

CHAPTER NEWS

Chris Dierkes). Jim not only promoted charismatic speakers throughout the years for our annual dinner / speaker series (held at the Roma Restaurant in Dover), but he also maintained monthly scheduled luncheons and let’s not forget the annual Army-Navy game held at everyone’s favorite sports bar - the Greene Turtle at Five Points!

Geez…we sure had some great gigs along the way! I think I speak for everyone, when I say thank you Jim for your dedication and perseverance in bringing our USNA folks together! You did an outstanding job! Oh, another bittersweet ending… like Jim Ring, the Greene Turtle in Lewes decided to leave the beach area to discover a new location of opportunity - taking on a new recipe of success! …We think they closed because the monthly meetings stopped….

So with that said, we are looking for some help in both the upper and lower sectors of our state to plan and coordinate activities. We previously included the titles of Vice President North and Vice President South and are looking to re-fill these positions. I am actively seeking anyone that has unique ideas that will bring our alumni together to build camaraderie and increase USNA support. Please let me know if you are interested.

Go Delaware! Go Navy!

Chris Dierkes - President

Florida

Gainesville Chapter

Pres: Vacant

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

Jacksonville Chapter

Pres: CAPT Scott Neidhold ’77, USNR (Ret.) e: scottneidholdsr@gmail.com

Vice Pres: Glen Hamilton ’85 e: glenhamilton@cbvfl.com

Treas and Chapter Trustee: Enochia Anderson ‘94

Sec’y: Britney Brown ’12

Communication Director: CDR Nels Frostenson ’80, USN (Ret.) e: frostynels@aol.com

50 Year+ Alumni Liaison: CDR Peter Garfield ’60, USN (Ret.) p: 904-314-9691; e: pjgarfield@comcast.net

Website: jacksonville.usnachapters.net

BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard O’Sullivan ’77, USN (Ret.) p: 407-687-6877; e: raaos@aol.com

Greater Miami Chapter

Pres: Thor C. Gould ’09 e: thor.gould@gmail.com

Website: www.usnamiami.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USNAMiami

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

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

Pensacola Chapter

Co-Pres: Jose Perez ’10

Co-Pres: Joey Walker ’02

e: usnaaapensacola@gmail.com

Sec’y: JD Kameen

o: 480-494-8973; c: 443-904-6160; f: 833-727-0813

e: jkameen@loandepot.com

Website: Pensacola.usnachapters.com

BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Kilton Kingsman ’06 e: kilton.kingsman@gmail.com

Southwest Florida Chapter

Pres: Hank White ’68

e: hfwhitejr@aol.com

Sec’y: VACANT

BGO Area Coordinator:

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

Website: southwestflorida.usnachapters.net

Despite the challenges presented by Hurricane IAN which decimated much of Fort Myers, FL which encompasses most of the northern area for this chapter, we we able to reconvene our meetings enabling about 55 graduates to attend the monthly meetings.

In December 2022, we held a joint luncheon with our West Point counterparts to watch the Army-Navy game. While we were disappointed at the outcome, the spirit of the assembled, joint group (about 80 grads) was notable.

In January 2023, we meet for the usual monthly luncheon at the Wyndemere Country Club and were briefed on the latest China-U.S. relations by the Honorable Sandy Randt, a former U.S. Ambassador to China. The evolving Taiwan situation was discussed with several questions being raised. We were grateful that Ambassador Randt gave us the time to attend and to answer all questions.

For February, we had our usual Valentine’s Day Luncheon. After champagne and roses for our significant others, we heard from Lindsey Sablan, morning anchor for WINK News, the local CBS affiliate and daughter of our Membership Coordinator, Susie Sablan ’81. As well as being the WINK Anchor, she is also an Adjunct Professor at Florida Gulf Coast University. Her topic was fake news and she provided a

stimulating account of how she and her colleagues review and present the news each day.

March saw a presentation by one of our members, RADM Marc Palaez ’68, former Director of Navy Research, who discussed his own involvement with several projects. While not revealing any secrets, Marc presented great deal of food for thought on the Navy’s direction. Interestingly, this position is on the same level as the CNO!

In April, we held a ZOOM call with ADM Mike Mullen ’68 during the luncheon at the Audobon Country Club. This activity proved to the chapter that we can engage speakers who, despite the their distance from southwest Florida, can keep the Chapter informed on current issues without disrupting their schedules with travel to Naples! ADM Mullen handled a number of questions about the Navy’s future direction. We will, no doubt, conduct more Zoom events at our meetings.

On 13 April, the annual Tri-Academies Golf Outing was held at the Plantation Golf and Country Club in Fort Myers, hosted by Air Force. We finished in 2nd place under the captaincy of Bruce “Chi-Chi” Needham with a good time had by all. See photo on next page.

Monthly, we conduct leadership meetings via Zoom to assess our progress in adding new members and brainstorming ideas for the coming events. Should anyone have any suggestions or comments, they are more than welcome.

Speaking of leadership our Secretary, Lucas Rebertus, has moved to a new position and is not available for Chapter Duties. We thank him for his efforts and wish him the best for this new position. If there is anyone who would like to assume the Secretary position, we would welcome their assistance.

While the leadership meetings will continue throughout the Summer, we expect to have full slate of activities ready for the October/ November time frame.

Space Coast Chapter

Pres: CAPT Pete Peterson ’56, USN (Ret.) p: 321-952-2066; e: RETEP401@gmail.com

Sec’y: Vacant

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: thompsongw77@gmaill.com

Second Vice Pres: George “Bo” Hamrick ’79 e bhamrick@financialpreservation.com

Treas: Dick D’Anna ’68 e: dannari68@comcast.net

Sec’y: Vacant

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usnaalumniflorida suncoastchapter

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

Tampa Bay Chapter

Pres: CDR Jane Lochner ’84, USN (Ret.) e: jane.lochner@gmail.com

Sec’y: CAPT Chris Heath ’72, USN (Ret.) e: christopherheath.fl@gmail.com

Communication Director: CAPT Steve Swift ’87, USNR (Ret.) e: sswift@1987.usna.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

LET’S GO RAYS!

The chapter hosted our annual inter-Academy Tampa Bay Rays baseball game. We had over 70 in attendance and although the Rays let us down by dropping one to the Kansas City Royals, that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of lots of Zoomies, Woops, and us old Mids! Pictured enjoying the fun are John Goodenough ’02, Marcia and Mark Krivonak ’71, Sug and Bud Alexander ’56, Mike Zabel and Jane Lochner ’84, Tim Corcoran ’67, Doug Kirkland ’72, Mike Puffer ’98, Duane LaFont ’78, Chris Thompson ’92, and others.

PLEBE SENDOFF PICNIC

Each year the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Naval Academy Parents Club hosts a picnic for incoming plebes and their families. Both the

young folks and the parents get the real gouge on what’s ahead at this special event. Chapter President Jane Lochner ’84 led the alumni delegation, presenting our new chapter coins to show support for the plebes-to-be.

Stanley Gray ’77 offered remarks on behalf of Another Link in the Chain, and Jonathan Shannon ’02 offered a perspective from 25 years out. Good luck to the plebes and their families!

MONTHLY MEETINGS

Monthly chapter meetings provide a forum for catching up on USNA news, as well as spirited planning, networking, and socializing. If you are new to the area or have been around a while and just haven’t gotten to a meeting, this is a great way to get to see new and old friends.

Participants in June were Jane Lochner ’84, Jack Plunkett ’70, Jon Connelly ’05, Eric Kennington ’88, Brian Tsai ’16, Paul Matthews ’85, Derrick Clarke ’99, Warren Hahn ’60, Rex and Joe Wendl ’93, Peter Damisch ’75, Miller Detrick ’63, Joe Piganelli ’06, Perry Dempsey ’72, Chris Heath ’72, and first timer John Goodenough ’02 We were also proud to have with us Marine 2nd LT Andrew Matthews ’23. Andrew has visited many times, but this was his first meeting as an alumnus!

CONGRATULATIONS, 2nd LT CHRISTIAN THOMPSON ’23

Along with Andrew Matthews, we are proud to have been a part of the journey for Christian Thompson ’23, son of Chris Thompson ’02. Congrats to the Thompson family as well!

SUMMER EVENTS

We dial it down during the summer, enjoying a family picnic in July. Look for details and photos in the next edition of SHIPMATE. Watch for information to sign up for these future events:

Proud Chris Thompson ’92 pins gold bars on son Christian Thompson ’23

Southwest Florida Chapter: This year’s Navy squad for the annual SW Florida Service Academy Challenge! Left to right: Ed Firth ’75, Dick Mu ’72, Rick Poole ’67, Don Geismar ’67, Karl Krumbholz ’68, Bruce Needham ’68 (Team Captain), Doug Bishop ’69, Mike Mazurczak ’67, Tom LaForce ’69, Dave Tate ’67 and Tom Daley ’69. Team Navy made a strong push to claim the runner up spot. Event was held at The Plantation.

Tampa Bay Chapter: Rays up! Tampa Bay Alumni enjoyed hosting other Service Academy grads at the Rays game

Andrew Matthews ’23 receives his first salute from brother Ryan Matthews ‘26

CHAPTER NEWS

Future Events

- Monthly Meetings on first Wednesday of each month except July (no sign-up needed) - Navy football watch parties

Our social media links are above. Don’t forget to enroll on MyUSNA.com, our new all-service platform, and join the Tampa Bay Chapter.

Everything’s great (and hot) in the Sunshine State!

Chris Heath ’72 Chapter Secretary

Georgia

Atlanta Chapter

Pres: DJ Marzetta ’94 p: 404-996-7019; e: djmarzetta@gmail.com

Sec’y: John “Wiz” Withers ’79 e: jdwithers@1979.usna.com

Website: http://www.usnaaaa.com

BGO Area Coordinator (Atlanta/North Georgia): Deborah Catrini e: deborah.catrini@gmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator (Southern Georgia): Ryan McDonel e: rmcdonel.usna@gmail.com

Germany

Stuttgart Germany Chapter

Pres: Thomas E. Elders p: 949-878-2661; e: thomaselders@earthlink.net

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@bgo.usna.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ USNAAA.Honolulu; https://www.facebook.com/ NavalAcademyHawaii/

Idaho

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

MEMORIAL DAY RUN TO HONOR

We held our second, even bigger local Run-to-Honor event at beautiful Ballast Point in Tampa. Steve Swift ’87 coordinated the event which included the National Anthem, a stirring bugle rendition of “Taps,” and remarks on individual honorees. Participants ran or walked up to 5K. Beverages/snacks were provided at the finish line, donated by Todd Barrett ’00. Honoring veterans were Warren Hahn ’60, Fr. Tim Corcoran ’67, John Sarao ’76 and guests, Daryl and Grant Thorton ’79, Jane Lochner ’84, Donna and James Hamm ’84, Nancy and David Hahn ’85, Kris and Steve Swift ’87, Chris Jr. and Chris Thompson ’92, Cori Brodsky and John Miles ’93, Kevin Underwood ’95, Todd Barrett ’00 and son Owen (our bugler!), Lori, Adam, and John Goodenough ’02, Robert Villanueva ’03 and family, Austin Gullett ’03, Austen Suqi ’15, and Brian Laboy ’17. In all we had about 50 in attendance—a terrific turnout!

Northwest Chapter

Pres: Raymond Kutch ’63

e: rjkutch@comcast.net

Southern Idaho Chapter

Pres: Paul Campbell ’98

e: Paul.Campbell@1998.usna.com

Vice Pres: Rick Schellhaas ’68

e: rbschellhaas@gmail.com

Sec’y: Rufus Taylor ’66

e: tincansailor980@gmail.com

Treas: Andrea Hovey ’03

e: andrea.hovey@gmail.com

Idaho Parents’ Club President: Nicola McIntosh (Luke ’24) e: idusnaparents@hotmail.com

Greetings all! As previously reported, our new slate of SIC officers is now in place. A very s pecial “well done!” to our outgoing president, Andrea Hovey ’03. She was the good shepherd that steered our chapter safely through several years of troubled waters related to the pandemic. Yea! Also thanks to our long serving treasurer, Dennis Hanrahan ’68, for keeping the books up to snuff.

What a great turn out for our June event: The Class of 2027 Welcome Aboard Picnic. Thanks to our venue hosting family, Trasi & Brian Mullin. A super group of Idaho Parents Club members, USNA B&G officers, and USNA alumni SIC members were in attendance. BZ to Nicola McIntosh, Idaho Parents Club president, for organizing the event. The chapter also extends many thanks to Eric Page, representing USAA, and USAA for their continuing support of this event. A very special thanks to John Hall ’77 for his overview of USNA’s “Another Link in the Chain” program. It was very well received, especially by the midshipmen to be. The yummy taco bar catered lunch from Costa Vida was much appreciated. The prospective Midshipmen from Idaho are Avery Charles, Eagle; Avonlea Hotine, Post Falls; Kate LeBaron, Idaho Falls; Piper Lee, Boise, Gunnar Kimball, Hailey; and Shane Finkelstein (NAPS), Eagle.

Chapter members and their spouses/SO’s in attendance were Mike Coyle ’65, Rufus Taylor ’66, John Kuechle ’66, Rick Schellhaas ’68, Tom Neville ’68, Tom Simmonds ’73, John Hall ’77, Ken VanderHorst ’79, Jeff Walker ’85, Ed Brzezinski ’85, Pete Butler ’86, Roy Ledesma ’87, Markus Gudmundsson ‘91, Paul Campbell ’98, Ben Charles ’99, and Andrea Hovey ’03

SHARED INTEREST GROUPS

See the updates at p. 115

Naval Academy Minority Association (NAMA)

Naval Engineers & STEM Advocates (NESA)

Women’s Shared Interest Group Run to Honor USNA Pride

For more information on our SIGs, visit www.usna.com/SIGS

TAMPA BAY CHAPTER

Memorial Day was more meaningful through our Run To Honor event

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.

Illinois Chicago Chapter

CDR Fredrick W. Weber ’75, USNR (Ret.) 2134 Evert Ct., Northbrook, IL 60062-6612

h: 847-559-9381; w: 312-845-3444

e: Fred.Weber@2comm.com

Website: http://chicago.usnachapters.com

BGO Area Coordinator (Southern, IL): Gene Marquez e: gdsm_marquez@charter.net

The Chicago chapter will hold its semi annual meeting on Tuesday, 17 Oct at 5 pm at the law offices of McAndrews, Held & Malloy (hosted by Alan Montera ’05), located near the Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago (500 W Madison St, 35th floor). Among the agenda items will be the election of the Chapter’s next Board of Directors. Any Chicagoland alumni interested in running for the offices of President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer should submit their names to Fred Weber ’75 (Fred.weber@2comm.com). Nominations will also be accepted from the floor the evening of

Indiana

BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Drew Thomas ’04, USNR p: 317 682 8441; e: drew.thomas@bgo.usna.com

Indianapolis Chapter

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

Michiana Chapter

Pres: John Ross ’94 e: johnwmross@me.com

Vice Pres/Sec’y: CDR John (Chris) Haizlip ’72, USN (Ret.) 15246 Longford Dr., Granger, IN 46530 p: 574-273-2939; e: CHaizlip@aol.com

Treas: John Strauss ’69

e: e:jstrauss3373@att.net

Iowa

See Minnesotta

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

the meeting. For those not able to attend the meeting in person, electronic instructions to join the meeting and vote remotely will be sent via email to chapter members in September. Several members of the Chapter met at the All Academy Social in Northbrook on 14 June for an evening of camaraderie with graduates from Army, Air Force, and the Merchant Marine Academy. Navy graduates from the classes of 1964 to 2016 were in attendance, led by the senior alum present, Mike Murray ’64

BGOArea Coordinator: Ted Olt III ’85 p: 563-355-1709; e: tolt@l-wlaw.com

Kentucky

Louisville/Southern Indiana Chapter

Pres: CAPT Gregory Reinhardt ’79, USNR (Ret.) 712 Talon Pl., Louisville, KY 40223

p: 502-244-7707; e: greinhardt@1979.usna.com

BGO Area Coordinator:

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

Louisiana

Louisiana Chapter

Pres: Garrett Miller ’95 p: 985-590-2425, e: torrens.miller@gmail.com

Vice Pres: Bob Ferrante ’90 p: 985- 237-2091; e: mbrlj5@gmail.com

Sec’y: Wayne Morgan ’98 e: wayne.morgan@1998.usna.com

Treas: Drew Dodenhoff ’70 e: drewdode@yahoo.com

Website: http://www.USNALouisiana.org

BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Jessica Thornhill ’01 e: jessica.mp.thornhill@gmail.com

The Class of 1984 at the All Academy Social: Lindsay Kough, Gerry Pukach, and Pat Steele

SIC Chapter members have the backs of of Avery Charles and Kate LeBaron.

Chicago Chapter: Navy contingent at the All Academy Social on Flag Day in Northbrook

Renee and Mike Coyle ’65, Pete Butler ’86, Naty Neville (Tom ’68), Paul Campbell ’98 celebrate Paul’s election as SIC president.

