Shipmate: March-April 2025

1,000 WORDS

Lisa and Bill Etsweiler ’75 visited Philadelphia, PA, on 14 October 2024 to attend the Sons of the American Revolution’s 250th Anniversary of the First Continental Congress event at Carpenters’ Hall. Guess who joined the festivities?

Flat Bill joined Tina and LCDR Andy Howard ’75, USN (Ret.), on a two-week cruise in September 2024, out of Southampton, UK, to Portugal and Spain. They are in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, in this photo, which Andy said was better than his Navy cruise stop years ago.

Flat Bill joined 10 alumnae at a Naval Academy ’96 Nifty Fifty Ladies Trip. They had tea at the Biltmore in Asheville, NC.

FLAT BILL IS ALWAYS ON THE GO!

Shipmate thanks all those who packed Flat Bill and shared their photos. We hope to see pictures of Flat Bill’s winter travels, send submissions to jimmy.debutts@usna.com.

Bill rocks Gibraltar with J. Scott McFadden ’89 on the Rock of Gibraltar in October 2024. The macaque monkey is resting on the Rock of Gibraltar.

Bill is on the move again with CDR Eric Benson ’71, USN (Ret.), as he readies to enter the Panama Canal on Thanksgiving Day 2024.

Flat Bill with Kati and Ron Machtley ’70 in October 2024, in front of The Atomium, an iron crystal atom structure magnified 165 billion times in Brussels. It was designed for the 1958 Brussels World Fair, but kept as a tourist attraction. They started a river cruise with Flat Bill through Belgium and the Netherlands ending in Amsterdam.

CAPT EJ Jewett ’81, USN (Ret.), Leslie Helge and Linda Postenrieder ’82 took Bill to an Albuquerque Isotopes Minor League Baseball game on 12 September 2024 as part of a joint New Mexico Chapter/ USNA Women’s Shared Interest Group event.

CEC, USN (Ret.), on Halloween 2024.

on 9 November 2024.

Top row: Melissa (Pratt) Kelley, Laura (McClelland) Dabney, Mo McFarland, Ghislaine (Williams) Stonaker, Jo (Roy) Brooks, Tracy (Hoyte) Davis. Bottom row: Phaedra (Haussler) Link, Jennie (Smith) McClellan, Jenny (Merrill) Tinjum, Jenn Campbell.

Flat Bill visited the Colosseum in Rome with CAPT Michael S. Bowers ’83,

Flat Bill with USF cheerleaders before Navy defeated the Bulls 28-7

Maj Tom Edwards ’77, USMC (Ret.), and friends traveled to Iceland, Portugal, Spain and Gibraltar in November 2024. In this photo, they are in Douro Valley wine country in Portugal.

TRIP TO ANTARTICA

Seven USNA alumni, ranging from the Class of 1965 to the Class of 2017, traveled to Antarctica in January on a trip organized by the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association on a small expeditionary ship. All the alumni were placed in the same cohort for our daily on-land and Zodiac boat explorations, and we also had numerous meals together, so we got to know each other well and enjoyed representing USNA at the “bottom of the world.”

Flat Bill at Palmer Point, Antarctica, accompanying Sally and Bob Miller ’80.  The Millers report Bill had a great time checking out penguins.

U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY CURLING

1,000 WORDS

Susan and Peter Fitzgerald spent some time in late January supporting the Naval Academy curling team during a first match of the “College Crash” at the Belfast Curling Club in Belfast, ME, when the Midshipmen competed against Penn State. Fitzgerald is the son of former U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Executive Director Rear Admiral William F. Fitzgerald Jr., USN (Ret.), Class of 1921.

From left to right: AMB Paul Wohlers ’74, USN; CAPT Robert “Doc” Blanchard ’72, USN; CDR John Sill ’77, USN; Ed Mayer ’65; CAPT Nancy (Yang) Vegel ’83, USN (Ret.); CDR Tony Vegel ’83, USN (Ret.); and Dan Vegel ’17.

ALUMNI WARFIGHTERS LEADING ON THE FRONTLINES

By Jeff Webb ’95

Any day of the year you will find our alumni forward deployed. All too often, many of those alums can be found in high-risk situations based on the nature of their operations or their AOR.

Over the last 18 months in the Red Sea for example, commercial shipping has dropped dramatically as the Yemenbased, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have attacked both commercial vessels and warships. On 11 November 2024, the Houthis launched a dangerous attack against Arleigh Burke class destroyers commanded by two Naval Academy graduates: Stockdale skippered by Commander Lauren Johnson ’04, USN, and Spruance skippered by Commander Thomas “Matt” Adams ’07, USN.

In February, I had the privilege of touring Spruance and visiting with Commander Adams and his crew. I walked away with a heightened appreciation for how the crew performed, and perhaps more importantly, how they were prepared for the challenging environment they encountered in the Red Sea.

On that night in November, Spruance successfully neutralized multiple drones, anti-ship cruise missiles and anti-ship ballistic missiles.

“This deployment was a test of our readiness, and our sailors exceeded every expectation,” Adams said. “Facing advanced missile threats and attack drones in a high-stakes environment, they demonstrated exceptional tactical precision and a war fighter mindset. From identifying incoming threats to controlling aircraft to executing flawless missile engagements, our crew neutralized every danger with unwavering focus and discipline.”

On the tour, I also met Lieutenant Junior Grade Holly Koerwer ’21, USN, and Lieutenant Junior Grade Eva Johnstone ’21, USN. I have zero doubt that if you had the chance to meet these young officers, and their commanding officer, you would be filled with pride by the quality of our graduates standing the watch in the fleet. Koerwer and Johnstone spoke assuredly about how the rigors of the Naval Academy readied them for the

stress and operational complexity they faced on deployment.

Adams and other officers were well prepared to fight their ship based on training they received at the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC). Led by another Academy alumnus Rear Admiral Wilson Marks ’94, USN, SMWDC, has the simple yet important mission to “increase the tactical proficiency and lethality of the Surface Force across all domains.” If taking out more than a dozen drones and missiles with no casualties or damage is not “tactical proficiency,” then I don’t know what is.

NEW LEADERSHIP CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE AT THE NAVAL ACADEMY

In recent years, the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership has incubated two different efforts that are now being launched into full-fledged centers based on their initial effectiveness and thanks to the generosity of U.S. Navy Academy Foundation donors.

The Center for Coaching and Mentoring will develop midshipmen influencers—faculty, staff and athletic coaches—into professionally trained leadership coaches to foster midshipmen development as leaders. Building on more than 10 years of experimentation and testing of leadership coaching development on the Yard, the center will professionalize the coaching abilities of all staff and provide formal coaching services to midshipmen in command billets. The Center for Coaching and Mentoring is generously supported by Tig Krekel ’75.

The Center for Leadership  Research and Assessment will assess all leader development programs at the Academy, measure the efficacy of the programs and provide detailed feedback over the course of the Academy leadership experience, allowing USNA to track the “ROI” on leadership development with a completely unique data-driven approach. This new center will generate important data that can be used by leaders not just at the Academy, but in the Fleet and Marine Corps as well. Dave Dawson ’88 and his

wife Amy have kindly agreed to establish the Center for Leadership Research and Assessment through their support.

IMPROVING DIGITAL SHIPMATE

In our ongoing effort make Shipmate content easier to navigate, we introduced new features to the digital edition. New options include the ability to search keywords within a single issue and to share links to individual stories.

The front “features” section is accessible without a password. We are keeping class, chapter and Shared Interest Group (SIGs) notes password protected. We hope these new capabilities make it easier to share stories with your classmates and friends.

We have heard from many in the alumni community who wish to only read the Shipmate digital edition (scan QR code). You can opt out of the print edition by scanning the QR code.

As our communication capabilities evolve, we remain grounded in the timeless traditions that make the Naval Academy community unique. On 23 April, we will celebrate the 50-year link between the Class of 1977 and 2027 with the Bonds of Gold ceremony. This Another Link in the Chain (ALITC) event further binds these classes as the Class of 1977 donates class rings to melt down and incorporate into the class of 2027’s rings.

Go Navy! a

CDR Thomas “Matt” Adams ’07, USN, (left) skippers Spruance, which repelled drone and missile attacks launched by the Houthis against Arleigh Burke class destroyers on 11 November 2024 in the Red Sea.

Digital Shipmate Opt Out of Shipmate

LEGACY OF VALOR

The Vietnam War series continues with a focus on SEALs and alumni experiences including Chambers ’52, who reflects on the evacuation of Saigon while commanding midway. 20

FOREVER INSPIRING

The legacies of three alumni are memorialized as former SECNAV Del Toro ’83 names ships in their honor 38

JUDGE FLOYD

Floyd ’77 offers second chances through Veteran’s Treatment Court. 40

CARTER

COMMEMORATED

Shipmate celebrates President Jimmy Carter ’47 and his life of service. 8

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 celebrating Navy’s 31-13 victory over Army with members of the Class of 2025 on page 4 in the January-February 2025 issue of Shipmate

The date for destroying the Thanh Hoa Bridge in a photo caption of the “A Familiar Name in a Strange Place” story in the January-February 2025 issue of Shipmate was incorrect. It was downed on 6 October 1972. The aircraft carrier from which the bombing of the bridge originated was incorrect in the story, it was america

ALL HANDS

Taylor ’86 Makes Transformational Gift

The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation (AA&F) announced a $15 million commitment from Michael Wilson Taylor ’86 on 19 February.

This generous contribution will provide vital resources to advance the mission of the U.S. Naval Academy and its alumni.

Taylor’s gift will establish an endowment for academic excellence at the Naval Academy, ensuring long-term investment in current and future educational programs. Additionally, the contribution will provide essential support for AA&F daily operations at the Fluegel Alumni Center, ensuring its continued role as a home for alumni engagement for generations to come.

“There is nothing more impactful and more wholesome than giving back to the U.S. Naval Academy,” Taylor said. “I fundamentally believe in what the Alumni Association and Foundation is doing to support our alumni and the Academy now and in the future. Philanthropy will always be critical for continuing the ‘margin of excellence’ which funds important programs that allow our midshipmen the opportunities they need to become leaders of character and consequence for our nation.”

Michael Wilson Taylor earned a bachelor of science degree (with distinction) from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1986. He served as a naval aviator before leaving the Navy for the civilian sector as a lieutenant commander.

Taylor earned his MBA in finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1995 and later served for several years with Morgan Stanley’s investment banking division.

In 1998, he joined HarbourVest, an independent, global private markets firm. He remains at the firm as a senior adviser.

Taylor made his first gift to the Naval Academy Foundation in 2006. He has been a longtime alumni leader in the Boston and Singapore communities and became a member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2019. He approached the Alumni Association and Foundation in April 2024 about making this transformational gift to the Naval Academy. He maintains his airline transport pilot rating and currently resides in Singapore.

In recognition of Taylor’s generosity, the event wing of the Fluegel Alumni Center will be named in his honor. The center has already become a vital gathering place for alumni and this dedication further solidifies its role in fostering the enduring legacy of the Naval Academy community.

“Michael Taylor’s generosity and presence as an alumnus, volunteer leader and Foundation Board member are emblematic of the loyalty and dedication of our alumni to their alma mater,” said Jeff Webb ’95, president and CEO of the AA&F. “I sincerely thank Michael for his leadership and generosity. Support like Michael’s is vital for advancing the Naval Academy as a premier institution of leadership, higher learning and warrior development.” ¨

U.S. Naval Academy Columbarium Update

The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation (AA&F) connects, supports and actively communicates with family and friends mourning the loss of alumni. We support that difficult journey through a series of programs.

Among those is our liaison with the U.S. Naval Academy office of Memorial Affairs, who manages and performs inurnments and ceremonies at the Naval Academy Columbarium on Hospital Point.

The columbarium has become a popular and honored location for our alumni since 1987, and now the 2,448 niches available for inurnments are nearing capacity.

Fewer than 40 spaces or new niches now remain at the USNA Columbarium, and the USNA Memorial Affairs team estimates that the current columbarium will reach capacity for new or first inurnments by the end of the summer of 2025.

There is a plan for construction on a new columbarium with additional niches, but the project is not yet funded and does not have a scheduled start date.

This construction is expected to last two years, meaning new inurnments for alumni at the Naval Academy Columbarium will not happen for at least two years once all the new niches at the columbarium are filled in the summer of 2025 and construction begins on the new space.

We join the Naval Academy office of Memorial Affairs to encourage families considering interment at the columbarium for their loved one(s) to plan ahead. Once full, only secondary interments will take place until the new Columbarium is completed.

For guidance and options in services and bookings, visit www.usna. edu/Cemetery or contact Joe Fagan ’89 and Chris Silva at memorial affairs-group@usna.edu.

Please also note that Ramsay Road, adjacent to the columbarium, is closed for 18-24 months to undergo repairs and the installation of a seawall for flood prevention and to protect the current columbarium from tidal inundations.

During this time, memorial services will be held near Alumni Hall and Worden Field, with urn placement afterward with a member of the Memorial Affairs staff and designated family members.

If you are visiting a loved one previously interred at the columbarium, please note that there is no parking on Ramsay Road during this construction. Visitors to the columbarium will have to park adjacent to Sherman Field or in the triangle lot near Alumni Hall. A footpath is available from the parking area near Alumni Hall to access the columbarium.

The USNA and AA&F Memorial Affairs teams are here to help with any questions or concerns. ¨

Ramsay Road, which leads to the Naval Academy Columbarium, was often impacted by flooding. It has been closed to all foot and vehicle traffic to allow the installation of a new seawall.

Digital Shipmate Upgraded

Beginning with the January-February 2025 issue, Shipmate magazine’s digital version has been upgraded for a better user experience.

The new features include the ability to share links to individual stories and search keywords throughout a single issue.

The new digital edition can be accessed without a user ID or password and only includes feature stories. Class, chapter and shared interest Groups (SIGs) notes remain password protected as does Last Call. The evolution of content consumption means more people want to access Shipmate from their computers or mobile devices when and where they want.

We heard from many in the alumni community who wish to only read the digital edition. If that is your preference, we have made opting out of the paper copy easier.

We encourage readers to try the digital version and we welcome feedback on how to further improve the experience. The digital issue can be found at www.tinyurl.com/Shipmate-Digital. Opting out of the print issue of Shipmate can be done at www.usna.com/email-subscriptionpreferences-profile. ¨

Ellis ’03 Perishes in DC Plane Crash

Brian Ellis ’93 was among the 67 victims of the 29 January plane collision with an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The Charlottesville, VA, resident spent more than two decades in the U.S. Marine Corps and most recently worked as a senior manager at Deloitte.

Ellis, 53, was heading home from a work trip in Kansas as a passenger on American Airlines Flight 5342. Ellis appeared in 22 games as quarterback for Navy football.

After commissioning, he served 22 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a helicopter pilot who flew the Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion. He also served as a flight instructor at Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL.

“Our hearts go out to all those who experienced loss through this devastating event,” said John Schofield, a spokesperson for the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation. “Among those on board was one of our own—Brian Ellis ‘93, a former Navy football player and proud graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the entire Naval Academy community who mourn his passing.” ¨

Flautt ’89 Wins Tony Award

In June 2024, Emily and Jim Flautt ’89 won a Tony Award for their involvement, as co-producers, of The Outsiders, the production which won the Tony for Best New Musical in 2024. The 77th Tony Awards were held on 16 June 2024, to recognize achievement in Broadway productions during the 2023-2024

Fair Winds and Following Seas, Admiral Hogg ’56

Admiral James R. Hogg ’56, USN (Ret.), passed away on 2 January in Newport, RI, after a career of service to his country.

The Annapolis native knew at 10 years old that he wanted to be like his dad, Rear Admiral James Henry Hogg ’27, USN (Ret.), and command a destroyer. He got his destroyer command in 1972.

Hogg served for 35 years, culminating in his promotion to admiral in 1988. His commands included U.S. Seventh Fleet. He retired in 1991 and served four years as the president of the National Security Industrial Association.

In 1995, Hogg was selected to serve as director of the Strategic Studies Group (SSG) at the Naval War College. Serving in that capacity for 18 years, he transformed the SSG from strategic studies into a research center generating future naval warfare concepts. He is a 2018 U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Award honoree. ¨

Stratton, Former NAPS CO, Passes Away

Captain Richard A. Stratton, USN (Ret.), died on 18 January at the age of 93.

Stratton was a POW in Vietnam and served as deputy of operations for the Naval Academy and commanding officer of the Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS). After serving in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, he was discharged in 1948 and attended seminary school before earning his history degree from Georgetown University.

Next, he entered the Naval Aviation Officer Candidate Program and was designated a naval aviator on 1 March 1957. He served as a flight instructor. He earned a master’s degree in international relations from Stanford University.

While serving aboard aircraft carrier Ticonderoga, he was shot down and taken as a prisoner of war on 5 January 1967. Stratton spent 2,251 days (more than six years) in captivity before being released on 4 March 1973.

He would serve as deputy of operations for the Naval Academy (1979-81) and as director of the NAPS (1982-86). After retiring, he served as president of NAM-POWs from 1983 to 1985, and was chairman of the Department of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on Prisoners of War from 1989 to 1995. ¨

season. The ceremony was held at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater in New York City. Jim humbly lamented that it was his time in 10th Company and the 10th Company Players that inspired him over all the years leading up to this. ¨

PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER ’47

A LIFE OF SELFLESS SERVICE

Selfless service and honesty were nonnegotiable principles for Jimmy Carter ’47. Those values were instilled in him by his parents in Plains, GA, and reinforced at the U.S. Naval Academy. They, along with his faith, were the cornerstones for a lifetime of putting others first.

“It would be impossible to overstate what this Academy and the Navy has meant to my grandfather, and by extension to my family,” said Carter’s grandson Josh Carter during a 17 February 2023 dedication of Carter Hall (formerly Maury Hall) at the Naval Academy. “It was life on the farm that gave my grandfather his work ethic and his ability to enjoy getting up at 5:30 every morning. But it was this school that taught him discipline, the value of expertise and the importance of service.

“It is my hope that every student who comes through this great hall will learn the same foundational values that my grandfather learned here and through his career in the Navy.”

The Honorable Jimmy Carter, 39th president of the United States, passed

away on 29 December 2024 at the age of 100. He is the only Naval Academy alumnus to serve as commander in chief.

Carter lived a life of service that was honored with a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, “for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights and to promote economic and social development.” Carter brokered the 1978 Camp David Accords that secured a peace agreement between Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat.

Although a one-term president, Carter’s legacy stretched more than 50 years as he championed

charitable causes, particularly for the underserved. He and his wife, Rosalynn, volunteered for nearly 40 years with Habitat for Humanity. Through the Carter Center, he helped essentially eradicate Guinea Worm Disease.

As a junior officer, he put himself in harm’s way to repair a partially melted-down nuclear reactor. He embodied the motto: Non sibi sed patriae (Not self, but country).

Following his death, Carter’s character-driven leadership qualities were hailed. His unwavering faith and commitment to service were highlighted across the globe and the political spectrum.

Former President Jimmy Carter ’47 was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for “his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights and to promote economic and social development.”

Left: The Lucky Bag entry for Jimmy Carter ’47 notes, “Studies never bothered Jimmy. In fact, the only times he opened his books were when his classmates desired help on problems.”

Rosalynn Carter and Lillian Carter pin shoulder boards on Jimmy Carter ’47 following his graduation from the Naval Academy.

A ceremony was held at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, GA, on 7 January and his remains traveled to Washington, DC, where he laid in state at the U.S. Capitol until the morning of 9 January. The Naval Academy Glee Club performed “My Country ’Tis of Thee” at the lying in state ceremony. His official state funeral was held on 9 January at the Washington National Cathedral.

Former President Gerald Ford’s son Steven Ford delivered remarks at the state funeral. He noted the unexpected friendship between his late father and Carter. Steven Ford read from text Gerald Ford prepared before his death in 2006, stating Carter demonstrated high moral character as a naval officer, state legislator, governor and world leader.

“Honesty and truth telling were synonymous with the name Jimmy Carter, traits instilled in him by his parents,” Steven Ford read. “For Jimmy Carter, honesty wasn’t an aspirational goal, it was a part of his very soul.”

U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation President and CEO Jeff Webb ’95 said Carter commissioned from the Naval Academy with a sense of duty, honor and loyalty.

“His dedication to public service and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others will continue to inspire us all, whether you are a midshipman beginning your journey of service, or a member of our staff and faculty who have served and continue to serve by teaching and mentoring our next generation of Navy and Marine Corps leaders,” Webb said.

James E. Carter Jr. grew up in Plains, GA, with an appreciation for the land and an interest in the world around him.

After briefly attending college at Georgia Southwestern College and Georgia Tech, Carter entered the U.S. Naval Academy in the Class of 1947.

Carter, a U.S. Naval Academy Distinguished Graduate honoree in 2002, was inspired to attend the Academy by an uncle who served in the Navy during World War II.

MIDSHIPMAN CARTER

While at the Academy, Carter was a member of 13th Company, participated in company intramurals and was a member of the cross country team. He was a gifted student and was always ready to help his classmates with their studies. The Lucky Bag predicted he would be remembered for his “cheerful disposition and ability to see the humorous side of any situation.”

Carter began a nearly 80-year tenure as a Sunday school teacher as a midshipman. He also befriended the Naval Academy’s first Black graduate, then-Midshipman Wesley Brown ’49, a cross country teammate.

Captain Jack Stevens ’47, USN (Ret.), arrived in Annapolis with Carter for Plebe Summer. He shared his memories of President Carter with Shipmate in March 2023. Captain Stevens passed away in November 2023.

As a member of the USNA Class of ’47, I fondly remember reporting to the Academy for Plebe Summer. We were assigned to 12-men cutter crews with 10 men manning the five pairs of oars, one helmsman and one spare. Jimmy Carter and I were in the same cutter crew.  He willingly accepted his assignment as a crew member, pulling his weight while asking for no special favors. This was the beginning of our leadership training, learning how to work as a team while also understanding how to give and take orders. Jimmy was extremely friendly and kind while also exhibiting a spark of Southern charm.

Jimmy proudly served his country for seven years after graduation until he was abruptly and unexpectedly asked to

return home to assist the family with a struggling peanut farm business. While it was not his desire to leave the military and the assignment he loved at this time, he did so to serve his family. To the best of my knowledge as well as that of my classmates, at no time during his tenure at the Academy did he share his desire to enter politics. But enter he did, first serving the citizens of Georgia as a state senator and later as governor.

His call to serve his fellow Americans continued with his ultimate leadership role, president of the United States of America, in 1977. After his presidential tenure he served as a teacher at Emory University and taught Sunday school in his hometown church. One of his greatest joys was working to promote Habitat for Humanity, once again demonstrating his desire to assist and serve others.

The Class of ’47 was honored and proud to see Jimmy Carter rise to the role of commander of the armed forces of the United States of America. As classmates we served together, from a cutter crew of 12, to a graduating class of over 800, to leadership roles in the military and political arena. The USNA laid the foundation for the leadership skills and qualities we all attained. We stand proud of President Carter and his service to mankind and his leadership to the citizens of the United States of America.

OFFICER CARTER

After completing the accelerated wartime program, Carter graduated 60th out of 820 midshipmen with a bachelor of science degree on 5 June 1946, as a member of the Class of 1947. As a commissioned naval officer and submariner, he served in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets, and held leadership  roles that included radar officer, combat information center (CIC) officer and training and education officer.

Carter married Rosalynn Smith on 7 July 1946, following his graduation from the Academy. She was also a Plains, GA, native and first met Carter in 1945. She preceded him in death on 19 November 2023.

During their 77-year marriage, the Carters would raise four children and put their faith into action through volunteerism and the Carter Center.

Carter served aboard wyoming and miSSiSSippi before applying for submarine duty in 1948. He was assigned to Balao-class submarine pomfret in late December 1948 after earning his gold dolphins as the electrical officer.

As part of Admiral Hyman Rickover, USN (Ret.), Class of 1922’s nuclear sub program, he worked with the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. In 1952, he was part of the team sent to assist the cleanup of a nuclear reactor that partially melted down at a Canadian research facility (see story on page 13).

Carter was promoted to lieutenant and was in line to become the engineering officer of the nation’s second nuclear submarine, Seawolf, when in mid-1953 his father died. Carter resigned his naval commission in October 1953 and returned to Georgia to run the family’s peanut farm.

He would serve in the Naval Reserve until 1961.

PRESIDENT CARTER

Carter returned home to Plains, GA, to run the family business, and quickly became a community leader. He was elected to the Georgia state senate in 1962 and as governor in 1970. In 1976, he was elected president of the United States, working for peace in the Middle East and pushing for economic deregulation at home.

He also worked to sign a treaty in 1977 that would give Panama control over the Panama Canal in 1999 and ensure the waterway remained neutral thereafter. Carter’s international achievements include establishing full diplomatic relations with China on 1 January 1979.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter walk during the Inaugural Parade on 20 January 1977. Carter became the first president to walk from the Capitol to the White House following his inauguration.

President Jimmy Carter ’47 and his wife, Rosalynn, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for nearly 40 years. The Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project drew more than 108,000 volunteers across the globe to renovate and repair 4,447 Habitat homes.

His presidency will also be remembered for the U.S. boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow and the Iran hostage crisis.

Former Secretary of the Navy John H. Dalton ’64 was an early supporter of Carter’s initial run for president. Dalton worked in the Carter administration with the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) and Federal Home Loan Bank Board.

In the early 1990s, Dalton was tapped to be the 70th Secretary of the Navy. He said Carter was one of the most influential people in his life.

“President Carter is a man of integrity, dedication to service and to the country, and is a man of great faith,” Dalton said. “He will always be remembered for the Camp David Accords and peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, as well as the Panama Canal Treaties. President Carter’s life of service reflects the values he learned at the Naval Academy: discipline, leadership, command, responsibility, ethics and the importance of serving others.”

POST PRESIDENCY

In 1982, the former president established The Carter Center, addressing national and international issues of public policy. The center works to resolve conflict, promote democracy, protect human rights and prevent disease and other afflictions. Through the Global 2000 program, the center advances health and agriculture in the developing world. In 1986, when The Carter Center began leading the international campaign to eradicate Guinea Worm Disease, there were an estimated 3.5 million cases in at least 21 countries in Africa and Asia.

The disease spreads through drinking water contaminated with guinea worm larvae. The larvae penetrate the digestive

“PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER WAS A TRUE FRIEND TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AND WORKED SO TIRELESSLY TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE.”

—HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

tract and the worm escapes the body, usually through the leg, during a painful multi-week process. In 2024, the total number of human cases was 14. This effort relied on public education and drinking water improvements.

Carter was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity for nearly 40 years and encouraged this same spirit of citizen involvement at his alma mater.

“Throughout my life, I’ve seen the difference that volunteering efforts can make in people’s lives,” said Carter, a 2002 Naval Academy Distinguished Graduate honoree. “I know the personal value of service as a local volunteer.”

He said he had one life and was determined to make it count.

“My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference,” he said.

In 2005, Jimmy carter, the third and final Seawolf-class submarine, was named in honor of the former president. It recognizes the only submarine-qualified man who went on to become the nation’s commander in chief.

Rear Admiral Sam Cox ’80, USN (Ret.), director of Naval History and Heritage Command, said Carter’s moral courage set him apart.

“When politicians always spin, or [are] outright lying like you see nowadays, that was an anathema to him. He internalized the Naval Academy that taught him to not lie, cheat or steal and I believe he represented that throughout his career and life,” Cox said. a

LIEUTENANT JIMMY CARTER ’47 AND THE CHALK RIVER NUCLEAR ACCIDENT

By Rear Admiral Sam Cox ’80, USN (Ret.) Director, Naval History and Heritage Command

Forced to come to the surface for air during a Pacific transit in January 1949, pomfret was being tossed around in the night by a violent storm when newly reported Ensign Jimmy Carter, USN, was washed off the bridge by a huge wave. Fortunately, he snagged on the 5-inch deck gun 30-feet aft of the conning tower and managed to hang on, avoiding being lost at sea.

Harrowing as this was, the dangers of the sea were well-known. What was less well-known in the early 1950s was the full extent of the danger posed by radiation, when Lieutenant Carter led a team in early 1953 to assist in the cleanup of the partial meltdown of the NRX reactor at Chalk River, Canada. It was the worst nuclear accident to that date.

After graduating from the Naval Academy in 1946 (with the wartime accelerated Class of 1947) Carter served his obligatory two years aboard surface ships before volunteering and being accepted for submarine service. He first served aboard pomfret In February 1951, he reported to the pre-commissioning crew of USS K-1 (SSK 1), qualifying for command of a submarine while still a lieutenant (junior grade).

Upon learning of the Navy’s nascent nuclear power program, Carter immediately volunteered for what he considered, “the finest Navy billet available to an officer of my rank— the development of the first atomic submarines.” After the usual intimidating interview with then-Captain Hyman Rickover, USN (Ret.), Class of 1922, Carter was accepted into the program.

In November 1952, Lieutenant Carter reported to the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Division of Naval Reactors detachment at Schenectady, NY. In addition to his own training, while simultaneously training assigned enlisted personnel, he assisted with the General Electric prototype liquid-sodium cooled reactor being developed near the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory (the type of reactor that would later power the second U.S. Navy nuclear submarine, Seawolf).

On 12 December 1952, the National Research Experimental (NRX) heavy-water moderated, light-water cooled reactor at the Canadian Chalk River Laboratories suffered a partial core meltdown due to a combination of human error, design flaws and a power surge. The accident resulted in release of radiation into the air, as well as flooding the basement of the reactor building with more than 1.2 million gallons of radioactive water. Fortunately, no one was killed as a result.

Considered at the time to be the most powerful research reactor in the world, the NRX had commenced operation in 1947, and was the result of a joint Canadian, British and U.S. cooperative program begun during World War II. The U.S.

Navy was involved in experiments at the reactor, which also produced nuclear fuel for U.S. Navy use.

Following the Chalk River accident, the U.S. Navy sent about 150 personnel (among several hundred Canadian military and government civilians) to assist in the cleanup. Because he had the requisite security clearance and experience, Lieutenant Carter volunteered for this mission. He was ordered to proceed from Schenectady to lead a team of 23 men in helping disassemble the damaged nuclear reactor core.

Once on site, Carter’s team trained intensively on an exact duplicate mock-up of the reactor that had been quickly built on a nearby tennis court, practicing each move. Due to the level of radiation, no single person could spend more than 90 seconds in the hot zone. Wearing protective clothing and respirators, Carter’s team descended into the radiation area in groups of three, working quickly to remove parts.

Observed by TV cameras, these actions were duplicated at the same time in the mock-up. Carter took his turn, and using a wrench, removed a bolt. During these 90 seconds, Carter received a dose of a year’s worth of what was considered at the time to be the maximum safe level of radiation, but many times that considered safe today. Neither he nor his team appeared to suffer any near-term debilitating effects, although they were carefully monitored by medical personnel for months.

The U.S. Navy came away from the Chalk River accident with extensive lessons-learned to improve the design and safe operation of reactors aboard submarines, as well as the health of the crew manning them. The experience also proved very useful for President Carter, when he had to lead a national response to the partial-meltdown of the Three Mile Island reactor in March 1979, the most significant nuclear accident in the U.S. a Editor’s Note: There are many online articles regarding Jimmy Carter’s involvement in the Chalk River accident, the vast majority of them given to hyperbole. Carter volunteered and participated in a mission known at the time to be very dangerous, yet was even more dangerous than anyone knew—especially in Carter’s case given his family history of cancer. However, he led one of many teams, and was one of hundreds of personnel who participated in the cleanup after the accident and were exposed to similar levels of radiation. His courage is to be commended, but he did not “avert a nuclear catastrophe,” nor “save Ottawa,” nor any other of the exaggerations.

Rear Admiral Cox shared this story with Shipmate in March 2023.

“THE U.S. HAS LOST A COMMITTED FIGHTER FOR DEMOCRACY. THE WORLD HAS LOST A GREAT MEDIATOR FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND FOR HUMAN RIGHTS.”

—GERMAN CHANCELLOR OLAF SCHOLZ

“THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE, JIMMY CARTER HAS BEEN A STEADFAST ADVOCATE FOR THE RIGHTS OF THE MOST VULNERABLE AND HAS TIRELESSLY FOUGHT FOR PEACE.”

—FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON

“THE MEMORY OF PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER WILL ALWAYS BE CHERISHED IN HUNGARY. BY RETURNING THE HOLY CROWN TO THE PEOPLE OF HUNGARY AT THE END OF THE ’70s, HE GAVE FREEDOMLOVING HUNGARIANS HOPE IN A HOPELESS TIME.”

—HUNGARIAN PRIME MINISTER VIKTOR ORBÁN

“IN RECENT YEARS, I HAD THE PLEASURE OF CALLING HIM AND THANKING HIM FOR HIS HISTORIC EFFORTS TO BRING TOGETHER TWO GREAT LEADERS, BEGIN AND SADAT, AND FORGING A PEACE BETWEEN ISRAEL AND EGYPT THAT REMAINS AN ANCHOR OF STABILITY THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA MANY DECADES LATER. HIS LEGACY WILL BE DEFINED BY HIS DEEP COMMITMENT TO FORGING PEACE BETWEEN NATIONS.”

—ISRAELI PRESIDENT ISAAC HERZOG

Former President Jimmy Carter ’47 and his wife, Rosalynn, with young boys, all victims of Schistosomiasis (caused by parasitic flatworms) during a 15 February 2007 visit to Nasarawa, Nigeria, to assess the Carter Center health programs.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter on their wedding day in 1946. They were married for 77 years.

Right: Jimmy Carter ’47 in the main control room of USS K-1 (SSK-1) in 1952. He was a submarine officer in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets before being selected for the nuclear submarine program.

Below: Egyptian President Anwar Sadat (left), U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin make a three-way handshake during the White House signing of the Camp David Accords in March 1979.

“PRESIDENT CARTER WAS A SYMBOL OF HUMANITARIAN AND DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS. HIS DEEP BELIEF IN PEACE AND JUSTICE HAS INSPIRED MANY INDIVIDUALS AND INSTITUTIONS AROUND THE WORLD TO FOLLOW HIS PATH. HIS EFFORTS IN PRESERVING THE PEACE AGREEMENT BETWEEN EGYPT AND ISRAEL WILL REMAIN ETCHED IN HISTORY, AND HIS HUMANITARIAN WORK DEMONSTRATES A STANDARD OF LOVE, PEACE AND BROTHERHOOD. HIS LEGACY ENSURES THAT HE WILL BE REMEMBERED AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST PROMINENT LEADERS IN SERVICE TO HUMANITY.”

—EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT ABDEL FATTAH

“HE WAS A COMMITTED PUBLIC SERVANT, AND DEVOTED HIS LIFE TO PROMOTING PEACE AND HUMAN RIGHTS. HIS DEDICATION AND HUMILITY SERVED AS AN INSPIRATION TO MANY, AND I REMEMBER WITH GREAT FONDNESS HIS VISIT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM IN 1977.”

—KING CHARLES III OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

“WHAT’S EXTRAORDINARY ABOUT JIMMY CARTER, THOUGH, IS THAT MILLIONS OF PEOPLE THROUGHOUT AMERICA AND THE WORLD WHO NEVER MET HIM THOUGHT OF HIM AS A DEAR FRIEND AS WELL.

WITH HIS COMPASSION AND MORAL CLARITY, HE WORKED TO ERADICATE DISEASE, FORGE PEACE, ADVANCE CIVIL RIGHTS AND HUMAN RIGHTS, PROMOTE FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS, HOUSE THE HOMELESS AND ALWAYS ADVOCATE FOR THE LEAST AMONG US. HE SAVED, LIFTED AND CHANGED THE LIVES OF PEOPLE ALL ACROSS THE GLOBE. HE WAS A MAN OF GREAT CHARACTER AND COURAGE, HOPE AND OPTIMISM.”

—FORMER PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN

“RECALLING PRESIDENT CARTER’S FIRM COMMITMENT, MOTIVATED BY DEEP CHRISTIAN FAITH, TO THE CAUSE OF RECONCILIATION AND PEACE BETWEEN PEOPLES, THE DEFENSE OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE WELFARE OF THE POOR AND THOSE IN NEED, THE HOLY FATHER COMMENDS HIM TO THE INFINITE MERCIES OF ALMIGHTY GOD AND PRAYS FOR THE CONSOLATION OF ALL WHO MOURN HIS LOSS.”

EL-SISI

President Jimmy Carter ’47 delivered the commencement address at the Class of 1978’s graduation and commissioning ceremony on 7 June 1978.  He and his wife, Rosalynn, are shown here with Superintendent ADM Kinnaird R. McKee ’51, USN (Ret.), during a tour of the Yard.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CAPT GORDON PETERSON ’68, USN (RET.)

Jimmy Carter’s White House portrait from 1978.

—POPE FRANCIS

CAPT Jack M. Stevens ’47, USN (Ret.), and President Jimmy Carter ’47 during the Class of 1947’s 65th reunion.

PHOTO COURTESY

OF CAPT JACK M. STEVENS ’47, USN (RET.)

Jimmy Carter ’47 served two terms in the Georgia legislature as a state senator from 1963 until 1967. He was elected the Peach State’s governor in 1970.

ALWAYS DELIVER YOUR BEST RICKOVER’S LESSON SHAPED CARTER’S LIFE

By Josh Carter, Grandson of President Jimmy Carter ’47

“Nice shirt,” my grandfather said as I walked into his home. I smiled. I had chosen my outfit carefully—jeans and a worn blue T-shirt with a picture of Jimmy carter (SSN-23).

A few weeks prior, former Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro ’83, visited my grandfather, President Jimmy Carter, to tell him the U.S. Naval Academy was naming a building in his honor. I was visiting my grandfather to inform him that I was accepting that honor on his behalf.

I told my grandfather I would talk about his time at Annapolis and his love for the Navy during the dedication of Carter Hall. He was humbled and offered me two pieces of advice. I was instructed to do a good job and to ensure the Naval Academy did not rename Rickover Hall. I assured him I would do so.

Jimmy Carter’s love for the Navy started as a schoolboy in Plains, GA. As a child, he hardly ever left the farm. His sense of adventure came almost entirely from his favorite uncle, Tom Gordy, a lieutenant in the Navy.

Tom adopted Jimmy as a pen pal and sent him letters from exotic locations like Australia, Japan, China and the Philippines. On 8 December 1941, the day after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Japan captured the island of Guam and his Uncle Tom Gordy. From that moment forward, entrance into the U.S. Naval Academy became my grandfather’s singular goal.

Jimmy Carter entered the Academy through the ROTC program at Georgia Tech. He entered as the Class of ’47, but because of the war, he and his class graduated early, in 1946. His first assignments were in wyoming and miSSiSSippi, which were testbeds for the Navy’s new advanced systems of radar, communications, LORAN (Long Range Navigation), fire control and new weapon systems. Straight out of Annapolis, Carter served as the electronics officer, overseeing the latest technologies for the U.S. armed forces. He was on the cutting edge, and he was hooked.

Jimmy Carter found the Navy was making its most exciting advances in the submarine force. His first submarine was pomfret, which made him fall in love with submarines. Itching to return to the cutting edge, Carter was accepted as the engineering officer in the Navy’s first snorkel-design submarine, the K-1.

He was aboard the K-1 when he learned that Admiral Hyman Rickover, USN (Ret.), Class of 1922, was attempting to build a nuclear Navy. His interview for that position proved to be such a profound, foundational moment in my grandfather’s life that he wrote about the interview in both the first book and the last book that he ever wrote. My grandfather thought the interview was going poorly, and after two hours, Rickover asked, “Did you do your best?” Carter started to say, “Yes, sir.” But he remembered who this was, and he recalled several of the many times at the Academy when he could have learned more about our allies, enemies, weapons, strategy and so forth.

He finally gulped and said, “No, sir. I didn’t always do my best.” Rickover stared at him for a long time, turned his chair around to end the interview, and asked one final question. “Why not?”

Jimmy Carter held that question close to his heart throughout his career in the Navy, as governor, during his presidency and throughout his post-presidency. The Navy taught my grandfather the importance of discipline, leadership, command, responsibility and service. But above all, the Navy taught my grandfather to always deliver his best.

After I visited Annapolis, I went to Plains to report back to my grandfather. While Secretary Del Toro told my grandfather that he was to be honored with a building at the Academy, I had the privilege of informing him that his building was formerly Maury Hall. His eyes widened, and he exclaimed, “Maury Hall! That’s a good one!”

He told me he knew every room in that building, and he was so overwhelmed that he had tears in his eyes as he quietly contemplated my story of the ceremony. Finally, he told me he knew what Carter Hall would mean to every midshipman that came through the Academy.

I will be forever grateful to Secretary Del Toro and former Superintendent Vice Admiral Sean Buck ’83, USN (Ret.), for providing me the opportunity to accept the naming of Carter Hall on behalf of my grandfather, Jimmy Carter. I hope every midshipman who comes through Carter Hall will remember the legacy of President Carter and will always do their best. a Josh Carter is the fourth grandchild of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. He is the host of the Unchanging Principles podcast.

On 17 February 2023, a ceremony was held in Mahan Hall to announce that Maury Hall, home to the political science department and the languages and cultures department, would be renamed Carter Hall for the 39th president of the United States, Jimmy Carter ’47. President Carter’s son, Donnel Jeffrey “Jeff” Carter (left to right) and two of President Carter’s grandchildren, Josh and Sarah Carter, represented the family at the ceremony.

THE GREAT CLASS CHALLENGE IS BACK is back 5–9 May and your class could take the top spot!

Last year you all came together to raise $3M for the Academy from almost 7,000 alumni with every class represented from 1948 to 2024 and we can’t wait to see what you will do in 2025.

Any way you give from now until 9 May counts! Want to make your Athletic Excellence gift at the President’s Circle level? That counts! Want to support your class project on usna.com? That counts! Want to support a specific initiative that you are passionate about? That’s perfect!

The Challenge officially kicks off online on 5 May, but you can give now and get counted! Any gift received—stock, donor advised fund, check, credit, debit, etc. that comes in before midnight 9 May will count for your Class Challenge!

Will the Class of 1984 take the top spot again this year, or will the runner up, Class of 1987 take home the win?  Will your class perform the best in your decade? Keep an eye out to see who wins!

Make your gift now and visit navalacademychallenge.com starting 5 May to see if your class has what it takes to be the G.O.A.T!

5-9 May

FIVE MINUTES WITH…

VICE

ADMIRAL MICHAEL HASKINS ’66, USN (RET.), REAR ADMIRAL EILEEN LAUBACHER ’90, USNR

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.

Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher ’90, USNR (Ret.), was inspired to a life of service by her father, Vice Admiral Michael Haskins ’66, USN (Ret.).

As a toddler, she would march to the sound of parade music coming from the U.S. Naval Academy from the family’s apartment on Perry Circle. Laubacher followed her father’s path to the Naval Academy and into the Navy. Neither was bold enough to harbor aspirations of making flag rank. But, in 2018, Laubacher joined her father as an admiral. That promotion put their family in an exclusive club as the first Naval Academy father and daughter to reach flag rank.

During his career, Haskins had nine operational commands, served as the 74th Commandant of Midshipmen at the Academy, and retired as the Naval Inspector General. After retirement, he served as the Distinguished Chair of Leadership and the director of the VADM Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the Naval Academy until July 2007.  Laubacher served as an intelligence officer and transitioned to the Navy Reserve in 1998. She mobilized to a Special Operations Joint Task Force in Afghanistan in 2009 to support Operation Enduring Freedom as the officer in charge of the Operational Coordination Group. Laubacher held three commands, and her flag tours were as the Senior Defense Official and Defense Attache to India, and the special assistant to the president and senior director for South Asia at the National Security Council.

The father-daughter admirals recently shared some of their story with Shipmate

Shipmate: What does your shared connection to the Naval Academy mean to you?

VADM Haskins: You have a father-daughter relationship, but this bonds you even more. This is unique.

RADM Laubacher: I always looked at his life of service, his devotion to our country. He made that look, not as a sacrifice, but something that gave him fulfillment and joy. That appealed to me and made me think that was the way I wanted to spend my life.

He has always been a North Star for me. He was very inspiring.

Shipmate: You are part of an exclusive Naval Academy alumni club as a father and daughter who achieved flag rank, was that ever an aspiration for you?

RADM Laubacher: This is not a club that we ever aspired to join. I always felt, I got this from dad (and his personal humility), that if you work really hard and you do your best, you can be a commander. If you’re your best self, you can kind of control your destiny to become a commander. … If you do all of that and you’re really lucky, you can become a captain. To become an admiral, it’s all of that plus a little bit of fairy dust. There are a lot of people that could be selected for admiral, but it has more to do with what the Navy needs at that time. …

The point is, you’re entrusted with this tremendous amount of responsibility. They trust you because you can make decisions, you know who to call and you know what questions to ask. You know how to drive things past the point where others can’t. You can influence things. As long as you don’t do anything that’s illegal, immoral or unethical, the sky’s the limit.

VADM Haskins: It didn’t even strike me until I was a very senior captain, and I was Commandant of Midshipmen. You cannot even want it. Unless you want to be tremendously disappointed, you don’t think about it. Your odds are almost zero.

I’ve seen some, when they become admirals become very cautious because they want to go from one star to two stars. From my perspective, if they want to fire me at any time and tell me that’s as far as you’re going to go, great, I’ve had the time of my life. When you become a flag officer, the opportunities you have to do good for your people and your country are incredible. You’re given an opportunity to actually make things better.

Shipmate: What advice would you give current midshipmen before they commission into the Fleet/Marine Corps?

RADM Laubacher: You are embarking on an amazing adventure. You should lean into that, take advantage of every opportunity, and walk through every open door. You should find ways to say yes to the things the Navy is asking you to do. Then, find ways to use all those opportunities to fully make yourself the best you, you can be.

VADM Haskins: Honor is the most important thing. It is the one thing you have that nobody can touch except you. As a naval officer, you need to keep that in mind. There is no deviation. ®

VADM Michael Haskins ’66, USN (Ret.), swore his daughter RADM Eileen Laubacher ’90, USNR, in as a midshipman, as an ensign, as a captain and as an admiral at the Naval Academy. PHOTO

Legacy of Valor: vietnam

The Vietnam War was the first major American conflict in which multiple Black Naval Academy alumni were in leadership positions. Shipmate commemorates this milestone with the stories of two 2018 U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Distinguished Graduates as part of our Legacy of Valor series.

UNCOMPROMISING PRINCIPLES

CHAMBERS CREDITS CAREER TO UNWAVERING BELIEFS, COMMITMENT TO HIS PEOPLE

Unsolicited and vociferous advice was thundering down on then-Captain Lawrence Chambers ’52, USN (Ret.).

Chambers, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier Midway, was ensconced in chaos in the waters off South Vietnam. During the 30-hour evacuation of Saigon starting on 29 April 1975, Midway would receive and process about 2,000 evacuees from Vietnam. Helicopters jammed with the last American civilians and at-risk Vietnamese nationals jockeyed for dwindling space on Midway’s deck.

Consequential decisions were being made in rapid fashion by Midway’s captain who had taken command a month earlier. Chambers was in charge of orchestrating the pandemonium. As the flight deck filled and helicopters circled overhead, Chambers faced a quandary.

Vietnam Air Force Major Buang-Ly was circling Midway with his wife and five children in a Cessna 0-1 Bird Dog. Chambers didn’t need to see what was on the notes Ly dropped from the plane onto his ship’s deck to know what the desperate man wanted.

None of the aircraft on Midway’s deck were Navy property. They belonged to Air America, the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force.

Adding to the intensity of the situation, Chambers had an admiral loudly barking suggestions and questioning his decisions. The admin boss suggested Ly ditch his plane.

“When this young lad came out and started circling, I knew what he wanted,” said Chambers, who retired as a rear admiral. “He wanted a look at the deck.”

To make room for the Bird Dog, Chambers ordered the scuttling of $30 million worth of helos into the South China Sea.

The administrative boss was yelling at him so everyone on the bridge could hear. Chambers couldn’t ignore it. He let his crew know Midway was his ship. He was going to do things his way. The ship and its 5,000 sailors were his responsibility and if there were consequences to face, they’d be his too.

“I had to calm them down and tell them, ‘you work for me,’” said Chambers, the first Black U.S. Navy officer to command an aircraft carrier. “That’s my administrative boss, that’s my problem. After that, they totally ignored it.

“They didn’t exactly like that the old man was getting yelled at for things he hadn’t done yet.”

Chambers ordered all air departments and airwing personnel that weren’t on watch to report to the flight deck. He said the Marine Corps detachment showed up and aviators and crew served as deckhands. A 2,000-man working party used specially made wheels to place under the helicopters and move them across the deck and over Midway’s side.

“Your job is to do what you think is right. That’s the only thing you can live with.”

During a 30-hour evacuation of Saigon in late April 1975, Midway’s crew orchestrated the landing of dozens of helicopters and processed about 2,000 evacuees during Operation Frequent Wind.

Then-MIDN Lawrence Chambers ’52

Before Ly could be signaled to make a landing attempt, Chambers said eight more helicopters landed on his deck. Into the sea they went, too, over the protest of the administrative admiral boss. Chambers understood the admiral’s role but he wasn’t in charge of the ship.

“I’m sorry, but I’m the idiot that is responsible and I have to do what I think is right,” Chambers said. “Right or wrong, they’re going to have my butt. If I do it right, I might cheat death. If I’m wrong, I’m not going to be in command anymore. It’s a judgement call.

“When they make you skipper, it’s your problem. It ain’t his. No matter what everybody else is yelling at you, your job is to do what you think is right. That’s the only thing you can live with.”

With the deck clear, it was up to Ly to bring his small plane in. Chambers appreciates the audacity of Ly’s plan and his ability to make a precarious landing.

On his first pass, Ly nosed down in the center of the flight deck but had to keep the craft at full power to keep it on deck. It was an incredible feat for a pilot with zero experience landing on an aircraft carrier.

“Anybody dumb enough to think they could come out to sea, drop a note on the flight deck and some other idiot is going to give him a chance and clear the deck to do what nobody has done before was beautiful,” Chambers said.

Chambers knew his actions could lead to the loss of command or even a court martial. He said he made principlebased decisions that day. He was willing to accept any ramifications because he was content that he did the right thing and took care of his people and the thousands of evacuees who made it aboard Midway during Operation Frequent Wind.

29 April 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Chambers’ actions from that day were not punished, as other skippers in the task force made the same decision to save incoming refugees. He went on to become the first Black Naval Academy alumnus to reach flag rank. He is a 2018 U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate honoree and an example of character-driven leadership.

Chambers was a reluctant trailblazer who inspired others.

“He had the guts to do what was right knowing he could be court martialed,” said Major General Charles Bolden ’68, USMC (Ret.). “He became my hero pretty quickly.”

‘HELLUVA LOT OF PEOPLE WERE LOOKING OUT FOR ME’ Chambers was the valedictorian at Dunbar High School where he excelled in math and science. He was three years behind Wesley Brown ’49 at the Washington, DC, school. Chambers served in the Junior ROTC and was accepted into Harvard University and MIT.

Through Brown, the Academy’s first Black graduate, Chambers gained an understanding of what the Yard would be like. Chambers and Reeves Taylor were the only Black plebes when they arrived in Annapolis during the summer of 1948. Chambers became the Academy’s second Black graduate and Reeves, who retired as a Navy captain, graduated with the Class of 1953.

Chambers credits his relationship with Brown for helping him survive the rigors of Academy life and the scrutiny and harassment of being one of three Black midshipmen. He often took refuge in Brown’s room in Bancroft Hall.

“I had one place I could go, and they couldn’t find me and harass me,” Chambers said. “I could study and take care of things. I would disappear. That was my only release from perpetual harassment.”

While he described some of the upperclassmen’s antics as sadistic, that treatment ultimately strengthened his resolve. That, coupled with some unseen friendly forces, allowed the future Naval aviator and commander of Carrier Strike Groups 3 and 4 to forge a path for future Black Navy officers.

A byproduct of his treatment at the Academy for Chambers was controlling his temper. That paid dividends when he reached the fleet and during his tours as a commanding officer.

“They made me a hell of a lot stronger than I would have ever been,” Chambers said.

Chambers and his two roommates were among the top five in their class academically. He said there wasn’t an academic problem that the three of them couldn’t solve. He believes his living arrangement was an intentional action by the Academy’s hierarchy.

“To ensure I’d have a chance,” he said.

To make room for a seemingly endless barrage of helicopters carrying evacuees from Saigon in April 1975, then-CAPT Lawrence Chambers ’52, ordered aircraft to be scuttled overboard.

Thanks to his class standing, Chambers had a choice pick for ship selection. He said when he chose a “small boy,” commandant and future Rear Admiral Charles Allen Buchanan ’26, USN (Ret.), called him and told him he wouldn’t let him serve on a light cruiser.

“My first thought was, discrimination is still here,” Chambers said.

Instead, it was an offering of opportunity. Chambers said Buchanan wanted to send him to Baltimore-class heavy cruiser ColuMbus, which was skippered by his classmate, Captain Gordon Campbell ’26, USN (Ret.).

“I know you’ll get a fair shake there,” Chambers remembers Buchanan saying. “He was protecting the Navy. (Campbell) was probably the finest four-striper that I ever ran into.

“A helluva lot of people were looking out for me but I had no idea.”

Following his tour on ColuMbus, Chambers reported to flight training. He called earning his wings in 1954, “the proudest day of my life.” His aviator career included flying the AF Guardian, the A-1 Skyraider, the A-4 Skyhawk and the A-7B Corsair II.

Between 1968 and 1971, he flew combat missions over Vietnam. He would command Attack Squadron VA-15, and in 1972, skippered white Plains

‘SUCK IT UP AND DO THE BEST YOU CAN’

After initially being snubbed by a detailer when requesting ship command, Chambers said he sent a postcard with a simple message: Command at sea. Any time. Any place. He would not be deterred from his goal.

“(The detailer) said, ‘boy, you’re so far down the list, I’m not going to get to you,’” Chambers recalled. “He had insulted me, but I wasn’t going to be put off by the insult.”

About three months later, the detailer called Chambers, who was then serving as program manager of the A7 D/E Corsair program. Apparently, a ship based out of Sasebo, Japan,

wasn’t enticing for all the prospective captains above Chambers on the detailer’s list.

“All those wonderful people ahead of me on the list thought they were too good and nobody wanted to take their families over to Japan,” Chambers said. “I jumped right at it. Look what happens when you do that. I’m a year ahead of all those guys. Nobody thinks of that.”

He advises young officers to leap at opportunities when they arise because even if they might not be the most appealing, they can lead to greater things.

“You suck it up and do the best you can,” he said.

Racism or bias wasn’t going to keep Chambers from achieving his goals. He attributes his ascension to hard work, people-driven leadership and honesty.

“I was going to be the best son of a bitch out there so they couldn’t fail to promote me,” Chambers said. “I don’t recommend that for everybody. If you’re not a loner, it’s not going to work.”

With so few Black officers in the Navy’s ranks during his early career, he rarely saw someone who looked like him in wardrooms. He said mentoring Black officers who followed him into the service was difficult and done mostly remotely.

By the early 1960s, Chambers said the Black officer ranks slowly started to blossom.

“Everywhere I went I was the only one,” he said. “I was never sure who I could trust. I was going to give everybody the benefit of the doubt but I’m going to cover my butt all the way along. That’s not a good way to have to grow up. The more (Black officers) we got, the easier it became.

“That’s the way the world was at the time. You do the best you can. I don’t have any hard feelings about it. I don’t hold any grudges.” a

Vietnamese Air Force Major Buang-Ly landed a Cessna 0-1 Bird Dog on Midway’s flight deck during the evacuation of Saigon in April 1975. He had no previous experience landing on an aircraft carrier but successfully did so with his wife and five children.

UNFORESEEN DESTINY

BOLDEN REACHED THE HEAVENS DURING AN UNPREDICTABLE MARINE CORPS CAREER

M

ajor General Charles Bolden ’68, USMC (Ret.), spent 680 hours in space on four U.S. Space Shuttle missions.

As a Marine Corps aviator, Bolden flew the A-6A Intruder in more than 100 combat missions during the Vietnam War. He flew more than 6,000 hours as a test pilot assessing aircraft including the A-6E, EA-6B and A-7C/E. He was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2017.

Bolden closed the military chapter of his career as the head of NASA for 7 1/2 years.

Not bad for a kid from Columbia, SC, whose segregationist home-state congressional delegation refused to make an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy for any Black person. Institutional racism couldn’t deter Bolden from pursuing his dream of becoming a midshipman, which began as a 12-year-old.

He would enter the Academy as a plebe in 1964 with six Black classmates. Four of those seven would graduate with the Class of 1968.

Bolden, a 2018 Naval Academy Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate honoree, knew for certain there were two things he absolutely wouldn’t do upon commissioning:

1. Fly planes

2. Join the Marine Corps

Bolden would only serve 34 years in the Marine Corps, which included 14 with NASA. He commanded two of his Space Shuttle missions and has mentored countless midshipmen and astronauts throughout his career. He served as deputy commandant at the Naval Academy in the mid-1990s and serves as moderator for the annual astronaut convocation on the Yard each spring.

Enticed by the TV program, “Men of Annapolis,” Bolden envisioned himself in the crisp white uniforms at the Academy and serving in the Navy post-commissioning.

“I was not going to fly airplanes because I thought that was inherently dangerous,” Bolden said. “I was not going to go into the Marine Corps. I thought they were a little crazy.”

His outlook flipped while a member of 29th Company in his plebe year, Vietnam War veteran then-Major John Reilly Love ’51, USMC, who retired as a colonel, impressed Bolden with his brand of leadership.

A subsequent company officer soured Bolden on nuclear power.

“He was a lot like my dad,” Bolden said of Love. “He was incredibly tough but eminently fair. He told you what he expected and showed his disappointment if you didn’t live up to his expectations.

“I wanted to be like Major Love, against all odds.”

That news didn’t sit well with those closest to Bolden. He said his father cried and his wife was upset when he announced he was

commissioning into the Marine Corps. There would be a compromise following The Basic School, however Bolden had an aviation option coming out of the Academy. He took it and reported to Pensacola, FL, for flight training. He would not become an infantry officer in Vietnam.

‘WE

SHOULD HAVE BEEN DEAD’

Bolden’s initial skepticism of aviation evaporated the moment he got in the cockpit for his first training flight.

“I fell in love with flying and never looked back,” he said.

While he appreciated the precision needed to fly, he wasn’t eager to test how close he could get to his lead aircraft. He was fine with never being a Blue Angels candidate.

“That really piqued my interest because I had fallen in love with instrument flying,” Bolden said. “Everything everyone else hated, that’s what I wanted to do.”

By the time Bolden began running sorties over Vietnam in 1972, President Richard Nixon had withdrawn all American forces from South Vietnam. Midway through his year in Vietnam, his squadron had migrated to flying night operations at 500 feet and 500 knots. Pilots had designated targets then went searching for munitions transfers from North Vietnam and China into South Vietnam.

“Don’t ask your troops to do something you’re not willing to do.”

MajGen Charles Bolden ’68, USMC (Ret.), served 34 years in the Marine Corps including 14 as an astronaut. He was on four Space Shuttle missions and commanded two.

Then-MIDN Charles Bolden ’68

U.S. operations, dictated from Washington, DC, routinely used the same routes on bombing missions. That was a recipe for disaster.

On one mission, Steve Berry was filling in for Bolden’s regular bombardier/ navigator. Anti-aircraft fire lit up the sky and Bolden considered aborting the operation. Ultimately, Bolden fulfilled the Marines Corps’ mission-first ethos.

“They knew when we were coming and how we were coming, like clockwork,” Bolden said. “We tried to fool them by coming in from different directions and different altitudes. This night was like a fireworks show. I knew there was no way we were going to make it. There was just no place to go.

“I thought, well, maybe we could turn around and go back, just forget about it tonight. I realized every moment I spent jockeying or turning, was going to be more time in the flack. I told Steve, let’s just press on to the target, we’ll get through this.”

Bolden said Berry momentarily took his head out of the radar boot and saw all the flack surrounding the plane.

“He let out an expletive and put his head back into the boot,” Bolden said.

Berry and Bolden made it through the wall of fire without a scratch.

“God was with us that night,” Bolden said. “We should have been dead.”

By completing his mission, Bolden embodied a credo he lived throughout his Marine Corps career.

“Don’t ask your troops to do something you’re not willing to do,” Bolden said. “Give them the example so they can follow you.”

Captain Ken Reightler ’73, USN (Ret.), saw that policy put into practice. He met Bolden when they were students at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. He credited Bolden for turning his career trajectory toward becoming an astronaut.

Reightler was nearing the completion of his graduate work at the Naval Postgraduate School when he was reviewing possible assignments for a newly selected Aerospace Engineering  Duty Officer.

He said a liaison job at Johnson Space Center seemed like a strategic step for a prospective astronaut. Reightler sought Bolden’s advice. Bolden inquired what Reightler’s other options were. One was returning to the Naval Air Station Patuxent River as a test pilot.

“To me, working with NASA at JSC would considerably help my chances of becoming an astronaut,” Reightler said. “Wisely, Charlie knew better and I was told to ‘go fly F-18’s’ instead of flying a desk in Houston, TX. I took that advice, and things worked out. In 1987, I finally caught up to Charlie and joined him as a member of the astronaut office.”

Bolden’s respect among the astronauts and training and support personnel at Johnson Space Center was immediately clear to Reightler. He supported two of Bolden’s Space Shuttle missions: one from the Launch Control Center and another as a part of the Mission Control Team.

“Watching him lead his crews on these highly successful missions was a master class in leadership, coaching and mentoring,” Reightler said. “A few years later, I had the chance to fly in space with Charlie as part of the STS-60 crew, assigned to perform the first U.S./Russian joint space mission.

“He handled all the additional attention and pressure with grace and style. It was clear that in delegating to me many of the responsibilities of working to get our cosmonaut crew members and their families settled, as well as other duties such as leading formation flights and making presentations, he was mentoring me on how to be a good shuttle commander.”

TAKE CARE OF YOUR PEOPLE

Ethel and Charles Bolden Sr. ingrained the importance of treating people the way you want to be treated into their son at an early age. Ethel was a librarian who established the first library for Black students at Waverly Elementary School in 1940 in Columbia, SC. Charles Sr. was a successful football coach at C. A. Johnson High School. The football stadium is named in his honor.

The junior Bolden said his parents regularly assisted Black kids, some of whom went to rival high schools. Charles Sr. took football standouts to some Big Ten schools that integrated during the 1960s to help them secure scholarships.

Charles Bolden Jr. had opportunities, thanks to his parents’ emphasis on education, to be part of integrated education camps while in high school. While he was the only Black participant, he studied chemistry in National Science Foundation summer programs in North Manchester, IN.

MajGen Charles Bolden ’68, USMC (Ret.), has mentored Marines, astronauts and midshipmen during his time as deputy commandant at the Naval Academy. Bolden is seen here with midshipmen in October 1994.

At Carnegie Tech—home of the first computer UNIVAC— in Pittsburgh, PA, he studied computer science.

Primed with a stellar academic record, Bolden sought an appointment to the Naval Academy. He was accepted to Yale University and the University of Pennsylvania. However, his home-state delegation (Senator Strom Thurmond, Senator Olin D. Johnston and Congressman Albert Watson) refused to forward any Black names to Annapolis.

Anticipating this, Bolden began writing then-Vice President Lyndon Johnson as a high school freshman. The vice president can nominate U.S. citizens without geographical restrictions but by Bolden’s senior year, President John F. Kennedy had been killed and Johnson was no longer handling those duties.

“The congressional delegation had made it quite clear they had no interest in appointing a Black candidate,” Bolden said.

At his mother’s encouragement, Bolden wrote to President Johnson and reminded him of their previous correspondence. He didn’t hear from the president but several weeks later a Navy recruiter showed up at his home. A couple of months after that, Bolden said Johnson sent a retired federal judge around the country looking for qualified Black and Hispanic men to apply to the Naval Academy.

Chicago Congressman William Dawson made Bolden’s appointment to the Academy. Although it nearly took an act of Congress to get Bolden to Annapolis, he said he only experienced one overtly racist incident while a midshipman.

During Plebe Summer, he and his roommates were studying when the Brigade of Midshipmen reformed. Their Bancroft Hall door flung open and two Caucasian men—one from Alabama and one from South Carolina—made it clear he wasn’t welcome.

“They addressed me and said, ‘Mr. Bolden we’re here to let you know you’re not going to finish this year,’” Bolden remembered. “I said, ‘with all due respect sirs, what makes you say that?’ They said, ‘because we’re not going to let you.’

“I said, ‘again with all due respect, we will see about that.’”

Bolden said the harsh reality of plebe life quickly transformed his dream of attending the Naval Academy into

a nightmare. During Plebe Summer, he called home every week crying, thinking he made a big mistake.

“I was about to throw in the towel,” Bolden said. “Then, these two guys came in. I don’t think I liked the Academy anymore, but I decided I wasn’t going to allow them to run me out. I began to knuckle down.”

Bolden held his own academically and was elected president of his class at the end of his plebe year.

“I learned to tolerate what went on,” he said. “Contrary to what they thought, they didn’t drive me out. Things started getting better after that.” a

Five NASA astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut squeeze through the tunnel that connects the shirt-sleeve environment of the Space Shuttle Discovery and the SPACEHAB module. SPACEHAB is located in the spacecraft’s payload bay. MajGen Charles F. Bolden Jr. ’68, USMC (Ret.), mission commander, is at upper right. Others, clockwise from the commander, are Ronald M. Sega and N. Jan Davis, mission specialists; Franklin R. Chang-Diaz, payload commander; Cosmonaut Sergei K. Krikalev, mission specialist; and CAPT Kenneth S. Reightler Jr. ’73, USN (Ret.), pilot.

NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE

SEALS

EVOLVE INTO NIMBLE,

DIRECT-ACTION

UNITS IN VIETNAM

Everything went smoothly for then-Lieutenant Junior Grade Charles Sanford “Sandy” Prouty ’67, USNR (Ret.), and his MIKE platoon on a raid in Vietnam until evacuation time.

The freshly minted SEAL had been in Vietnam for less than three months when his 10-man unit received significant and credible intelligence. A former Viet Cong fighter turned informant relayed the location of a large medical cache.

On 3 November 1969, Prouty led a SEAL heliborne operation into enemy controlled territory. The medical supplies—bandages, medicines, surgical instruments, stretchers—were exactly where the informant indicated. The supplies were being loaded into a helicopter’s cargo net when the pilot said he thought the rotor had been hit by enemy fire and could no longer stay on station.

So began a tense evacuation process in which Prouty’s team persevered in the face of enemy fire, a close call from their own air support and multiple harrowing helicopter endeavors. Throughout the three-hour ordeal, Prouty demonstrated unflappable leadership.

His platoon successfully completed its mission without a single injury. This mission earned Prouty a Silver Star and exemplifies the effectiveness of SEAL teams during the Vietnam War. These small

autonomous platoons were nimble and potent enough to engage guerilla warriors using their own tactics but with greater coordination and firepower.

The evolution from World War II frogmen into elite strike groups began in Vietnam with SEALs partnering with the brown water Navy and often helicopter units, including the Seawolves. Prouty’s mission involved air support from helicopters, OV-10s and A-37 bombers.