Maine

Maine Chapter

Pres: Jen Bohr Tyll ’01

e: jenbohrtyll@gmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator: LT Jen Bohr Tyll ’01, USNR

p: 207-829-8159; e: jenbohrtyll@gmail.com

Maryland

Annapolis Chapter

Pres: CDR Scott J. Shepard ’91, USN (Ret.)

p: 540-419-5564; e: scottjshepard@hotmail.com

Vice Pres: Michael Rapp ’91

e: michaelrapp999@gmail.com

Sec’y–Shipmate Contact: Liesel (Danjczek) Schopler ’99

e: lieseldanjczek@hotmail.com

Treas: Chuck Dixon ’79

e: CBDixon@firstcommand.com

Membership: James McNeal ’86

e: jamesm@ispards.com

Website: http://annapolis.usnachapters.net

Join the Chapter: https://www.signupnow. events/USNA

AlumniChapter_Annapolis/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

1118214745191/ (or search for: Naval Academy Alumni

Annapolis Chapter)

BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Charles Mello

e: Charlesmello@gmail.com

Baltimore Chapter

Pres: Jason Hardebeck ’87

p: 443-269-1599; e: jhardebeck@whoglue.com

BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Charles Mello

e: Charlesmello@gmail.com

Join the Chapter: https://www.signupnow.events/USNA

Alumni Chapter_ Annapolis/

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

Greater Southern Maryland Chapter

Pres: Micheal W. Thumm ’75

e: thummer75@md.metrocast.net

Sec’y: Katie Ellefson ’13

p: 661-992-9190; e: katieelllefson13@gmail.com

Corr Sec’y: Michael Dougherty ’73

p: 240-925-7518; e: doughertymj8@aol.com

Website: http://www.navyalumni.org

BGO Area Coordinator: Kevin Schaaff

e: Kevin.Schaaff@bgo.usna.com

EVENTS

24 June Welcome Picnic at Katie Benton’s ’13 for Members of the Class of 2027, Napsters, and Foundation sponsorees and their families. We had alumni from 1969 to 2017 to welcome our newest Mids. Pierre Thuot ’77 gave a great presentation on the Another Link in the Chain Program!

Please check your email, the GSMC website www.navyalumni.org, and this column for updates and specific locations for future events

ALUMNI IN THE NEWS: TBD

COMING EVENTS: 8/20 Crab Fest, Solomons Rec Ctr. Pls check your email and the GSMC website www.navyalumni.org

Massachusetts

Boston Chapter

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

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

Website: http://boston.usnachapters.com

BGO Area Coordinator (Boston and SE Mass): John Rinkacs e: rinkacs@comcast.net

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

Michigan

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

Website: http://detroit.usnachapters.net

Communications Sec’y: Chris Bernard ’88

e: gcb117@gmail.com

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

BGO Area Coordinator (West & Upper): Col. Benjamin Richmond ’93, USMCR

e: brichmond97@earthlink.net

Greater Southern Maryland Chapter: Gathering to welcome 2027. From Left to Right: Paul Croisetiere ’77, Teddy Schopf ’17, Todd Cramer ’87, Dan Jewett ’09, Jason Denney ’97, Jim Sandberg ’69, Chris Drewello ’88, Dan Peters ’04, Marcela “Ivy” Somers ’27, Tom Phelan ’79, Chase Sax ’17, Katie Benton ’13, Greg Reuss ’77, Brad Pennington ’09, Pierre Thuot ’77, and Sharon Barbins ’96.

Greater Southern Maryland Chapter: Pierre Thuot ’77 gives his presentation on the Another Link in the Chain Program.

Minnesota

Upper Midwest Chapter

Pres: CAPT Ashley Fischer ’11, USMCR

p: 240-778-8116; e: aefisch36@gmail.com

Shipmate Contact: Nathan CW Smith ’98 e: nathancwsmith@outlook.com

Website: www.USNAUpperMidwest.org

Facebook: www.fb.com/USNAAAUpperMidwest

BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Mark J. Salmen, USN (Ret.)

NAIP Area Coordinator-Minnesota

15230 Afton Hills Dr. 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

Missouri

Greater Kansas City Metro Chapter

Pres: Bob Culler ’74

p: 913-488-6319; e: bculler@sbcglobal.net

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

Treas: Eric Carlson ’74

p: 913 481-5436; e: j.eric.carlson@gmail.com

Website: http://KansasCity.usnachapters.net

BGO Area Coordinator: Lee Gilgour ’01 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

Website: http://southernnevada.usnachapters.com/

New Jersey

Pres: Patrick Hurley ’87 e: patrick.hurley@1987.usna.com

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

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

website: www.usnanj.org

New Mexico

New Mexico Chapter

Pres: John Scott Kraus ’73 2304 Madre Dr. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112 h: 505-296-7409; c: 505-366-7457 e: skraus@aquilagroup.com; or jkraus2304@aol.com

Sec’y: Joseph McGuire ’68 p: 505-857-9679; e sunnymack@msn.com

Vice Pres: Dr. Doug Meints ’77 p: 505-888-6800; e: dmeintschiro@gmail.com

NM Parents’ Club Pres: Sheila Chapman p: 505-419-2633; e: usna.nm.parents@gmail.com

Website: http://newmexico.usnachapters.com

BGO Area Coordinator:Charles Scott e: scottcharles08@gmail.com

On Sunday, 4 June, the New Mexico Chapter of the USNA Alumni Association held its annual family picnic at the Kiwanis Shelter inside the Elena Gallegos Open Space Area, 7100 Tramway Blvd N.E, Albuquerque, NM 87122. The Elena Gallegos Open Space is a 640-acre park located at an elevation of about 6,500 feet in the easternmost part of Albuquerque with stunning North and South views of the Rio Grande Valley. On a clear day, Mount Taylor

near Grants, NM stands visible 85 miles away. This year’s attendees included Robert Phillips ’57 and wife HelenAnn, G.J. (Hoppy) Hopkins ’59, Mike Blackledge ’63 and wife Bonnie, Ron Walters ’63 and wife Pam, Joe McGuire ’68, Tom Gutierrez ’70 and wife Rebecca, Lynden (Tolly) Toliver ’71, Scott Kraus ’73 and guest Ann Theresa, Max Legg ’74 and wife Loren, Doug Meints ’77, Ken Fladager ’78 and guest Kathy, Mark Schaefer ’83 and wife Deborah, Christine Hoaglund ’97, and newly commissioned graduate Marcos Salazar ’23. By 1300, the shelter’s picnic tables were festooned with patriotic table coverings and set up with baked barbecue and fried chicken. Each guest also contributed side dishes and desserts to round out the meal. The Chapter also provided a variety of cold drinks and the necessary tableware. Before sitting down to enjoy our picnic, Chapter President Scott Kraus called for a few moments of silence to remember two active Chapter members who had recently passed away: Herbert Richter ’59, and Elaine Corbalis, wife of Fred Corbalis ’62

When the meal was nearly finished and most of our sea stories had been properly embellished, Past President Christine Hoaglund ’97 gave a spirited presentation of her attendance at the RADM Simpson Summit meeting (formerly known as the International Chapter Officers Forum) held this past 20 April in Annapolis. Several topics were briefed and changes to the USNA culture were noted by Mrs. Hoaglund. For example, this was the first annual Summit/Forum which combined the Chapter Officers, the Blue and Gold Officers, the Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and the Parents Club Officers for a broader perspective. Another cultural change was the addition of the “Midshipman Ethos” to the Reef Points manual, to be memorized by every plebe. The “Ethos” statement is available online to read, so alumni are also encouraged to read, study, and embrace its values.

Our new Blue and Gold Area Coordinator Charles Scott provided information on the seven

New Mexico Chapter Alums gather in Albuquerque for their annual family picnic

CHAPTER NEWS

New Mexico students selected to become members of the USNA Class of 2027. As this article is being prepared on 6/29/23, it is Induction Day, and these students are taking their Oaths of Office to begin their military careers. They are:

Diego X. Aragon from Mora High School in Mora;

Sean P. Avilucea from Las Cruces High School in Las Cruces;

Sebastian A. Chavez from Albuquerque High School in Albuquerque;

Ahava C. Goldfein from Moriarty High School in Moriarty;

William A. Lechman from Albuquerque Institute Of Math in Albuquerque;

Dylan T. Mamawal from Home School in Albuquerque; and

Nicolas J. Tenorio from Eldorado High School in Albuquerque.

An 8th NM candidate Natalia E. Sabal of Rehoboth Christian School in Gallup has been selected to attend the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) in Roswell, NM, a USNAapproved Prep School this year with a partial scholarship provided by the USNA Foundation, and work toward joining the USNA Class of 2028.

Joe McGuire ’68

New York

New York Capital District Chapter

Pres: David Mendez-Sankrith ‘11

p: p: 518-866-7725; e: David.jv.mendez@gmail.com

Sec’y: Scott McFadden p: 518-366-9918; e: scottmcfadden1989@gmail.com

Website: http://capitaldistrictny.usnachapters.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Jessica Barr e: jessiebarr.usna99bgo@yahoo.com

The Capital District USNAA Chapter would like to welcome aboard David Mendez-Sankrith ‘11 as the new president of our chapter. We thank Frank Hughes ’80 for his years of dedicated service bringing together the USNA grads in our region to remember the shared experience of being mids and naval officers.

In June, the chapter members gathered with fellow brothers and sisters in arms from West Point and the Air Force Academy at MWR Saratoga Springs for the welcome aboard picnic to celebrate a new generation of midshipmen and cadets. Will Vartuli, Kaylin Schneider, Aiden Gormley and Evan Hochwald were preparing to head down to Annapolis for plebe summer as members of USNA’s Class of 2027. West Point alums manned the grill, and we enjoyed hotdogs, hamburgers, salads, and cake as we shared wisdom from our own days at the academy decades ago.

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

The annual Welcome Aboard Picnic, sponsored by the Central New York Parents Club and supported by the Central New York Chapter of Naval Academy Alumni and USAA, was held again this year at the Bailiwick Market and Café in Eldridge, NY on Sunday, 11 June 2023. The Welcome Aboard Picnic is just that…to welcome aboard the prospective midshipmen and their families to the large Navy family as well as to congratulate the 2023 CNY USNA graduates and their parents. The picnic is also an opportunity for USNA alumni, and Navy family and friends to gather.

Alumni able to attend were Bob Fegan ’64 and his wife Marilyn, Pat ’86 and Peg ’86 Morocco, Tony Zallnick ’66 and his wife Joan, and Ed Yetsko ’77 who gave an outstanding presentation regarding the Link in the Chain program. The Class of 1977 will be the mentors for the Class of 2027. No current midshipmen or members of the Class of 2023 were in attendance but the parents of Aidan Longley ’23, Dave and Colleen Longley attended. Also attending was Karen McCoy, an USAA area representative.

Candidate for the Class of 2027 able to attend was Henry Callahan (Minoa) with his

mother Tracy and his sister Kate. Henry is following in the steps of his father, John USMA ’86, his brothers Jack USNA ’22 and Eric USMA ’25, and his sister Claire USMA ’20. Information was not available to identify other CNY candidates. The following photograph shows (left to right) Henry Callahan and Ed Yetsko ’77

The 2023 CNY USNA graduates and their hometowns/service selections are:

Aidan Longley (Cicero/Surface Warfare)

Daniel Ruggerio (Cortland/Seabees)

Charlotte Ryan (Tully/Submarines after completing a Masters Program in England)

Megan Welsh (Adams Center/Marine Corp)

Paul Zimmer (Oneonta/Submarines)

Commemorative desk clock was presented by Bob Fegan to Dave and Colleen Longley in recognition of their son Aidan’s recent graduation. The following photograph shows (left to right) Dave and Colleen Longley, and Bob Fegan’64 for the commemorative clock presentation.

New York Capital District Chapter: New midshipmen Will Vartuli ’27 and Kaylin Schneider ’27 with their parents and members of the Capital District Chapter.

Commemorative clocks for the parents of this year’s CNY USNA graduates not able to attend the Welcome Aboard Event have been mailed to the parents.

Alumni, and Navy family and friends are encouraged to attend the weekly Wednesday lunch at 1200 at Clear Path for Veterans in Chittenango, NY. 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 him know if you plan to attend a function. Future Chapter activities will be addressed as they are planned.

Metro New York Chapter (NAANY)

Pres: William B Biles ’08 e: benbiles08@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

North Carolina

BGO Area Coordinator: Col. Kevin Hart ’75, USMC (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

The Cape Fear Chapter’s 3rd Summer Cruise Social on 14 June in the Cape Fear Country Club ballroom was successfully executed with many members and spouses present. Our AssociationFoundation CEO/President Jeff Webb ’95 and EVP Engagement and Comms TJ Grady ’96

were our special guests. They joined the Cape Fear Chapter’s merry crew for the celebration of this special midshipman rite of passage –summer cruise. Before a tasty buffet, Jeff and TJ shared their vision and plans for the Association-Foundation moving forward. We salute these two inspirational leaders and wish them continued success!

Russ Brune ’92, Anne Leanos ’98, Andrew Blank ’15, and Hughes Waren, father of Griffith Hughes ’24

With summer roaring ahead, the Chapter enjoyed a July Bring Your Company Mug (BYCM) HH at the Flying Machine Brewing Company in Wilmington. August’s monthly meeting at the Cape Fear Country Club featured another interesting speaker after a sandwich buffet. Details in next Shipmate.

Mark your calendar: the Chapter’s Wednesday 13 September meeting will be led by Rick Haley ’72, our Chapter Treasurer, at the St. James Plantation Country Club. Another superb program is planned!

Summer STEM Scholarship recipient Aynsley Tryon

Another important aspect of this gathering was to recognize the Chapter’s first Summer STEM Scholarship recipient, Aynsley Tryon, a 9th grader from SE North Carolina. This was the first award of our merit-based scholarship to a high school student exhibiting keen math and science aptitude who was accepted by the Academy’s Summer STEM program. The Chapter’s POCs Bill Caiazza ’66 and John Casey ’78 are to be commended for their yeoman efforts throughout the past year culminating in this favorable outcome. Our 2024 goal is to award two Summer STEM scholarships!

Attending our annual summer social:

Douglass and Alan Smith ’64, Bill Caiazza ’66, Celia and Jim Strouse ’66, Debbie and Dave Scheu ’67, Jane and Michael Brown ’70, Cathy and Paul Smith ’71, Muffy Boylan and Ray Decker ’72, Gregg Hamelin ’72, Rick Haley ’72, Julie and Tom Wolfe ’72, Susan and Bart Whitman ’74 and guest, Cindy Kleine, Jane and Walt Flippin ’75, Peggy and Steve Yandle ’75, Martin Brittingham ’76, John Casey ’78,

Planning is underway for the 2d Biennial Interservice Academy Golf Tournament to be held this fall. Navy will defend the cup with hopes of repeating the performance! Gregg Hamelin ’72 and Hugh McWilliams ’72, are the Chapter POCs and leading the charge!

The Chapter’s 2023 Calendar of Events is posted on our website: capefearnc. usnachapters.net.

Charlotte Chapter

Pres: Christopher (Nix) M. Nickels ’91 e: CHRISNIX@AOL.COM

Email: UsnaaaCharlotte@gmail.com

Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/usna-alumniassociation-charlotte-251965968210794/ Website: Charlotte.usnachapters.net

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

After a summer with a Chapter Happy Hour and a Knights game watch party we’re ready for some Navy football

Navy football in Charlotte vs UNCC 49ers, 14-October 2023. Mark your calendars and keep eyes out for email communications on event as well as posts on myusna site in our chapter page. The Charlotte Chapter will be hosting a tailgate before the game. You can buy tailgate tickets at https://myusna.com/events/ 49650

Cape Fear Chapter: Summer Social

Eastern North Carolina Chapter

Pres: Rob Skrotsky ’67

P.O. Box 847, New Bern, NC 28563

h: 252-514-0299; e: robert.skrotsky@1967.usna.com

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://myusna.com/topics/9508

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14196247/

The meeting convened on Thursday, 22 June at the Officers Club on board MCB Camp Lejeune at 1145.

Six (6) members were present. Rob Skrotsky ’67, President, presided. He called upon the members present to have a silent prayer for those in Harm’s Way and forfamilies of deployed personnel who await their loved ones safe return.

Aaron Adams ’95, the treasurer reported the bank balance.

Mr. Skrotsky noted there is no July meeting and the August meeting will be at Camp Lejeune on 24 August. The plans for the Founders Day celebration in October in New Bern at the Country Club have started.

The meeting adjourned at 1300 and reassembled at the Wounded Warrior Battalion - East at its building on the grounds of the Naval Hospital at Camp Lejeune.

The guide for the group was Mr. Dallas Poole who greeted the group at the front door of the facility. Dallas is the Outreach Coordinator for the Battalion. We toured various facilities available to recovering military personnel. Physical therapy is a major part of the treatment. The tour concluded at 1415.

Photos are: the sculpture of Vietnam Marines - no one left behind, at the Battalion grounds; Battalion Insignia based on the sculpture; right to left, Rick Kunkel ’67, Dallas Poole, Kim Kimball ’65, Aaron Adams ’95, and Rob Skrotsky ’67.

Tim Marvin ’59 Secretary

North Carolina Triangle Chapter

Pres: CAPT Shaun McAndrew ’93 USN (Ret.)

e: shaun.mcandrew.2020@gmail.com

Sec’y: CAPT Bill Coleman ’95 USN (Ret.) e: billcoleman95@gmail.com

Website: www.usnatriangle.com

Greetings to all from the hot and humid home of the North Carolina Triangle Chapter. After fabulous spring and early summer weather, the heat can only mean that Navy Football is right around the corner. The chapter is excited the Midshipmen will be competing for the

Wounded Warrior

Battalion Crest

Alumni Visit

NC Triangle Class of 2027 Welcome Picnic

second year in a row in the great state of North Carolina, playing the University of Charlotte on 14 October. The Triangle Chapter will participate in the game day festivities with other clubs and groups before the game, and voraciously cheer the Midshipman to victory. Check myUSNA events for information on the game and tailgate.

We are looking forward to our Annual Family Picnic at the Durham Bulls Ballpark on Friday, 15 September. Tommy McNamara ’11 is the OIC. This picnic is a great opportunity for comradery and baseball and is always a highlight for the chapter.

Our Golf Squad’s June outing was at Keith Hills in Lillington, NC. Participants included Jack Moody ’70, Marty Carpenter ’70, Warren Schultz ’71, Chris Bishop (Shaun McAndrew’s ’93 spouse) and Chris’s guest: V. Golie. Also included were a few West Point grads led by Dave Milidonis USMA ’74, who hosted the group.

Piedmont Triad Chapter

Pres: Tom Cornejo ’00 e: thomas.cornejo@yahoo.com

Sec’y: Josh Fogle ’03 e: foglejw@gmail.com

North Dakota

Upper Midwest Chapter

See Minnesota

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

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

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

and Farewell (Class of 2024). There to help them celebrate were Columbus Chapter President Dave Goins ’84, Jim Cowardin ’66 (BGO), Chuck Hoffman ’69 (BGO), and Tony Konecny ’79. Midshipmen present were Luke Nester and Will Holsinger, both Class of 2025 and Nadia Liesen, Brayden Burris, and Aidan Eberhardt of the Class of 2027. Chapter Challenge Coins were presented to the incoming Plebes by Goins.

Class of 2027 members Joshua Cha, Daniel Stein and Maria Celeste Kistler (a legacy of dad Larry Kistler ’92) joined chapter members and their families at our annual welcome picnic for the new class. More than 30 chapter members and families gathered to celebrate and congratulate the new midshipmen. The picnic was also our first official event following the election of a new slate of chapter officers. We took the opportunity to welcome our new President, Shaun McAndew ’93 Chris Perrien ’74 presented Shaun with the President’s bath robe already embroidered with her name, joining the names of all the previous chapter Presidents.

Pres: CAPT Fred W. Bergman ’75, USNR (Ret.) p: 440-570-3564; e: FWayBergman@aol.com

Sec’y: John Blackburn ’82 e: joblackburn@clevelandtrack.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Doug Cabarle e: douglas.cabarle@bgo.usna.com

Columbus

Pres: Dave Goins ’84 e: dgoins84@gmail.com

Vice Pres: Kevin Johnson ’83 e: kljohnson.johnson@gmail.com

Sec’y: Motisola Bowman ’95 e: bmotisola@gmail.com

Treas: Jim Waddell ’71 e: jbwaddell@columbus.rr.com

Shipmate Contact: Motisola Bowman ’95 e: bmotisola@gmail.com

Parent Club President: Russelle Hoslinger e: napccousna@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

The Naval Academy Parent Club of Central Ohio gathered at Thompson Park in Upper Arlington for their annual Hail (Class of 2027)

The Blue Angels participated in the Columbus Air Show 16-18 June 2023. Although the Chapter was unable to arrange a presence for the Air Show at Rickenbacker International Airport due to a lack of schedule information and access difficulties, several members of the Chapter were able to attend a “Meet the Blue Angels” event at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum on Friday, June 16. Attending were Dave Goins ’84, Chuck ’71 and Jeane Janes, Dave ’78 and Nancy Guza, Tony Konecny ’79, Chris Rosen ’90, Matt ’92 and Teresa Edic and daughter, Grace, Will Hoslinger ’25, Chuck & Patti Cooper (associate member), and Brent & Russelle Hoslinger (parents).

Bill Coleman

Dave Goins ’84, Tony Konecny ’79, & BA XO CDR Jon Fay ’00 Motisola Bowman ’95

June 2023 Golf Outing: L-R V. Golie (guest), Chris Bishop (Shaun McAndrew ’93 spouse), Jose Picart USMA ’75, Dave Milidonis ’74, USMA, Bob Preston ’72 USMA, Jack Moody ’70 and Marty Carpenter ’70

Chris Perrien ’74 presents with President’s B-robe to new Chapter President, Shaun McAndew ’93 . Go Navy!

Toledo Chapter

Pres: CDR Meghan Michael ’97, USN (Ret.)

e: meghanmichael@me.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Gregory Zerr

e: gtzerr@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/groups/2216538711945400

The Tulsa Chapter initiated a nomination For Admiral Jocko Clark (1918) to the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame, and we received the announcement that our nomination won. We reached out and recruited the Cherokee Nation to co-sign the nomination, as Admiral Clark was the first American Indian to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy, and the first to become an Admiral. The Principal Chief and the Cherokees Veterans’ Affairs Secretary both co-signed the nomination with our chapter. The Induction Event will be 28 October in Norman, OK. If you are interested in going, please contact a chapter officer.

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: Gillian Richards e: jill@teamrichards.net

Website: oregon.usnachapters.net

Shipmate Editor note: Apologies for overlooking the July-August report for the Chapter. Here is the report:

July-August Update

Our April luncheon featured as guest speaker Major General Chris Owens USMC (Ret.) who spoke to us on the tensions in Taiwan. General Owens is currently an adjunct professor at Oregon State University teaching political science. His presentation was both highly appropriate given current world affairs and extremely insightful. Attending were Mike Carmichael ’69, Doug Ballard 74, Glen Weeks ’65, Don Haslett ’66, John Adams ’69, Chris Owens Major General USMC (Ret.), Rita Owens, Jenny and Ky Nguyen Parents Club, Doug Bomarito 68, Butch Bewick ’62, Tex Harkins ’67, Chris Carlson ’78, Scott Fitzpatrick ’80, Mark Cooksey ’71, Susan Cooksey Capt. USN (Ret.), Frank Swientek ’66, Tim Myers ’64 and Tony Lash 58(VMI).

May was a very active month. Our monthly luncheon featured Pete Young ’67 giving a presentation on the history and exploits of the first USS OREGOn BB3. Present were Mike Carmichael ’69,

Don Haslett ’66, Ky Nguyen Parents Club, Doug Bomarito 68, John Adams ’69, Scott Fitzpatrick ’80, Tex Harkins ’67, Jack Kohl ’65, Pete Young ’67 and his wife Darlene, John Plett ’69 and his wife Kathryn, Tim Myers ’64 and Tony Lash VMI.

Prior to COVID Vietnam era vets visited local high schools and talked to students about their experiences in both Vietnam and the cold war. We were able to restart that program this year. We visited four high schools and gave presentations in April and May. The effort is spearheaded by Tim Myers ’64. Alumni participating included Tim Myers ’64, Mike Carmichael ’69, John Adams ’69, Doug Bomarito ’68, Pete Young ’67, Gil Hansen ’60, Craig Realogle ’02 and Doug Ballard ’74

Lastly, Captain Mark Springer ’89, USN (Ret.) memorial service was held at the Willamette National Cemetery. Representing the Alumni Association were John Adams ’69 and Mike Carmichael ’69, although there were many classmates, alumni and vets who served with Mark. Mark was an active member of our council and will be missed.

September Update Memorial Day is always special for the Chapter. Doug Bomarito ’68 was the guiding force behind the development of the Oregon Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington Park. The Memorial covers 8 acres and lists all the Oregonians killed and missing in action from the Vietnam conflict. Doug (pictured below) presides over a very moving ceremony which included the reading of all 806 Oregonians lost in the conflict. Present at the ceremony were John Adams ’69, Mike Carmichael ’69, Doug Ballard ’74, Todd Washburn ’93, Lee Hall ’80, and Don Haslett ’66 and Butch Bewick ’62.

Blue Angels pilots, staff, and crew at the National Veterans Memorial & Museum

June saw several functions to welcome the incoming class of 2027 and NAPS. A traditional Parent Club picnic was run by Parent Club President Shelly Liscom. Alumni present were John Adams ’69 Mike Carmichael ’69, Doug Ballard ’74 Jim Eberle ’77 (representing Another Link In the Chain). Tim Myers ’64 and 2nd Lt. Kirk Liscom ’23 and his fiancée Carissa Cooley. Present from the class of 2027 were Jordan Trantham ’27, Narcizo Garza ’27, Adriene Willis ’27 and Danial Olson ’27. The parents received valuable information on what to expect in the coming year and how to navigate the task of being a parent of a USNA midshipman.

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

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

Treas: Jim Nolan ’70 e: jimnolan8470@gmail.com

Website: http://www.usnasvc.com

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

The following week the Alumni Association had its monthly luncheon also welcoming the incoming class of 2027. Guest speaker was Capt. Jill Richards ’94, USNR, BGO Area Coordinator. Capt. Richards gave a presentation to the selectees on what to expect. Present for the class of 2027 were Jordan Trantham ’27, Maxine Nasserziagle ’27, Walker Godfrey ’27 and Natalie Jack ’27 and their parents. Present alumni were Mike Carmichael ’69, John Adams ’69, Scott Fitzpatrick ’80, Doug Ballard ’74, Tex Harkins ’67, Todd Washburn ’93, Jill Richards’ 94, Glen Weeks ’ 65, Steve Somnitz ’82 and his son Shaw, Ken Fink ’80, Don Haslett ’66, Walt Higgins ;66, John Frerich ’50 and his daughter Stacey, Lee Hall ’80, Craig Replogue ’02 and his wife Kari, Tim Myers ’64

The Chapter was saddened by the loss of Bard Dalla Mura ’54. Bart was an active member and will be missed.

Editor’s note: apologies that the following submission was not published, it was in a SPAM folder.

At the time of this writing, Spring is very slowly turning to Summer for many of us throughout the country – leaving us a bit nostalgic for the other transitional season, Fall. Where reminded of our annual Fall Come Around at Watt’s Barr, Tennessee, held last September.

Hosted this year by Firsties Tim (‘72) and Vanessa Hallihan at our favorite location, Hornsby Hollow Campground. As we enjoyed daily use of the campground pavilion and many

waterfront or water view campsites we were reminded why we choose this Watt’s Bar location year after year.

Attending were Don (’74) and Sue Baldwin, Jim (’74) and Lynne Connors, Kirk (’75) and Wendy Daniels, Mark (’70) Farris and JJ, Dale (’70) and Su Gange, Scott (’76) and Sandy Goodson, Tim (’72) and Vanessa Hallihan, Jim (‘81) and Catherine Heffernan, John (’78) and Eileen Madaio, Jim (’59) and Marie Roberts, Tom (’70) and Ellen Shields, Ken (’69) and Marion Tevebaugh, George (’88) and Julie Turner, Hoot (‘88) and Janet Wade, Andy (’72) and Eva Wehrle, Tom (’70) and Rose Wolfe.

We kicked off this annual event with a Welcome Happy Hour and munchies, followed by a complete Tennessee BBQ dinner was provided by the firsties Mark Farris (’70) and JJ. As an official BBQ contest judge, Mark (’70) has all of the connections and snared a nearby BBQ contest participant to prepare it all. Following the BBQ feast, the group moved to the campfire and enjoyed Key Lime and Strawberry Chocolate “Tennessee moonshine” samples along with singing some patriotic songs led by the musically talented Wehrle (’72) family.

The next morning, we conducted a bit of Chapter Business chaired by President Tom Wolfe (’70) The meeting included a briefing from USNA AA Central Region Trustee and Blue and Gold Officer Rich Cataldi (’69) (also a member of the Knoxville/Oak Ridge alumni chapter.) We held a White Elephant Sale fund raiser (a Chapter favorite) with Jim Roberts (’59) as auctioneer. And of course, Happy Hour and potluck dinner at the pavilion followed by Blackberry and Apple Pie Moonshine.

As we explored the area throughout the week, we sampled local cuisine, enjoyed a presentation of “Buddy” (The Buddy Holly Story) at the Cumberland Playhouse and even

RV Chapter

CHAPTER NEWS

toured a local working dairy farm. Others opted to tour the Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary (from which James Earl Ray escaped) and Brushy Mountain Distillery with lunch at the Warden’s Table. Friday evening started with the RV Chapter’s World-Famous Margarita Machine Happy Hour by Tom (’70) and Rose Wolfe and a Mexican Potluck Dinner and another campfire. This campfire was the setting for a solemn and proper flag retirement ceremony with appropriate music and narration provided by John (’78) and Eileen Madaio

The morning of our final full day, the entire crew pitched in to prepare toast, scramble and cook eggs, fry bacon, pour juice, and prepare the main course for the Jim (’59) Roberts Minced Beef/Hearty Campsite Breakfast, which is a favorite tradition of our week at Watts Bar. Later in the morning, several joined in a local bike ride led by Dale (’70) Gange to burn off a few breakfast calories. Saturday evening, we were treated with “Soup and Slider Night” for an early dinner while we watched the Navy/ECU football game outside Hallihan’s (’72) RV with satellite subscription provided by Gange (’70). This game provided plenty of excitement with a double overtime victory for Navy. It was a pleasant outdoor venue with space for several grads in attendance to perform the requisite pushups after each Navy score. The following morning, bleary eyed travelers packed up and headed off to their next adventure.

Big Southfork Comearound May 3-7, 2023

Our Big Southfork Come Around was an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Nature has a way of captivating our spirits and bringing people together. From 3-7 May, a group of adventurous campers that included were Jim ’59 and Marie Roberts, Adrian ’67 and Debra Gordon, Hoot ’76 and Janet Wade, firsties Jim ’74 and Lynne Connors, and friends of the firsties Dan and Deb Smith and Pat and Barb Bisson, embarked on an unforgettable journey in the stunning surroundings of the Big Southfork National River and Recreation Area. With hiking, delicious meals, and campfire camaraderie, this gathering exemplified the joy of outdoor exploration and the bonds forged through shared experiences.

The campers wasted no time immersing themselves in the wonders of the Big Southfork area. The expedition commenced with an evening of happy hour and a cozy campfire, setting the tone for the adventure to come. The following morning, the group embarked on the Oscar Blevins Trail, a challenging 4-mile hike that showcased the area’s natural beauty. The trail offered picturesque views, invigorating fresh air, and a sense of accomplishment upon completion.

Amidst the breathtaking landscapes, a special celebration took place. Jim and Marie Roberts marked their remarkable 60th wedding anniversary, commemorated with a delectable

prime rib dinner at Freddie’s, accompanied by champagne toasts. This heartwarming occasion served as a testament to enduring love and the joy of sharing life’s milestones with cherished friends.

Campfire cuisine became a highlight of each day, thanks to the culinary skills of the campers. The firsties, Jim and Lynne Connors, impressed everyone with their chili cheese brats and nuclear stew, while Hoot Wade ensured an abundant supply of firewood and perfect s’mores every night. From catfish dinners with hushpuppies and coleslaw to a pancake and sausage breakfast, the meals were a delightful fusion of outdoor cooking and shared enjoyment.

RV Chapter: 60th Wedding Celebration

RV Chapter: USS Margaritaville Change of Command

A unique tradition unfolded during the trip— the USS Margaritaville Change of Command ceremony (pictured on the previous page). Jim Roberts, the veteran commanding officer, passed the torch to Jim Connors in a momentous occasion. The Margaritaville machine whirred to life, serving refreshing frozen concoctions that added an extra layer of festivity to the event. With the change in leadership, a new chapter began for the USS Margaritaville, promising future gatherings filled with merriment and delightful margaritas.

Under the starry night sky, surrounded by the crackling campfire, the campers relished in the simple pleasure of one another’s company. Stories were shared, laughter echoed, and new friendships formed. The sense of community and connection fostered during these moments exemplified the true spirit of camping—uniting individuals in appreciation of nature and shared experiences.

The Big Southfork Come Around proved to be an exceptional outdoor adventure, weaving together the beauty of nature, the warmth of friendship, and the joy of celebrating milestones. This gathering epitomized the essence of camping—a reminder to embrace the great outdoors, forge lasting connections, and create cherished memories. As the campers bid their final farewells, they carried with them a renewed appreciation for the wonders of nature and the power of shared experiences that will forever linger in their hearts.

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: Brian Goldschmidt ’94 e: goldschmidtbp@gmail.com

Website: http://csra.usnachapters.com

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 Thursday, 15 June The Charleston Chapter held its Monthly Meeting. Our guests were Jeff Webb ’95, President and CEO, US Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation,

and CAPT T.J. Grady ’96, USN (Ret.), EVP, Engagement and Communication. In Attendance were: Max Hill ’51, Fuzzy Knight ’53, Tom Mayberry ’53, Jim Flatley ’56, Jerry Cooper ’60, Curt Holcomb ’61, John Nuernberger ’64, Bernie Magdelain ’67, Jim Welsch ’67, Gery Maxwell ’69, Charlie Young ’70, Steve Weise ’72, Jim Beltz ’73, George Watt ’73, Bill Konrad ’75, Joe Delpino ’75, Dave Shimp ’76, Bob Kennedy ’77, Rick Stein ’82, Seamus Flatley ’83, Greg Shore ’84, Alec Chalmers ’92 and David Kern ’92.

Please head over to myUSNA to get the latest news on our events. Join the SC Lowcountry Chapter Group if you haven’t already. In addition to making these Shipmate submissions, your friendly neighborhood chapter secretary is also pushing all events notices and emails out via myUSNA for the chapter.