Once the medical supplies were helicoptered out, Prouty’s team remained in a precarious situation. He directed air support by moving to different vantage points while exposing himself to enemy fire. Heavy cloud cover and a rainstorm obscured the patrol’s location.

Prouty accurately directed a gun ship to his location while attracting gunfire.

“We jumped in, breathed this big sigh of relief,” Prouty said.

But it was premature—the helicopter could not get off the ground. It bounced along a rice paddy, Prouty said. The pilot turned around with a panicked look and said they were too heavy—somebody had to get off.

“I thought, I’m the platoon leader, I’m afraid that’s going to be me,” Prouty said. “I took my radioman and machine gunner, and my loyal leading petty officer joined us too.”

Prouty began to devise an escape and evasion plan. Then, a seawolf pilot, who had overhead said he’d try to pick them up. The pilot dumped everything he could off the helicopter to lighten the craft, including guns and ammunition.

“He picked up a few holes coming in,” Prouty said. “But, he got us.”

But it turned out they were still not out of it. The helo ascended about 1,000 feet and the pilot informed Prouty that his red fuel light has been on for five minutes and they were nearly out of gas. Thirty seconds later, the craft’s engine sputtered, coughed and quit.

“He was able to auto rotate—we were far enough out of the (danger zone) perimeter—and get us into a government outpost,” Prouty said.

Intel gathered after the operation found Prouty’s unit had been surrounded by about a 70-man Viet Cong company and they had killed 24 in addition to recovering the medical cache.

CAPT Charles S. Prouty ’67, USNR (Ret.), standing in the center wearing a hat and holding an M-16, arrived in Vietnam in August 1969 and led SEAL Team Detachment GOLF, MIKE Platoon. He enjoyed the relative autonomy of leading a SEAL team, which allowed him to gather intelligence and swiftly plan missions based on that information.

Prouty arrived in Vietnam in August 1969. He credited the success of the mission to preparation and training. He never wavered from his main obligation while leading his platoon under duress.

“Knowing that it was my responsibility, I had to do the very best I can for my platoon and to get everybody out of there safely,” said Prouty, who retired as a captain and joined the FBI in 1973 where he would eventually become the agency’s third in command. “I tried to live up to my responsibility.”

SEALS RISE

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy wanted a new breed of warriors. With an emphasis on unconventional warfare and counterinsurgency operations, the Navy created two Sea Air Land (SEAL) teams. The SEALs were successors to the Underwater Demolition Teams formed during World War II.

SEALs would prove to have the flexibility and specialized skill sets and initiative for direct combat that allowed them to operate successfully in the guerilla warfare environment of Vietnam. Using innovation and improvisation, SEAL units are designed to quicky adapt when battlefield conditions change.

Admiral Robert J. Natter ’67, USN (Ret.), was the officer in charge of a SEAL boat support detachment in the lower Mekong Delta. In 1971, he earned a Silver Star for his actions following an ambush in the Nam Can region of Vietnam while supporting a Vietnamese SEAL platoon.

Natter said specialized training prepared SEALs to successfully combat the tactics they confronted from enemy fighters in Vietnam.

“The relentlessly demanding training of these very young but committed officers was the basis for their squad level successes in a new very foreign kind of warfare,” Natter said. “From Naval Academy training for service in ships and aircraft to the reality of close-in combat, these officers led other inexperienced but equally committed young American sailors into the canals, rivers and jungles of Vietnam.”

Prouty said SEALs were a “much more potent and versatile force then their predecessors in World War II.” The World War II frogmen, naval combat demolition teams, were essentially waterbound. Their primary job was to do hydrographic reconnaissance prior to an amphibious assault and to blow up obstacles, Prouty said.

In Korea, these special forces rarely engaged in direct action but ran demolition raids, blowing up bridges, railroad tracks and tunnels.

“It was a natural evolution to get into the direct action that the SEALs had in Vietnam,” Prouty said.

Captain Tom Murphy ’66, USN (Ret.), said U.S. military leaders were initially trying to engage

“Knowing that it was my responsibility, I had to do the very best I can for my platoon and to get everybody out of there safely. I tried to live up to my responsibility.”

North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong combatants in conventional warfare. They were using tactics from a previous war and their foes would not oblige.

The Viet Cong specialized in ambush warfare— particularly in jungles and on rivers. Murphy said traditional strategies did not apply in Vietnam. SEALs were tailor-made for abbreviated operations where an objective was set and plans drawn up mere hours before missions were conducted.

SEAL teams were designed to covertly enter a targeted area, complete the mission and swiftly exit.

“SEALs came over there specifically to try to take the war to the enemy and to do it in a very dramatic way,” Murphy said. “Our war was a different kind of war than some of the Army units or Marine units and certainly some of the pilots’ experiences bombing in Vietnam. We were right on the ground and right in the thick of it.”

Murphy quickly learned miscalculations on this new and evolving battlefield could have dire consequences.

FATEFUL FOOTSTEPS

In 1968, Murphy was on his first deployment in Vietnam when his seven-man SEAL squad was ambushed. The unit was equipped with three machine guns, three M-16 automatic weapons, a grenade launcher, hand grenades and claymore mines.

It would be the simplest clue that led the Viet Cong to their position.

“They traced our boot tracks down to where we set the ambush,” Murphy said. “As we broke the ambush to move on in the morning, they opened fire.”

Murphy was the squad leader. He was shot along with two of his teammates. He lost all function in one of his legs. His platoon chief petty officer suffered a head wound that would lead to the loss of an eye.

The squad sought refuge in a latrine ditch awaiting gunship helicopters to strafe the area.

Then-MIDN Sandy” Prouty ’67

With air cover, they made their way along the ditch toward the cover of the jungle. A medical evacuation helicopter was able to land and extract Murphy’s team.

In his book, Beyond the Trident, Murphy said he was haunted by the ambush and felt personally responsible for leading his team into an ambush.

“I had fallen short of the ‘be the attacker, not the attacked,’ objective,” he wrote.

During an October 2024 interview in his Texas home, Murphy said he implemented a critical rule for all future missions. His team would mimic the locals.

“From that point on, we started going barefoot,” Murphy said.

Although there was a learning curve for SEAL teams, particularly those who served in the early years of the Vietnam War, Murphy said part of the attraction was the leadership autonomy provided to junior officers. He said individual squads determined their missions and executed them every two or three days.

The small-team dynamic afforded SEALs flexibility and freedom to turn intelligence into operations.

“We determined, more or less, what we were going to do every night. Where we were going to go. We were pretty much—in that era—our own boss,” Murphy said. “We attempted pilot rescues directed from above but everything else was left to us on how to figure out how we would go out and mix it up with the Viet Cong or North Vietnamese forces.

“The idea of being in direct combat is a thrilling experience. I was very excited about it.”

Leading the Fifth Platoon, SEAL Team Detachment ALFA on 2 March 1969, Murphy took decisive action that neutralized a heavily defended Viet Cong base camp area. Then-Lieutenant Junior Grade Murphy was the point man for his seven-man squad.

A Viet Cong unit holed up in a house spotted Murphy’s squad approaching and fled. Murphy,

“Our war was a different kind of war than some of the Army units or Marine units and certainly some of the pilots’ experiences bombing in Vietnam. We were right on the ground and right in the thick of it.”

Then-MIDN Tom Murphy ’66

the closest squad member to the escaping enemy, chased a group of five armed men without supporting fire. He killed four in the group and led his unit in capturing other Viet Cong members. The successful operation included securing individual weapons and five B-40 rockets. Murphy was awarded the Silver Star for his actions during that encounter, in which there were no American casualties.

‘CULTURE OF NEVER GIVING UP’

Like many of his peers, Murphy was drawn to the SEAL community because it offered a chance to lead in a small-group setting. In Vietnam, he led a platoon just a couple of years after commissioning.

Only about 25 percent of candidates earn the Navy SEAL Trident. This exclusive club is linked by shared experiences of grueling training and dangerous missions. Murphy said anyone considering joining the SEAL community should understand it will be difficult. Hell Week is designed to push SEAL candidates to their breaking point with extreme physical and mental tests over 5½ days in cold and wet conditions with just a few hours of sleep.

Finding a way to complete missions while mentally and physically fatigued requires candidates to rely on each other, just as they will in the field.

“It’s very team oriented, it’s very closely knit,” said Murphy, who retired after 25 years as a SEAL. “It’s a very competitive organization but some of the finest human beings I know are SEALs.”

After completing his SEAL training, Prouty said he felt invincible. He was convinced he could overcome any obstacle.

“I believed I was the toughest guy on the battlefield,” Prouty said. “Training gave me this tremendous confidence that I could handle anything.”

That belief coupled with an unwavering commitment to complete the mission is what makes SEALs unique, Prouty said.

“There’s a culture of never giving up,” he said. “You know you have to uphold the culture. You might want to give up, but you know SEALs just don’t. SEALs keep going, no matter what.”

Captain Dick Couch ’67, USN (Ret.), completed about 50 missions during a six-month deployment in Vietnam. When he retired in 1997, he held the senior command billet in the SEAL reserve community.

Couch said President Kennedy’s call for units that could dominate in a more robust, unconventional warfare environment came to fruition with the SEALs in Vietnam. Their weaponry and infantry training separated SEALs from their predecessors, Couch said.

“You’re going to do direct-action missions,” Couch said of SEAL assignments. “SEALs were ready made for Vietnam because we were going into an escalating conflict where they needed guys to conduct small unit operations in some of these areas that were basically controlled by the enemy in a guerilla environment. It was a sign of the times.

“Navy frogmen were good at improvising—so all the tricks of the trade, small unit tactics, standard operating procedures were built upon. Each platoon that went over came back with a little bit more expertise and passed that on to the people who were relieving them. We kind of grew into the job.”

BOLD RESCUE

Growing up in southern Indiana, Couch became enamored with Navy frogmen at an early age. When he was at the Naval Academy, there was no direct accession into the special operations community. The Class of 2025 has 48 midshipmen assigned to either SEALs or Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).

Couch was assigned to a destroyer post commissioning where he absorbed valuable leadership lessons. He deployed for four months to northern Europe with Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) 22 to conduct survey work in the North Sea. He then sought a transfer to SEAL training.

SEAL Team 1 needed officers. Couch said his orders were in hand the same day he submitted his name for consideration. He graduated first in his class in 1969.

While his dream was about to become reality, Couch appreciated his time at sea.

“I thank my lucky stars that I was aboard a destroyer for a year and a half,” he said. “I made a lot of mistakes in handling enlisted men and being a division officer, that seasoned me. I hate to think of how poorly I would have done my job had I not had that experience aboard that ship before I went to BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/ SEAL Training).”

During predeployment training, Couch and his team practiced patrolling, learned basic infantry tactics and how to paddle flat-bottomed wooden boats known as sampans. Most of his platoon hadn’t served in Vietnam. Luckily, he had a first-class petty officer who was a veteran of six rotations in Vietnam. Couch tapped him for institutional knowledge.

Couch’s platoon chief was right out of training and two of his petty officers were on their second tours.

“I had a pretty green bunch,” Couch said.

While he and his team might have been learning as they went, Couch had the luxury of mining intelligence from local Vietnamese

“I thank my lucky stars that I was aboard a destroyer for a year and a half … I hate to think of how poorly I would have done my job had I not had that experience aboard that ship before I went to BUD/S.”

collaborators. A village chief tipped Couch’s platoon to the location of a Vietnamese prisoner of war camp a few weeks after they arrived in Vietnam.

Couch’s 14-member platoon paddled sampans at night up a canal leading to the camp. They slipped past two checkpoints and into the main part of the camp undetected thanks to sleeping guards. The American force quickly overran the unsuspecting Viet Cong and freed the POWs without any problems.

The POWs were escorted to evacuation helicopters. Couch said the riskiest portion of most missions was the exit. Their entry is based on stealth but once the enemy has been engaged, using the same route for exit is harrowing.

“We were always worried about getting out, because now they know you’re there,” Couch said. “They know how you will probably try to get out. My job, especially being on the road, was making sure we had good helicopter coverage. They were orbiting around in case the bad guys tried to intercept us on the way out.”

A light SEAL support craft, skippered by Couch’s Academy company mate then-Lieutenant Natter, got the team out of the camp. Reflecting on the operation, Couch attributed its success to planning, predeployment training and a bit of luck.

But it also highlighted the nature and expertise of the burgeoning SEAL community.

“It was kind of a bold thing to do,” Couch said. “We operated at night and we kind of knew what we were doing. Nobody else could do what we could do—going out at night in sampans along those canals. It was serendipitous that we could pull that off given how green we were in experience within the platoon and our time in country.” a

Then-MIDN Dick Couch ’67

Editor’s Note: As part of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation’s Legacy of Valor: Vietnam War series, Shipmate staff interviewed and solicited stories from alumni. We gathered stories from more than 40 alumni and are sharing them in the pages of Shipmate in 2025 and online, by scanning this QR code.

Starting with this issue, we will publish selections from individual alumni classes ranging from 1954 to 1973.

NOT FORGOTTEN

ALUMNI VIETNAM EXPERIENCES

LIEUTENANT COLONEL ED TIPSHUS ’54, DVM, USMC (RET.)

Shipmate: Can you describe your experience when you volunteered to go to Vietnam?

Tipshus: In the late 1950s, I volunteered along with a group of officers and Marines. We flew from Okinawa to Vietnam, refueling in the Philippines, and landed in Da Nang. I was assigned as an artillery advisor to the ARVN’s (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) 1st Division, part of the Naval Advisory Group in Saigon.

Shipmate: What was your role while you were stationed in Vietnam?

Tipshus: I was an artillery adviser, working in the Rung Sat Special Zone, which was a mangrove swamp near the South China Sea. My job was to provide support to the local units, including infantry, intelligence and other advisers. It was a dangerous and rugged environment with frequent helicopter operations.

Shipmate: What were some of the dangers you encountered during your time in Vietnam?

Tipshus: The area was infested with snipers, sea snakes, crocodiles and the Viet Cong often used the swamp as a rest area.

Shipmate: Did you face any personal challenges during your service?

Tipshus: Yes, there were times when we had to deal with rats during the night in the jungle. I remember waking up to them

pulling at my shoes. I didn’t want to shoot them as I feared I might shoot myself, so I just brushed them off. It was a rough environment, and personal safety was always a concern.

MAJOR GENERAL BILL HOOVER ’54, USAF (RET.)

Shipmate: What were your initial experiences like in Vietnam? Hoover: I arrived in Vietnam in February of 1972, at the tail end of the war. I was stationed at Da Nang, one of the northernmost air bases, and our base was often subject to rocket attacks—three times a week, sometimes more. The base was isolated, and we were given the autonomy to make decisions and solve problems creatively.

I was director of operations for the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, which had four fighter squadrons. My training had prepared me for this role, where I had to be flexible, make quick decisions and sometimes take unconventional actions to maintain operations. The F-4 fighter jets we had were deemed too vulnerable to enemy fire, so we had to adapt quickly to new threats, all while being under constant threat from rocket attacks.

The enemy was ramping up their attacks. My first mission was up north, near Hanoi, where I was involved in a dogfight with six planes. It was intense and eye-opening, but it was exactly what I had volunteered for. Later, I was assigned as the director of operations for the F-4 wing, and eventually, I became the commander of a provisional wing at Da Nang, overseeing

5,000 people and 100 aircraft, including forward air control and electronic warfare planes.

Shipmate: What experiences stand out the most during your time during the Vietnam War?

Hoover: One of the most memorable experiences was the constant threat of enemy rocket attacks. These were indiscriminate and often came at night, causing a lot of tension. We had a strong sense of self-reliance at Da Nang, especially since our headquarters was based in Saigon, far to the south. Another significant moment was the closure of Da Nang and the last flight out in March of 1973. We were among the last to leave the country, marking the end of the U.S. involvement in Vietnam. Despite the risks and challenges, there was a sense of duty and camaraderie that stood out.

One moment that really stands out was the intense dogfight with six planes near Hanoi, which was a clear reminder of the dangers of the conflict. Another unforgettable experience was when a four-star general called me aside and entrusted me with the responsibility of commanding the provisional wing at Da Nang. There was also the emotional experience of meeting a classmate from the Naval Academy, a Marine officer, who was stationed offshore and prepared to come to our aid if necessary. That gave me a real sense of reassurance during such a dangerous time.

Shipmate: How different was life/combat in Vietnam than you anticipated?

Hoover: Combat in Vietnam was different from what I had expected. I had anticipated more conventional warfare but instead found myself dealing with asymmetric threats, such as frequent rocket attacks and a constantly shifting political and military landscape. The isolation of Da Nang made things even more challenging—without much support or resources, we had to figure out solutions on our own. The most difficult part was the unpredictability of the conflict; you could never really be sure where the next danger would come from. It was a stark contrast to what I had trained for, but the adaptability I learned at the Naval Academy proved invaluable.

COLONEL BILL MARTIN ’55 USAF (RET.)

By the end of his second tour in Vietnam, Colonel Bill Martin had completed 243 combat missions—earning the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross and more than 11 Air Medals. The Silver Star Citation read that Colonel Martin distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 16 April 1968. On that date, Martin attacked a heavily defended hostile

truck convoy. Despite intense and accurate antiaircraft fire, he was credited with destroying six trucks and starting 22 additional secondary fires.

A paper written by his son Captain William C. Martin Jr. while he was a Secretary of the Navy Resident Fellow from July 2001 to July 2002 in the Ethics Department at the United States Naval Academy, started off with this excerpt:

“It was another dark and muggy night in Phan Rang, South Vietnam, when Major Bill “Marty” Martin (United States Air Force), called for taxi for a flight of four B-57 Canberra. Those who stopped and turned as the aircraft taxied by, noted the typical bomb load out of Mark-82’s and napalm, and silently

Col Bill Martin ‘55 USAF (Ret.), earned a Silver Star for gallantry for his actions on 16 April 1968. Martin attacked a heavily defended hostile truck convoy, despite intense and accurate antiaircraft fire, was credited with destroying six trucks and starting 22 additional secondary fires.

said a prayer for their safe return. The target tonight was another insignificant ammo dump in a remote corner of North Vietnam that possessed no real strategic importance. Their route of flight would be predictable, for they had flown it countless times as dictated by the route packages and rules of engagement, formulated by both politicians, and detached military planners. The Viet Cong would be expecting their arrival, for they had seen this scenario played out numerous times before.

With an attrition rate of almost 20 percent, the first act of bravery these aircrews would display would be the brake release on their takeoff roll. One of these aircraft would probably not return home tonight. … These men of the Eighth and 13th Tactical Bomb Squadrons, who flew up North after dark, proudly wore a patch on their left shoulder, an embroidered head of a big yellow cat with pointed ears and a black patch over the right eye. The left eye was a luminescent green and clenched in its jaws was a B-57 Canberra. In green letters around the border was emblazoned: ‘Trong Mieng Cua Con Meo Cua Dinh Mang,’ which translated means, ‘I have flown into the jaws of the cat of death.’”

On the ceiling of the Officer’s Club in Phan Rang, each newly arriving squadron member wrote his name in carbon from a lighted candle. When a member failed to return from a mission, someone would climb up on a bar stool and circle the name. This paper is dedicated to my father, and to those men whose names were circled on that ceiling in the Officer’s Club in Phan Rang, Vietnam. They fought bravely and courageously in a war; they were not allowed to win.

—submitted by his son, CDR Rick Martin ’81, USN (Ret.)

REAR ADMIRAL ROBERT A. PHILLIPS ’57, SC, USN (RET.)

In June 1965, then-Lieutenant Robert Phillips reported to Da Nang as part of a team charged with crafting the logistical support for the anticipated surge in Marine Corps, Army, Navy and Air Force personnel into Vietnam.

Phillips was responsible for determining the scope of supplies needed to accommodate an 80,000-strong U.S. force, up from 20,000.

“One area not covered by the Advanced Base Functional Component (ABFC) procedures was the determination of what and how much of ordinary consumables would be required by the supported forces. Lieutenant Harvey Nix, SC, USN, and I spent many days and nights going through the GSA Catalogs line item by line item and estimated what the requirements would be. We did consult with the Marines when forecasting items like the number of rolls of concertina barbed wire, and with the SeaBees on lumber, rebar and cement needs. We also saw the incredible demand for soft drinks given the working and weather conditions.

We needed a deep water pier to help handle the volume of cargo offload. There was an ABFC component for a deep water pier called the DeLong Pier. It was transportable and once in location there were support columns, which could be mechanically extended downward until they were solidly planted. The problem was that once installed in place, the remaining upper portions of the columns interfered with the cranes and booms used for offloading ships cargo. The SeaBees fixed the problem by cutting the columns flush with the pier deck with oxy-acetylene torches. That later became an issue when the Army apparently had planned on using the transportable DeLong Pier at Cam Ranh Bay.

Lieutenant Commander William Dickey, SC, USN, was instrumental in finding a suitable location for the warehouse and cold storage facilities on the east side of the Han River just south of the Republic of Vietnam ammo dump. Tactically that may have been a little too close for comfort.

On the riverfront street just south of the fishing docks there was a museum. At that location, the seawall had deteriorated and was used by the amphibious vehicle DUKWs to exit the river and come up onto dry land. The DUKW has only canvas side walls to the 2 1/2 ton cargo platform. They transported the 500-pound bombs for the Air Force from ship-side to the airport bunkers. About once a month, traversing the angle of the river exit would cause a bomb to slip off a DUKW, which always was a tense moment. I was directed to design a multiple use ramp and dockside facility just north of the Han River bridge.

When I had finished the sketch and described to Dickey the rationale for boom arcs and ramp dimensions to accommodate barges, LSTs and LCMs, he told me to give it to the SeaBees and ask them to build it. In short order the pilings were driven, dredge sediment was placed and the facility was put into use. No more DUKW bomb dropping.”

RADM Robert A. Phillips ’57, SC, USN (Ret.), served in Da Nang in 1965. He designed a ramp on the Han River to allow amphibious vehicles to exit the river without having a 500-pound bomb slip over the side.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RADM

ROBERT A. PHILLIPS ’57, SC, USN (RET.)

The following two Class of 1957 stories are excerpted from the book Shaking up the World, which was compiled by James D. Paulk Jr

LONG CARRIER DEPLOYMENT

Frank Alvarez ’57 was chief engineer in the aircraft carrier Midway when it arrived at Alameda Naval Air Station on 3 March 1973. Midway was returning from a record-long 11-month deployment that began on 10 April 1972.

“We all knew this was would be a very successful deployment even though we did not complete our training and only had three days to load out … We soon settled into a routine of long periods on Yankee Station with short visits to Subic Bay in the Philippines for much needed mature material upkeep. While on station, we would launch aircraft every day and replenish for about five hours every other night, refueling, taking on aviation gas, replenishing bombs and loading new stores.

While the aviators were putting their lives on the line every day, the best thing we could do in engineering was to maintain

the ship in tip-top material condition. This made it possible to always make enough speed to provide sufficient wind over the deck for safe flight operations, provide enough reliable steam to the catapults for hot shots every time, keep the arresting gear measuring machinery in excellent working order, ensure good working aircraft and weapons elevators, maintain well air conditioning spaces, keep the galley equipment in proper working order so excellent meals could be prepared and provide safety in the way of firefighting and damage control. This we did outstandingly.

The diversion of a port call in Singapore was greatly appreciated by the whole crew. Not only did it take place over Christmas, but it turned out to be memorable because Bob Hope and company came on board and put on a wonderful show.

Our success during this deployment came with a high price for the air wing. Eleven members died or were lost at sea. Seven aviators were missing in action, and six more were prisoners of war … Midway and Attack Carrier Air Wing Five did receive outstanding recognition for all of our accomplishments in that we were jointly awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for the period 30 April 1972 to 9 February 1973.”

HELICOPTER DOWN

O.C. Baker ’57 flew Marine CH-46 helicopters in the Purple Foxes detachment in Vietnam. He shared a story about the bravery of one of his crewmembers.

“Corporal King was my .50 caliber machine gunner the day we were shot down near An Hoa. The rest of us left the helicopter and were lying down for protection in the rice paddy, but Corporal Jim King stayed exposed in the helicopter with his machine gun and was firing these impossibly long bursts that were sure to burn up the barrel.

I finally got up and ran back to tell him to fire shorter bursts.

What I found was that the firing mechanism on his machine gun was sticking so as soon as he started firing, he had to then pick up a nearby M16 rifle and start beating on the .50 caliber to get it to stop firing. Naturally, he couldn’t point the .50 caliber very well while he was beating on it, so he was very frustrated with the situation.

I found the scene very amusing. We were picked up by the wingman within about 30 minutes and the aircraft was recovered later. We had been shot down with one AK-47 round that penetrated the transmission oil cooler. I have that round fastened to a plaque hanging on the wall in my home.

Corporal King was one of the very fine young, enlisted Marines that volunteered to be a helicopter crewman in Vietnam. To this day, I continue to ponder the motivation and be amazed by this purely voluntary act. It was dangerous, we suffered many aircraft losses and Marine fatalities. The enlisted

Frank Alvarez ’57 was chief engineer in Midway, when it deployed for a record 11 months starting 10 April 1972.

Then-MIDN Frank Alvarez ’57

Then-MIDN O.C. Baker ’57

men were under absolutely no pressure or requirement to fly, and the additional flight pay was trivial.

I attribute their actions to the fact that they realized such flying crewmen were essential to the success of the helicopter’s mission (unlike jet aircraft where the enlisted stayed back on the ground) and their desire to be with fellow Marines who were actually confronting the enemy.

Their faith in the ability of the (sometimes very young and inexperienced) Marine helicopter pilots up front and their steadfastness in the face of long mission hours and extreme danger during the missions have earned my undying respect for every enlisted Marine helicopter crewman.”

MAJOR GENERAL BILL ESHELMAN ’59, USMC (RET.)

In December 1967, I was ordered to travel to Saigon and report to the Marine Advisory Unit. I was assigned to the 4th Vietnamese Marine Battalion. At that point in my career and for the rest of the year, I needed to reach all the way back to the Academy for those early concepts of leadership, as well as the tactical knowledge and experience that I had subsequently learned, to survive and succeed on the battlefield.

For the next 10 months, I lived with, ate meals with, attempted to speak the language with, fought along with, and with my counterpart, won battles against the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army.

The following excerpt from my book, Letters to Pat, describes in part our first big battle:

“As darkness fell, we tightened up our security inside the compound and I lay down on the porch of one of the buildings and fell asleep. I had been up for almost two days.

At 3 a.m. on 3 February, my world came apart again, but this time with deafening explosions. I rose up to grab my radio as two more mortar rounds exploded nearby. The concussion picked me up and bounced me against the side of the building. I didn’t feel any pain at the time but knew I had been hit.

My ‘cowboy’ and radioman had both been hit and were hard down. I steadied myself, located my radio, which fortunately had not been hit, and started to look for my counterpart, who

From the Editor ALL HANDS EFFORT

Gathering and sharing the stories of Naval Academy alumni who served during the Vietnam War required an all-hands effort by the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association’s communications team. During the fall of 2024, the communications team conducted more than 40 interviews including meeting alumni in Colorado, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Texas, Alabama, Florida, California and Maryland. Thanks to

was behind me flat on the ground and up against some steps. He was ok.

We determined that a counterattack was underway with incoming mortar and rocket fire. In fact, by then, the NVA were coming over the back wall of the compound. Our young Marines were holding their own, but I knew we needed additional fire support quickly if we were going to survive the night.

The 1st Battalion next to us was also under attack and the advisor with that battalion and I started taking turns calling in air strikes and artillery rounds. We were calling for anyone who would answer and fire for us. Thank goodness for illumination rounds. They gave us the ability to turn night into daylight and to be able to see where to fire against the enemy. It also allowed the aircraft to see what we were marking and asking them to shoot and bomb.

At one point, the NVA broke through the wall and were inside the compound. Fortunately, I was coordinating with a young U.S. Army adviser with the Vietnamese Army artillery compound next to us, and he lowered the barrels of his 105mm howitzers and fired directly down the length of the wall. That gave us time to clean up the few bad guys that had penetrated our front line.

I’ve never waited so long nor been happier to see dawn arrive. With daylight, I could coordinate with an airborne USAF forward air controller (FAC) to direct Vietnamese bombers to drop 500-pound bombs and napalm within 50 yards of our front lines.

I sent First Lieutenant John Hainsworth (who had just been sent from our Marine adviser HQ to help me) forward with our lead company to mark our position with colored smoke for the pilots to see … and then we all got down low and prayed. It worked, and at about 8:55 a.m., what was left of the North Vietnamese appeared to break contact and retreat. However, as we rose up and took a long breath, the NVA brought up a reserve unit and renewed the attack.

This time, the FAC linked us with a USAF C-130 aircraft that had a 105mm howitzer that could fire from the side door. We marked our front lines again and asked him to fire at anything that moved on the other side of the wall. By noon, things had settled down, and there was no sign of enemy movement. We sent one company forward to search the battlefield and found another 75 enemy KIA. We only had nine KIA, but more than 100 wounded, including John and me. I had been hit in my left leg and both arms … and still had a piece sticking out of one arm.” a

assistance from class leaders, we were able to identify candidates and conduct interviews in person and virtually.

Producing the Legacy of Valor: Vietnam War series would not have been possible without the contributions of Grace Doerfler, Jackie Furton, Emily Lucht, Hannah Munnelly, Maria O’Shea, Heather Payne, John Schofield, Anne Sharpe, Sandy Spadaro, Sarah Trimmer and Timothy Woodbury. —Jimmy DeButts, Shipmate editor

DEL TORO HONORS THREE ALUMNI WITH SHIP NAMES

In true Marine Corps fashion, Major Megan McClung ’95, USMC, always deflected the spotlight. Her mission was highlighting the actions of Marines “doing the work,” according to her mother Re.

On 16 January 2025, then-Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro ’83 announced the naming of a new class of Landing Ship Medium (LSM) after McClung. McClung was a Marine Corps public affairs officer who became the first Naval Academy alumna to die in battle. She was killed in Al Anbar Province in Iraq on 6 December 2006 from a roadside bomb while escorting journalists into downtown Ramadi.

Del Toro also named new vessels honoring First Lieutenant Travis Manion ’04, USMC, and Captain Don Walsh ’54, USN (Ret.), in January.

Re McClung said her family is honored to have her daughter’s service to the nation be memorialized with the naming of a ship. It will uplift others in the same manner Meg was inspired and assisted by those who came before her.

“She was more interested in being sure other people knew the stories of the folks who were being heroes,” Re McClung said. “It will allow others to stand on her shoulders for a while as she stood on others’ shoulders to get where she was.

“It takes her legacy to a whole different level. She was good at helping others be their best.”

Her brother, Michael, said his sister wouldn’t have wanted to be part of a story. However, her legacy of valor will persist with the naming of Mcclung (LSM 1).

“Megan would not have wanted to be the story in the moment,” he said. “But, all the good, all the vision, all the hopes and dreams of other people who will see that and (are inspired) to live their greatness because they see that name, that’s something everyone should be proud of.”

‘REPRESENTED THE BEST IN US’ Midshipman Maggie Borek ’28 never really knew her uncle, Travis Manion. He was killed just 10 months after she was born. But, hearing stories

from family and his friends, Borek chose to follow his path of a life of selfless service.

Manion made the ultimate sacrifice on 29 April 2007 while conducting a search of a suspected insurgent house in Iraq’s Al Anbar Province. His repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to pull wounded Marines out of the line of fire. In his heroic efforts to draw fire away from the wounded, Manion was fatally struck by an enemy sniper.

“If not me, then who?” was Manion’s answer to why he would return for a second tour of duty in Iraq. His service epitomizes selfless leadership, putting country and his fellow Marines first. In turn, he challenged countless others to put those values in practice.

Those principles will carry on in those who serve aboard Travis Manion, a future san anTonioclass amphibious transport dock ship (LPD 33).

“Travis inspired me to pursue a legacy of my own and follow in his footsteps at the Naval Academy,” Midshipman Borek said. “He inspired me to believe in service above self.”

“I’m proud … that there will be so many others, who didn’t know Travis, but will be inspired by him. People who take the, ‘if not me, then who?’ ethos to heart and want to continue the legacy he left behind.”

Brian Stann ’03 was a Marine Corps officer and close friend with Manion. He said Manion loved and cared for his people.

That’s why he would put himself between them and the enemy.

“He lived his entire life like that,” Stann said. “This ship is going to symbolize all the things he fought for. It will be a great reminder to all of our military, all of our citizens for what we value, what we represent and what we defend. Also, the lengths we’re willing to go to. Travis represented the best of us.”

Del Toro said the san anTonio-class amphibious ship represents the combined power of the Navy and Marine Corps team. Amphibious transport dock ships are warships that embark, transport

A new class of Landing Ship Medium (LSM) will honor Maj Megan McClung ’95, USMC. McClung was killed while serving in the Al Anbar Province in Iraq on 6 December 2006.

1stLt Travis Manion ’04, USMC, was killed in action on 29 April 2007 while providing cover fire to protect a wounded Marine in Iraq’s Al Anbar Province. On 10 January, then-Secretary of the Navy

Carlos Del Toro ’83 named a future San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship in Manion’s honor.

From L to R: MIDN Maggie Borek ’28, Honor Borek and Ryan Manion joined then-Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro ’83 at a naming ceremony for the future San antonio- class amphibious transport dock ship traviS Manion The Boreks are Manion’s nieces and Ryan is his sister. They are the sponsors for the new vessel.

Far right: Filmmaker James Cameron, left, and CAPT Don Walsh ’54, USN (Ret.), stand next to Trieste, a deep-diving research bathyscaphe that reached the deepest known part of the earth’s oceans, the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench near Guam, on 23 January 1960. Walsh and scientist Jacques Piccard piloted Trieste. On 10 January, then-Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro ’83 named a future T-AGOS ocean surveillance ship don walSh (T-AGOS 25).

and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions.

He said Travis Manion is a fitting representation of its namesake.

“(It serves) as a symbol of courage, bravery and selfless service for all who follow in her wake,” Del Toro said.

NAVY MAN

A future T-AGOS ocean surveillance ship, don walsh (T-AGOS 25), will be named for Captain Don Walsh ’54, USN (Ret.). This new Explorerclass will be essential to maintaining strategic deterrence and operational awareness in the world’s oceans, Del Toro said.

“There is no one better to name for the first ship than Captain Don Walsh, a man whose life and career embody the very essence of exploration, innovation and dedication to our Navy and our nation,” Del Toro said.

Operated by the Military Sea Lift Command, the Explorer-class will play an integral role in the Navy’s antisubmarine warfare operations. Kelly Walsh, son of the late Don Walsh, said his father was a “brilliant example of living a life full of adventure and curiosity.”

Captain Walsh served in the amphibious forces before being selected for submarine duty aboard rasher. He volunteered for the deep-dive program and became navy submersible pilot No.1 on 23 January 1960. Walsh, accompanied by scientist Jacques Piccard, piloted bathyscaphe Trieste 35,797 feet down to Challenger Deep, the deepest known point of the ocean, located southwest of Guam in the Mariana Trench.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower presented Walsh with a Legion of Merit for his pioneering work in “innerspace.” He commanded Bashaw before retiring. Walsh passed away on 12 November 2023.

“My father was many things to many people— explorer, educator, colleague and mentor,” Kelly Walsh said. “But if you asked him what most defined his character, Navy man would be top of the list. His contributions to ocean exploration and advocacy spanned 60-plus years and he “wrote the book” on how we talk about research and protect our planet’s circulatory system. His historic dive to Challenger Deep as a Navy lieutenant was just part of what would become a life of service to the country, the oceans and the global community.”

Walsh’s daughter, Liz, said the family is honored the Navy chose to recognize her father’s lifetime of service and dedication by naming the T-AGOS ship after him.

“Don sometimes described being a kid in the San Francisco Bay area, daydreaming about where all those ships were going as they sailed to and fro over the horizon; that little boy would certainly marvel that one day his legacy would be memorialized in such an enduring way,” she said. a

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA

Then-Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro ’83 (left) during a 10 January ship naming ceremony in Dahlgren Hall to honor CAPT Don Walsh ’54, USN (Ret.). Walsh’s widow Joan (center) and his daughter, Liz, joined Del Toro at the ceremony.

A SENSE OF JUSTICE

By Commander Dan Lambert ’77, USN (Ret.)

Since I was a plebe, I always noticed something about the Marines I came into contact with. Each of them has a very finely tuned sense of justice. There is no finer example than one of my 9th Company classmates from the Class of 1977.

Lieutenant Colonel Mose Floyd ’77, USMC (Ret.), is a magnificent example of this sense of justice. Floyd has been practicing law longer than he was in a Marine uniform. Mose is a judge on the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court in Duval County, FL.

“Great to see you, your honor,” I said.

“It’s just Mose, Dan” he replies with a laugh. His intellect is as large as his sense of humor. Humble as he is intelligent, he has a remarkable, unbelievable second career in criminal justice.

Floyd grew up in Cantonment, FL (north of Pensacola), the 10th of 12 children. Floyd will tell you that as a child in a big family, his parents, Willie and Carrie Floyd, treated each of their children the same. He graduated from Tate High School in 1973 and was appointed to the Naval Academy.

After graduation, Floyd served as a logistics officer. He put himself through law school at Georgetown University while he was still a serving Marine in the Washington, DC, area. Following his retirement from the Marine Corps in 1999, he became a public defender in Duval County and was soon hired into the corps of prosecutors in the same county.

From 1999 to 2011, he recorded a 96 percent conviction rate in felony cases.

“I peeled back every layer of the onion and made sure that no one knew more about what was going on with a case than I did,” Floyd said. “I did my research, went to the crime scenes, visited with officers and I was very rarely surprised in court.”

Floyd became a prosecutor to better serve the interests of justice. At his interview for the prosecutor position, “Mr. (Harry) Shorstein (Duval County attorney) explained that I could do so much more to achieve equal justice by being a prosecutor because I would be dealing with a larger number of cases and I’d be making very important decisions up front, including what the charges would be (if any), what sentence to seek, what bond recommendations to make and the ability to ensure that the police officers involved with the cases were doing the right thing,” he said.

“Mr. Shorstein won me over and the rest is history; I didn’t make it out of his office. Mr. Shorstein’s only instruction to us was to do the right thing for the case, never throw low blows in court and be a man of your word. Even when doing the right thing means hurting your case, you still do the right thing.”

Floyd credits his mentor, Shorstein, with much of his success. Shorstein is a former Marine Corps officer.

Floyd’s intellect and straight line of logic is something we observed in the early ’70s in 9th Company.

In 2011, Governor (now Senator) Rick Scott appointed Floyd to the bench. In a recent letter, Senator Scott said, “Judge Floyd’s dedication to serving Florida and our nation has been evident through his time serving as a Marine officer and his legal career.”

Though he has a full schedule of criminal cases, Judge Floyd gladly accepted the additional duty of the Veterans Treatment Court (VTC). Our seemingly endless wars since 2001 have resulted in many casualties. By Floyd’s count, “veterans, because of experience they’ve had in the service or in wartime suffer from maladies … such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) mental health disorders, or drug and alcohol addiction and they may not even know it, and they are not exercising the best of judgement.

“So the treatment court gives them the opportunity to get the treatment they need and gives them a second chance at life by cleaning up their records because they have earned it by their military service. We try to seek them out when they come into the criminal system after arrest. We look at those with qualifying charges. The qualifying charges are generally misdemeanors or third- or second-degree felonies. … There must be some nexus to their military service and prior diagnosis.”

Floyd leads a team of people in “a coordinated effort among the court, veteran’s services organizations, community-based providers and volunteer mentors to provide them with

PHOTO COURTESY

CDR DAN LAMBERT ’77, USN (RET.)

LtCol Mose Floyd ’77, USMC (Ret.), served as a prosecutor for 12 years and a judge since 2011 in Florida after retiring from the Marine Corps. He is helping veterans facing criminal charges get second chances through the Veteran’s Treatment Court.

the treatment they need and have earned to get veterans the specific help they need.” The program includes weekly one-on-one meetings with Floyd. The Duval County VTC’s recidivism rate is 8.2 percent based on 145 cases between 2017 and 2022.

Floyd deflects credit to his team and the individuals being treated. Yet, the results are spectacular.

Consider the story of Troy Blackstone, a veteran coming before Floyd’s VTC.

“If it were not for Judge Floyd, I would be dead,” Blackstone said. “At the beginning of the program, I was lying my way through the program. Judge saw it and came hard on me. From that time on, I followed all the rules.

“He has been like a father to me.  I served as a chaplain assistant in the Army. I saw so many friends die that

it affected my mental health when I came back. I did not want to confront my demons. I was on the verge of going homeless, losing my wife and family and even attempted suicide. Then, I was accepted into Judge Floyd’s court and all that changed.

“Most people see a judge and a defendant, they imagine the judge immediately throwing the book at the defendant, but Judge Floyd is like no judge I’ve ever seen. He enforced order and ensured we followed the rules of the program but he did so much more than that. He was fair and firm when he needed to be. He motivated me to get back to my military roots and helped me gain control of my life.

“He made sure I got the necessary treatment for my PTSD and addiction and thanks to him and his team I’ve been

18 months clean. I am now part of his team to go out and instruct about VTC with the judge. Judge Floyd saved my life, my marriage and helped me be the best version of myself. I am now in school and have full-time employment.  We have a second daughter, and my life has never been better.”

Forty-seven years of public service, and counting, with 22 years in the Marine Corps, and now 25 years in the legal profession as a public defender, prosecutor and jurist. The Marine Corps has a wonderfully descriptive term to apply here, semper fidelis or Always Faithful. In the very best traditions of the Marine Corps and the Naval Academy Judge Mose Floyd has demonstrated a fine sense of justice. a

THIS IS WHAT LEGACY LOOKS LIKE!

Jim Paulk ’57 is more than a proud alumnus—he’s a storyteller and a legacy builder. As the author of Shaking Up the World: Stories of the Naval Academy Class of 1957, Paulk celebrates the lives and achievements of his classmates. He’s also secured his own legacy by naming the Naval Academy Foundation as a beneficiary of his retirement account and donating all book royalties to support its mission.

“Giving back to the Naval Academy is a must for me,” Paulk shares. “I owe everything I’ve enjoyed in life to attending the Naval Academy. Writing a book to honor my classmates was necessary because I remain in awe of them, just as I was when we met in 1953.”

It’s easy to leave your legacy. Name the Foundation as a beneficiary of an IRA, life insurance policy or other account today.

To learn more about designating beneficiaries, please contact the Office of Planned Giving at 410-295-4186; plannedgiving@usna.com or scan the QR code.

To purchase Shaking Up the World: Stories of the Naval Academy Class of 1957, visit our Lucky Bag of Books page on usna.com or scan the QR code.

www.raymondjames.com/ottersonadvisors/

BRAVO ZULU

1930s

’39: Happy Birthday to CAPT Ned Beach, USN (Ret.)’s widow, Ingrid, who turned 99 on 9 February and Madeline Hough, widow of Jack Hough, turned 100 on 27 February 2025.

1960s

’68: CAPT Edward  A. Sundberg, USNR (Ret.), managing partner of Africa Program for Cyber Technology LLC, was awarded a grant from the Arab Bank for Economic Development to begin training hundreds of students at the University of Dodoma in Tanzania.

1970s

’71: Jeff Albright’s law firm has been recognized as a Tier 1 firm in the 2025 Best Law Firms awards. Tier 1 recognition is reserved for the highest scoring firms during the annual review process.

1980s

’88: President Donald Trump named Terence Emmert as acting Secretary of the Navy. He served in the Navy as an aviator.

1990s

’90: Academy Securities, the nation’s first post-9/11 veteran owned and operated investment bank, added

LtGen Brian Cavanaugh, USMC, to its advisory board and geopolitical intelligence group.

’92: Andrew Sullivan has been named Prudential Financial Inc.’s next CEO. Sullivan joined Prudential in 2011. He previously oversaw the company’s International Insurance segment and PGIM, the firm’s $1.4 trillion global investment management business.

’97: Mount Snow resort in Vermont named Lea Gabrielle Potts as vice president and general manager.

’99: QuaWanna Bannarbie is the first veteran to receive the Leadership LINKS LLC’s Serving with Honor Award. She is a founding director of the organization.

Open to all Naval Academy alumni, AMP is about alumni helping alumni achieve more in their careers and lives. Register with AMP today to be a mentor, protégé or both.

Visit www.usna.com/amp

Millsap ’05 part of Brothers After War Film Team

Chase Millsap ’05 is part of the production team for the documentary Brothers After War, which follows three brothers in Iraq from 2005 to 2007 and as veterans 15 years later. The film opened on 28 February in 115 theaters in 78 cities.

The film opens doors for veterans to explore their own struggles and highlights the challenge of returning home. Director Jake Rademacher explores the emotional journeys of warfighters transitioning from the battlefield to civilian life. Intercutting wartime footage with present-day reunions and moments of humor, the film sheds light on the struggles of veterans: including loss, PTSD and depression; while offering a message of meaning, connection and hope.

Milsap is a film director and producer whose credits also include Small Town Strong, a 2023 documentary on how the opioid crisis impacted the residents of Portsmouth, OH.

“I’m proud to be part of the Gary Sinise Foundation tackling Veteran suicide, using art to help warriors process their service and transition home,” Millsap said. ®

2000s

’00: Academy Securities has named Spencer Wilcox as president. He replaces Phil McConkey ’79 Wilcox was formerly the head of fixed income and capital markets. Joel Spangenberg has joined the London-based company Core Power as vice president of U.S. operations and government affairs, where he will work to advance nuclear technology commercialization in the maritime industry.

’02: CAPT Chris Gahl, USN, a surface warfare officer acquisition professional (SWO AP), was selected for the 2024 Rear Admiral William “Deak” Parsons Award for Surface Warfare Acquisition Leadership and Excellence.

The award recognizes a SWO AP who best models the ideals and example of RADM Deak Parsons, USN (Ret.), Class of 1922

’06: LCDR Jamar Q. Green, JAGC, USNR, of law firm Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, has been selected to the New York City Metro Rising Stars list of super lawyers.

’07: CDR Ryan Kelly, USN, has taken command of Daniel inouye (DDG 118).

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

CLASS NEWS

’39

Life Membership: 17%

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

This ’39 column was written and submitted from Australia by Alix Bradfield, daughter of ’39 Classmate, Herb Kriloff:

Battle of the Coral Sea

In June Week, 1939, how could the excited young men of our honored Class, so proud of their USNA achievements, realize the great majority would soon be called to active service and that some would not return? Until the day of infamy, 7 December 1941, when Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese, the United States had not declared war and yet a number of the class of ’39 were already positioned in the Pacific for almost a year.

Calvin George was on USS Peary when soon after the Pearl Harbor attack, his ship was hit by a Japanese raid on the Cavite Navy Yard, destroying practically the entire base. USS William B. Preston (with my father, Herb Kriloff on board) was nearby, and both men faced their first experience of enemy attack on 8 December (Philippines time) when the Commander in Chief, USA Asiatic Fleet, radioed: “Japan has commenced hostilities. Govern yourself accordingly”. Herb Kriloff said in his book, “Officer Of The Deck” that “among life’s experiences, none is so traumatic as being in action for the first time”.

During that night, Calvin George was wounded, taken off the ship to receive medical care, and then from Manilla was taken

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

prisoner by the Japanese. Herb’s ship, William B. Preston, and Peary were later bombed on February 1942 when the Japanese raided Darwin- with the loss of 88 on Peary, and with at least a dozen of Herb’s friends were killed on the “Willy B”. In a strange way, it was fortuitous that Calvin was wounded, captured and then a POW, as he may have died in Darwin when Peary sunk.

When William B. Preston was being repaired in Sydney, Herb met my mother, Dagmar, and their courtship evolved over three months while the ship was at Cockatoo Island. During that time, Japanese midget submarines invaded Sydney Harbor, and the Battle of Coral Sea marked a turning point in the war. In his book, Herb says… “after the Battles of Coral Sea and Midway, the naval position of America versus Japan had changed dramatically. Many of my classmates fought in both battles and many were lost.”

In August 2024, I was in Townsville, where I met a veteran journalist, Eliott Hannay, along with his author wife, Barbara. Eliott had been instrumental in organizing the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea. They kindly took me on a tour of the Coral Sea Memorials along the coast looking to the ocean. Townsville was the largest Allied operational base in the Southwest Pacific during World War Two and played an important role in support of the Coral Sea Battle.

Eliott told me a remarkable story: When he was 14, his bold and warm-hearted grandfather revealed that he had obtained poison in 1942 from a pharmacist friend, intended for the family, including his daughter and unborn son. It was a terrible decision, but it was thought preferable to die than to risk being captured

by battle hardened Japanese. His grandfather told the teenaged Eliott that the reason they were still alive was because the Americans joined the fight in the Coral Sea and weakened the Japanese force that had seemed invincible. After relating the story and urging his grandson to be grateful for freedom, he reminded the boy that life was precious and gave young Eliott a memorable hug.

A grandfather’s fear is echoed in this excerpt from the Naval Historical Society of Australia:

“In 1942 Australia’s fate was being decided by the Battle of the Coral Sea, the turning-point of the Pacific war. But for American aid we should have been defeated.

Japan’s strategic thinking had turned to the possibility of America’s mounting a counter-attack. Distance precluded such a launch from America itself and a suitable base would be needed. In the wide Pacific there was but one suitable base – Australia- which made it an obvious Japanese target. Australia of course knew nothing of the happenings in Japan. What it did know was that Australia was an essential base for America and the major strategic target. Australia realised that it was virtually defenceless.

Its volunteer sailors, soldiers and airmen were overseas, and those who were left were untrained and lacking equipment. (Even two years, nine months after the outbreak of war there were not enough rifles to go around). The air force was in an even worse state.”

In March 1942, General MacArthur, Supreme Commander SW Pacific Area, was quoted: “I found Australia very much unprepared. It is not Australia’s fault. Their resources had been active but they were fighting on many far flung battle fronts. The Pacific War kind of crept up on them while they were fighting at other places….at home they were almost undefended. “

From the Australian- American Association:

“The Coral Sea Battle was the first serious check to the amazingly rapid series of Japanese successes, which had advanced Japanese power well south of the Equator. The margin between victory and defeat was extremely small. Reliable authorities have stated that had the Japanese been successful, the position in New Guinea would have proved untenable and the whole of the north-east Australian coastline would have been open to invasion.”

“The Coral Sea Battle is now rightly recognised as a landmark in the history of Australia. It marks the nearest approach of hostile forces in strength to the coastline of Australia and our deliverance from threatened invasion.”

“Admiral Chester Nimitz and General Douglas MacArthur properly regarded this

Alix at one of the Townsville, Australia Coral Sea Memorials

Donor participation numbers as of 31 December 2024

Calvin George Lucky Bag Herb Kriloff Lucky Bag

39/42 CLASS NEWS

Japanese thrust as a major threat. Port Moresby was not simply a place to be denied to the enemy; it was essential for General MacArthur’s strategic plans.”

Logo of Australian-American Association

From the Battle for Australia Organisation

M “The Allied forces numbered thirteen destroyers, eight cruisers, four light cruisers and two aircraft carriers, USS lexington and USS yorktoWn. Rear Admiral Frank Fletcher was the fleet commander. The overall commander of the Allied Pacific Fleet was Fleet Admiral C.W. Nimitz. The Allied ships had the advantage of being fitted with radar, an invention unknown to the Japanese. The engagement of 5-8 May was the first sea battle in history where none of the opposing ships was within gunfire range. All damage to the ships was inflicted by aircraft. Some planes, of course, were downed by guns on the ships. Both sides had difficulty in finding and identifying their enemy.”

USS yorktoWn was damaged and USS lexington suffered several direct hits and was ablaze from stem to stern. The carrier had to be abandoned. About 2,700 men were picked up. To prevent any attempt at salvage by the enemy the ship was sunk by USS PhelPs ” Australia’s part in the battle consisted of the heavy cruiser, HMAS australia, the light cruiser HMAS hoBart, and aircraft flown from bases in Queensland by both Australian and American crews. The Australian squadron was commanded by Rear Admiral J.G. Crace, an Australian-born member of the British Navy. The American cruiser, USS ChiCago, and destroyers, USS Perkins, USS Walke and USS Farragut, were also under Crace’s command.

Many of the class of 1939 fought in the Pacific War. There are three whom we’ll remember and honor here:

Edward Max Price died on USS lexington during the Coral Sea Battle, as noted by Herb Kriloff in his Lucky Bag.

Edward Duran Mattson and Lloyd Edward Moan, both fighter pilots, were awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary valor during the Battle of Coral Sea with Mattson receiving two.

“What About ’39!”

Life Membership: 33%

Donor Participation: 0%

Vice Pres/Sec’y: Joan Curtis Wife of the late CDR Richard E. Curtis, USN (Ret.) 14518 Faraday Dr., Rockville, MD 20853 p: 301-989-8885; e: joan@jfcurtis.com

Hello Class of ’42 Classmates, Family and Friends, IN MEMORANDIUM

The Class of 1942’s oldest and only living Classmate, Class President and a special friend to all who knew him passed on 3 January 2025, at 105 years old.

CAPTAIN

DALE CALVIN REED, USN (RET)

Following is Dale’s obituary as it appears on www.adamsgreen.com/obituaries.

M Captain Dale Reed (USN, Ret.) passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025, in Potomac Falls, VA. He was 105. Born May 14, 1919 to Edwin Clyde Reed and Loraine Tufts Reed in rural Indiana, Dale remained true to his midwestern upbringing and values of family, community, faith and country. Fun-loving and enthusiastic, Dale had a keen interest in others. He also possessed a strong work ethic powered by exceptional determination and self-sufficiency.

Dale often remarked that the most significant milestones of his long life were his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy and his 75-year marriage to his beloved wife, Barbara. The two met during his plebe year cruise on a blind date in Gloucester, MA; they married in Washington, D.C., in May of 1942.

Dale’s career as a line officer in the U.S. Navy began only days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, with the accelerated graduation of the Naval Academy Class of 1942. Starting as a gunnery officer, he served aboard four destroyers during World War II—in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Pacific, and ending at the surrender at Tokyo Bay. After the war, he served aboard a cruiser warship and a destroyer tender. He commanded two destroyers and a repair ship.

While Dale preferred working aboard ships, he encountered his share of shore assignments. They included several Pentagon and Navy headquarters tours, serving as Commanding Officer of NROTC at the University of Texas, and in London as Logistics Director in the Office of U.S. Naval Forces Europe. His last tour of duty was as Chief of Staff to the Commander, Subic Bay Naval Base, Philippines. He retired from active duty in 1972.

Dale actively pursued many interests beyond his work, most notably painting, carpentry and landscaping. After retiring, he managed small businesses in property management, fine woodworking, and picture framing. Dale and Barbara then moved to a 22-acre working farm property in West Virginia where they restored a historic house, entertained grandchildren and were active in the local community. In 1994, they downsized to four acres in Hamilton, VA where they continued their community service, traveled and designed beautiful gardens. By 2005, the couple settled at Falcon’s Landing Community in Potomac Falls, VA, where Dale’s energies shifted to making new friends, portrait painting and copious reading of American and military history.

A seasoned do-it-yourselfer with a curious mind, Dale always was fascinated by how

Max Price in Herb Kriloff’s ’39 Lucky Bag

Left to right: Edward Duran Mattson, Navy Cross with Star and Floyd Edward

CAPT Dale C. Reed, USN (Ret.)

things worked. He would build just about anything. His life was filled with creative and inventive projects that he developed to bring joy to others—from publishing children’s stories to restoring Model A Fords to making furniture with secret compartments to building projects like a canoe, a carousel horse and a Conestoga wagon just for fun.

Dale was predeceased by his brother Marvin, his wife Barbara, his son Dale and his son-in law Roger Storey. He is survived by three daughters, Loraine Reed and Phoebe Storey (CA); and daughter Robyn Eustis (VA). Other survivors include daughter-in-law Gayle Reed (CA); son-in-law John Eustis (VA); sister-in-law Alice Overly (PA); in addition to seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Honoring his wishes, there will be a private memorial service and burial attended by his family at Arlington National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation at https://www.usna.com/give or the U.S. Navy Memorial at https://www. navymemorial.org/general-donation  or Arbor Day Foundation Trees in Memory at https://shop.arborday.org/commemorative -trees-for-others

May the Class of 1942 rest in peace.

Joan Curtis Vice President/Secretary ’42 GO NAVY!!!! BEAT ARMY!!!!

’44

Life Membership: 33%

Donor Participation: 33.33%

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

Shipmate was recently notified of an upcoming celebration by Brad Henry (former junior officer of USS Cassin young DD793) that will take place in March 2025.

M My shipmate Captain Ben Katz, USNA , Class of 1957 asked me to contact the USNA about this incredible event. Ben and I served under Captain Hooper aboard the USS Cassin young (DD 793) during the years (1957-1961). His junior officers got to know CAPT Hooper and his wife Honey during our service and we remained in contact during his lifetime and with Honey up to today. We have had many a reunion aboard the USS Cassin young (DD 793) over the years, attended by the JO’s and the Hoopers. She is berthed across the Pier from The USS Constitution in Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA. Owned by the USN but administered by and part of The National Park Service. An incredible number of visitors tour the ship each year and learn about a WW II Tin Can. Four Junior Officers and a widow will attend her 100th Birthday Party in March 2025 in Sanbornville, NH. Others will

from 1957-1961

are looking over CAPT Hooper’s shoulders, Ron

Tom

and his wife Sherbie are just behind

OConnell. We were all ensigns and then LTJG’s under CAPT Hooper.  Dedicated National Park Service staff that keep the ship in excellent shape were also present. The lady on the left of Honey is Janet O’Connell, her Dad was a plank owner. I am on the left with my wife Florence Henry and Captain Ben Katz ’57 is second from the right, wearing his USS Cassin Young cap.

not be able to attend due to distance. It was a remarkable 68 + year friendship and it was caused by a remarkable Naval Officer who inspired us with his leadership skills, intelligence and his integrity. We want to be with Honey on this special day.

Additional background information:

Captain John Homer Hooper, USN (Ret.) Commissioned in 1944. Served as CO from 09/14/1958 to 04/29/1960.

John Hooper graduated from the Naval Academy in 1943. He had an impressive 28-year career in the US Navy. He first served aboard USS mustin (DD-413), stationed in the Pacific for the last year of the war. He saw the ship off at Operation Crossroads. After the war, Hooper served as XO on USS Charles s sPerry (DD-687) before boarding  Cassin young

Under his command, USS Cassin young received the Battle Efficiency Award (also known as the Battle “E” award). He also  oversaw the continuation of the ship’s presence in Europe through a tour of ports of Northern European nations. During these operations, a critical rudder malfunctioned, requiring  Cassin young to enter a drydock in France. In 1960, the ship returned to the U.S. for decommissioning at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Hooper served as the last commanding officer of USS Cassin young. After disembarking from Cassin young, he served as the CO of USS Benham (DD-796), Commander of Destroyer Division 242, and chief of staff of Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla Six and Destroyer Squadron 32. Before his retirement, CAPT Hooper served ashore in a multitude of teaching roles, helping to instruct the next generation of naval officers.

In retirement, Hooper enjoyed restoring old cars, playing ice hockey, golfing, and woodworking. He also found time to relive his time aboard the Cassin young by attending reunions thrown by the junior officers who served under him.

Contributed by:

Collin “CJ” McLaughlin, Park Ranger

’45

Life Membership: 45%

Donor Participation: 50%

Corr Sec’y: John F. Gillooly, Jr. Son of John F. Gillooly ’45 e: gilloolyfam@comcast.net Website: www.usna.com/classes/1945

It is with much sadness that I pen this my last article in Shipmate for the august Class of 1945. My dear father, CAPT Edward L. “Ted” Cochrane, Jr. died on 19 December 2024 after a serious fall while going outside to retrieve his mail. At 102 years, he just never was able to recover. His published obituary can be found on the USNA’s Alumni Association website under the “Tributes & Stories” tab.

SHIPMATE

More than 85 years available online to all Alumni Association members. Visit usna.com/shipmate

’44: Honey Hooper with her husband Captain John Hooper at a USS Cassin Young (DD 793) reunion in October 2007.  Honey is in red in the middle, with five junior officers and their wives were present, they served aboard

with CAPT Hooper. Pictured; Gary Mac Dougal and his wife Charlene

Johnson and his wife Lynn are looking over Honey Hooper’s shoulders,

Worthen

Janet

I have passed the baton for the job of your class scribe to the son of ’45 classmate, Jack Gillooly, John F. Gillooly. Please forward your pictures and any news which your classmates would enjoy reading to John at the email address above in our header. Let him know that you appreciate him picking up the mantle for your class.

Despite the dwindling number of ’45 classmates, widows and family members who connect on our weekly Zoom calls, the group does still meet on Wednesdays at noon EST. Topics discussed in our most recent gathering were the challenges of keeping warm during this frigid January month; where in the world have the seas been the roughest making landing on an aircraft carrier the most difficult; and the importance of capturing your life stories for your next generation. In attendance on that Zoom call were (top row; L-R) Jack Gillooly with his son, John (your new class scribe); Bonnie Boyd (daughter of Ted Cochrane); (bottom row; L-R) our Zoom

host, Mike Taylor; and Rosemary Hsu-Brooks (widow of Don Brooks).

Please consider joining the group each Wednesday; it truly is never too late. For information on how to connect to the Zoom call, send an email to John Gillooly at gilloolyfam@comcast.net who will send you the link.

As always…

Look Alive with ‘45

’48

Life Membership: 38%

Donor Participation: 3.70%

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

CAPT John Holland ‘48 Celebrates 100th Birthday with Family and Friends

J.P. Holland ’95 shares some happy news with the Class of 1948 family and friends:

Wright

On January 11, CAPT John Holland ’48, USN (Ret.) marked his 100th birthday with a joyous celebration at Mercy Ridge retirement community in Timonium, MD. Surrounded by family spanning four generations, including children Libby, Deb, Patricia, and Bill, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren from across the country, John was honored for a century of remarkable life and service. Among the many attendees were his grandson J.P. Holland ’95 and fellow Mercy Ridge resident George Wright ’66. While his beloved wife Peg and sons John Holland ’71 and Dennis Holland were dearly missed, as well as his friend Mary Lou, their presence was felt in the shared stories and laughter throughout the event. Residents and friends joined in the festivities, making it a truly memorable occasion filled with camaraderie and appreciation for John’s enduring legacy, including support and leadership of the Mercy Ridge staff scholarship program.

A proud submariner for 22 years, John continued his service to the state of Maryland in the budget office after his naval career. Now, at 100, he remains active, engaged, and as sharp as ever, eagerly anticipating the annual family gathering each spring at a brewery in Monkton, MD. His milestone birthday was not only a celebration of longevity but also a testament to a life well-lived—full of adventure, service, dedication, and the deep bonds of family and friendship.

Ted Cochrane, 4 September 2022

John says, “100 candles? That’s just my way of lighting up the party!”

John joined by his grandson J.P. Holland ’95 and his wife, Shawn Holland

George

’66 gave John a rousing tribute

’45 Class Zoom Meeting on 22 January ‘25

’49

Life Membership: 56%

Donor Participation: 7.41%

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

From time to time, I have included in the class column some of my experiences with Admiral Hyman Rickover when I served under him as his Project Officer for commissioned nuclear submarines. Following is an episode involving nautilus, the world’s first nuclear powered submarine:

By 1959, Nautilus had been operating for four years. In 1957 its first reactor core had been replaced with a second one of comparable useful life. The first refueling had taken place at Electric Boat, nautilus’ builder and clearly the most experienced submarine shipyard in the country. The overhaul and second refueling was scheduled for late 1959 at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, ME. Portsmouth was in the process of building its first nuclear submarine and had considerable experience in the overhaul of conventionally powered submarines. The shipyard had no experience in overhauling and repairing a nuclear-powered submarine with the concomitant presence of radioactivity.

Admiral Rickover decided that this first overhaul of a nuclear-powered ship would be an excellent opportunity to examine in detail various components of the reactor plant to

determine what effect, if any, the four years of operation had had on these components. He directed me to arrange to remove and examine several items from the reactor plant: a primary coolant pump, a primary coolant check valve, a large segment of primary coolant pipe, and several stainless tubes from a steam generator (the component which transferred heat from the primary to the secondary systems). This decision resulted in unprecedented work in a radioactive environment, which proved to be extremely complicated, and taxed the inexperienced Portsmouth work force beyond its limits. One of the Admiral’s top assistants, and a superb engineer, Bob Panoff, strongly opposed Rickover’s decision, which, in his view, would result in “carving up the nautilus” with unforeseen consequences and the possibility that the operating capabilities of the propulsion plant would be detrimentally affected. He managed to convince Rickover not to cut out a section of the primary coolant pipe which was an eminently sensible reversal of the Admiral’s plan since this, of all the planned component removals, was the one for which there was no provision in the original design of the plant.

Portsmouth proceeded with the planned nautilus overhaul. The original schedule called for completion within six months, but it soon became apparent that the component removal work in the reactor plant would control the schedule and the six-month timetable could not possibly be met. As project officer in Washington, I was responsible for overseeing the overhaul work. I knew the schedule was in jeopardy but did not realize the extent of the difficulties we faced. Rickover, with his customary sixth sense that the nautilus overhaul was getting out of hand, sent Bob Panoff, accompanied by me, to Portsmouth to investigate. Panoff quickly determined that the reactor plant work was controlling the overhaul schedule, that there was no realistic schedule for completing the reactor work, that the overhaul was likely to

take an additional several months, and that the Portsmouth manager in charge of the reactor plant work was way in over his head and did not have a clue as to how to get the work under control. The manager was promptly relieved; a task force was established, with heavy involvement by the Bettis Laboratory, to deal with the radioactivity issues that were severely impacting the reactor plant work; a realistic schedule was established; and several other management steps were taken. The overhaul eventually took nearly a year with a significant cost overrun and with considerable and unaccustomed embarrassment to Admiral Rickover and the Naval Reactors program. The components removed from the plant showed no signs of deterioration in the radioactive environment, but lessons were learned, the hard way, in working on a radioactive reactor plant. As a result, both of the Naval Reactors Laboratories, at Bettis and at KAPL in Schenectady, established radiation enginering groups to deal with future nuclear ship overhauls and repairs. When I returned to Washington after our visit to Portsmouth and after Panoff’s oral report to Rickover, I received a taste of the Rickover medicine. I had obviously not been on top of the nautilus work at Portsmouth. Rickover called me into his office, with Panoff seated in a chair near his desk, and let me have it “Claytor, you are really a big disappointment. I thought you had something in you. Ah, ****!” Although I survived, this was the low point of my years in the NR Program.

In Memoriam

Barbara Hamilton, widow of Bill Hamilton, died 31 October 2024.

Ivan Leo Roenigk died 22 November 2024 in Lenexa, KS.

’50

Life Membership: 66%

Donor Participation: 12.96%

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

Vice Pres: CAPT Ed Grunwald, USN (Ret.)

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

Statistical Manager: Betsy Geibel Daughter of CAPT Bill Martin, USN (Ret.) e: emgeibel@aol.com

Corr Sec’y: Mrs. Gail Mcnally e: ggmcnally@gmail.com

Widow of CAPT John J. McNally, USN (Ret.) myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9397/feed

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

Gail McNally (ggmcnally@gmail.com) shares: M I’m happy sharing the wonderful photo card from Roy Synder with his daughters and their spouses.