We held elections at the end of May. The 2023-24 Chapter Board is as follows: President - Dave Igyarto ’74; Vice-President - VACANT; Secretary - Tim Johnson ’02; Treasurer - John Scanlon ’83; and Directors - Tom Cavanaugh ’69, George Stubbs ’58, Harry Gardner ’95, and Doug Ogden ’67

On 22 June, we had a great tour and lunch at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. Chapter members and guests enjoyed a guided tour of the museum and lunch in the museum restaurant following. A big thank you to Harry Gardner ’95 for organizing the trip. Attendees included Harry Gardner ’95, Halyee Foster, Tom Cavanaugh ’69, Dave Igyarto ’74, Tim Johnson ’02, Leah Johnson, Flynn Johnson, Sebastian De Angelis ’83, Didi De Angelis, Lenny Mokan ’76, Don Baldwin ’74, Parv Shalov, Alex Dimitrew ’78, Alan Mangan ’83, Mike Wahl ’74, Roger Mau ’79 and Doug Tozour ’63

Our next luncheon is scheduled for 1130AM on Tuesday, 12 September 2023 at Frankie Bones in Bluffton, SC. Assuming this issue hits your mailbox in time, please RSVP to Dave Igyarto by 8 September at igyartodp@ icloud.com so that an accurate headcount can be provided to the restaurant.

On Thursday, 17 July, the Charleston Chapter held its Monthly Meeting. Our Speaker was Dr. Kim Cliett Long, who gave a great presentation on African American Involvement in the Maritime History of the South. In Attendance were: Fuzzy Knight ’53, Tom Mayberry ’53, Jim Flatley ’56, John Nuernberger ’64, Ray Setser ’65, Bernie Magdelain ’67, Jim Welsch ’67, Chuck Meyer ’68, Greg Wood ’68, Michael Bosse ’74, Jim Lyons ’74, Bill Konrad ’75, Dave Fischer ’75, Denny Simon ’77, Rick Stein ’82, Pat Hunkler ’89 and Kara Flatley ’90

The Charleston Chapter meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 12 Noon in Mount Pleasant. No reservation required.

Low Country Chapter

Pres: Dave Igyarto ’74

e: igyartodp@icloud.com

VP: VACANT

Sec’y: Tim Johnson ’02

e: tim.w.Johnson@outlook.com

Treas: John Scanlan ’83

e: ping1@hargray.com

Happy Fall 2023 from the Low Country! This report will cover the first part of the summer and give a nod to our fall events. With the printing deadlines being what they are, the dates and locations for our fall/winter events haven’t yet been set.

Left to Right: Jeff Webb ’95, Fuzzy Knight ’53, Max Hill ’51, Jim Flatley ’56, Tom Mayberry ’53 and T.J. Grady ’96

Left to Right: Rick Stein ’82, Jeff Webb ’95, George Watt ’73 and T.J. Grady ’96.

SC Low Country Chapter 8th Air Force Museum Lunch (L to R): (seated) Parv Shalov, Doug Tozour ’63, and Don Baldwin ’74; (standing) Dave Igyarto ’74 and Harry Gardner ’95.

SC Low Country Chapter 8th Air Force Museum Lunch (L to R): (seated) Alan Mangan ’83, Sebastian De Angelis ’83, Didi De Angelis; (standing) Tim Johnson ’02, Flynn Johnson, Tom Cavanaugh ’69, and Leah Johnson.

SC Low Country Chapter 8th Air Force Museum Lunch

(L to R): (seated) Lenny Mokan ’76 and Roger Mau ’79; (standing) Alex Dimitrew ’78 and Mike Wahl ’74.

On 21 September, 2023, the Chapter will be touring Ft. Stewart in conjunction with their “Come Meet Your Army” Quarterly Tour. The tour will be from 0900 to 1400 and will include: the Engagement Skills Trainer; Lunch at Warrior DFAC; the Warriors Walk; and the 3rd Infantry Division Museum. Don Baldwin ’74 is arranging the tour. Additional information including potential cost will be communicated at a later date. Please indicate your plan to attend by contacting Don Baldwin at donb682@ gmail.com or selecting Yes in myUSNA.

Check myUSNA for details and registration on our other upcoming events, including; flag placements at the graves of Academy graduates in Beaufort National Cemetery on Veteran’s Day; and a viewing party for the Army-Navy game. More detailed information will be provided as we get closer to each event. If you are headed to the Low Country for vacation or thinking of moving to the area, don’t hesitate to reach out to us so we can include you in events. We encourage all members to stay up to date on our events by checking myUSNA regularly. We also welcome suggestions for future events and activities, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us with your ideas. You can contact the chapter secretary via myUSNA or email at tim.w.johnson@outlook.com.

Palmetto Chapter

Pres: Jerry Pilewski ’97 e:palmettousna@usna.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

South Carolina

Midlands Chapter

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

Sec’y: Chuck Tebrich ’66 e: chuckteb@gmail.com

Website: www.usnasc.org

South Dakota

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

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

Spain

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

Rota Chapter

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

Vice Pres: Ryan Eilerman ’15

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

Sec’y: Dustin Cunningham ’06

Tennessee

Chattanooga Chapter

Pres: Casey Turner ’01 6408 Forest Park Dr., Signal Mountain, TN, 37377 p: 423-355-7771; e: lcaseyturner@gmail.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

The Knoxville-Oak Ridge Chapter congratulates the Class of 2023 graduates from East Tennessee. This includes ENS Dillon Pendley USN (Bristol, Special Warfare); ENS Zachary Tieng USN (Knoxville, Navy Pilot); ENS Elizabeth Treece USN (Johnson City, Surface Warfare); and 2ndLt Grant Wilson USMC (Knoxville, Marine Ground).

The Chapter held its annual Welcome Aboard Picnic for the East Tennessee appointees to the Class of 2027 and NAPS and their families on 3 June 2023 at Founders Park in Farragut. Note that Farragut, a suburb of Knoxville, is named after Admiral David Glasgow Farragut, who was born in the area. The event had a good turnout with 36 attendees total, including 12 alumni and their guests, five appointees and their guests, and two officers from the USNA Parents Club.

BGO Area Coordinator Rich Cataldi ’69 introduced the appointees present: Angela Davis, Cleveland HS (NAPS appointee); Sophia Huelskamp, Notre Dame HS Chattanooga; Isaac Katz, Central HS; Brysen Kraft, Seymour HS; Jack Osario, Farragut HS. Appointees not present: Gavin Noe, Anderson County HS; Curtis Spurling, Anderson County HS. Steve Crowe ’77 delivered the Another Link in the Chain (ALITC) presentation to the Class of 2027, joined by Scott Harding ’77 Rudy Escher ’78 and Shawn Tallant ’78 represented their ALITC connection for the Class of 2028 entering NAPS. Paula Treece and Kendra Reczek represented the USNA Parents Club of East Tennessee. The alumni gave summaries of their military and civilian careers, enhanced with legendary sea stories from their experiences in the Yard and in the Fleet.

At the monthly luncheon on 7 June 2023, the Chapter welcomed Dillon Pendley ’23 as a fellow alumnus and presented him with the RADM Samuel P. Carter Award for his achievement as the graduate from East Tennessee with the highest order of merit. ENS Pendley completed a degree in Operations Research and will undergo additional training for his assignment as a Naval Special Warfare Officer.

If any alumni relocate to or visit East Tennessee, please join our monthly luncheon at Famous Dave’s BBQ in Knoxville on the first Wednesday of each month at 1200.

Knoxville-Oak Ridge Chapter: Back row: Jim Ward ’85, Gary Null ’91, Mitch Eisenberg ’99, Rich Cataldi ’69, Otto Stutz ’81, Ernie Gonzales ’81, Craig Toney ’00, Bruce Bevard ’76, Steve Crowe ’77, Shawn Tallant ’78. Front row: Jack Osario ’27, Brysen Kraft ’27, Sophia Huelskamp ’27, Isaac Katz ’27 and Angela Davis ’28.

Jim Ward ’85

Memphis Chapter

Pres: Henry W. Papa Jr. ’86 p: 907-244-7492; e: hankpapa@aol.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Drew Wyrick e: wyrick03@gmail.com

Nashville Chapter

Pres: CDR John F. Ohlinger ’69, USN (Ret.) 880 Lakemont Dr., Nashville, TN 37220-2124 h: 615-370-1441; w: 615-594-7628 e: john.ohlinger@usna.1969.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Thomas Forsythe ’79 e: tom_forsythe@kyzen.com

Texas

Alamo Chapter

Pres: CAPT Ron A. Sandoval ’81, USN 18010 Keystone Blf., San Antonio, TX 78258-3436

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

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

Facebook: Alamo Chapter NAAA

BGO Area Coordinator: Eric Montgomery ’04 p: 410-507-2832; e: eric.montgomery@2004.usna.com

STNAPC held their annual welcome social for the class of 2027 on 17 June. It was a great turnout of about 40+ individuals including future midshipmen, parents, representatives of class of ’77, BGOs and Alamo Chapter members. VADM John Bird ’77 gave a presentation on A LINK IN THE CHAIN (ALIC) on behalf of the class of ’77. Alamo Chapter President, CAPT Ron Sandoval ’85 briefed the group on the activities of the Chapter and our plans going forward, specifically as they relate to our support of the Parents Club. Also, a special shout out to fellow shipmates Carlos Rosende, Larry Carpenter and of course VADM John Bird all of the class of 1977 for their participation in the event. Pictures tell the story, so I am submitting a number of pictures that illustrate the event better than words.

Scott Harding ’77, Jack Osario ’27, Brysen Kraft ’27, Sophia Huelskamp ’27, Isaac Katz ’27 and Steve Crowe ’77

Rudy Escher ’78, Angela Davis ’28 and Shawn Tallant ’78

On behalf of the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Chapter, Jim Ward ’85 presented the 2023 RADM Samuel P. Carter Award to ENS Dillon Pendley ’23.

VADM Bird briefing STNAPC group on ALIC

Carlos Rosende ’77 talking with class of 27 candidate.

BGO Roman Sanchez talking with ’27 candidate.

VADM Bird talking with ’27 candidate

STNAPC sponsored cake to celebrate new plebes.

Dave Driskell ’63

Alamo Chapter: Central Texas class of ’27 with Larry Carpenter, VADM Bird and Carlos Rosende all of class of ’77 in the center.

Austin Chapter

Pres: Brad Holbrook ’06

p: 410-718-8839; e: bradley.holbrook@gmail.com

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

Shipmate Contact: CDR Don McAlister ’63, USNR (Ret.) p: 512-365-7068; e: don.mcalister@austin.rr.com

Website: Austin.usnachapters.com

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

North Texas Chapter

Director at Large: Daryl Smith ’88

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

Sec’y: Frankie Delgado ’95

e: secy@usnaaa-ntx.com

Website: www.usnaaa-ntx.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Tom Eschenbrenner

p: 972 740 4060; e: eschenbrenner@gmail.com

With the academic year upon us, we would like to recall this summer’s welcome aboard picnic held in North Texas. The welcome was held back in June. Supported by the Parent’s Club of North Texas and the North Texas Alumni chapter, the incoming members of the class of ’27 and ‘28 were treated to a Texas BBQ lunch and graced with some pearls of wisdom from Mids and Alumni. On 10 June at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, these incoming Mids and NAPSters and their families got to some great “gouge” from Mids home on leave, welcomed to the USNA family by guest speaker Lori Buresh ’00 and NTX Alumni Chapter President Jamey Cummings ’93. The culminating event was when Dan Busch ’77 introduced the class of ’27 candidates and their families to the Another Link in the Chain program and the special bond these two classes will share.

Welcome to the USNA family ‘27now tell us how many days until we BEAT ARMY?!!

Check

Texas Gulf Coast Chapter

Pres: Evan Williams ’11

e: Evan@AmericanSemper.com

Vice Pres and Sec’y: Daniel Hanley ’10 e: DHanley@2010.usna.com

Treas: Rich Bulger ’69

e: rlbulger69@gmail.com

Website: txgulfcoast.usnachapters.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USNAAATxGC/

Email: txgulfcoast.usnachapters@gmail.com

BGO Area Coodinator: Don Link

e: cdr.dlink@gmail.com

June 2 Chapter luncheon. Topic: the challenges and opportunities that face our nation as the result of ongoing developments in the fields of AI and LLMs, i.e. deep learning algorithms.

June 6 The Blue & Gold Officers (BGOs) held its annual Welcome Aboard Reception for incoming Plebes and USNA Prep School students. Alumni speakers included Evan Williams ’11,

Evan Williams ’11 presented a Navy rugby ball to Eric Wrzyszczynski (incoming Plebe, recruited for rugby) and his parents, Jennifer & Mark Wrzyszczynski ’96. The rugby ball was autographed by NAVY’s Division I-A National Champion team.

June 16 The Chapter’s North Houston suburb lunch was held at The Honor Café in Conroe TX.

Matt Guyton ’07, John Kendall ’64, and LCDR Katie Medford-Davis ’12

North Texas Chapter: Members of Class of ‘77 and new members of ‘27 - connected by the ALITC program

North Texas Chapter: Incoming Mids, NAPSters and their families enjoy BBQ and camradery.

Lori Buresh ‘00 provides insights and inspiration to the new joins.

Texas Gulf Chapter: Class of ’69 and Guests Table

The next North Houston suburb lunch will likely be in Spring TX, date TBD. If you have restaurant suggestions (12 – 20+ attendees with “separate checks”) please contact Co-Chairs: Brian Weaver ’98 (bweaver@ focalpointcoaching.com) & Royce Engler ’73 (raengler73@gmail.com).

Member News:

Andrew Woitena ’17 is transitioning out of the Navy and attended our June 2 luncheon Andrew lives in League City TX.

Evan Williams ’11 is starting as an Engineering teacher at Friendswood High School. Evan and his family live in Friendswood TX.

Dan Hanley ’10 has recently started a new position of Technical Sales Engineer with Larson Davis, an acoustic and vibration monitoring equipment manufacturer, following his USNA research in acoustics.

John Tunison ’96 recently started as CFO of Verdant Specialty Solutions, an OpenGate Capital

investment firm. Verdant is a global provider of surfactants and specialty chemicals.

Aaron Kline ’99 has started as Director of Subsea Solutions with Baker Marine Solutions LLC. Aaron and his family live in Cypress TX. Future Events

Luncheons are tentatively set for 11 Aug, 1 Sep, 6 Oct, 3 Nov and 1 Dec. These luncheons are expected to be at El Tiempo Cantina, 2814 Navigation Blvd, Houston 77003.

Follow TxGC on myUSNA, Texas Gulf Coast Chapter (Group). Please submit any questions or suggestions related to TxGC, as well as inquiries about volunteer opportunities within the Chapter to txgulfcoast.usnachapters@gmail.com.

DO YOU LIVE IN HOUSTON? We have over 1,000 members & growing volunteer opportunities available in different locations throughout the year! Minimal commitment required to actively participate and enjoy the camaraderie of one of the largest Alumni Association Chapters! Email: txgulfcoast.usnachapters@gmail.com or current Chapter Vice President (DHanley@ 2010.usna.com) to learn about our latest events and visit with us!

United Kingdom

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

United Kingdom Chapter

Pres: Tim Fox ’97 e: timfox97@hotmail.com

Vice Pres: Cody Nissen ’11 e: cnissen.mba2018@london.edu

Sec’y: Lisa Aszklar (Wife, Henry ’81) e: lisa.aszklar@gmail.com

Board of Directors: Tony Cox ’89 e: tony.cox@gboutdoorfires.co.uk

Chris Robinson ’98 email: naples98@gmail.com

Greetings from London, crossroads of the world!

On 16 June, the UK Chapter’s own Terry Dudley ’93 assisted South African-born,

UK-based artist Jason Askew in presenting two grand works at the American Embassy’s first-ever Juneteenth Commemoration. Mr. Askew specializes in painting highly detailed, historically accurate works to capture and portray key moments in military history.

By way of background, several months ago, the artist proposed a series depicting American military history from the Revolutionary War through today. Initial research on that conflict uncovered an interesting statistic, validated by a number of credible sources from that time: as many as 25 percent of America’s Continental Army are believed to have been Black soldiers, fighting for both America’s independence and their own freedom.

“When we engaged the American Embassy about enlisting its support for this proposed series, the Embassy was particularly intrigued by this unexpected bit of information and asked if Mr. Askew would consider providing works as a centerpiece for a first-ever Juneteenth commemoration it was planning this year,” Terry said. After some research on Juneteenth as a celebration of the liberation of the Confederacy’s last slaves, the artist agreed, believing there to be significant room for a sub-series on Black Americans in American Military History that he now wishes to pursue.

“The Proclamation of General Order No 3 by Major General Granger and the 29th U.S. Colored Infantry, Galveston, Texas, June 19th, 1865.” This was one of two paintings presented at the American Embassy’s recent Juneteenth Commemoration.

United Kingdom Chapter: “A Black American Soldier of the Rhode Island Regiment, American Revolutionary War (1775-1783).” Netflix has expressed interest in using this painting in an upcoming episode of its series entitled “The Diplomat.”

CHAPTER NEWS

Terry relates that the artist is now working on additional pieces, including “The Rhode Island Regiment at the Battle of Yorktown,” which will be featured at the American Embassy’s Independence Day celebration. Additionally, the State Department is now discussing the longterm lease or acquisition of these works for its rotating collection! Terry is actively assisting the artist in pursuing discussions with The Smithsonian and other potential entities to identify a possible permanent home for this newly planned series focusing on the significant contributions of Black Americans to our military history, as well as the original “250 Years of American Military History” concept series.