He looks great and healthy and happy in his Colorado retirement home. Roy served as the Class of 1950 President. He and his wife Ann,

’48: John Holland ’48 with his family celebrating his 100th at Mercy Ridge retirement community in Timonium, MD

50/51 CLASS NEWS

now deceased, were most active in Academy issues. Roy was instrumental in bringing a large donation to the academy museum which greatly advanced exhibits. He’s doing great!

A Happy New Year to All!

I spent Christmas with two daughters in Williamsburg. We had a wonderful Christmas morning at the lodge, hanging out in our pjs and enjoying the gifts from Santa around a small lighted tree (that changed colors) and thanked the Christ Child for our many blessings.

Hoping 2025 treats you all extremely well.

Gail McNally

Bill Rockey shared a few photos:

lastly,

Captain Richard “Dick” W. Martin was recently featured on the Avenue of Heroes in Coronado, CA. The program honors hometown heroes. Banners recognizing the honorees are displayed on 3rd and 4th Streets between Orange Avenue and Naval Air Station North Island.

’51

Life Membership: 59%

Donor Participation: 19.05%

Pres and Treas: CAPT Thomas A. Boyce, SC, USN (Ret.) 9014 Belvoir Woods Pkwy., Ft. Belvoir, VA 22060 p: 703-780-7525; e: moomapa51@gmail.com

Vice Pres and Director of Class Gifts and Funds Legacy: Mr. David Ghysels PO Box 68, Oxford, MD 21654 p: 410-822-8623; e: davidghy@aol.com

Sec’y: Lt Col Wallace G. Christner, USAF (Ret.) 8804 Gibbs Pl., Alexandria, VA 22309 p: 703-780-8632; e: wallace.christner@aol.com

Museum Rep: Temp Vacant

Shipmate and Newsletter Correspondent: VADM Robert F. Dunn, USN (Ret.) 819 Marshall Ln., Alexandria, VA 22302 p: 703-370-9589; e: robtdunn@aol.com

Other Board Members: Captains Robert E. Adler (Ret.) 1500 Westbrook Ct., #3137, Richmond, VA 23277 804-200-1367; beadler51@gmail.com myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9398/feed

LEAD TIMES for submitting news items to Shipmate are such that by the time they are published they are often no longer newsworthy. More timely class news is distributed by email tri-weekly in a Newsletter. If you are not getting that, or have inputs, please notify Bob Dunn, email address above.

Over the years since we graduated the class has done well in raising funds for various projects at the Naval Academy. Other forms of contribution are also available and should be considered by us all. That includes autobiographies, memoirs and sea stories. We have in the Naval Academy Library oral histories from Bill Lawrence and Bob Dunn

Max Hill has written, Stories from Max Hill, a 576-page memoir covering his life in Southern Illinois, at USNA, in the Air Force as a bomber pilot and as a real estate entrepreneur in South Carolina.

John Kemble wrote, Duty Stations: An Adventure in the U.S. Navy

Tom Boyce has written a good history of his time in the Navy Supply Corps, excerpts of which have appeared in Newsletters and more below.

After graduation and Ensign Boyce proceeded to the Navy Supply Corps School in Bayonne, NJ with 23 classmates. There he completed a very intensive, six-month course in logistics and disbursing in preparation for independent duty as a ship’s supply and disbursing officer. While in the New York area he played professional soccer for the Swedish Football Club; practicing on Wednesday afternoons and playing in the National Soccer League on Sundays. He was the team’s leading scorer as they made the playoffs for the first time in a number of years. However, he had to leave before the playoffs and proceed to his ship in Long Beach before deploying to Korea.

Snyder Family Christmas 2024

Left to right; Midshipmen Bud Calhoun, Jim Little, Ted Speaker and Bill Rockey

By good luck, this picture was taken at the 50th Reunion is the exact same order - Bud, Jim, Ted and me (Bill).

This is Dick Powell doing the basic - Very basic - stuff at USNA. He later commanded a light carrier

And

Betsy Geibel shares this wonderful photo from California:

After arriving in Long Beach, Ensign Boyce reported aboard the USS helena (CA 75), a light cruiser, to assume duties as disbursing officer. Shortly after taking over as disbursing officer, Ensign Boyce received orders to report to USS LST 735 as supply and disbursing officer, a ship which was 328 feet in length and 50 feet abeam, displacing 1,625 tons, and had a top speed of 12 knots.

There are other stories, but unfortunately, we do not have a good listing. If you’ve written something autobiographical your classmates, and others, would appreciate you sharing. Let your correspondent know and he will see to proper publicity. At the same time, an inventory of our writings is important not only to us and to our families but to the whole Naval Academy community. Please let us know. Our old Bull profs would be especially proud.

’52

Life Membership: 66%

Donor Participation: 22.73%

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

Vice Pres: Ann Hogge, daughter of Jim Nunneley 7308 Normandy Dr., Richmond, VA 23229-6712 e: hogge4@verizon.net

Sec’y: Kip Young, daughter of Jack Young 1318 Kinloch Cir., Arnold, MD 21012 p: 240-205-2162; e: toughshoes52shipmate@gmail.com

Treas: Vacancy

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9399/feed Website: www.toughshoes52.com

Hello Tough Shoes ‘52! 2025 is off and running, and I hope this note finds everyone ready to welcome any opportunity the new year brings.

As the newly appointed class president, I am honored to follow in the footsteps of Jack Young. Jack’s commitment to the class has been remarkable, and I intend to fulfill his pledge to help and encourage classmates, wives, and children to stay in touch with one another and to keep building on ’52 relationships. I also want to make sure everyone is up to date on class news.

Here are a couple ways we can keep up with each other and grow our class contacts:

• Check out the class website from time to time, ToughShoes52.com. Please share stories about your family and USNA experiences and review important links. Also, when you visit the site, you can stay up to date on classmates and wives who are no longer with us. You’ll find this news in the “Last Call” section.

• Join the ALLNAV52 email group. We send emails periodically to share class news, covering the latest on USNA, Navy sports, and obituaries. Hopefully, you are already receiving these emails. If not, please contact us, toughshoes521@gmail.com. We also welcome classmate’s children to join. That way, they can

stay in the ’52 fold. I’ve enjoyed emailing with ’52 classmates Tom Reedy, Phil Case, John Derr, Harry House, and Bill Zobel, to name a few. Along with wives, including Rosemary Locke, and children such as Anne Stancil (George Lester), Wendy Nelson (Theodore Lutz), Skip Zobel ‘76 (Bill Zobel), Suzie Sterrett (Garnett Bailey), Kathy Lillard (Ed Leonard), Bart McRorie (Chet McRorie) and Jeff Portney (Joseph Portney). We were also pleased to send out a Christmas message from the class Honorary Chaplain, Kimberly Moses, this year. Please join us on the ALLNAV52 email!

• To help you remain connected to your classmates and friends, I’ve also updated contact information on a spreadsheet that Jerry Zacharias originally put together. Through the years, other past presidents updated the list during their tenure. Please let us know if you have any changes to your contact information so I can keep the spreadsheet accurate. In his President’s Letter last year, Jack Young spoke about the importance of staying connected: “We would be so smart to stay in touch with each other. Not just on scheduled events, but just to say hello and how are you.” That’s a good challenge for 2025! Call a classmate. Send them an email this year. Be in touch with each other.

We encourage your feedback, so please share with us your stories and ’52 news.

Tough Shoes to Fill!

—Ann Nunneley Hogge

“I Count My Blessings Everyday!”

Classmate Dick Kersteen recently celebrated his 95th birthday with family and friends, and the evening included a retelling of the “Tough Shoes” antic by his son-in-law, George Tucker, Class of ’68. Thank you, Dick, for sharing with all of us a few stories about your life, as well as providing some helpful advice for today’s plebes.

If you would like to share with classmates and their families a story about life where you are, please email me at this address. My plan is to include updates about Tough Shoes classmates from time to time.

—Ann Nunneley Hogge ToughShoes52.com

Dick Kersteen

As a midshipman, I was assigned to the 2nd Battalion all four years. I recall being in the 10th Company Plebe year. At some point, the powers that be reduced the number of companies in the Brigade from 36 to 24, and I ended up in the 8th Company the last couple years.

My Naval career ended 3 June 1952, when I was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the USAF. I entered pilot training immediately and graduated from the training in December 1953. I was assigned to the 376 Air Refueling Squadron of the 376th Medium Bombardment Wing at Barksdale AFB in Louisiana. After serving as a copilot for a time, I became an aircraft commander of an air refueling

tanker combat crew, serving in the Strategic Air Command during the Cold War with the Soviet Union.

In late 1956, I left the USAF and started my civilian career in the Marine Engineering Department of the Westinghouse Electric Corporation located in South Philadelphia. There, I became involved in the design and manufacture of propulsion equipment for various Navy shipbuilding programs, such as 1052 Class destroyer escorts, nuclear submarines, and ship service turbine generator (SSTG) sets for the nuclear aircraft carrier fleet.

In 1964, Westinghouse established a new Marine Division in Sunnyvale, CA, and I was transferred there to continue my career in marine engineering. I presently reside in Sunrise, a senior living community in Sunnyvale.

From 1973 to 1981, I served as the Westinghouse program manager for Admiral Rickover’s Navy nuclear program. It was a very challenging program to say the least!

We designed and manufactured the SSTG sets for the Ohio Class ballistic missile Trident submarine program. Following that, I spent the remainder of my career (1981-1994) with Westinghouse, managing a field engineering organization that supported the missile launching systems on the FBM submarines. I also became involved with the cruise missile launcher systems installed on the Los Angeles Class attack submarines.

It was a great, meaningful career, thanks to the outstanding education we received at USNA!

As we were required to stay physically active year-round at USNA, I continued daily exercise routines in my civilian career and took up tennis. When knee problems began to occur, I also took to swimming laps for cardio exercise. Between tennis and swimming, I had to endure knee replacement surgery on both knees twice. It was painful, but I am still walking, albeit with a walker to prevent a fall.

Nowadays, I take it one day at a time and try to stay busy mentally, physically, and socially. I keep current in local and world affairs reading newspapers, magazines, and good books when I can find one. I still exercise daily, but not nearly as intense as when I was a lot younger.

I count my blessings every day!

My suggestions to an incoming Plebe would be:

(A) Embrace the system.

(B) Take advantage of any opportunities presented to you to improve yourself educationally, professionally, or socially.

(c) Take time to “smell the pretty roses” as you progress through your four years at USNA.

My “GO NAVY” pennant is on the front door to my apartment.

The collage of photos depicts highlights of my military and civilian careers. The “OHIO” pic is an official Navy photo of the keel laying ceremony of the USS OHIO at which I was a guest of Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut. Submarines were built there in the 1970s.

On 14 September, members of my family and several close friends celebrated my 95th birthday at a dinner at the Pasta Moon in Half Moon Bay, CA. It was a great party arranged by my daughter Zoe and her husband, George Tucker, Class of ‘68 and a retired NASA test pilot.

As a highlight of the evening, George presented me with a “Tough Shoes to Fill” cap shown in the attached photo. George then presented all attendees with replicas of

our famous caps and related the June Week parade antic of our Class. Even the Class of ‘68 has lasting memories of our “Tough Shoes” antic!

The Class of ’52 has been an outstanding class at USNA, and I am proud to have been a member!

Dick Kersteen ’52

We continue to receive word of the passing of Classmates, wives, and widows. Read more details at  www.toughshoes52.com. Received recently:

Allen Clark, Jr., November 25, 2024 Aleene Cone Deaton, widow of Bill Deaton, December 31, 2024 Still Tough Shoes to Fill!

’53

Life Membership: 64%

Donor Participation: 22.22%

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 27516 p: 984-364-0629 e: mdgilmorevt79@gmail.com

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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9400/feed Website: www.usna53.com

Congratulations to the 2024 Navy Football team for their victory over Army and their Bowl Game victory over Oklahoma. Well Done! Steve Schoderbek (his passing on 16 Oct 24 reported in the Jan-Feb Shipmate) was the first quarterback in Navy history to run for 100 yards in a game. He went on to the Air Force after graduation.

In the recent weeks I have learned of the passing of Paul Salgado (30 Oct 24), Paul Crum (7 Dec 24) and Dean DeLamar (23 Nov 24).

Paul Crum was a member of the crew team, served as a line officer on several ships in the Pacific, resigned his commission to attend medical school, was recommissioned as a medical officer and served as the medical officer on USS sam houston (SSBN-609) and retired in 1979.

Dean DeLamar’s obituary was written by his daughter Deanne. In the write up she states that Dean either listened to, watched on TV or attended in person every single Navy football game since 1946! Dean was a Naval Aviator and Deanne goes on to disclose one of Dean’s secrets; that at some point he flew under the Tampa Bay Bridge.

We miss them all.

’54

Life Membership: 59%

Donor Participation: 24.03%

Pres: Maj Gen William W. Hoover, USAF (Ret.)

Exec Vice Pres: Maj Gen 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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9401/feed

Website: www.54net.org

I received a note from Charlene Kurth, widow of Classmate, RADM Ronald J. Kurth, USN (Ret.), regarding his funeral “Celebration of Life” last year at the Naval Academy. It was an

’52: celebrating 95th Birthday dinner

outstanding service, which included full military honors and the band. All those responsible for the service are to be commended. Ron led a distinguished career and was the Naval attaché in Moscow and I believe he was the president of the Naval War College in Newport, RI. I did not know him, but we were in the same battalion at the Naval Academy (5th) and I noted from afar, that he was a smart and talented midshipman and was destined for a distinguished career.

Bob Briner Classmate, USNA 1954

Mrs. Terrel Anderson, widow of LCDR Falvie B. Anderson , Jr. , USN (Ret.) shares a poem with the members, families and friends of USNA class of 1954.

M Greetings,

Attached please find a poem writing by Poolie Watson ’54 (LCDR Thomas P. Watson , USN (Ret.)) to his friend and Classmate Falvie Anderson ’54 for his 80th birthday in 2010. Perhaps this is worthy of including in Shipmate

Sincerely, Terry Anderson, Survivor Falvie,

We celebrate “four-score and none”: Your hearty life’s long pull. The journey still continues on With “engines” all ahead at full”!

Our six decades of friendship grows. And deepens more with time We sit and speak with sober thought As we approach our prime.

Those early carefree days we shared, Though seldom can we meet, Are thought about with gusto While attempting to repeat.

Your storied jaunts “of daring do” Regale us with delight, We can’t match-up for all we try— The racounteur we toast tonight.

I’ve come to know this “gentle giant” More than just a friend. He doesn’t curse or smoke a butt Or beat his wife on end. He opens doors for ladies, He drinks “high tea” with grace. With little finger pointed out He sips with smiling face.

He shelters ladies from the curb When walking near the street. I therefore have observed him as The gentleman, complete!

Now, as we pop the bubbly cork To toast our birthday boy, Lets start the celebration. There’s a party to enjoy.

—Poolie

’55

Life Membership: 60%

Donor Participation: 18.82%

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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9402/feed Website: http://1955.usnaclasses.com/

George Owen Compton, Fourteenth Company, died on 21 October 2024 in Silver Spring, MD.

Leroy Robert Bechelmay, Twenty Third Company, died 6 August 2016, in Palm Springs, CA.

Joan Sarah Kaus (July 12, 1932 - November 10, 2024), widow of Norbert Kaus (18).

Joan Sarah Griswold Kaus, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and matriarch of the Wojcinski clan, passed away peacefully on 10 November 2024, at INOVA Fairfax Hospital in Virginia. Born on 12 July 1932, in Dunkirk, NY, Joan graduated from Dunkirk High School in 1950 and then earned her nursing degree in 1954 from Deaconess Hospital/University of Buffalo School of Nursing.

Joan met her future husband, Norbert Kaus, in high school, and they became engaged while he was a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. They married in 1955 after his graduation and embarked on a life of service and dedication as a military family.

Throughout her career, Joan worked in various nursing roles. In Converse, TX, she helped establish a School Nursing Program and organized a Polio Vaccination Program to support underserved migrant families. She frequently visited families in their homes, providing medical care, food, and clothing. Her career spanned medical-surgical units, emergency rooms, ICUs, and psychiatric care, and she volunteered at a Boystown Facility in Converse. After Norb retired from the Air Force in 1974, Joan continued her nursing career in Annandale, VA, serving at Fairfax Hospital and Georgetown University Hospital as an evening supervisor on the psychiatric unit. Later, she traveled nationwide as a psychiatric clinical consultant, establishing and managing psychiatric units to meet licensure and certification standards. Joan retired in 2003.

Joan and Norb were blessed with five children: Paul (Lee) Kaus, Julie (Duane Withers) Kaus, Wendy (deceased) (Chuck) Wyant, Susan Oppenheim, and Jennifer Kaus. She leaves behind a legacy through her eight grandchildren—David, Sarah, Peter, Kristine, Hannah, Kyle, Annie, and John—and six great-grandchildren: Atticus, Owen, Luke, Dawson, Henry, and Roman.

The youngest daughter of Albert Griswold and Sophie Wojcinski, Joan was predeceased by her only sibling, Ruth Baumgratz. She dedicated much of her life to her faith community at St. Ambrose Church in Annandale, VA, and enjoyed reading, music, playing piano, theater, and spending time with family and friends. She was an avid fan of the Washington Wizards and local sports teams.

Joan was a model of resilience, strength, and love. While Norb served in Vietnam, she managed their home, worked full-time, and cared for four children while expecting her youngest daughter, Jennifer. She continued on her own until Norb returned home six months later. Joan faced many challenges, including a melanoma diagnosis, the loss of her daughter Wendy, donating a kidney to her daughter Susan, a heart attack, and Norb’s battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

“My greatest achievements are my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nursing career,” Joan often reflected. She treasured memories of her time abroad in Germany and her home on Woodlark Dr, which hosted countless family celebrations. Joan and Norb’s love for Hilton Head, SC, began in the late 1970s, creating a cherished family tradition there each August.

Joan spent the past few years in an assisted living apartment at the Virginian in Fairfax, VA that she filled with her plants which gave everyone who entered a sense of peace and calm.

Joan’s thoughtfulness and kindness were known to all—she never missed a birthday and made each holiday memorable, not only for her immediate family but nieces and nephews as well. Having lost her mother at 12, she grew up with deep self-reliance. Her faith was her foundation, and her family turned to her for guidance as a trusted nurse and caregiver.

Joan’s advice for life: “Be forgiving, surround yourself with people you enjoy, and don’t hold grudges. Don’t be sad that I died; be happy that I lived!”

Her life was a testament to strength, grace, and a generous heart that touched everyone around her.

A graveside service for Joan will be held at Arlington National Cemetery. CLASS SECRETARY COLUMN

’56

Life Membership: 72%

Donor Participation: 34.29%

Class Co-Chairman Emmeritus: 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 myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9403/feed Website: www.usna56.org

“Deo Fidelis et Patria”

Army Navy 2024

Danny Meyer (dannymeyer446@gmail.com) shares this nice photo of CDR James Sikes, USN (Ret.), the day after Navy’s victory over Army. Here in Augusta, the home of Ft. Eisenhower, he was just trying to rub it in!

(Photo by CDR. Daniel Meyer, USNR, (Ret.))

Kathleen Main, shared the sad news of the passing of her father Jerry Fulk:

M Good morning... I know that you understand when I tell you that my days have been consumed with many tasks and overwhelming grief. Please extend my apologies to

classmates who have called and have not heard back from me. Each day is somewhat easier as I focus on the fact that Dad had an amazing life and is now with Mom in heaven.

Our S. CA family all traveled to Seattle to celebrate Dad’s 90th on 2 Nov. There were 17 of us with family from Ohio as well. It was an amazing weekend, and we have such cherished memories. I am sharing pictures below. We returned home and Dad quickly returned to his busy schedule of meetings, exercising with his caregivers and trainer, Optimist club, church and family.

In addition to our Seattle Trip, Dad and I had an absolutely, wonderful weekend in September when we traveled once again to the Naval Academy for the annual Presidents Circle Weekend. It was soooo amazing and Dad was recognized as representing the class of 1956, the oldest class present at the event.

On Wed. 11-13 Nov., Dad woke up with a persistent cough that had been gradually getting worse, so he called me to say that his caregiver was taking him to Balboa. He ended up staying overnight Wed. and Thurs and had multiple exams EKG, ultrasound, etc. and received medication for the cough. John visited and I saw him on Thursday night. He

looked great and his cough had subsided. He was ready to come home and was discharged Friday afternoon. John brought him home and one of his caregivers was there. He had a glass of wine, and dinner, and called me to say he was looking forward to spending the day with me the next day.

John left around 7:30. Ten minutes later, Dad’s caregiver called John to tell him that he should come back. Dad and Norma were walking in the hall and Dad stopped and said “I feel very weak.” He collapsed and passed away very peacefully.

As I work through the grief, I am focusing on the blessing of Dad’s life and the fact that he lived out his life exactly the way that he wanted to. He is in heaven now.

We would love to have all of Mom and Dad’s cherished ’56 W friends present. We will also have a formal ceremony at Miramar but do not have that date yet. I will let you know.

Love to all,

—Kathleen

Editor’s note: A celebration of life was held 16 December at noon - Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Chula Vista with a reception following at the family home. The next day, 17 December, a formal ceremony/internment took place at Miramar

’57

Life Membership: 70% Donor Participation: 30.97%

Pres: VADM Daniel L. Cooper, USN (Ret.) e: dandbcoope@aol.com

Vice Pres: CAPT William H. Peerenboom, USN (Ret.) 1003 Rachel Ln. SW, Vienna, VA 221280 e: whp36@aol.com

Sec’y: CAPT Peter S. Boyne, USN (Ret.) e: theboynes57@cox.net

Corr Sec’y: CAPT Robert M. Wellborn Jr., USN (Ret.) 3141 Abruzzo Pl., Glen Allen, VA 23059 e: rwellborn3@gmail.com

Treas: Col John D. Regenhardt, USAF (Ret.) Webmaster: CDR Charles R. Hall III, USN (Ret.) e: crhall@comcast.net

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9404/feed Website: http//1957.usnaclasses.com/

In memory of those of us and those we love who now have passed on:

Jefferson (Jeff) R. Dennis (06) Passed away on 12/29/24 while in memory care in the San Diego, CA area.

Forrest Robert Hanvey (05) Passed away on 12/04/24, in Fairfax Station, VA. He was born in San Diego, CA 05/04/1933. A Celebration of Life Service was held 12/16/24 at St. Matthews United Methodist Church, Annandale, VA. Donations in Forrest’s memory can be made to The Naval Academy Foundation Fund, designated to the Class of 1957 Fellowship. The “Fellowship” is the new name for the Class donation to the USNA History Department. *

Jerry Fulk’s 90th birthday cake

’56: Family gathering for Jerry Fulk’s 90th birthday

David A. Isquith (10) Passed away on 12/05/24 in Sedona, AZ. Information to follow, so please watch the Class Website.

Barbara Fappiano Spillane (Wife of James J. Spillane (01) - deceased 2020) passed away on 12/11/24 in Virginia Beach, VA. She was born on 08/14/1935 in New Haven, CT. A burial service at the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery was held on January 10, 2025 at 3 pm followed by a celebration of life at the home of Tim and Anne Spillane. *

Suzanne Stewart Weissinger (Wife of Thomas R. Weissinger (15)) passed away on 12/06/24 in Annapolis, MD. She was born in August 1940 in Atlanta, GA. *

Denotes timely information that is posted in Reference Info/Deceased Classmates/Recent Obituaries on the class website: http://1957. usnaclasses.com/. This reference is especially relevant for our wives’ obituaries, since these are not published in Last Call section.

* Denotes the obituary also is included in this Shipmate issue of Last Call.

Our Legacy of Value.

As your scribe frequently voices his opinions, with some approval by our esteemed Class Officers, we now start a series of stories that are a self-owned subset of Shipmate’s Legacy of Valor series, compiled and authored by Shipmate editor Jimmy DeButts. Previous issues of our class column contain information on the latter. In a previous issue, your scribe offered to write stories if you would, or could, find a way to get him something to start such a story. Well, that has happened. Bruce Friederich (16) called me to tell his story of being an Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) member in Korea during the Korean War. (Your scribe was still in high school when this story takes place.)

Just so you now know how this is done, call me at (407) 590-8983 and we will make arrangements to record your phone call. I then use the wonderful world of technology to transcribe the conversation, edit the thing, and then use “writing tools” to compose and proof the story. Your exact words will be in quotes, and the scribe’s words won’t be, so all will know who is actually telling the story.

Bruce Friederich’s Korean War Story. Scribe: All right. Well, you want to start with your story? What will happen is, this is a voice recording, but I taught myself yesterday to transcribe it, edit it, and make an article out of it.

[Bruce previously told your scribe that his high school friend, on graduation, decided to join the Navy, and Bruce decided to go with him to the Recruiting Office. Since both were good swimmers, they could volunteer for UDT, and when their training started, being good swimmers moved them right along. He then began this transcription where an earlier unrecorded conversation about swimming

missions as far north as the 42nd parallel off the North Korean east coast had happened.]

Bruce: “Somebody tried to do that in a previous year. Oh. And got chased off it because it was too close to the actual thing, and the Korean War was still going on.”

Bruce: “And when we were done with our training, he chose to go into Underwater Demolition Team Three. And I went into Underwater Demolition Team Five. That was already over in Japan. And going from Japan into Korea. And so I said, well, I want to get going. And that’s what I’m here for. So I did that. And while I was over there, I took the exam to go to prep school for the Naval Academy. And that’s how I got there. Now I ended up not staying in the underwater demolition. So we went over to Japan and worked out of there, out of Kamakura.”

Scribe: “And then you went to Korea? And that was along the East Coast, wasn’t it?”

Bruce: “That’s where we worked, anyway, along the East Coast. And there were a lot of tunnels. And we had some guys who went in and tried to blow up the tunnels. And they were successful to a certain degree. However, there were so many laborers over there at the time that they could clean out the railroad tunnel and rebuild it overnight almost. Okay. So we were wasting our time. So the thought was they were living off a lot of the food that they were getting. Well, the fish they were getting in the different little parts of the coastline there. And so somebody came up with a brilliant idea of going in and cutting up the fishnets. Okay. So we went in. We didn’t, of course, have any… Weapons, any guns, except sharp knives. And we went in there and cut these fishnets up and tried to get one square foot of fishnets because then they couldn’t patch it up. They’d have to go get a new one. So we went in and did a pretty thorough job on that. And interestingly, a year later, they were not, you know, they sat down at the peace table. I don’t know that we had anything to do with that or not, but hopefully we did. So we were fishnet cutters. Okay. And I never touched an explosive weapon. We never had any guns because who the hell wanted to go swimming with a gun when you had a knife? Yeah. Okay. All right. Guns didn’t fire very well in the salt water.”

Scribe: “Yeah. So you guys were the ones taking the knives to the gunfight.”

Bruce: “All right. And then there was another job we had. Maybe you remember: they had an uprising of the prisoners at an island called Koji-do. [Correctly known now as Goejedo.] And what they wanted to do was split them up and put them down – you know, fewer prisoners on a bunch of different smaller islands. Whether or not they ever did that, I’m not certain; I kind of have a hunch they found that was too much trouble anyway. So we swam reconnaissance there and checked the angle on the bottom to find out what kind

of landing craft they could get in loaded with prisoners to let off onto the island.

[Note the beginning of this article wherein UDT swimming missions up to the 42nd parallel are noted. Island names could not be found by your scribe]

Bruce: “And the stuff up there, between ‘Songjin’ and ‘Chongjin’, we were above the 38th parallel. I think that’s the 42nd parallel. So we were probably about the furthest guys north during the war, whether or not we were, I’m not sure. And that’s kind of it. Now, if you go into the computer and check up on Operation Fishnet, which is what they ended up calling our operation, you’ll see some pictures. And I’m in two of those pictures.”

Scribe: All right. I’ll look for that.

Bruce: “Let me describe them. One, we’ve got a bunch of sailors sitting on an APD deck being briefed by Lieutenant Buster Tribble. And if you look at the guy, he’s in the center checking maps, and I’m just off an inch or so to the left of him. I’m sitting like in the second row of people looking at him. And then there’s another picture of a bunch of guys. And I’m in the water at a rocky beach, and I’m standing up in the front of the picture.”

From the Naval Institute: https://www.nsw. navy.mil/HISTORY/Korean-War/#:~: text=DEC 1950, JULY 1953 Armistice ends fighting.

57/58 CLASS NEWS

Navy Seal Museum

“New Kinds of Missions for Underwater Demolition Teams in Korea During the month of August, additional UDT personnel began to arrive, and were committed to a continuation of this somewhat new mission–night coastal demolition raids against railroad tunnels and bridges. The UDT men were given the task because, in the words of UDT Lieutenant Ted Fielding, “We were ready to do what nobody else could do, and what nobody else wanted to do.” (Ted Fielding was awarded the Silver Star during Korea, and was later promoted to the rank of Captain). For the UDTs, the operational pace in the combat zone frequently found two of their platoons–approximately 30-men forward deployed to a particular Amphibious Personnel Destroyer (APD) for periods of six to eight weeks. Embarked UDT platoons usually ran between 10 and 20 demolition or beach reconnaissance missions while aboard the APDs; depending on weather and enemy activity. Moreover, individual UDT personnel were often away on temporary duty with other military or CIA units; usually for advisory and training duties. This included the forwardbasing of small teams on islands close to the North Korean coastline, where they stood alert duty with UN Escape and Evasion organizations assisting in the recovery of downed airmen.”

https://www.navysealmuseum.org/navalspecial-warfare/seal-history-underwaterdemolition-teams-in-the-korean-war Reunion Preparations and Information Class Reunion Committee Meeting 01/15/2025.

The meeting expanded to include all those attending the near-monthly class luncheon (10 classmates and 3 guests) at the Army Navy Country Club. Pete Junghans (11), committee chairman, went through his notes soliciting the input and opinions from the group. Since this issue of Shipmate will be published and mailed only a month or so before the actual reunion event, only a brief summary is included. By the time you read this, you should have received the registration package and responded. Just in case, though, it may not be too late to make arrangements, so long as our hotel, The Graduate of Annapolis, still has accommodations. Now then, the meeting’s transcription was a little over 2800 words. Using AI summarization, we now have 108 inane words, as follows:

“Registration information, including a forwarding letter and registration material, will be finalized and sent out in mid-January. The banquet menu, featuring salmon or chicken, will be finalized tomorrow [01/16/24], along with the welcome reception menu, which will include shrimp cocktail and a salad bar. The memorial service program and welcome information book are also in progress.

A budget is being created for this reunion, including transportation, printing, and

memorial service costs. The decision is made to allocate these expenses from the class fund. Registration fees will cover the rest. The committee also is determining the extent of support for widows attending the reunion, including hotel accommodations and meals.”

A Note from Sandra Smith (Wife of Earle Smith Jr. (11) - deceased)

“Eleven of the Smith family were visiting the Naval Academy and greater Annapolis area for just four days in July this summer. Earle’s brother, Ben Smith, rented a huge house near the campus, which accommodated all 11 of us.

I paid for a limo to take all of us onto the academy campus. Parking is impossible to the point that renting a stretch limo was the only way we could drive around to various spots (cathedral, former house with the kids, Earle III, Shannon & Jennifer, lived in when Earle was on the staff of the USNA, etc).

The main purpose of our trip was to tour the new “Ron Terwilliger Student Athletes Building”. I can never thank you enough for selecting Earle to be the one athlete to represent your USNA Class of 1957. It’s a very impressive building and display!

I’m glad we came in July and missed that August flooding that was mentioned in this report!

Sandra Smith (widow of W. Earle Smith, Jr.)”

Further Recognition of the Fruits of Our Heritage Chair Sponsorship

Bill Peerenboom (03)and Pete Boyne (06) Submit the following “Good News for The Class. Please pass along to the class that our Distinguished Chair History Professor 20162018, Nick Lambert, just informed me that his latest book, Neptune Factor, has been added to 2025 Chief of Naval Operations reading list. This is the latest honor for this book which recently won the Samuel Eliot Morrison award for best Naval History book of the year. We are fortunate that Professor Lambert will be talking to us at the Reunion in May.

BRAVO ZULU, Nick!”

Shaking up the World

Sorry, but no issue of Shipmate would be complete without acknowledging the tireless efforts of our beloved compiler, Jim Paulk (06). Your Webmeister, and Scribe, as well as several of you readers, are engaging in a feeble attempt to keep up with his publicity efforts on our class website. So, in closing this issue’s input, one picture that says it all is included with Jim and his podcast artist promoting our book

’58

Life Membership: 60%

Donor Participation: 35.12%

Pres: Lt Col Gordon M. Gerson, USAF (Ret.) e: gordon.gerson@1958.usna.com

Corr Sec’y: CDR Mark Poindexter ’85, USN (Ret.) e: mark.poindexter@1985.usna.com

Son of VADM John Poindexter

Webmaster: CAPT Fred Victor, USN (Ret.) e: avictor@erols.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9405/feed

Website: www.usna.com/Classes/1958

’58 ARMY/NAVY LUNCHEON

The USMA and USNA classes of 1958 met at the Army/Navy Country Club on 5 December to celebrate the upcoming football classic. We were pleasantly surprised when Angela Ganey (Army) provided lovely poinsettia centerpieces for all tables. Lucky attendees were invited to take them home to enjoy for the holidays.

After a nice luncheon buffet, the teams were analyzed by Bob Orlosky (Navy) and Chuck Toftoy (Army). Both speakers identified strengths and weaknesses of each team and each predicted a very close contest.

Following those informative presentations the group, led by Alan Salisbury (Army) and accompanied on the violin by Dan Bellay (Navy) sang both academy’s alma maters. Navy then wished Army every success in their upcoming AAC championship game.

Navy personnel attending were Fred and Jaclie Victor, Beverly Smedberg, Pete and Julie Russell, Kay Powell, Bob Orlosky (USNA ’64), Taylor and Lynn Keith, Mike and Eileen Giglio, Gordo and Jane Gerson, Whitey and Lois Edwards, John and Jane Carty. Paul and Caroline Brown, Dan Bellay and Jack and Ann Adams.

Bob Orlosky and Chuck Toftoy

6-8 May 2025

Featured Reunion Events

TUESDAY 6 MAY

Check-in Begins - Graduate Annapolis Hotel

Welcome Reception - Graduate Annapolis Hotel

WEDNESDAY 7 MAY

Breakfast - Graduate Annapolis Hotel

Buses to Fluegel Alumni Center

Tour Fluegel Alumni Center and Lunch

Superintendent’s Presentation

Buses return to Hotel

Reception & Banquet - Graduate Annapolis Hotel

THURSDAY 8 MAY

Buses to USNA Chapel

Memorial Service

Buses Return to Hotel End of Reunion

Peter Junghans: pjunghans@aol.com or telephone 703-786-5039, Co-Chair

Dan Cooper: dandbcoope@aol.com or telephone 484-818-0556, Co-Chair

58/58 CLASS NEWS

HOLIDAY LUNCH

Well, we made it through another “Ho, Ho, Ho and Mistletoe” December Luncheon, Unfortunately, it was without Pollyn Mitchell, who was too sick to accompany Dan Bellay’s violin melodies on the piano. No one volunteered to substitute for Polly, so Kay Powell became our “choir director”. That’s probably why we sang with so much gusto. Whitey and Lois Edwards provided beautiful Christmas Zygo Cactus for centerpieces. By the way, there was great (joyful) discussion concerning the recent Army/Navy football game!

Attending this luncheon were: Jack and Ann Adams, Dan Bellay, Charlie Brooks, Whitey and Lois Edwards, Gordo and Jane Gerson, Taylor and Lynn Keith, Erik and Barbara Mansfield, Barb Polski, Kay Powell, Pete and Julie Russell, Mike Salmon, Gordao and Ginny Schaaf, Beverly Smedberg, Fred and Jacki Vivtor.

Thus ends 2024 luncheons series, see you in 2025.

CHRISTMAS LUNCH – HILTON HEAD

A small group gathered for Christmas lunch at Hilton Head. Tom Grimm, 3rd Company, lives here but is dealing with health issues and was unable to attend.

MCCANDLESS HONORED BY DAEDALIANS

In October, Capt. Bruce McCanless II was honored by the Order of Daedalians as a Distinguished Aviator. This memorial honor has only been granted one other time – to Brigadier General Jimmy Stewart. Ordinarily, honors are only granted to aviators who were members of the Order during their lifetime.

His son, Bruce Mc Candless III, accepted the award at a meeting of the Austin, TX chapter of the Daedalians.

The mission of the Daedalians is to advocate for air and space power and to honor those who flew (Volabamus – “We Flew”) and fly (Volamus – “We Fly”) in defense of our nation. The tenets of the organization are (1) “To Place Nation Above Self (Patriotism)” and (2) “To Be Worthy of the Trust and Confidence of a Fellow Daedalian (Personal Integrity and Character).”

Bruce is recognized as a national treasure for his service as a Naval aviator (5200 flight hours), a NASA astronaut (two space shuttle flights logging more than 312 hours in space), and astronaut-engineer of NASA’s Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) that he flew untethered outside Space Shuttle Challenger in 1984. Wonders All Around by his son is available on Amazon , as is his new book, Star Bound.

He graduated #2 in the Class of 1958 and was the son of Rear Admiral Bruce McCandless, USN who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions aboard USS san FranCisCo (CA-38) at the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal in November 1942.

USAFA GRANDSON – Nearby is a photo of Jack Trevisan the grandson of Pat and Dan Belly (7th Co.). Jack is a 3rd Class Cadet, USAFA Class of 2027 of the 32 Squadron (The Roadrunners). Congrats Pat, Dan and Jack!

UNUSUAL ART FORMS - This submission comes from John Wyatt (22nd Co), who has this hanging in a bathroom.

THE CRUISE OF 1955 ACCORDING TO DAVE AULT

16 July bon! Easy day today - secured at 1200 and just sat around or sun bathed - Did sort and register grades in the morning. It’s not a hard job but at least I’m doing something that has to be done. Sometimes my conscience says something and I feel a little guilty. I wonder what my grease mark is going to be like? But then I just say “to hell with it” - Wasting time - Went to the movie - “Against All Flags” had seen it and is now still the same - to bed right afterwards. Did a little work on the plane - hope it’ll fly even if it isn’t too attractive.

Support the Annual Academy Fund, visit usna.com/give

17 July Il pleut To the office - chow, a little work, shave and to lecture - a very wet, poor demonstration of destroyer torpedo attack followed. Something happened and we never saw them - to chow, lecture, gun-firing - more wait, wait, wait - we only got 88 rounds out in DONATE

Dan Bellay and Kay Powell

Seated: Bill Pendley (3rd Co.); Standing: Lee Polhill (19th Co.), George Stubbs (17th Co.)

Bruce McCandless 1984

C3C Jack Trevisan (USAFA ’27)

3 hours. Rain - Goofed off pretty much the rest of the time. Didn’t go to the movie - inside and had seen it anyway. Shower and am now on the rack. The IMC still gives with the music - it really sounds good - even if it is pretty old as a rule. It makes things a little more homey and it’s easier to live from day to day. There’s nothing like music. Well to bed - and the sweetest of dreams -

18 July Had a depth charge, etc. demonstration today - got some picturesT’was short, but interesting. The days are getting boring and the COMMITTEE know it, so they’re tossing things like this at us. God, how we all want to get to Cuba and HOME!! We’re all just whiling away the hours ‘till we arrive. Doing a little gun-firing, eating and sleeping. Even though the time would go faster, I’m just as happy I’m not turning to. To bed and sleep (Helps pass the time)

(TO BE CONTINUED)

CLOSING RANKS

LDR Brent Taylor, USN (Ret.) 23rd Co. passed away on 3 October 2024 and his widow Chistina passed away on 2 December 2024

John Buck 7th Co. died on 25 November 2024

J. Dirck Stryker 13th Co. passed away on 27 November 2024

Ronald Friedman 4th Co. passed away on 5 December 2024

CDR George Emil Krauter, USN (Ret.) 8th Co died on 21 December 2024

Thomas W. Keifer 17th Co. died on 24 December 2024

Milo Richard Beran 13th Co. passed away on 15 January 2025

CAPT Robert E Risinger, USN (Ret.) 15th Co. passed away on 20 January 2025

’59

Life Membership: 64%

Donor Participation: 23.85%

Chairman Executive Committee: Tom “Luke” Lukish e: tluke5959@gmail.com

Executive Vice President Administration: Tom Billings e: tomsfree1959@gmail.com

Executive Vice Pres Services: Bob Beaton e: cccusna@gmail.com

CorporateTreas: Joe “Paddy” Ford e: Hagerty127@comcast.net

Corporate Sec’y: Art Emmerson e: pickemm@verizon.net

Shipmate Editor: Larry Weaver e: ls.weaver@icloud.com

Webmasters: Elaine and Pete Stout e: estout3915@verizon.net

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9406/feed

Website: www.usna1959.com

LUCKY BAG OF BOOKS

To check out all the options for your reading pleasure, visit usna.com/shop/books

’60

Life Membership: 73%

Donor Participation: 28.96%

Pres: CAPT Douglas M. Johnston Jr., USNR (Ret.) p: 202-203-8360; e: dmjj60@gmail.com

Vice Pres: CAPT Bob Osmon, USN (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 myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9407/feed

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

RESIDENTS CORNER

“A quick snapshot of where things stand in meeting the climate challenge at the Academy. The flooding that took place in the Yard this past August was apparently the third largest in history. More telling, though, is the incidence of floodings. Over the decade prior to last year, there were a total of 41 instances of notable flooding. In contrast, during this last year alone, there were 41 floodings plus a few sinkholes.

Working in the other direction, the first section of seawall improvement near the Sailing Center has been completed. Other near-term initiatives on this front will include addressing the water overflow that has been taking place (1) near Gate 1 and (2) across campus near the columbarium.

Clearly, there’s not a lot of opportunity to rest on one’s oars in arresting this tide, making it all the more imperative to beat Army every step of the way.”

Carpe Diem, Doug

From Wayne Peters ’64:

M “A small world story takes place at The Baldwin in Londonderry, NH. Four USNA graduates who did not know each other are now residents of a new continuing care retirement community. Bill and Pat Jarvis and Bob and Pat Henderson were newly arrived at their just completed apartments when at dinner they discovered both Bill and Bob were USNA graduates, but even more remarkable, they were both Class of ’64. Wayne and Gail Peters met Kims & Bill Bringhurst (15) ’60 at a church service in Londonderry when they learned that both Bill and Wayne graduated from USNA. Bill graduated in 60 and Wayne in 71. Neither the Bringhursts nor the Peters

had moved in when they met. Both couples were waiting for their apartments to be ready. However, another small world story was yet to unfold. When the Peters learned that their apartment would not be ready until May, they were able to switch to a different apartment that allowed them to move in on 1 March 2024. They knew that Bill and Kims wanted a different apartment, so a quick phone call enabled Bill and Kims to switch to the apartment that Wayne and Gail were previously scheduled to occupy. The four couples have become friends and share in many of The Baldwin’s activities. The picture was taken at the holiday extravaganza on the evening before Navy’s spectacular 31 to 13 win over Army. Needless to say, all four couples were overjoyed with the Navy victory. However, with over 30 veterans among 240 residents many others were not thrilled. A little fun spirited ribbing was certainly in order. The picture shows from left to right Kims and Bill (15th company), Pat and Bob (20th), Pat and Bill (16th), and Gail and Wayne (5th).

From Rod Friedmann (5):

M Bill, we had a chance to celebrate the Christmas Season with our Williamsburg classmates & wives at the Le Yaca Restaurant in Williamsburg in December. Even though our numbers are dwindling, the camaraderie remains extremely high and strong. Thanks to Al Whitaker (16) for his organizational skills and superb restaurant selection.

In attendance at the party were Bob Osmon (17), Prissy & Wick Parcells (12), Gloria & Bob Antonio (14), Joyce & John Claman (3), Jan Chabot, Jack Greenhalgh (9), Joy & Dick Hamon (8), Al Ablowich (16) and daughter Susan Poe, Ginger & Jim Philbrick (21), Linda & Bill Townsend (20), and Inge & Al Whitaker (16). Rod

UPDATE YOUR PROFILE

From Ray Burkley (2):

M The USNA ‘60 NorCal group met for lunch on October 30th at Polo’s Corner restaurant in Livermore. Unlike the classmates that drive across town for a luncheon this group drives for hours to meet for lunch. Jack Newman (6) came down from the mountain at Cedar Ridge, Dick Shawkey (24) came from half way down the mountain at Arnold and Kevin Ryan (4) and Raymond Burkley (2) drove over from the SF Bay Area. Dennis Vied (24) who lives in Livermore rounded out the group for lunch. The monthly luncheons have been interrupted but a few medical activities but are getting restarted. After a brief discussion of current ailments and a few old stories (repeats) we discussed having a retreat at Jack’s place with an evening at a local playhouse when they start the new season. The Monterey boys - Bob Bourke (1), Angelo Karampelas (22) and Charley Roberts (20) - did not make this luncheon. Neither did Tom Teal (16) (Auburn) or Mel Nosal (4) (Sacramento) who are battling some serious medical issues (more serious than the rest of us). John Fulton (22) lives in the East Bay area but has missed all the luncheons. And that is all that is left in Northern California. Oh, John Tait (10) was in Sacramento but have not heard from him in a long while. Jim McConnell (23) lives in Tahoe which is too long of a drive to the Bay area. That is it for the Northern California classmates. Ray

From Bob Ianucci (16):

M Hi Bill, a small group of Hampton Roads/ Williamsburg area classmates opened the year with a lunch at the Brickhouse Diner in Virginia Beach on 11 January. Rod Friedmann (8), Al Ablowich (16), Dick Hamon (8), Jack Greenhalgh (9), Bob Ianucci (16), Al Whitaker (16), Bob Osmon (17) and Henry von Kolnitz (22) braved the Winter chill to enjoy a meal together. L - R: Al Ablowich, Dick Hamon, Jack Greenhalgh, Bob Ianucci, Al Whitaker, Bob Osmon, Henry von Kolnitz, (Rod Friedmann behind the camera)

REMINDER – 65th Reunion only a few months away…

’61

Life Membership: 74%

Donor Participation: 28.43%

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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9408/feed Website: www.USNA61.org

Dear Classmates,

Drafting a column in December and January which is supposed to celebrate spring requires extra imagination. Anyway, let us enjoy the lengthening days and decent weather.

The Annapolis/National Capital group gathered for a winter luncheon at McGarvey’s. We were entertained by Ron Carlberg’s retelling of his catamaran bought in England and shipped to Canada then being trailertowed by his Porsche 911 to Annapolis. Ron also was distinguished by getting an inquiry from the Shipmate staff about how to acquire such a realistic goat for team support. Ron Campbell divulged his plans for a holiday visit to Hawaii, the location of his family ancestral home. In a January phone call, Ron shared his pleasure in warmer temperatures, tropical fruits, and local cuisine. Football woes were a topic with a 2-3 record over the previous five weeks in great contrast to the 6-0 start the team exhibited. Our faithfulness was rewarded at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland,

Christmas Dinner Party

Tidewater group

’60: Bringhurst’s & friends

Class of 1960 65th Reunion

(60 for 60+5)

August 29-31, 2025

Headquarters * The DoubleTree by Hilton * 210 Holiday Court Annapolis, MD 21401 * 410•224•3150

Reunion HigHligHts

Thursday Check-in at the DoubleTree Hotel

Welcome Reception at the Hotel

Friday Class Memorial Service in the Chapel

Superintendent’s Briefing

Parade

Battalion Parties

saTurday Football Game (vs VMI)

Lunch or Dinner at Fluegel Alumni Center (depending on time of game)

sunday Brunch with the Mids

14 December with that convincing 31-13 win over the Black Knights. Perhaps the American Athletic Conference champs were basking in conference glory instead of concentrating on their next game. The 21-20 victory over Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl (the Mids’ 10th win of the season) marked the first winning season since 2019.

In the photo from left: Bob Sherer (4), Ron Carlberg (20), Paul Lang (19), Jay Bower (14), Dana French (17), Bill Ciesla (18), Ron Campbell (15), Jim Lamporte (15), Bob Glover (8), Jerry Smith (8) and Tim Dugan (12).

Ned Kuhns reports:

M At their second Thursday of every month luncheon in December 2024, the Tidewater ’61 group gathered for a pre-celebration of a Navy win over Army two days before the annual contest. Seated left to to right around the Rib City restaurant table in Virginia Beach are: Fred Lowack (7), Bob Graham (18), Tom Markley (12), Jim Noonan (23). Joe Kuhn (3 - Honorary), Tom McNicholas (9), Kurt Rohdenburg (20) and Jim Henderson (15).

For the 21st consecutive year, the Tidewater ’61 classmates and their ladies gathered at the lovely home of Peg and Bob Graham to celebrate a football victory over Army. Seated left to right are: Judy Laster (Jim 15), Bonnie Campbell Kuhn, Carol (guest), Karla Needham, Joanne Markley, Jan Bradley, Toni Henderson, Peg Graham and Sandy Craig. Standing left to right are: Jane McNicholas, Mike Bradley (3), Ned Kuhns (7), Joe Kuhn (3 - Honorary), Tom Markley (12), Buzz Needham (12), Ken Craig (7), Jim Henderson (15), Tom McNicholas (9) and Bob Graham (18). A wonderful time was had by all especially in view of the 31-13 score in Navy’s favor. Jim Richardson reports:

M Twenty San Diego area Classmates and Guests gathered at the San Diego Yacht Club for our annual Army Navy Game Party. Joining us again were Alan & Lynne Armstrong (USMA 1961).

Those attending, in the nearby picture were: Kneeling: Jack Allen (13), Jim Richardson (1), Ed Oleata (10); left to right: Marilyn Zimmerman, Leo Willets (5), Kathryn Willets, Ralph Zimmerman (12), Ann Rothwell, Dick Rothwell (7), Barbara Allen, Ben Allen (10), Patsy Kraus, Bill Kraus (12), Lynne Armstrong, Alan Armstrong (USMA 1961), Tom Bailey (16), Bob Sheridan (24), Chuck St Laurent (21) and Don Coullahan (6).

Navy Swim Champs in 1961

The 1961 Navy Swim Team was undoubtedly one of the finest of the 20th Century. And while the varsity team was made up of three classes (’61, ’62, ’63), the Class of ’61 contingent was the “main engine.” There were six ’61 swimmers returning from the 1960 season with NCAA All-American honors: Curt Norfleet, Dick Oldham, Pat Taft,

George Worthington, Bill Newman and Arnie Kleban. The 1961 season was shaping up to be great with the addition of some talented Youngsters (’63).

Navy’s swim coach, John Higgins, was famous in the world of swimming. He held several world and American national records in breaststroke events. He was also a member of the USA 1936 Olympic team. Coach Higgins was a demanding taskmaster because he recognized the potential of this team. And the team responded!

Navy’s record was 13-1 in 1961 and culminated in being co-champs (along with

’61 at McGarvey’s

’61 at Rib City

’61: Tidewater ‘61 Army watch gathering

Yale) of the Eastern Intercollegiate Swimming League (EISL).

On 4 February 1961, Yale came to Annapolis to swim against Navy, boasting a string of 201 consecutive dual meet wins spanning 15 years. Yale, the perennial EISL champion, was a powerhouse in the pool. The Natatorium then seated 1500 spectators. But with an undefeated season record going into this meet, the Brigade responded to support the Navy team with approximately 3000 very loud fans. It was standing room only!

Nearly every event contested resulted in either a new pool record (if Yale won the event) or a new Academy plus pool record if Navy won. Almost every Navy swimmer achieved personal-best times, regardless of finishing place. Going into the final event, the 400-yd Free Relay, the score was Yale 47, Navy 41. The relays score 7 points for the

winner, 0 for the loser, so this final event would determine the outcome of the meet. The decibel level in the natatorium was deafening, with 3000 fans on their feet cheering. Curt Norfleet, Bill Newman and Dick Oldham swam the first three legs and stayed even with the Elis. Then Don Diget ’62 swam the anchor leg, and with a burst of come-from-behind speed on the last 25-yd length, touched out Yale at the finish by mere inches. The Navy relay set a new Academy and pool record, and the final score was Navy-48, Yale-47. Finally, more about Coach Higgins. An excerpt from his obituary in the Baltimore Sun: “During his 23 years at Navy, he coached 28 All-Americans. In an upset victory in 1961, his team beat Yale University, which had won 201 consecutive meets dating back to 1945. ‘That had to be my crowning glory,’ Mr. Higgins told the Sun.”

Free-style relay team from left: Diget, Norfleet, Newman, Oldham and the 1961 team.

’61 Free-style relay team

Get it done with ’61!

’62

Life Membership: 75%

Donor Participation: 28.50%

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 myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9409/feed

This report from Dick Hayes is very interesting. The good news is that there was a solution to the problem Dick endured and he is able to describe the problem and solution that may well be of value to others. Yesterday, we finished a 6-month renovation project in Baltimore, and this afternoon I received a call that my 50-year-old Foreman suffered a heart attack. Tomorrow I’ll be visiting him in the hospital. Maybe this info will also be of value to him.

Thanks Dick, for another well written report.

BOB GILES

Dick Hayes (usna62@verizon.net) wrote: M Hi Bob – I’ve been going through some significant health issues the past couple of years and thought I’d give you an update and what I’ve been through because it might be of interest to some of our classmates who might have the same health issues - so, here goes.

For the past two years, I’ve been suffering from internal loss of blood and iron which made it difficult to ‘get around’ and resulted in among other things shortness of breath. I was getting multiple blood and iron transfusions, and I was at the point of being unable to walk 50 feet with a cane without having to stop for

Nearby photos:

’61 Army watch gathering at San Diego Yacht Club

1961 Navy Swim Team

a ‘break’.  I have a superb Cardiologist, and he recommended a fairly new procedure where you swallow a pill with a camera inside the pill that goes all around your ‘insides’ sending pictures to a receiver attached to a belt around your waist.  Lo and behold they found the cause of the blood loss which was basically caused by a blood thinner I was taking to eliminate strokes.  In order to stop taking the blood thinner, he recommended a heart procedure called WATCHMAN.  Basically, they insert an implant that closes off the path in the heart that 99% of strokes take.  When I met with the Surgeon, he told me that he was prepared to tell me that he had never done the procedure on an 87-year-old person but when he saw me and looked at my health record, he said he would do it. It was a two-day event and now I can walk without a cane for a mile each day without stopping.  As I said, the reason I’m telling you this story is just in case some of our classmates might be having the same issues of shortness of breath, loss of blood and iron associated with ‘old age’.  There is a procedure called WATCHMAN and its relatively new.  Healthcare has come a long way since we were ‘Plebes’.

All the best, —Dick Hayes

As Class Secretary you get to make decisions not all others agree with. One of those has to do with publishing obits for Classmates. I don’t include obits, (I pass them onto Timothy Elizabeth Woodbury, memorial affairs manager, who does a better job than I of including them in Last Call) because otherwise they would appear twice. My reasoning is, don’t try to fix something that isn’t broken. What I do is Publish the obits of Spouses which Last Call doesn’t do.

M Irma Jefferson Browder Bagby (d. September 28, 2024)

Irma Jefferson Browder Bagby was lifted to paradise on September 28, 2024.

She was born in 1941 to James R. and Irma J. Browder in Danville, VA. There she graduated from George Washington High School. “Jeff” accumulated many friends and academic honors. She also played several sports.

Entering Wake Forest College, she dropped her hometown nickname. By the end of her junior year, Irma had earned almost enough credits to graduate and being so loved and respected, she was elected as the reluctant “write-in, Wake Forest Women’s President for her coming senior year.

But on July 15, while at her summer job at a Virginia Beach family hotel, Irma started dating a Navy Ensign. Nineteen days later, he proposed marriage to her. It would not be easy. He had orders to report to Pensacola, FL in three days to start flight training. Remarkably, she accepted, but with one stipulation: that they find a church somewhere that would commit to marrying them. Two days later, on August 5, 1962, Irma married

Ensign James Bagby at a York, SC church. Still in shock family members drove down from Danville and Martinsville, VA to be present.

Ten months later in Pensacola, Irma paused from nightly helping her husband with school, for she then birthed their daughter Josephine Parker Bagby. Two years later, at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD was born their second daughter, Carol Kelly Bagby. Thereafter, this family of four lived joyfully in Monterey, CA, back to Virginia Beach, and finally settling in Annapolis, MD. In Monterey, Irma took remotely, the two courses she had lacked to graduate in three years. She received her Wake Forest diploma in 1968.

By 1983 Parker and Kelly had left home. Irma then enrolled in a Community College to study accounting. Her goal was modest: “to get a job as a bookkeeper somewhere, by being overqualified”. At completion, she was persuaded by knowledgeable people that, just sitting for the Maryland CPA exam would bolster her resume. So, she did. Irma became a local “rockstar” by then actually passing it! The new CPA was soon hired by the U.S. Naval Academy in 1987 as their lead auditor.

In the same year of 1987, Irma and Jim bought a tiny lot on a mountain lake in western Maryland. She designed a chalet, and they had it built. After she retired from the U.S.N.A. in 1997, they became part-time residents there. Summer boating, winter skiing, and service to Oakland’s St. Paul’s Church filled their lives. For years, their eight family members cherished exciting, long visits here.

Also, in 1987, her husband inherited a neglected farm on the VA-NC border. Over the next 25 years Irma and Jim commuted five hours on the weekends from wherever they lived, to clean up this farm and beautifully renovate it to become functional. Irma later called it a “different but highly spiritual experience, especially after Jim got us indoor plumbing” But she admitted that working in an old family cemetery was never on her bucket list.

In 1994, their first grandchild, Jacob Cona, was born to Kelly and Tom. By 1999, Irma and Jim had four. So, they took up half-time residence in Mt. Pleasant, SC. This is where Parkers and Mike’s young family lived, and Kelly and Tom’s family lived only three hours away. They would begin an intimate relationship with all - one that persists today. For many years, the couple also traveled, gardened, watched sports together, engaged as members of St. Andrews Church and continued commuting to their farm.

Wherever she was, people were drawn to Irma. She was genuinely interested in them. Everyone felt more important after being in her presence. But no one felt this more than her four grandchildren, from infancy to adulthood. Also, many close friends and all family members witnessed her inspiring decisionmaking. No matter the issue, Irma did the right thing. She walked not by sight, but by faith.

Irma is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, James, her beloved daughters Parker Zalegowski and Kelly Cona (Tom) and Beloved grandchildren, Jacob Cona (Brittney), Nicole Cox (Ryan), Campbell Cona and Nathan Zalegowski (Alexandra), her beloved sister, Helen B. Cheyney and beloved nephews, David, Bryan, and Stephen (Bridgett) Cheyney, and John Bagby (Heather).

A memorial service was held at St. Andrews Church, Ministry Center 440 Whilden Street, Saturday, October 26, 2024. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel. https://obits.jhenrystuhr.com/irma-bagby Paul Hurst shares the following:

M This photo is of my cuff-links that I traded at the first Army-Navy Game we attended. My Army cuff-link came from a Cadet friend of mine who spent a year with me at North Georgia College in Dahlonega, Georgia, before coming to Navy.

And lastly, Jack Young sends:

M Dear Sirs

I am a fellow graduate from the class of 1967, and I am reaching out to each of you as class secretaries from 1956 through 1975 for the names of classmates whom you may recall as having served as frogmen/SEALs in this distinguished Navy community. My interest is simple: I served as a frogman with UDT-12 during the Vietnam War. At the time, there were very few of us serving in this capacity, and as JOs in only 3 teams on each coast, our paths seldom crossed. Even as I ask this of my remaining contacts, we come up with empty lists. I can attest through my research that there are no official USN listings as such. I’m just wondering who we were; perhaps you can help. Many thanks.

Respectfully,

Jack Young, CDR, USNR (Ret.) youngjj6367@gmail.com

SEA STORIES

A Navy tradition

Stories of action and inspiration. Entertaining and educational. https://www.usna.com/sea-stories

’63

Life Membership: 62%

Donor Participation: 22.94%

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 myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9410/feed Website: www.USNA63.org

There is much news to share this month. With regret, we begin by noting the loss of several classmates. Be sure to visit the Last Call section of our web site to read their obituaries and other information about their lives and careers.

We have learned that Matthew M. Gretchen passed away on 15 August 2022. We have no contact information for his next of kin.

Douglas H. Zanzot died on 15 November. We do not have contact information for his next of kin.

James W. Eckert died on 27 November. Jim’s widow, Cynthia, can be contacted at Glenside Farm, RR #2, Box 2520, Troy, PA 16947.

Ralph D. Kimberlin passed away on 28 November. Ralph’s son, Tony (USNA ‘89), can be contacted at 5030 Gardner Drive, Alexandria, VA 22304.

Edward J. Wilkinson, Jr., died on 3 December. Skip’s widow, Joanne, can be contacted at 17 Tide Turn Drive, Salem, SC 29676.

John M. Truesdell passed away on 8 December. His son, Tim, can be contacted at 1331 North Abrego Drive, Green Valley, AZ 85614.

Francis W. Hilton, Jr., passed away of 16 December. Frank’s widow, Pam, can be contacted at 6 Revell Road, Severna Park, MD 21146.

Ward Bond’s widow, Carole, died on 2 December. We do not have contact information for her next of kin.

Roger Mehle’s ashes were inurned at the Naval Academy Columbarium on 4 December. Among the attendees at the service was Bob Harper, who sent this note.

M Numerous classmates and wives were at the ceremony on a cold Annapolis day. Afterward, Colette Mehle was our leader in spirit and hospitality at the USNA O-Club with food and beverages that included hot coffee to quell the cold. Roger was a most accomplished man, but he never let you know it, preferring instead to enjoy your friendship.

This photo shows classmates at the reception. Left to right are Eli Dabich, Pete Quinton, Jeff Miles, me, Spencer Johnson, Jim Ring, Mario Fiori, Kent Maxfield and Satch Baumgart. The wives present included Andrea Johnson, Kate Ring, Susan Fiori, and Betty Maxfield.

Daryl Rabert submitted this account of a reunion of USNA roommates.

M In early December, three of four First Class year 15th Company roommates met on Key Largo, FL. The reunion was hosted by Ron Terwilliger, with Ken Carlsen flying in from Colorado Springs and me from Georgia. The location of our fourth roommate, Wayne McCreary, was still unknown.

After dinner one evening we decided to hit the internet to search for Wayne. After several searches and no hits on his name, it came to me that Wayne’s first name is Martin. We finally got a hit, and we had found our fourth roommate in California. A short phone call ensued. Since we found Wayne, he is an active participant in the monthly 15th Company Zoom get togethers.

UPDATE YOUR PROFILE

Our weekend with Ron was great. He had rarely seen Ken since graduation, so a few nights were spent catching up on years past. Ron, the gracious host, used his boat to show Ken and me around Key Largo. We also had a great time boating to several local restaurants around Key Largo for lunch where we enjoyed the local cuisine. We also discussed Navy football as well as current Naval Academy operations and academics. It was a great weekend together and hopefully we will do it again while we are still able to do so. Ken and I are very grateful to Ron for his hospitality.

Several of our classmates have recently updated their current biographies on our web site. If you are not among them, please review your biography now. If you want to make changes or additions, just send your text, plus photos as you wish, by email to our Webmaster, Steve Coester, at scoester@ cfl.rr.com. If you have never prepared your biography for our web site, it’s not too late to send your information to Steve. Our biographies are a valuable record of our military and civilian careers and other aspects of our lives. Ted DelGaizo was among those who made recent updates. In reviewing his bio, I was surprised to see his mention of a contact with President Kennedy: “ I was on the plebe detail after graduation and was fortunate enough to present the Class of 1963 Lucky Bag to President John F. Kennedy in Annapolis in August of 1963, three months prior to his tragic demise. I was quite honored to represent all of you on that memorable day.”

I thought a photo of JFK during his 1963 visit to the Naval Academy would be a good addition to this Shipmate column. I did some research and was surprised to find a tenminute documentary film about the visit on YouTube. You can see it by searching YouTube for “Kennedy Naval Academy Visit.” I was surprised to see footage of Ted presenting the Lucky Bag and JFK paging through it (at 1:42). Later in the film are two brief views of Paul Roundy and Doug Davidson.

15th Company roommates Ken Carlsen, Daryl Rabert and Ron Terwilliger

Ron, Daryl, and Ken

’63: After Roger Mehle’s inurnment

It was good to hear from Dick Kell, who sent this news of a ‘63 mini reunion in Colorado.

M On 8-12 October, 12, members of the Terrible 10th Company held a get-together in Colorado Springs celebrating our 20th Mini Reunion. The weather was perfect, and the group enjoyed three planned events. The first was a visit to the National Museum of WW II Aviation. We enjoyed a tour of the restoration facility where the aircraft are restored, and most are maintained in an operational status. Appearing in the front row in this picture at the aviation museum are Marylyn Augur, Margarette Boley, Celes Buck, Sandra Biagini, Cathy Patterson, Kathy Breen, Jennifer Earner, and Lynda Spear. In the back row are Dick Augur, Lynne Kleinfeldt, John Boley, Earl Buck, Hugh Schall, Betti Small, Matt Small, Dick Kell, Bernie Patterson, Al Breen, Bill Earner, and Mike Spear

The next day the group enjoyed a ride to the top of Pike’s Peak (14,115 ft) on the Broadmoor and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. This outing was designated “The Chuck Calvano Memorial Event” as our late companymate loved every railroad trip he ever took, but this was by far his favorite. The final event was a guided tour of the Garden of the Gods, a

designated National Natural Landmark. Our group enjoyed several fine restaurant meals, but the best times were just being together and sharing old stories. The reunions and the stories get better every year.

Thanks, Dick, for being a first-time contributor to our Shipmate news exchange. I hope others among us will follow your lead and send some news to share with our classmates.

Jim Oakes sent this account of his reunion with his Class of 1960 Firstie.

M The day before the Army game, I had lunch with my “Firstie,” Dick Pariseau, and a high school classmate I was visiting, Dennis Lucey, in Arlington, VA. Dennis and I Dick took good care of me our plebe year. As you may recall Dick was a halfback on the football team and a mid-fielder and captain of our national championship lacrosse team that year. He was also first team all American. Dick started out in destroyers and transitioned to the nuclear submarine service to complete 20 years of service. I hadn’t seen him since his graduation. Dick put his life story to print in his autobiography “Events in the Life of an Ordinary Man.” It was a wonderful reunion!

’64

Life Membership: 65%

Donor Participation: 30.89%

Pres: CAPT Michael 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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9411/feed Website: www.usna64.org

We open this issue remembering Charles Parish, the nineth of our ten classmates listed on the Viet Nam Memorial Wall. They were, and continue to be, listed chronologically in the identical order their names appear. Continuing with the established routine, the first section bellow is a replica of the exact narrative accompanying Chuck’s name on The Wall and the second is a direct transcription from his entry in our 40th Reunion Yearbook

On the Wall - Panel 50W Line 8: LT

Charles C. Parish USNA Class of 1964, is one of those 1,587 MIAs unaccounted for in Southeast Asia from the Vietnam War. He was one of 3 graduates from his U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis class (1964) who were MIA at one point. In the 40th Reunion Yearbook: In the case of deceased classmates, this short bio was traditionally written and submitted by one of the individual’s knowledgeable classmates. In this case however, Chuck’s widow Candy personally penned a detailed, beautiful tribute in the yearbook. It is replicated in full bellow: Chuck reported to VF-102 aboard ameriCa in October 1966. We were married in November and had a nine-month honeymoon as I followed the ship with other wives and families. In April 1968 the ship deployed to Vietnam. Our son Hunter was born on July 5. Chuck’s F-4B Phantom was shot down over Vinh on July 25 and he was declared Missing in Action. Some months later, the North Vietnamese revealed Chuck’s RIO, Rob Fant, had been captured and was a POW.

Thanks to everyone who contributed news this month. Now it’s YOUR turn. We hope to hear from you soon.

– ‘63

When the POW’s returned in early 1973, Chuck’s status was one of the first changed to KIA. In 1990, we were informed Chuck’s ID card was on display in the Vinh War Museum saying he had been captured. It remains there today. In 1995, our government excavated the crash site believed to be Chuck’s. We were most hopeful, once again, just to find some small fragment of bone for DNA testing. Nothing but only small F-4B parts were found.

JFK examines the ‘63 Lucky Bag

Dick Pariseau ‘60 and his Plebe and Jim Oakes

’63: 10th Company mini reunion in Colorado Springs

Charles C. Parish LT USN DOD: _/25/68

64/64 CLASS NEWS

For those of you who have not known us, I went on to meet and marry Bob Ellis ’66. We added two more happy children to our family. Chuck always remained a member of our household and a part of us. There were many a dinner where he was fondly discussed. Bob’s parents, Allen and Hop Ellis ’24, were wonderful grandparents to all three children. To this day I miss them very much.

The resemblance between Hunter and his dad is remarkable. Hunter went on to USC on an NROTC Scholarship. Many thanks to Chuck’s classmates who contributed to the ’64 Scholarship Program which Hunter was able to use before NROTC. He was commissioned in 1991 and upon completion of Flight Training, his Navy wings were pinned on by my dad and his grandfather, Vice-Admiral Don Engren, USN.

Flying the F/A-18, Hunter joined the VFA-113 Stingers, where he was LSO and Flight Demonstration Pilot, He then transferred to VFMA 101 at Miramar and left the Navy in 2001. He currently hosts the Tactical to Practical Program on The History Channel.

Through the years I have had the good fortune to read Shipmate - not only ’66, but always ’64. I remember well the names of all of you who meant so much to Chuck. Weren’t we lucky to have had him in our lives?

Regarding future memorialization’s, the following table lists the anticipated dates and comment submittal deadlines for memorializing classmates

Classmate Shipmate Issue Input Deadline

M.l Collins May-June’25 20 Mar ’25

B. Maguire July-Aug 2025 28 May ’25

AS this Shipmate column is the first column since our spectacularly successful, amazingly well organized, 60th Reunion, it’s worth recalling a few among the many memorable events.

• Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk’s glossy, streamlined presentation reminded us what a truly major league institution our Alma Mater has become!

• The powerful, take-charge address by new “supe” Vice Admiral Yvette Davids ’89 decisively put to bed any concerns among all but the most obdurate classmates whether a woman can run the place!

• Jim Craven’s wonderful, timely, homily was undoubtedly one for the ages leaving no dry eyes among us!

Mike Murray’s photo below of his company’s Saturday evening get together was the first of what is hoped to be several more to be submitted in the coming months.

USNA CANDIDATES

Start the youngster you know on the road to USNA.

To request info or apply online, visit usna.edu/Admissions

On 12 December 2024, continuing the decades long annual ‘64 Lanny King Award tradition, the class presented a citation accompanied with a $1,064.00 check to a Carney DDG-64 junior officer selected by the ship’s crew for outstanding performance. This year’s awardee was LTJG Genevieve Thompson presented during the ship’s Christmas Ball at the Ribault Club in Jacksonville, FL.

CDR Lind issued the following comments regarding the award to his JO:

“Congratulations to LTJG Genevieve Thompson, this year’s prestigious Lanny King Award recipient! Selected as the best Junior Officer in the Wardroom by the crew, LTJG Thompson has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence.”

“This well-deserved honor includes a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal plus a cash prize generously funded by the Naval Academy Class of 1964 and we were specially honored to have several members of that class join us at our Holiday Ball, where this award was presented. Their continued support and presence made this event even more memorable, reminding us of the rich traditions and legacy of service they represent.”

“Thank you, LTJG Thompson, for setting the bar high and inspiring us all!”

As indicated, CDR Lind, graciously invited

Northeast Florida area classmates to the festivities and the following gang was able to attend.

In the good news department, we received the following note from Brian Cassidy: “This recent Thanksgiving holiday was truly one of gratitude for me. I had my entire family from near and far in Santa Fe for the celebration. Not only that, but on 25 November I received the results of my PET Scan. The good news is that the scan showed no cancer and no spread of it to any other part of my body.”

“I appreciate the good wishes, cards, calls and prayers for me - whatever it was you did, it was marvelous, and it worked - thank you!”

“I had outstanding care from the Cancer Center in Santa Fe; it would be difficult to find a more professional, sincere, loving group who helped me through this ordeal. I also thank my wife, Mary, for all of her kindness, support and love - many of you know the importance of who packs your parachute!”

“I am looking forward to the upcoming Christmas season, and I hope to be back on the hiking and biking trails this coming spring. I wish you sunsets to warm your hearts.” Brian A final note: every now and then, your humble correspondent is required to explain the term quartering in our signature sign-off is not a mis-quote but a tribute to all of us “Tin Can Sailors” who early in our careers had to put up with those obnoxious following diesel fumes!

Fair winds and a quartering sea, classmates.

Left to right Bonnie Murray, John Klein, George Leonard, Margarite and John Dalton, Jim and Faye Nunn, Mary Leonard, Penny Klein and Mike Murray

Carney Skipper CDR Myron Lind and the 2024 Lanny King Awardee LTJG Thompson

Joining the Carney DDG-64 festivities L to R, Penny and LCDR John Klein, USN (Ret.), Patricia Palombi, Roland Marquis, the recipient: LTJG Genevieve Thompson, USN, Florence Marquis, Betty Bell, and Capt Bob Bell USN (Ret.). Attending but not in the picture are Capt Joe Navoy, USN (Ret.) and Mary Jean Navoy.

’65

Life Membership: 65%

Donor Participation: 53.48%

Pres: CAPT Jim Minderlein, USN (Ret.) p: 410-841-6644; 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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9412/feed

Class of 1965 Home Page: https://daveand65.wixsite.com/usna65updates

Hate this part, sigh, Those stalwart classmates who went to their great reward in the last two months were: Tony Vinsavich, Gordon Peterson, Richard Olds, Dave Bell and Brian Kinney. For all of these upstanding classmates, please, please see their entries in Last Call. I cannot give them the justice they deserve in this word-limited column.

From Jim Mindelein, 27 Nov M I just heard from the Alumni Association of Tony Vinsavich’s passing on 21 Nov at his home in Vestavia Hills, AL. He graduated from the 29th Company and is only the second deceased member of 22 graduates from that company. After graduation, Tony spent the next five years in the nuclear power program and on submarines. He then earned two master’s degrees in computer science, one from the University of Missouri and the other from the University of Iowa and spent his business career developing and implementing computer software, which included a stint at the White House in Washington, D.C. Tony is survived by a son and a daughter. In late November, after his funeral, he was buried with military honors in Franklin, KY. May he rest in peace, Jim

From Jim Mindelein, 13 Dec

M I am sorry to inform you of the death of our classmate, Gordon LeRoy Peterson, on 12 Dec. heard from John Wroten, Courtland Gray and Jim Huff about this. Gordon resigned as a Lieutenant and went on to get an MA from Boston University and a Ph.D. from the London School of Economics. He was the Chairman and CEO of International Research & Asset Management, Inc. in Dallas. He was a loyal classmate and strong supporter of our class projects as well as Naval Academy causes. He was the Fall Set Company Commander for the 11th Company and is the 10th deceased member of 22 graduates from that company. He was buried in Waxahachie, TX on 25 Jan. Jim

From Jim Minderlein, 26 Dec

M I regret to inform you of the death of our classmate, Richard Nathan Olds, who passed away in his home in St. Charles, MO on 3 Dec. Dick graduated from the 30th Company and is the seventh deceased member of 22

graduates from that company. Following graduation from USNA, Dick earned his wings as a naval flight officer, Dick served as a navigator and flight crew for various aircraft types in squadrons in California, Maryland and Rota. He circumnavigated the earth, spent time in the South China Sea, and tracked icebergs in the North Atlantic. His post-Navy career was as a prominent engineer for several first-rate companies, including For Motor Co, Raytheon and Dow. He is survived by, Linda, his wife of over 50 years, two daughters and six grandsons. Dick was a man of many interests and talents. His Last Call entry will detail the wide extent of these, such as musical instruments, singing, bees, genealogy, WWII, sailboats, jazz, cars, pianos…whatever! Check it out.

From Jim Minderlein, 08 Jan

M Just received the word from the Alumni Association of David R. Bell’s death in his home in Fort Pierce, FL on 23 Dec. He was the Fall Set Company Commander for the 7th Company and is the sixthh deceased member of 24 graduates from that company. Dave piloted the E-2 Hawkeye in the Vietnam struggle and then flew for Eastern and Kiwi Airlines and also piloted some charter aircraft during his career, including mission trips to Haiti with his loving wife, Mimi, aboard as flight attendant. Dave is survived by Mimi, two daughters, two sons and a stepson and ten grandchildren. R.I.P., Jim

Bob Finley and Jim Minderlein on 16 Jan notified us of the passing of Brian Kinney on 15 Jan in Manomet, MA. He had been battling cancer and Parkinson’s. Brian was Bob’s roommate for three years in the 6th and then 8th Company. He was a loyal member of our class and a generous contributor to our class efforts to support the mission of the Naval Academy. Brian chose surface warfare as a career path and following graduation his service included participation in the UNITAS circumnavigation of South America and also the Vietnam conflict. He later received a Masters Degree in International relations from the University of Maryland. He is survived by his widow, Pat, three sons, one daughter, seven grandkids and two great-grandkids. Our sympathy and condolences go out to Pat and her family. May Brian finally Rest in Peace.

On to happier news.

From Mike Epprecht, 27 Aug

M You read in a previous column report that 25 of us had a great time together exploring the Columbia and Snake rivers from 11-19 August. This was the 4th USNA ’65 Class Cruise. We enjoyed the American Cruise lines ship, accommodations, excursions as well as the food and drinks. It was so much fun that a number of us signed up for another cruise on the Great Lakes and took advantage of a discount by booking while onboard. We are now announcing the cruise to the entire class.

We will be using Pearl Seas Cruises, a sister company to American Cruise Line. There are two options that we are considering. The first is a 7-day cruise starting in Midland Ontario (near Toronto) on 20 Aug 2026 and terminating in Milwaukee WI. The second option is an 11-day cruise starting in Toronto on 08 Sep 2026 and ending in Milwaukee, WI. This option offers all of the Great Lakes and cooler weather in September. Pearl Seas is an all-inclusive cruise which includes excursions, a pre-cruise hotel stay and complimentary drinks. The staterooms are spacious. It is a small ship with a maximum of 210 passengers You can find more details on their websitehttps://www.pearlseascruises.com/. There is a $900 deposit per person and the final payment is not due until 90 days before the cruise starts. Please let us know if you have an interest in joining one of these cruises. Karen McComb will get a group rate and will manage the booking for you. Right now, we need to know if 1) you are interested 2) prefer the 7-day cruise, 3) prefer the 11-day cruise or 4) interested in either 7 or 11-day. Once we get a feel for the views of the majority, we will inform those who expressed interest on how to sign up. Contact Mike at mike.epprecht65@ gmail.com for details.

From Jim Minderlein, 25 Nov

M Please take the time to look at the link below citing Dr. David Luban’s 2024 activities as the Class of 1965 Distinguished Chair in Ethics. He. is representing our class philanthropy extremely well. https://myimpact.usna. com/navy/2024/JamesLMinderlein Passcode: jsern

Here’s a photo of Ted and Meliza Nanz, that Ted sent on 28 Nov from their visit to visit their middle daughter, Kealani, at her college, James Madison University.

From Mike Coyle, 13 Dec

M Here is a photo, on the next page of Renee and me with our grandson, Brian Buchanan ’26, USNA. Brian’s father is RADM TR Buchanan ’92, USNA (former Commandant) and his other grandfather is RADM Rick Buchanan ’68, USNA, my plebe.

From Rick Rickard, 14 Dec

M Once again, Sue and Ron Wecht hosted the Bay Area ’65 Army-Navy Game viewing party. Here’s a happy photo from halftime. Happiness that continued through the game! L to R: Wayne Goodroe, Ed McCann, Will Kirkland, Chip Allen, Doyle Borchers, Rick Rickard, Ron Wecht and John Quisenberry

From Pete Lumianski, 16 Dec

M For the past 33 years since 1991 at Bob “Goose” Gosnell’s Pointe Resort at South Mountain, we’ve been holding the Army-Navy game at various sports bars as a joint venture with both USNA and USMA grads and fans mixed together. Prior to 1991 the game watches were separately organized and held in separate venues. This year we had nearly 200 Army and Navy persons in attendance at the sprawling Scottsdale RT O’Sullivan’s Sports Bar and it was a lot of fun. Over the years, it wasn’t a lot of fun for the Whoops during that 14-year stretch of losses, but this year the confident Army grads went all out and imported a couple of Jeeps and a large display sign at the entrance in anticipation of a no-sweat, rollover victory. As the game progressed it was fun (and a little sad) to watch as their cheers died down and the drink orders rose. The stand-up alma mater anthems at the end were impressive tho’, as we all departed still friends. BEAT ARMY!! Pete

From Phil Ferrara, 16 Dec

M Joan and Jack Kohl came to Annapolis to visit with us for several days. We started with a Thursday night tour of Annapolis with the “Midnight Madness” shopping revelers downtown, plus tours of the Yard and the waterfront. Also enjoyed the “White Christmas” musical at the outstanding Classical Theatre of Annapolis on West Street on Friday night. The highlight was the victory over Army. Sunday, we took in the “Lights on the Bay” lighting exhibit at Sandy Point Park. In between we visited for lunch with Janie and Doug Norton, and then Sunday with Sharon and Doug Katz. Tough to keep ’65ers down!!! Beat Army.!!!

Also from Mike Epprecht, 06 Jan

M This is the year of our 60th Reunion which is scheduled for Homecoming Weekend, 22-26 Oct. 2025 in Annapolis, Maryland. As in the past we are using the Annapolis Crowne

Plaza hotel as our base of operations. Over 100 classmates and widows have already booked a room at the hotel for the Reunion. Please be patient with the deposit of your checks, I do it in batches and we are still travelling, while we can. Looking forward to another great event with a wonderful group of Friends. And we’ve scheduled a Widow’s Tea at the Reunion. For more info and to get the registration form, email Mike at mike. epprecht65@gmail.com.

M On 12 Jan Pete Lumianski posted a long report on a visit last October, while visiting friends in Virginia, to Norfolk for an update visit/tour of his first assigned operational Navy helicopter squadron, HC-6, which occurred way back in 1967, some 57 years ago. Pete reported that it was a lot of fun interacting with today’s active-duty Navy and mingling up close with its people and planes. This report, written in Pete’s inimitable style is most interesting and entertaining, but too long to include here. Please email Pete at prom65@ cox.net and he’ll send you the full report plus photos. Here’s one photo of Lumi with a couple of the active-duty helo crew that showed him and Chris around. His visit even got some press there!

If you would like to have a copy of the Excel version of our Class Directory, please email me Thazzit, guys! Aloha, Dave

’66

Life Membership: 66%

Donor Participation: 20.00%

Pres: Jim Long e: jalongiii@aol.com

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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9413/feed Website: www.usna66.org

As I write this in late December, early January, it’s hard to imagine Spring will be upon us when you read this. I hope you all had a reasonable Fall and Winter. I know Colorado and the East Coast have had their cold streaks. There are several good news items to cover, so I’ll get to it.

Charlie Votava provided the following recap of the annual Class Leadership Awards ceremony aboard GONZALEZ (DDG-66)

M The annual events for presentation of the Class ’66 Leadership Awards to a GONZALEZ Junior Officer and an Enlisted Sailor occurred Monday and Tuesday, 18 and 19 November 2024.

Monday evening ’66 Classmates, spouses, and, for the first time, three ladies of ’66 Sail on Solo; Trudy Hoff, Lori Scarbrough, and Mary Mobley, gathered at Villa Votava in Virginia Beach, VA for hors d’oeuvres, libations, sea stories, and updates on each other’s activities. The ladies brought dishes supporting an international menu and the weather was perfect for gathering on the deck and patio. Attending the ’66 gathering the evening before the onboard ceremony were: Linda and Tony Franzitta (14th Co), Trudy Hoff (Mick 29th Co), Faye and Tom Martin (16th Co), Mary Mobley (Joe 4th Co), Peggy and Charlie Pfeifer (20th Co), Joyce and Rob Ploeger (3rd Co), Lori Scarbrough (Bob 7th Co), John Sigler (6th Co), Hank Strickland (17th Co), Carole Steinberg and Bob Titcomb (15th Co), and Sharon and Charlie Votava (17th Co).

Tuesday morning, John Sigler, Tony Franzitta, Chuck Grutzius (33th Co), Charlie Pfeifer, Rob Ploeger, Hank Strickland,

’65: Army-Navy game watch party participants

Bob Titcomb, and Charlie Votava, mustered at Pier 7 Naval Station, Norfolk at 1030. After clearing security we met with the XO, CDR Carline (07) in the Wardroom for coffee while the crew assembled on the fantail. The CO, CDR Stegner and Command Master Chief (CMC) Vines were called away to a SURFLANT Leadership Training session at the last minute. At 1100 RADM John Sigler (USN, Ret.) presented the awards and checks to HT1 Luke Maguire, USN and LT Luke Teague, USN, while CDR Carline read the citations, which can be read on the Class web site, usna66.org.

Following the award presentations John Sigler “briefly” addressed the crew. His opening statement was: “Commander Carline, Men and Women of GONZALEZ, Classmates. We are honored to be able to return for the 26th year to present these leadership awards to two deserving shipmates. I promise to be very brief. We’ve stood where you stand and know that short is good!” He then congratulated the award winners and thanked the CO, XO, CMC for leading GONZALEZ and the crew for extending terrific hospitality despite the demands during this intense maintenance and training period. He extended the thank you to the awardees families for supporting their sailors so they could do what must be done. Chuck Grutzius, Charlie Votava and LTJG Ben Posner were also thanked for coordinating participation in the day’s event. He concluded by saying,” I hope when you look at us, you see eight retired senior officers who greatly valued our time on active duty and still care deeply about our Navy, and about “our ship” GONZALEZ. More importantly, when we look at you, we see the present and the future of the Navy we care so much about, and we see that it is in great hands! You share something in common with us, in that we served, and you are serving in highly challenging times: we during the Viet Nam War and you, now, with multiple hot spots around the globe. —God bless this ship and its crew. God bless your families, our Navy, and our Nation, Thank you!

Great writeup, Charlie.

Bob Zvacek provided the next item of news. M Cindy and I attended a formal dinner in Jacksonville in remembrance of the 7 December attack on Pearl Harbor. The guest speaker was our Classmate VADM Al Konetzni, USN (Ret.). He has gained an additional responsibility as the new President of the Navy Museum Development Foundation. His speech focused on parallels between events leading to the attack on Pearl Harbor and the world situation we face today. Al delivered his talk in language everyone could understand and told it the way he saw it (punctuated with some humor). As always, he did our Class proud.

BOB, CINDY AND AL

Thanks, Bob, and congratulations to Al. Sadly, I report that several Classmates have died. All were reported by Class-wide email. Al Motta (3rd Co) died on 7 December 2024. A celebration of life was held, but no funeral service. Steve Wieczorek (25th Co) died on 2 January 2025. A memorial service was held on 22 February in Lihue, HI. Steve’s ashes were spread in the Pacific near his home in Lihue, HI as he requested. Tom Felger (18th Co) died on 24 December 2024. A funeral service was held on 11 January 2025 and attended by (left-right) Walt Higgins, Jim Beesley, Rod Rempt, Ruth Felger, Scott Beachy, JK Minton, Denny Rigstad, and Buster Shelton. Please keep all their families in your prayers.

CLASSMATES AT Gonzales AWARDS

CLASSMATES AT VILLA VOTAVA

’66: JOHN SIGLER ADRESSES AWARDEES AND Gonzales CREW

’66: SPOUSES AND SOS’ AT VILLA VOTAVA

A death that was revealed in our efforts to update our Class directory for the 60th Reunion was found by Tom Petillo, 1st Company Rep. John Kish (1st Co) died on 26 January 2018. The Alumni Association was able to track the following obituary from Southern Airways archives.

“John was a member of Clansmen of VA46 while on active duty with the Navy and joined the Navy’s Salty Dogs of VA205 at Naval Air Station Atlanta after leaving active duty where he served as squadron landing signal officer, maintenance officer, executive officer and commanding officer. He was hired by Southern Airways in 1973 where he flew as copilot on the Martin 404, copilot, captain and flight instructor on the DC9 and Boeing 757. Toss a nickel on the grass fellow Southern family members and Salty Dogs of VA205, we have lost a good friend, pilot and squadron mate.” Thanks to Tom for his discovery and to Timothy Elizabeth Woodbury of the AA for providing this memorial.

Robert Johnson checked in to report that his sister, Kristina Mary Johnson, PhD, recently received the Presidential Medal for Freedom in a ceremony on 4 January 2025. She is also in the Inventor’s Hall of Fame at the Smithsonian, installed back in 2009, when she joined the Obama Administration as Under-secretary of Energy. She has 124 International Patents. Her specialty has always been light engineering, and LED crystal displays. She even patented the hologram on your credit card, in the course of her Doctorate thesis at Stanford in 1983. That resulted in VISA and MASTER

CARD having to pay a royalty to Stanford for every credit card issued for the next 17 years. She has a Wikipedia Page on all of her accomplishments. Congratulations to Kristina and thanks to Robert for sharing this news. And that wraps up another article. Thanks to all who contributed. Your contributions are what make this a worthwhile effort. Please remember to visit the Class web site, often and remember the various Class, SOS and wives Zooms that are available.

Until June All the best Mike!!!

’67

Life Membership: 77%

Donor Participation: 38.23%

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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9414/feed

I received this news from Bob Waters and Steve Delesie Ike Ambrose passed away on News Years Eve, 31 December 2024.

From Bob:

M I am sorry to report that Ike died on 31 December. His daughters have not passed the news on yet although I was in touch with them beforehand so I’ve hesitated to contact our Company mates. I do know that his daughters do not plan to get to the Columbarium for some time. I am very sad. Thank goodness he got to the 50th. He was a wonderful friend.

And this from Steve:

M Ike passed away on New Year’s Eve in Australia. According to his daughters he will eventually be interred at the Academy next to his wife, Cynthia. I found on the internet a Media company that is going to live stream Ike’s funeral in Australia on 31 January 2025 their time. (This column will be published after that…jm). Since Bob Waters and Ike roomed together for their entire four years at USNA, Bob has been in contact with Ike’s daughters.

Sorry to be the bearer of this sad news. Ike went Nuclear Power and served on two submarines and a staff tour in Holy Loch. He left the Navy in 1977 and went to work for Modern Terminals, Ltd in Hong Kong. He lived there until the Chinese takeover when he moved to Melbourne, Australia to work for Patrick Stevedores, Ltd until his retirement in 2001. (Pull out your 50th Anniversary Lucky Bag for a more detailed description of his interesting career.) Ike married his high school sweetheart Cynthia four days after graduation. They had two daughters, Anna and Greta, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Cynthia passed away in 2005 and is interred in the USNA Columbarium. Ike will join her there at a later date. We’ll pass that information when we learn it.

The following came from Dan Welch’s son, LTJG John Welch via Steve Israel, Dan’s USNA roommate:

M Dan suffered a bad fall while painting his house at the beginning of August 2024 and badly fractured his pelvis. After three months of bed rest, he is now beginning to walk again and makes daily progress in his recovery. He’ll be celebrating his 80th birthday on 4 February. His current address is: Daniel Welch, Belknap County Nursing Home Rm 116, 30 County Dr., Laconia, NH 03246. His phone number is 603-674-8867.

He checks his email but doesn’t like typing replies on his phone. We’re getting him set up with a laptop to make that easier. Messages should be sent to both dsrwel@metrocast.net and to his new email dfwelch67@gmail.com. (LTJG Welch can be reached at jcrwelch@gmail.com.)

Did Navy beat up on Army or what to bring home the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy? And doing it in front of a huge 9.4 million TV viewer audience made CBS very happy, I’m sure. Final score: 31-13. Then the tight 21-20 victory over the Oklahoma Sooners a couple of weeks later in the Armed Forces Bowl was icing on the cake. I’m already looking forward the 2025 season given the number of players who’ll be returning.

TOM FELGER SERVICE ATTENDEES

67: Legends on Hapke’s mountain

In a repeat of last year a watch party for Army-Navy was held at the Fleugel Alumni Center. ’67 had a group of tables to accommodate ten Classmates and another 21 family and friends. ‘Twas an absolutely great time.

The Legends (in Their Own Minds) had their gathering at Norm Hapke’s mountaintop HQ in La Mesa (San Diego) for the game, and Bob Lang sent a picture. There was a bunch of ‘em! Legends gathered: L – R: Bob Lang, Rich McNeal, Pete Burggren, Steve Andres, Bill Stedfield, Steve Fisk, Bruce Wright, Gordon Pettus, Warren Millard, Norm Hapke, Jim Gilbert, Buddy Barnes, Mark Crisson (‘70), Pete Phelps, Curt Dose, Paul Ward and Soup Campbell.

Received this from Bob McFarland back before the first of the year. Couple of good pictures, too!

M You may recall that John Griffin was the company commander of 1st Company, our Color Company. He married his girlfriend who was the Color Girl on June Week in 1967. Unfortunately, John suffered a stroke a few years back. He has recovered some from this situation, however, he still has difficulty communicating. I had the opportunity to visit with him in early November while I was in Little Rock, AR. He is staying at his daughter’s home. Mary Beth is a wonderful lady and is a great help to John.

My observation of John is that he is as sharp as he ever was. However, he is limited in his communication. I do think he would enjoy hearing from his old friends from our class.

We’re just getting over a good snow here in the Annapolis area and are thinking of those of you around Los Angeles. Pat and I are heading out tomorrow for a cruise around the Med. I told Gary Hodak, my old roommate, that you Navy guys got all-expense-paid Med cruises. I went Marine Corps and missed out, so I now have to pay for my own … That’s it ... Goodnight! ... Jim

’68

Life Membership: 62%

Donor Participation: 23.12%

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 myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9415/feed Website: www.usna68.com

I begin this column with a salute to Shipmate Editor Jimmy DeButts and his talented staff for the “Legacy of Valor: Vietnam” feature article in Shipmate’s January-February issue—the first in a series of stories on the Vietnam War that will be published during 2025. Generations of alumni spanning five decades served in the war—including a significant number in our class as the narratives in our 40th Reunion Yearbook attest.

The feature article’s listing of the 22 alumni who were awarded the Navy Cross includes Tom Noel and Jim Webb. The article opened with an account of Tom’s heroic actions as a Marine platoon commander during an attack on two North Vietnamese Army bunkers in March 1969 when he was directed to seize a hill which was controlled by a North Vietnamese Army regiment. The article describes Tom’s selfless heroism in destroying the two bunkers and also seeing to the welfare of the men in his platoon first despite being wounded in action. I was impressed by Tom’s reflections on his actions that day. “Your mission comes first,” he said, “but you do your mission while you do your best to take care of your troops.”

The Legacy of Valor feature also includes an article by Tom Hayes describing the wartime mission of the Seawolves of Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron Three in the Mekong Delta. Nearly 100 Academy alumni served in the squadron from the classes of 1949 through 1969—including 25 members of our class. The squadron lost 44 pilots and door gunners killed in action. Tom notes that during its six years of commissioned service its number of awards placed HA(L)-3 among the most highly decorated squadrons in the war.

“Valor? What is it,” Tom asked rhetorically. One concept could be experiencing lifethreatening combat and escaping, and then doing it again.”

The 6th Company’s Mike Slattery deployed to South Vietnam with UDT 13 as the officer-in-charge of a forward-deployed detachment conducting river reconnaissance and combat-demolition operations out of Da Nang. He later returned as a SEAL advisor conducting maritime operations and clandestine actions ashore in enemy-held areas. He went on to a distinguished career in Navy special warfare.

Mike recently shared an old photo he came across. “It was taken following the beach landing at Little Creek during our 2nd Class cruise,” he said, “mostly showing 6th Company midshipmen. During that cruise I saw for the first time some bedraggled and as yet not recognized East Coast BUD/S trainees running around the base. At the time I wondered who they were and why they looked so miserable. Little did I know what was in store for me a few years later on the West Coast during a winter class in the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training!” Mike shared that experience with his good friend Spence Dry Spence lost his life during the POW-rescue mission Operation Thunderhead in June 1972—the last SEAL killed during the Vietnam War.

Navy’s football team had its best season in recent years having regained the Commander in Chief trophy with our 31-13 win against Army and 34-7 walloping of Air Force, plus a dramatic win over Oklahoma 21-20 in the Armed Forces Bowl that saw quarterback Blake Horvath set a Navy record with his 95-yard touchdown sprint in the third quarter. Fortunately, Midshipman Horvath and all of the offensive starters should return next season. Those games resulted in several contributions to this column.

The 33rd Company’s Jerry Watson reported he was fortunate to attend the Army-Navy game with his son-in-law Mike “Gino” Marchetti ’00 and two grandsons, Jonah and Sebastian. “This was the first Army-Navy game I’ve attended since graduation,” Jerry wrote, “and if ever there was a game to go to this was it. From the Navy’s Parachute Team, the F/A-18 Fly Over, to the final score it could not have been a better

1967 Color Girl

John & Bob

day—even during halftime. I was standing in line for the head with several dozen other fellow travelers when one of them noticed the F-4 patch on my flight jacket. He loudly proclaimed to all in the vicinity, ‘Anyone who flew Phantoms in Vietnam deserves head of the line privileges!’ A small acknowledgement,  but well worth it and timely.”

Jerry is still working to support ONI at the Virtual Warfare Center in Saint Louis, spending about every other week there during the “busy” season to check out tactical flight simulators. “It’s extremely interesting work, but also can be very depressing,” he said. “My main observation from that work is that if our adversaries are going to steal anything from us, please steal our acquisition system! When I’m not in St. Louis I try for high adventure in my Catalina 25 on the Potomac. It can be pretty exciting, especially in the middle of a thunderstorm—with a 30-foot aluminum mast a few feet away.”

Navy’s Armed Forces Bowl win and Blake Horvath’s dramatic touchdown run during the Army-Navy game sparked an interesting year-end exchange of e-mail messages with several of my 13th Company mates.

Navy’s previous longest scamper was during the Roger Staubach ’65 era when Johnny Sai ’64 had a 93-yard run against Duke in 1963. Bill Powell reported that he and his father attended the game and witnessed Sai’s touchdown run. The 1963 season was

one of Navy’s best as it had a 9-1 regular season record and a final #2 ranking nationally following its loss to #1-ranked Texas in the Cotton Bowl.

“My father drove my brother and me over to Morgantown to watch the 1963 Navy season opener against West Virginia,” Jeff Dumas recalled. “We watched Navy totally destroy the Mountaineers, 51-7. And, from that game on, Navy was on a roll!” I was glued to the TV for the Army-Navy game, but only viewed the Cotton Bowl game briefly. I was aboard USS John Hood (DD-655) in the Brooklyn Navy Yard during my USNR two-week ACDUTRA. I was assigned a roving security-patrol watch and missed most of the game.

Dan Moseler also shared his reflections. “Since ’63 was my first Plebe Year, I have a few memories of that epic year, from President Kennedy’s visit in August, to the tragedy in Dallas, and the glorious win over Army. I have a vague memory of riding a bus to the Duke game, but the assassination wiped many other events from my mind. I was standing fire watch when word came down, and the TV lounges lit up. I was in the old 10th Company and lived down the passageway from Neil Henderson ’65 , Tom Lynch ’64, and a few other ball players. They pretty much left the plebes alone, and many had spooned us by Christmas leave. Every time I see Tom Lynch on TV I have flashbacks.”

Several classmates gathered to salute Jim Neihus as 2024 drew to a close. “On 28 December,” Joe Conway reported, “I joined a few of our classmates, family and friends to celebrate Past Class President Jim Neihus’ 80th birthday in Centreville, MD. Joining Jim were Bob Eaves, Joe Sikes, Jack Smith, Leo Kuehn and Ed Sullivan’s widow, Kathleen.” Joe said that Jack will hopefully soon be a more full-time resident in Virginia and that he won the award for most distant attendee—having flown in from Peru!

In the on-line version of the January-February class news column I reported the death of the 3rd Company’s Mike Kalashian on 13 November after Butch Meier reported his sad loss. Mike passed away at his home following a short hospital stay. Following his enlistment in the Marine Corps in 1961, he served as a helicopter avionics techni-

Jerry Watson, Jonah, Gino, and Sebastian at the Army-Navy game.

Bob Eaves, Joe Sikes, Jim Niehus, Jack Smith and Joe Conway at Jim’s 80th birthday celebration.

’68: Mostly 6th Company second-classmen at Little Creek in summer 1966.

cian before earning a Secretary of the Navy appointment to the Academy via NAPS. A decorated Marine aviator, he transferred to the USMC Reserves and continued flying A-4s until retiring as a colonel in 1993. Mike began his successful, three-decade career at Hewlett-Packard while in the Reserves and retired in 2005. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, three daughters, and an extended family. Please see his Last Call entry in this issue.

Mike was interred at California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery in Seaside, CA, following a memorial service 13 January. As Butch reported, “Dave Denson, Mike Mullen and I attended. H-P colleagues, businessschool classmates and squadron flying mates also attended. The ceremony included military honors by the Marine Corps and remembrances of children and grandchildren. It was a beautiful day in Monterrey and a fitting way to send off a classmate and friend. Semper Fi.”

As I prepared to send this column to Shipmate, we learned of the loss of three classmates from our ranks following courageous battles with cancer—the 35th Company’s Chuck Lohman on 4 February, the 26th Company’s Mike Metcalf on 27 January and the 23rd Company’s Dave Samuelson on 23 January. I will salute them in Shipmate’s May-June issue. May they rest in peace.

The Alumni Association also alerted us to the deaths of two non-graduating classmates, William Ponder and Richard Wilt, in December and November, respectively. Bill attended the Academy and Kent State University. His obituary noted he was proud to be a Navy veteran and loved sailing, travel and flying. “As a sailor he always reminded us, “You can’t change the direction of the wind, but you can adjust your sails to always reach your destination.” Bill is survived by his wife, Claudia Ponder, and an extended family.

Richard Wilt died 8 January following a brief illness. His academic and athletic achievements led to his recruitment by a number of college football programs. After accepting his appointment to the Academy, Richard later transferred to Lycoming College, graduating magna cum laude in 1968. He excelled in football and earned a number of honors in athletics and academics. He

graduated from the Dickinson School of Law in 1973, received a master’s degree in counselor education from Pennsylvania State University in 1982 and embarked on a distinguished career as an attorney and judge in Pennsylvania. Richard is survived by his wife, Gaie Eby Isett, and an extended family. A memorial service is planned this spring.

All the best and take care, Gordo

’69

Life Membership: 60%

Donor Participation: 25.76%

Pres: Steve Comiskey 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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9416/feed Website: www.usna69.org

Top of the mornin’ to ya, 69! Hope you all are having great days. It hasn’t been that long since we Beat Army, and next year is looking pretty good too!

Shortly before Thanksgiving, 2025 received their Service Assignments. 75% received their first choice and 18% received their second choice. Here they are in alphabetical order: The Class of 2025 has 787 total Navy assignments and 262 total Marine Corps assignments for a total of 1,049 for the class. The service assignment breakdown by community: Civil Engineering Corps: 4, Cryptologic Warfare: 6, Cyber Warfare Engineer: 2, Explosive Ordnance Disposal: 16, Information Professional: 6, Intelligence: 6, Maritime Cyber Warfare Officer: 2, Medical/ Dental Corps: 14, Naval Flight Officer: 57, Naval Special Warfare: 32, Oceanography: 3, Navy Pilot: 229, Submarines (total, includes IWC option): 165, Supply Corps: 5, Surface Warfare: 187, SWO (Engineering Duty Officer): 12, SWO (Oceanography Option): 5, SWO (Nuclear): 36, USMC Ground: 179, USMC Pilot: 75, USMC Cyber: 8. Congrats 2025!!

Here are a couple of books written by Bob Hutchings of 16th Company fame: American Diplomacy and the End of the Cold War (An Insider’s Account of U.S. Policy in Europe, 1989-1992, and Soviet East European Relations Consolidation & Conflict

Bill Kopp ran into TJ Grady ’96 (USNAAA Executive Vice President for Engagement and Communications) at a football tailgate last fall. Looks like they were having a fun time!

From: Hank Scherf:

M I’ve attached a photo of Phil Hazelrig, myself, and Jim Ellis taken in October at the Hiller Aviation Museum’s annual gala in San Carlos, CA. I’ve been on the board for the past 10 years. It’s a great museum that’s focused on education programs for kids up through middle school using aviation and aerodynamics as the STEMS learning vehicle. I recently completed the sale of my financial advisory practice and Vicki and I picked up and moved to Scottsdale, AZ in June after having lived in the SF Bay Area (Menlo Park) since 1979 and in our house for nearly 29 years. We purchased a home in the Troon North area of Scottsdale on one of the golf courses and survived moving in during one of the hottest summers on record. We went to the alumni watch parties for the Air Force and Army games which were great wins. No classmates there and I’m looking for 69’ers living in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. For the past 20 years while living in Menlo Park I was very active in supporting Veterans causes. I was a member of the San Mateo County Veterans Commission and served as chair for four years. I’ve been supporting the Stanford Business School Veterans Club by holding an annual networking and wine tasting event for veterans at the business school as well as at other Stanford programs. Many were USNA alums - Stanford really likes Navy grads! For the past few years and continuing since the move, I’ve been the emcee for the annual Veterans Day and Memorial Day programs at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, CA. I’m continuing to maintain membership in several non-profit boards in the Bay Area and am becoming a Southwest Air frequent flyer between Phoenix and San Jose.

Dave Denson, Butch Meier, Nancy Kalashian and Mike Mullen following Mike Kalashian’s memorial service.

TJ and Bill

Phil, Hank and Jim

usna Class of 1970

55th Reunion • 24-27 April 2025

Thursday, 24 april

1200 - 1700 Registration, Crowne Plaza Hotel

1700 - 2000 Reception, Akerson Tower

2000 Company Get Togethers

Friday, 25 april

0900 - 1400 Registration

1000 Class Bike Ride

1350 - 1500 USNA Senior Leadership Briefing

1600 Brigade parade

1800 - 2000 Stand Up Reception (cash bar), Crowne Plaza

saTurday, 26 april

0900 - 1400 Registration

1000 - 1100 Class Meeting, Crowne Plaza

1100 - 1200 Memorial Service, Crowne Plaza

1230 - 1330 Lunch, Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium N Star Room

1500 - 1600 Yard bus tour (optional)

1500 - 1600 Annapolis Harbor and Nearby waters boat tour (optional)

1900 - 2300 Company dinners

sunday, 27 april

0800 - 1100 Breakfast, King Hall

1100 - 1300 Brunch, King Hall

1400 Reunion Completion

1400 - 1800 Company Get Togethers

https://SignUpNow.Events/USNA1970

From: Tom Schram:

M ARRG welcomes Hazrat Haidari and his wife, Tamada Ahmadi, to Fort Worth. We only have one pilot remaining to get cleared via United States Customs & Immigration Services (USCIS) and be authorized to travel. We have submitted a detailed appeal of his visa request and are cautiously optimistic that it will be resolved positively. We have a “Leave No One Behind” ethos so our efforts will continue until he and his family are safely, legally, and humanely resettled. We believe this will occur in the next few months. Here is a summary of our efforts to date: ARRG has endeavored to bring loyal Afghans and Afghan military veterans to the United States since August 2021. Our track record through December 2022 is 771 loyal Afghans successfully rescued and resettled to the United States. Here is a pilot update: our efforts transitioned in February 2023 to assisting U.S. trained Afghan combat helicopter pilots, a group of 18 who went to flight school together and who escaped to Pakistan with their families when their country fell to the Taliban after the U.S. left, and the Afghan refugee who served as our Pakistan country manager. Of the 17 pilots now successfully cleared through USCIS, 5 of them are now in U.S. helicopter school at The Helicopter Institute of Fort Worth Texas and we anticipate our latest arrival will join flight school as well. See the article published in Shipmate in the January 2024 issue “Leave No One Behind” about our efforts.

That’s all I have for this issue. If you are reading this and run into classmates or have family stuff that you think is worthy of spreading around, please send me something plus a picture or two and I will make sure that it gets in the column.

My jeans say: “Eat a salad” but my heart says: “Eat a pizza”!

Non sibi.

’70

Life Membership: 63%

Donor Participation: 26.75%

Pres: CDR Edmund E. Moore, USN (Ret.) e: edmund.moore@gmail.com

Sec’y: CDR Royal Connell, USN (Ret.) 10100 Hillview Dr., #332, Pensacola, FL 32514 e: royal70@1970.usna.com

Webmaster: Ed Moore e: edmund.moore@gmail.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9417/feed Website: http://1970.usnaclasses.com

Greetings all! I need to watch what I write more, I guess. I’ve had notes from Tim Joyce and Gary Vine, stating that rumors of Tim’s death are premature. It all stems from the use of the term “passed”, I meant that Tim had “passed” along information, but not that he had “passed” from these mortal coils. I apologize and will attempt to do better. However, we have had a plethora of Obits come in recently, so…

Sound the Last Post:

Dr. Douglas Vaughn Smith, Ph.D, CDR, USN (Ret.) passed away in December in Middletown, RI. Doug was a scholar and standout high school baseball player in Maryland and entered the Naval Academy in the summer of 1966. Upon graduation as a member of the 7th Company, Doug headed to Pensacola and earned his wings of gold as a Naval Flight Officer in the P-3 community. Non-flying assignments included serving as XO for NAVFAC Midway Island and as head of War Plans and Strategic and Long-range plans at CINCUSNAVEUR, London, England. Following retirement, Doug continued a life of superior service to the nation. He joined the faculty at the U. S. Naval War College in Newport, and was designated Division Head for Strategy and Policy in the College of Distance Education. Dr. Smith earned his Doctorate in Military History from Florida State University and became a noted military historian and lecturer. When the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) was directed to include Joint Professional Military Education in its curriculum, Doug was selected to stand up that program in Monterey and initiated a cooperative arrangement between the War College and NPS that continues to this day. When he retired from the War College, his superior service was honored and recognized through award of the title Professor Emeritus. An accomplished writer, Doug authored Carrier Battles: Command Decision in Harm’s Way and was the editor of One Hundred Years of U.S. Navy Air Power. In recognition of his national standing as a military and naval historian, he was installed as the Historian General of the Naval Order of the United States. Additionally, he served as the Commander of the Newport Commandery of the Naval Order and was a past-Master of

St. John’s Masonic Lodge #1 in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Doug leaves a lifetime legacy of service to the nation and to his fellow man. William Michael Ferris, departed this earthly world unexpectedly in December. He was a proud Navy man for the rest of his life and enjoyed reminiscing about his time at the Academy and the mischief he caused with his Academy buddies. His active-duty career included deployments to the Mediterranean and an assignment to his beloved Naval Academy as a professor of mathematics. His aptitude for teaching complex math concepts to Naval Academy midshipmen did not later translate to teaching his math deficient children, as many a kitchen table tutoring session ended in tears, much to his exasperation and befuddlement. His second stint at the Naval Academy convinced him that Annapolis was his home, and he retired from active duty and put down permanent roots in the area. He joined the Naval reserves, ultimately retiring in 1991 as a Commander in the Supply Corps. His love for our country and our military was a lifelong constant. He always supported our nation’s veterans with his consistent donations towards the Wounded Warriors and belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion. He achieved his second boyhood goal of becoming a lawyer after graduating from the University of Baltimore. He later continued his legal studies at the University of Baltimore by earning an L.L.M. in Taxation. What followed was a long and successful legal career, mostly in private practice based out of downtown Annapolis, and focusing on military law, family law, taxation, and appellate law. He worked tirelessly to defend each and every client. In addition to his private practice, he was deeply involved in the local legal community by contributing his skills to a number of legal organizations. On March 21, 1987, he married Kathy, the love of his life. His loyalty to her was boundless. He told her daily how much he loved her and gave flowers on the 21st day of every single month for 38 years as a symbol of his devotion. Together, they loved to travel, gather with their friends, go dancing, and, of course, play golf at some of the most desirable golf courses in the world. They happily settled in the community of Cove Creek on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He immediately embraced the community by becoming involved with different POA committees as well as serving as a board member. He enjoyed a lifelong passion for golf which began as a boy when he would strap his clubs to his back and ride his bike to his local course. It was a game that gave him endless frustration and joy. Despite being a formidable player, he was the toughest critic of his own game. But he truly loved everything about the game. He had an amazing ability to recall the slope rating of every single golf course he ever played, including what iron he hit into a particular green. Not only did he love the game but he loved how it

Hazrat and Tamada

70/70 CLASS NEWS

gave him the opportunity to be with his friends and family. Golf was a consistent presence in his life and included yearly golf trips with his buddies, tournaments at his home course on Cove Creek in Stevensville, trips to PGA tournaments, and matches with his son Michael. Born a Detroit Lions and Tigers fan, he later became an ardent supporter of the Baltimore Ravens, becoming a season ticket holder the first year of the franchise and eventually seeing them win Super XXXV in person. He just loved sports. ESPN was a constant background hum in the household.

Gerard (Gerry) R. Finnegan, Jr., of Lincoln NE passed away in November. He earned his Naval Aviator wings after training in Pensacola, FL, and was stationed at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi and Naval Air Station Oceana, where he proudly flew the A4 Skyhawk with Fleet Composite Squadron Two (VC-2).

After his service in the U.S. Navy, Gerry spent his career as an independent Certified Financial Planner and was a founding member of the Nebraska Society of Certified Financial Planners. Gerry was a 19-year member of the adjunct faculty at the College of Business at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, teaching courses in Finance. He served on the Boards of Cedars’ Youth Services, Lincoln Citizen Advocacy, Wreaths Across America, and the Capital Humane Society.

Celestine Enzor Folga, longtime resident of Gulf Breeze, FL and wife of Richard Folga, passed away in ay, January. Celestine was born in Pensacola, FL and was raised in Crestview, FL. She was a proud graduate of The University of Alabama. She was dedicated to her family and friends and loved by all.

Erica Ann Marsh Ide, a longtime resident of Crofton, MD, and wife of Warren H. Ide, Jr. (Renny) passed away peacefully in December. Erica was born in Brooklyn, NY, and attended Severna Park High before transferring to Cocoa High School in Florida, where she graduated in 1965. She went on to study chemistry at the University of Florida. Erica and Renny were married in September of 1970 in Sudbury, MA, shortly after Renny graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy. Erica loved her family. She believed deeply in community service and volunteered as a Girl Scout leader, teaching French at Crofton Woods Elementary, and religious education at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Crofton. Her love of young children grew throughout her life, and she was always ready to greet little ones with a smile, joke, or treat. Playing piano, guitar and flute, she was an accomplished musician. During her active years she loved running and racquetball and later enjoyed playing bridge. She read almost constantly and for most of her life was rarely seen without a book nearby.

Bits and Pieces:

Bob Viney sent an update on the progress of the USS CinCinnati (SSN 693) Cold War Memorial and Peace Pavilion that a committee of former nuclear power and submarine veterans are building just north of Cincinnati. “It will be on the grounds of the Voice of America National Broadcast Museum. It will include a full-size replica of the USS Cincinnati, a fast attack nuclear submarine, incorporating the actual sail, fairwater planes, upper rudder and emergency diesel generator, the back-up power supply in case the nuclear power plant shuts down at sea. This Memorial will provide tribute to the veterans from all branches in the greater Cincinnati area who served during the Cold War. It will be a civic and patriotic icon and community gathering place on national and military service holidays. We also are developing an educational program to teach kids the history of the Cold War and the role that nuclear submarines and the Voice of America played in helping to win the Cold War. We will also cover the STEM topics related to the operation of a nuclear submarine – the operation of the key systems and equipment in each compartment and the science behind the operations. And we will have a small education center to conduct some hands-on activities related to STEM topics. We are working with 3 local school districts to develop unique presentations of the educational content to elementary, middle and high school kids.

Finally, we need to raise an additional $1.5 Million over the $6.5 Million we’ve raised to date to complete construction. We also need

to raise $500,000 for an Endowment to fund on-going upkeep and maintenance, and $1.0 Million for the STEM Education program we are designing with the help of 3 local school districts, which will employ animated graphics and an AI interface to teach the science behind the many technical aspects of nuclear submarine operations. This will include a segment on “How We Build Submarines” to excite kids about the skilled trade careers we need to build and maintain our submarine fleet. For more details to support and learn more, see on our website, at www.subcincy.org. The ribbon cutting to open the Memorial is scheduled for October 13, 2025. Many readers will recognize this date as the 250th birthday of the US Navy. Put the date on your 2025 calendar and help us make it a huge event!

(Shipmate Editor’s note: Look in the classified ad section of this issue for Bob’s classified.)

Terry Dailey: USNA Flag on their Med Cruise. Ring-A-Ding-Ding!

’70 USS Cincinnati Cold War Memorial and Peace Pavillion rendering

’71

Life Membership: 62%

Donor Participation: 27.88%

Pres: CAPT Perry Martini, USN (Ret.) e: pmartini71@gmail.com

Sec’y: CAPT Mike Longworth, USN (Ret.) e: duke.longworth@1971.usna.com myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9418/feed Website: http://1971.usnaclasses.net/

The dark ages are upon the Yard as I write this column. Although the daylight increases with each passing day, the cold days prevail. The good news - NAVY BEAT ARMY in a decisive victory! The future is bright for Navy Football as the team has many starters returning! Hopefully, Navy Football will dominate Army and Air Force for a few years and retain the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy!

First up is a note from our prolific author, Dave Poyer!

M“In November I transferred notes and manuscripts/typescripts of the 22 Dan Lenson (Tales of the Modern Navy) novels to the U.S. Naval Academy Nimitz Library. This included notes on THE COMMAND –TOMAHAWK – THE THREAT – CHINA SEA – THE CIRCLE – THE GULF – BLACK STORM –THE PASSAGE – RETURN OF PHILO MCGIFFEN – KOREA STRAIT - THE WEAPON – DEEP WAR - HUNTER KILLER - THE TOWERS+ materials accumulated for his various articles for Shipmate over the years. Included were the following original manuscripts or typescripts: THE COMMAND, THE MED, TOMAHAWK, CHINA SEA, THE CIRCLE, THE PASSAGE, RETURN OF PHILO MCGIFFEN, THE GULF. DEEP WAR. In the photo below I am with Dr. Jennifer Bryan of the Special Collections & Archives Division, doing the turnover on the shipping dock!”

Well done, Dave!

Next is a note from Wayne Peters: M “Duke, A small world story takes place at The Baldwin in Londonderry, NH. Four USNA graduates who did not know each other are now residents of a new continuing care retirement community. Pat and Bill Jarvis ’64 and Pat and Bob Henderson ‘64 were newly arrived at their just completed apartments when at dinner they discovered both Bill and Bob are USNA graduates, but even more

remarkable, they are classmates. Gail and Wayne Peters met Kims and Bill Bringhurst ’60 at a church service in Londonderry when they learned that both Bill and Wayne graduated from USNA. Neither the Brenthurst’s nor the Peters had moved in when they met. Both couples were waiting for their apartments to be ready. However, another small world story was yet to unfold. When the Peters’ learned that their apartment would not be ready until May, they were able to switch to a different apartment that allowed them to move in on 1 March 2024. They knew that Bill and Kims wanted a different apartment, so a quick phone call enabled Bill and Kims to switch to the apartment that Wayne and Gail were previously scheduled to occupy. The four couples have become friends and share in many of The Baldwin’s activities. The picture below was taken at the holiday extravaganza on the evening before Navy’s spectacular 31 to 13 win over Army. Needless to say, all four couples were overjoyed with the Navy victory. However, with over 30 veterans among 240 residents, many others were not thrilled. A little fun spirited ribbing was certainly in order. The picture below (L-R) Kims and Bill (15th CO), Pat and Bob (20th CO), Pat and Bill (16th CO), and Gail and Wayne (5th CO).”

Sure seems like a small world! Nice to have fellow alumni as neighbors and friends!

Next is a note from my USS O’Hare shipmate, Jeff Albright: “Duke, I received the attached picture from Mike Bluestein, 16th CO. Worthy of inclusion in our Shipmate Class News!”

M “Mike, aka Blue, received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award this past September. The award was presented by the FAA for 50 years of piloting and aviation experience. The award ceremony was held at the Delta Airlines training center in Atlanta where Blue is currently an instructor on the Airbus A350. An additional note on Blue’s aviation exploits. After he left active duty in 1977, in 1978 he flew for Southern Cross Aviation. In that part of his aviation career, he ferried general aviation planes to Australia. The initial leg was from Santa Barbara to Honolulu. Total flight time was about 20 hours, although one flight was over 24 hours due to higher-than-normal winds. Blue was solo in the plane, with no autopilot, and he was part of a formation of 4-5 planes. This was before any type of satellite

navigation - all dead reckoning. Blue describes it as ‘fun’ times!”

That’s an awesome story! I will ask Blue how he managed to stay in formation that long – no easy feat!

Bluestein receiving the FAA

Jim Waddell send this A-N game note: “Duke, What a great A-N game! I attended an A-N watch party sponsored by the National Veterans Memorial and Museum here in Columbus. We had just over 100 in attendance with Navy outnumbering Army by a small margin. But we beat Army in pushups by a large margin. In the attached photo (on the left from top to bottom) Justin Shineman ’91, Wayne Hallenbeck ’71, me, and Dan Wagner ’91. On the upper right (below the screen) is Elizabeth Clifton ’82 matching the guys one-forone in pushups. Wayne and I both are wearing our ’71 jerseys and Wayne has his gold ‘Beat Army’ shorts.

“If anyone is in Columbus I would recommend a visit to the NVMM. In addition to the permanent exhibits, they have special exhibits from time to time. The USNA and Navy paintings of Kristen Cronic ’11 were displayed in a prior exhibit. Last fall they had one on the ‘Ghost Solders’ of WWII Europe which was quite interesting.

“It was great to see the USNA Glee Club singing the Navy Hymn in the Capitol Rotunda honoring President Carter. They represented USNA and the Navy well.

“Stay warm as we enter some rather snowy Dark Ages! Jim.”

Army-Navy game in Columbus

Thank you for your your superb game day story!

Dave with Dr. Bryan on the shipping dock

Kims & Bill, Pat & Bob, Pat & Bill, Gail & Wayne

Mike

Master Pilot Award

71/72 CLASS NEWS

Perry Martini sent the note below:

M It is my distinct honor and pleasure to announce that one of four Astronauts and Distinguished Graduates has been awarded the Distinguished Federal Civilian Service Award. This is a great honor that few Americans have received, and our good friend and classmate is more than deserving of this distinction.

Congratulations, Bob - well done! Perry. I’m including a portion of the press release below:

M“Robert Cabana, who served as a NASA associate administrator, astronaut, and a colonel in the United States Marine Corps, received the President’s Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service, recognizing his exceptional achievements and public service to the nation. The award, signed by President Biden, is the highest honor the federal government can grant to a federal civilian employee

“NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy presented Cabana with the award during a ceremony at NASA Headquarters in Washington on Jan. 10. Cabana most recently served as NASA’s associate administrator, which is the agency’s highest ranking civil servant, from 2021 until he retired from the agency at the end of 2023.”

Tom Hammons sent this note:

M“The 2023 USNA Class of 1971 Ethical Character in Leadership award was presented to LTJG Cody Crane, USN onboard USS THeOdOre rOOsevelT (CVN 71) on 24 October 2024 . LTJG Crane is assigned as the Assistant Security Officer and Junior Officer of the Watch underway.

“Pictured in the photo below (L-R): Tom Hammons (34), Captain Brian Schrum ‘96, Commanding Officer, Steve Comer (31), Jim Bryant (20), LTJG Cody Crane, USN, Russ Stahlak (12) and Ed Hebert (10).”

Excellent photo! I hope to attend one of the award ceremonies in San Diego!

with ‘71ers

Sadly, three classmates passed away since my last column. NOTE: Full obituaries will be in a future Shipmate Last Call.

Philip Joseph Paul III of Easthampton, MA, died peacefully at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, on 27 December

2024, following a recurrence of leukemia. He is survived by his beloved wife, Margarita Sejas Paul, and his brother Michael (Elizabeth Lynch) Paul of Greenville, RI, and his sisters Dawn (Marilyn McCrory) Paul of Beverly, MA, and Sandra (Thomas) DiRaimo of Foster, RI. Funeral services were held on 5 January in Easthampton, MA.

Geoffrey L. McMullin of Pensacola, FL, died peacefully at his home on 2 January, following a two-year battle with cancer. He is survived by his four grandchildren: Madison McMullin, Shelby McMullin, Lily McMullin, Grayson McMullin and his daughter-in-law Kelli McMullin. His son, Michael, passed away 27 November 2024. He is also survived by his caring, loving neighbor Diane Bender. A private memorial for Geoff will be held in the future.

Scott W. McKenzie of Henderson, NV passed away following a life-ending battle with melanoma cancer on Thursday, 9 January. He is survived by his wife, Marie-Therese, daughter Kathleen, grandchildren and extended family. He was a proud retired Marine veteran, who served honorably in Vietnam and the Persian Gulf. A military honors service and committal was held Tuesday, 28 January, at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Boulder City, NV.

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. Our training to think critically and to analyze problems is necessary to solve our nation’s challenges. Now is the time to shape the future of our great nation as we strive for a more perfect union. There is plenty of work remaining as we increase our wisdom! Time, tide, and column due dates wait for no man!

Duke Longworth

’72

Life Membership: 59%

Donor Participation: 25.39%

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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9419/feed Website: http://1972.myusna.com

Class Listserv: TheGouge-USNA72@googlegroups.com

Facebook: USNA Class of 1972

Hi, everyone! Working our way through the Dark Ages with a plateful of good stuff this month, so here we go.

Let’s start with an after-action report from Bob Madden regarding last December’s annual Cost of Freedom Weekend: M “27th Company Hugh Blomeke, Gary Coyle, Karen (Fosse) Kline, Paul Huck, Bob Madden, Ron Stowell, and Bob Zimmerman celebrated its 18th Annual Cost of Freedom weekend at Turf Valley Resort, Ellicott City, MD this past December 13-15 with a total of 15 honored guest families, nine of which were Army combat wounded veterans, 2 Marine Corps, one Navy, and three Gold Star families. For many of these guests, it was a bucket list event matching up Army (10-1) and Navy (83) on Saturday while enjoying Friday and Saturday night with a Veteran All-Star lineup of Patriots. There was a total of 101 guests who became our Cost of Freedom family, including 15 children. The weekend always begins with a meet and greet/open toasting to God, family, country, and all things that make one proud to have served their fellow man. It takes a Suffolk County Police Piping Band to usher us into the ballroom to continue with festivities that honor our flag – National Anthem sung by Medal of Honor recipient Jim “Doc” McCloughan followed by the pledge of allegiance led by Delaney Madden and our future cyberspace warriors, “Ragged Old Flag” performed by Rob Madden ’97, and colors posted by Fort Meade Color Guard, including a special flag folding ceremony, leading the way for an evening of respect and sacrifice. Every year we have a theme, and 2024 theme was “Honor the sacrifice; Empower the future.” And that we did. After a “Cost of Freedom style family Italian buffet” dinner, “Doc” shared with all of us the values that make our nation special, and what we need to continue to be individually responsible for its greatness – courage, commitment, integrity, sacrifice, citizenship, and patriotism. One could sense the bonds of love amongst all that attended, knowing all had given some, and some had given all. Best-selling author Jack McLean shared with us how the writing of his two books “Loon: A Marine Story” and “Loon: A Veteran Story” helped him put his life back together after years of guilt and PTS, suggesting we all have an opportunity to change our journey. The Army-Navy game was no disappointment, except to the 9 Army combat wounded veteran families that arrived with high hopes – but in respectful fashion, we remained shoulder to shoulder for the entire time together, with a pause of 3 hours when we went head-to-head, Navy being the victor 31-13. We were blessed again with a sheriff escort to the game and a Travis Manion Foundation VIP tailgate. 30 guests volunteered to stay back and watch the game in our warm and cozy hospitality suite, hosted by Cindy Coyle, spouse of Gary Coyle ‘72. Although gathering tickets for the football game remains our major challenge, we secured 71 (one shy of 72, sir) seats, allowing ALL honored guests and their families the opportunity to witness

’71 Ethical Character Award recipient

America’s game. A highlight in the suite was when Navy sang second, and Ron Stowell and Paul Huck assisted Bob Zimmerman from his chair to sing Navy Blue and Gold – another act of selfless love. Saturday night was a ceremonial night including a tribute to USS Cole, led by Command Master Chief James Parlier, USN (Ret) and Gold Star mom Patty Wibberley, with a special tribute via video link by RADM Stanley Bryant ’69, USN, (Ret). We passed down the core values of honor, courage, and commitment, from a serviceman to selected children through our annual candle ceremony, ensuring the next generation gets firsthand the meaning of each value. The weekend would not have been complete without honored guest Rodney Harmon, USA, a poet laureate, sharing his creative moment with us called “Baton.” It provided all an opportunity to reflect on the present, the past, and the future. ’72 spouses provided a fabulous Sunday morning sendoff breakfast in the hospitality suite that included home baked goodies, healthy treats, and lots of hugs. The weekend remains about showing appreciation for the sacrifices our veterans have made – and continue to make. We felt blessed to be able to celebrate our nation’s greatest gift - freedom with those that have secured it for us. It was all Go Navy, Go Army, Go America – Costoffreedominc.org. ‘72ers stayed an extra day to enjoy a special dinner together, reminiscing about USNA’s last plebe year, and all those other stories that only exist in our memories.”

Speaking of Army-Navy, let it be known that our Class was well-represented in Landover last December. Here’s a photo of Al Olsen with his son, Charles, braving the cold and cheering on the Blue & Gold to a momentous victory.

7th Company Cruisin’ Dept. Dick Mu sends along the following:

M “7th Company combined a summer cruise and our 52nd Reunion aboard american serenade BB 07, American Cruise Lines. (In this case, BB means Beautiful Boat). We steamed from New Orleans to Memphis in seven short days. In addition to the above ports of call, we made landings at Baton Rouge, Natchez and Vicksburg for recon purposes. The good news: no shipboard training; the better news: accompanied tour. (You know: spouses reminded us not to forget our false teeth, etc.).. By the end of the week, spouses were thoroughly indoctrinated in Academy lore as well as tales that cannot be verified. Added benefit: the ship dedicated a training table to the 7th Company (see accompanying photo) and presented us with a birthday cake celebrating graduation day, 1972.

The accommodations and food were outstanding. Next June 2025, the same platoon with four reinforcements will be cruising in the Pacific northwest: Clarkston, Washington to Portland, Oregon, (Columbia & Snake Rivers) with various landings enroute. All Class of ‘72 ‘mates are invited.”

Trivia Questions Dept. Are you ready? Jeff Beard (jeffreyb72@icloud.com) asks the following:

M 1. Who founded USNA and when?

2. Oliver Hazard Perry is most famous for his flag/ensign that read what? (answers below…think Memorial Hall)

So, the last Shipmate illustrated how an endowment and our Class Legacy Fund would work, as well as why we’re running a second final campaign. (I promise…I’m too old for this …) I first want to report that the end-of-

year (2024) push for any leftover RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) funds to kick-start the campaign fared well as we’ve raised almost half of the $250,000 goal for the Class. My goal is to finish that part of the campaign off still this year before we get into the major part of the campaign in 2026. You’ll hear more from me on that front as we move forward.

Joe Thomas (introduction of the five pillars, why the Institute was created and is now the Superintendent’s top priority)

2. Center for Experiential Leadership –Maria Pallotta

3. I’m working with the Foundation to cut six videos of about 60-90 seconds each explaining the various components of our campaign. I’ll circulate them one at a time on The Gouge, and there will be a link in the e-mail directing you how to view the video. They’ll cover all the areas outlined in the Survey Monkey with which we’ve decided to move forward, based on your feedback. Two are the key areas that we’ve elected to support (Leadership Institute and Columbarium), one is an interview with the Class of ’78 regarding why they are running a similar endowment campaign, and the last is information for the 21 of you that indicated you might be interested in utilizing Planned Giving as a component of your gift, now that we can count those amounts as part of our $10 Million goal. Here are the six videos:

1. USNA Leadership Institute – Leadership, Education & Development – Rick Rubel

4. Columbarium – Dan Quattrini, Director Class Legacy Programs

5. Class Campaign – Endowment Strategy -John Rudder and John Shempkin (‘78), Jeff Beard (’72)

6. Planned Giving - Anissa Kossakowski, (the new) Director of Planned Giving

“Finally, a heads-up for those 50 of you who have volunteered to be part of our pre-campaign, beginning later this spring. This will provide an indication whether the endowment goal we’ve set ($10 Million) is achievable. If anyone else out there might be interested in participating in the pre-campaign, drop me a note.

Answers to the Navy trivia questions:

1. George Bancroft, Secretary of the Navy, in 1845

2. “Don’t Give Up the Ship” Closing Ranks.

Scott Stevens (15th Co.) passed away on Friday, 3 January 2025, in Waterville, KS. As a Plebe, he played football and set several athletic records. During Plebe Summer, Scotty matched the obstacle course record, set a record on the pistol range, and received a “4.0” on the applied strength test. He went Marine Air following graduation (flew the UH-1 Huey) and subsequently moved to the Lake Tahoe area, where he drove a snow

Olsen & Olsen

Dan and Gail Hawthorne; Dorie and Dick Mu; Terry and Judy Galvin; Gino and Pam Giannotti

’72: 27th Company at Cost of Freedom Weekend: Bix Goodwin, Bob Madden, Cindy Madden, Karen (Fosse) Kline, Steve Kline, Gary Coyle, Cindy Coyle, Bob Zimmerman, Bonnie Zimmerman, Fran Stowell, and Ron Stowell

groomer and built homes. He eventually settled in northeastern Kansas. His full obituary and a Guestbook can be found at www.apfunerals.com/obituaries/scott-stevens

Greg Lamberth (11th Co.) passed away at home in Sierra Vista, AZ on 29 November 2024. Following graduation, Greg went Marine Corps and was an artillery officer and a Naval Gunfire Support Officer, (requiring 22 parachute jumps out of “perfectly good aircraft”). He married Gretchen in 1977 and worked for BDM where he helped design and test weapons and communications systems. He earned an MBA and operated offices at Eglin AFB and Ft. Huachuca. He also worked for Raytheon Missile Systems, New-Tec, and ManTech EPG, and was a past president of the local International Test and Evaluation Association and the Association of Old Crows. His full obituary and a tribute wall can be found at: www.jensen mortuary.com/obituary/Gregory-Lamberth. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to the 501(c)(3) Class of 1972 Project Fund at: www.usna.com/give/1972.