Terry would welcome a note from any grads who are interested in American military history and who may know of verifiable stories that could serve as the basis for future artwork, as well as thoughts about when and where such pieces might be displayed (for example, as temporary exhibits in the lobbies of companies in which USNA grads are working). Thoughts on longerterm or permanent placement of this artwork are also welcome. Terry’s email address is (terrence dudley01@gmail.com). More info about Jason Askew and his work are available here: www .yessy.com/jasonaskew or on a just-established Instagram page here: Jason Askew (@jason askewartist) • Instagram photos and videos

As always, GO NAVY BEAT ARMY!

Utah

Intermountain Alumni Chapter

Pres. Robert Allen ’67

e: ba@robertallen.org

Vice Pres. Ryan 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

On Sunday, 10 June, the Central Virginia Chapter had the opportunity to celebrate our Appointee to the Class of 2022 from our area:

Amber “Sage” Haney (Fluvanna High School, Palmyra, VA)

Sage and her parents, Rose Brogan and Brian Haney, were our guests at Burton’s Grill in

The Shops at Stonefield in Charlottesville, as was our last year’s appointee, Brittny Price ’21.

Other guests were two of our BGOs, Don Aldridge (father of Brent Aldridge ’15) and Rose Brogan (mom of Jeremy Haney ’12, Caleb Haney ’14 and now Sage Haney ’22) and her husband Brian Haney.

During the gathering, the soon-to-be-initiated Sage received guidance from all present, but the highlight of the afternoon was heartfelt advice in the form of a letter from Patrick Riley ’72, who could not attend, as read by Bill Murray ’83, Chapter President. Pat’s letter reflected on his time at the Academy, his naval career, offering pearls of wisdom learned along the way and culminating in Bill presenting Pat’s sword to Sage as part of the “Another Link In The Chain” legacy. (Note Sage with the sword in the photo).

Others participating were: Mark Ryan ’12 and family, CB Morgan ’83, Mark Metcalf ’76, Jeff Holloway ’77 with Debra, Steve Hill ’74 with Lin, Ed Borger ’80, Mike Cunningham ’58 with Dottie, Ty Schieber ’87, Dillon Scherger ’12 and Bill Murray ’83 with Royann

Ed Borger ’80 Secretary

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

As the “dog days” of summer arrived, Hampton Roads focused on outdoor fun and some inspiring

and enjoyable experiences indoors with incoming Plebes of the Class of 2027 as well as 1/C Midshipmen here for Summer Training.

On 8 June we recognized 24 incoming local Plebes, NAPsters, Foundation scholars and many of their family members at our 30th annual Plebe Recognition Dinner. Event highlights included Area BGO Coordinator Dave Lannetti ’81 presenting Dave Brown ’72 with a wellearned Weirich Award as BGO of the Year; Dave Paddock ’77 welcoming the new Plebes via the Another Link in the Chain Program; an inspiring presentation by LtGen Brian Cavanaugh ’90, Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic; and to close the evening, a spirited rendition of Navy Blue & Gold led by senior alum present, Al Ablowich ’60

COMNAVIFOR

After what seemed like 40 days and 40 nights of local rain, on 24 June Mother Nature cut us a break with plenty of sunshine and very tolerable heat and humidity. About 80 alumni and family members gathered at Norfolk’s CAPT Slade Cutter Park for a picnic organized by Events Chair

with Mids – COMNAVIFOR VADM Kelly Aeschbach, talks with visiting Mids at Hampton Roads meet and greet.

Central Virginia Chapter: 2022 Appointee Amber “Sage” Haney with last year’s appointee, Brittny Price - flanked by alumni L-R, Mark Ryan ’12, CB Morgan ’83, Mark Metcalf ’76, Jeff Holloway ’77, Steve Hill ’74, Ed Borger ’80, and Mike Cunningham ’58.

Central Virginia Chapter: Sage Haney ’22, Brittny Price ’21 and entire Support Team.

Al Ponessa ’68 and his support team headed by Dave Duffie ’75. The afternoon featured great chow catered by Mission BBQ; giant Jenga courtesy of Vince Bowhers ’85; corn hole competition on boards provided by Renee Reedy ’81; bottled H2O and other liquid refreshments delivered by Rob Aeschbach ’90; and a challenging (but not too obscure) trivia contest crafted by Dick Enderly ’71

On 29 June and 27 July we were pleased and proud to host meet and greets at Norfolk’s Blue Moon Tap House for two groups of Midshipmen here for Summer Training at NAVIFOR. We have hosted these groups for the last two summers, and we relish the opportunity to interact with the engaging young men and women who aspire to careers in the expanding world of Naval Information.

At our 21 June Networking Breakfast CAPT Andy Baan, USNR (Ret.), a student of China and world affairs, provided his take on the internal and external features of China’s recent actions and why some of those initiatives should cause us concern. After a two-month summer hiatus, the next Breakfast is scheduled

for 20 September at which Mr. Gary Merryman will discuss his initiative to give the sail of the ex-USS NORFOLK (SSN-714) a permanent home in Hampton Roads.

And last, but not least, Shorebreak Pizza in Virginia Beach will again be the place to be to watch Navy football when the Mids open their 2023 season on 26 August in Dublin, Ireland against the Irish of Notre Dame.

For the latest news on future Chapter initiatives and events, as well as USNA news and updates, check out our website under the Hampton Roads Group at myUSNA.com. And don’t forget our LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook pages!

Dick Enderly ’71

BLUE & GOLD OFFICER

Would you like to mentor interested students about the opportunities at USNA? Become a Blue & Gold Officer and contact USNA Admissions at 410-293-1813.

Quantico Area Chapter

Pres: George Williams ’87

e: bucketokinawa@gmail.com

Vice Pres: Ryan Steenberge ’10

e: ryan.steenberge@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

On 2 June, QAC gathered for the first 2023-2024 installment of the Chapter Breakfast Speaker Series and hosted CAPT Rusty Yeiser ’74, USN (Ret.), Senior Advisor for USNAAA and Foundation Operations. CAPT Yeiser also teaches an ethical leadership class to 3/C midshipmen. In a break from the usual Chapter breakfast routine, he facilitated an interactive class, modeled on the lessons he teaches midshipmen, using actual case studies. He divided the session into three separate segments, each featuring a combat-oriented real-life moral dilemma. After presenting the scenario’s known facts and showing a companion video clip, CAPT Yeiser led the Chapter members in a discussion about their opinions on each case’s outcome, viewed through each participant’s personal morality lens and contextualized by his/her military and personal experiences. The first case study featured a shoot/ no shoot situation in Iraq that involved a civilian woman who persistently approached a Marine position despite repeated warnings to halt. The second scenario described a SEAL team in Afghanistan compromised by goat herders who inadvertently discovered the SEAL hide position. The third dilemma focused on a platoon engaged in clearing operations in Fallujah, Iraq. The platoon commander chose the most permissive tactical posture, from the perspective of the enemy, causing his Marines to doubt his motives and provoking friction between him and his fellow platoon commanders due, in part, to the unusually high numbers of Iraqi prisoners his approach yielded. The audience responded

Hampton Roads Chapter: 2023 PRD Panorama – Members of ’77 and ’27 with LtGen Brian Cavanaugh ’90 at the 30th annual Hampton Roads Plebe Recognition Dinner

Hampton Roads Chapter: Summertime fun for all classes at the Hampton Roads Summer Picnic

very well to this non-traditional breakfast meeting as the real-life scenarios sparked considerable discussion.

In May, QAC conducted its annual elections with the following results for the 2023-2024 Chapter year:

President: George Williams ’87

Vice President: Ryan Steenberge ’10

Treasurer: Ron Diefenbach ’00

Secretary: Nancy Springer ’87

60s Decade Representative: Walt Giraldi ’69

70s Decade Representative: Steve Ritacco ’73

80s Decade Representative: Don Schmieley ’84

90s Decade Representative: Greg Lane ’94

00s Decade Representative: Kevin Barnard ’01

10s Decade Representative: Bob Taylor ’74 (Advisor-At-Large)

20s Decade Representative: Bob Sonnenberg ’70 (Advisor-At-Large)

On 24 June, QAC participated in its inaugural Women Can Fly day at the Warrenton-Faquier (VA) airport. This annual event promotes aviation careers for women and girls. A highlight is complimentary general aviation flights for girls and women; first flights for many participants! The QAC table included a diverse contingent of USNA and aviation enthusiasts: women Naval aviators, USNA BGO representatives, the local Civil Air Patrol, and women Marine Corps crew chiefs and pilot from the Quantico (VA)-based HMX-1. Everyone enjoyed engaging the girls and women about opportunities at USNA and in Naval aviation careers.

QAC welcomes all area and visiting alumni to join our activities! Check the Chapter web calendar and our Facebook page for additional information.

Incoming Plebes - Class of 2027

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

In Lexington there is a lunch group of nearly 20 alumni/ae, most of whom meet for lunch monthly on the first Friday at 12-noon at Devils Backbone, a large beer and ale brewery with a large, informal dining room. It is located on Route 11 about two miles north of town. The disorganized group was launched by Jerry Nay ‘55. There are no programs, just a time to swap old and young tales and news “when two or three shall meet.” All grads or Navy/Marine officers are invited and welcome. For further information please contact Chip Honsinger ‘56, honsinger57@ comcast.net or 540-463-3145.

Virginia Peninsula Chapter (formerly the Williamsburg Chapter)

Pres: Kathleen Jabs ’88

e: kjabs@aol.com

e: vapeninsulachapterusna@gmail.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: www.myusna.com

Group: Virginia Peninsula Chapter

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: Alan Schrader ’92

e: usnaaa.psc@gmail.com

Corr Sec’y: George Windsor ’75

e: gbwindsor@icloud.com

Website: https://myusna.com/topics/9554

(1) 3 June - Plebe Welcome LuncheonClass of 2027, 3 June, Blakely Hall, Issaquah, WA. Great turnout including 16 USNAAA-PSC Alumni, 19 incoming Plebes, 25 BGO - Plebe Family Members, 4 Active Duty Junior Officers and 1 current Midshipman.

Guest Speaker: RDAM Mark Behning ’90

Pondering Moral Dilemmas with CAPT Rusty Yeiser ’74, USN (Ret.)

Quantico Area Chapter: QAC Contingent: Women Can Fly 2023

BG&O Presentation: Matt Hill ’91

(2) 21 June - Conducted Networking Social in Silverdale, WA. Attached picture shows participants.

(3) Continuation of WWII Naval Ops in the Pacific Speaker Series - Bob Fishman presented: Part 2 of 5: The Battle of Midway, June 1942 on 13 May and Part 3 of 5: Guadalcanal and the Cactus Air Force, July 1942-April 1943 on 12 July.

(4) Upcoming events at a glance: (a) 6 September - Speaker Series - Part 4 of 5: Across the Pacific and the Battle of the Philippine Sea, May 1943 - June 1944.

(b) 29 July - Annual Summer Picnic Information, Naval Base Kitsap, MWR facility, Camp Mckean. Guest Speaker will be RDML Kristin Fabry ’91, USN (Ret).

Editor’s note: Apologies for overlooking the JulyAugust report for the Chapter. Here is the report: July-August Report

(1) Continuation of WWII Naval Ops in the Pacific Speaker Series - On 3 May, Bob Fishman presented Part 2 of 5: The Battle of Midway, June 1942.

(2) Upcoming events at a glance:

(a) 12 July - Speaker Series - Part 3 of 5: Guadalcanal and the Cactus Air Force, July 1942 - April 1943

(b) 3 June - Plebe Welcome LuncheonClass of 2027, June 3, Blakely Hall, Issaquah, WA.

(c) 29 July - Annual Picnic Information, Camp Mckean, Kitsap County.

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

Trustee: Fred Latrash ’87

e: trustee@usnagwc.org

Website: www.usnagwc.org

BGO Area Coordinator: Pat Seals

e: pseals@ymail.com

Wisconsin

BGO Area Coordinator: 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/ WISNAPA Co Presidents: Andy and Laura Kittleson e: kittleson5@yahoo.com

Website: http://wisconsin.usnaparents.net/

BGO Area Coordinator: Mr. Leonard Green e: leonard.green.a@gmail.com

SHARED INTEREST GROUPS

NAMA

Pres: RADM Julius S. Caesar ’77, USN (Ret.)

e: executive-director@usnama.com

Vice Pres: LCDR Valerie Mansfield ’92, USN (Ret.)

e: deputy-director@usnama.com

CoS: CDR Calvin Bumphus ’97, USN (Ret.)

e: chief-of-staff@usnama.com

Treas: C.J. Willis ’75

e: treasurer@usnama.com

BGO Coordinator: Nikki Betz ’05

e: bgo@usnama.com

Shipmate Contact: LCDR Jessica Anderson ’08, USN

e: communications@usnama.com

Website: www.usnama.com

EVENTS

Upcoming Events:

Great to see the academic year up and running and Midshipmen back on the Yard! Be on the

lookout for mixers, tailgates, and more!

We are looking for volunteers interested in helping with next year’s Alumni Leadership Forum with the Gala highlighting AAPI’s achievement in the naval service. NAMA offers many 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. Join NAMA today and get involved! We look forward to seeing what great work we can do together!

Past Events:

NAMA held its first summer membership picnic in June, hosting members, families, friends, and candidates in the DMV (see photo on next page). Thank you to everyone that joined us! We held our second strategic executive leader offsite in July to look ahead at 2024.

NAMA partnered with the Naval Academy Foundation to establish the Naval Academy Minority Affairs Fund (NAMAF). Your support enables on-campus visits for students and Centers of Influence, scholarship funding for STEM and NASS, Gospel Choir travel, and Midshipman activities. (See the photo on the next page.)

Visit usna.com/give or follow the directions on the NAMA website.

Puget Sound: Networking Social

SHARED INTEREST GROUPS

NESA

Naval Engineers & STEM Advocates (NESA)

Pres: Admiral John Richardson ‘82, USN (Ret.)

Vice Pres: CDR Sarah Rice ’02, USN

e: sarah.b.rice@gmail.com

Sec’y: CDR Renee Reedy ’81, USN (Ret.)

e: reedy81@usnahamptonroads.com

Treas: LT John Rex Spivey ’13, USN

e: johnrexspivey@gmail.com

Outreach & Engagement: Dr. Jill Rough ’96, CAPT USNR

e: jill.rough@comcast.net

CoS: CAPT Dale Lumme ’80, USN (Ret.)

e: kid.lumme@1980.usna.com

NAMA Liaison: CAPT Timi Lindsay ’92, USN (Ret.)

e: timi.lindsay@gmail.com

The USNA NESA SIG has been active in supporting the USNA STEM Center for Education & Outreach, and USNA Chapter and Parents Club events this year.

The NESA SIG provided volunteers for the Maryland Regional Sea Perch Competition, held at USNA, 25 March 2023, local Sea Perch competitions at Maryland and Virginia schools, and the USNA STEM Flight Day (15 April 2023) held at the Naval Academy.

Additional events were the NESA SIG provided volunteer support include the “Women Can Fly” at the Warrenton-Fauquier Airport, 24 June 2023.

“Women Can Fly” is a volunteer organization whose mission is to promote women of all ages to fly. Volunteer pilots and aviation enthusiasts who know the exhilaration of flight, the joy of discovering new horizons, the friendships born of shared visions, provide opportunities for women to fulfill their dreams by participating in these “Women Can Fly” events. The inaugural flying event was co-sponsored by The Ninety-Nines (International Organization of Women Pilots), and participating airports.

Women and girls age 8 and up will have the opportunity to experience a flight in a private plane with a volunteer pilot.

FYI: Frequently asked question: “Will you fly my son?”. Answer - of course, if time and space permits. Ladies first.

The next “Women Can Fly” event is 09 September 2023 at the Military Aviation Museum. Warbird Demonstration, Flight Simulators and Static Aircraft Display.

Visit the Military Aviation Museum and see their spectacular collection of aircraft, view a warbird demonstration, operate the controls of a flight simulator and have a close up look at many rare aircraft. Talk with women aviators, student pilots, and professionals who will be happy to discuss their experiences and answer

any questions, including how to get started with flight training or learning about career opportunities in aviation. Sign Up for a Flight.

NESA SIG volunteers, please support “Women Can Fly”: https://www.womencanfly.com/

The NESA SIG is collaborating with the other USNA SIGs to host joint STEM events around the USA. Please join the NESA SIG as a member to receive the latest STEM engagement events to assist in inspiring the next generation!

Run to Honor

Pres: Steve Swift ’87 p: 813-787-6098 e: president@runtohonor.com

Vice Pres: Pat McConnell ’02 e: vp@runtohonor.com

Treas: Jan Kennedy

Sister of John Kennedy ’79 e: treasurer@runtohonor.com

Sec’y: Shannon Webb ’04 e: secretary@runtohonor.com

Website: www.runtohonor.com

Join us for two exciting upcoming events, where we come together to honor our fallen heroes.

1. 48th MCM, MCM10K, & MCM50K in Washington D.C. - 27-29October

Mark your calendars for 27-29 October, as Washington D.C. becomes the hub of activities during the 48th Marine Corps Marathon (MCM), MCM10K, and MCM50K. Lace up your running shoes, gather your cheer gear, and get ready for a memorable experience!

To kick off the festivities, all are welcome to join the much-anticipated Shindig. The Shindig will take place on Friday, 27 October, at The Board Room on 1737 Connecticut Avenue NW. This event promises an evening of camaraderie and celebration.