Dick Lee (26th Co) of Burke, VA passed away on 22 January 2025. Dick became known as “YP” and the Greyhounds became his lifelong Navy family. He proudly served his country around the world for nearly 27 years, including a tour as CO of Oliver Hazard Perry (FFG 7). Dick is lovingly remembered by his wife, Susan; three children, ten grandchildren; and three siblings. His full obituary and a memory wall can be found at: www.fairfax memorialfuneralhome.com/obituaries/RichardPatrick-Lee?obId=34841052#/obituaryInfo

Dave Reppard (33rd Co.) of Richmond, Virginia, passed away peacefully on 28 November 2024. He came to USNA from Severna Park, remaining on active duty in the Navy for five years with another 22 years in the Naval Reserves, simultaneously serving 28 years as a Special Agent with NCIS, including an assignment in Italy. In retirement, he and Leslie travelled and avidly suypported Young Life Ministry. Dave is survived by his wife Leslie; his daughter and son, four grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Tribute donations can be made to Young Life Youth Ministry https://giving.younglife.org (designate gifts to Hanover County - VA58 or West End - VA45).

I received this follow-up from Mark Pistochini:

M “On 13 December, several of the “Buds” from 33rd Company gathered in Richmond VA to say farewell and celebrate the life of our brother, Dave Reppard. Dave’s widow Leslie and family were extremely welcoming and gracious, and the service was very moving. The reception afterwards allowed us to recall many stories about Dave’s life; from the Academy to the Navy, his service at NCIS and into retirement. Truly a fitting way to say goodbye.”

The Class extends its deepest sympathies to the families of each of our deceased Classmates.

That’s about it, folks. Stay focused on what matters and avoid the distractions. More to come. D. O.

Tried and True with ’72

’73

Life Membership: 67%

Donor Participation: 28.47%

Pres: Paul J. Ryan e: pauljryan@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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9420/feed

Hello everyone, I hope you are well and survived the Dark Ages and it is starting to warm up. As I write this (January) its 34 degrees with snow in Virginia Beach. I am ready for warm weather! To make things worse the mail buoy continues to ride high in the water.

I do have some news and updates. I have been saving this story for a “slow“ edition.

My son and family gave me a fishing trip on the James River for Christmas last year. If you have never been on one it’s pretty cool. The guide provides the rods, boat, bait, drinks, food, handles the boat, and fishing expertise. He supplies everything but the fish. That was the only down side, in seven hours of fly fishing we caught three fish. Bummer! Drifting on the James River through some very pretty country side is very enjoyable. The James River around Lexington, VA is a lot different than the James as it flows into Hampton Roads. The water is clear with small rapids. If you like fishing or want an opportunity to be with family or friends I highly recommend a fishing trip. I bet you can find something almost any place in the country, tailored to your location.

Paul Ryan asked me to share the following with you:

M “Hi Classmates: it’s been a nearly-historic Navy football season, with the Mids dominating Air Force 34-7, beating nationally ranked Army 31-13 to win the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy, then playing a tough game beating Oklahoma 21-20 in the Armed Forces Bowl. Blake Horvath, the Navy QB, is a junior this year, so we hope to see him again next season. Well done team! John Ashmore coordinates our class football tickets, so if you’re not a season ticket holder and want to be one, please contact John. We have a well-organized tailgate for all Navy home games, so please plan on joining us this fall. Although our 50th reunion isn’t too far in our rearview mirrors, Doug Rice will be starting the planning for our 55th reunion this fall. Go Navy. Paul”

Me and my record setting bass

My son Jimmy and his record setting bass!

’72: The Buds at Dave Reppard’s service. Steve Sisa, Vining Sherman, MIDN 1/C Charles Olsen, Big Al Olsen, Leslie Reppard, Mark Pistochini, Al Grube, J.G. Meyer, Eric Westberg, Gene Lovely, Dave Brumbaugh and Steve Dix

I have sad news to pass on. Virginia Mosis, wife of Dirk Mosis, passed away on 21 December 2024 after a prolonged battle with cancer. Virginia, or “Ginny” to family, was born on April 3,1958 in Atlanta, Georgia. She attended Converse College in Spartanburg, South Carolina for two years and graduated from the University of Georgia. She was a member of the American Society of Interior Design (ASID), a certification of which she was very proud. Virginia met Dirk in 1983 in Washington, DC and they were married in 1985. Dirk Malcolm was born in 1988, Kate in 1993, deceased, and Annie in 2002. She was an active member at First Baptist Church of Boerne as a Sunday School teacher, AWANA helper, mentor to moms and children choir leader. She did mission trips to China, Thailand, Uganda, Peru, Bangladesh and Siberia,. Virginia was an active tennis player and advanced to Nationals with her team in 2021. In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider a donation to First Baptist Church of Boerne (fbcboerne.org) or to a charity of your choice.

Kenneth “Kenny” LaDelfa, non graduate, passed away peacefully at his home, in St. Petersburg, Florida surrounded by his family on 18 December 2024. He grew up in St. Petersburg, FL, and graduated from Florida State University in 1974. He was an award-winning general contractor and the proud owner of KEL Construction, a business he successfully led for 38 years. Known for his integrity, expertise, and dedication, Ken left an indelible mark on the industry and the community he served. Ken is preceded in death by his first wife, Jeannie LaDelfa; He is survived by his devoted wife of 25 years, Renee Bailey-LaDelfa. The family kindly requests that donations be made in Ken’s name to Suncoast Hospice. Look for more on Kenny’s life in an upcoming Last Call and please keep our classmates and families in your thoughts and prayers

You are up to date. Please pass on any Dark Ages parties or other news. If you are looking for ways to help our injured service personnel I encourage you to check out Operation Mend run by the UCLA. As always, Go Navy and Semper Fi! General Non Sibi

’74

Life Membership: 60%

Donor Participation: 36.94%

Pres: John Yaeger

Corr Sec’y: Roger McEvoy

p: 559-905-7362; e: usna745677@hotmail.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9421/feed

Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried, Grapple them unto thy soul with hoops of steel:

December 14, 2024

Mr. Jeffrey Monken

Head Football Coach

United States Military Academy 606 Thayer Rd, West Point, NY 10996

Dear Coach Monken,

A few weeks ago, I was watching you being interviewed when you questioned the interviewer, asking, “Does Navy have a football team this year?”

I know you are a busy guy, and may not have time to stay abreast of current events, so thought I’d respond. 31 – 13! Any additional questions?

If we can be of additional service, please do not hesitate to call.

I guess that covers Army-Navy…except… Neil Rondorf (30th Co.) forwarded a couple of photos from the Virginia Beach USNA ’74 game watching tribe. After many years of attending the main A-N watching venue in Virginia Beach, and doing push-ups for each point scored on the tables (so he claims), this year a select (?) group of classmates convened their own party at the Pleasure House Brewery. Viz (Rich Vizzier) (17th Co.) had a connection there. According to Neil, the name of the establishment, which goes back to pirate days in the Tidewater area, is self-explanatory, and inferred that Rich’s connection is somehow related. He encouraged me to use my imagination to connect the dots, so to speak.

Anyway, these two photos framed the game, from Kick-off to the last 20 seconds. If you cannot read the print in the TV frame, it documents the 31-13 score with Coach Newberry shaking hands with who I suspect is Coach Monken. And I have it on good authority that the celebrity in the photo is a member of ZZ Top, evidently standing in for John Harrison (5th Co.).

VA Bch Army-Navy Watchers

So, this pretty much takes us up to the end of the year 2024. For most of you, it should be getting nice and warm by the time you read this issue in early April. Right now, (midJanuary), Pensacola is buried in 7” of snow, and even Jacksonville got a dusting. In January, 1977 I was an instructor in VT-3, at Whiting Field in Milton, FL. We got 4 to 5 inches of the white stuff then. I remember thinking, “We’ll probably never see THIS again.” Well, jg’s are usually pretty short-sighted. Anyway, I hope your 2025 is starting off well. And there is always great stuff to which we can look forward. With almost the entire starting offense returning next season, and a very strong defense that had great depth, I suspect Navy will be a real force in the AAC this year. Stay tuned…

Still, reality hits hard. In the last two months we have learned of the passing of five classmates.

74: A Moment in The Sun

74/75 CLASS NEWS

Tony Racette (3rd Co.) forwarded the news that John Burkhart passed last October. John was in 30th Platoon/ Company plebe summer/plebe year, which ended up as 14th Company at graduation. John left early to pursue other academic opportunities, but Tony attended Bullis Prep with John, and they had stayed in contact over the years. Tony asked that we pass on the news of his passing, along with the following photo.

My (8th) company also lost a brother who left early. David Stanley left during youngster year when we were 3rd Company. He was a talented Track athlete, and left to be able to put more emphasis on his running. He was a natural leader, and we were all shocked when he announced he was resigning. Dave ended up getting his MBA at Ohio State and had a very successful career in Banking. In 2000 he was inducted into his (Canfield, Ohio) high school Hall of Fame. His plebe summer roommates, two underachievers (Jim Rucks, the future brigade subcommander, and David Oyster, the future Navy dentist and periodontist, remember him fondly. Seems they all had a proclivity for posing in their underwear. David passed on November 12, 2024.

Ron Polkowsky (13th Co.) passed on Christmas Eve last month. I didn’t know Ron, but his personal write-up in the Lucky Bag indicates he was man in search of truth, always trying to reach the unreachable star.

Pat McNallen (12th Co.) passed away on November 24, 2024. Most of us knew Pat because of his athletic accomplishments. He became a bit of a celebrity plebe year, being the brother of starting QB Mike McNallen. But Pat ended up being the QB for our 150 lb. team. I personally remember Pat as one of those guys that defies definition. There were

many facets to his personality. We shared a berthing compartment during youngster cruise, and I remember that he played poker nearly all night, nearly every night, for big money, while on cruise. Pat was always up for a good time, and yet his family was always at the center of his universe. Perhaps one of the best things I can tell you about Pat is that after a very successful career in the Medical Supply industry, where he spent his last few years before his retirement as the CEO of Elbit Systems of Merrimack, NH, he spent a number of his retirement years as a crossing/safety guard for the Amherst police department, looking after school children as they made there way to and from school. Every day he would give them a riddle to figure out, and he would give them the answer on their way home from school. Pat apparently figured out what life was all about. My heart goes out to 12th company for your loss.

And it is with particular sadness that I report the passing of Wayne “D” D’Ambrosio (31st Co.), another man of many facets. We all knew D as a football and rugby player. A guy who didn’t take anything too seriously. A guy who was always ready for a good time. Academics didn’t turn him on. To the casual observer, this care-free attitude may have disguised the powerful intellect behind the vibrato. D and I worked at COMSAT Corporation together in the Mobile Satcom Division. I became deeply impressed with his technical knowledge, but even more so with his ability to read people and achieve in the group dynamic. Of course, he was a regular at Navy tailgates. When he and Rita got together, they were a tremendous addition to those Saturday afternoons. My heart sinks when I think about those days as strictly past events. An autumn Saturday afternoon in the parking lot of Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, D and Rita, Mick Halbreiner, John & Joyce Brown, Skip Stocknick …I think of D, and those days come to mind. D passed on Friday, December 13. The day before THE GAME. Sometimes, life isn’t fair.

Go Navy, Beat Everybody in 2025!

Roger

’75

Life Membership: 62%

Donor Participation: 47.21%

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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9422/feed Website: http//1975.usnaclasses.net/

Dear ’mates,

Thanks to the immense and inexhaustible effort of webmaster Andy Howard, our class website has a new look. The link is in the

column header above. This is the primary site for all 50th Reunion information. See the FAQ section under the 50TH REUNION tab. Registration will be open around the time you receive this issue.

While you are online, cruise on over to the Gulf to Goat webpage (www.gulftogoat.navy) and review the ambitious and very cool plan for October’s bike ride from Apalachicola to the Navy goat statue inside Gate 1. This issues’ focus charity is The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which is the world’s leader in the search for a cure for CF and supports a broad range of research initiatives to tackle the disease from all angles. Our classmate Bill Squires has a son who has been battling CF since age five. Bill has devoted tremendous amounts of time and money to helping the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in their mission. Now all of us can help in the cause.

Warmest congratulations to ’75’s newest Distinguished Graduate, Jon Greenert! The induction ceremony will be in the fall. Most well deserved, Classmate!

Congratulations as well to Alex Plechash, who was elected to the position of Chair of the Minnesota Republican Party.

And while we’re handing out congratulations, here’s to Dave Frost. At the Pull for Navy rowing banquet on 22 February, Frosty received the 2025 Craig Thrasher Service to Rowing Award. The Class of ’75 rowers presented ALITC coins to their Class of ’25 counterparts. As part of the ceremonies, the 75 Crew Legacy Gift was presented at Hubbard Hall. [At the time of this writing, the gift fund was at $270K and rising.]

Once again, we’ve lost a very good man far too soon. Jay Carrizales succumbed to heart failure. A company mate of your Scribe, J.J. was known throughout the Brigade for his energy, enthusiasm, and love of life. When I was hospitalized for my first cancer surgery in 2001, one of my first visitors was one of our 9th company plebes — Lee Price ’78. Jay called Lee and told him, “Plebe year never ends. Get your butt over to the Naval Hospital and check on Warrenfeltz.”

Plebes Extrodinaire

Alex with Lara Trump on the night before Inauguration Day 2025

John Burkhart

A number of ’mates attended the Service Assignment night event for our links in ’25. The event does a wonderful job in bringing the entire class together to share in the excitement and, in some cases, disappointment over their Service Assignment. As always, the firsties were more than happy to include the old guys

in the festivities. The new process is certainly different than what we experienced. Nowadays, the mids fill out a dream sheet when they start 1/c year. The Navy massages them to accommodate each set of dreams based on class rank and the needs of the Navy. “The main purpose of the Naval Academy is to

deliver “war fighters” and Unrestricted Line Officers to the Navy and Marine Corps.”

Special thanks to Steve Hubbard who does a fantastic job leading our ALITC efforts. In addition, we thank Nancy Gough, who made special candy with wrappers that joined the 75 and 25 class crests. Nancy is also responsible for the wonderful job of taking the group photo and using her photoshop skills to make sure all hands are included in the photo.

On 11 January 2025 at Pier Bravo, Mayport FL, members of the class of ’75 braved the cold of Northern Florida and boarded USS dOnald cOOk (DDG 75) for the awarding of the USNA ’75 Leadership Award. [Some Background: The ship is named for Medal of Honor recipient Donald Cook, Colonel, USMC. On 4 December 1998, DDG 75 was commissioned at Penn’s Landing Pier in Philadelphia. At the reception the evening before, representatives of USNA 75 — Steve Hubbard, Larry Warrenfeltz and Chris Cikanovich —announced the institution of the USNA 75 Leadership Award.] The Leadership Award is presented annually to the Junior Officer who exhibits the highest ideals of leadership as determined by their peers and cOOk’s Commanding Officer. Each recipient is awarded a sword provided by the US Naval Academy class of 1975.

Members of our class have presented the award each year to the selected junior officer. The award ceremony usually is made as a solo event with a single member of the class presenting the award. This continued even when the ship was forward deployed in Rota, Spain. For the first time, the 2025 ceremony included eleven classmates and four spouses/ significant others. We were also honored to have Donald Cook’s son Tim and his wife Tina present for this award ceremony. Attendees included Chris Cikanovich, Sam Dennis, Mike Engler, John Ginn, Monica and Steve Harmon, Bill Neill, Gail and Dave Penman, Bill Shannon, Cindy and Bob Sweeney, David Thompson, Dawn Crowley, and Bill Weyand

LTJG Rowell did an outstanding job as the cOOk’s escort officer. Each classmate (and one spouse) who retired above the rank of O-5 was bonged aboard (forcing them to remember exactly how to properly board a ship). They enjoyed a great Navy lunch in the wardroom and received a detailed tour of the ship before the crew was formed for the awards. They did note that the ladders seem to be much steeper now than they were in the 70s.

Since the cOOk recently returned from forward deployment and immediately had a change of command, the CO was understandably unable to make the award a priority until recently. Consequently, we were two years behind in the awards. RADM Bill Shannon and CAPT Bob Sweeney presented swords to the two recipients who were present. One award-winning lieutenant was TAD.

Nancy and I look forward to seeing many, many of you in October. Hopefully, the Big

’75: Service Assignment night for ’25

’75

’75: Lunch in the wardroom

Blue Navy football team will be building on 2024’s success when we gather in Annapolis. The Athletic’s “Way Too Early Top 25” for 2025 has us at #24. I don’t disagree. Both Army and Navy had memorable football seasons last year. Army was 12-2, won the American Athletic Conference championship, led the nation in rushing, won the Joe Moore award, but lost to Navy. Navy went 10-3, won the Commander-in-Chief trophy, and beat Army. (I’ll take our season over theirs.) 75 Sir!

Larry

’76

Life Membership: 59%

Donor Participation: 29.54%

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 myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9423/feed Website: http//usna76.wordpress.com/

As I put the final touches on this column, I can see outside my window that the forecasted significant Winter event has begun in earnest. Latest estimates for snow accumulation are 9-10” overnight in Kure Beach! Did you know that The Weather Channel started naming high-impact winter storms 13 years ago and that this latest storm has been named Enzo? Well, enough of this talk about the weather – onto the class news!

Greg Vaughn (36th Co.) has a report from Pentagon City:

M Attached is a photo of the participants in the pre-Army/Navy game Class of ’76 Luncheon at Lebanese Taverna in Pentagon City. As you may know, since the last Thursday of November was Thanksgiving, Chuck Litz moves the luncheon to the Thursday before the Army/Navy game in December – making it a

combined November and December luncheon and the last one in 2024. The next regular luncheon will be the last Thursday of January 2025. For this luncheon we had the pleasure of being joined by two wives – Kathy Little and Patricia Varsanyi. As Chuck Litz remarked, their presence elevated the conversation and improved the vocabulary of those classmates in attendance. Chuck lent his high-end iPhone camera to the staff to capture a photo of all of those present from ’76.

A good time and good food were had by all – in perfect preparation for the decisive win over Army two days later!

Tom Kennedy (26th Co.) had a 26th Company classmate luncheon in early December:

M Kenda and Dave Deford, Bob and Karen Belling joined Barb and me at The Reef Restaurant in St. Augustine, FL on Monday December 9th to hold a mini–Beat Army lunch rally. It was great to catch up and trade many stories including a few house glitches (nightmares).

TK also had a

Fred Byus (35th Co.) writes from his new abode, see the photo on following page:

M After nearly 20 years living in the District of Columbia, Kathy and I have retired, sold our DC home, and relocated to Fayetteville NC. We chose this area to be nearer our small farm and remain close to EST kids and grandkids. We will be staying in touch with friends and classmates who remain in the DC area and throughout Virginia as well. Attached is a collage of some of the sites at home and on the farm as we work to make something better of our property. We have chickens and ducks and hope to have more as we clear the 50 years of junk that has been left behind by previous owners. I am convinced that each junk pile is someone’s failed dream and that makes the work bittersweet.

Wayne Walters (35th Co.) checks in with news from Monterey, CA:

M Passing along a couple of pictures of our son Matthew’s December 18th graduation from NPS. CDR Matthew Walters ’02, earned his PhD in Engineering Acoustics, and returned to Annapolis on January 2nd for his 3rd and final set of orders to USNA as a Permanent Military Professor in the Department of Physics. Matthew (“Scratch”) as a Navy junior, has now lived on the yard longer than any other place since he was born. We are very proud of him, our daughter in law, Adrienne, and their daughter, Grace. We are so thankful that we could travel to Monterey and be with them during this very special time as Mary had major heart surgery October 1st but had recovered enough for us to attend.

We will be sending along more pictures in February as we will be traveling to Meridian, Mississippi as our son-in-law, CDR Evan Scott ’07, assumes command of VT-9 on January 31st. We have much to be thankful for and pray daily for all our active-duty sons and daughters and their families.

26th Company Classmates and wives enjoying lunch at The Reef Restaurant

Bob & Karen Belling, Kenda & Dave Deford, Barb & Tom Kennedy

visit from Peter Varsanyi who was in Florida visiting his daughter.

Tom Kennedy (holding his mini long-haired Dachshund, Birdie) and Peter Varsanyi at Tom’s house in Florida in January.

’76: Kevin Stone, Peter Varsanyi, Patricia Varsanyi, Kathy Little, Brad Little, Greg Vaughn (standing), Chuck Litz, John Locks, and Bruce Petit.

Kevin Stone (34th Co.) has an important invitation for our class!

M Sirs, you now have less than 100 days until Ring Dance! Yes, we are invited to the Class of 2026’s Ring Dance. Do you want to relive that evening 50 years ago when you and your now wife danced the night away? Perhaps you met your better half years later and you want to prove that the stories about a giant ring and the waters of the seven seas are true. Well, have your OAO start shopping for a fancy dress, and you need to dust off your tux or, if you can fit into them, have your White Mess Dress drycleaned and join the Class of 2026 as they celebrate at their Ring Dance in Dahlgren Hall on Saturday, May 17th. Need a room? Get hot, as rumor has it that there a lot of parents in town that night. We’re looking at having a ’76 dinner in town beforehand so watch your emails for the signup as we must let 2026’s Class officers know how many to expect and a headcount for the dinner.

I am saddened to share the news of the passing of two of our classmates:

Neil Jensen (25th Co.) passed away on 22 DEC 24

https://www.usna.com/find-an-obituary ?story=9899

Tom Murray (27th Co.) passed away on 27 DEC 24

https://www.usna.com/find-an-obituary ?story=9868

Jerry Willett (27th Co.) wanted me to mention that Tom Murray was a roommate of Jerry and Jed Grayson Plebe & Youngster years. Tom, originally from Louisville, played Fullback for the Plebe and JV football teams. He left USNA in 1974 due to a football injury and completed his studies at the University of Kentucky. Jerry was able to keep up with Tom over the years when he moved to Cincinnati for work and later returned to Louisville after retiring from Hormel. Jerry remarked that Tom was a great guy and that his obituary was certainly a reflection of a life well lived.

Our sincere condolences to the families of Neil and Tom.

’77

Life Membership: 75%

Donor Participation: 29.36%

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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9424/feed

“I was helped by having a verbatim memory of what happened years ago, even if I can’t remember what happened a couple of days ago.”

– James Herriot

Not to mention what we meant to say to someone or why we called Jenny a mere five minutes ago! And it ain’t getting better from Now, attention to brief!

First up, Jim Coulson (12th Co.) took time off from enjoying his four grandchildren (#4, his third granddaughter, arrived this past June) to inform us, upon contemplating the increasingly fragile nature of our existence, some 12th company-mates and he decided the 50th was too long a wait, and got together to celebrate life and enjoy each other’s company now instead of later. Shown nearby are:

Back row, left to right: Jim Coulson (12th Co.), Steve Weingart (12th Co.), Denny Simon (12th Co.), Patty Simon, John Vuolo (12th Co.), Scott Thomas (12th Co.), Fred Kinkin (12th Co.) and Jeff Jones (12th Co.). Front Row, left to right: Maggie Coulson, Lori Weingart, Jeff Patterson (12th Co.), Jeff’s wife Kathy, Diane Thomas, Mary Kinkin and Lee Weddle, widow of Jeff Weddle (12th Co.).

Beth Vuolo was in Florida with her father helping him recover from the hurricanes, while Kathy and John Sill (12th Co.) were en route when health issues forced them to abort the mission. We hope and pray all is well with the Sills

The Coulson’s continue to breathe Navy Blue & Gold, with daughter Deidre (USNA ’11) flying SAR out of Pax River, while her husband Andrew (USNA ’09) is in the Reserves while flying for United. Daughter Jamie and her

Mary and Wayne Walters in a festive pose

Mary & Wayne Walters stand proudly with Adrienne & Matthew Walters and their daughter, Grace, at Matthew’s graduation from the Naval Postgraduate School on December 18, 2024

’76: Fred and Kathy Byus embracing their new life in Fayetteville, North Carolina

husband Sean (USNA ’13) reside in Virginia Beach, where she is an ER veterinarian, and he’s recently left active duty to join Delta while continuing in the Reserves as a contract aggressor pilot.

Next, John Achenbach (23rd Co.) sent the following photos taken while blazing Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail. Shown below enjoying the finer things in life are, left to right, Rich Snead (7th Co.), George Platz (23rd Co.), Mark Stephenson (23rd Co) and John Achenbach (23rd Co.)

From left to right above with their better halves are Kerrie and John, MaryAnne and George, Missy and Rich and Marcela and Mark.

Using Louisville’s Brown Hotel as a base, our corn mash connoisseurs toured and tasted the offerings from a number of the Bluegrass State’s finest distilleries, including StitzelWeller, Old Forester, Michter’s, Rabbit Hole, Maker’s Mark, Heaven Hill, Bardstown, Four Roses and Buffalo Trace. They also enjoyed snacks at Stitzel-Weller’s Garden and Gun

Club, lunch overlooking the Kentucky River gorge at Wild Turkey, golf at Fort Knox and every evening the finest cuisine Louisville had to offer. All in all, a most intoxicating time!

Then there’s this correction from Paul Colman (19th Co.), who was first to inform us of an egregious, indeed unforgiveable error contained in an earlier column in which Bob Barnes (22nd Co.) confused a Shellback ceremony, which involves crossing the Equator, with a Bluenose ceremony, occasioned by traversing the Arctic Circle. Paul added there’s nothing quite like sucking a blueberry out of the Royal Baby’s navel, an experience we’re happy not to have had.

So shame on Barnesy for mistaking one for the other, and yours truly for publishing the specious story sans fact-checking. Bob, brace up until further notice and come around when you’ve had a chance to bone up on your Reef Points

When they’re acting as bear bait whilst biking in Glacier National Park…

…Paul and his wife Linda enjoy retirement in Signal Mountain, TN, where both volunteer at the Tennessee Aquarium, which Paul notes is another term for shoveling penguin sh*t. Paul is also a volunteer docent at the Medal of Honor Heritage Center in Chattanooga, which is considered the birthplace of the award. Which requires us to cite a couple somewhat innocuous facts, the first provided by Paul, the

second from Webster’s Dictionary: (1) This is owing to the fact the first six MoH’s were awarded to members of Andrews’ Raiders who participated in The Great Locomotive Chase, which took place nearby on April 12, 1862; (2) A docent is defined as “a person who acts as a guide, typically on a voluntary basis, in a museum, art gallery, or zoo”. Any question Buddy Barker already knew these two tidbits of trivia?!?

And in the wide, wild world of sports, Dave Coss (6th Co.) related news his daughter Daryl Ann, an ex-Loyola women’s lax standout and now coach at Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC, helped the Philippines national women’s team to a third-place finish in the Asia-Pacific Championship in Brisbane. Daryl Ann is shown below proudly displaying her bronze medal.

Dave’s wife’s side of the family is of pure Filipino heritage, requiring Daryl Ann, as well as all the other U.S. players, to obtain dual citizenship in order to participate. This marks the first time a team from the Philippines has qualified for the World Championships, to be held next year in Tokyo. Quite an accomplishment for Daryl Ann, and for Dave, the chance to mark off two items on his Bucket List: Visiting Brisbane and Tokyo. BTW, no doubt Daryl Ann got her looks, if not her athletic prowess, from her mother!

In an interesting aside, the night before her departure from LAX, Daryl Ann stayed with Nancy and Rob Lamb (6th Co.), Dave’s old roomie, at their home in Pacific Palisades. Two days later, the fires hit. Though Nancy and Rob’s home was miraculously spared from the devastation which quite literally surrounded them, Rob informs us it may well be two years until they’ll be able to return. Until then, they’ve been fortunate to find a rental.

So congratulations to the Coss family, and all the best to the Lambs, along with a prayer of thanksgiving.

In our penultimate offering, consider this photo taken at Trump’s inaugural:

UPDATE YOUR PROFILE

’77: 12th Co. Mini-reunion

Yes, that’s the new SecNav, John Phelan, sandwiched between Phil Schlaepfer (4th Co.), the pride of Ithaca, and Joe Christofferson (4th Co.). Here’s wishing Secretary Phelan Godspeed as he works to help our Navy meet the increasing challenges of an ever-more dangerous world.

Finally, we’ll call it a wrap with an administrative note, as Marc Troiani (4th Co.) requests anyone interested in attending the GLE contact him via email at mtroiani1@ verizon.net, or on his cell (410) 984-1426.

Magoo

’78

Life Membership: 81%

Donor Participation: 50.52%

Pres: Glen Woods

e: glenwoods@verizon.net

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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9425/feed Website: usna1978.org

Well, where has the beginning of 2025 gone? As this goes to print, January is finished. Before you know it, 2026 will be on the horizon. In the meantime, let’s see what we can say about what has transpired with some of you since the last column.

One big item is the retirement of our “Last Man Standing [in uniform],” Bill “If” Fell (34th Co). In December, “If” retired from his job as the Assistant Director of the Department of Physical Education, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and as a CAPT in the Merchant Marines. There were a string of activities leading up to his official retirement to include being honored by the local school, Great Neck North High School and having the event covered by the local new station. I had the pleasure of joining in on the reception for “If” that his co-workers put on for him. It was clear to see that Bill has made a big impact on them and the Midshipmen with whom he came in contact. His bride, Deb, brother, daughter

Kim and granddaughter were there to proudly watch everyone present If with gifts and speak affectionately about him. Something tells me he’ll still be a fixture around the Academy, still providing mentorship, inspiration and encouragement to all the Mariners. (As Deb put it, he’ll have to do something, or he’ll drive her crazy- which is the same pitch I get from Elizabeth.)

wrote to report that in December, Carolyn and he took a month-long trip to South Africa and Namibia. In between the two, they flew from Cape Town, South Africa to Antarctica, on a nine-day expedition / adventure on the ice. The Antarctica expedition included the highlight of visiting the South Pole with the U.S. base and research station there - the farthest point south on earth (90 degrees South,) then a refueling stop and brief sleep at the most remote camp on earth, Dixie’s Camp (see sign.) They also visited a huge Emperor Penguin colony at Atka Bay, with thousands of “teenage” chicks and their colorful adult parents. They enjoyed numerous other exciting activities, including ice climbing on a glacier face, riding a zip line (ok - not the O-Course,) hiking a few miles to the ocean then through a natural long deep-blue ice tunnel, and exploring a crystal-laden ice cave. He “made sure to take [his] shipmates to the South Pole with [him] (note ’78 hat and N* shirt.)”. The trip was not Steve’s first junket to Antarctica. In 1992 as CO of a Navy Reserve unit, he took them from New Zealand to U.S. base at McMurdo Station in 1992, on a mission in support of Operation Deep Freeze. We look forward to hearing about his six days in Namibia.

Gerry Katilius (10th Co) is now a Staff Consultant for video ads at Google. He’s also helped organize and host the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Human Engineering Research Labs (HERL) 30th Anniversary event- first in July. Then in November he hosted a Fireside chat with the Labs Founder and Director Dr. Rory Cooper at Google  Pittsburgh. Dr. Cooper has pioneered and invented multiple technologies assisting veterans and others with disabilities and was recently awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, our nation’s highest honor for technological achievement bestowed by President Biden. Gerry is among the many of you who have volunteered to help with our Another Link in the Chain efforts. He’s been acting as our PoC for the twelve 2028 Mids from Western, PA. We both hope that gives him a reason to get back to Annapolis for events more often. Perhaps he can join us to watch the “paint dry” when they climb Herndon. Thanks for the update, Gerry. Hope to see you in Annapolis.

Dr. Cooper and Gerry

Here are a couple more “But still when two or three shall meet” occasions. Kim Tageson (36th Co) sent a quick note in early January to speak of a moment of “Serendipity!” where he and his Plebe summer roommate, Mike Sears, met at Ohare Airport as they made their respective connecting flights. Mike was flying to Singapore to talk about his new book “Existence and Algorithm” whereas Jane and Kim were headed to a Western Caribbean cruise. Mike has great arrangement going with regard to his book. He goes on all expense cruises to conduct classes on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and his book. He has traveled to some great places around the world. Kim added, “In case anyone asks, Mike does not need a personal assistant to travel to exotic places and set up his reservations. Not that I asked, mind you, it just sorta came up in conversation!” Thanks for the update, Kim. In early January, Janet and Fred Butterfield (22nd Co) had a wonderful dinner in Norfolk with Patricia and Ray Milton (18th Co). Fred added that, “Ray and his bride found themselves in our fair city this week for Ray’s work.” They were joined with great friends, Cindy and Jim Gassaway (’77).

Bill, Deb and their granddaughter

Steve Koronka

Steve and Carolyn at the South Pole

Many of you have attended Navy events around the nation. The Military Bowl Game was one of many of those. Here’s a composite photo (to save space) culled from pics I got of some attendees. On the left, amongst a sea of OU fans, the Perry family was proud and loud when it came time to singing second. The photo shows USNA Alumni and Marines, Craig Perry (’10) and his bride, Alysha, Chris Perry (’07) and the patriarch, our own (and my old squadron mate), Curt Perry (4th Co). Unfortunately, mom and Curt’s bride, Claudine, had fractured a bone in her foot and missed the fun. We hope by now she all healed and back to being able to dance with all her fine young men. Next are Mo Tose (17th Co), John Young (4th Co) and John Semcken (2nd Co) with the Supe (“Club 34”, ’89) along the sidelines. Carol and Mike Duncan (22nd Co) were also among the many.

Please remember all our classmates, their families and friends, who are still recovering from Hurricane Helene, the fires in California and all the disasters that have befallen our nation. Keep them in your prayers, contributions and volunteerism. Many of you have already been involved in many different ways to provide aid, comfort and recovery. That said, Dennis Otoshi (33rd Co) is still in the Ukraine, working as a volunteer medic with the International Red Cross. He spent Christmas and New Years 6,139 miles from his home in San Francisco/Oakland, CA. His New Year saw Russia sending in 111 drones towards Ukraine with some of those hitting Kyiv that early morning. Two prominent scientists were killed and seven injured in the capitol. Dennis manned a Red Cross first aid station that same evening and made soup for one of the evacuees and the firefighters. It was a very long day for

him. While the Shipmate rules prohibit me from soliciting in these columns, I ask you to go to our website. In the “Class News” tab look up the link to provide support for Dennis and his personal mission. To Dennis and all of you who make a difference in our communities, our nation, the world, and with individuals in your day to day interaction with people, you make me proud to be your classmate. Semper Fi. Launchin’ Spot Four.

’79

Life Membership: 91%

Donor Participation: 21.35%

Pres: CAPT Dave Jackson, USN (Ret.) e: dajaxn79@gmail.com

Sec’y: LCDR John “Wiz” Withers, USN (Ret.) 1886 Woodpoint Ct., Lawrenceville, GA 30043 p: 240-298-1006; e: JDWithers@1979.usna.com myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9426/feed Social Network Links: http://www.linkedin.com/in/wizwithers Facebook Group: USNA Class of 1979 Website: www.usna79.com

Greetings 79ers!

Well, here we are in the last vestiges of the winter of 2024-25. With the awesome result at the Army-Navy game, the holidays, college football and NFL playoffs and the political news, it was quite an intensive three months! Hard to believe we’re a third of the way through 2025 already.

The class virtual mailbag is still pretty full. Right before the holidays I received a great update from Tom “TP” Phelan. He and Donna are new to the world of recreational vehicles, yet they’ve already had some interesting news: M Hi Wiz. It’s been awhile since I sent in an input, but had a chance encounter with a classmate at the Washington KOA campground near BWI.

Donna and I just got started in the RV world and were setting up camp on our “shakedown cruise”. I was putting up our USNA flag and a couple walked by and asked, “What class”? I said ‘79”, and he said, “Me, too!”

It was Jim Ratte (9th Co). Since I was 23rd Co, our paths probably didn’t cross much. Aviator meets submariner RVing. Jim and

Tammy are permanent RVers traveling around the country seeing family.

We watched the Navy vs South FL game at our RV. Great time!

All the best, TP

Thanks, TP – if you didn’t have that USNA flag with you, you guys probably wouldn’t have connected. I’m sure it will be a permanent fixture in your new RV from here forward. Safe travels – and be sure to drop a line occasionally with updates of your trips.

Several ’79ers include me in their annual Christmas letters. One letter I can always count on is from Cindy and Pat Dennis. In between trips to places like Egypt, Jordan, Mackinac Island in Michigan, and Albuquerque, NM, Pat somehow finds time to work as a federal employee and an online adjunct professor. Cindy was honored to be elected as an Honorary Bencher for her work as the American Inns of Court Awards and Scholarships coordinator. For more than 20 years Cindy has facilitated the scholarship exchange programs and arranged educational visits between the American Inns of Court and their English counterparts. Congratulations, Cindy!

Another Christmas regular is B-J and Bill Jones. The Joneses are both fully retired and still reside in coastal Mississippi. They were recently joined by one of their mothers – it’s nice having her close by instead of 500 miles away. This past summer they took mom to North Dakota, the one state she hadn’t visited. Along the way B-J visited two more state capitals, bringing her total to 48. Maybe the last two will get checked off this year.

Of course, grandparents are never “retired”, and Bill and B-J are both active hosting and visiting grandkids. I tried to count how many they have, and I came up with different numbers each time. So B-J: when you read this, email me and let me know the current total. Thanks to both of you for writing in.

I also received a great card and letter from my 19th Company-mate Kevin “Derb” Derbin. Derb is in his second year at Accurate Paper Box, staying very busy as he and his son revitalize the smnall business. In addition to attending our 45th reunion, Derb also reunited with several shipmates from his active duty tour in USS iwO Jima (LPH-2).

Butterfields, Miltons and Gassaways

RV kings: Jim Ratte and TP Phelan

’78 at the Military Bowl

79/80CLASS NEWS

Pam and Derb also spent some time in Summerville, SC visiting his mom on the occasion of her 94th birthday. And speaking of Pam, she is now fully retired, spending time with grandkids (of course) and occasionally quilting. Thanks, guys, for writing in.

I also received a card from Diane and Mac Silvester. Mac is still working, albeit part time at REI. Mac and Diane are thrilled that their son and daughter have both relocated back to Virginia, so they can see the grandkids (there’s a theme here…). Outside of work Mac keeps busy with bike rides, splitting wood, home repairs and attempts to improve his culinary skills.

In November Diane and Mac traveled to New Zealand. Activities included museum visits, sailing in Auckland Harbor, and hiking in Tongariro National Park. Mac also took part in a photography workshop there while Diane worked on her watercolors. Sounds like a great trip - thanks for the card.

Unfortunately, as is becoming all too common, I must report the loss of two classmates. In December Thomas “Tom” McPhillips (12th Co.) passed away after a brief illness. While in active duty Tom flew with helicopter squadrons HM-12 and HM-16 in Norfolk, VA before transferring to the Naval Reserve. Upon leaving active duty he was hired by Pfizer, Inc. into their warehousing and customer service sector. He remained with Pfizer for 28 years, retiring as the VP of Trade in 2013. In addition to golf and Navy football, Tom loved exploring his family’s genealogy, traveling to Ireland for research. Surviving Tom are Robin, his wife of 43 years; two daughters; three brothers and sisters; a granddaughter and several nieces and nephews. He was interred in Hilton Head Island, SC.

Also in December Jim “Jimmy” Showalter (18th Co.) suffered a sudden stroke and passed away. For four years at USNA Jimmy served as a “cannoneer” for Navy football games. After graduation he transferred into the Supply Corps, serving in Uss GraylinG (ssn-646) with classmates Keith Strong and Dick Yocum. Shortly after graduation Jimmy married his long-time girlfriend, Terri. They had seven children and were married for more than 30 years before Terri passed away in 2012. Rest in peace, Jimmy and Tom.

Classmates, that does it for now. Enjoy the spring weather, and I’ll see you next month! Wiz…

’80

Life Membership: 96%

Donor Participation: 23.30%

Pres: LtCol Tony Verducci, USMC (Ret.) e: Ajverducci80@gmail.com

Sec’y: CAPT Joseph A. Grace Jr., USN (Ret.) 15 Allard Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70119 p: 504-915-6711; e: joe.grace@1980.usna.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9427/feed Website: http://1980.usnaclasses.net

Greetings Classmates,

Ten inches of Snow in New Orleans – a once in a lifetime experience. I promptly got out fishing gear and did some ice fishing –can’t figure out why I didn’t catch anything….

Frigid across the entire country. Superbowl is around the corner; today I had the privilege of attending the swearing in of our own Harry Coker who was sworn in as the Commerce Secretary for the State of Maryland. You may recall that he recently served as the nation’s Cyber Tzar, working with the White House. Congrats Harry! We were fortunate to be invited to this great event – it was packed. The Governor spoke so very highly of Harry and his life of service. Class of ’80 was mentioned a few times and we had a group there – Eric Brooks, Earl Gay, Scott Sanders, me and Vic Smith. Vic left before the photo op. Afterwards I had the chance to drive back to DC with Earl and we shared an afternoon together. He came down to the boat and I got a chance to see his apartment just off Pennsylvania Avenue. A great afternoon.

This note came in from our Treasurer – Barb Geraghty bageraghty80@gmail.com who is galivanting around the globe! She was one of the key figures in putting on our last Reunion and has been critical moving toward our 45th. Here is her note:

M Joe,

Hello from Naha, Okinawa, Japan! I’m currently 10 days into a 136-day world cruise that began in Tokyo and will end in New York City on May 29th. This is a bit ironic as I was never assigned to a ship during my 27-year career nor deployed in any capacity. At least there are no bridge watches to stand and more than one “wardroom” onboard so I think I made a good choice. We will visit 30 countries over 59 port visits and this allows me to visit the last continent on my list, Africa.

Cheryl Spohnholtz has joined me for the first three weeks as well. She visited Japan as a child with her naval aviator father when he was stationed in Asia, but this trip has been more memorable. We will see the Terra Cotta Warriors in China and Angkor Wat in Cambodia before she departs in Singapore.

We discovered that Peggy Feldmann (12th Co.) and her husband, Andy Brower (‘79) are visiting their daughter, Addie, who is stationed in Okinawa, so we met them for lunch when our ship pulled into Naha. Cheryl and I both live about 90 minutes (in different directions) from Peggy, but had to come halfway around the world to meet up!

We leave Japan today for more adventures. In the meantime, thanks to Tom O’Keefe for taking over my Class Treasurer duties while I’m underway.

Speaking of the 45th Reunion, a reminder that it is set for the 8 November, 2025. This is the same date as the away game with Notre Dame. Get your hotels early – from Thursday through Sunday – should be a fantastic time.

For those who are going to the Notre Dame Game, we will miss you! This was the best option for the Class and the decision was made after multiple polls and surveys. Look forward to seeing everyone there! Let me know if you’re interested in helping with any of the planning or have any special requests.

Larry DiRita ltd5880@gmail.com is the Class Committee Chair for the 45th Reunion. Please reach out to him directly, or to me, or your Company Rep if you need information, have some input, want to help or get involved. He and Janie Mines recently cofacilitated a leadership discussion:

Today is the one-year anniversary of the death of one of our Shipmates from the 33rd Herd, and Brian “Digger” Kosinski sent in a few photos and notes to remember his legacy. Ken Macdonald fought an incredible battle with ALS and was a phenomenal Classmate, friend and overall human. He is missed. When two or more are gathered we need to keep our fallen Shipmates memories alive – here are a few fun shots to remember him.

Speaking of the Herd, Joel Ross, Jmrjrinfl@ gmail.com, let us all know that he’s also entering the retired ranks. This is his new email. Congrats Joel! Also, this note came in from Pete Kilger, peter.kilger@gmail.com, who I believe still holds the record for the most children (7) and certainly the most Grandchildren 27. Wow – and I have my first at 18 months. I’m way behind!

M Penny and I are getting ready to serve an a18-month volunteer mission for our church in Annapolis, serving the Naval Academy Midshipmen and others assigned to the Academy. The couple serving there now also volunteer at the Naval Academy Museum and across the river at the Navy & Marine Corps Relief Society Thrift Store. We will likely do the same as well as helping in the local STEM programs where possible.

Michael “Gator” Reed gatoreed@yahoo.com checked in from around the world where he is cruising the oceans…

M Joe,

Greetings from New Zealand. I avoided the 10 inches of show by being in the Southern Hemisphere for the last two months, five cruises scheduled in a row (across the south Pacific and Asia.)

The picture is of me Doubtful Sound New Zealand in the background. We are in Dunedin today and follow on ports in New Zealand over the next few days with some white-water rafting (level 5 rapids) with one of my nephews. I highly recommend this as a way of travel, much better than our days on big, grey ships! I am even the SOPA for all the military retirees of all services from all the countries represented on the ship. Glad there is no responsibility associated with that, might have impacted my nice glass of red wine with dinner last night!

—Michael

Mike Ales, mike.ales80@gmail.com who is now in the official retired ranks, sent in a brief update:

M Joe,

Hope you survived Snowmageddon. We are well. Our grandson Edwin is growing like a weed. I am involved in a couple of consulting projects, and once again will be serving as the head judge for the 18th International Submarine races at NSWC Carderock in June. I’ve also been asked to officiate the wedding of two of my former students. That should be

interesting. Pam and I spent New Years in an AirBNB cabin in the mountains north of Asheville with our sons and their families. Before that we spent a few days in Kingsport, Tennessee with Brian Marks (08th Co.) and his girlfriend Margaret. He still has the farm and the lake house on Cherokee Lake, but he’s looking to consolidate operations at the farm at Clinch Mountain, where he has recently finished building a few tourist cabins. He’s also growing blueberries and hops on the property. Cheryl Spohnholtz (08th Co.) is still traveling the world, visiting Hong Kong on a cruise as I write this. Mark Guidoboni (08th Co.) was recently elected to the Silver Lake Regional School Committee in Kingston, Massachusetts. It’s winter, so he’s tearing up the snowmobile trails up north. Dan Secor (08th Co.) is enjoying retirement in Shawano, Wisconsin. Both of his sons and all six of his grandchildren live in the same town, so he’s pretty busy. —Mike

Although I sent out a note to the Class, I wanted to once again let everyone know that in January, we lost one of our own, John Link, of 31st Company. A very sincere note came in from Dave Clement, who let me know that John lost his battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia this past Saturday, January 4, 2025. He died at home, less than 2 years after his original diagnosis. His obituary should be in this or a future Last Call. Fair winds and following seas Shipmate. In closing, a stark reminder of how important is to stay in touch and enjoy every moment we can share. I hope that this note finds each of you healthy, happy and wiser today than yesterday. Please take a few moments to renew a friendship, call / teams / zoom / text / visit a Classmate and take care of each other. You never know what a difference you can make.

As always, BEAT ARMY, —Joe

Life Membership: 96%

Donor Participation: 27.97%

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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9428/feed

Webmaster: Patty Crandlemire Whitney

Website: www.usna1981.org

Classwide messages: usna1981@yahoogroups.com

Bubba and I were worried that just like at the Academy, everyone would be hunkered down during the Dark Ages and not provide any input. We were wrong and appreciate the sev-

Steve Diehl, Pete Stanford, Ken and Bill Killea – great memories.

81/81 CLASS NEWS

eral emails we received with updates. Here we go…

Bud Womer (01) provided an update on our former “Supe” and his better half, Lynda. Here’s what Bud had to say,

M “On 8 November 2024 in Columbus, Ohio, Ted Carter (01) formally became the 17th President of The Ohio State University in a time honored academic ceremony known as an Investiture, held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Vice Admiral Carter was also the 62nd Superintendent from 2014 to 2019, recognized as a USNA Distinguished Graduate in 2022, assumed the position of President of the University of Nebraska system in 2020, then departed for Ohio at the end of 2023 to administratively lead the University starting on 1 January 2024. The Keynote speaker at the Investiture was the Governor of Ohio, Mike DeWine. Ted used his address to the guests and state leadership to introduce a comprehensive ten-year strategic plan called “Education for Citizenship 2035.”

Ted didn’t waste any time and immediately took charge of the football team, leading them to the National Championship. We actually held submitting this article to see who would win. The rumor is that Ted suited up and was

heard to say “put me in coach, I’m ready to play”.

Congratulations, Ted! Well done, we all look forward to great things in the coming years.”

Thanks Bud and thanks for the pictures. First pic is Ted and Lynda attending the Ohio State versus Purdue game the Saturday after the Investiture event and Ted’s official portrait. Maybe it’s just me, but I thought Ted and Lynda looked better in Scarlet and Cream rather than Grey and Scarlet. Oh well, one man’s opinion, Go Big Red!

Bob Ravener wrote in and told us about several classmates gathering in November 2024 for the USNA Foundation Athletic & Scholarship Programs semi-annual meeting. It was the 80th anniversary of the Program. Naturally, they didn’t feel at home until they spent some time at McGarvey’s the first night and then they got dressed up for the Foundation Dinner the following night. If I didn’t know better, I thought Rav sent in a picture of a “Chippendales” reunion.

We got a note from Tom Fitzpatrick (34), who claimed the extra Lucky Bag that Bubba advertised in a previous Shipmate and Tom sent us an update:

M Unfortunately I went to the AC board at the end of 2nd class year and got dismissed (a shock to me and my company but won’t bore you with the story).

I went to our 40th reunion to keep up with all my Club 34 classmates via our email thread. I was happy to see both Navy and Army (I lived at West Point and watched Army football for 3 years) have great seasons this year and it was great to see Navy then beat Army too. I’m looking forward to attending the Navy-Oklahoma game at the Armed Forces Bowl tomorrow. Lockheed Martin is sponsoring it (so I get tickets for $10). I’ll have 40 years at Lockheed Martin in April. Clearly, the Academy experience shaped me for the rest of my life.

At LM, I’ve also had the pleasure of working with many service academy graduates. After being elected mayor of our town of Hudson Oaks, Texas in 2022, I even nominated a 1986 USNA grad, Sean Cannon, to replace me on the city council after I met him while campaigning in my neighborhood. I grew up an Army brat, with my dad a West Point graduate and later the Deputy Commandant at West Point while I was in junior high (I had an appointment there too before choosing USNA) so although I got a little sidetracked in 1980, I’ve essentially been around or working for or with the U.S. military my entire life.

Hope you had a great Christmas and are doing well! Go Navy!

Since we have a little space to fill, here are a few random updates scraped from the internet for 19th Company, who has the distinction of the least mentions in Shipmate during our tenure as secretaries:

Joel Crook (19) left early and graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1983 and got his MBA from Texas A&M. He lives in Oak Ridge, TN and has been working as the Director, Enterprise Risk Management at Consolidated Nuclear Security for the last 10 years.

Pat Donovan (19) lives in Panama City Beach, FL with wife Jody.

Pat Donvan and family (maybe a little dated)

’81: Foundation Dinner (L-R) Tim Disher (12), Ted Carter (01), Dan Quattrini (01), Dennis Murphy (01), Mike Mahre (02), Bob Ravener (17), Bill Moran (11), Frank Thorpe (14), Doug Heimbach (31), Chuck French (21)

Joel Crook

Jay Huston (19) lives in Virginia Beach, VA with wife Lucinda and is a Practice Leader at KCI Technologies.

and family

Eighty-One said farewell to Tom Jacob (17) last October at the Chapel. Here are the names of the faces I either remembered or had help recalling. If I left anyone out, sorry about that. Class members paying final respects were Keith Bowman (31), Brian Coval (17), Doug Johnson (35), Randy Grimm (08), Dave Carlson (17), Phil Wright (17), Joe Dauplaise (17), Ed Kirsch (17), Dan Quattrini (01), Tim Disher (12), Ed Tucholski (32), Dave Schoene (08), and Herb Elkin (18). Joe Dauplaise gave a wonderful eulogy and ’81 serenaded Tom with Navy Blue and Gold at the columbarium. Megan Jacob hosted a lunch at the club and here’s a picture of Megan and the classmates that got a free meal on Jake.

We have the sad duty to share that we lost Paul Ims (04) on 15 December 2024. Paul’s wife, Meg, relayed that Paul was diagnosed with ALS in April 2022. His fight began to change significantly around January 2024. He lived with a positive resolve to be with his family as long as he could. Paul spent several years at NTT Data, Inc. as a Senior Analyst for SSBN Warfighting Requirements. Paul’s dedicated career in the U.S. Navy, as a Submarine Officer, was highlighted with his Command at Sea on the USS Henry m. JacksOn (SSBN-730)

(Blue). As of the deadline for this column, information about the funeral arrangements were still pending.

mentioned in our previous ’81 columns; 03, 06, 13, 19, 22, and 26. Let’s hear from you, we know you’re out there. In closing, if you missed it, go back to the Nov-Dec 2024 Shipmate and take a gander at pages 30 and 34. You’ll find a great article from Henry Aszklar (24) and Five Minutes With Paul Hankins (30). Paul was my roommate and I don’t recall him being as eloquent as he sounds in his Five Minutes.

’82

Life Membership: 97%

Donor Participation: 23.97%

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: Rett Rasmussen 1710 Dana Pl., Fullerton, CA 92813 w: 562-696-8718; c: 562-822-0755 e: rett@rasmussen.biz myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9429/feed Website: http://1982.usnaclasses.net Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/USNA82

Good Morning, ‘82!

Dark Ages, smark dages!! Enough with the cold…bring on Spring! Nothing better than a full mailbag to brighten a certain Scribe’s day. Let’s get on with it…

Pete Brookes (33) reported on another award he’s received for his writing: M “I’m happy to share with you that Brookes Outdoors won its fourth Excellence-in-Craft award (from a third outdoor writing organization) for work produced in 2023. Special thanks to Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers Association for recognizing my scribbles and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for running the piece. I look forward to seeing you on the waters and in the woods soon.

Best, Pete”

That’s all the room we have for this edition. Our next deadline is 24 March for the May-June Shipmate. Here’s a challenge to the following companies who are the least

Craig Smith (21) has done a great job for many years in corralling ‘82ers in San Diego to come together at various bars and restaurants to root on Navy Football. He is persuasive in his gungie ways, often signing off his emails with “Looking Good ‘82 as we Back the BLUEGo Navy!” Who wouldn’t want to answer

Jay Huston

Meg and Paul Paul Ims

’81: Left to Right: Dave, Ed, Brian, Megan, Turman, Keith, Phil, Doug, Randy, and Joe

Pete’s latest award. Tight lines!

Craig’s call?!

Mark Tarango (17) made a trip to USNA and the President’s Circle Donor Weekend Events: M “I brought along my family to show them our old stomping grounds. It was an actionpacked weekend as I took them everywhere! We also went to the Navy vs Memphis football game and tailgater! Navy wins again with a very exciting finish! The Alumni Association always puts on an excellent tailgate event. My son-in-law was impressed with the endless oysters and shrimp.  My grandkids chowed down on the ice cream at half-time!”

Your Humble Scribe wishes to admit that after two terms comprising more than thirteen years that this is the first time that he has reported to the Class that on Page 785 of our firstie Lucky Bag is a future TV Navy SEAL and TV NYPD Commissioner as well as boyfriend of Monica Geller. Would anyone like to admit that they were influenced to purchase this fragrance because of this ad? If so, did it make you “feel so good”? (Sorry to the latecomers, it was discontinued but there are some listings on eBay for the curious).

Mark “Stick” Converse (31) reported that ’82 had the largest class in attendance at the Friends of Navy Sailing 2024 event on 14 Sept 2024, and to save the dates of 22-23 Aug ’25 for FONS 2025 at USNA, with more info by joining the FONS Network at sailnavy.org/ signup Come sail and socialize with the Mids – all are welcome!

LUCKY BAG OF BOOKS

To check out all the options for your reading pleasure, visit usna.com/shop/books

Will Morris (1) had a proud papa moment: M “Barb and I travelled to Pearl Harbor in October to welcome home our daughter Alexandra from her Westpac aboard USS daniel inOUye (DDG-118). Extended to the Persian Gulf for an additional 2 1/2 months,

Tom Schauder (7) and Mark Tarango (17) on the Yard

Gordie Thomson (12) and Mark Tarango (17) in a classmate selfie.

Hey, I recognize that guy! Page 785 of our firstie Lucky Bag.

’82 sailors turned out for the FONS 2024 event (l to r): Pete Gates (34), Al Wilde (18), Mark Converse (31), Gavin Giddings (3) and Dave Simpson (9). Bill Thayer (9) was registered but could not attend.

’82 gathering for a BIG Navy WIN over Memphis 56-44: (l to r) Mike Teate (28), Paul Shigley (10), Keith Ayres (27), Allan Camaisa (36), Ralph Merg (36), Craig Smith (21), Laurent Reinhardt (10), & John Vance (2).

’82: Mark Tarango and family on the lawn of the new Alumni Center

she was glad to be back in Oahu and to put the deployment behind her. Of course, we embarrassed her with welcome signs and a blow-up photo; much to her chagrin, and the delight of her division and crewmates.  The Danny K. deployed with the Teddy Battlegroup.”

Joanne (Pottey) Fish (19) reports on a classmate meet up:

M “My husband (Bob ’80) and I have been on an extended road trip out to Houston TX for a 19th company class of ‘80 Beruit Bombing Reunion in menerà of their classmate Don Woollett. We decided to return home to Virginia Beach via St Louis so today we found ourselves in Springfield, MO at lunch time where we were able to meet up with Paula Hartzell (23) and Carrie (Coulter) Perry (23) at the Bass Pro Shop Flagship Store where we enjoyed lunch at Hemingways.”

(3) rendered the oath:

M “My son, Capt. James (Jack) Thompson, USMC returned with the 24th MEU from an 8-month deployment in early December. I gave Jack his oath at his promotion ceremony the day he arrived back at Camp LeJeune. It took two days to offload from USS WASP via LCAC.”

Your Humble Scribe has been in the Hearth and Grill business since leaving active duty in 1987 (all me bloomin’ life, so it seems). It’s an industry not overrun by USNA grads. About 15 years ago my path crossed classmate Russ Janicke (14) when he was with an industry leader. Pledger Robertson ’67 retailed my products from his Scottsdale, AZ store until he sold it ten years ago. And then there is Mark James ’78, a dealer from Richmond, VA who is a member of a buying group that my company serves as a vendor. He also was a SWO and a Rotarian, so we had much in common to speak about when we would meet at the annual meeting of United Buyers Group. It’s always great to knock rings with a fellow grad, and especially a guy as nice as Mark.

That wraps another issue. Please email to me at Rett@Rasmussen.biz stories from Summer Cruises, PROTRAMID, Plebe Summer Detail, or anything contemporary you’d like to share with our great Class - just a picture/paragraph, or whatever best tells your story.

Looking good, ‘82! – Razz

’83

Life Membership: 99%

Donor Participation: 21.94%

Pres: Steve Fischer Fredericksburg, VA p: 540-840-7051; e: slf83usna@gmail.com

Vice Pres: Barbara Bell, Ed.D, CAPT, USN (Ret.)

Treas: Joe Spruil

p: 703-615-6275; e: usna1983Treasurer@gmail.com

Sec’y and Shipmate Contact: CAPT Jeff Currer, USN (Ret.) 6119 Dory Lane Ct., Burke, VA 22015 c: 703-579-7846; e: 83shipmate@gmail.com

Communications Director: Mike Philbrook e: michael.philbrookr@1983.usna.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9430/feed

Facebook: USNA 1983

LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/83

Website: http://1983.us

Wow! Was that a memorable Navy football season or what? Of course, the dominant performance in the Army-Navy game, triumphing over Army 31-13 to reclaim the game. With quarterback Blake Horvath (’26) leading Navy to a 10-3 winning record however, they added icing to the cake with a thrilling 21-20 victory over Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl. (I wonder what Blake’s service selection will be? Nuke maybe?) Thank you, Elliot Peterson, for sharing your “Watch Party” photo! Many others were shared on social media but yours included Joe Baehr!

MATCHING GIFTS

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

Alexandra and Will Morris. Welcome home!

Barbara Morris welcomes her daughter, LTJG Alexandra Morris home from deployment.

Carrie Perry, Paula Hartzell, Joanne Fish, and “friend”.

Steve Surko

Steve Surko at son Jack’s promotion ceremony

Rett Rasmussen and Mark James, USNA Class of 1978, at the Rasmussen/Solaire booth at the United Buyers Group show in Jacksonville, FL.

It is the “End of an Era” as our last man standing in uniform (albeit a suit) Carlos Del Toro finished his tour as SECNAV. In his farewell address to the U.S. Naval Academy during the January Forrestal Lecture, Carlos reflected on the Academy’s storied history and its role in shaping leaders who have safeguarded American interests across pivotal moments in history. Highlighting the evolving challenges of global security, he emphasized the enduring importance of honor, courage, and commitment. Carlos encouraged future officers to foster innovation, empower their teams, and uphold international collaboration. Carlos, your tenure was marked by transformative leadership focused on maritime dominance, strategic partnerships, and a culture of warfighting excellence. Carlos, you’ve left a Naval Service defined by resilience and readiness for the next generation of Navy and Marine Corps leaders. Standing tall among many great leaders in our Class, thank you for your leadership and adding one more impressive page to the legacy of the Class of ’83!

To commemorate the moment (and take the opportunity to attend a Forrestal Lecture at USNA), Class President Steve Fischer presented a barometer/clock desk set, with an engraved plate reading:

USNA CANDIDATES

Start the youngster you know on the road to USNA.

To request info or apply online, visit usna.edu/Admissions

To Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro

From the USNA Class of 1983, “A Class Act” 13 January 2025

I can tell you that I did not fall asleep during this Forrestal Lecture, and it wasn’t because we were in the front row and my wife Merial was poking me in the ribs. In all seriousness, the Mid’s were energized, and the presentation was on-point and inspiring. Of course, I will neither confirm nor deny ever sleeping thru such an event when we were Mids, but I do remember very vividly the lecture when ‘Brigade Commander’ Mark Gorenflo and ADM Rickover were on stage … that was quite memorable!

That is a wrap for this column. Thanks to the few who submitted and please keep sending your inputs. I know there so much more going on out there, so please share the news and photos to 83shipmate@gmail.com. And, of course, Go Navy – Beat Army …again!

All the best – Jeff “1983 - A Class Act!”

’84

Life Membership: 100%

Donor Participation: 64.85%

Pres: Mr. Craig “Mel” Hamner e: craig.mel.hamner@gmail.com

Vice Pres: Mr. Karl Darden e: rkdarden@gmail.com

Treas: Mr. Stephen J. Shepherd e: stephenjamesshepherd@gmail.com

Sec’y/Shipmate Contact: Andy Gallotta 11106 Del Rio Dr., Fairfax, VA 22030 p: 571-253-8625; e: agallotta84@gmail.com myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9431/feed Website: www.usna84.org

Happy New Year ’84! And what a start! A nice 31-13 whooping of the Woops, followed by victory over OU in the Armed Forces Bowl. The latter keeps our all-time record perfect against

the Sooners (2-0), the last time we them was in 1965. But 2-0 is 2-0! Great times for Navy. Not so much for Army and OU.

Mary Ann and I hosted a gathering of friends and classmates for Army Navy. Susan Davis, Gar Schulin, and Steve Blau joined in the festivities and went home happy to have sung first, while knowing that Navy had captured the CinC Cup. I’m told that the West Palm Beach alumni chapter had quite an event also, with Ivan Rosa and Tim Quigley among the revelers. Clearly a good time was had by all – and, again, singing first was outstanding!

Tim Quigley with an anonymous Woop in West Palm Beach. Nice shirt, Tim!

Susan [Borden] Davis, Andrew Gallotta, Gar Schulin, and Steve Blau singing Blue & Gold in Fairfax

L-R Harry Keith, Randy Gross, Elliott Peterson and Joe Baehr

L-R VADM Yvette Davids and SECNAV

’83: L-R; Betty Del Toro, Steve Fischer, Sean Buck, Bill Galinis, Brian Antonio, Phil Raimondo, Frank Vernet, Carlos Del Toro, Jeff Currer, Tom McKavitt, Dixon Smith, Barb Bell, Pam Corwin and Jeff Benson

Mel Hamner met with Jeff Webb ’95 and several USNAAA&F leadership members to present the ’84 class ring of fallen 19th Company classmate, William “Bill” Blue, a former Marine Corps Infantry Officer. Bill passed away in Texas on 23 May 2023, exactly 39 years to the day after our graduation & commissioning. The Class of ’84 already has a class ring in the Fluegel Alumni Center display so Bill’s ring will be added to the Bonds of Gold program which incorporates gold from our donated ’84 rings into rings produced for our “Link in the Chain” class, i.e. the Class of 2034.

JD Baldwin’s wife Sue sent a shout out to the Reunion organizers. I totally echo Sue’s praise - It WAS an amazing event, and I think all of us had a great time! Meeting up with so many classmates and seeing so many faces made it a most memorable weekend. It was especially heartening to see so many classmates who DIDN’T graduate with us. The USNA ties go deep indeed. Thank you, Sue, for the photos –looks like you all had a nice time! I couldn’t put them all in, but the shots of Robin Franke, Billy Kumangai, and Scott Poindexter brought back a lot of Reunion memories.

’84, Sir!

A couple scheduling items... First, there’s the Spring Lacrosse/ Mini-Reunion! The game is versus Army and is at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Date: 12 April. Mel will be putting out more details in class-wide communication, but please mark your calendar!

The second item is pretty exciting too. Later in April, interested parties are welcome to join in the semi-annual USS SLATER (DE-766) work week. Located in Albany, NY, SLATER is a WWII DE museum ship that hosts visitors and provides a solid Navy presence in western NY. Barry Witte has been a long-time volunteer on SLATER, and tells me that volunteers help maintain the ship by refurbishing spaces, rebuilding parts, and even sometimes creating equipment from raw materials –fully to WWII-era specifications!

The spring workweek runs from Sunday 27 April thru Friday 4 May. Attendance for the entire week is not necessary and some only can do a few days. Meals are prepared in the ship’s galley and served on the mess deck. Anyone attending is welcome to stay aboard during their visit. Alternatively, you may just want to stay with friends in the area or even a hotel. If you’re interested, you can contact them at “info@ussslater.org”. You can learn more about SLATER (or maybe go shopping for a ballcap or some other bling), by going to their website at https://ussslater.org/.

Finally, in a nod to our origins, my Shipmate inputs going forward will include a photo or anecdote about something from our plebe year or even from plebe summer. If you have something you’d like to share, please send it my way. You can reach me at agallotta84@ gmail.com, or text me at 571-253-8625. I would love to hear from you!

This month’s blast from the past is a photo of Alpha Company’s plebes from summer of ’80. (Thanks for sharing, Gar!) Almost 45 years have passed, but it often seems like yesterday! We were so-o-o young!

Have a great month!

You get more from ’84!

Mel Hamner presents Bill Blue’s class ring to USNAAA&F President Jeff Webb ’95

JD Baldwin and his wife Sue, Adrian Vagnoni and his wife Patty, and Tod Briggs and his wife Sandra

Barry Witte and Andrew Gallotta take a break during the SLATER’s fall work week

’84: ALPHA Company, 1980

87/87 CLASS NEWS

’87

Life Membership: 99%

Donor Participation: 50.10%

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

e: rpinataro87@gmail.com; p: 770-722-6373

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9434/feed Website: www.usna87.org

Hello Classmates,

Okay, this is old news by now, but what an incredible season our Navy Football team delivered! Capping it off with a decisive 31-13 victory over Army and that impressive victory over Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl. A year for the history books! And how about Blake Horvath? He really stepped up as the MVP, delivering standout performances including that unforgettable 95-yard touchdown run. Coach Niumatalolo will always have a place of honor in our hearts for all he did to develop players into leaders and to deliver a tremendous streak of wins over Army. Niumatalolo also developed talent in the coaching staff and seeing Defensive Coordinator Brian Newberry become Head Coach and deliver this fantastic season just two years in is a tribute to both great leaders. Here’s to more victories and continued success, Go Navy!

Let us take a moment to celebrate Suni Williams and her incredible career as an astronaut! From her time at the Naval Academy to her recent selection as a USNA Distinguished Graduate, Suni has truly made us proud. Her achievements, including multiple spacewalks and her current mission commanding the ISS, are nothing short of inspiring. Recently, Suni hosted a live Zoom call from the International Space Station, connecting with members of the USNA Class of 1987. As you can see, she managed to smuggle some Navy swag up to the ISS before the Army-Navy game! She gave us a little tour of the ISS and wowed us with the amazing exercise equipment she has used to stay gravity-ready for her return. It was an unforgettable experience, giving us all a glimpse into life in space and a chance to ask questions directly to Suni. It is alumni like Suni who remind us of the heights we can reach and the impact we can have on the world. Congratulations, Suni!

Mike Weiner, John McKenna, Larry Britt, and Dave Dutch had a great time cheering Coach Doug Wojcik and the Michigan State Spartans – Go Green! – to an incredible victory over Illinois moving them up into the top 10 rankings in the national polls.

Michael currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer at Michigan State University. John McKenna mentioned more than once that “he played football at Navy“ – no one else in the group had any recollection of this event.

Larry Britt is a proud father to a Marine Corps Osprey pilot who recently returned from deployment and is awaiting to start the FRS.

Dave Dutch noted with pride that his youngest son just started his third year at canoe U where he is majoring in Chinese (Another case of the son being far more gifted than the father!).

Doug also beamed with pride as he spoke of his oldest son playing professional basketball in Poland and his youngest son finishing his fourth year at Harvard also on the basketball team.

A great time was had by all and thank you to Dan Snyder’97 and Mark Furly for picking

up the phone far too late after way too many drinks – good sports both of them! THANK YOU, DOUG FOR THE INCREDIBLE SEATS AND BRINGING US ALL TOGETHER IN A PERFECT MOMENT of camaraderie and espirit de corps!

In other news, Joe Krensavage, Mike Wanebo and Dave Sciortino ’86 and wives joined Mike and his wife, Sandra, for a great Army-Navy watch party.

Suni Williams named USNA Distinguished Graduate

L to r Michael Weiner, Dave Dutch, John McKenna (who’s actually fully standing up) and Larry Britt visiting the MSU office of the famous Coach Wojcik (You have definitely seen him on the Big Ten network more than once!)

L to r Joe Krensavage, Mike Wanebo, and Dave Sciortino ‘86

Scott Herbener shared the following unfortunate news.

M “It is my sad duty to report that our classmate, Joseph (Joe) Videll, passed away

’87: Suni Williams live from the ISS Zooming with Karen Adkins, Howard Merritt, Margaret Utterback, Scott Herbener, Curtis Lee, Dave Fluker, Ronnie Harris, Ed Magee and Rob Pinataro

on 14 November in Colorado after a bravely fought battle with cancer.

Joe grew up in Sharon, MA, and graduated from Sharon High School in 1983. He was a plebe in Stalag 17 and graduated from 21st Company with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Joe went on to serve in the Marine Corps as a pilot, flying CH-46s. He deployed during the Persian Gulf and Somalia conflicts. After leaving active service in 1995, Joe pursued mechanical engineering and worked in the medical device industry. He worked for Applied Medical, Edwards Lifesciences, and Medtronic. In 2004, Joe moved his family from California to Colorado. From 2005-2008, he pursued a lifelong dream to build beautiful, energy-efficient homes. He built four amazing, award-winning custom homes before returning to medical services in 2008, working for Medtronic for over 14 years.

In August of 2022, Joe was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). Joe spent the last two and a half years fighting like a true Marine with a spirit of fortitude and dedication. He is survived by the love of his life, Linda (Havnen); son Derek and daughter Kara (Miller); two grandchildren, Hadley and Jackson, with a third grandchild on the way.

Joe’s words of wisdom as he reflected on his life are, “Never stop taking risks and don’t be afraid to fail! Life is too short for regrets; you never know what you are capable of unless you try!”

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to contribute to the advancement of finding cures and helping continue research for cholangiocarcinoma. Please visit https:// curecca.link/josephVidell if you would like to donate in honor of Joe.”

Parting on that sad note, I wish you all well and hope you are seeing the early spring flowers arriving to announce the impending start of baseball season.

Please send your news to rpinataro87@ gmail.com with “Shipmate” in the subject line.

’88

Life Membership: 100%

Donor Participation: 18.32%

Pres: Jim Schwab

c: 714-787-6920; e: jschwab@crimstonepartners.com

Vice Pres Ops: Chris Bushnell

e: cjbushnell88@gmail.com

Vice Pres Comms: Laura Lee e: lee.laura.s@gmail.com

Treas: Sam DiPaola

e: usna88treasury@aol.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/26441334505

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/groups/12437536

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9435/feed

Shipmate submissions: shipmate1988@gmail.com

Zoom link posted on all platforms

Jim Schwab (28th co) has called for a special election to elect a new class president. We’re also voting (or potentially have voted by time of publication) on ratifying new Class Bylaws. If all of this is news to you, please update your email on myUSNA.com; it’s critical to keep your email updated there to receive important class and reunion news.

Very happy 30th anniversary wishes to Patty Lipoma Gill (16th co). She and her husband, Mike, took their family to Cabo to celebrate. Congrats, Patty & Mike! Who else has a milestone anniversary coming up? Send in your photo!

Special thanks to Matt Aaron (14th co) for sharing his experiences leading the PA Special Olympics with us at our January Wardroom Happy Hour. BZ for your life-changing work, Matt! Let us know how the polar plunge went. Brrrrr! (BTW, links to our Zooms are on all ’88social media outlets. Join in!)

BZ, Bush, taking the helm of this impressive organization and event!  Kennon Artis (8th co) wrote in to let us know that his mother, Shirley, passed in October:

M “Many of you knew my mother, particularly those on the 150’s Football Team and track teams. She was at virtually every game cheering loudly, above the rest of the crowd it seemed, for each of my four years by the Bay.”

Patty Lipoma Gill and husband, Mike, celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary with their family in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

The Gills celebrating their 30th with sons Matthew and Brendan in Mexico.

Our classmates, Robin Tyner, Ken Spurlock, Kyle Kliewer, Chris Bushnell, and Mary Jackson, join other ’88ers not pictured at the 37th Annual National Symposium of the Surface Navy Association.

88/89 CLASS NEWS

“A Navy Veteran, she was a super supporter of everything Naval Academy: p-rades, Sunday services at the Chapel, tailgaters, and many more activities on the Yard all were integral parts of her life. She was an incredible influence in my life and those of many others in her orbit. Moms, you will be missed dearly.”

Ault (20th co) wrote in for the first time:

M “This is my first Shipmate submittal. While I have always enjoyed and appreciated catching up on classmates through their written tales, I never had anything compelling to share. That changed for me last month.”

“I published my first book early in December. The title is Out of Bounds, and it chronicles my experiences through 33 years of coaching youth basketball, starting at NAPS, then grammar school boys, and finishing with 22 years at the high school varsity level for girls.”

“While I am proud of the accomplishment of writing the book, my mission is to restore the integrity of youth sports. These are my stories told through the lens of basketball,

but they will resonate with people of all backgrounds. I would be honored if my classmates read the book and shared with their networks. Out of Bounds is available on Ingram Spark, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.”

Congrats on your new book, Darren! You’ve inspired us to start an authors’ page on our ’88 website. What does everyone think of that idea? We’ve really got talented writers in our class!

And to wrap it up, here’s a fun “once in a decade” update from Ted Veasey (13th co): M “While in the LA area in early December for my youngest daughter’s soccer event I ran into Napolean McCallum ’85! We got to talk football from the old days, like our Plebe Year win over then #2 South Carolina (I’d forgotten he was out injured that game) and discussed mutual friends Chuck Smith (18th co) and Joe Brennan (11th co)

Nap’s stayed busy since his NFL days, settling in Las Vegas where he was instrumental in moving his old Raiders team to Sin City, and he still looks like he could play!

I also got to watch Nap’s daughter play soccer with our younger daughter. His daughter is tall, fast, and powerful, while mine are more like me. My middle daughter is now AFROTC at Duke, and my oldest graduates from VA Tech in May and will join Deloitte. Kids grow up too fast!

I ended a 30-year flying career in 2018 and started dabbling in CRE development. Am now firmly settled in Ashburn VA near Ray and Pat Brown (28th co). Pat’s a published author now…search Amazon! I see Bob Strong (21st co) plus occasional Navy Rugby and Navy Air misfits who pass through nearby Dulles Airport. Reach out if in the area! Hope to make more USNA events as I wrap up high school chaperone duties. Beat Army!”

tales be retold…”

Thanks, Ted! Great to hear from you via shipmate1988@gmail.com; we will definitely look for you soon! If you run into Nap again, tell him ’88 says hi!

Reminder to all: Our next Zoom is May 15th. See you there! LL88

’89

Life Membership: 100%

Donor Participation: 27.51%

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: scottmcfadden1989@gmail.com

Listserv: usna89@yahoogroups.org

Listserv Subscription: send a blank email to usna89-subscribe@yahoogroups.com from the address you wish listserv traffic to be sent

To Post a Message: write your message and send it to usna89@yahoogroups.com

Unsubscribe: send a blank message to usna89-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Webmaster: Ingar Grev e: igrev@1989.usna.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9436/feed

Greetings 89ers! I hope 2025 has been good to all of you thus far! It’s still the Dark Ages at the time of this writing, so, hopefully, it’s a wee bit warmer when you all read this. A couple of submittals this issue, first from our steadfast and resolute class president, Denise (Shorey) Willert:

M Dearest Classmates, Happy spring! It feels like our reunion was just yesterday, doesn’t it? I hope that nearly seven months later, you’re still excited about the relationships you rekindled and the camaraderie that we shared. We’re a great team and I’m so honored to be a part of the incredible class of 1989!

With a heavy heart, I have to let you know that two of our beloved classmates have passed away since the fall. The first, Chris Mokris, passed in December following a lengthy illness. Chris served in the US Marine Corps as an Infantry Officer following graduation and, post-military, held positions in various financial service firms. Chris is held in high regard by our classmates as a true warrior and an overall fantastic person to have had as a friend. Chris is survived by his wife of 31 years, Ann, and their four children.

Our second classmate who sadly left us also in December is Rick Frey, who died as a result of complications from a recent stroke. Rick served our nation for 29 years as a Surface Warfare Officer and was known for his commitment to Eagle Scouting and the VFW. Rick, with a nickname of “Chief,” was a devoted, funny, and loyal friend to many, particularly to his 24th company mates. He is survived by his daughter, Alison, and three siblings. (See more about Rick in Joe Huffaker’s report below.)

We’re so blessed to have had classmates attend the memorial services for both of these great men. Thank you as always to those who

Classmates supporting Kennon Artis at the Celebration of Life Ceremony for his mother, Shirley Artis: Jay Shanley, Curtis Brown, Dave Diugenio, Candy Preer, Vernon Wallace, David Albritton and Dawn Bennett Harrison with Kennon 3rd from R.

Darren

New author, Darren Ault, presents his first book, Out of Bounds

Ted Veasey with Napoleon McCallum ’85 at their daughters’ soccer game. “But still when two or three shall meet and old

can represent our class at such important events. Rest in Peace, gentlemen, we have the watch.

On a lighter note, USNA has a new program that I’m sure many of you will be interested in, the Navy Letterwinners Association. From their January newsletter (which you can subscribe to at https:// navysports.com/sports/2024/12/5/Letterwinners): “The Naval Academy Athletic Association announces the launching of the Navy Letterwinners Association. This new program’s mission is to connect all former varsity and club athletes to the United States Naval Academy and to each other by honoring their accomplishments and providing meaningful engagement in support of Navy Athletics. Former Navy rowing coach, Rob Friedrich, has been assigned as the executive director of this new organization.” Check them out, they’re planning lots of exciting events and activities throughout the year! As a former rower, I know that I’m super excited to see what they have in store for MY favorite USNA sport :-)

As I’ve mentioned in the last issue, our Class Gift survey — in support of our onemillion-dollar goal to be achieved by our 40th reunion — should be to you soon, if not already. Please let us know what’s important to you!

Closing my input today with a photo of my German husband, Uwe, and I on a hike in the Alps last fall. We stayed for a long weekend at the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch. If you’ve never visited, you really need to the next time you’re in Germany. It’s a superb hotel for US military and DoD civilians in a lovely city with lots to see and do.

Until next time, Now’s the Time, 89! Have a fantastic spring!

Warmly, Denise

From Joe Huffaker:

M On a somber note, we lost Rick Frey on 30 December following complications from a stroke. His memorial and graveside services were held 8 January in his hometown of Hanover, PA. Nine classmates attended,

representing his plebe and upper-class companies, D&B, and the class at large. Our class flag was presented to his family graveside and Kathleen Monaghan led us in Navy Blue & Gold. Afterwards, there was a reception at the American Legion where we shared stories. In a very touching and healing time, we told tales to his sisters about Rick’s Academy and active-duty service.

Rick was an organ donor who was able to provide for three different people in need. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX, 75284

Included are two pictures of those able to attend. Order is the same in both: (left to right): Tony Blankenship, Ed Martinez, Scott Porter, Cathy Lawson Butler, Joe Huffaker, Kathleen Monaghan, Steve Newell, and Tom White. Steve Burnett, not pictured, also attended.

Regards, Joe

That’s all for this issue! What About ’89!

—Scott

SUMMER SEMINAR

Help that outstanding high school junior you know experience a busy week at USNA this June.

To apply online, visit usna.edu/Admissions

’90

Life Membership: 99%

Donor Participation: 13.57%

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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9437/feed Website: www.usna90.com

Facebook: USNA Class of 1990

Greetings, ’90! We sadly begin this issue’s column with news of the passing of our dear classmate Tom Laverghetta in his sleep the morning of February 1. David Gombas shared via Facebook: “I’ve known Tom since the Academy and worked directly with him for over a decade in Navy ship repair. He was always there to support whatever needed to be done. He will be sorely missed.” Other classmates, company mates, and roommates also expressed their shock and sorrow at the loss of such a remarkable, selfless, and unflappable gentleman. We send our deepest love and condolences to his wife Kim and the family. Rest in peace, shipmate. We have the watch.

Nothing received via email since August, so I’ll continue to swipe from Facebook for content.

From Rob Cannon:

M “What a great impromptu ’90 Plebe Golf Company Gunge Company reunion after the vigil Mass tonight. Somerville, McGoff, Cannon. The stories and laughs were rolling!”

Here’s a mini photo album of classmates reconnecting: Duane and Holly Sand with Larry Martin (shared by Larry’s wife Jenna); some pics from Army-Navy attendees and watchers; Rob Takesuye shared: “Met up with Mike Tisdale (haven’t seen him in three decades), Adrien Sanchez, and Matt Klemish in Scottsdale for the alumni watch party. We were in a sea of Army gray with lots of sad faces after the game. Go Navy! Beat Army! And, excellent outcome!”

Somerville, McGoff and Cannon

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.

Maria Galbraith’s tailgater

From Scott Bonney:

M “I continue to be amazed at what I find when unpacking. First my Nav Kit (complete with virgin green moboard paper), then Mess Night and Ring Dance glasses, and now these gems along with some photos from 2nd Class Cruise. I have no words!”

Rare collectibles, indeed! (See them on the following page.)

Jim Burmeister has put out the call that he “Just retired and will be available in the Annapolis area. So, if you need a hand with something, have a Mid in need of a care package, or are in town and equally ‘unsupervised’ and are looking to get into mischief, please reach out. Semper Fi.”

I keep promising and now things are starting to roll for our 35th anniversary reunion this October. If you haven’t already, start making your plans now to join us for a gathering that is sure to be epic. Look for emails and Facebook posts from our class president, Frank Bendik, and other class officers about registration, “swag bag” orders, schedule of events, hotel reservations, and other details. I’ve posted on Facebook – and Frank has emailed to everyone – an invitation to let us know what size polo shirt you need. We will continue to post/send monthly reminders until our May 30th deadline (our official 35th anniversary!).

Duane and Holly Sand with Larry Martin at The Graduate Hotel

Army-Navy pre-gaming

CJ Adams, armchair analyst

Tisdale and Takesuye

Scottsdale watch party

Jim Burmeister

’90: Matt Cooper, Steve Liszewski and families

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!

’91

Life Membership: 98%

Donor Participation: 18.82%

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

Admin Vice Pres: Ana Kreiensieck

p: 703-298-9099; e: ana@1991.usna.com

Treas: Jen Coleman

p: 989-600-9671; e: jen@1991.usna.com

Sec’y: Juan Orozco

p: 571-529-4447; e: juanorozco91@gmail.com

At Large: Ian Hadden

p: 501-313-9597; e: Ian.Hadden@@1991.usna.com

At Large: Craig Benson

p: 612-203-4280; e: micra110@yahoo.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9438/feed

Website: www.usna91.info

Hopefully you enjoyed the fall and an incredible Navy victory during the Army-Navy game. I write this after the 2025 Surface Navy

Association national symposium, where I was able to meet up with many classmates. RADM Casey Moton, RADM Marc Lederer, RADM Randy Peck, RADM Phil Sobeck and RADM Eric Verhage were also in attendance, and some even participated as members of panels. Some additional classmates in attendance were Robb Chadwick, Mike Dowling, Frank Wakeham, Hank Adams, Jerry Gordon, Rick Hayes, Tim Crone and Juan Orozco

1991 Connections:

Diamond Dave Olson provided a great update: M What an amazing Army/Navy football game!! Never mind the fact that the Army coached provided us with locker-room bulletin board material weeks before the game when he asked, “Do they still have a football program at Navy?” The emphatic answer is, “Yes we do coach!!” Nothing like cruising to victory, singing second, AND making the Army coach eat his words. It was great to catch up with lots of classmates in D.C. for the weekend. We had a group dinner Friday night that included: Scott Carson, Dave Berghult, Matt Reardon, Dave Olson, Donny Jack and Rex Kiteley, plus families. On Saturday a bunch of us attended the Travis Manion tailgate before the game. Then during the game, I ran into Josh Skule in the stands; and of course LtGen Mike Borgschulte was on the field in uniform providing Marine leadership!

On Sunday, several of us went to Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) to visit fallen teammates. Respectfully, we have other classmates in ANC whom we did not visit, but we were able to pay our respects to Alton Grizzard and Scott Zellem. ANC had decorated every gravesite with wreaths for the holiday season; it was an impressive and awe-inspiring sight.

Once again, it was a great weekend and a reminder of how much I appreciate being a 1991 classmate and USNA shipmate. Go Navy, Beat Army!

Matt Reardon, Dave Olson, Lt.Gen Mike Borgschulte on field at game.

Josh Skule, Matt Reardon and Dave Olson at game.

Arlington National Cemetery visiting Scott Zellem’s grave: (L to R) Matt Reardon, Don Jack, LtGen Mike Borgschulte, Dave Olson, Scott Carson and Dave Berghult

’90: Scott Bonney’s personal archeology finds

Other photos from the Army-Navy game, where ’91 was well represented.

Jensin Weng Sommer reported that nine 91 ladies (Earnestine, Kristen Fabry, Kathy Stewart, Jen Rowe Colman, Julie Hanson Shank, Michelle Reyes Hillmeyer, Sue Slaven Macaluso, Darla Lamper and Jensin Weng Sommer) had a great time on a ski vacation. Mawuli Mel Davis received the inaugural USNA Alumni Association Thriving as Leaders Award for his Volunteer Service work. A true honor to be recognized with such distinguished alumni. Mawuli enjoyed connecting with 91 classmates Ed Reddick, Jerry Dawson, Kenneth Finley and Scott Shepard

Fair Winds and Following Seas. On a sad note, Derek Granger reported that Brent McMurry passed on New Year’s Eve in Minnesota where he retired with his wife Suzanne. Brent was in 23rd Company and did 25 years as a pilot, mostly on the E-2Cs. He was Full-Time Support (FTS) for the last 20 years of his career and commanded two different Navy Operational Support Centers (known now as Navy Reserve Centers). Derek says it best, “anybody who knew him would remember his echoing laugh and huge smile. I don’t think you could find anybody to say something bad about him....just a terrific guy. A BIG guy with a big heart.” We will miss you Brent!

Class Email. If you don’t get Gib’s occasional email, but want to, text him email address at (717) 371-0124.

Message from our class president. Farewell, Shipmate, Mr. President. America recently said goodbye to our 39th president, which culminated with services in Washington, DC and Plains, GA in early January. Politics aside, no one can dispute that President Carter lived out our Naval Academy values, and his deep Christian convictions, as a naval officer, while serving as governor of GA, as President, and as a private citizen. After leaving office, he remained engaged in civic life, authoring 30+ books and playing active roles in several charities. Those I know who knew him well all described him with words like ‘gentleman,’ ‘sincere,’ ‘devout,’ and ‘a man of convictions.’

We can be proud to call him a fellow Shipmate, and take inspiration that as USNA’s lone U.S. President, he was one of the few of us who reached the very “highest responsibilities of command, citizenship, and government.” But ultimately what makes his life worth emulating and his story inspiring is not the office he attained, but the way he lived. May we also live lives worth following.

’92

Life Membership: 99%

Donor Participation: 21.57%

Pres: Donnie Kennedy

Vice Pres: Glen Viado

Treasurer: Joe Zurzolo

Corr Sec’ys: David Ornstein and Brett Odom e: USNA1992ClassUpdate@gmail.com myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9439/feed Website: www.usna92.com

’92,

We trust this finds you having successfully fought off the Dark Ages and looking forward to a fine Navy spring.

We begin this month with an important item of class business: You may recall that several years ago we created a class recognition award. The initial awards were made in the joyous (and raucous) class meeting at the 30th reunion, and the intent is to have a small number of awards granted between reunions as well. We’d like to now call for nominations for 2025 awards. These nominations may be submitted (along with any updates for this column, please?!) to usna1992classupdate@ gmail.com. Later in the year the class officers will convene the awards committee to consider these nominations.

Briefly, the principle of these awards is to recognize any classmates who have made an exceptional impact either in service to our class specifically or in distinguishing our class in service to the broader USNA alumni community. The full Terms of Reference are available at the above email address on request.

Please think about who is stepping-up for the class and give them a shout for this!

In regular updates, Steve Carrington did the right thing by sharing an update from a classmate re-connect:

M “Finally getting around to a submittal after only…33 years. The occasion is that I met up with my ’92 24th Company, Senior Year roommate, Ken Gustavsen who lives in Morristown, NJ. The last time I saw Gus, I had a 1-year-old in a Navy Cheerleader outfit, and I was leaving our 10th Reunion Football game. Ken yelled “Hey Carrington…see you in 10 years.” Well, it was only 23 years, but all good, nonetheless.

PROFILE

Ken caught me up with family (wife is from Brazil and 3 kids, oldest at U Richmond, 2 in HS) and career (25 years going strong at Merck). I caught him up with mine: married Diane, USAFA ’92-1 whom I met on Exchange, the 1-year-old daughter is now 23 OSU graduate, PWC Auditor in Atlanta, 1 son about to commission as 2LT USAF out of U of Utah, and a Doolie Daughter (plebe) at USAFA, Class of 2028. Career-wise, I decided corporate aviation was a lot more fun than Defense & Aerospace, which is how I found

Borgs and SecNav on field at game!

Dan Gawitt, Jim Nerrup, Kimberly Parker talgaiting!

Kurt Studt message from the South Pole. Go Navy! Beat Army!!

Mawuli Mel Davis with SECNAV!

myself flying into Teterboro with the opportunity to see classmates and other places that I’ve missed along the way. Ken is an international adventurer, but I’ll challenge him to tell his story. My work has taken me to Turkey, Bahrain, Japan, Norway, France, Bulgaria (and the list goes on) since my Navy experiences that included some Med/European locations, but mainly to places not as friendly and with a lot more sand and desert. As far as the future… well, still here in Cincinnati, OH but I expect to be spending more time in Colorado as well as attending future USAFA/Navy games and catching up with other 13th Co/24th Co classmates over time. Ken and I laughed about the same stories we still remember: The plum, running the game ball, roommates messing with each other…the same stories that we get to tell our kids now.”

(Note: Ed. is expecting Ken Gustavsen to take up Steve’s challenge and have an update in the next column)

Ken and Steve improving the appearance of the NYC skyline

Thanks to the dogged focus of Joe Zurzolo, the monthly class lunch at Galway Bay continues to gain momentum, with a fine showing for the last edition of 2024 as ’92 gathered to pre-game for the epic adventure of the next day, beating Army like a drum! Joe sends: M “We had a great lunch and turn out last  Friday to prepare for what was a great game Saturday. In the photo we have (clockwise from port side near): Lyn Hammer, Larry Johnson, Andy Olek, Tim Cornell, Holly Johnson, Lisa Callahan, Shawn Callahan, Glen Sharlun, CJ Flaherty, Gavin O’Hare, Kent Williamson, Olin Sell, and Shannon Murray. Not pictured Joe Johnson, Perry Cameron (later arrival) and the CMOD (photographer). We had overall sixteen on deck.

Lots going on for just the group that day. Lyn was sporting her spirit gear (including cheer finger gloves). She was by for a visit with the class on her way to support a movement order event with the spirit and drill teams. Larry came in from Hawaii to visit family, catch lunch and enjoy the weather that reminded him of why he lives in Hawaii. Kent was in for a visit from Tulsa and is currently working on a book about the history of hydrocarbons in the US. All of us could finally answer the question “where in the world are Holly and Joe?” after their Gulf Coast swing this fall,

although Joe missed the photo as he ducked out for a phone call. Perry was back from a spur of the moment visit to the Virgin Islands with his former dentist for some beach time. Glen and I started the planning for possibly two “afloat” lunches in 2025 (mid-JUN and JUL). Pass the word to any classmates who happen by when there is a class lunch to let me know and join up.”

(Ed. Note: Is it time yet to put together a class group to buy the Galway Bay and make it a permanent class fixture? The current name is fine, but “The Kidnapped Mule” would also have a nice ring to it?)

In other ’92 goings-on:

A huge BZ to Andrew Sullivan, newly CEO of Prudential Financial.

Another BZ to Laura Hatcher for a great 2024 in her photography business helping veterans transition, among other services. Read Laura’s recap on her blog at laurahatcherphotography.com

On the sad occasion of Jimmy Carter’s funeral, Jerry Deren noted a fine contribution made by one of our own in honoring USNA’s only (so far) President: “Many of you may not know that Jay Joyce became a veterinarian after his SWO years. He’s now the owner/ operator of NOVA Equestrian Center, which was hired to overhaul the care and training of the horses assigned to the U.S. Army’s Caisson Platoon, the very horses being used in today’s services for a more famous Navy grad, President Jimmy Carter. Jay and his amazingly talented wife, Paula, have done an incredible job with these horses. Isn’t it appropriate that a Navy grad was able to turn around an Army unit just in time for today’s service for one of our most well-known grads?!

Way to go, Jay...couldn’t be more proud of you!”

Fortune favored the bold at this year’s pounding of Army by putting your loyal correspondent in seats just behind classmate Carl Nease. Carl is passing along lacrosse skills to the next generation with his team the Richmond Hawks and is helping a lot of his young talent into service academies.

Love those 31-13 smiles! David Ornstein and Carl Nease

’92: You may have noticed that you have reached the end of this issue’s ’92 update rather quickly. We can assure you that this almost certainly not because you’ve learned read faster, rather because we have less material than we would like to best entertain you in this space.

Be part of the solution, not part of the problem! You’re likely reading this in early April, which means that the next class update is due into the Shipmate Editors in late May. Get after it and please send an update to usna1992classupdate@gmail.com by May 15 so that the summer issue can be chock-full of ’92!

’93

Life Membership: 98%

Donor Participation: 20.70%

Pres: Bob Kuberski e: bob@usna93.com

Vice Pres: CAPT Colleen C. Salonga, SC, USN (Ret.) Corr Sec’y: Maj Shogo Cottrell, USMCR 30765 W. 127th St., Olathe, KS 66061 p: 913-220-1193; e: shogo@usna93.com

Treas: CDR Tanya (Wallace) Presser, USNR (Ret.) e: tanya@usna93.com

Shipmate Correspondence: Maj Shogo Cottrell, USMCR 30765 W. 127th St., Olathe, KS 66061 p: 913-220-1193; e: shogo@usna93.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9440/feed Website: http://www.usna93.com

When the dark ages comes around again, the news seems to slow down as well. I do have a couple of pieces of info that came across my desk the past couple of months. First off,

’92 classing up the joint at Galway Bay

congratulations are in order to Gregory Newkirk who was recently nominated for appointment to the grade of rear admiral.

Also in the exciting news category, Joanna (Garcia) Sohovich, was recently announced as a 2025 Distinguished Graduate Award recipient. She’s the first from our class and the first from our graduating decade.

Bravo Zulu to Greg and Joanna!

I hope everyone enjoyed Navy’s win over Army in football. I watched the game with my wife and our local alumni chapter here in Kansas City. Wow – what a game! I know there were other gatherings as well – some of my companymates were able to get together in the DC area for the game and cheer on Navy.

That’s it for this month. Catch you all later when

’00

Life Membership: 97%

Donor Participation: 10.16%

Pres: J.V. “Murph” McCarthy

Vice Pres: Devin Smiley

Treas: Joy Marie Watkins

Sec’y: Douglas Bollock

e: Shipmate00@yahoo.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9447/feed

Anyone still savoring that sweet Navy victory from back in December? For those of you who aren’t on Facebook, here are a few photos from the big game.

5th Company watching the 2024 Army-Navy game; l to r: Pat Hittle, Angelo Catalano, John Baltes, Justin Butters, Steve Bishop, Ken Ubial, Steve Delanty, and Lou Yepez

My beautiful bride and I ready to cheer on Navy!

the weather warms up a bit more!

Carpe Diem — Shogo

Chris Kendrick and his wife Laura repping ’00 in Navy’s 31-13 victory in the 125th Army-Navy game.

Joe May rocking his N sweater in the office prior to the game.

Our Commander in Chief trophy is so glad to be back in its favorite home by the Bay. GO NAVY BEAT ARMY!

’00: Congressman Nick LaLota hosted several ’00 classmates on Capitol Hill for an Army Navy spirit celebration prior to the game. He also pulled off the ultimate spirit prank when he used a Jedi mind trick to get Congressman Pat Ryan (USMA ’04) to say BEAT ARMY on national television.

’00: He also pulled off the ultimate spirit prank when he used a Jedi mind trick to get Congressman Pat Ryan (USMA ’04) to say BEAT ARMY on national television.

2000, I may receive a lifetime ban from Shipmate after submitting a picture of me in Air Force blues, but here it is... I recently retired from the Alaska Air National Guard after 24 years of combined Navy/Guard service. After flight school and a P-3 career in Hawaii (VP-47) and Florida (VP-30), we moved back home to Anchorage, Alaska and I have been flying C-130’s in the Guard since 2009. Looking forward to some down-time with no plans for the next chapter. Thanks to Timm Heisey for making the trip up to represent 2000 and VP-47, as well as check the last State off his travel log. Let me know if you find yourself up in the Last Frontier, drinks are on me! pj_mcbride@yahoo.com. — Pat McBride

Closing out, just a few snaps to get us primed up for our big reunion this fall.

’00: Karen Sankes-Ritland was recently promoted to the rank of Captain before wrapping up a successful tour at Joint Forces Staff College. She is currently stationed at the Transaction Service Center in Norfolk as the Executive Officer and will fleet up to CO later this year. Special shout out to Sheila (Morris) Pecery for making the cookies for the promotion ceremony reception – we have a talented pastry chef in our ranks!

Four years together by the Bay, Where Severn joins the tide, Then by Service called away, We’re scattered far and wide; But still when two or three shall meet, And old tales be retold, From low to highest in the Fleet, We’ll pledge the Blue and Gold.

Hope to see you all at our 25th!!

’01

Life Membership: 97%

Donor Participation: 12.84%

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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9448/feed

Hello 2001!

Wow, what a great Army-Navy game! We have loads of great photos from the game starting with the 2001 group shot that Jen Tyll organized after first quarter (Jon Macaskill, Kent Werner, Chris Miller, Leo Mendez, John, Matt Kave (way in the back), Ben Newhart, Meredith Steingold, Brad Dubinsky,

Matt Pizzulli, Alexis (Guzman) Miller, Brian Broadwater, Brian Crosby, Seth Stegmaier, Mike Poe, Margaret (ewers) DiPietra, Dan Goodwin, Price Balderson,Scott Sloan, Amy (Baxter) Laczek, Alana Garas, Sarah Wilson, Cecily Walsh, Jen Tyll, Roland Backhaus, Ashley (Augustini) Hockycko and John DeSantis). Thank you to everyone who made their way out from their seats. It was great to see everyone. Thank you to Team Tyll Teens for patiently photographing us.

First up is Jesse Maynor ’01 who sends a quick update from Tampa, Florida.

M Here’s a terribly brief summary of the 23 years since we were handed commissions: I married Shannon Britt (was ’03) and we bounced around the globe together, doing traditional SWO stuff and building a family. We wrapped up overseas in Guam with CTF-75 and Hawaii with CENSECFOR (during COVID), then moved a few time zones, to Tampa, Florida. Along the way we were given seven kids, and one bonus baby post-retirement. We enjoy Tampa (mostly - the traffic is 2-star at best) and having some geographic stability UFN. If any of you are in Tampa and I missed it, please reach out. I’m in the 2001 Facebook group and would enjoy catching up with you. - Jesse

Well, Jesse was the only one to formally send an update in (Thank you Jesse), but I have gotten word that a number of you found each other on ski slopes this year. Luckily, some photos found their way to my text line (thanks Jen). First up we have Stephenie Gosnell Handler ’01 who flew all the way to Europe to see her sister Rachel Gosnell Almeida ’01 and Rob Almeida ’99 along with Rachel’s son who can be found flying down the ski slopes like a pro. This is one military kid who will not be satisfied with East coast skiing when he gets back to the states. Well, Stephenie was on the slopes when she ran into Paige (Davis) Turbeville ’01 and Wes Turbeville ’01

Steve Tarr (currently stationed at the Office of Naval Research) and Tom O’Donnell (currently serving as a Military Fellow with the Council of Foreign Relations) grabbing a drink together recently in the DC area.

Fall tailgating with Matt LaChapelle, Doug Bollock, Matt Sproat and Joe May.

Next, Stephenie was skiing the East Coast and enjoyed skiing with Tiffani (Bell) Mello ’01 and Brian Mello ’00 plus their families. Jen Tyll also managed a visit with Tiff as well. Skiing brings USNA families together!

M Three of my midshipmen are now junior officers in my community. Time is really going by faster than I would like. Keeping in theme with that, please send updates to cesstay@ yahoo.com

Well, it’s time to wrap things up. March and April will probably be a time where many of us have our kids’ spring breaks. For those of you with older ones, I wish you all the best during college acceptance season.

Until May when the Annapolis roads get filled with parents for commissioning… Go Navy, Beat Army!

’02

Life Membership: 98%

Donor Participation: 8.06%

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

Class Website: www.usna2002.org

LinkedIn: USNA Class of 2002

LinkedIn Class Website: https://www.linkedin.com/ groups/3900492

Facebook Group: USNA ’02

Please note that ‘02’s Facebook Group is intended only for classmates and spouses.

myUSNA:The app “myUSNA” is in the Apple App Store. Also accessible at https://myusna.com

To access the ’02 Group on myUSNA, go to Groups, then Class of 2002 or myusna.com/topics/9449/feed

Virtual Memorial Hall: Thanks to Patrick McConnell for creating and maintaining this for the entire USNA community: http://www.usnamemorialhall.org

’02!

Thank you to Todd Cleveland for the following note, with thanks to David Gravseth for the assist. (See pictures on this and following page):

M “Last October, our fallen classmate, Nick Juron, was posthumously inducted into the Navy Rugby Hall of Fame at the annual Navy Rugby Alumni dinner. This honor is a testament to Nick’s outstanding contributions to the Navy Rugby team and the US All-American team during his time at the Academy.

The induction ceremony was attended by Nick’s surviving family members, who accepted the honor on his behalf. Several members of the Navy Rugby team from the classes of 2002, 2001, and 2003 were also in attendance to celebrate Nick’s legacy.

We were grateful to see Nick’s memory and achievements recognized in this way and he’ll always be remembered as a valued member of our class and the Navy Rugby community.”

Thank you very much, Todd and David.

Up next, thank you CAPT Sarah Rice Buckner for this update shared in January:

M “Here’s a great cross-section of folks still serving in the highest positions of command, citizenship and government from the Surface Navy Association (SNA) National symposium (aka SWO prom).”

In the “’02 SWO Party!” group photo, from left to right: (front row) CAPT Brian Forster,

’01: Jen Tyll could be found at numerous tailgates throughout the day.

’01: East coast skiing

’02: 2024 Rugby Alumni Dinner

Jamie Koehler, CAPT Sarah Rice, Danielle Thomasson, CAPT Brian Murphy; (back row) John Ennis and Steve Rogers

For the photo of CAPT Chris Gahl, which Sarah also submitted to what I call “Big Shipmate” (not to be confused with Big Brother, as noted in The LOG) and which should appear in this issue’s BZ section: Chris is a SWO Acquisition Professional (SWO AP) and was selected for the 2024 Rear Admiral William “Deak” Parsons Award for Surface Warfare Acquisition Leadership and Excellence. This annual award recognizes a SWO AP who best models the ideals and example of RADM Deak Parsons, and Chris was presented this award at the SNA by CNO Franchetti and RDML Eric Ver Hage, Senior SWO AP. Chris is the Major Program Manager for MyNavyHR IT systems in Program Executive Office (PEO) Manpower, Logistics, and Business Solutions (MLB).

Thank you, Sarah!

Next, thanks to Jonathan Shannon for sharing that Peter Bosler was honored in January 2025 by President Biden with an Early Career Award for service at the Department of Energy. Congrats, Pete! Especially for the “Early Career” part – we are still young!! : ) After looking online, I see that in 2022, “Sandia National Laboratories applied and interdisciplinary mathematician Pete Bosler is a winner of a Department of Energy Early Career Research Award… [Pete] investigates multiscale simulations that, integrated, could combine individual raindrops, thunderstorms and the entire global atmosphere, guided by data currently thought too fine to be used, that is, too small to be seen on a data grid, or in other words, subgrid…” More information on Pete’s 2022 award can be found here: https://newsreleases.sandia.gov/ bosler_award/ Congrats, Pete, and thanks Jonathan for sharing this!

Next, an exciting update from my 28 / 2nd Company-mate, and Plebe Year first semester squad-mate, Russell Thomas, about our incredible SWO Company-mate Captain Dan Hancock, Commanding Office of USS ZUMWALT (DDG 1000).

Russell let me know about an article by Associated Press author David Sharp in numerous publications such as the Military Times, titled, “Stealth destroyer to be home for 1st hypersonic weapon on a US warship.” The article notes,

M “Hypersonic weapons travel beyond Mach 5… with added maneuverability making them harder to shoot down… One of the U.S. programs in development and planned for the Zumwalt is the “Conventional Prompt Strike.” It would launch like a ballistic missile and then release a hypersonic glide vehicle that would travel at speeds seven to eight times faster than the speed of sound before hitting the target… the three Zumwalt-class destroyers remain the Navy’s most advanced surface warship in terms of new technologies. Those innovations include electric propulsion, an angular shape to minimize radar signature, an unconventional wave-piercing hull, automated fire and damage control and a composite deckhouse that hides radar and other sensors.”

Russell, thank you for sharing this article about Dan’s incredible ship. And Dan – Wow!

To close, here are photos of the headstones of our fallen classmates, which I took on National Wreaths Across America Day on December 14, 2024. I visited Nick, Joe, and Rich first at Arlington National Cemetery in the morning, after laying wreaths with my 5th grade daughter Magnolia’s Girl Scout Troop. Then in the afternoon I visited Charles, Chris, Pat, Matt, and Ken at the USNA Cemetery and Columbarium. May our shipmates rest in peace and know that we will always remember them and our time together, going all the way back to Plebe Summer in 1998 – almost 27 years ago when this issue of Shipmate is mailed out.

’02 SWO SNA Party!

Chris Gahl with CNO Franchetti and RDML Eric Ver Hage (’02-11)

Sarah and Alex Campbell at SNA

’02: Nick Juron’s Induction Ceremony

Nick Juron Joe Houston

’03Life Membership: 97%

Until we read again, Mike Johnson ’02 Detachment South Arlington, VA johnson.michael.a @gmail.com

Donor Participation: 9.87%

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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9450/feed

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

An update from John Hiler, Pete Scobell and Jeremy Watkins:

M Twenty years have passed since that fateful day, 4 September 2004, when we lost our

dear friend and beloved roommate, Brett Harman to murder. As the anniversary of his passing came and went, without fanfare, we found ourselves reflecting on the memories we shared, the laughter, the challenges, and the unbreakable bond formed within the walls of our room at the Academy. We remembered. The texts were brief; the way of men. “20 years.” “I miss him.” “Everyday.”

Brett was more than just a roommate, he was a brother; a confidant; and a beacon of light in our lives. He was like a tripod steadying our bearing as we navigated our journey at the Academy.

His dedication to Jesus Christ, his country, his unwavering integrity, and his infectious enthusiasm for life left an indelible mark on each of us. Today, we write not with the sorrow that once poured out of us as we comforted each other and his grieving mother, but with a celebration of the life he lived and the legacy he left behind.

Brett had an uncanny ability to turn any study session into something that felt less like work and more like an adventure - probably because he brought so many other people together and probably because we didn’t always study all that much. His passion for service was evident in everything he did. He would always be the first to volunteer regardless the challenge, not for recognition, but because he genuinely wanted to help. That’s probably why he became an infantry officer. His spirit lives on every time we see someone go out of their way to serve others and to protect them.

There was a resilience about Brett, a strength that wasn’t just physical but deeply emotional and moral. He taught us about perseverance. Whether it was late-night adventures, early morning classes, or cutting weight for wrestling, Brett faced everything with an enormous smile and a can-do attitude. His approach to life’s challenges continues to inspire us in our daily lives reminding us to tackle obstacles with grace and determination.

Brett had this laugh, a full-bodied, contagious laugh that could light up the darkest rooms. He had this way of making everyone feel included, important. Our room was always open, not just for us, but for anyone who needed a friend, a plebe wrestler who needed a nap, or even a haircut. Many of you probably even had Brett cut your hair too.

We see his legacy is in every act of kindness we witness or perform, knowing that in some small way, it’s an echo of Brett’s own life. We still see him.

In remembering Brett, we’re reminded of the values instilled in us at the Naval Academy: honor, courage, and commitment. Brett embodied these principles not only in how he served but in how he lived every day. He went hard.

We hope that by sharing these memories, others might feel a connection to a man who, though gone far too early, continues to

influence and inspire. This letter serves not only as a tribute but also as a reminder of the impact one life can have on so many in such a short time. We miss him and won’t ever forget him.

Jonny Hiler, Pete Scobell and Jeremy Watkins

’04

Life Membership: 95%

Donor Participation: 7.42%

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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9451/feed

Classmates,

We received the following update from Terrence Fenningham, who attended the event at Dahlgren Hall on January 10th as SecNav announced the naming of the USS Travis Manion in honor of our classmate Travis.

“It was an honor to be part of the special announcement made at our alma mater, where the Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, proudly revealed that the next San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, LPD 33, will be named USS Travis Manion. SecNav said, “The San Antonio-class amphibious ship represents the combined power of the Navy and Marine Corps team and relies on the seamless integration of Sailors and Marines working together.” He continued, “Here, at his alma mater, I am proud to announce that the next San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, LPD 33, will be named USS Travis Manion, serving as a symbol of courage, bravery, and selfless service for all who follow in her wake.”

As a native of Philadelphia and a long-time supporter of the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF), this announcement holds great personal significance to me. The Foundation, which I’ve been involved with since its inception, has grown into one of the largest veteran service organizations in the country. TMF empowers veterans and families of the fallen, inspiring them to continue their journey of service by serving as mentors to our future generation of leaders.

At the event, Brian Stann, USNA ’03, spoke eloquently about Travis, saying, “He would not have liked this ship named after him. He would not have liked all this recognition. But that’s why it has to be him.” Travis’s father, Marine Corp Col. Tom Manion also shared his perspective, saying, “I know Travis would want this ship to be a tribute to this entire generation of veterans and a reminder to honor and

Rich Andersen

Charles Harris Chris Cortez

The front of Matt’s headstone The back of Matt’s headstone

Ken Neptun

remember their service and sacrifice.”

As a family, we’re proud to support TMF and honor Travis’s legacy through ongoing events like the annual fundraiser, which my brother and I started eight years ago. This year’s event will take place at the Union League of Philadelphia on Friday, April 4th, at 7:00 p.m. For those interested in supporting, more information is available at www.prumphilly.co

The naming of the USS Travis Manion is a fitting tribute to a remarkable individual and classmate and a reminder of the enduring impact that our veterans have on future generations. It’s a privilege to be part of this incredible community and continue supporting TMF’s mission in Travis’s honor.

’06

Life Membership: 99%

Donor Participation: 19.38%

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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9453/feed

Friends,

If you’re holding this Shipmate, you already know. My career has been boarded up. The windows, the doors, everything. We’re in Millersville 21108. I love you.

With the understanding that Army/ Navy games have pretty much bookended my career, Doug and Becky McMahon, Jon and Jessica Schillo, and <Borat voice> my wife </Borat voice> Jamie joined forces with

Nick Carter and his dad at FedEx Field - uhhh Northwest Stadium, site of Navy’s 2003 upset over Air Force. Prior to the game, we met just up the street at the annual Travis Manion Foundation tailgate, where we mingled with celebs, gorged ourselves on barbecue and adult juice boxes, and I completed ’06 pull ups at the Beaver Fitness trailer, much to the chagrin of both of my surgically repaired shoulders. It’s the principle of the matter. There are principalities.

Doug McMahon got to see Jocko Willink who apologized for being mean while he was running Doug through SQT. I made things incredibly awkward by shaking his hand and immediately commenting on the massive bear paws he was wielding. Shortly after, Doug was spotted with Dan Crenshaw chatting privately with Jocko about large sunglasses a nd big watches. SEAL stuff, I guess. Outside the cheering, the second loudest sound was probably me declaring HEY I TAUGHT THAT KID every time we would score a touchdown - and I’m sure this delights the older grads knowing I made such a positive impact, despite their best attempts to separate me.

Immediately following the game, I had hip surgery, because I’m old, and got off crutches just in time to make it to a “special announcement” in Dahlgren Hall featuring outgoing Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro ’83, who roasted his classmate former Superintendent VADM Sean Buck ’83, over how much better the Army/Navy record is under VADM Yvette Davids ’89. I’m looking forward to the day when Jac O. Ullman’s success will be measured by Mick Yokitis’ win/loss column.

Anyhoo, the secretary of the Navy’s presence at any special event means it’s a ship naming, and Andrew Adams bailed out of a DC trip with his boss to join Jamie and I in attendance as LPD 33 was announced to be the USS Travis Manion. I was equally thrilled to see a familiar face on the other side of the crowd that turned out to be none other than three-time Paralympian and now permanent Annapolitan Brad Snyder, fresh into his new permanent role in the Stockdale Center. Also in attendance was our generous 20:06 Podcast Ep. 1 guest from the class of 1971, Lt Gen John Sattler, USMC (Ret.) who makes me want to run through a brick wall every time I talk to him because I’m just so hyped.

Second to lastly, if you’re interested in joining the world’s greatest tailgateTM tent-atively under the new big top purchased from Class of ’73 for $200.60, let me know. There’s a whole process with Navy Athletics which will be underway by the time you see this.

And lastly, if you haven’t listened already, you can find Adam Hudson and I on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. We’re looking to connect the class and raise awareness for our 20-year project. Give it a try, and if you have any

’04: The crowd gathered at Dahlgren Hall to honor Travis Manion USNA ‘04

’04: Colonel Tom Manion shares remarks after the announcement

recommendations of cool (unclassified and releasable) stories, shoot me a note!

Custodes Libertatis, Josh

Dear Class of 2006 Shipmates, Great day ’06ers! It is hard to believe how quickly time has passed since we stood together at our graduation (20 years is just around the corner!!), ready to embark on our respective journeys. As we reflect on those incredible days and the bonds we formed at the Naval Academy (some as far back as NAPS), it’s always a delight to reconnect and create new memories.

This article, though short, simple, and to the point…has been 18 years in the making (one-day-at-a-time). We could not have planned this if we tried, yet here we are! I have the honor and joy to serve with both Luke and Paul as the top three at Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron TWO (MSRON TWO). Now it’s not too crazy to serve as 2006ers together; however, what is unique is that we were all three in 21st Company too!

Whether we are local or traveling from afar, it is a real delight to catch up and pick up

as if it were yesterday when we last chatted. Each of us have done lots of living, seen a lot of things, experienced the ups and extreme downs showing up each day. I am truly thankful for the amazing bond that only shipmates can share; I try to never pass up an opportunity to catch up with old friends, share stories, and rekindle the camaraderie that defined our time in Annapolis.

Go Navy! BEAT Army, again and again!!

’07

Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 6.82%

Pres: Brady Beauchamp

Vice Pres: LtCol Benjamin Tuck, USMC e: Benjamin.Tuck07@gmail.com

Treas: CDR Patrick Sullivan, USN e: patrick.timothy.sullivan@gmail.com

Sec’y: CDR Dan Bellomo, USNR e: dbellomo@umich.edu

Send Articles to: classofficersUSNA2007@gmail.com myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9454/feed

Go Navy! Beat Army! Hot Dang, they did it! What a game it was!

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.

Also, a fun fact that might also make your brain hurt. In coordinating the 22nd Company Class support (more info later) we had to do some emailing with the current company leadership. If you remember your old Academy email address, it was the letter “m” followed by your alpha number, then “@usna.edu”. For our class it would have been m07XXXX@ usna.edu Well, the current senior class…their email address is m25XXXX@usna.edu. If that doesn’t make you feel old and cause you to do a double take, I don’t know what will! (Well actually we do…when the email addresses are m27XXXX@usna.edu.)

This next note comes from Troy Vantrease

Doug admires Jocko’s massive claws while Josh Angichiodo drinks a juice box.

Jamie Angichiodo, Becky McMahon, and Jessica Schillo look pretty while the men stand around like a middle school dance.

With Tara Crenshaw, a friend of ’06.

Welcome to the Fleet!

Josh Angichiodo, and LCDR Pat O’Hara (Ret.) at the 2001 Army/Navy Game with NAPS ’02.

’06: Brad Snyder, Josh Angichiodo, and Lt Gen John Sattler ’71

Jeff Milota (21st Co), Luke Penrose (21st Co), and Paul Jacobson (21st Co)

M Six of us recently had the opportunity to catch up at the CVW-11 Change of Command at NAS Lemoore. Nate Stein almost didn’t make the photo because he was in such a hurry to escape dusty Lemoore and make his way back to sunny San Diego. Pictured L-R: Mike Christoph (VFA-25 XO), Tony Kopp (VFA-137 XO), Troy Vantrease (VFA-125 XO), Nate Stein (HSM-75 CO), Patrick Lakusta (VFA-86 XO), and Jason Pallotta (VFA-34 CO).

Now that is a Jetsy Reunion

This next note comes from our Classmates in Maryland.

M On 13 January, five Class of 2007 Shipmates continued our commitment and partnership with the Class of 1957 and 22nd Company. Our class has been sponsoring 22nd Company alongside ‘57 since we graduated.  It’s been a great “Link in the Chain” partnership with 1957 and in support of current Midshipmen.  Annually, we present a joint check of $1000 to assist with wardroom dues, tailgates, and other expenses in support of morale for 22nd Company. This year Kirsten Davis, Laurence Trotter, Tim Beach, Scott Buchner and Brian Davis represented us all well during the event. Thanks to Kirsten, Laurence, Tim, Scott, and Brian for making the time to keep the Link strong.

This next note comes from Steve Scarver, Jay Fraser, and Vincent Mazzurco

M On 11October2024, our classmate Tyler Tidwell was honored by his former high school in Deer Creek, OK by naming its football stadium “Tyler Tidwell Stadium”. Marines from the local recruiting station and Marine Barracks Washington were present and participated in recognizing Tyler, his family, and his community. A great article covering the special event can be found by searching for “Tyler Tidwell Stadium”. Additional information on how to support the naming effort will be sent separately along with a link where donations can be directed.

This next note comes from Gray Tompson

M On 12 December 2024, Gray Tompson (30th Co), John Shaffo (30th Co), and Ryan Kelly (13th Co) were able to get together pierside in Pearl Harbor for the photo below. It was taken immediately following the Change of Command Ceremony during which Ryan took command of USS Daniel inouye (DDG-118). Congrats Ryan!

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.

’09

Life Membership: 99%

Donor Participation: 29.19%

Pres: CDR 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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9456/feed ’09,

I hope everyone had a great holiday and enjoyed the (sometimes unexpected) snow! Now that spring is just around the corner, we have Veronica Camiolo (8th Company) who wants to kick off this season with some great pics from our awesome 15-Year Reunion!

8th Company reunited in large numbers at the 15 year reunion

It was great seeing everyone and meeting up with our sponsor families! See you all at the 20th!

Please keep sending us your pictures and stories from our 15-year Reunion!

Until next time, please keep in touch via our “US Naval Academy Class of 2009” Facebook page or our Class Slack channel: usna09.slack.com GO NAVY!! -’09 Class Officers

Change of Commandin Hawaii

’07: Tyler Tidwell Stadium, photo credit to Sgt. Lennon Dregoiw

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

Treas: David Patton ’92 p: 831-917-7750; e: david.patton@live.com

Exec Assist: Rosalyn Bell (son Joseph ’25) e: usna.ala@gmail.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9480/feed

Over 60 Alumni, parents, and friends gathered at The Fennec in Birmingham on 14 December to watch Navy football BEAT ARMY and take home the Commander-in-Chief trophy!! A great time of fun and fellowship was enjoyed by all. The event rounded out an exciting year for the Alabama Chapter, who also welcomed Navy football to Birmingham for the first time in September to beat UAB. Looking forward to a great 2025!!

Arizona

BGO Area Coordinator: Susan Wester e: sjw456@icloud.com

Northern Arizona Chapter

Pres: Charlie Bomberger ’74 p: 928-4999-9605; e: cbomberger74@gmail.com

Sec’y: Juan Segovia ’88 p: 949-235-4083; e: the5Segovias@gmail.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/27719/feed

The last few months have been exciting ones for the Northern Arizona Alumni Chapter. Since our last update we had a tremendous showing at the Army Navy game and enjoyed the 31-13 victory. That was followed up by another great turnout for the Armed Services bowl where we watched Navy squeak out a one-point victory over the Sooners. Both games were watched at our local watering hole in Prescott, AZ, Pudge and Asti’s.

We are gearing up for an exciting new year in 2025. In March, we will be supporting the

Women’s Navy Golf team in Sedona, AZ and will be sharing a Happy Hour with some of our more northerly alumni from Sedona, Flagstaff and other surrounding areas.

That will be followed almost immediately with our quarterly meeting where we have the pleasure of hosting Vice Admiral Phil Sawyer, a 1983 graduate of Annapolis, who will be presenting to the Chapter and our guests at the Gurley Street Grill on March 20th. VADM Sawyer’s tours as a flag officer include: Vice Commander, Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command, Commander, Task Force 74/54 Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet; Deputy Commander, US Pacific Fleet, and Commander, US Seventh Fleet. We are looking forward to meeting him and hearing what he has to share.

Any chapter questions or inquiries can be directed to our Chapter President, Charles Bomberger ’74, at CBomberger74@gmail.com Go Navy! Beat Army!

Juan Segovia ’88

Southern Arizona Chapter

Pres: John McCarthy ’76 p: 520-241-7943; e: j.r.mccarthy2@gmail.com

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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9571/feed

Website: http://southernarizona.usnachapters.com

In November, at the invitation of the University of Arizona ROTC unit, Southern Arizona Alumni Association Chapter secretary Jim Hillenmayer ’73, his wife Wendy, Chapter treasurer Angie Gonzales ’04 and her two daughters attended the Navy Ball at the student union building on the university campus. As the senior Naval Officer in attendance, Jim had the honor of eating the ceremonial first piece of Navy birthday cake at the beginning of the festivities. After dinner, the midshipmen put on an impromptu demonstration of the latest in college dancing – nothing like the old T-dances to say the least.

David Patton ’92, Greg Hess ’85, Kevin ’85 & Laura Patton enjoying a Navy win.

Andrew Blank ’15 & Bobby Duncan ’15 doing push-ups to celebrate a NAVY touchdown!!

VADM Phil Sawyer ’83

Alabama Chapter: Attendees of the 2024 Birmingham Army-Navy Watch Party

In December, the Chapter joined forces with the local Army alumni chapter to watch the Army/Navy game at a Tucson pub. The Army alum were confident and all smiles at the start of the game, but it didn’t take long for their demeanor to change as the underdog mids dominated the game from the start. By the fourth quarter, very few Army folks remained to watch Navy cruise to victory.

Next up for the Chapter is a luncheon in early February where the guest speaker will be Blue and Gold Officer Joe Scibarra ’68

California

Monterey Bay Chapter

Pres: Maj Rebecca “Becky Singh” ’03, USNR

e: usnaalumnimontereybay@gmail.com

Corr Sec’y: Steve Tackett ’87

e: stackett99@yahoo.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9536/feed

Website: http://montereybay.usnachapters.net

BGO Area Coordinator: Bob Garcia

e: bob@coeususa.com

Army-Navy 2024

Monterey Chapter had a great time at The Trident Room watching Navy beat Army this year! Despite some wild weather on the peninsula, it was again a packed house of grads spanning generations. Cheers to another win next year! - Becky Singh ’03

Sacramento Chapter

Pres: Brian Grubbs ’92

e: bgrubbs1992@gmail.com

Vice Pres: Terri (Riggs) Maginnis ’82

e: tmaginnis@yahoo.com

Sec’y: Paul Deveaux ’96 e: paul@pauldeveaux.com

Treas: Alan Abbs ’91 e: alanabbs@gmail.com

Area BGO Coordinator: Lauro Aguila ’81 p: 530-417-1082

e: Lauro.Aguila@bgo.USNA.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9561/feed

The holiday months and new year are always a busy time for the Sacramento chapter. This year was no different!

Go Navy, Beat Army! The annual Army-Navy Game watch party at SacYard Community Tap House was a great success. That’s easy to say, given our dominating victory over a talented Army team. But the watch party seemed a lot easier this year, too, since the West Point alumni Sacramento chapter played host. They provided an excellent buffet lunch and were great hosts, so we didn’t rub it in too much. We’re grateful to all who attended and made the event memorable. Our chapter also held its annual board elections during this event, confirming Brian Grubbs ’92 as President, Terri Maginnis ’82 as Vice President, Alan Abbs ’91 as Treasurer, and Paul Deveaux ’96 as Secretary. Also in attendance were: John Martin ’91, Dave McKie ’66 and Mick Trainor ’92

There are two monthly events you can always count on in the Sacramento area: Chapter Breakfasts are held on the first Friday of each month at Black Bear Diner on Madison Avenue, Citrus Heights, at 7:30 AM.

Angie Gonzales with daughters Brook and Virginiaand Jim and Wendy Hillenmayer

Scott Waltermire ’91 and Lance Strauss ’73

Peter ’06 and Isaac Barkley

Paolo & Becky ’03 and Emma Singh

Hannah and Joshua Cohen ’17

Jeremy and Jean Gray ’96

Sacramento Chapter Army-Navy Game watch party

Sacramento Chapter Army-Navy Game watch party

CHAPTER NEWS

Monthly All-Academy Happy Hour events are usually on a Thursday evening and are announced a few weeks in advance. The January event was held on January 16th at Old Town Tap House. We try to rotate happy hour locations around the greater Sacramento area, so there’s likely one happening near you soon. The best way to stay informed is through our

monthly events email through MyUSNA.com. You can also find the information on our private Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ groups/420357781323905 or search “Sacramento Chapter Naval Academy Alumni). We’re always looking to grow and welcome new faces at our events. If you haven’t joined us recently, consider coming out to connect

with fellow alumni and enjoy the camaraderie of the Sacramento Chapter. Many of our events are held in conjunction with the other local service academy chapters or are attended by the parents of current USNA midshipmen. Joining is a great way to make new friends and increase your network of fantastic people in the Sacramento area.

San Diego Chapter

Pres: Keith Kitagawa ’92

e: president@usnaaasd.com

Vice Pres 1: Debbie Balsley ’93

Vice Pres 2: Michael Philbrook ’83

Treas: Maurice Caskey ’64

Sec’y: Mark Powers ’06

e: secretary@usnaaasd.com

Corr Sec’y: Charlie Carey ’70 p: 619-589-0945; e: cdcarey@1970.USNA.com myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9562/feed Website: http://usnaaasd.com

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

Rain! Finally got some rain here and it was much needed. San Diego has wonderful weather but we could use just a bit more rain in the next couple of months to keep everything healthy. We have experienced serious fires here in SOCAL as you have probably seen on TV but SD has been spared so far. Rain really helps with all the dry vegetation here.

As we all know the Army Navy game was one for the history books. I don’t think a lot of the experts thought Navy had much of a chance but as grads we know never to take anything for granted when it comes to the Army Navy game. So much for the “experts”! Here are a couple of photos from the golf tournament we hosted pre-game and one of the many viewing venues here in San Diego.

Checking in for golf at USNA SD tournament

We followed up in January with our annual attendance at the Gulls hockey game. As you can see in the photo on the next page, we had our usual great turnout and fun at the game.

Sacramento Chapter Army-Navy Game watch party

Sacramento Chapter Army-Navy Game watch party

San Diego Chapter: USNA Grads at one of several viewing sites in SD

San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

Pres: Mike Fazzio ’85

e: mikefaz85@gmail.com

Vice Pres: Vacant

Sec’y: Ray Fazzio ’57 e: rayfaz57@pacbell.net

Treas: Brian Frack ’89 e: frackbrian@gmail.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9563/feed Website: http://sfbayarea.usnachapters.net

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ usnaaasfbayarea

Instagram: @usnaaa_sfbaychapter

BGO Area Coordinator: Frank Verducci e: fverduccijr@yahoo.com

SF Bay Area Alumni got together at several Army-Navy watch parties throughout the area. The picture nearby shows several of our South Bay Alumni. All had a great time watching underdog Navy defeat the Black Knights. Go Navy!

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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9564/feed

Web: http://santabarbara.usnachapters.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/santabarbara. chapterusna.9

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usnaalums santabarbara/

Great fellowship and win over Army 2024! See the photo on the left. Stay tuned for the 2025 activities. Are you the area?

Contact the chapter at email usnaaasantabarbarachapter@gmail.com

Florida

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: Jim Beatty ’83 p: 904-329-9609; e: jbeatty@wolf.com.mt

Comms 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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9525/feed

Website: jacksonville.usnachapters.net

BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard O’Sullivan ’77, USN (Ret.) p: 407-687-6877; e: raaos@aol.com

Jacksonville is known for a few things. The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail party is how most people refer to the Florida-Georgia Football game played annually in Jacksonville. We now have the World’s Largest Army-Navy Watch party in an NFL Stadium to add to the list of Jacksonville accolades. Over 700 fans attended the Army-Navy game watch party

San Diego Chapter: USNA grads on the ice at the San Diego Gulls hockey game.

San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

Santa Barbara Chapter

at Everbank Stadium this year. The City of Jacksonville - Office of Military Affairs and Veterans sponsored the event with the assistance of our Chapter and the West Point Society of Graduates in NEFL. A great time was had by all and the dominance of the Navy Football Team had the West Pointers sneaking out of the Bank a little early.

The Jacksonville Chapter also showed up in force for bonus football to watch the Midshipmen handle the Oklahoma Sooners in the Armed Forces Bowl at the end of December.

A large contingent attended at Culhane’s Irish Pub and sat on the edge of our seats and barstools until Navy finally claim the victory.

In January, the Jacksonville Chapter again gathered to watch the Jacksonville Icemen take on the Atlanta Gladiators on the ice. Over 40 Alumni, family and friends attended th e game. One of our own, Rick Morin, sang the National Anthem with the Big Orange Chorus.

Food Farmacy

The Jax Chapter continues to support Food Farmacy events both at Mayport and now at NAS Jax providing food to Military families in need.

Orlando Chapter

Pres: Christopher Clark ’01 e: clark15cr@gmail.com

Vice Pres: Marc Watson ’77 e: marc@marcwatson.com

Sec’y: Dave Shikada ’79 e: davidshikada@gmail.com

Treas: Shawn Wattles ’95 e: shawn.wattles@gmail.com

Webmaster: Greg Hemphill ’72 e: usnaamembershiporlando@gmail.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9546/feed

Website: https://myusna.com/topics/9546

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/1415188042037372

BGO Area Coordinator: Rich O’Sullivan ’77 e: RAAOS@aol.com

The Orlando Alumni Chapter and Parents’ Club joined-up to enjoy some food, camaraderie, and of course the hard-fought Navy win over Army!!

Culhane’s Watch Party

Jacksonville Chapter: Icemen game

Jacksonville Chapter: Rick Morin with the Big Orange Chorus singing the National Anthem

Orlando Chapter: Hero shot of the Orlando Chapter watch party lineup

Southwest Florida Chapter

Pres: Hank White ’68 e: hfwhitejr@aol.com

Sec'y: Doug Backes ’70 e: dougbackes@aol.com

Membership-Web Manager: David Finch ’67 e: df121819@aol.com

BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Dennis R. Neutze ’65, JAGC USN (Ret.) p: 305-705-4722; e: dennis.navy65@googlemail.com myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9574/feed Website: southwestflorida.usnachapters.net

President’s Comments. My Fellow SWF Shipmates and future visitors to our little piece of paradise: Happy New Year for the 2025 portion of our USNAAA SWF Chapter “SEASON”. Our snowbirds have returned and as this article is written (28 Jan) we have had our first of the three scheduled events. Details below.

A reminder: we do not have full complement of officers to manage the Chapter’s activities, I agreed to remain as Chapter President (and acting Treasurer) for another year with the assistance of Doug Backes ’70 (Secretary) and Dave Finch ’67 (Membership and Web Manager). [Vice President and Treasurer positions remain vacant]. Officer positions run for a two-year period and can be renewed. We are asking some of our local alumni to step forward, join the chapter and a few brave souls assist as new leaders. Officer positions run for a two-year period and can be renewed if incumbents volunteer to stay. You may not realize that all your current leaders are baby boomers who graduated back in the middle of the last century. Time for the gen X, millennials and gen Z alumni to answer this call.