Heading the committee for this event is Steve Swift ’87. For any queries or to lend a helping hand, reach out to Steve at president@runtohonor.com.

2. Honor Our Fallen Heroes in Annapolis, MD - November 11

On 11 November, families of fallen USNA alumni are invited to the Yard, ensuring they feel a part of the extended USNA family. We will gather on the yard to Honor Our Fallen Heroes through a touching Memorial Hall service. This

NESA SIG volunteers supported the USNA STEM Center for Education & Outreach first inaugural “STEM Flight Day” with hundreds of highs school students at USNA on 15 April 2023.

NAMA Chapter

solemn ceremony will serve as a tribute, symbolizing our enduring gratitude for their sacrifice.

The days events continue with activities centered around a home football game, fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity among attendees. It is an opportunity to connect, share stories, and find solace in the presence of others who understand the profound loss experienced by these families.

Leading the committee for this event are Shannon Webb ’04 and Alexa Hunter ’04. To get involved or for further information, please reach out to Shannon at secretary@runtohonor. com or Alexa at gear@runtohonor.com. Let us join hands to create a heartfelt and memorable experience for these deserving families.

These upcoming RTH events provide us with the opportunity to come together as a community, showing our gratitude to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and demonstrating our unwavering support for our brave servicemen and women and the family and friends left behind.

Don’t miss out on these incredible opportunities to honor and celebrate our heroes.

Follow and share with us at: www. facebook.com/runtohonor

Sign up for our email list at: www. runtohonor.com/ mailing-list/

Get the stories behind the names in memorial hall at: www.usnamemorialhall.org

Find RTH gear at: http://runtohonor.big cartel.com/

To Honor!

USNA Pride

Pres: Christopher Goodale ’17

Vice Pres: Isabel Krause ’17

Sec’y: Ally Annick ’20

Treas: Lucas Beltran ’20

Outreach Officer: Adam Schuman ’08 Send updates to: usnapride@gmail.com

USNA Pride SIG’s year in review

“Our Stories” are virtual “open-mic” style events that allow SIG members to connect and learn about the rich stories within our ranks. So far, six members have shared their stories with the SIG: Linda Postenrieder ’82, Joe Soto ’83, Paula Neira ’85, Ronnie Choe ’02, Kenny Wise ’17 and Morgan Prigmore ’23

On 13 April 2023, Navy Spectrum, the Academy’s LGBTQ+ ECA, hosted ten USNA Pride members for an officer discussion panel. Kim Martinez ’03, Audrey Callanan ’08, Timothy Fitzgerald ’10, Lauren Riffle-Gonzalez ’15, Jenna Westerberg ’16, Gaby RiffleGonzalez ’17, Chris Goodale ’17, Isabel Krause ’17, Andie Coutoulakis ’17 and Ally Annick ’20 participated as panelists. The event allowed members to share their experiences with the midshipmen, and to answer their questions frankly and honestly.

On 16 April, USNA Pride members gathered at the residence of Bill Hebert ’82 to celebrate the impending commissioning of the Class of 2023. The SIG presented 18 Firsties with their first set of Ensign shoulder boards or Second Lieutenant bars. Our alumni shared their experiences with the graduating class and wished them well for the future.

In June the Alumni Association partnered with USNA Pride to recognize three outstanding USNA Pride members on their social media platforms during Pride Month 2023: Greer Puckett ’75, Wendy Lawrence ’81 and Paula Neira ’85. The SIG was honored to celebrate Pride by recognizing the contributions of these exemplary alumni.

On 5 June, USNA Pride members and Navy Spectrum midshipmen attended the Maryland Governor’s first Pride event at Governor’s mansion. Anthony Woods, the MD Secretary of Veterans Affairs and USMA ’03 hosted the reception.

On 29 June, Rob Beer ’90 and 2ndLt Morgan Prigmore ’23 joined president Chris Goodale ’17 in representing USNA Pride at the Alumni Association I-Day picnic. Parents shared that knowing about the SIG gave them reassurance about the path their LGBTQ+ midshipmen in the Class of 2027 were embarking upon.

On 25 August, members of USNA Pride joined the Alumni Rainbow Community-Notre Dame (ARC-ND) for a joint pre-game happy hour at The George bar in Dublin. The gathering allowed for the two LGBTQ+ alumni organizations

to build camaraderie in spite of the fierce rivalry between our schools.

USNA Pride looks forward to creating future opportunities for community, representation, and mentorship. For information about joining or getting involved, email usnapride@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram at @usnapride.

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

SPECIAL ELECTION RESULTS

The Women’s Shared Interest Group is proud to announce the results of the special election held in June to elect our Board of Directors.

The bylaws for the Women’s SIG non profit corporation allow for 15 directors, serving 3-year terms, to lead the organization. The current officers hold 5 of those seats. Our newly elected directors will serve shortened, staggered terms to support organizational continuity. Annual director elections starting in 2024 and thereafter will be for the full term length.

Please extend hearty congratulations to the following women:

Stef Goebel ’80 and Sofi Loomis ’99, who will each serve 2.5 year terms

Peg Klein ’81, Morgan McCleve ’12, Rhonda Scott ’97, and Hollis Alspach ’07, who will each serve 1.5 year terms

SHARED INTEREST GROUP

USNA PRIDE

Celebrating One Year Anniversary

September marks the one-year anniversary of the founding of the USNA Pride Shared Interest Group!

USNA Pride SIG’s purpose is threefold:

* We create a bond of community among USNA LGBTQ+ alumni and allies.

* We serve as a platform for LGBTQ+ representation within the broader USNA alumni network.

* We establish a network of mentorship and support for LGBTQ+ alumni and midshipmen.

Over the past year we have held several events that have allowed us to live out this purpose among our membership. See our nearby column for the review.

Danica Middlebrook ’05, Mara Matthes ’82, Elizabeth Vary ’02, and Joanna Sprtel Walters ’94, who will each serve 0.5 year terms

We want to thank all of the active members of Women’s SIG who took the time to vote in the special election. If you would like to read more about these amazing women, visit the WSIG Group on WSIG.myUSNA.com and navigate to the WSIG Leadership under the Home tab.

REGIONAL CHAIRS AND AREA COORDINATORS NEEDED

No matter where you are, you can find engagement and belonging in the Women’s SIG. Our Regional Chairs and Area Coordinators make this possible by sharing information and hosting events in their local areas. You can find a list of your Regional Chair or Area Coordinators on WSIG.myUSNA.com under the Home tab.

We’re recruiting Regional Chairs for the Central and Eastern Regions and welcome new Area Coordinators. If you’d like to be an Area Coordinator, Regional Chair, or want to learn more, please reach out to Kendra Chappell at kendrachappell94@gmail.com.

LAST CALL

Albert Emerson Willard ’46

16 July 2023

Frederick Reid Lafferty Jr. ’48 CDR, USN (Ret.)

7 July 2023

Thomas Joseph Walters ’49 CDR, USNR (Ret.)

3 July 2023

Ordell Smith ’52 CDR, USN (Ret.)

11 May 2023

Arthur Clark Bivens ’53 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.)

19 July 2023

Joe Mitchell James ’53 CDR, USN (Ret.)

11 July 2023

Robert Courtney Martin ’53 CAPT, USN (Ret.)

3 July 2023

Daniel William Rice ’53 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.)

22 June 2023

Cecil John Cartwright Jr. ’54

17 June 2023

Walter Eugene Sampson ’54 Capt, USAF (Ret.)

17 July 2023

Donald Louis Brown ’56 CAPT, USN (Ret.)

1 July 2023

Henry Lynn Maines ’56

17 June 2023

“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 and in the morning, we will remember them.”

David Stuart Cooper ’57

CAPT, USN (Ret.)

25 June 2023

Richard Lane Brinegar ’58 Col, USMC (Ret.)

19 July 2023

Robert Leroy Bovey ’59 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.)

8 July 2023

Paul Hendren Darby Jr. ’59 23 March 2023

Alfred Charles Holden Jr. ’60

12 June 2023

Ted McClanahan ’60 CAPT, USN (Ret.)

1 July 2023

George Edward Ruckersfeldt ’60 LCDR, USN (Ret.)

28 June 2023

Robert Thatcher Derby ’61

28 June 2023

Stanley Houston Jones ’61

26 June 2023

John Peter McCain ’61

16 July 2023

Robert Owen Pelott ’61

10 July 2023

David James Ebert ’63

30 June 2023

Frank Clayton Holmes ’63 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.)

9 July 2023

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, 301 King George Street, Annapolis, MD 21402-5068.

If you have any questions regarding the submission of obituaries to Shipmate, please contact Timothy Elizabeth Woodbury (410-295-4064 or obits@usna.com).

Larry Lee Robinson ’64 22 June 2023

Albert Ryan Weigel ’64 9 March 2023

Peter Dean Gness ’65 18 June 2023

Michael Pierce Reed ’65 3 July 2023

George James Hoffman III ’66 30 June 2023

Andrew John Hudak ’67 25 June 2023

Anthony Wayne ’67 CAPT, USNR (Ret.) 31 May 2023

Edward Strock Kendig ’69 13 June 2023

Charles David Morgan Sr. ’70 CAPT, USNR (Ret.) 25 June 2023

Brian John Horais ’71 6 CDR, USNR (Ret.) 6 July 2023

Richard Allen Cline ’72 26 June 2023

John Alvin Davis III ’76 10 June 2023

Daniel Lynn Hammill ’79 28 June 2023

Charles Robert Kineke ’82 CDR, USNR 27 June 2023

Gregory Scott Beck ’85 12 June 2023

John Davenport Stevens ’93 CAPT, USN 12 July 2023

James Anthony Taylor ’93 11 June 2023

David William Hart ’96 1 July 2023

David Aaron Branton ’12 4 July 2023

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.

—Laurence Binyon, 1914

ARTHUR CLARK BIVENS ’53

Captain Arthur C. Bivens, USN (Ret.), departed on his eternal patrol on 19 July 2023 in Springfield, VA.

“Art” was born in 1929 in Tampa, FL. He was active in the Boy Scouts, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in 1944. Art enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduating from high school in 1947. After Boot Camp, he was sent to Electronics School and became a petty officer, ET 2/C. In 1949, he attended the Naval Academy Prep School and won a fleet appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. His most valued sports accomplishment at Annapolis was winning the Holloway Sailing Trophy as the winning skipper in the 1953 Spring Series of yawl races in the Chesapeake Bay.

Upon graduation in 1953, Art served two years on the destroyer COWELL (DD-547). During this time, Art met and married Marcy Grimshaw and started their family of three children: Christina, Susanna and Jonathan. After two years of destroyer duty, he applied for submarines. Following Submarine School, he served on the dieselpowered QUILLBACK (SS-424) and was then selected for nuclear power training. From 1958 through 1970, he served on five nuclear powered submarines, participating in the infancy and development of nuclear submarine operations. These boats were PATRICK HENRY (SSBN-599) (plankowner), SCAMP (SSN-588), ROBERT E. LEE (SSBN-601), GEORGE BANCROFT (SSBN-643) (plankowner) and SAM HOUSTON (SSBN-609), in which he was commanding officer (Gold). For this and many Cold War patrols, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and then was assigned as the first training and readiness officer of the submarine squadron in Holy Loch, Scotland. He was promoted to captain in 1973 and served as deputy project manager for the Trident Submarine System.

Art retired from the Navy in 1978 and went to work in the civilian nuclear power industry as Manager, Reactor Construction and Operations, with the Atomic Industrial Forum. He served as a volunteer sailing coach with the Naval Academy sailing squadron and wrote two books: Of Nukes and Nosecones, A Submarine Story and From Sailboats to Submarines. He was administrative vice president and scribe for the USNA Class of 1953 from 2008 until 2022. His fellowship with his Naval Academy classmates remained vibrant for 70 years.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Marcy; daughters, Christina and Susanna (Warren); son, Jonathan (Lisa); eight grandchildren, Elizabeth, David, Mari, Andrew, Meg, Rebecca, Christopher and Alison; and four great-grandchildren, Jayden, Isaiah, Michael and Konrad. Sailor, Rest your Oars. H

DANIEL WILLIAM RICE ’53

Captain Daniel W. Rice, USN (Ret.), passed away unexpectedly on 22 June 2023 in Falls Church, VA.

“Dan” was born in rural Pennsylvania in 1931 and attended a one room elementary school in Snydertown. After graduating from Sunbury High School, Dan was admitted to the Naval Academy, graduating in 1953.

Following flight training in Pensacola, FL, Dan served in a wide range of roles in the naval aviation community. Daniel married the love of his life, Henry Andrews of Fulton, AL, in November 1954. Dan and Henry were blessed with a 63-year marriage and three wonderful daughters.

Dan Rice received a BS in aeronautical engineering at the Naval Postgraduate School and a MS in aeronautical engineering at Princeton. He was also a graduate of the Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River,

MD. Dan’s flying career was concentrated in aircraft carrier operations. He was stationed aboard ESSEX (aircraft handling and flight deck officer), INTREPID, CORAL SEA, INDEPENDENCE and RANGER (air officer and XO). He also served two years as a test pilot at Pax River.

After his Navy retirement, Dan taught for 12 years as a mathematics and physics teacher in Fairfax County high schools in Virginia. He took great pleasure in the intellectual advancement of young people.

Dan and Henry enjoyed traveling the world. They visited the Panama Canal, cruised Russian rivers and explored the far reaches of the Canadian wilderness. They were also avid bird watchers and could often be found with cameras and binoculars in some Eastern woodland. Similarly, through their love of nature, they volunteered for many years as docents at DC’s National Zoo.

A highlight for Dan was an annual auto train trip to spend Christmas with their kids and grandchildren on the east coast of Florida. Until his final days, Dan walked a mile every morning, tended to his gardens, kept his bird feeders well-provisioned and was beloved by his neighbors.

Dan will be interred in a small-town cemetery in Central Pennsylvania, near the farms and fields where he “first learned to fly” as a young boy, running with arms outstretched. Dan was a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, shipmate, wingman, teacher, mentor, neighbor and friend.

Dan was predeceased in 2018 by his wife, Henry, his love and confidant without whom his life would have been empty. Dan is survived by their daughters, Ellen Rice, Carol Miller and Amy Rice; five grandchildren, Michelle, Andrew, Danielle, Maxwell and Jacob; and two great-grandchildren. H

F. DANIELS BUTTERFIELD ’55

Lieutenant Commander F. Daniels Butterfield, USN (Ret.), 89, passed away on 11 January 2023 in Escondido, CA, surrounded by family members.

“Dan,” a native of La Jolla, CA, was born on 9 October 1933 to the late Ralph Elmer Butterfield ’21 and Lula Mae “Marilu” Iseley Butterfield. After spending his younger years in Annapolis, Dan returned to California, where he graduated from high school in La Jolla. He then returned to Annapolis, where he was inducted with the Naval Academy Class of 1955.

He married the late Carolyn Keyes in 1957 and they had four children, Marilu, Charles, Danny and Alisanne. They later divorced. He married Rita Janiak Brown in 1995 and together, they have seven children.

Upon graduation, he served on a destroyer, three submarines and a fleet school. After receiving his MSEE from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, he was involved in fascinating high-level DOD and naval research, mostly involving underwater technology.

Upon retirement from the Navy, many ocean-related civilian industry engineering and management jobs followed. In one of the most challenging jobs, he managed development of the International Telecommunication Industry’s first deep-ocean robot work system for world-wide operations of ocean-bottom locating and repair of damaged transoceanic cables. NASA later used it to locate remnants of the space shuttle Challenger.

He then began a new chapter of his life as a professor and teacher for 20 years, using his life experience to captivate students and enrich their learning. He started with teaching international adult students, college students and mentoring programs, and then finally became a math/science teach at Granger Junior High School in National City, CA.

Dan and Rita really enjoyed traveling to Europe and visiting family around the world. Dan enjoyed finding ways to always instill a love of education and exploration in his grandchildren and encouraged those around him to always be their best selves.

Dan is survived by his wife, Rita; children, Marilu Stearns (Gary), Charles, Danny (Nobuko), Alisanne Corbett (Tim), Bill Brown (Olga), Cyndy Wilt (Greg) and Michael Brown (Alexandrea); 15 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Dan is also survived by his siblings, Ralph (Donna), David ’57 (Barbara), Linda Sebastian and Chase Allen (Marlene).

A celebration of Dan’s life will be held on 8 October 2023 at Ellen Browning Scripps Park in La Jolla, CA. Classmates and shipmates are invited. H

RUDOLPH HALOUK DAUS ’56

Captain Rudolph H. Daus, USN (Ret.), passed away on 3 June 2023 at Mt. Vernon Hospital in Alexandria, VA.

Born on 14 March 1933 in Paris, France, “Rudy” embarked on a life filled with adventure, service and unwavering dedication. He was a man of exceptional character, possessing an indomitable spirit that fueled his numerous achievements throughout his illustrious career.

Upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1956, he served in the Navy for 23 years. He was especially proud of his two command opportunities, MCMORRIS (DE-1036) and PARSONS (DDG-33). He was known as the consummate ship handler and leading by example, passed his skills along to the junior officers under his command. His final tour of duty was as sponsor for the Guided Missile Frigate (FFG-7) Program in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations at the Pentagon. His tours of duty included ALBANY out of Boston, MA; ABOTT in Newport, RI; SAN MARCUS in Norfolk, VA; aide to to Admiral Taylor, Second Fleet, Norfolk; BUCHANAN in San Diego, CA; MCMORRIS in Hawaii; and the staff of Admiral William Martin, Sixth Fleet, Gaeta, Italy.