Enough of the recruiting commercial, it is time for our SWF alumni to start enjoying our chapter’s new “season” in Southwest Florida, so let’s recap our first event and then look ahead to what is planned and what is possible to accomplish with your help.

Regards, Hank White ’68.

2025 Events.

January: We had an outstanding first event luncheon on Wednesday, 15 Jan, renewing our connections with local USNA parents club and Navy Blue and Gold representatives and learning a great deal of our Navy’s past and future world-wide challenges and operations, and what key acquisitions are planned. Our speaker was VADM Walter (Mark) Skinner ’77, USN (Ret). Alumni Attendees included: Mark Skinner ’77 & Spouse, Hank White ’68 & Spouse, Doug Backes ’70 & Spouse, Bruce Needham ’68, Dave Finch’67 & Spouse, Francis Cleary ’62, Jack Geraghty ’64, Margie Westerbeck ’93 (Navy Blue and Gold Officer), Greg Wright ’71, Phil McKee ’68, Paul McDonnell ’67 & Spouse, Bruce Lakefield ’67 & Spouse, Peter Easton ’54 & Spouse and Karl Krumbholz ’68

February: Our special Valentines Luncheon will be on Wednesday, 12 Feb. This one is

always a favorite with the members and spouses/special guests. “Champagne and Roses” is the theme. Our speaker is the Superintendent of the Naval Academy, VADM Yvette Davids ’89 USN for a ZOOM engagement with us. Hoping to see you there. @ Audubon CC.

SWF Golf Team: Army is hosting this year’s Tri Service Academy Golf Tournament. Teams are generally composed of services alumni chapter’s members and this year we will field 12 players for each team. Army’s rep has secured course access (a very difficult task in SWF during season) for 12 February. Despite the double schedule of the Valentine’s Luncheon and Golf tournament, our team captain Bruce Needham’68 signed the team and filled our roster. Hoping to report victory in our May –June Shipmate article!

March: Our special Navy Athletics Luncheon is currently scheduled for Wednesday, 12 Mar. We have contacted the staff of and invited Navy’s Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk to again speak at one of our luncheons. We await confirmation of his 2025 spring travel plans n Southwest Florida and will advise of any luncheon date change needed. We will keep all informed. @ Audubon CC.

April: TBD but anticipate any scheduling early in the month.

To join the chapter or reserve a spot at one of our events please contact our membership and web manager David Finch ’67 at (df121819@aol.com). All the best and Go Navy, Beat Army!

Doug Backes ’70 Secretary

Suncoast Chapter

Pres: George Thompson ’77 p: 757-810-9532; e: thompsongw77@gmaill.com

Vice Pres: Alois “Al” Burda ’68 e: alburda3@verizon.net

Treas: Elaine Thompson e: virgilielaine@gmail.com

Sec’y: Vacant

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9510/feed Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usnaalumniflorida suncoastchapter

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

Shipmates:

After a successful Football season, over 40 alums, spouses, and friends gathered At Geckos Grill and Pub in Sarasota to watch Navy sing second after defeating favored Army 31-13 in the 125th anniversary meeting of the two teams. A great and noisy turnout as Navy scored first and never trailed while dominating the line of scrimmage and leading in both rushing and passing yards. It was a huge victory for the Midshipmen, who were led by QB Blake Horvath. In so doing Navy claimed the Commander in Chief Trophy having defeated Air Force earlier in the season. Gift card prizes were awarded at the end each quarter.

Looking forward to our annual outing at Snook Haven in Venice at 1130 am on February 21 on the Myakka River for great barbeque and some “Old Florida” Charm. Beat Army!

Tampa Bay Chapter

Pres: CDR Jane Lochner ’84, USN (Ret.) p: 301-832-6420; e: jane.lochner@gmail.com

Sec’y: CAPT Chris Heath ’72, USNR (Ret.) e: christopherheath.fl@gmail.com

Comms Director/BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Steve Swift ’87, USNR (Ret.) e: sswift@1987.usna.com

Chapter platform: https://myusna.com Select Groups, Tampa Bay, and request to join this closed group

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9578/feed

Website: http://tampabay.usnachapters.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/USNAAlumni-TampaSt-Petersburg/120095454740213?sk=wall Chapter LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/ groups/3912975/

A WHOOPIN’ ON THE WOOPS!

What a day in early December as the underdog Navy football team played a dominant game in defeating Army 31-13. The local chapter of the West Point Society hosted this year’s joint watch party at Miller’s Ale House, but it was 40+ Navy fans who did the celebrating. This victory returned the Commander in Chief trophy to Annapolis where it belongs!

Suncoast Chapter: Army-Navy watch party 2024

was a lot of push-ups.

Feeling the momentum, again-underdog Navy beat Oklahoma 21-20 later in December in a breath-taking finish to the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl. Down 14-0 in the first quarter, Navy ground its way back to take the lead, with QB Blake Horvath ’26 leading the way. Oklahoma scored to come within one point with 6 seconds left in the game, but Navy buried the two-point conversion attempt and sealed the win. It was a dramatic finish to the game and a great season for the Mids.

CONGRATULATIONS GEN DRAUDE!

A tip of the combination cap to our own BGEN Tom Draude ’62, USMC (Ret.). As part of their Salute to Service program, the NHL Tampa Bay Lightning honored Tom at a game this season with a call-out to the ice. Nicely done, General! This is one of many well-deserved tributes to BGEN Draude for his years of faithful service and leadership. Semper Fi!

MARK THE DATE – 26 MAY 25

Please join us for our annual Tampa Bay Run to Honor memorial 5k walk/run on Memorial Day. This event has grown in each year of its existence as alumni, along with family, friends, and even Gold Star families gather together to remember fallen loved ones and academy alumni. After a brief memorial ceremony, all those present may run or walk all or part of the 3.1-mile course on beautiful Bayshore Blvd. in Tampa. Refreshments make for a fitting end to a chapter tradition, and you are finished by around 10 am to enjoy the rest of the holiday. All abilities are welcome – come join in.

CHAPTER SHIRTS ARE AVAILABLE

Chapter shirts and other logo merchandise are available online. Orders can be placed individually and shipped to your home.

Order here: https://stores.inksoft.com/ USNA_Tampa/shop/home

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. Mark your calendar for the first WED of each month at 1800. We meet at Brick House Tavern & Tap, 1102 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa.

Participants in January included Derrick Clark ’98, Peter Damisch ’75, Miller Detrick ’63, Tom Draude ’62, Bill Graham ’72, Austin Gullett ’03, James Hamm ’84, Chris Heath ’72, Lauren Hickey ’15, Duane Lafont ’78, Jane Lochner ’84, Jon Miles ’93, Jose Sanchez ’07, Steve Swift ’87, Joe Wiendl ’93 and Trent Wolfersberger ’93. We were also pleased to welcome new members Jake Dove ’06 and Joe Epstein ’62. Welcome aboard, guys!

Peter Damisch ’75 provided very interesting comments about his global travel as an Extreme Eco-tour Guide.

Watch for information to sign up for these future events.

Future Events

- Monthly Meetings on first Wednesday of each month at 1800 (no sign-up needed).

Brick House Tavern & Tap, 1102 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa

- 26 May 25 – Run to Honor Memorial Day 5K Run/walk

- (Date TBD) – Army-Navy Golf Match

- (Date TBD) – MLB Tampa Bay Rays

All-Academy Outing, hosted by our chapter

Our social media links are in our header. Don’t forget to enroll on MyUSNA.com and join the Tampa Bay Chapter – a Distinguished Chapter in 2020-2021-2022-2023.

Everything’s Great 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: LCDR John “Wiz” Withers ’79, USN (Ret.) e: JDWithers@1979.usna.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9485/feed 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

Our final event of 2024 was one to remember – the trouncing of the Keydets in the Army-Navy game. A determined band of chapter members joined up with graduates of that School on the Hudson at the Mutation Brewing Co. in Sandy Springs, GA. The Army hosts were talking smack prior to kickoff, but that slowly subsided as the game progressed. To be fair, the hosts were as gracious as they were surprised at the outcome.

After the excitement of beating Army, the Atlanta Chapter took some time out to enjoy the holidays. That break, however, did not last long.

In February, we held our signature winter Dark Ages Party at the 57th Fighter Squadron restaurant in Atlanta. Unfortunately, due to the deadlines for this issue of Shipmate, I don’t have anything to report - yet. But stay tuned for updates in our next issue.

The board is finalizing the slate of events for the remainder of 2025. This will include the occasional monthly gatherings at various locations around the metro area.

One question I often get is “How can I get notified of upcoming Atlanta Chapter events”?” The best way is to make sure you’re on our email list. First, log into your profile on USNA.com and make sure your email address is current. Our email list comes directly from the Alumni Assn. database. As a backup, you can also email me, and I can verify your profile is current and that we have your correct email address on file.

Another way to keep up is by visiting the chapter website at https://atlanta.usnachapters. net/. Our webmaster works tirelessly to keep the site up to date. We also post on the chapter’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ USNAAtlanta.

Atlanta chapter events are open to alumni in the Atlanta metro area. All alumni, whether they live in Atlanta or just passing through, are welcome to attend as a guest. We always encourage membership, but please don’t let that deter you from participating in a future meeting. The door is always open!

Wiz Withers ‘79 Secretary, Atlanta Metro Chapter

Enjoying Navy’s win (L-R) – John Kamen ’77, with Sandy Kamen, Linda Aiken, and Don Aiken ’78.

The Tampa Bay Push-up Team (L-R) Wyatt Stone ’15, Brian Tsai ’16, and former Marine (of course) James Hamm ’84. Wow! That

The Tampa Bay Lightning celebrated BGEN Tom Draude ’62

Germany

Stuttgart Germany Chapter

Pres: Thomas E. Elders p: 949-878-2661; e: thomaselders@earthlink.net; Thoms.E.Elders.mil@mail.mil

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9576/feed

BGO Area Coordinator: John Dolby ‘99 e: jedolby@gmail.com

In Stuttgart Germany we proudly walk around letting all the “Woops” know we claimed two Army-Navy Victories!

On a cold Friday night at Panzer Kaserne, Navy bested Army 18-12 in overtime in the annual U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart ArmyNavy Flag Football Game! The team comprised of Navy personnel and Naval Academy Alumni in the Stuttgart area. Two grads that played are LCDR Bobby Dixon ’13 and 2ndLt Ed Shead ’22. I cheered loudly with my son.

On 14 December, CDR Chuck Spivey ’03 and CAPT Maggie (Bezek) Spivey ’01 hosted a watch party for some local Stuttgart Alumni. In attendance were LtCol Thomas Elders ’98, CDR Sean ‘Woogs’ Allen ’07, LTC (USA Ret.) Tommy Kasey USMA ‘01, and LTC (USA Ret.) Talia (Tinianow-Perry) Kasey USMA ’03. We all enjoyed singing second…well not Tommy and Talia.

Additionally, we have two Blue & Gold Officer in the Stuttgart Area, CDR (Ret.) John Dolby ’99 and myself. If you have interested high schoolers, please contact us! Go Navy! Beat Army!

Idaho

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

Northwest Chapter

Pres: Brad Little ’76 p: 619-459-6352 e: BLittle1052@outlook.com

Treas: William Crumpler ’65 p: 509-447-7956

VA Coord: John Lasher ’69 p: 208-664-6753

Activities Coord: Peter Optekar ’63 p: 208-762-4571

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9542/feed

Greetings from the Northwest, Shipmates. Checking our six, it seems that the holidays are behind us, and we are headed into the Dark Ages. What a great way to wrap up the year though! A truly classic fall sports season, of course capped by a win over that parochial school on the Hudson and some school from something called the SEC.

Not to rub it in (that’s a lie) but as I point out to my WooPoo friends, I’d rather be 10-3 than 11-2! (See the photo on the previous page.)

The Northwest Chapter ended the year strong, with watch parties to finish out the Season, the Army Navy Game, and OSU. The Capstone for the year was our Christmas Social and Annual meeting. In the meeting, we laid out the plans for Winter and Spring, including our Ski Plans, Winter Bowling League and more, discussed opportunities for

Me and my future Class of 2043 grad!

(Left to Right) CDR Spivey ’03, CAPT Spivey ’01, LtCol Elders ’98, CDR Allen ’07, LTC (Ret.) Kasey USMA ’03, and LTC (Ret.) Kasey USMA ’01 (Took the Photo).

Chuck, Maggie, Woogs and Thomas enjoying another Navy victory.

Stuttgart Germany Chapter: Victorious Navy Flag Football Team with the Trophy.

Northwest Chapter

CHAPTER NEWS

Chapter Sponsorship of Summer Session, et al, and elected new Officers. Keep a weather eye on MyUSNA.com for more information and an new chapter newsletter. Beat Army, over and over and over again!

Southern Idaho Chapter

President: Rick Schellhaas ’68 e: rbschellhaas@gmail.com

Vice President: Pete Butler ’86 e: pete@valtrend.com

Sec’y: Rufus Taylor ’66 e: tincansailor980@gmail.com

Treas: Tef Nunamaker ’92 e: tjnunamaker@gmail.com

Idaho Parents’ Club President: Trasi Mullin (Cormac ’26) e: idusnaparents@gmail.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9572/feed

Woohoo! “Singing second” and lots of cheering and pushups, but not many for Army. Once again SIC members joined with the local USMA AOG for our annual Army-Navy game watch party. Many thanks again to the Warhawk Aviation Museum in Nampa, Idaho for the venue. Food and beverages were graciously provided by Holy Smokes BBQ & Catering and Bear Island Brewery. Thanks to all! Well over 200 folks comprised of USNA alumni and USMA AOG members gathered along with a great turnout of spouses/SO’s, family, parents and friends. SIC attendees included Steve Berg ’66, Rufus Taylor ’66, Del Giffin ’67, Dennis Hanrahan ’68, Tom Neville ’68, Jim Perkins ’68, Rick Schellhaas ’68, Tom Simmonds ’73, Johnny Green ’76, Chris Slack ’78, Ed Bryezinski ’85, Thom Bruce ’86, Pete Butler ’86, Van States ’91, Ted Nunamaker ’92, Brad Congher ’94, Mike Bisbee ’96, Paul Campbell ’98, Johanna Schumacher ’01 and Lindsay Beeson ’08

The 25th annual All Service Academy Ball took place on December 28th at the Riverside Hotel in Garden City, Idaho. There was an excellent pre-dinner program, a silent auction, and recognition of those who have gone before us along with the appropriate solemnity. Thanks to Trasi Mullins, USNA Parents’ Club president and her team for their work in helping to organize the event.

Service selection for the Class of 2025 has taken place and here are the soon-to-be Idaho graduates selections. Many thanks to Sam Kerley ’25 for the information, BZ! MIDN Sam Kerley ’25 Boise, Navy Air (Pilot); MIDN Avery Konecni ’25, Boise, Nuclear Power (Submarines); MIDN Olivia Love ’25, Star, Navy Air (NFO); MIDN James (J. D.) Griffin ’25, Sand Point, Navy Air (Pilot). Congratulations all!

The Southern Idaho Chapter (SIC) welcomes alumni and spouses/SOs living in or visiting the Boise area. You are invited to join us. If you would like information about SIC activities, contact Rufus Taylor ‘66 at tincansailor980@ gmail.com

Illinois

Chicago Chapter

Pres: Eric Sucharski ’91 e: eric@sucharskilaw.com

Vice Pres: Michael Cortesio ’85 e: mjcortesio@comcast.net

Sec’y: John Killacky ’93 e: j4killacky@comcast.net

Treas: Michelle Lee ’16 e: michelle.lee@bgo.usna.com

Past Pres: Fred Weber ’75 e: Fred.weber@2comm.com

BGO Area Coordinator (Northern IL)

LCDR Drew Thomas ’04, USNR e: drew.thomas@bgo.usna.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9498/feed

In mid-December, Fred Weber ’75 and Nancy Fink of the Notre Dame Club of Lake County presented a check to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society at the Great Lakes Naval Station. The check was the result of donations collected at the Navy-Notre Dame football game watch party with the winning side deciding which charity to donate to. The Notre Dame club opted to support the Sailors and Marines at Great Lakes. Through mid-November, the local Relief Society had supported over 800 individuals, awarding nearly $850,000. Well Done to the Relief Society and the Fighting Irish!

MIDN Sam Kerley ’25 and Class of 2028 Midshipmen enjoying the festivities.

Cody and Tirzah Rome ’12 at the ball.

Nancy Funk of the Notre Dame club and Fred Weber ’75 presenting a check to Lisa Davis, the Executive Director of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society at Great Lakes, of donations collected at the Navy-Notre Dame watch party.

Southern Idaho Chapter: Happy USNA Alumni at the 2024 A-N game watch party.

Chicago Chapter: Navy fans at the Army-Navy watch party in downtown Chicago

A few days later, over 50 Chicagoland alumni, along with their families and friends, joined our Army brethren to take in the Army-Navy game at the Green Street Local Tavern in downtown Chicago. The two alumni bases took over both floors of the tavern and enjoyed watching Navy beat Army.

Mike Browne ’80 and his son, David, at the 125th Army-Navy game

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, USN h: 317-329-1773; e: lynntw@aol.com myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9523/feed

The Indianapolis Chapter lives! We gathered at Broadmoor Country Club with our local Woops and both parents Clubs to enjoy the game and pre- and post-game friendship (They refuse to be friends with us during the game, of course!)

This year’s small contingent included Bob Steven’s ’75, Tom Ryan ’80, event organizer Scott Rosa ’07, Lynn Thomas ’83, Don Ross ’81, and Dean Studt ’82. In addition to the Woops, and parents from both schools, our number included a USAFA ’79 graduate. The venue was comfortable and the food and drink very fine. Put a note on your calendars for this summer - we’re planning to put together an all-Academy picnic and we’d like to see you there! No details yet, the planners have to figure those out.

Michiana Chapter

Pres: Maj Michael Rose ’11, USMC 61705 Greentree Dr., South Bend, IN 46614 c: 574-323-3779; e: mgcrose13@gmail.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: Pat Sloan ’75 e: pfsloanesq@aol.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9534/feed

Greetings from the Michiana/South Bend Chapter. We’re slowly thawing out from a cycle of Artic Blast weather events over the last few months. A few fotos from the 249th Marine Corps Birthday Ball. Local chapter alums John Ross ’94, along with Jacque & Jamie Cox ’88 were in attendance. LtCol Cox ’88 was invited to be the guest speaker regarding his combat experiences overseas. Great talk. And additional event was a fantastic Army-Navy watch party hosted by Cheryl & Dr. Dale Szpisjak ’87 at their residence in Mishawaka. The next big event will be in November when the Navy Football team comes to town. Go Navy. Win the tailgate!

IowaSee Minnesota

Upper Midwest Chapter

Pres: Brian E. Ries ’93 p: 858-335-7921; e: ries.briane@gmail.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9586/feed Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USNAAlumni

UpperMidwest/ BGO Area Coordinator: Ted Olt III p: 563-355-1709; e: tolt@l-wlaw.com

SEA STORIES

A Navy tradition

Stories of action and inspiration. Entertaining and educational. https://www.usna.com/sea-stories

Indianapolis Chapter

USMC #249th Birthday Ball Cake

The Gunny & John Ross ’94, cutting the cake.

John Ross ’94 & Jason Frei ’94 at the Army-Navy game, NW Stadium!

Michiana Chapter: Army-Navy party: back row (L-R): Tom Schwab ’87, Dale Szpisjak ’87, Bill Mountford ’83, Dan Fulkerson, Pat Sloan ’75, Chris Haizlip ’72; front row (L-R): Karen Schwab, Joan Haizlip, Amy Fulkerson, and Deb Sloan

USMC Birthday Guest Speaker, LtCol James Cox ’88

`

Maryland

Greater Southern Maryland Chapter

Pres: Dan Peters ’04 e: danpeters04@gmail.com

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

Sec’y: Pierre Thuot ’77 e: pthuot@gmail.com

Treas: Edward Herring ’67 e: tedherring1967@gmail.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9516/feed Website: http://www.navyalumni.org

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

Our Army-Navy pre-game festivities started with our Eggs & Legs breakfast at the Ye Olde Town Café in Leonardtown. What a great game! Some members were at the game, others were at the Flight Deck Lounge at Pax River NAS for a watch party and some just watched from the comfort of their living rooms.

Coming Events:

12 Mar 2025: Chapter meeting, Brudergarten (Leonardtown)

20 Mar 2025: Happy Hour at the Flight Deck Lounge

9 Apr 2025: Chapter meeting and social, Brudergarten

14 May 2025: Chapter meeting and social, Brudergarten

11 Jun 2025: Chapter meeting and social, Brudergarten

19 Jun 2025: Happy Hour at the Flight Deck Lounge

21 Jun 2025: Welcome picnic for Class of 2029 and Napsters

Please check your e-mail 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 myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9488/feed Website: http://boston.usnachapters.com

BGO Area Coordinator (Boston and SE Mass): Christie Morin e: christie.a.morin@gmail.com

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

BGO Area Coordinator (Western Mass): Ken Walton e: ken.walton@bgo.usna.com

On Saturday, 14 December twenty five or so alumni and/or spouses/companions/friends gathered at O’Keefe’s Bar and Grill in downtown Boston for the New England Army-Navy game watch party. Welcomed by Boston Chapter President Jim Kras ’69, it turned out to be a very pleasant afternoon. Following are several pictures of some of the celebrating participants.

STAY CONNECTED

Find a Chapter. usna.com/FindAChapter

From A-N game watch party. (l to r) Kerstin Caesar ‘14, unknown, and Obakai Grandisson ‘14

(l to r) Jim Kras ‘69, John ‘69 and Blake Allen.

Isaac Mello ‘13 and brother Marcus.

Dan Gackowski ‘05 and Zac Yoffe ‘07.

PJ Fogolin ’17 and Morgan Rice.

Greater Southern Maryland Chapter Eggs/Legs breakfast

Minnesota

Upper Midwest Chapter

Pres: Brian E. Ries ’93

c: 858-335-7921; e: ries.briane@gmail.com

Shipmate Contact: Position Open

Website: myUSNA.com Chapter Group: https://myusna. com/topics/9586/home

Facebook: www.fb.com/USNAAAUpperMidwest

BGO Area Coordinator: Brad Gawboy ’81, USN (Ret.) e: bradgawboy@comcast.net

The Upper Midwest Chapter gathered to see Navy beat Army at Cowboy Jack’s in Bloomington. While lightly attended due to our Minnesota weather—freezing rain— alumni and families enjoy gathering and watching Navy sing second.

Chapter members and their families enjoy camaraderie and great football.

On December 28, the Minnesota Parents Clubs held the All Academy Ball, recognizing current cadets and midshipmen from all Academies and their families. President of the Mess was Major General John Olson of the Space Force, USAFA ‘92.

Cadets and midshipmen mix the grog.

Missouri

Greater Kansas City Metro Chapter

Pres: Thomas Strenge ‘97

p: 816-500-6148; e: tomstrenge@gmail.com

Sec’y: Bob Culler ‘74

p: 913-488-6319; e: bculler@sbcglobal.net

Treas: Eric Carlson ‘74

p: 913-681-2544; e: j.eric.carlson@gmail.com

Website: http://KansasCity.usna.chapters.net

Southern Illinios BGO Area Coordinator: Gene Marquez e: gdsm_marquez@charter.net

BGO Area Coordinator: Steve Hassell e: steve.hassell@charter.net

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9513/feed

The Greater Kansas City Metro Chapter hosted a 2024 Army Navy Watch party at the home of the incoming 2025 Chapter President, Thomas Strenge ’97, and his wife Karen Strenge. We brought good cheer and spirit and it was an Army Navy game for the

ages with a Navy 31-13 rout of ranked and favored Army. It was a great turnout.

USNA Alumni in attendance on the staircase photo, from top to bottom are: Lionel Becenti ’11, Stacey Butts ’81, Shogo Cottrell ’93, Rolando Salvatierra ‘98,

Greater Kansas City Metro

CHAPTER NEWS

Irvin Gray ’97, Thomas Strenge ’97, Make Beatty ’00, Jesse Reed ’02, Erin Beatty ’00, Eric Carlson ’74, Jeff Kranz ’74, Chuck Stevens ’73, Kyle Martin ’74, Bob Culler ’74, Jim Trettin ’85, and Mike Gochis ’90.

At halftime there was a raffle drawing where many Navy logo’ed prizes from Navyonline were given away to the lucky ticket winners. We also honored the life of one of our oldest alumni, Ivan Roenigk ’49, a USNA friend of President Jimmy Carter. Mr Roenigk passed away at the age of 96 in November. He gifted the chapter some prized memorabilia, like USNA Yard paintings which were raffled off at halftime. His youngest son, Don Roenigk, joined us at the watch party. After the game, we sang Navy Blue & Gold second too.

We also collected 2025 Chapter dues of $25 from many members. If you want to pay your required Chapter dues for 2025 early please contact Treasurer Eric Carlson and get his home address in order to mail your check. We anticipate you being able to pay local chapter dues via credit card on-line later in early 2025 on our website and on our myUSNA chapter page.

Football Watch Parties were also held in the Fall of 2024 for Bucknell, Air Force, Notre Dame, Rice, South Florida, and the ECU football games at Johnny’s Tavern in Overland Park, KS. An Armed Forces Bowl Watch Party at Johnny’s also celebrated a victory over favored Oklahoma 21-20. See photos on previous page.

In November 2024 an Admissions Forum was held for high school students and parents at the National WWI Museum in Kansas City, MO, hosted by KC Blue and Gold Area Coordinator Lee Gilgour ’00 and the main presentation was done by retired Captain Mike Gochis ’90.

Bob Culler ’74 Secretary

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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9573/feed Website: http://southernnevada.usnachapters.com/

Greetings from the Las Vegas Chapter and a Happy New Year to all! Our triumph against Army that riveted 88 of us during the last watch party was a remarkable way to kick-start the year and raise over $1500 for STEM scholarships. Already, the newly elected board of directors had a promising start to the year with an engaging lineup of events queued. First up is the thrilling Aviators game on 1 May, with our usual first base party deck accompanied by endless baseball fare food and complimentary

drinks. The deck opens at 6 pm and the first pitch is at 7:05. You can find the link for the game here: https://fevo-enterprise.com/ event/2025USNaval.

On Sunday, 7 June, we plan on hosting a heartwarming brunch for the incoming plebes of the class of 2029 and Napsters of 2030. This gathering is intended to allow them and their families to network and get more familiar with one another as well as our Las Vegas Alumni Chapter leadership.

In the spirit of honor and remembrance, we are planning a barbecue on either Memorial Day or Veterans Day in support of the “Run to Honor” event – more to be shared soon.

Fast-forward to Fall, our popular watch parties will continue, and we’re commencing with the charity spirit by contributing to local veterans – further details will be announced. The known dates are: Air Force on 4 October, Notre Dame on 8 November and our Army/ Navy game on 13 December.

We are not letting up and our annual Dining Out is coming up in its 4th year. We’re thrilled to announce that TJ Grady ’96, the EVP of Engagement and Communication for the Alumni Association, will be our guest.

Should you have any queries or feedback regarding the Alumni Association, we maintain direct communication, so do not hesitate to contact us. We’re thrilled for the year ahead and are looking forward to seeing you soon!

Go Navy! Go Vegas!

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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9539/feed Website: http://newmexico.usnachapters.com

BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT David Swingle e: dswingle@newmexico.com

What a splendid season it was for Navy Football this year, as our team won 10 games and fell to only Notre Dame, Rice, and Tulane over the 13-game 2024 schedule! To witness the classic rivalry game between Army and Navy, NM Chapter members convened at the Craft Republic Sports Pub in Albuquerque at the appointed time on Saturday, December 14th to enjoy the 125th meeting of these two amazing programs set to play at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. Attending this NM Chapter gathering were: Leo Stockham ’56, “Brink” Trammell ’57, G.J. “Hoppy” Hopkins ’59, Janice and Keith “Casey” Jones ’60, Fred Corbales ’62, Olen Thompson ’63, Joe McGuire ’68, Judy and Paul Wilson ’68, Ashley Albright ’71 Associate, “Tolly” Toliver ’71, Ed Johnson ’73, Scott Kraus ’73, Jay Carrizales ’75, Doug Meints ’77, Bonnie and Mikey Weinstein (USAFA ’77), Chris Wright ’78 and grandson, Pamela and Tom Kennedy ’82, Deborah and Mark Schaefer ’83, Mark Hawkins ’85, Christine Hoaglund ’87, and Matt and Roberta Fotter - Parents ’26. During the halftime break, Chapter President Scott Kraus ’73 conducted the annual Chapter members’ meeting as required to comply with our organization’s registration as a New Mexico nonprofit corporation. The joy of singing second at the victorious conclusion of the game was shared by all Chapter members!

A second event held over the holidays was the Joint Service Academy Reception. Each year, the Service Academies parents’ clubs organize a reception for the Academy students who are home for the holidays to attend in uniform with family members to hear from their counterparts and alumni regarding their studies and other challenges they are facing during their quests for commissioning. This year, the USMA West Point parents’ club sponsored the event Saturday, 28 December from 1530 to 1730 at Vic’s Daily Cafe at 3600 Osuna Rd. NE in Albuquerque. About 50 attendees started with a period of socializing after which the Parents’ Club Co-Presidents

New Mexico Chapter gets ready to Sing Second!

Michael and Sharri Mamawal introduced the keynote speaker Lt. Col. Donna White, US Army Retired and USMA ’80, who still volunteers as a USMA Admissions Officer. As a member of the first gender-integrated West Point class she spoke about the early days of having to overcome military gender barriers and her decades-long career as an Army Officer. She was pleased to see that her uniformed audience of students was of mixed gender and ethnicity, reflecting the brightest and best of our country. Following her informative and entertaining keynote speech, each uniformed student was called upon to take the floor and inform the other students and families regarding their own Service Academy experiences, triumphs, and challenges. All service academy schools except the Merchant Marine Academy were represented by students at the reception.

The USNA New Mexico Chapter’s annual Family Picnic is scheduled to take place at the Elena Gallegos Open Space Kiwanis Shelter on Sunday, 8 June at 1300. Please mark your calendars.

New York

New York Capital District Chapter

Pres: David Mendez-Sankrith ‘11 e: david.mendez@2011.usna.com

Sec’y: Gordon Lattey 40 First St., Troy, NY 12180 p: 518-274-4989; e: ussslater@aol.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9491/feed Website: http://capitaldistrictny.usnachapters.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Jessica Barr e: jessiebarr.usna99bgo@yahoo.com

Please ensure contact information, specifically your address, is up to date at usna.com in order to receive chapter news. We will be having a picnic for all incoming midshipmen in the 2nd or 3rd week of June.

Central New York Chapter

Pres: Steve Erb ’68

e: steveerb@windstream.net

Sec’y/Treas: Bob Fegan Jr. ’64 e: bobfegan64@gmail.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9492/feed Website: CentralNY.usnachapters.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Tom Ravener e: tom.ravener@gmail.com

A very few alumni, and Navy family and friends were able to get-together at the Brae Loch Inn in Cazenovia for the Army-Navy game. Alumni attending were Steve Benson ’80, his wife Michelle and other family members, Steve Erb ‘68 and Bob Fegan ’64 and his wife Marilyn. Also attending was numerous other Navy and Army family and friends. The result of the game was enjoyed by the Navy fans. Alumni, family and friends are encouraged to attend the weekly Wednesday lunch at 1200 at Clear Path for Veterans in Chittenango. You can call (315-687-3300) to let them know

if you will be attending a lunch but calling is not necessary…just show up.

Alumni, family, friends, USNA parents, and others with an interest in the Naval Academy are welcome to join the Chapter at all Chapter functions. Call (315-663-7490) or e-mail Bob Fegan to let us know if you plan to attend a function.

Future Chapter activities will be addressed by email as they are planned.

The Chapter has instituted the payment of a Life Membership Fee as an option to Annual Dues. As the information was provided through the USNA Alumni Association, there a quite a few Alumni in the CNY area who may not have received the information so it is again being provided herewith. With the new year, annual dues of $20 are now being accepted

The Central New York Chapter leadership discussed offering Life Membership and with inputs from a few Alumni, the following table shows what was decided:

Year Groups Life Membership Fee

1941-1950

1951-1960

1961-1970

1971-1980

1981-1990

1991-2000

2001-2010

2011-2020

2021-2025

$0

$50

$75

$100

$125

$150

$175

$200

$200

If 40% of the Alumni in the Central New York area opt for Life Membership and with a little over $440 currently in the Chapter’s non-profit checking account with M&T, the Chapter would have enough funds to support the Chapter’s financial commitments through 2030. These commitments are the desk clocks presented each year to the parents of the CNY USNA graduates, and support for the annual Welcome Aboard Picnic where the recent graduates are celebrated, and CNY USNA candidates and their families are welcomed into the greater Navy family.

Alumni who have paid Dues for the Chapter year 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025 and for subsequent years may apply those Dues to their Life Membership Fee. Also those Alumni who have made donations to the Chapter may apply all or part of the donation to their Life Membership Fee. Each Alumni to whom the above applies should contact Bob Fegan (bobfegan64@gmail.com) (315663-7490) and let him know what to do or to check what your dues status may be.

For those Alumni who choose not to pay the Life Membership Fee, the annual Chapter membership fee of $20 will be continued.

Payment of dues (Life Membership or Annual) can be made in cash or check at a Chapter function or by mailing a check payable to “CNY Chapter of USNA Alumni” to Bob Fegan, 1570 US Route 20, Cazenovia, NY 13035-9202. Please provide a note to indicate your USNA AA status (Life Member, Annual or Not a member) and your email address to

ensure that the Chapter’s database is complete and up-to-date.

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: Steve Yandle ’75 e: sryusna75@gmail.com

Treas: Rick Haley ’72

e: capefeartreasurer@outlook.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9490/feed

Website: myUSNA.com/topics/9490

Closing out 2024 with a Navy victory was wonderful. To celebrate this fabled game, a vibrant group of Cape Fear Chapter members, spouses, and friends attended a watch party at Bill’s Brewing Company in Wilmington. Reporting for duty: Alan Frelich ’61, Alan Smith ’64, Tracy and Bob Lasseter ’65, Jane and Michael Brown ’70, Paul Smith ’71, Muffy Boylan and Ray Decker ’72, Sharon and Gregg Hamelin ’72, Hugh McWilliams ’72, Julie and Tom Wolfe ’72, Steve Yandle ’75, Ken Shearer ’77, Tom and Rose Kent ’84, Michele and Russ Brune ’92, Kevin, Laney, and Eve Krauss ’06, Susan and Bart Whitman ’74, Alex Leanos ’99, and Anne Leanos ’98, and. Special guests: Kathy and RADM Ron Henderson ’76, USN (Ret.) Harvard; and LTC Dave Simmons, USA (Ret.). To whet the appetite of attendees, Crofton’s Pretzels, owned by Aidan Crofton ’11 and supported by his Academy roommate, Nate Miller ’11, supplied trays of fresh baked pretzels with various mustards. These treats reminded many older grads of the pretzel vendors outside the Philly stadium during past A-N turf battles!

2025 is an exciting year for the Chapter. With the 6th Dark Ages Dinner in March; the 5th Summer Cruise Social actually cruising the Cape Fear River in June; our Bring Your Company Mug (BYCM) gathering with the RV Chapter (POC: Dave Scheu ’67); the 3rd Biennial InterService Academy Golf Tournament (Navy 2–Army 0) in October; and closing out the year

CHAPTER NEWS

with our annual A-N Game watch party, we hope to have many memorable moments together. Through outreach with our Cape Fear West Point Society mates, we are extending an olive branch for their members to join us for our monthly lunch/H-H speaker series meetings and A-N Game watch party. Additionally, we hope to kick off the first Blue and Gray Cocktail Party in July bringing Chapter and Society members and their spouses together for an evening of camaraderie and good cheer.

Finally, we are participating in several University of North Carolina (Wilmington) sponsored local high school STEM competitions promoting the Academy’s Summer STEM program. Bill Caiazza ’66 and John Casey ’78 will be leading our effort again this year. Go Navy!

Event details and calendar are posted on our webpage: MyUSNA.com/topics/9490.

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/ myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9496/feed Website: Charlotte.usnachapters.net

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

On 14 December 2024, we hosted our year-end Army-Navy watch party with around 40 alumni, family, and friends cheering Navy to a great win! Blackfinn proved to be a fantastic spot with delicious food.

Mark your calendars to join fellow alumni on Memorial Day, 26 May 2025, at Veteran’s Park on Central Ave. for our Run to Honor. Keep an eye out for email with further event details.

Chapter member Ty Rose ’06 had a last-minute idea to support Special Olympics by participating in the Polar Bear Plunge on 25 January 2025. Chris Nickels ’91 and his daughter Sydney, along with Chris Castleman ’98 and his daughters Millie and Margo, bravely jumped into the 44-degree water. Our team successfully raised $825!

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

Treas: Aaron Adams ’95 329 ClamDigger Ct., Swansboro, NC 28584 p: 703-232-6416; e: aaron.adams@1995.usna.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9508/feed

Website: http://myusna.com/topics/9508

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14196247/

The Navy at ECU football game this year was the day after Thanksgiving and the tailgate

Cape Fear Chapter:

Charlotte Chapter: Army-Navy game watch party

organized by the NC Parents Club was that morning. The chapter decided not to have the usual November lunch in favor of attending the tailgate and game. The tailgate included traditional North Carolina barbecue with all the trimmings and all you could possibly consume, and the Superintendent was a big hit with everyone at the tailgate. Photos at the tailgate are the chapter president (me) with the Supe and the Michael Metcalf ’68 family, Debbie in the middle, Aaron Adams ’95 and Chris and Rob Skrotky ’67.

The game was a great win for Navy. After the game, the field was open for Navy fans and families to join the Navy team on the field, which was a fun experience for all. The game and event really set the stage for a tremendous Army- Navy game a couple weeks later.

The Eastern North Carolina chapter held its Army - Navy game day watch party at the MCAS New River Marina; 22 alumni, spouses and friends cheered on Navy to a tremendous and impressive victory.

The Marina had a bar available and our friends at First Command Financial helped sponsor the event with some food, prizes and fun. The Marina provided a great buffet with an array of pub style food. It was a good time,

in a good location and a great Navy game to close out the chapter activity for 2024.

The Eastern NC Chapter met on 29 January at Paula’s Italian Restaurant in New Bern. This was after a 5-inch snowfall delayed our planned luncheon for a week and the planned program for a month. Nine alumni and three spouses enjoyed a good lunch at Paula’s. We mourned the recent loss of Angelo Inglisa ’57 and Michael Metcalf ’68 and asked to keep their families in our thoughts and prayers.

Treasurer and webmaster Aaron Adams ’95 discussed a variety of items including the bank balance, dues, the chapter membership report due next month, myUSNA participation, the Volunteer Leadership Summit at the end of March and recent opportunities to purchase class specific gear. While lunch was being served Aaron showed an older video on HMX1 and Marine One as a prelude to discussion of his tour as a Marine One pilot, which will be at the March meeting at Camp Lejeune.

We then spent some time discussing Naval Academy admissions and the service selection assignments for the class of 2025. Today’s selection process is quite different than many experienced in our first-class year. Professor David Skaggs, Col, USAR (Ret.) will be the featured speaker at the 27 February meeting and present his program on the Caribbean Campaign during the American Revolution. Also of note is the Navy versus Air Force 3 game baseball tournament in Kinston 21-23 February. The luncheon adjourned at 1315.

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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9540/feed Website: www.usnatriangle.com

The internationally acclaimed USNA Glee Club will appear in concert at the Duke Chapel in Durham, NC on Saturday, 15 March 2025 at 7:00 pm. Free admission and no tickets are required. Bring your families and friends to see and hear our midshipmen!

The Chapter enjoyed outstanding comradery and a great football game at our Army Navy watch party held at the Compass Rose Brewery in Raleigh. Alumni attendees and their families and friends in attendance included: Norm Elliott ’58, Martin Carpenter ’70, Warren Schultz ’71, Robert Adams ’73, John Gardiner ’78, David Clement ’80, Jennifer Clement ’81, Stan Bashaw ’81, Steve Gillespie ’87, Dave Ruden ’87, Shaun McAndrew ’93, Bill Sena ’95, Bill Coleman ’95, Joseph Keil ’97, Natasha Robinson ’02, Mik Visgauss ’08, Pat & Lauren Wilson ’09, Timothy Folts ’09, Alex Dworjan ’10, Andrew Faulkner ’10, Tommy McNamara ’11, Paul Stiller ’58, Matt Minor ’07, Brad Osmun ’08, Luke Wolf ’08 and Clint Livingston ’16

Congratulations to chapter member and friend, RDM (sel) Gary Montalvo, who is a former USS North CaroliNa (SSN 777) Commanding Officer and a Durham, NC native, on his selection to Rear Admiral.

Local Alumni play golf monthly at local area courses. The season culminates in

Eastern North Carolina Chapter

North Carolina Triangle Chapter: Army Navy Watch Party at Compass Rose Brewery

CHAPTER NEWS

November with the Battle of the Boot tournament, a tri-service competition. Navy is the current holder of the boot! If you are interested in playing, email us at usna.triangle@gmail.com and we’ll connect you with the golf squad.

Our Triangle Chapter comprises 155+ active members from eight decades of USNA classes, their families and a growing set of supporters (parents, friends, all-Navy veterans and families), from around 550+ of alumni in the local area (according to the myUSNA members info). We encourage all USNA alumni to join the paid group. To view the schedule of future events or to contact us, please visit MyUSNA. com (Group- North Carolina Triangle Chapter). We are also on Facebook and Linkedin at https://www.facebook.com/USNAAARTP/ and USNA Alumni Association- Triangle Chapter (USNAAA Triangle).

Club 777 Director, Gray Thompson ’07, presents a flag flown over the USS North CaroliNa SSN-777 to East Carolina University during the November football game in Greenville, NC.

Piedmont Triad Chapter

Pres: Tom Cornejo ’00

e: thomas.cornejo@yahoo.com

Vice Pres: Kevin Hart ’75 e: kevinphart1@gmail.com

Sec’y: Jerry Adams ’72 e: ixoye49@gmail.com

Treas: Rick Kirkland ’69 e: kirkland2525@gmail.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9552/feed

Piedmont Triad Chapter celebrated the Army-Navy blowout at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Winston-Salem NC, with Chapter President, Tom Cornejo ’00 who was joined by Jerry Beavers ’67, Gary Brake ’67, Norm Cooling ’86, Stacy Crockett ’02, Kevin Hart ’75, Brian Hoffman ’86, Pat Love ’72, Les Nixon ’71, Wally Opyd ’72, Patrick Porter ’88, Joe Rogers ’80, Gary Stasco ’81, Tim Wachendorfer ’91 and Mike Wilder ’74. Many alumni brought their spouse and children. It was a great crowd and celebration. WAY TO GO, NAVY!!!

On an otherwise, gloomy, overcast and cold lunchtime eight days before Christmas, a part of the Piedmont Triad Chapter met at Pennybyrn Retirement Community to bring cheer to Jerry Adams ’72 Zach Weatherington ’10 brought his lovely wife, Monica with child in the hangar. They brought 2 of their 4 children,

Genevieve (4) and Damien (2). Their K and 2nd graders were, of course, in school. Good luck and happy landing for one in the hangar for landing in April.

Both Zach and Monica were P-3 pilots. Zach currently flies for American Airlines, while Monica is a Reserve officer in UAVs. They enjoyed lunch at Pennybyrn where Jerry resides in the memory care unit. All who read this article are invited to dine free [breakfast, lunch or dinner] with Jerry on a two-hour notice, or a drop-in for free all-you-can-eat ice cream compliments of Pennybyrn [bring your kids], where they treat Jerry like a king [ice cream upon request at 0230 !!]. 1315 Greensboro Road High Point NC 27260. Come see what every nursing home should be like.

Ohio

Columbus Pres: Dave Goins ’84 e: dgoins84@gmail.com

Vice Pres: Justin Shineman ’91 e: justin.shineman@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

Parents’ Club Pres: Russelle Hoslinger e: napccousna@gmail.com

Chapter email: USNAAACbus@gmail.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9503/feed

Website: https://columbus_usnachapter.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ 100549757152451/

Twitter: @USNAAACbus

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

BGO Area Coordinator: Carla Dowling-Fitzpatrick e: dowlingfitzpatrick@sbcgolbal.net

A large crowd of 108 enjoyed a great Navy victory over Army at the Columbus Chapter’s annual Joint Army-Navy Watch Party. For the second year, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum hosted the event. In addition to the tremendous atmosphere of NVMM, alumni, family, and friends enjoyed excellent catering, multiple viewing screens, and many reasons to cheer the Navy football team throughout the afternoon. Hilliard’s Blake Horvath ’26 sparked the fireworks on the field while Jim Cowardin ’66 and Wayne Hallenbeck ’71 led pushups for the local crowd following Navy scores.

The annual Membership Campaign wraps up soon. All alumni are encouraged to become

A great Navy day at the Joint Army-Navy Watch Party at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Columbus Chapter: A great Navy day at the Joint Army-Navy Watch Party at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum

official members (dues paying) to help the Chapter provide support for alumni activities and fund scholarships to qualified local students with demonstrated need attend Summer Seminar and STEM camp. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Election of Chapter officers will occur in May. Nominations will be solicited to create an election slate. If you would like to become more involved in helping the Columbus Chapter serve our members and USNA, please contact any of the officers. Volunteers are always welcome and appreciated.

New to the Columbus area is Dan Wagner ’91. Welcome Dan!

As always, members are encouraged to frequently visit the Columbus Chapter page on myUSNA.com for the latest updates and to also engage with local alumni.

Oklahoma

BGO Area Coordinator: Mike Whaley e: mwhaley@ossaa.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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9584/feed Website: http://tulsa.usnachapters.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USNA-AlumniTulsa-Chapter-2202431113307009

The USNAA Tulsa Chapter had their annual New Year Luncheon. It is always an honor and fun to host local Midshipmen. Midshipman Boyaci is going Nuclear Surface and Midshipman Schofield is on track for Nuclear Submarines. We wish them and all our Midshipmen great success! We will be there for them.

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

BGO Area Coordinator: Gillian Richards e: jill@teamrichards.net myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9545/feed Website: oregon.usnachapters.net

As we do every year, we watched the Army/ Navy game with our West Point Alum brothers at Big Al’s in Beaverton, OR. What a wonderful time for everyone wearing Navy Blue and Gold. So nice to sing last. Attending were: Mike Carmichael ‘69, his wife Suzie, daughter Kym and granddaughter Jordan, Seth Chung ’10, Don Haslett ’66, Tex Harkins his wife Cellie, and friend Peter, Janette Sandberg ’76, Lee Hall ’80, Doug Ballard ’74, Mark Norman ’80, Mark Cooksey ’71 and his wife Susan, Walter North ’61 his son Art North and friends Jim Chapman and Carlos Mink, Todd Washburn ’93, Kevin Johanson ’94, Arlen Aspenson ’93 and his wife Nicloe, Tim Myers ’64, Chris Carlson ’78, Shelley Liscom President Parents Club, Frank Swientek ’66, Scott Fitzpatrick ’80, Peter and Jenene Douglass (parents of 2021 USNA grad (plus parents of USAFA grad an USMA cadet), Lee Lapp ’05, Alyssa Sanders ’06 and Doug Bomarito ’ 68.

formal program but everyone there shared something they remembered about the academy (Both Annapolis and West Point). Some interesting stories came out. Attending for the Navy Alumni were Chuck Penque ’67, Doug Ballard ’74, George Schultz ’71, Mike Carmichael ’69. Mark Cooksy ’71 and his wife Susan, Jack Kohl ’65, Mark Norman ’80. Don Haslett ’66, Scott Fitzpatrick ’80, and Dout Bomarito ’68. Present for West Point were Alice Quesenberry ’94, Fritz Goeth ’70. Terry Connell ’58, Phil Doleac ’70, and Dave Lund ‘85.

Pennsylvania

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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9515/feed

Yinzers,

What an amazing win for Navy over Army back in December! Thanks to all who showed up!

Susquehanna Valley Chapter

Pres: Rob Gundlach ’84 e: rjgundlach@msn.com

Sec’y: Ryan Goldsmith ’12

e: ryan.goldsmith.12@gmail.com

Vice Pres: Jim Nolan ’70 e: jimnolan8470@gmail.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9577/feed

Website: http://susquehanna.usnachapters.net

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

The Susquehanna Valley Chapter reprised its annual Army-Navy Football Game Watch Party at the Lancaster Brewing Company in Harrisburg on game day. This 13th annual gettogether was especially sweet this year, getting to see Navy beat AAC Championship team Army and bring home the Commander-inChief’s Trophy. (See next page for photo).

Front Row: Erick Reilly ’89, Midshipman 1/C Stelios Boyaci ’25, Midshipman 1/C Addison Schofield 1/C; second Row: Lynn Flinn, Shea Ferrell ’81, Harry Rouse ’77; third Row: Rocky Goins ’84, Fred Dorwart ’59 and Patrick Hamilton ’87

Our January luncheon was held on 8 January at the Old Spaghetti Factory. There was no

Pittsburgh Chapter: Navy-Army watch party.

The twenty-five partygoers enjoying numerous local microbrews, pizza, pot stickers, a variety of wings, great conversation and a seemingly unending supply of sea stories were Bill Dornsife ’66 with his daughter and son-inlaw; co-host Bill Boniface ’72 and wife Susan; co-host Matt Chabal ’77; Scott Sutherland ’81 and wife Kim; Rob Gundlach ’84 and wife Catherine; Robert Ryan ’84; Brian Montgomery ’89 and wife Cassie; Rich Olszewski ’96, wife Patti and daughter Louise; Tony Yanero ’96 and wife Elizabeth; plus three West Point grads from USMA ’66, ’89 and ’02; as well as a few other welcome guests.

It was a great day for Navy to say the least, especially getting to sing second again after the disappointing contest results the two previous years!

Additionally, the Susquehanna Valley Chapter co-hosted an Army-Navy Basketball Watch Party at Boomerang Bar and Grille in New Cumberland, PA.

The Naval Academy Parent’s Club of Central Pennsylvania and the West Point Parent’s Club of Central Pennsylvania were also in attendance. USNA Alumni featured in the group photo are: Dave Kern ’80, Toni Kasprzak Chase ’84, Dianne Hardin Archer ’84 and Dave Carnal ’96

South Carolina

BGO Area Coordinator: Ryan Blacklock e: ryan.blacklock@2004.usna.com

Charleston Chapter Pres: CDR Rick Stein ’82, USNR (Ret.) 784 Preservation Pl., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 w: 843-557-7021; e: USNA_AA_Charleston@Comcast.net myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9495/feed

On Monday, 16 December, the Charleston Chapter held its Monthly Meeting. We watched

Highlights for 2024 Army-Navy Game! In Attendance were: Fuzzy Knight ’53, Ray Setser ’65, Alan Burkhrt ’67, Jim Welsch ’67, Mike Malone ’69, Mike Bosse ’74, Jim Lyons ’74, Joe Delpino ’75, Denny Simon ’77. Dan Cloyd ’79, Phillip Botero ’82, Rick Stein ’82, Brad Murphy ’83, Greg Shore ’84 and David Kern ’92

On Monday, 13 January, the Charleston Chapter held its Monthly Meeting. Our Speaker was Keith Faulkner, President, Charleston Southern University, who spoke about his plan for a Veteran’s Center on the Charleston Southern Campus.; In Attendance were: Max Hill ’51; Fuzzy Knight ’53; Curt Holcomb ’61; Ray Setser ’65; Bernie Magdelain ’65; Jim Welsch ’67; Charlie Young ’70; Steve Weise ’72; Jim Beltz ’73; George Watt ’73; Ron Malec ’74; Bill Konrad ’75; Joe Delpino ’75; Dave Shimp ’76; Denny Simon ’77; Dan Cloyd ’79; John Blackburn ’82; Rick Stein ’82; Greg Shore ’84; Pat Hunkler ’89; Wes Smith ’90; and Andy McMarlin ’91.

The Charleston Chapter meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 12 Noon in Mount Pleasant. No reservation required.

Tennessee

Knoxville-Oak Ridge Chapter

Pres: Rich Cataldi ‘69 e: cdrcataldi@tds.net

Vice Pres: Mike McLaughlin ‘08 e: michael.mclaughlin@2008.usna.com

Sec’y/Treas: Jim Ward ’85 e: jim.ward@1985.usna.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 gathered with our West Point counterparts for our annual Army-Navy Watch Party. Every year we alternate hosting duties with Army. The West Point Society of East Tennessee hosted this year’s event at Top Golf in Farragut, a suburb of Knoxville named after Navy Admiral David Glasgow Farragut. Navy turned out 26 fans (14 alumni and 12 guests). Of course, we had many other avid fans supporting Navy in other locations. In keeping with Admiral

Susquehanna Valley Chapter: Army-Navy football game watch party

Susquehanna Valley Chapter: Army-Navy basketball game watch party with the Naval Academy Parent’s Club of Central Pennsylvania and the West Point Parent’s Club of Central Pennsylvania

Knoxville-Oak Ridge Chapter alumni at the Army-Navy Watch

Farragut’s charge of “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead,” the Navy Football program delivered a decisive 31-13 victory over one of the best Army teams in history. Navy and Army fielded great teams this year.

Alumni in attendance for the Army-Navy Watch Party: Tom Baer ’64, Cal Bagby ’77, Bruce Bevard ’76, Rich Cataldi ’69, Daniel Elins ’75, Rudy Escher ’78, Buddy Holt ’73, Mark Kohring ’73, Mike McLaughlin ’08, Bob Milhiser ’64, Harry Rucker ’73, Ralph Schindler ’74, John Stewart ’84 and Steve Zotti ’83

During half-time, the Chapter elected its Officers and Trustees for 2025: Rich Cataldi ’69 (President), Mike McLaughlin ’08 (VP), Jim Ward ’85 (Secretary-Treasurer), Kristen Daniel ’02 (Trustee), and Rudy Escher ’78 (Trustee).

The Chapter holds a monthly lunch meeting, hosts four major events per year, sponsors three awards for midshipmen, and supports Wreaths Across America.

The next event on our calendar is the Chapter’s signature event. We look forward to the Navy Lightweight Rowing team returning to Oak Ridge for its Spring Training during 8 – 14 March. While our records of the earliest events are incomplete, we believe that 2025 marks the team’s 27th visit to Oak Ridge for Spring Training. The Chapter appreciates the privilege of hosting a luncheon and awards ceremony for the 1/C midshipmen and coaches and presenting an award to the winner of the class races on the Clinch River.

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 (except March) at 1200. Our March luncheon will be on 12 March 2025 at Calhoun’s in Oak Ridge with the Lightweight Rowing team.

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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9481/feed 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

Alamo Chapter held our 2024 Army/Navy viewing party at Flying Saucer after a year’s hiatus due to Covid. Last years’ experience resulted in a different approach. We focused on several locations versus one. This is partly due to the wide expanse covered by our chapter. We published two additional locations but only supported one financially. In Fredericksburg the 1693 Distillery at 21 Luckenbach Road

opened their doors to alumni in the area. In New Braunfels VFW Post7110 at 600 Peace Ave similarly hosted a location. I did not receive any feedback regarding attendance, but I believe the event was enjoyable for all Navy fans. At Flying Saucer, around 10 alumni attended with their families. The chapter provided finger food and one drink ticket per person.

North Texas Chapter

Director at Large: Daryl Smith ’88

Pres: Jamey Cummings ’93 e: pres@usnaaa-ntx.com

Vice Pres of Programs: Carrie Murdock ’99

Vice Pres of Membership: Ty Rose ’06

Treas: Greg Colandrea ’90

Sec’y: Frankie Delgado ’95 e: secy@usnaaa-ntx.com myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9541/feed

Website: www.usnaaa-ntx.com

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

December in North Texas was exciting! First, the North Texas chapter, with the overwhelming support of alumni and parents, held the annual Blue Chip dinner. Over 40 local USNA candidates and their families were hosted for an amazing dinner where they had the opportunity to interact with the Supe, the Dean of Admissions, BGOs, parents and alumni. The

Alamo Chapter Alumni at Flying Saucer Army/Navy game

Alamo Chapter Alumni at Flying Saucer Army/Navy game

North Texas Chapter: The Sup recognizes NTX candidates with Letters of Assurance and one Acceptance

Supe, Vice Admiral Yvette Davids ’89, served as the keynote speaker and delivered letters of assurance to several of the candidates and an appointment to one candidate. As always, dinner ended with Blue and Gold that was especially meaningful after this year’s Army-Navy game victory and with the Mids coming to town for the Armed Forces Bowl! Thanks to Joe Ownbey Photography for the awesome photos!

At the Armed Forces Bowl game celebrations, NTX Alumni participated in the NABSD “Come Around” in the Fort Worth Stockyards, the tailgate and many were in the stands as Navy BEAT OU in an exciting game! Come join us at the Welcome Aboard picnic in June as we greet the incoming class of ’29! Checkout our myUSNA group for upcoming events!!

UPDATE YOUR PROFILE

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

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

e: naples98@gmail.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9585/feed

Greetings from the London-based UK Chapter, where Navy reigns!

December’s Army-Navy Game Watch at the Leake Street, London location of Passyunk Avenue (Navy’s “home away from home on this side of the Pond”) was a terrific opportunity for alumni, family, and friends of the greatest American service academy (and

Army alumni) to come together for an evening of camaraderie and friendly rivalry.

According to UK Chapter President Tim Fox’97, superlatives just don ’t cover it — this year’s event, which is the highpoint in the chapter’s calendar, surpassed that of all previous years.

“Attendance numbers far exceeded what we had hoped for,” Tim later said. “We had almost 150 alumni, family members, and friends, and not one complaint!”

This record turnout for the UK Chapter’s “jewel in the crown” alumni event undoubtedly helped Navy upend the Black Knights 31 to 13, bringing the Commander’s Trophy back to Annapolis.

The 2024 game was the 125th time these two opponents had met, and the second time Navy’s uniform honored the Jolly Rogers, one of the most “lethal and history-rich squadrons in all of Naval Aviation,” according to NavySports. com. (In the 1962 Army-Navy game, the Mids, featuring famed quarterback Roger Staubach, wore helmets emblazoned with a Jolly Roger tribute. Coincidentally, Army lost that year, too, 34 to 14.)

It would be impossible to post photos of everyone who turned out for the event, but here are a few key pictures:

(L to R) Liz Cross, Andrew Tytel, Tim Fox ’97, and Valerie Tytel (wife of Andrew, and sister, daughter, and niece of many USNA grads!)

North Texas Chapter: Alumni and families enjoy the “Stockyard Come Around” prior to the Armed Forces Bowl

North Texas Chapter: DFW Midshipmen lead the Blue Chip dinner in Navy Blue and Gold

What’s ahead for the UK Chapter? We always look forward to meet-ups with visiting groups of mids on LRECs passing through London over the summer months! Group sponsors are encouraged to contact Tim Fox at their earliest convenience to let us know you ’ll be in the area.

Until then … GO NAVY!

Virginia

Central Virginia Chapter

Pres: Bill Murray ’83

e: whmurray34@gmail.com

Vice Pres and Treas: Patrick Hamilton ’10 e: j.p.hamilton9@gmail.com

Sec’y: Ed Borger ’80 e: ed828borger@gmail.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Nancy Brooks e: nbrooks421@gmail.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9494/feed

Never count on a sure thing, Army! It was the classic rivalry upset this year with Navy triumphing over the heavily favored Black Knights on 14 December as witnessed by members of the Central Virginia Alumni Chapter at the Center at Belvedere in Charlottesville, VA for the annual Army/Navy Watch Party. I’m certain it was Bill Murray’s ’83, rousing solo rendition of “So It’s Up with the Navy Boys and Down with the Foe…” on stage in front of about a hundred fans that gave Navy the upset and huge margin of victory.

The Central Virginia Chapter and many other Navy supporters were on hand, all present to cheer and lend support for another Navy vic-torrr-y! Chapter representation included: Jay Potter ’68, Jeannette and Larry Schluderberg ’72, Susie and James ’75, Janice and Russ Pope 76, Steve Walsh ’79, Ed Borger ’80, RoyAnn and Bill Murray ’83 and Susie and Mel Hamner ’84 (Annapolis chapter) Karen and Stewart Chang ’89. Outstanding job, men and women, thanks for coming out and supporting Navy! And a big thank you to the SKV Group and Gratitude Charlottesville for organizing this third annual event, and the Center at Belvedere for hosting all the veterans and their families in attendance, providing complimentary food and drink.

In the pictures, chapter members, joined by other Navy supporters, went to the stage five times over four quarters and cranked out a total of 101 pushups for Navy. Fortunately for us Old Goats, there was no cry, “Is there a doctor in the house?!” And yet, there was. Doctor Bill Murray, MD ’83, Chapter President was on stage to lead us, calling out each pushup in the spirit of PEP master Heinz Lenz himself. Lastly, a shoutout to our senior officer present (SOPA) that day, Jay Potter ’68 for nailing all 101 pushups. Outstanding, Jay. Hope you weren’t too sore on Sunday.

Hampton Roads Chapter

Pres: Bill Daniels ’77 e: william.daniels@1977.usna.com myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9519/feed 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

What a thrilling and thoroughly satisfying Navy football season it was! It goes without saying that a thrashing of the West Pointers and a nail-biting bowl victory over Oklahoma provided the proverbial “icing on the cake!” For details on our Chapter’s most excellent Army-Navy Watch Party, see the separate Event Profile in this issue!

Pending spring and summer’s arrival, we have now turned to monthly Happy Hours, Networking Breakfasts, and Service Academy BizNetwork Breakfast Meetings as our primary avenues for gathering to share camaraderie and experiences, exchange ideas, network, and develop connections.

Building on the euphoria of beating Army on 14 December, and to shine a brighter light on the dreaded Dark Ages, on 23 January we persevered through a couple of inches of snow and some uncommonly frigid weather to gather at the Yard House in Virginia Beach’s Town Center for our annual Dark Ages Happy Hour. Events Chair Al Ponessa ’68 and his team intend to keep the parties going in the coming months with similar events in several different local cities.

David Stroman ’04 and his girlfriend

Josh Klein ’18

L to R Chuck Weigand ’72, Beth Marcum, Russell Clarke ’87, & Don Marcum ’84 at Hampton Roads Dark Ages Happy Hour

HAMPTON ROADS CHAPTER

ARMY-NAVY WATCH PARTY

HAMPTON ROADS ARMY-NAVY WATCH PARTY DRAWS HUGE CROWD

By Dick Enderly ’71

Spirited watch parties are nothing new in Hampton Roads with nearly every game drawing 50 to 100+ alumni, family members and supporters at the “best place to be for Navy football” - Shorebreak Pizza and Taphouse in Virginia Beach! But for over a decade when it comes to Army-Navy, the word throughout the area has been – if you want to find a seat (and a parking place) at Shorebreak ya better come early! This year was absolutely no different as a record crowd of 400+ fans, that included alumni from the classes of 1960 through 2024, had Shorebreak literally bursting at the seams!

Obviously, an event of this magnitude doesn’t “just happen.” Planning, organization, coordination, and communication started weeks before the game with Chapter Events Coordinator Al Ponessa ’68 spearheading a dedicated team that included Chapter President Bill Daniels ’77, Dick Enderly ’71, Ken Marks ’71, Steve Nimitz ’76, Webmaster Jeff Winebrenner ’86, Social Media Director Kaila Julia ’12, Ted Digges ’85, Matt Murphy ’95, and Rudy Costanzo ’78

As has been the case for the last three years, the hype began a few days earlier with a local TV station creating an online article and airing evening news spots featuring interviews with members of the local Navy Football Brotherhood. This year’s coverage afforded

Marcus Moore ’24, Sam Glover ’24, Matt Oberlander ’08, and Lamont Gourdine ’95 a well-earned 10 seconds of fame.

The party itself was highlighted by unbridled spirit and camaraderie; and seizing on a significant membership recruiting opportunity, we added nearly 30 new Chapter members! There was pizza and liquid libations aplenty, and a representative from the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots Program left with several boxloads of toys and some generous cash donations. And for the second year in a row, we conducted a very popular and highly successful Silent Auction which featured 100 donated items and raised nearly $6K, most of which will be “paid forward” as part our annual donations to the USNA International Program and the STEM and Summer Seminar programs.

We believe our annual Army-Navy Watch Party is “second to none!” It is a signature event that clearly supports the mission of the Naval Academy by strengthening our bond to USNA, the local community, and most importantly, each other. Oh…and several hundred people standing to “sing second” in a Virginia Beach sports bar is a truly heartwarming sight to behold!

GO NAVY!! BEAT ARMY!! ®

In January, to kick off our 2025 Networking

Tom Rychlik ’79 to speak about his personal quest to recognize the often-unheralded contributions of the three Navy Torpedo Squadron COs at the Battle of Midway, all of whom were USNA graduates. In February our guest speaker was Elspeth McMahon, Associate Vice President for Maritime Initiatives at Old Dominion University where she coordinates ODU’s extensive and varied programs, outreach, and services that engage with the region’s maritime enterprises in the vital areas of port logistics and supply chain; shipbuilding and repair; naval sustainment; offshore wind energy; and coastal resilience.

L to R Susan Poe with Dad Al Ablowich ’60 and Kaila Julia ’12

L to R Bill Lee ’74, Mary Harrison, and John Harrison ’74 dealing happily with Dark Ages

Breakfasts coordinator Steve Nimitz ’76 enlisted

On the first Wednesday of each month, local entrepreneurs and small-business owners gather for our Service Academy BizNetwork

Breakfast meetings coordinated by Dave Duffie ’75. These meetings serve to actively support, promote, and develop local USNA and other service academy alumni businesses in the Hampton Roads area through a roundtable-formatted networking event at which participants share business details and initiatives, discuss areas in which they may need assistance, and explore ways they might help each other.

For the gouge on future Chapter initiatives and events and USNA news and updates, check out our website under the Hampton Roads Group at myUSNA.com. And don’t forget our LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook pages!

Quantico Area Chapter

Pres: Ryan Steenberge ’10

e: ryan.steenberge@gmail.com

Vice Pres: Ryan Steenberge ’10 e: ryan.steenberge@gmail.com

Treas: Ron Diefenbach ’00 e: qacusnaaatreasurer@yahoo.com

Sec'y: Nancy Springer ’87 e: nancy.a.springer.nancy@aol.com

BGO Area Coordinator: Jim Ripley ’74 e: james.m.ripley@gmail.com

Dick

Enderly ’71

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9555/feed Website: Quantico Area Chapter | myUSNA.com

December was a big month for our Chapter. At our monthly breakfast we were provided with an outstanding presentation by Jason Haag. Jason is a retired Marine Corps Captain and is the founder and CEO of Leashes of Valor. His organization is a national nonprofit, located in Virginia, that provides highly-trained service dogs, free of charge, to post-9/11 veterans to help with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other “unseen wounds” of military service. Our Members were so impressed with the organization’s purpose and leadership that Leashes of Valor is being considered as one of our Chapter’s perpetual charitable donations. Besides the insightful presentation, Jason brought the best prop we’ve enjoyed yet – his service dog Maverick. Continuing our eventful December, the Chapter hosted its 7th consecutive ArmyNavy Football Watch Party at the “The Hawk” at The Basic School in Quantico. All students and faculty were invited to watch the game, free of charge, with more pizza, chips, sandwiches and libations than you can throw a Black Knight at! Even though the game was played at the Commander’s Stadium in Landover, MD, we still enjoyed well over 100 attendees. The event was graciously co-sponsored by First Command. Besides getting to know our future

leaders in an informal setting, the event was made all-the-more memorable by a 31-13 WIN over the Hudson High folks.