He retired from the Navy in 1979; started a second career as a law firm manager for four firms; and finally, a third career as an entrepreneur, where ventures took him to Turkey, Japan and countries east of Central Asia.

Rudy possessed a zest for life that was contagious. He approached each day with enthusiasm, curiosity and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He was an avid reader, an author (The Crescent Odyssey) and gardener. His intellectual curiosity and keen insight inspired those around him, leaving an indelible impact on all those who crossed his path.

Captain Daus’ legacy of honor, service and love will remain etched in the hearts and minds of family and friends and will continue to resonate through the lives he touched. May his memory serve as a constant reminder of the strength, resilience and compassion we can embody as individuals. He will be deeply missed, but forever remembered.

Beyond his military career, Captain Daus was a loving and devoted family man. He was a pillar of strength and support for his beloved wife, Albertina “Teena” Daus; their children, William, John and Daniel; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Captain Daus will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. H

ROGER HELD LYLE ’56

Lieutenant Colonel Roger H. Lyle, USAF (Ret.), of Hilton Head Island, SC, passed away at home on 17 March 2023 from mesothelioma. His beloved wife, Muriel, was at his side.

“Rog” was born in Detroit, MI, on 29 April 1931, to George Dewey and Myrtle Violet Lyle. After graduating from MacKenzie High School, he attended college for three and a half years before receiving his appointment to the Naval Academy.

Upon graduation, he opted to take his commission in the U.S. Air Force, where he served from 1956 to 1961 as special agent in the Offices of Special Investigations in Detroit, Saudi Arabia and MacDill AFB, followed by Commander of Special Investigations, Detroit and Orlando AFB. He was a recipient of the Olmsted Scholar Program in 1961, which sent him to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he became fluent in Portuguese and received his master’s degree in political science in 1963. From 1964 to 1966, Rog served as protocol officer for the Air Force Southern Command, Albrook AFB, Canal Zone; then 1966 to 1967, aide-de-camp to Director, Inter-American Defense College, Ft. McNair, Washington, DC. From 1967 to 1972, he was the budget officer and assistant executive officer in the Directorate of Budget, and finally executive to the Comptroller of the Air Force. In 1972, he was appointed as political advisor to Commander, U.S. Forces Azores, Lajes Field. Upon returning to the U.S. in 1973, he attended the Air War College, where he met his future wife, Muriel Joyner. They were married in 1976. From 1974 to 1976, he served as country director (Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Uruguay, Paraguay) for the Assistant Secretary of Defense, International Security Affairs. From 1976 until he retired in June 1978, he served as executive officer of the 1st Air Base Wing, Andrews AFB, MD.

Upon retiring, he took the position of Vice President, Far East Operations for Vought Corporation (LTV), where he and Muriel spent a year in Seoul, Korea. While in Korea, Rog began experiencing heart issues and returned to the U.S. In 1983, he underwent quadruple bypass surgery, settling in Fredericksburg, VA, where they lived until their final move to Hilton Head Island, SC, in 1994. On 16 February 2018, Roger’s name was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records as “The Longest Surviving Quadruple Heart Bypass Patient.”

Roger was devoted to God, his wife and his Country. Now he is at peace in his eternal home. H

ROBERT LEROY BOVEY ’59

Captain Robert L. Bovey, USN (Ret.), 85, died on 8 July 2023 in Winchester, VA.

“Bob” was born in Lewisburg, PA, but spent his formative years in Lincoln, NE. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1959 with a BS in Marine Engineering and married his wife, Rosalind, in 1960. He received a PhD from Johns Hopkins University in 1964 and an MS from the U.S. Navy Nuclear Power Training Program in 1965.

During his 22 years in the Navy, Bob served on both fast attack (SSN) and ballistic missile (SSBN) submarines. His last sea duty assignment was as commanding officer of SAND LANCE (SSN-660). His last shore tours were as special assistant to the Director of Central Intelligence and military assistant to the Secretary of Defense. Bob’s honors include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the National Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.

After retiring from the Navy, Bob worked as an international business consultant, then spent 25 years with the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) working on matters of national security, homeland defense and taking on jobs that leveraged his deep understanding of naval and nuclear warfare. His professional activities included IISS, INFORMS and ISE.

Bob was a member of Cotner Lodge #297 in Lincoln, NE (his father’s Masonic lodge) for 60 years, and a member of the American Legion Post 199.

Bob was a loving husband, a kind father and a generous friend. His interests included Civil War history and his farm in Maurertown in the Shenandoah Valley. He and Rosalind resided in the North Ridge area of Alexandria and were intensively involved in civic affairs from 1969 until their move to the Shenandoah Valley Westminster Canterbury retirement community in 2018.

Bob is survived by his wife, Rosalind; their sons, Rob (Michelle) and Stuart; his sister, Mary Jean Blumenstock (Fran); sister-in-law, Ann McEndarfer (Ed); and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Ruby Bovey.

A memorial service was held in the chapel at Westminster Canterbury on 31 July 2023, followed by interment with a Masonic service, military honors and bagpipe at Mount Hebron Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to the SVWC Foundation Scholarship Fund (which supports healthcare scholarships), Shenandoah Valley Westminster Canterbury, 300 Westminster-Canterbury Drive, Winchester, VA 22603. H

DONALD PRESCOTT GRINNELL ’61

Commander Donald P. Grinnell, USN (Ret.), passed peacefully on 17 April 2023.

A native of Arlington, MA, “Don” was born on 20 June 1936 to Donald Curtis and Theresa Ann (Williams) Grinnell. He graduated from Arlington High School (1954), playing football and hockey, while obtaining his carpenter apprenticeship. Matriculating to Holy Cross College for a year, he entered the Naval Academy with the Class of 1959. A football injury required him to endure a second plebe summer and year, ultimately graduating with the Class of 1961.

Upon graduation, he served on ABBOT (DD-619), then attended Destroyer School (1963) in Newport, RI, where he met follow Navy officer, LTJG Margaret “Peggy” McMahon of Wauwatosa, WI. After their marriage, Don was on WOOD (DD-715) as engineering and repair officer and earned a Secretary of Navy Commendation for Achievement. After attending the Naval Postgraduate School, the family settled in San Diego.

Serving in Naval Research and Development establishment in Vietnam, Don pursued River Patrol qualifications “in his spare time.” He was then a River Rat: Squadron 51, Section 512, earning the Presidential Unit Citation, Bronze Star with Combat V and a Purple Heart.

Don was on MOBILE (LCS-26), Operational Testing and Evaluation Task Force, and FRESNO (LST-1182) as a communication systems officer and obtained his MBA from Chapman College (1977). His last post was at Eniwetok Atoll as Officer-In-Charge, Boat Transport Team, earning a Joint Service Commendation Medal for meritorious service. He retired after over 20 years of naval service in 1982.

As a civilian, he served in multiple quality assurance and electrical engineering roles for a variety of companies at the forefront of digital and satellite communications. He also taught community college classes on business and technology. He ultimately fully retired to enjoy walks on the beach and happy hours overlooking the Pacific.

His final move brought him to Minnesota to be closer to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Don was predeceased by his parents; former spouse and dearest friend, Peggy; beloved son, Joseph; cherished grandson, Tyler; brother, Charles “Larry”; and many dear friends.

He is survived by his children, Anthony Grinnell, Mary Frances Powers and Kathleen “Katie” Fisher (Ryan); grandchildren, Karissa, MacKenzie, Justin, Andrew, Thomas, Brady and Kylie; great-grandchildren, Maya, Lily, Henry and Gianna; and many dear friends and other loved family members.

Services were held in Minnesota on 22 April 2023. Inurnment will take place at the USNA Columbarium on 19 October 2023 at 2 p.m. H

TERRENCE STEPHEN TODD ’62

Captain “Steve” Todd, USN (Ret.), 82, passed away on 25 March 2023. He had been in home hospice care for Lewy body dementia and complications from a fall.

Steve was born on 20 August 1940 to Elmer and Catherine Todd in Seattle, WA, the oldest of four children. The son of a naval aviator, Steve set his sights on the Naval Academy, and graduated in the Class of 1962. On 6 December 1963, Steve completed flight training and received his Wings of Gold.

Steve had an illustrious naval career, faithfully serving his country. He piloted S-2 and S-3 aircraft for four extended deployments during the Vietnam War. Shortly before the end of the war, Steve was selected to serve Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, as the naval aide to the President. His duties included organizing the special White House celebrations when the POWs returned (50 years ago, this year). Shortly thereafter, he was back in San Diego, serving as and CO of the “Screwbirds” of VS-33, followed by XO of RANGER (CV-61). His ship command tours followed as CO of TRIPOLI (LPH-10) and a sequential command as Commander Amphibious Squadron Five.

When based ashore, Steve was First Company officer back at the Naval Academy and graduated from both the Armed Forces Staff College and the National War College, earning a master’s degree in international relations. He developed a significant subspecialty in officer personnel management and served as the aviation community manager in OpNav and as force personnel officer on the Commander, Naval Air Pacific staff. During his shore duty tours in San Diego, Steve attended National University at night, earning his second master’s degree in human resources, graduating in 1984 as valedictorian of his class.

Steve retired from the Navy in 1992 after 30 years of service. Not a person to “slow down,” Steve earned his teaching credential and taught Social Studies for 6th and 7th graders at middle school. Then he embarked on a third career in the private sector as chief financial officer at Knox Attorney Services, a large San Diego legal firm. His final working retirement (for good) was in 2013.

Steve was predeceased by his parents, Elmer and Catherine Todd; youngest daughter, Jennifer Todd Andrew (Russ Gott); and grandson, Hadley Brown. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara; daughters, Lisa and Laura (Ed); and grandchildren, Benjamin, Cameron, Justin, Nicholas, Maddie and Harry (Candice). H

FRANK CLAYTON HOLMES ’63

Captain Frank C. Holmes, USN (Ret.), passed away peacefully on 9 July 2023 of causes related to age at his home in Idaho Falls, ID.

Frank was born in 1941 in Port Chester, NY, graduating from Port Chester High School in 1959, before entering the Naval Academy that same year. Originally a member of the Fourth Company, the entire class was rotated, and he and his Companymates graduated from the 14th Company. Beyond the classroom, he participated in battalion swimming and water polo for four years: a winning swimming team, but a subpar water polo team.

Serving initially as a surface line officer in MEREDITH (DD-890), he was transferred after this first tour to MIT, where three years later, he graduated with a MS in naval architecture and a naval engineer’s degree. He was designated an engineering duty officer and reported to AMERICA (CVA-66) as boiler officer and MPA. Deployed to Vietnam, this was the beginning of a 23-year association with carrier engineering, interrupted

by tours as engineer in BIDDLE (CG-34) and repair officer in VULCAN (AR-5). Carrier-related duty included service at SupShip, Newport News, overseeing construction activities for Nimitz and Eisenhower; and an assignment as staff engineer at AirLant and at OpNav (OP-05), coordinating activities related to the Carrier Service Life Extension Program (CV-SLEP). Back-to-back assignments followed at the Naval Sea Systems Command as APM, CV-SLEP and as program manager (PMS-392/312), responsible for carrier modernization, SLEP and the new construction activities at Newport News. In this command assignment, he delivered FORRESTAL and INDEPENDENCE from SLEP and THEODORE ROOSEVELT and ABRAHAM LINCOLN from new construction.

After a tour as the staff engineer in the Navy Program Planning Office, he started a second career with the Department of Energy in 1991 in the New Production Reactor Program and later, the Office of Environmental Management. Transfer to the DOE Idaho Operations Office followed in 1997, where he completed 46 years of government service, retiring in 2005. He returned to the Idaho National Laboratory in 2006 as a consultant to assist in the life extension of the Lab’s Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). After seven years with the ATR Life Extension Program, he retired again to enjoy the quiet life in Idaho Falls.

Inurnment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Naval Academy Foundation, attn. Class of 1963 Legacy Fund (www.usna.com/give). H

ERIC LEONARD WESTBERG ’64

Eric Westberg passed away on 3 December 2019 in Port St. Lucie, FL.

Born in New York to a Swedish father, Arthur Harold Westberg, and Polish American mother, Helen Gertrude (Kawecki) Westberg, Eric embraced his Scandinavian roots and led a life that traveled the world. His passion for the sea began as a child with his travel to Sweden on QUEEN ELIZABETH

Upon graduation from the Naval Academy in 1964, Eric served a year on the Argentine sailing ship, LIBERTAD (Q-2). He then served on FORREST ROYAL (DDR-872) and HENRY CLAY (SSBN-625).

Eric obtained his master’s degree in nuclear engineering at MIT (AEC Fellow) and then joined Westinghouse launching his international career, which spanned over 20 countries. He was responsible for the construction of Brazil’s first nuclear power plant in Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro. Eric also created one of the first marinas in Angra, enabling him to dock his boat, rather than swim to it.

In 1982, Eric directed the international construction subsidiary for Dravo Corporation based in Milan, Italy. In this capacity, Eric developed the buildout of the electricity systems in Yemen and Haiti.

In 1987, Eric returned to the United States and became president of Ultrapower, an independent power producer in California. Then, in 1996, Eric returned to Brazil to develop power projects with BHP, Marubeni and Blackstone Group’s Sithe Energies. Eric was also the president of APINE, the national independent power association of Brazil. Through APINE, he focused his time influencing the Brazilian federal government to adopt a new regulatory framework enabling open competition.

Eric was sought after by nuclear power plants in Brazil, California and Finland as the growth for nuclear energy grew in the 2000s.

Eric took full advantage of wherever he lived, from skiing in the Alps, enjoying tennis on the clay courts of Italy and boating the islands of Brazil.

His greatest love was his wife, Lucia; followed by his children, Veronica and Kevin; and grandchildren, Anastasia and little Eric. Eric is also survived by relatives in the United States, Brazil, Poland and Sweden.

Eric was a man who spoke only when there was something to be said. The driving principle he learned from his father and lived by is that, “it’s not about what you do, but how you do it.”

Interment took place at Arlington National Cemetery on 16 May 2023.

The Westberg Family H

MICHAEL PIERCE REED ’65

“Mike” Reed of Snyder, TX, entered peacefully into the presence of Jesus on 3 July 2023 at his home in Fredericksburg, TX. He was 79 years old.

Born on 14 December 1943 to Harry and Mabel Reed, upon graduation from Snyder High School, Mike went to the Naval Academy.

He graduated with honors with the Class of 1965 and was selected to be one of the first members of the United States’ nuclear submarine program.

After serving his country with honors, Mike went to the University of North Carolina to receive his MBA. He then went on to work at NCNB (now Bank of America), but soon returned to his roots in Snyder to help run Southern Electric with his brothers, John and Herbert, and parents in Snyder. There, Mike served his community as the president of the SISD School Board. He and his wife, Judie, owned Sunnyside dress shop and he served on several local boards and organizations.

Mike then felt a calling to the law. He graduated from Texas Tech Law School and entered into practice in Lubbock, where he opened his own law firm. Mike then took law to the classroom and taught business law at Texas Tech for ten years.

Mike loved sports, music and his country. He was an amazing golfer (he’d been a member of the Snyder High School and Naval Academy golf teams). He never missed a North Carolina Tarheel basketball game. “Tarheel Forever,” he said and would sometimes even be a bit grumpy after a loss. Mike loved making people laugh and viewed serving others as a responsibility and a blessing. It’s been said that Mike accomplished more by accident than many men do on purpose. However, Mike viewed his accomplishments as insignificant compared to his love for Judie, his family, his friends and his faith in Jesus.

Mike is survived by his wife, Judie; their four children, Angela, Mindy, Lance and Meredith; ten grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Services were held in Snyder, TX, on 8 July 2023.

Condolences may be left for the family at (www.bellcypertseale.com). H

RONALD FREDERICK HOLCOMBE ’67

“Ron” Holcombe died on 6 May 2023 at his home in Maricopa, AZ, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. His beloved wife, Terri, was at his side. He was 77 years old.

Ron was born on 29 November 1945 in Philadelphia, PA, to Richard and Rose Holcombe. He attended Abington High School, where he excelled at wrestling, cross country and track and field. His specialty was the pole vault. He reported to the Naval Academy in June 1963 as a proud member of the Class of 1967 and his 28th Companymates became his brothers. Ron was inducted into the Naval Academy Athletic Association Hall of Fame for his pole-vaulting accomplishments. While on Youngster Cruise in Holland, he bought his first guitar, much to the chagrin of his roommates.

Following graduation, Ron reported to Port Hueneme for Seabee training. Ron served in the Vietnam War and then completed post-graduate training in civil engineering and soils and foundations at Georgia Tech.

Following his discharge from the Navy due to ankle arthritis, Ron worked in the civil engineering field and eventually became a self-taught computer software author and started his own business.

Ron continued to be very athletic, playing tennis and golf, surfing and sailing, and earning a black belt in Taekwondo. He also continued to play his guitar, write songs, and started The Blue Moose Band. The band became a community service project, playing in nursing homes, retirement and assisted living communities, as well as other venues, wherever they lived. Ron was a prolific songwriter, became a sound engineer and produced seven albums of his music.

Ron became 100% service-connected disabled due to Agent Orange exposure. He fought the good fight and worked hard to be able to do things that gave him joy, but as the disease progressed, he began losing the things he loved to do. He and Terri grieved those losses together and remained positive despite his illness.

Ron was predeceased by his parents; his twin brother, Rick; brother, Robert; and his first wife, Constance. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Terri; daughters, Kelly Palumbo and Bonnie Herring; grandchildren, Chase Palumbo and Allen Herring; and his sister, Robin.

Ron will be buried at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, CA, on 18 September 2023.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Naval Academy Foundation (www.usna.com/give). H

MICHAEL DALE MAY ’70

Commander Michael D. May, USN (Ret.), passed away at his residence in Aiken, SC, on May 9, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was 75 years old.

Born on 9 January 1948 in Luverne, AL, “Mike” was the son of the late Willie Coston and Edna Ruth May. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1970. While at Annapolis, Mike was the keyboardist for “The Spiffies.”

He proudly served his country for nearly 21 years in the United States Navy. Mike served as a Surface Warfare Officer before transitioning to Engineering Duty Officer upon completing the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. During his EDO service, Mike completed a variety of assignments, including SupShips, InSurv Board, and his favorite, chairing the Department of Naval Systems Engineering back at USNA and working with midshipmen.

After retiring from the Navy in January 1991, Mike accepted a position within the Mathematics and Computer Science Department at the University of South Carolina, Aiken. He achieved the rank of associate professor and became department chair during his 23 years of university service, before retiring in 2014.

During his final retirement, Mike enjoyed time with family and friends and continued his musical prowess as a drummer, keyboardist and vocalist in several local bands. Mike was an avid Navy sports fan, especially when it came to wrestling, baseball and football.

Mike was a beloved father, grandfather, brother and professor. He is survived by three sons, Stewart May of Annapolis, MD, Michael May (Laura) of Richmond Hill, GA, and Alexander May of Charleston, SC; two sisters, Sandra Keadle (Steve) of Thomaston, GA, and Mary Daniels (Cole) of Richmond, VA; and four grandchildren, Sean, Shanley, Emma and Annie May

A Celebration of Life in honor of Commander May was held on 3 June 2023 in Aiken, SC. As his last request was to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with his shipmates, a funeral service with Navy

military honors will be held in the Fort Myer Old Post Chapel of Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, 25 September 2023, with interment immediately following.

Mike made an impression on all who met him and will be dearly missed by those who love him.

Fair Winds and Following Seas, Commander. H

LYNN HARBOUR WIDENER ’70

Captain Lynn H. Widener, USNR (Ret.), passed away peacefully at home on 20 March 2023, a day after his 75th birthday.

Born on 19 March 1948, Lynn was the eldest son of Mattie Katherine Roberson and Francis Pete Widener of Chattanooga, TN. As an accomplished Eagle Scout, Lynn graduated from Brainerd High School in 1966 and entered the Naval Academy, where he was a member of the 17th and 29th Companies. He played football as a plebe and remained an enthusiastic supporter of Navy football throughout his life.

Following graduation, Lynn entered flight school before transiting to the Surface Warfare community. He served in Vietnam aboard MAHAN (DLG-11) and GRIDLEY (DLG-21). He completed active-duty service as an instructor at the Surface Warfare Officers School in Newport, RI, and entered the Naval Reserve in 1978. Lynn commanded the Convoy Commodore Norfolk/San Juan Reserve Unit and served as Commanding Officer, Naval Control of Shipping Office, Atlantic.

Lynn earned his MBA from the University of Maryland in 1982. In his civilian career, Lynn worked for various defense contractors. His final position was with OBXtek as a senior acquisition program analyst in support of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force. Lynn was an innovator, a true professional and deeply sensitive to the needs of his subordinates and colleagues.

As an avid supporter of the Naval Academy, Lynn served on the Board of Trustees and as president of the Class of 1970. As a member of the Navy football brotherhood, he made it to every Army-Navy game in the last decade. Lynn was the consummate Southern gentleman with an ever-present smile and easy-going disposition. He enjoyed golf, World War II documentaries, classic western movies and most importantly, beating Army!

Lynn is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Ann Mackie Widener; two sons, Christopher Widener (Deann) and Ryan Widener (Jorie); six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Brody, Aubrey, Lilly, Avery, Madeline, Eloise, Cali and Tilly, who knew and loved him as “Pop Pop.” Lynn is also survived by his brothers, Jack Widener (Karen) and Dan Widener (Susan).

A Celebration of Life was held at Calvary United Methodist Church in Annapolis, MD, on 3 April 2023. Burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Please consider donating in Lynn’s memory to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York (www.mskcc.org); or Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, MD (www.mdmercy.com/giving). H

https://www.usna.com/memorial-affairs

BRIAN JOHN HORAIS ’71

Commander Brian J. Horais, USNR (Ret.), passed away peacefully at the age of 73 on 6 July 2023 in Knoxville, TN.

Brian was born on 12 September 1949 in El Paso, TX, to the late Walter and Leona Horais. His father was a captain in the Marine Corps. Brian graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1971 in the Eighth Company with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. He went on to receive his Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering in 1972 from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Master of Business Administration in 1986 from the University of New Haven.

In 1973, he began flight training in Pensacola, FL, where he met a Navy nurse named Cathy. Once designated as a naval aviator in 1974, he flew the A6-E Intruders off JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). He retired from the Naval Reserve as a commander in 1992 and served in various positions supporting aerospace research and development programs, culminating in a tour as a DARPA program manager before his retirement in 2008.

Brian remained involved with the USNA as class secretary for 11 years, and as an executive board member. As an artist, his contributions ranged from painting Tecumseh, to creating one-of-a-kind memorabilia to commemorate milestone anniversaries for the Class of 1971.

In 2010, his passion to never stop learning led to notable contributions to the woodworking community, turning non-round multi-axis works of art. He was president of the East Tennessee Woodworkers Guild and will be remembered as a strong leader with a unique point of view in woodworking. His creations were jury selected for many shows, he was a published writer for several magazines, and he also taught, demonstrated and had solo exhibits of his work.

Brian is survived by his wife of 48 years, Cathy; their daughters (and spouses), Beth (Chris) and Rebecca (Jeremy); grandchildren, Alva, Nora, Elliott and Oliver; and his brother, Alan.

Brian touched the lives of everyone he met during every chapter of his life. If you knew him at USNA, in the Navy, as a motorcycle enthusiast, a dedicated aerospace engineer, a musician, a skilled woodworking craftsman, a creative, fun, adventurous brother and dad, a gentle and caring grandpa and a loving husband, you know how lucky you are to have made memories with Brian Horais.

The Horais Family H

WILLIAM DOUGLAS BLUE ’84

Bill “Bluechow” Blue passed away on 23 May 2023, 39 years to the day after his USNA graduation, from complications of a heart attack. He was 60 years old.

Bill was born in New York as one of four sons of Douglas and Carolyn Blue and, as a member of a military family, moved across several states during his upbringing. Upon reporting to Annapolis, Bill was assigned to the 19th Company, where he excelled as the company guide-on and on the Color Guard team. During his First Class Year, he was a proud member of that Color Company and was also a member of their Brigade Championship Company fieldball team. Bill’s attention to detail on cleaning rooms and squaring away uniforms made him a favorite amongst his roommates.

After graduation with the Class of 1984, Bill was commissioned as a second lieutenant and served as a Marine Corps infantry officer with an NBC defense specialty in a variety of units and staff positions. Bill completed his service obligation as a captain.

He then embarked on a long and successful industrial development career across the automotive, aerospace and energy sectors. He held numerous domestic and international positions with Ford Motor Company, Continental, Eaton, Gulf States Toyota and Baker Hughes. His oil production related position with Baker Hughes took him to assignments as diverse as Scotland and Azerbaijan, as well as Moscow, Russia, where he met his wife, Ilona. He eventually settled in the Houston, TX, area which he considered home. As he was at the Naval Academy and in the Marine Corps, Bill was known by his industry colleagues as always being on top of his game and as a compassionate team leader and mentor.

Bill is survived by his wife, Ilona; his mother, Carolyn Blue of McKinney, TX; brothers, Douglas Blue of Clear Lake, TX, and Scott Blue of Las Vegas, NV; children, Rachael Marciniak of Seguin, TX, and William Blue Jr. of Conroe, TX; stepdaughters, Anna-Mariya and Adelina Blue; and grandson, Damian Marciniak. He was preceded in death by his father, Douglas Blue, and brother, Donald Blue.

Funeral services were held on 6 June 2023 in Houston, TX, with his 19th Companymates, Bill Elliott, Stu McArthur and Mel Hamner (and his wife, Susie), as well as Classmate Mark Boulden (31st Company), in attendance. Bill was laid to rest at Houston National Cemetery with full military honors. H

CURTIS JAY WALKINS ’96

Lieutenant Commander Curtis J. Walkins, USN (Ret.), died on 9 December 2022 at the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. He was 51 years old.

Curtis was born on 25 September 1971, the son of Marvin and Linda (Walkins) Westadt in Rockford, IL. He was raised in rural Sioux Falls, SD, and graduated from West Central High School in 1989. Curtis enlisted in the United States Navy in September 1989. He attended and received an engineering degree, plus earned a commission from the United States Naval Academy in May 1996. Curtis served as an officer in the United States Navy, retiring in 2013 at the rank of lieutenant commander. He returned to Sioux Falls, initially volunteering, and eventually dedicating his full-time work efforts at Habit for Humanity. Curtis continued to work for Habit for Humanity until his health began to fail in the spring of 2022. Curtis was a “do it yourself” type of guy. He had his pilot license, loved to read, enjoyed woodworking and was constantly learning.

Curtis is survived by his mother, Linda Hoff of Sioux Falls, SD; brother, Kelly Westadt of Sioux Falls, SD; nieces, Kristina Mathiason (Will) of Dell Rapids, SD, Kaylin Rademacher (David) of Spirit Lake, IA, LeeAnn Fjellanger of Sioux Falls, SD, and Kyle Westadt of Sioux Falls, SD; six great-nieces and nephews; and several aunts and uncles, along with many friends. Curtis was preceded in death by his grandparents; and sister, Kristi Fjellanger.

A memorial service took place on 16 December 2022, followed by interment at South Dakota Veterans Cemetery. H

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2023 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.

Classified ad rates are $77 per inch for black and white and $100 per inch for color. A $50 set up fee is charged if ad is designed for advertiser. Life Members are eligible for a 25% discount—reducing the cost to $60 per inch for black and white and $70 for color. Please select the issue(s) in which you wish to run, or specify: RFN -“Run Until Further Notice.”

q Please charge my Discover/Visa/MasterCard/ American Express

Total $ per issue

Credit Card No. Expiration Date

Payment information must accompany order. Email Insertion Order and ad files to: maria.oshea@usna.com

USNA Alumni Association mailing address: Attn: Maria O’Shea 301 King George Street Annapolis, MD 21402

Call me with your questions: 410-295-4074

Please contact Maria O’Shea via email or phone for space availability — even if the due date has passed, I will try to be as flexible as possible.

VOLUME 86

• NO. 6

Publisher Jeff Webb ’95 jeff.webb@usna.com

Editor Jimmy DeButts jimmy.debutts@usna.com

Editorial

Assistant Editor Spencer Jones spencer.jones@usna.com

Assistant Editor 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, SIGs and Classes Editor

Sandra Stansbury-Spadaro sandy.spadaro@usna.com

Obituaries Editor

Timothy Elizabeth Woodbury timothy.woodbury@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

410-295-4074 Classified Advertising

404-634-2351 Display Advertising

410-295-4000 Address Updates/Corrections

Submissions

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Address/Delivery alumni@usna.com

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Class payments checkrequest@usna.com

Chapter ColumnsS chapternews@usna.com

Class ColumnsS classnews@usna.com

Obituaries obits@usna.com

SACC Program sacc@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 and Foundation, 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 2023 by the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association, Inc., 301 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, 301 King George St., Annapolis, MD 21402-1306; p: 410-295-4062; alumni@usna.com.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE

Jeff Webb ’95 President/CEO

410-295-4090

Kara Fagley Executive Administrator for the President 410-295-4092

ENGAGEMENT

TJ Grady ’96

410-295-4041

Executive Vice President, Engagement and Communications

Nancy Murray 410-295-4049

Sr. Director, Alumni Engagement and Outreach

Isaac Phillips ’19

Alumni Engagement Officer

Wendy Owen

Director, Class Programs

Lori Coogan

Director, Parent Programs Carrie Carroll

Membership/Records Assistant

Debbee O’Donnell

Member Services Coordinator

Kathleen Rohrs

Member Services Coordinator

Amy Garwood

Director, Alumni Travel

Wes Huey ’87

Executive Dir., Strategy and Legacy Programs

Gwenn Dennis

Director, Memorial Affairs

Mike Lowe ’98

STAFF AND ASSISTANCE

DEVELOPMENT CONTINUED

FLUEGEL ALUMNI CENTER CONTINUED

Judy Buddensick 443-994-2511

Partnership Marketing Liason

TREASURY AND OPERATIONS

Robert “Bob” Gast Jr. 410-295-4040

Executive Vice President and CFO

Lisa Strobel 410-295-4051

Sr. Director, Finance and Treasury Operations

Kevin Mitchell 410-295-4039

Director, Treasury, Analytics & Investment Reporting

Tim Smith 410-295-4059

Director, Financial Reporting

Linda Reyes 410-295-4056

Accounting Manager

Janet Douglas 410-295-4057

Staff Accountant

Dawn Beach 410-295-4115

Payroll Manager

Patricia “Patty” Ratigan 410-295-4028

Staff Accountant

Erica Johnson 410-295-4072

Ted Ahrens

410-295-4183

Regional Director of Development

Lexxie Monahan

410-295-4128

Regional Director of Development

Kate Peterson

410-295-4178

Administrative Manager, Development

Ashley Register

410-295-4178

Admin. Coordinator, Regional Development

Prospect Development and Research

Elizabeth Root

410-295-4126

Director, Prospect Development and Research

Jenna Tonking

410-295-4109

Asst. Dir., Development Analytics and Research

Planned Giving

Carol Rognrud

Director, Planned Giving

Jennifer Macris

410-295-4110

410-295-4105

Assistant Director, Planned Giving

Jodi Reilly

410-295-4114

Administrative Coordinator, Planned Giving

Annual Programs

410-295-4091

410-295-4106

Director, Alumni Career Programs

Service Academy Career Conference

Tonya McGinnis

Director, SACC

Melissa Nelson

Manager, SACC

COMMUNICATIONS

John Schofield

410-295-4022

410-295-4021

410-295-4080

Executive Director of Communications

Emily Lucht

410-295-4047

Director, Digital Communications

Jackie Furton 410-295-4073

Art Director

Heather Payne

Creative Director of

410-295-4033

Accounts Payable Specialist

Gift Administration Team

Victoria Sever 410-295-4122 Director, Gift Administration

Elvira Reyes 410-295-4116

Gift Administrator II

Ashley Clark 410-295-4117

Data Support Specialist

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

Umar Gbadamosi 410-295-4082

SQL Database Engineer

HUMAN RESOURCES

Dr. Joy Jones 410-295-4048

Senior Director, Human Resources

Tom Cloutier 410-295-4050

Senior Manager, Human Resources

DEVELOPMENT

Bill O’Connor 410-295-4101

Executive Vice President

Abby Repko 410-295-4103

Exec. Administrator/Principal Gift Administrator

John Rudder ’78 410-295-4191

Senior Advisor

Rusty Yeiser ’74 410-295-4174

Senior Advisor

Meghan Murphy 410-295-4189

Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations

Erin Pelletier 410-295-4106

Principal Gift Strategist

Major Gifts

Michael Hoffman 410-295-4184

Vice President, Development

Ashley “AJ” Bauer 410-295-4160

Managing Regional Director, Development

John Maconi 410-295-4185

Regional Director of Development

Dean Castaldo 410-295-4052

Senior Regional Director, Development

Chelsea Clute 410-295-4123

Regional Director of Development

Gabrielle Kulcsar

410-295-4147

Executive Director, Annual Giving Programs

Dan Quattrini ’81

410-295-4167

Director, Class Legacy Gift Programs

Megan Farmer

Director, President’s Circle

Clay Evans

410-295-4188

410-295-4034

Coordinator, Annual Giving Programs

Sara Brown

410-295-4130

Coordinator, Class Giving Programs

Donor Relations and Stewardship

Natalie Brianas

410-295-4102

Executive Dir., Donor Relations and Stewardship

Travis Galaska

410-295-4111

Assoc. Dir., Donor Relations and Stewardship

Hannah Geib

410-295-4127

Assoc. Dir., Campaign Operations

Nicolle Teixeira 410-295-4181

Director, Donor Relations and Stewardship

Strategic Advancement Resources

Adriana Bitoun 410-295-4150

Executive Director of STAR Team

Beth Spicer

410-295-4149

Director, Information Management and Reporting

Shirley Crawford

STAR Project Coordinator

410-295-4071

FOUNDATION ATHLETIC AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS

Don Hughes ’88

410-295-4096

Vice President Tracey Cook 410-295-4164

Director

Mariola Baker

Assistant Director

QUICK REFERENCE

410-295-4098

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410-295-4064

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Address/Delivery alumni@usna.com

Donate

Membership Updates

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410-295-4115

410-295-4000

U.S. Naval Academy Main Phone

410-293-1000

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CONTACT US

U. S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation

301 King George St., Annapolis, MD 21402

Main Phone 410-295-4000

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