Vaulting into 2025, the monthly breakfast hosted Ms. Kasey Elsey from NFCU. Kasey is a Member Services Representative, a lead for the branch’s outreach group and a proud Marine Corps spouse. She provided a very interesting and information filled brief on

current fraud Schemes and Fraud Prevention. Our attendees found her presentation extremely informative and timely and hope to host her again in the future.

The Chapter is very much looking forward to a great 2025. We invite all local alumni to join us for any event and hope you will visit our website at https://myusna.com/topics/9555/ page/Home for more information.

Quantico Area Chapter: Captain, USMC (Ret) Jason Haag with Maverick

Quantico Area Chapter: Ms. Kasey Elsey from NFCU

Quantico Area Chapter: Good Times at “The Hawk” at TBS

CHAPTER NEWS

Washington

BGO Area Coordinator: Darin Perrine e: dperrine@mailbox.org

Puget Sound Chapter

Pres: Alan Schrader ’92 e: usnaaa.psc@gmail.com

Sec’y: Mike Mathews ’75 e: mjmathews7501@gmail.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9554/feed

Website: https://myusna.com/topics/9554

The Puget Sound Chapter continued to support a banner Navy Football season, hosting watch parties for both the Army-Navy game and the Armed Forces Bowl with Navy pitted against Oklahoma University. Both games were enthusiastically supported by staunch groups of local Navy alumni and supporters. Winning both games was a sweet end to a 10 win season but beating Army was the sweetest!

The Chapter held its annual face-to-face meeting for officers and trustees at Ivar’s on the Seattle waterfront on 11 January 2025. Leadership from the Washington State Parents Club, our close partner, also attended. The Chapter normally meets monthly on a virtual basis due to the significant geographic constraints imposed by the Puget Sound so it’s a nice change of pace to take a ferry ride and see each other once in a while. Chapter President Alan Schrader ’92 oversaw a detailed agenda that covered our intentions for 2025, including the Annual Plebe Welcome in June and new summer activities. Look for event details in email and social media announcements

Otherwise, we are very pleased to report that Federal tax-exempt designation in was granted in December. While not essential to function effectively, this is a big milestone for more efficient pursuit of financial contributions in exchange for charitable tax credit. Our Chapter routinely supports current and future USNA Midshipmen from Washington State in conjunction with the Washington Parents Club by hosting an annual Plebe Welcome for newly appointed Midshipmen, morale events across the academic year and transportation stipends for those participating in OPINFO. With a broader reach, we intend to expand this support to deserving candidates interested in attending the USNA Summer Seminar and improve career development out-reach for local alumni. Area alumni are encouraged to consider whether their employers might support charitable donations to the Puget Sound Chapter. The Chapter President and Secretary can be used as points of contact. We continue to encourage all area alumni to participate in chapter events around the Puget Sound, particularly social gatherings. Please go to myUSNA and select the group “PUGET SOUND CHAPTER” to receive notifications. We want to pipe you aboard! BEAT ARMY!

Wisconsin

BGO Area Coordinator: Mr. Leonard Green e: leonard.green.a@gmail.com

Wisconsin Chapter

Pres: Jeff Reagan ’88 p: 414-803-5947; e: j.m.reagan84@gmail.com

Vice Pres: Craig Walker ’83 p: 262-424-2637; e: craigwalker@wi.rr.com

Sec’y: Rob Grasse ’88 p: 262-424-9029; e: rgrasse1@wi.rr.com

At Large: Chris Adams ’75 p: 414-553-0892

Website: www.myusna.com

Wisconsin Naval Academy Parents’ Association (WISNAPA)

Presidents: Lisa & Chad Stigler

Vice-Presidents: Steve & Katie Kotansky e: wisnapacontact@gmail.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9590/feed Website: www.myusna.com

Wisconsin Blue and Gold Officer Coordinator

BGO Area Coordinator: Mr. Mark Germano p: 847-624-5142; e: Mark.Germano@bgo.usna.com

Best regards from the The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association Wisconsin Chapter!

A miracle occurred on 14 DEC 24, and two or three met to re-tell old tales - f rom low to highest in the Wisconsin Fleet, we pledged the Blue and Gold at Club 400 in Waukesha, WI (thanks to Club 400 owner and former bubblehead Cesar Dorantes).

The Chapter is also pleased to provide this Wisconsin All Service Academies’ Ball report for 2024 for Wisconsinites’ reading pleasure:

The Wisconsin West Point Parents’ Association (WWPPA) chaired the formal soiree that was held on 28 DEC 24 in the Garage Ballroom of the historic Harley Davidson Museum overlooking the Menomonee River in Milwaukee. Over 250 Alumni, Parents, Midshipmen, Cadets, Sponsor Families, and guests gathered from

Puget Sound:

Puget Sound

5:30 to 7:00pm for socializing, hors d’oeuvres and drinks. In-Focus Photography was available to take professional photos to commemorate the event. Guests enjoyed a gourmet Dinner and keynote Army speaker from 7:00 to 9:00pm. Following dinner, the celebration continued with an evening of dancing overlooking Lake Michigan with the live band, Déjà vu from 9:00pm to midnight.

All Wisconsin Alumni, WISNAPA Members and Alumni, Blue and Gold Officers, and family are cordially invited to join the reverie during this year’s 2025 Ball to be held on 27 DEC 25 in the Milwaukee area and sponsored by the Wisconsin Air Force Academy Parents’ Association (WAFAPA). Further details of the venue, guest speaker, hotel accommodations, and entertainment are forthcoming. Kathy and I hope to see you at this can’t miss event of the year!

Forward for Freedom!

(ala BB-64 USS WisCoNsiN) Aloha, Rob Grasse ’88

Visit usna.com to look for your POC at: www. usna.com/FindAndConnect Let your class and chapter officers know you have news to share in Shipmate

Tim Rauh ’25, Ava Ulatowski ’26, and Cadet Alex Prange ’28 with Sponsor Mom Martha Blair

CDR Rob Grasse ’88, LtCol Kathy Grasse, Jennifer Reagan, and COL Jeff Reagan ’88 represent for the Wisconsin Alumni at the Ball.

Wisconsin Chapter: Army Navy Watch Party led by Ted Cheney ’58, Jeff Reagan ’88, and WISNAPA Presidents Steve and Katie Kotansky

Wisconsin Chapter: 13 of 40 Wisconsin Midshipmen and their families/guests enjoyed the Ball

SHARED INTEREST GROUPS

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

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9174/feed

Website: www.runtohonor.com

Run To Honor (RTH) invites you to join us this Memorial Day as we commemorate the lives and legacies of fallen U.S. Naval Academy graduates. Across the country, alumni and supporters will gather to reflect on the sacrifices made by our Shipmates and celebrate their enduring impact on our community and nation.

This year, RTH is proud to announce an array of Memorial Day events, from uplifting group runs to gatherings. These events provide opportunities to connect, reflect, and pay tribute to those who gave their all. Whether you’re a seasoned organizer or attending your first event, your participation is a powerful testament to the enduring bond we share as USNA alumni.

Not sure where to start? Check out the RTH website (scan our QR code) for up-todate details on Memorial Day activities near you. If you’re inspired to lead an event in your area, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to the Memorial Day Committee leads to receive resources and support to make your event a success.

In the spirit of honoring connections forged through shared service and sacrifice, we want to spotlight Sarah Rice ’02. During this year’s Army Ten-Miler, Sarah had the incredible chance to meet another USNA alumnus and fellow RTH supporter mid-race. Their impromptu exchange, fueled by shared determination and pride, embodies the unique camaraderie that defines our alumni family. Stories like Sarah’s remind us of the importance of community and the strength we draw from one another, especially during moments of remembrance.

As we approach Memorial Day, let us come together to ensure the legacy of our fallen classmates lives on. Whether through participating, organizing, or sharing your own story, your involvement makes a difference. Let’s honor their memory with gratitude, unity, and purpose. We look forward to seeing you at an RTH event this Memorial Day!

Check out our website and sign up for our email list at: www. runtohonor.com

Follow and Share with us at: www.face book.com/runtohonor.

Learn the stories behind the names in Memorial Hall at: www.usnamemorialhall.org

Find RTH gear at: http://runtohonorgear.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 myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/18964/feed

This spring, Naval Academy alumni groups U_S_N_A_ _P_R_I_D_E_ _S_I_G_ _and the U_S_ _N_a_v_a_l_ _A_c_a_d_e_m_y_ _M_i_n_o_r_i_t_y_ _A_s_s_o_c_i_a_t_i_o_n_ _(_N_A_M_A_)_ _ are hosting the 2025 U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Leadership Forum at the Naval Academy Fluegel Alumni Center in Annapolis on March 28-29. This two-day event serves to highlight the importance of authenticity in leadership roles, with

this year’s theme being “P_r_i_d_e_ _i_n_ _L_e_a_d_e_r_s_h_i_p_:_ _E_m_b_r_a_c_i_n_g_ _A_u_t_h_e_n_t_i_c_i_t_y_ _t_o_ _M_o_t_i_v_a_t_e_ _a_n_d_ _I_n_s_p_i_r_e_._” The symposium brings together service and industry leaders to engage and explore how their unique identities contribute to effective leadership and organizational success. Last year’s forum brought over 200 attendees, including the Secretary of the Navy, CEOs, corporate executives, and of course, dedicated alumni.

Topics will be wide-ranging, with the goal of helping participants develop their leadership tool box. Speakers include Jeff Webb, President and CEO of the USNA Alumni Association, as well as RADM Julius “JC” Caesar, USN Retired, President and Executive Director of NAMA. These esteemed leaders will address leadership challenges and needs for both career and personal development. Guests will be invited to engage in breakout groups to further work towards their own leadership development.

In addition to speaker events and breakout sessions, the forum will include NAALF’s annual gala fundraiser. The blacktie gala theme is: “L_e_a_d_i_n_g_ _w_i_t_h_ _P_R_I_D_E_:_ _C_e_l_e_b_r_a_t_i_n_g_ _L_G_B_T_Q_+_ _A_c_h_i_e_v_e_m_e_n_t_ _a_n_d_ _S_e_r_v_i_c_e_._” This fundraiser is in support of Naval Academy summer programs, namely STEM, which attracts and recruits middle and high school students from around the country through engineering and technology centered events.

USNA PRIDE, one of the organizers of this event, is a Naval Academy Alumni SIG for LGBTQ+ and allied alumni. Founded in 2022, USNA PRIDE has been dedicated to creating and strengthening a LGBTQ+ Naval Academy community and network. Their organization works to promote positivity and inclusion and serve as a platform for LGBTQ+ representation within the broader USNA alumni network, through which the contributions that LGBTQ+ alumni have made to the Naval Academy, the military service, their communities, and their nation may be recognized.

Through events like NAALF, both USNA PRIDE and the NAMA work to amplify diverse thoughts and perspectives for the betterment of all alumni and midshipmen.

MyUSNA is where your chapter can grow and where your events can get to the next level. Scan the QR code to amplify your USNA alumni experience as we strengthen bonds and form new ones.

Sarah Rice ’02 ‘ran’ into a fellow RTH supporter mid-race during the Army 10 miler held on 13 October in Washington D.C.

USNA Women

Pres: Linda “Postie” Postenrieder ’82 p: 415-235-9413; e: post82@whidbey.com

Vice Pres: Maegen Nix ’97 e: maegen.nix@vt-arc.org

Treas: Sarah Self-Kyler ’99 e: sarah.selfkyler@gmail.com

Sec’y: Cecily Walsh ’01 e: cesstay@yahoo.com

Outreach: Holly Johnson ’82 e: Holly.Johnson@1982.usna.com

myUSNA: myusna.com/topics/9176/feed

What a great Army-Navy Game! During the game we were able to get a group shot of alumnae from both West Point and USNA (see photo). Thank you to all the folks that

helped spread the word. We had a great turnout! I enjoyed meeting the other side for a short truce during the game and I look forward to celebrating 50 years with West Point Women soon. If you haven’t ordered the amazing scarf, please get your orders in.

As spring returns to the Annapolis area, we have two great gatherings in March. The first one is the annual gathering for USNA Women on 22 March at the top floor of Hopper Hall (virtual or in person). All are welcome to come! We would love to see you there. More details can be found on MyUSNA. We also encourage folks to join us for the Distinguished Graduate Awards on 21 March

where we will see two alumnae being honored for the opportunity. We plan to meet afterwards in downtown Annapolis. Further info to come online. We will announce the new crest for USNA Women at the annual gathering and also provide details on the plans for the 50 year celebration. We hope to see you at the events!

If you have a gathering of your fellow alumnae (even if its just you and a roommate), we would love to hear from you. Stronger Together!

USNA Women Shared Interest Groupl

Staff photo: 2008 Stribling Walk

LAST CALL

Dale Calvin Reed ’42 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.)

3 January 2025

Edward Lull Cochrane Jr. ’45 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 19 December 2024

Joseph Michael Snyder Jr. ’45 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 17 August 2021

Thomas Rogers Teply ’47 19 January 2025

Ray Carlton Pittman ’48 LCDR, USNR (Ret.) 19 December 2024

Charles Marvel Howe ’49 CAPT, CEC, USN (Ret.) 11 December 2024

Carl Burney Wilson ’49 CDR, USN (Ret.) 21 January 2025

Richard Emory Goodspeed ’50 6 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 19 January 2025

Robert Edwin Genter ’51 4 November 2024

Louis Stephen Gillow ’51 6 December 2024

Perry Lee Stephens ’51 6 Lt Col, USAF (Ret.) 15 December 2024

Allen Clark Jr. ’52 25 November 2024

Luiz Fernando Pimentel Poggi De Araujo ’52 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 18 December 2024

Paul Miller Crum ’53 6 CAPT, MC, USN (Ret.) 7 December 2024

Wilbur James Mahony ’53 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 25 January 2025

“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.” —Laurence Binyon, 1914

Jules David Bradley Sr. ’54 12 January 2025

Robert Michael Flaherty ’54 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 20 January 2025

Richard George Padberg ’54 29 January 2025

Nils Ronald Thunman ’54 VADM, USN (Ret.) 27 January 2025

William Earl Thurman ’54 Lt Gen, USAF (Ret.) 26 December 2024

George Wilmot Davis Jr. ’55 6 VADM, USN (Ret.) 28 December 2024

George Frederick Francis ’55 Col, USAF (Ret.) 16 December 2024

Edward Low ’55 Lt Col, USAF (Ret.) 2 December 2024

Leonard Frederick Benzi ’56 14 January 2025

John William Flight Jr. ’56 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 11 December 2024

James Robert Hogg ’56 6 ADM, USN (Ret.) 2 January 2025

Hoyle Haywood Miller Jr. ’56 28 November 2024

Harry Morton Pinsky ’56 6 7 December 2024

Steven Tremble Spees Jr. ’56 11 January 2025

Thomas Warren Andrews ’57 27 April 2024

Jefferson Rice Dennis Jr. ’57 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 29 December 2024

David Aba Isquith ’57 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 5 December 2024

Milo Richard Beran ’58 15 January 2025

John David Buck ’58 25 November 2024

Thomas William Keifer ’58 24 December 2024

Arthur Gustave Klos ’58 6 13 December 2024

George Emil Krauter ’58 CDR, USN (Ret.) 21 December 2024

Robert Elvin Risinger ’58 CAPT, USN (Ret.)

20 January 2025

Joseph Leo Steckler ’58 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 29 January 2025

William Donald Barkman ’59 6 27 November 2024

David Anthony Donovan ’59 CDR, USN (Ret.)

21 January 2025

Frederick Arthur Olds ’59 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 1 January 2025

Telmo Walter Ortega ’59 4 February 2025

Albert James Roberts III ’59 6 1 November 2024

David Ivan Dickerson ’60 25 January 2025

Gary Thomas Dilweg ’60 12 January 2025

Samuel Jay Greenberg ’60 CAPT, USNR (Ret.)

22 January 2025

Richard Biddle Meredith ’60 5 January 2025

Richard Courtney Quinn Sr. ’60 LT, USN (Ret.) 10 December 2024

Robert Phillip Rognlien ’60 6 23 November 2024

William Jackson Catlett III ’61 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 27 December 2024

James Goodman Connell Jr. ’61 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 20 December 2024

John Kenneth Dixner ’61 15 January 2025

John Michael Drustrup ’61 6 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 22 January 2025

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.

Robert Driver Luckey ’61 6

30 December 2024

John Karl Morris ’61

3 January 2025

Peter Noy Smith ’61 9 February 2022

Richard Patterson Taft Jr. ’61 CDR, USN (Ret.)

22 October 2022

Joseph Richard Brown ’62 CDR, USN (Ret.)

15 January 2025

Roger Earl Hopkins ’62

7 January 2025

John Baptiste LaPlante ’62 VADM, USN (Ret.)

3 January 2025

Peter Clark Melvin ’62

28 January 2025

Joseph William Shaw Jr. ’62

CAPT, USNR (Ret.)

15 January 2025

Frank Earl Ward III ’62

12 August 2020

Francis Warren Hilton Jr. ’63 CAPT, USN (Ret.)

16 December 2024

Karl Michael Kozak Sr. ’63

20 January 2025

John Marlowe Truesdell ’63 CDR, USNR (Ret.)

8 December 2024

Douglas Harold Zanzot ’63 15 November 2024

James Cummings Carolan ’64 CDR, USN (Ret.)

25 December 2024

Walter Alfred Ericson ’64

CAPT, USN (Ret.)

3 January 2025

Fredrick Spencer Hall Jr. ’64

CDR, CEC, USN (Ret.)

31 January 2025

James Arthur Haugen ’64 1 February 2025

Eugene Cleveland Holloway III ’64

5 January 2025

Eugene Edward Kelly ’64

30 October 2024

James Nicholas Kraft ’64 CAPT, USNR (Ret.)

13 January 2025

Michael McNeal Martin Sr. ’64 6

24 January 2025

Jay Burton Russell ’64 6 CDR, USN (Ret.)

23 December 2024

Dennis Richard Spradlin ’64 6 LCDR, USN (Ret.)

7 January 2025

Jerome Alan Welch ’64

25 January 2025

David Reynolds Bell ’65

CAPT, USN (Ret.) 23 December 2024

Charles Edward Briggs Jr. ’65 29 November 2024

Brian Vincent Kinney ’65 6 CAPT, USNR (Ret.) 15 January 2025

Richard Nathan Olds ’65 3 December 2024

Gordon LeRoy Peterson ’65 6 12 December 2024

Fred Bacon Stieg III ’65 30 November 2024

Clark Michael Dech ’66 16 March 2023

Thomas Robert Felger ’66 CAPT, USNR (Ret.)

24 December 2024

Ace John Sarich ’66 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 5 February 2025

Stephen George Wieczorek ’66

2 January 2025

James Vance Williford ’66 Col, USAF 13 January 2025

Thomas Charles Leiser ’67 1 February 2025

Stephen Anthony Phillips ’67 2 February 2025

Mahlon Robert Sutton II ’67 CDR, USN (Ret.) 22 January 2025

Joseph Burkitte DiCarlo ’68 6 22 October 2024

Charles Marsden Lohman ’68 Col, USMC (Ret.) 3 February 2025

Michael Donald Metcalf ’68 CAPT, USNR (Ret.) 27 January 2025

William Kemp Ponder ’68 28 December 2024

David Rudolph Samuelson ’68 6 23 January 2025

Richard Scott Wilt ’68 8 January 2025

Fred Wiley Jones ’69 ENS, USN 28 December 2024

William Ralph Wilson ’69 5 February 2025

Allen Emory Collins Jr. ’70 8 December 2022

William Michael Ferris ’70 CDR, USNR (Ret.) 27 December 2024

Douglas Vaughn Smith ’70 6 CDR, USN (Ret.) 18 December 2024

Harry William Bashore III ’71 CDR, USN (Ret.) 1 February 2025

David Thomas Martin ’71 1 February 2025

Scott Wesley McKenzie ’71 LtCol, USMC (Ret.) 9 January 2025

Geoffrey Lloyd McMullin ’71 6 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 2 January 2025

Philip Joseph Paul III ’71 6 Maj, USMC (Ret.) 27 December 2024

Gregory Dennis Lamberth ’72 6 29 November 2024

Richard Patrick Lee ’72 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 22 January 2025

Scott Hunter Stevens ’72 6 3 January 2025

Jimmy Bolding Jones ’73 6 LtCol, USMC (Ret.) 25 January 2025

Kenneth Edward LaDelfa ’73 18 December 2024

John Carr Burkart Jr. ’74 24 October 2024

Wayne Brian D’Ambrosio ’74 13 December 2024

Ronald Leon Polkowsky ’74 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 24 December 2024

Paul Theodore Serfass Jr. ’74 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 5 February 2025

David Edwin Stanley ’74 12 November 2024

Juan Javier Carrizales ’75 6 CDR, USN (Ret.) 7 January 2025

Donald Mark Garrett ’75 Maj, USMCR 21 December 2024

Neil Owen Jensen ’76 LCDR, USNR 22 December 2024

Thomas Marion Murray ’76 LCDR, USNR 27 December 2024

Allie Raymond Mysliwy ’76 7 November 2024

Rodney Eugene Speed ’77 2 December 2024

Thomas More McPhillips ’79 6 CDR, USNR (Ret.) 20 December 2024

James Michael Showalter ’79 LCDR, SC, USNR 18 December 2024

John Martin Link ’80 6 4 January 2025

Paul David Ims Jr. ’81 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 15 December 2024

Timothy Stephen Hausfeld ’83 27 December 2024

Kevin Lawrence Smith ’83 6 Col, USMC (Ret.) 6 January 2025

Robert Frederick Wise ’83 7 February 2025

Salvatore Joseph Ceraolo ’84 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 23 January 2025

Marc Edward Granier ’84 24 December 2024

DALE CALVIN REED ’42

Captain Dale C. Reed, USN (Ret.), passed away on 3 January 2025 in Potomac Falls, VA. He was 105 years old.

Dale was born on 14 May 1919 in Sunman, IN. He attended Purdue University before being appointed to the Naval Academy, where he graduated in December of 1941 in the wartimeaccelerated Class of 1942. At the end of his Plebe Year, he visited Gloucester, MA, while assigned to a battleship (ArkAnsAs) for the normal summer cruise. He was invited to a dinner party ashore and asked to escort a blind date, Barbara Thurman. They fell in love and were married in Washington, DC, in May of 1942.

In World War II, Dale served on destroyers (Plunkett, tAylor, HAll and kimberly) in the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Pacific and ending at the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay. After the war, he served on a cruiser (Houston) and a destroyer tender (everglAdes). He commanded two destroyers (kimberly and krAus) and a repair ship (AmPHion).

Dale’s shore assignments included Pentagon and Navy headquarters tours. He served as commanding officer of NROTC at University of Texas, and in London as Logistics Director in the office of U.S. Naval Forces, Europe. His last duty was as Chief of Staff to Commander, Subic Bay Naval Base, Philippines. He retired from active duty in 1972. After settling in Arlington, VA, Dale managed small businesses in property management, woodworking and picture framing. In 1980, he and Barbara moved to a 22-acre working farm near Martinsburg, WV, where they restored a historic house, entertained grandchildren and were active in the local community. In 1994, they downsized to four acres in Hamilton, VA, where they continued their community service, traveled and designed beautiful gardens. By 2005, the couple settled at Falcons Landing community in Potomac Falls, VA, where Dale’s energies shifted to making new friends, painting portraits and reading American and military history. His life was filled with creative and inventive projects that he developed to bring joy to others.

Marjorie Trott Binder ’87 2 February 2025

Richard A. Frey ’89 CAPT, USN 30 December 2024

Chris Gerard Mokris ’89 11 December 2024

Thomas Andrew Laverghetta ’90 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 1 February 2025

Robert James Callahan ’91 LtCol, USMC (Ret.) 7 February 2025

Marc Alan MacLauchlan ’91 25 November 2024

Brent Russell McMurry ’91 6 CAPT, USNR (Ret.) 31 December 2024

James Brian Ellis ’93 Lt Col, USMC (Ret.) 29 January 2025

Jason Wayne Milbrandt ’00 Maj, USMC 27 August 2024

Christopher Miles Wade ’04 Capt, USMCR 28 December 2024

David Michael Cope ’07 6 7 January 2025

Collin Bryce Wood ’14 Sgt, ANG 10 January 2025

Dale was predeceased by his beloved wife, Barbara; their son, Dale Jr.; brother, Marvin; and son-in-law, Roger Storey. He is survived by three daughters, Loraine Reed, Phoebe Storey and Robyn Eustis (John); daughter-in-law, Gayle Reed; sister-in-law, Alice Overly; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A family memorial service and burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery. H

EDWARD LULL COCHRANE JR. ’45

Captain Edward L. Cochrane Jr., USN (Ret.), passed away in Fairfax, VA, on 19 December 2024. He was 102 years old.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, on 17 July 1922, “Ted” was a 1941 graduate of St. Albans School in Washington, DC, and graduated from the Naval Academy with the wartime accelerated Class of 1945 in 1944.

Upon graduating, he went to Navy Supply Corps School at Harvard with his first assignment to Naval Supply Depot Guam.

In 1947, Ted transferred to the Navy Line. His sea duties included service on cruisers and battleships, as well as commanding five destroyers: o’bAnnon (DDE-450), evAns (DE-1023), PHiliP (DD-498), king (DLG-10) and JosePHus dAniels (DLG-27). Shore duties included: NROTC engineering instructor at Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago; staff aide and flag lieutenant to Commander, Battleship Division Two, for whom he served as a French interpreter; three tours in the Bureau of Naval Personnel, one as captain detailer (surface and subs); office of the CNO as Deputy OP-61; and a final assignment as Navy’s representative in the State Department.

He attended the Naval War College and received a master’s degree from The George Washington University (International Affairs) while attending the National War College. After 30 years, Ted retired in 1974 to devote the remainder of his life to his family, civic duties and his hobbies.

On 15 April 1950, Ted married Navy WAVE Doris Marie “Dorie” Armor. Together, they enjoyed his primary avocation of sailing all up and down the East Coast from Maine to the Bahamas. If Ted wasn’t sailing, you could find him in his basement workshop fulfilling Dorie’s honey-do list. During their 65 years of marriage, they made frequent trips to Europe, incorporating his other hobby, photography.

Ted was a member of The Society of the Cincinnati, Clan Cochrane of North America, Worcester Association and the U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association. He served on the alumni board of St. Albans School and was a past president for five years of Monhegan Associates, Inc., an island land trust.

Ted was predeceased by his adoring wife, Dorie; parents, Vice Admiral Edward Lull Cochrane ’14 and Charlotte (Wilson); brother, Captain Richard Lull Cochrane ’40; and sister-in-law, Ellen (McCallie).

Ted is survived by his daughter, Bonnie (Andrew); granddaughter, Heather (David); and great-grandson, Henry.

A graveside service at Arlington National Cemetery will take place at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to charities that benefit military veterans. H

IVAN LEO ROENIGK ’49

Ivan L. Roenigk died in Lenexa, KS, on 22 November 2024. He was 98 years old.

Ivan was born on 29 April 1926, and raised in Morganville, KS. He was selected for V-12 training for the Navy and reported to Ohio Wesleyan in 1944. After a year at V-12 school, he had an alternate congressional appointment and was ordered to the Naval Academy in August 1945. He graduated with the Class of 1949. Ivan reported to Supply Corps School in Bayonne, NJ, after graduation. From there, he was assigned as supply officer to rAby (DEC-698) with PhibLant at Little Creek, VA. After 26 months, he was assigned to the Heavy Attack Training Unit (HATU) stationed at the Naval Air Station in Norfolk, VA. In March 1954, he was assigned to WrigHt (CVL-49) at Newport News, VA. WrigHt was transferred to the Pacific and spent about five months in Japan. While on WrigHt, he roomed with Don Harlan ’49, a former USNA Companymate. Ivan stayed with WrigHt until she returned to Long Beach, CA. He was discharged from the Navy on 7 December 1954 as a lieutenant.

In February 1955, Ivan enrolled at the University of California at Berkeley in a civil engineering program. He married Wilma R. Hutchison on 11 September 1955 and graduated from Berkeley in June 1956. They moved to Kansas City, MO, where went to work for Black and Veatch in the structural department of the power division, working there until September 1960. He then joined Bob D. Campbell and Company, a structural engineering firm working for architects. Ivan eventually became registered as an engineer in seven states and designed structures from Boston, MA, to Gillette, WY. He retired from work in 1990.

After retirement, Ivan enjoyed a busy life with family and friends. He and Wilma traveled extensively around the U.S. and abroad in Europe and China. He enjoyed reading history books and gardening.

Ivan’s wife, Wilma, passed away in 2021. He is survived by their three sons (and their wives), Richard (Cindy) of Shawnee, KS, Dale (Bing) of Carrboro, NC, and Donald (Cindy) of Shawnee, KS; six grandchildren, Brett, Matt, Ryan, Morgan, Caleb and William; two great-grandchildren, Carson and Spencer; and his sister, Barbara Hart (John) of Texas.

In mentioning his passion for the Navy, Ivan reminded his family that his name spelled backwards is NAVI. H

RICHARD EMORY GOODSPEED ’50

Lieutenant Commander Richard E. Goodspeed, USN (Ret.), died on 19 January 2025. He was 97 years old.

“Dick” was born to Lynmore S. Goodspeed and Rose M. Goodspeed of Fitchburg, MA. He graduated from high school in Fitchburg in 1945 and from the Naval Academy in 1950. During his 24-year Navy career, he became a pilot and earned a master’s degree at Princeton University.

During a two-year exchange tour with the British Royal Navy, he asked Admiral Percy Gick, flag officer for flying training, for permission to demonstrate that it was possible to fly a helicopter to a landing in thick fog. After he took FOFT on a demonstration flight in simulated zero-zero conditions, the admiral granted the sought-after permission for all green-card pilots.

Upon retiring from the Navy in 1970, Dick became proposal editor for Bell Helicopter Company. During his time at Bell, he also contributed “Wordwise,” a regular column on writing, to Vertiflite, the monthly magazine of the American Helicopter Society.

Dick enjoyed classical and church music and sang in the Naval Academy Chapel Choir during all four years of his USNA education. When he joined a church in a Washington suburb that didn’t have a choir, he started one. He found that directing it was more complicated than he’d thought. He drove to Annapolis to get some advice from Professor Gilley. That advice was, “Go to a summer workshop.” He did –that summer and many of the summers that followed. For the next 45 years, he directed choirs wherever he went.

Dick’s interest in music led him to write concert reviews that were published in the Key West Citizen and the Annapolis Evening Capital Dick married his high school sweetheart, Betty Arlene Aho, in 1951. A registered nurse by training, she became a successful artist during their marriage (and painted the attached portrait). She passed away after having been married to Dick for 57 years.

Five years after Betty’s passing, Dick, singing in a church choir, met a widow in the choir’s alto section. He and Susan Bublitz were married and enjoyed traveling: up the Danube and down the Rhine, Budapest to Amsterdam, and to Fiji for a dive trip in celebration of their first anniversary.

Dick is survived by wife, Susan K. Goodspeed; sons, Grant S. Goodspeed and Glenn R. Goodspeed; daughter, Joy K. Goodspeed; and two grandchildren, Carly R. Diaz and Severn N. Goodspeed. H

PERRY LEE STEPHENS ’51

Lieutenant Colonel Perry L. Stephens, USAF (Ret.), 96, died peacefully on 15 December 2024. Perry was born on 5 January 1928, in Atlanta, GA. After graduating from Fulton High, “Pep” attended Georgia Tech for one year, then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Earning a fleet appointment to USNA, he completed NAPS in Bainbridge, MD, and reported to Annapolis in 1947.

Upon graduating with the Class of 1951, 15th Company, Perry was commissioned as an Air Force second lieutenant, assigned to the Air Weather Service. He and “Dot” were married one week after graduation.

Perry completed the meteorology curriculum at Florida State University, attended Squadron Officer School in Alabama, then was stationed at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, where he provided weather forecasting for B-29 bombing missions over Korea. Next, he reported to Hunter Air Base, forecasting for B-47 training flights throughout the U.S. and over the Atlantic.

LAST CALL

At AFIT in Dayton, OH, he earned a MS in Nuclear Engineering (1960), followed by duty at the Air Force Technical Applications Center, Alexandria, VA; Air Force Systems Command, Foreign Technology Division, Andrews AFB, MD; and Air Force Office of Aerospace Research, Arlington, VA. These assignments involved research and scientific duties, including detection of Soviet nuclear detonations, monitoring progress of foreign technology and design/launching of satellites.

Upon his military retirement in 1970, Perry settled in Stone Mountain, GA. He began a second career with Dekalb General Hospital as an employment manager, recruiting professional staff and guiding them through periods of growth, technology implementations and insurance upheaval. Perry earned an MBA from Georgia State University (1979). He retired in 1993, as Director of Human Resources at Dekalb Medical Center.

Perry was active in church and civic organizations, lending knowledge and calm strength to many situations, generously sharing his time, elbow grease and financial support. Serving as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, committee member, math tutor or disaster relief volunteer, Perry displayed humility and stellar Christian character. He was a devoted husband and family leader, and his memory will be cherished.

He is survived by his children, Carol Brown (Bob) and Glenn Stephens (Carole); grandchildren, Michael (Michelle), Lindsey, David (Jaime), Andrew and James; great-grandson, Houston; and many nephews, nieces and cousins. He was predeceased by his sweetheart and wife of 69 years, Dorothy; daughter, Lisa Stratton; and all seven siblings.

Services were held on 19 December 2024, with interment at Historic Indian Creek Cemetery, Clarkston, GA, with military honors. H

PAUL MILLER CRUM ’53

Captain Paul M. Crum Sr., MC, USN (Ret.), died on 7 December 2024 in Saint Johns, FL.

Paul was born on 1 January 1930. An NROTC scholar at Tufts University in 1948, he resigned that commission to accept a Congressional appointment from Pennsylvania to the United States Naval Academy. At Annapolis, he rowed crew all four years and was a member of the 20th Company.

Upon graduation with the Class of 1953, he was assigned to Coral Sea (CVA-43) in the engineering department. He then served on PritcHett (DD-561) for several WestPac tours. His final service as a line officer was as executive officer of loyAlty (MSO-457).

In June 1957, Paul resigned his commission to enter the University of Pennsylvania as a medical student. Upon graduation as an M.D. in May 1962, he returned to the Navy and was recommissioned as a lieutenant in the Navy Medical Corps and was assigned to the Naval Hospital at Saint Albans, NY, for his internship. During this time, he became interested in the fledgling Polaris submarine program and accepted an appointment as medical officer on sAm Houston (SSBN-609). Following a four-year residency in urology at USNH Philadelphia, PA, he was assigned to Naval Hospital Portsmouth, VA, as staff urologist and Chief of Urology, also establishing their residency training program. His final active-duty tour was at Naval Hospital Jacksonville, FL, as chief of the Department of Urology.

He retired from the Navy in August 1979 and joined the McIver Urological Clinic, where he practiced urology for the next 40 years. While at McIver, he served as the chairman of the Department of Surgery at Saint Vincent’s Medical Center and did three terms as the chairman of the Department of Urology at that facility. He retired from active practice in June 2019. In 2020, he joined UF Health Jacksonville as an adjunct assistant professor, where he practiced until shortly before his death.

Paul is survived by his three children, Dr. Amy Vander Woude (Doug) of Grand Rapids, MI, Dr. Paul M. Crum Jr. (Angela) of Jacksonville, FL, and Catherine Crum (Bo Pham) of Washington, DC; and nine grandchildren, Kate, Tom, Tim, Maggie and Paul Vander Woude, Claire, Lanie and Julia Crum and Maggie Pham.

Memorial services were conducted at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, FL, on 28 December 2024. Inurnment will take place at a later date at the Naval Academy Columbarium. H

DEAN OLIVER DeLAMAR ’53

Dean O. DeLamar passed away on 23 November 2024 at his home in Statham, GA.

Born in Macon, GA, on 14 March 1930 to Wyatt Frank DeLamar and Louise Stephans DeLamar, Dean knew from an early age that his passion was for flying. He applied to both the Naval Academy and West Point to increase his odds, and upon being accepted by both, made the “right” decision. He graduated from the Naval Academy with an EE and married JoAnne Holloway on 5 June 1953 in the Naval Academy Chapel.

He attended Flight School in Pensacola, FL, where their first child, Deanne, was born. On to Jacksonville, FL, where their second child, Perry (named after roommate, Perry Oliver ’53) was born. He served in the Pacific aboard Bennington in VF-174, flying the F9. After the twins, Martha and Joanne, were born in Atlanta, GA, there was a little pressure to consider getting a real job because “flying isn’t work.” This was partially attributed to his plane flaming out over Stone Mountain. He simply coasted to Peachtree Dekalb airport. NBD. The Navy told the airport that they wouldn’t need the plane back, so it sat at the entrance of the 57th Fighter Group Restaurant for many years. The family lived less than 10 miles from there, so he simply called them for a ride home. He went to work at the Georgia Power Company, where he was given the job of safety manager. The irony was not lost here. Still in the Reserves, he came home to another expected bundle of joy, Jeanne, and said adios to the Reserves.

His nickname was “Scooby,” and he loved Varsity hotdogs and his wife, JoAnne. His goal in life was to live one day longer than Jimmy Carter. An avid Navy football fan, he either listened to, watched on tv or in person EVERY. SINGLE. GAME. since 1946. Congratulations to the 2024 USNA Football team!

Predeceased by JoAnne, and their son, Perry Wyatt DeLamar, survivors include four children, Deanne Beesley (Jim), Martha Emily DeLamar (and her pup, Buddy), Joanne Holloway “J Holly” Chipman (and her pup, Sam) and Jeanne Cumby (Patrick); and 11 grandchildren, Jeffrey DeLamar (Rachel), Jonathon DeLamar (Jennifer), David DeLamar, Judy Mendelson (Jacob), Joey Audie (Kerry-Lee), Tony Audie (Nicole), Michael Audie (and his pup, Roy), Joey Chipman (Christine), Emily Byrne (Nick), Thomas Cumby and Maggie Kornaev (Sergei).

The DeLamar Family H

JAMES JOHN JELINEK ’53

James J. Jelinek passed away on 12 July 2024 in Hull, MA. He was 93 years old.

Born on 23 September 1930 in Piney Fork, OH, “Jim” led a life marked by dedication to his family, his country and his faith.

Jim graduated from Dillonvale High School in Dillonvale, OH, before embarking on a distinguished educational journey at the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating with the Class of 1953.

At Navy, Jim excelled in academics and achieved notoriety in battalion football as well as boxing. His commitment to service was further exemplified through his subsequent five years with the U.S. Air Force, where he served as an instructor pilot.

Jim left the Air Force after his service commitment and assumed a role as a test engineer at Bethlehem Steel in Quincy, MA, within their Nuclear Power Branch. He played a pivotal role in the development and sea trials of Long Beach, the first nuclear-powered surface ship, under the guidance of Admiral Hyman Rickover. His career continued to evolve as he tackled various engineering roles across different companies, bringing innovation and expertise to each project.

Jim was a devout Catholic, a faith he embraced following his marriage to his beloved wife, Virginia. His spiritual existence was deeply interwoven with his daily activities, providing him strength and comfort throughout his life.

In his leisure, Jim was an avid painter and reader, enjoyed puzzles of all kinds, assembling models and took great pleasure in writing his memoirs. These hobbies provided him not only with relaxation but also with a means to share his life’s stories and passions with his family and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Virginia Anne (Thompson) Jelinek and son, James John Jelinek Jr. He is survived by his son, Thomas E. Jelinek (and his wife, Anne); daughter, Julia J. Murray; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Rider, Jessica Johnson, Elizabeth Giles, Melissa Goldman, Thomas Jelinek, Daniel Murray, Evan Murray and Noelle Murray; and ten great-grandchildren. All will cherish his memory.

Jim was laid to rest at the Washington Street Cemetery in Norwell, MA. H

ROBERT FRANKLIN LAUFMAN ’53

Robert F. Laufman of Cincinnati, OH, passed away peacefully on 1 March 2024 with his wife, Kathy, by his side. He was 92 years old.

“Bob” was born on 17 April 1931 in Bloomsburg, PA, to Clare Vanderslice Laufman and Franklin Keefer Laufman. At the U.S. Naval Academy, he was a member of the 19th Company, and his years at Annapolis remained a seminal part of his life. The annual Army-Navy football game was one of his favorite days of the year and the Naval Academy insignia appeared on nearly all his clothing.

Upon graduation with the Class of 1953, Bob was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force, where he served until 1962.

Following his military service, Bob spent several years in the business world where, among other endeavors, he designed jet engines for General Electric and made soap for Procter & Gamble. Never one to sit still, Bob began attending law school at night and obtained his law degree in 1961.

In 1971, Bob left the corporate world and became an attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Cincinnati, where he became involved in civil rights and housing discrimination litigation. He later served as the president of Legal Aid (1978-1982) and served as a member of its board for decades.

In 1972, Bob met his future wife, Kathleen Harkins, who would become the love of his life for more than 50 years.

In 1973, Bob left Legal Aid to enter private practice, where he subsequently spent 30 years fighting for civil rights on behalf of individuals who were discriminated against, powerless, disenfranchised or vulnerable. He litigated more than 300 civil rights lawsuits in the areas of employment discrimination (age, race, sex and handicap), school desegregation, fair housing, police misconduct, prison reform and constitutional law. He was a pioneer in the federal litigation of civil

rights issues, and his practice led him to testify before Congress and argue a matter before the Supreme Court of United States.

Bob leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Kathy Laufman; three caring children, Lauralynn Mohr of Cincinnati, OH, Richard Laufman and Paul Laufman (Kira) of Cincinnati, OH; and grandchildren, Nicolas Mohr, Deysi Mohr, Luke Laufman and Cooper Laufman. He was predeceased by his parents, and older brother, William Laufman.

The Laufman Family H

HERBERT ROBERT TIEDE ’53

Colonel Herbert R. Tiede, USMC (Ret.), passed away on 5 September 2024 in Woodbridge, VA. He was 94 years old.

Born in New Britian, CT, “Herb” was the son of Julius and Bertha Tiede. In high school, he excelled in math and sports. He enlisted in the Navy and after certifying as an electrician, he attended Naval Academy Prep School for a year. At Annapolis, he was a good football player and student in math and Russian language. His notoriety, however, was more about his room’s weight set and deli food section than academics. Upon graduation in 1953, he was commissioned as a Marine Corps second lieutenant.

With the Corps, Herb’s first duty station took him to Korea where he patrolled the DMZ. Herb met Hazel while they both were working in Washington, DC, and playing tennis during down time. Their 62-year marriage started soon after. Herb excelled as a Marine, using his curiosity, enthusiasm and persistence to solve problems and make the world better and safer for everyone. Over his 30-year career, Herb learned Russian and French, and traveled to Garmisch, Germany; Headquarters, USMC; Baltimore, MD; Okinawa, Japan; Quantico, VA (several times); Vietnam; Moscow, Russia (then Soviet Union) for 3 years; Camp Lejeune, NC; and Beirut, Lebanon. As an intelligence officer, his work supported national defense and relationship building at strategic levels. He led a battalion of motor transport Marines and ignited his passion for having quality preventive maintenance and logistic products. In life, his goal was to prevent problems, fix what was broken and keep learning, repeating the cycle as often as needed.

After the Marine Corps, Herb worked as a preventative maintenance specialist for a company that served factories and transportation systems around the U.S. He and Hazel continued touring the world, meeting new people and making friends everywhere. He also remained active in community volunteer work, specifically Kiwanis Woodbridge and the Salvation Army.

Predeceased by his parents, siblings and his wife, Hazel, Herb is survived by their children, Karen (John), Jan (Paul) and Paul ’88 (Laurie); grandchildren, Sierra, Samantha, Allison and Timothy; and his brother’s children, Carolyn (Mike) and Albert (Ana).

Services were held at Westminster at Lake Ridge Senior Living Community on 1 November 2024, followed by interment at Quantico National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Woodbridge Kiwanis Club Foundation, ATTN: Brian Bell, 4691 Fisherman’s Cove, Montclair, VA 22025.

Semper Fi, Herb! H

GEORGE WILMOT DAVIS JR. ’55

Vice Admiral George W. Davis Jr., USN (Ret.), died at his home in Columbia, SC, on 28 December 2024.

Known locally by the nickname of “Boney,” George attended Dreher High School before being admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1951.

Upon graduation in 1955, George was commissioned as a Navy ensign and served on active duty for 33 years, retiring in 1988 as Commander Naval Surface Forces Pacific with the rank of vice admiral.

In 1957, he married Jean Carroll of Los Angeles, CA, the daughter Dr. Robert L. Carroll and Jean Wilson of Columbia, SC.

George’s career as a nuclear qualified Surface Warfare Officer included tours as reactor officer of enterPrise (CVA(N)-65) during two combat deployments off Vietnam; and as commanding officer of Widgeon (MSC-208), JosePH k tAussig (DE-1030), ricHArd l. PAge (FFG-5) and virginiA (CGN-38). Admiral Davis served ashore as logistics assistant for Commander Allied Forces Southern Europe; as Deputy Commander Naval Sea Systems Command; and as officer in charge of the Senior Officers Ship Material Readiness School. He received a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School and attended the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk VA.

After his retirement from the Navy, George was employed by the Boston Edison Company, ultimately serving as president and chief operating officer and as a member of the board of directors before retiring in 1995.

George served on the University of Chicago’s Board of Governors for the Argonne National Laboratory. He was a member of the board of directors for the Institute of Nuclear Power Operators and for the Entergy Corporation. He served as chairman of the National Nuclear Accrediting Board and was a member of several academic institution advisory boards.

In his command tours, Admiral Davis demonstrated the calm discipline that prevented untoward incidents, and over time played a significant role in bringing the Cold War to an end. His service required extensive time at sea and away from home, at great sacrifice to his family, to whom the nation owes a debt of gratitude.

George is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jean; their sons, George and Robert; daughter, Susan Hipp; granddaughters, Jennifer Thuen and Anne Higginson; great-grandchildren, Watson, Madeline, Hilde and Roos; and sisters, Blanche Schaeffer and Lillah Heisey. Another great-granddaughter, Dagney, is expected in April 2025. H

LEONARD FREDERICK BENZI ’56

Leonard F. Benzi of Plains, PA, passed away on 14 January 2025.

“Len” was born on 8 September 1931 in Plains. He was the son of the late John and Clelia (Leonardi) Benzi. He graduated from Plains Memorial High School in 1949 and attended Wyoming Seminary Preparatory School in order to prepare him for the Naval Academy, which he entered in 1951. At Navy, Len was an offensive and defensive guard on the varsity football team, finally earning All-East recognition, one level below All-American. A highlight for him was playing in the 1954 Sugar Bowl, when underdog Navy’s “Team Named Desire” beat Ole Miss 21-0. He was also voted as the outstanding lineman of that year’s Army-Navy

football game, which Navy won 27-20. As a First Classman, Len was one of the two Navy goat keepers.

Upon graduating from the Academy in the Fourth Company in 1956, Len was commissioned into the Air Force. He served as a construction engineer at Olmsted Air Force Base and reached the rank of first lieutenant before resigning his commission in 1960.

Len returned to Plains, PA, and in 1966, he began employment as a mechanical engineer at the Tobyhanna Army Depot. In 1975, he advanced into management as Chief of Mechanical Engineering, heading a satellite communications system, including 65 ground sites worldwide. In 1988, he accepted reassignment as a manufacturing and refinishing general foreman in the industrial job-shop. In 1995, he returned to engineering to serve his final year as a supervisory mechanical engineer. On 31 May 1996, Len retired after 30 years of service at Tobyhanna.

He then kept busy with gardening, hunting and other outdoor activities. In the winter, he wrote, he just shoveled snow. Throughout his life, Len was always a gentleman. He was very proud of his Italian descent. Even in his final years, battling dementia, he still managed to maintain a cheerful and pleasant disposition, often singing to his caregivers in Italian.

At Olmsted, Len met Joan Mariano, and they were married in 1959. She died in 2020 of complications from COVID-19.

Surviving are their children, Lenore Metzger (husband, Karl), Noelle Ruggerio (companion, Joseph Fye) and Leonard J. Benzi; three grandchildren, Arielle, Gianna and Lia; and two great-grandchildren, Ezra and Mila.

Len’s funeral took place on 18 January 2025 with a Mass of Christian Burial at Saints Peter & Paul Church in Plains, followed by interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Wyoming, PA. H

DONALD LOUIS BROWN ’56

Captain Donald L. Brown, USN (Ret.), passed away on 1 July 2023, at the age of 89.

“Don” was born on 15 December 1933 to Nelson Alonzo Brown and the former Hazel Lomax in Fort Scott, KS. Following his graduation from Fort Scott High School in 1951, he attended Baker University for one year before attending the U.S. Naval Academy.

Don graduated in the top third of the Class of 1956, then attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, graduating with a BS in Engineering Electronics. He married Angela Evelyn Pearce of Baltimore, MD, on 27 June 1959 at the Naval Academy Chapel,

Don served on active duty in the U.S. Navy for 31 years and one month in the intelligence community, as a member of the Naval Security Group, designated as a communication specialist/cryptologist. As a naval officer, he served at sea and was stationed in Japan, Turkey, the Philippines, South Vietnam, Guam, Alaska and stateside in California, Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC. While serving as executive officer on Guam, Don set up and directed the operations of three evacuee camps as part of Operation New Life, when more than 100,000 Vietnamese refugees passed through Guam. Captain Brown retired on 30 June 1987, while serving at the National Security Agency.

He was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal.

Don and Angela retired to St. Mary’s County in Southern Maryland to their home on the Patuxent River, where they enjoyed the region’s beauty, boating, fishing and the “land of pleasant living” lifestyle.

In retirement, Don served as president of The Retired Officers Association of Southern Maryland; was a member of American Legion, Post 221 in Avenue, MD; chapter chairman of the St. Mary’s American Red Cross; and was a member of the board of directors of the American Red Cross Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Blood Region. Don also volunteered and served as chairman of the board of governors of the Calvert Marine Museum.

Don was predeceased by his daughter, Barbara, in 1971 from cystic fibrosis; and after 61 years of marriage, Angela passed away on 15 January 2021. Angela and Don are survived by their daughter, Deborah Brown Radivo (and her husband, Nick Anthony Radivo) of Centreville, MD.

Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors, beside his beloved wife and daughter, at a later date. H

JOHN WILLIAM FLIGHT JR. ’56

Captain “Bill” Flight Jr., USN (Ret.), passed away a few days before his 93rd birthday, on 11 December 2024.

Bill enlisted in the Navy in April 1951 and entered the Naval Academy in June 1952 (via NAPS).

He graduated with the Class of 1956 and entered flight training. After he earned his Wings, his first assignment was to Air Anti-Submarine Squadron Thirty-Six in Norfolk, VA, from 1958 to 1962. For the next two years, he attended the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA (earning a BS in aeronautical engineering), after which he served a tour in the Bureau of Naval Weapons in Washington, DC. From 1966 to 1968, he served as maintenance officer at Air Anti-Submarine Squadron Thirty-Eight based at NAS North Island.

Bill’s next assignment was to the staff of Commander Hunter Killer Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet as ASW programs officer. He reported to Air Anti-Submarine Squadron Twenty-Nine as executive officer and served as commanding officer from July 1971 to June 1972.

Following his command tour, he was assigned to Commander Anti-Submarine Group Three as air operations officer for one year before reporting to Commander Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet as aide and flag secretary.

Bill then became Commander Carrier Anti-Submarine Air Group Reserve Seventy, an assignment involving operational command of five Naval Reserve squadrons dispersed in four different states. He attended and graduated from the Armed Forces Staff College as well.

In June 1976, he began a year’s tour at the National Defense College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario, “during the worst winter in living memory.” Bill then held command of Naval Air Station Barber’s Point, HI, from August 1977 to September 1979. He completed a tour as Deputy Director, Human Resource Management Division of OpNav, Washington, DC, and on 7 February 1981, was assigned to the U.S. Naval Academy as Director, Candidate Guidance Division for his final tour prior to retiring on 1 July 1985.

Captain Flight then served as executive director of the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, an organization that annually sponsors approximately 100 candidates striving to become future Naval Academy Midshipmen.

Bill was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, the former Anne Sterne of Dinwiddie, VA, in 2009. They are survived by two children, Fred ’81 and Andie; three grandchildren, Mike, Jenna and Russ; and two great-grandchildren, Grant and Payton. H

JAMES ROBERT HOGG ’56

Admiral James R. Hogg, USN (Ret.), 90, died on 2 January 2025 in Newport, RI.

“Jim” was born in Annapolis, MD, in 1934 to MaryJane (Gillies) and Rear Admiral James H. Hogg ’27. His father commanded a destroyer during World War II, conducting combat operations in the Pacific Fleet. At the tender age of ten, Jim decided he wanted to be “Just like my dad, join the Navy and get command of a destroyer.”

He graduated from the Naval Academy and was commissioned in 1956. Jim loved the Navy and commanded englAnd (DLG-22). He achieved flag rank in 1979 as a rear admiral, and full admiral in 1988. He retired from active duty in 1991, completing 35 years of active duty.

Sea duty took up 22 of those years with 11 shipboard assignments, including 14 deployments, 11 of them to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean; and five of which were in command: as a guided missile destroyer leader (his destroyer), two destroyer squadrons, a cruiser-destroyer flotilla and the U.S. Seventh Fleet.

Shore assignments included executive assistant to the Chief of Naval Personnel; Director of Navy Personnel Policy and Programs; Director of Naval Warfare; and the U.S. Representative to the NATO Military Committee in Brussels.

Upon retirement, Jim served in Washington, DC, as president of the National Security Industrial Association, a major national defense organization founded by James Forrestal at the end of WWII, whose purpose was to forge working relationships between the defense industry and the military in areas of common interest.

In 1995, CNO Admiral Mike Boorda asked Jim to return to the Navy as an executive level Navy civilian and transform the Strategic Studies Group (SSG), co-located with the Naval War College, from strategic studies into a research center, whose purpose would be to generate revolutionary war fighting concepts for the Navy’s future, reporting directly to the CNO. He did, and the Hogg family moved to Prescott Farm in Portsmouth, RI, in 1995.

Jim was SSG director for the next 18 years and retired a second time in 2013, thus ending a 57-year Navy career that spanned seven decades.

In 2014, Jim joined the Naval War College Foundation on the Naval War College campus, as the Foundation’s senior advisor. He could be found in his office there on most days, until turning 85.

His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal (3), the Legion of Merit (3) and other U.S. and foreign decorations. Later, he was awarded the Navy’s Distinguished Civilian Service Award in recognition of his SSG service.

In 2016, Jim received the IEEE Award for “Outstanding contributions to development of Electro-Magnetic Launch technology.” Better known in Navy circles as “Rail Gun.” In 2017, the Naval War College established the Future Forces Gallery, dedicating it to “Admiral James Hogg … in recognition of his enlightened leadership in the Navy spanning seven decades … and as one of the Navy’s most talented and creative thinkers.” In 2018, the Admiral James Hogg Rail Gun firing line was dedicated at the Navy’s Rail Gun Development Center in Dahlgren, VA. Later in 2018, Jim was selected as a Distinguished Graduate at the U.S. Naval Academy; received the Naval War College Foundation’s “Sentinel of the Sea” Award; and the Naval War College established the Admiral James Hogg “Library and Artifacts Collection” in the College’s Mahan Center. In 2019, the Naval War College established the Admiral James Hogg

Distinguished Graduate Award Recipient 2018

“Cyber and Innovation Policy Center,” and the Naval Order of the United States presented Jim the Admiral George Dewey Award.

Jim is survived by his wife, Anne; their children, Jim, Margaret, Robert and William; and grandchildren, Mariella, Annabelle, Isabel, Anne, Lily, Emilia and Stephen. H

HOYLE HAYWOOD MILLER JR. ’56

Hoyle H. Miller Jr. of Jupiter, FL, passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving Day (28 November) 2024 after a long and fulfilling life, at the age of 92.

Hoyle was the only child of Elise Nance and Hoyle H. Miller. He graduated from Augusta Military Academy and attended the Citadel for two years before reporting to the Naval Academy (17th Company). Known as “Poppy,” Hoyle was an accomplished boxer and a member of the Brigade Hop Committee, who would dance the jitterbug southern style. During his First Class Year, Hoyle met the love of his life, Jane Swinford. They were married on 22 December 1956—a bond that would endure for 68 years.

Hoyle served on robert k. Huntington (DD-781); attended Submarine School in Groton, CT, where he earned his Gold Dolphins; and was assigned to cutlAss (SS-478).

In 1961, Hoyle began a 26-year career at IBM. Blessed with a gift of gab and a genuine interest in the aspirations of others, Hoyle was a natural motivator who excelled at sales and management. Many of his IBM colleagues became lifelong friends who called him frequently until his last days. In the early 1970s, the family settled in a home on the Severn River overlooking the Naval Academy, which Hoyle had dreamed of owning one day as a midshipman. There, with Jane’s unconditional support, Hoyle instilled in their two children a competitive drive that manifested itself in many athletic and academic accomplishments.

After retiring from IBM, Hoyle and Jane moved to Kentucky to care for Jane’s parents. There, Hoyle raced thoroughbred horses, bought a local newspaper and built a natural gas utility. Hoyle and Jane also lived in Florida during retirement.

Hoyle courageously fought cancer for more than 20 years. After a grim prognosis, Hoyle willed himself to survive long enough to see his grandson, Hunter, graduate from the Naval Academy. For that, he was truly proud. Hoyle then fought and won another 11 rounds through sheer grit and Ann Elise’s tireless and selfless devotion to his care.

Hoyle is survived by his beloved wife, Jane; son, H. Haywood Miller III (Caroline); daughter, Ann Elise Bouchard (Andy); grandchildren, H. Haywood Miller IV (Abby), Samantha Kavanaugh (Joey), Bayard Miller (Lily), Hunter Bouchard ’13 and Skyler Oppenheim (Sebastian); and his great-grandchildren, Walter and Arlo.

Interment will be held at a later date in Washington, DC. Memorial donations may be made to the Naval Academy Foundation (www.usna.com/give). H

HARRY MORTON PINSKY ’56

Harry M. Pinsky of Glen Mills, PA, passed away peacefully on 7 December 2024. He was 92. Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was raised in Atlantic City, NJ, and graduated from Admiral Farragut Academy in 1952. A member of the Naval Academy Class of 1956, 12th Company, Harry went on to graduate from Pennsylvania Military College (PMC) in 1956 with a BS degree in business administration and a

commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve. While at PMC, Harry lettered in varsity football and wrestling. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Kappa fraternity, Future Teachers of America and Equity Lodge 591 F&AM for more than 50 years.

After PMC, Harry worked at General Electric which, because of Sputnik, assigned him to teach mathematics part-time as well. It was at Chester High School in Chester, PA, that he discovered his love of the classroom, and he taught there for five years. He moved on to Interboro School District in Prospect Park, PA, to teach math for 34 years, as well as serving as assistant football coach and the first head wrestling coach. Early mornings found Harry at “Harry’s News Stand” which he owned and operated for many years adjacent to Sun Shipyard in Chester, PA.

Harry, an avid sailor, had an exuberant zest for life and enjoyed sharing his enthusiasm with family and friends. He loved sailing the Chesapeake Bay. He loved to travel and loved theater, whether local or on Broadway. If he participated, he was likely to ad lib and get a great laugh. His contagious laughter, generous, warm-hearted spirit and a never-ending supply of jokes and stories will be sorely missed.

Harry was predeceased by his college sweetheart and wife of 35 years, Mindy Much Pinsky. He is survived by two daughters, Marcie Pinsky and Francine Bright (and her husband, Robert); three grandchildren; and his devoted and loving partner of 29 years, Gail Haydon Pinsky.

Private services were held.

Donations in Harry’s name may be made to the charity of your choice. H

THOMAS WARREN ANDREWS ’57

“Tom” Andrews passed away on 27 April 2024 in Tucson, AZ, shortly after his 89th birthday. His loving spirit was still there, though the dreaded disease of dementia had robbed him of his memories.

Tom was born in Chicago, IL, on 15 April 1935. He grew up in Illinois and Washington, DC, graduating from Oak Park High School in 1953. Appointed to the Naval Academy, he graduated with the Class of 1957 as a member of the 14th Company.

After graduation, Tom served aboard the aircraft carrier rAndolPH, and submarine rock. He left the Navy in 1962 and joined IBM, where he worked for 29 years until 1991. IBM took him from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara to Palo Alto in California, and in 1980 to Tucson, AZ. Tom was determined to stay in the west after he discovered San Diego while serving on rock

In 1967, he met and married Carol Mathlin. They were engaged in two months and married in less than six months. Tom said one of his talents was that he could make good decisions on very little data. They had 57 fantastic years together.

Tom’s son-in-law remembered him this way: Emotionally Intelligent, Clever, Wise, Devoted, Dad, Husband, Brother, Uncle, Dapper, Dancer, Generous, Kind, Funny, Happy, Swirler of Wine Glasses, Smart, Careful, Grandpa, Officer, Manager, Purveyor of Pithy Aphorisms, Warm, Inviting, Gastronome, Knowledgeable, Curious, Interested, Problem Solver, Storyteller, Reader, Noble, Submariner, Encourager, Refined, Celebratory, Sommelier, Family Oriented, Playful, Convener of Croquet Contests, Admirer of Rooftop Sunsets, Practitioner of Carpe Diem, Loyal, Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Admired, Loved, Missed.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; their children, Ella and David; and grandson, Forest. H

JOHN LEWIS FUNKHAUSER ’57

Colonel John L. Funkhauser, USAF (Ret.), passed away at home on 26 January 2024 from congestive heart failure, surrounded by his loving family.

John was born in Chicago, IL, in 1933 to Howard and Beryle Funkhauser. The family moved often due to his father’s job as a S.S. Kresge manager and eventually settled in Mitchell, SD, where John graduated as valedictorian from Mitchell High School (1951). After a short period at the University of South Dakota, running a Dairy Queen and attending Northwestern Prep School in Minneapolis, John received an appointment to the Naval Academy, where he was a proud member of the Fifth Company.

Upon graduation in 1957, he was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force. He served in the intelligence field at Fighter Sq, Fighter Group and Air Division Headquarters (NORAD, ADC). He was later assigned to HQ Pacific Air Forces as air targets officer, USSR Branch, detached as intelligence assistant to CinCPac to aid in developing procedures for the Joint Strategic Targeting Planning Staff at HQ SAC. He then volunteered for Minuteman Missile duty at Ellsworth AFB, serving as a combat crew commander in the 44th Strategic Missile Wing and earning his MBA from Ohio State University, under a special program.

His next assignment was the Air Staff (Pentagon) R&D staff as action officer for Advanced ICBM Basing. John was designated as USAF R&D liaison on issues related to Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT 1).

He attended the Armed Forces Staff College and the Defense Systems Management College and was a member of the initial cadre of the Air Force Computer Technology Office at Hanscom Field. For two years, he was assigned to the Program Management Assistance Group at HQ Air Force Systems Command before commanding the Air Force plant offices at Westinghouse Defense and Electronics Center, and ultimately at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company.

John retired from the Air Force after a distinguished career in 1981. As a civilian, he was a software program manager, a system analyst and ultimately retired in 1999 from Lockheed Martin Electronics and Missile Systems in Orlando, FL, as a subcontracts manager and moved to Rush, NY.

John was proud to have worn the uniform of three services: Army (ROTC University of South Dakota), Navy (USNA) and U.S. Air Force.

John is survived by his wife of 38 years, Jan; children, Howard, Christopher, Kathryn, Jennifer and Kevin; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Joyce and Catherine. H

FORREST ROBERT HANVEY JR. ’57

“Bob” Hanvey Jr., 91, died on 4 December 2024. Born in San Diego, CA, in 1933, Bob attended the Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad, CA. He declined his first Naval Academy appointment to go to Caltech. After a year there, he reapplied and successfully received a second USNA appointment, joining the Class of 1957. At Annapolis, he played on the tennis team and sang in the chorus. On graduation, he stood first in the class as the honors graduate. Commissioned into the Air Force, Bob was sent to MIT for a master’s degree in aerospace engineering. He then was assigned to Holloman AFB, NM, where he did pioneering work on inertial guidance technology. He did rocket-sled testing and developed inertial guidance systems for missiles. He received a special Air Force commendation for his innovative

work, which helped prove, through testing, the stellar-aided inertial guidance concept employed in the U.S. Navy’s first line of defense.

After leaving active duty, Bob joined Western Union, leading the team developing their first programmable line interface. After serving as VP of Systems Engineering at Western Union, he then joined Citicorp as VP of Communications Systems. He also was school board chair for the Upper Saddle River School District in New Jersey.

Retiring to Southern Maryland to become a “retired country gentleman” and raise Paulownia trees, he established a forestry program, conservation practices and a wildlife preservation program on the family farm. Named a Calvert County Farmer of the Year, he was persuaded to become a teacher at the local career center, creating and teaching a popular course in computer assisted design. Later, he was named Teacher of the Year and served as president of the teacher’s union.

He was an avid reader, singer and all around “rascal,” beloved by the many friends that were drawn to his sunny and inquisitive disposition. He greeted everyone who asked how he was, even in his last days, with “bright eyed and bushy tailed.”

Survivors include his beloved wife of 19 years, Dr. Sylvia Auton; children, Forrest Robert Hanvey III (Gennyfer), Monnett Soldo (David) and Dr. Jacqueline Hines (Andrew); stepdaughter, Dr. Alyson Russo (Nicholas); and many grand and step-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Suzanne, and their son, Dennis.

Private burial will be in Prince Frederick, MD. A Celebration of Life will be planned for later.

Donations may be sent to the Naval Academy Foundation, attn: Class of 1957 Fellowship. H

ANDREW STEPHEN MASSIMINO ’57

Commander Andrew Massimino, USN (Ret.), 89, passed away on 24 August 2024 at his home in Dallas, TX.

Andrew was born in Russellton, PA, to Enrico and Marguerite Massimino. He graduated from West Deer High School (1952), attended the University of Pittsburgh that fall, and received a congressional appointment to the Naval Academy (1953).

As a member of the “illustrious” Third Company, Andrew excelled in academics, athletics and leadership. He was captain of the varsity baseball team, was twice selected All-American in soccer and was awarded the prestigious Thompson Trophy in 1957. He was also inducted into the Naval Academy Athletics Hall of Fame.

After graduating With Distinction in 1957, Andrew served two years on boston (CAG-1), the first guided missile cruiser. In June 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, Frances Bonadio, and they headed to Hawaii, where Andrew served onboard tiru (SS-416) and coached the Navy SubPac basketball team. In 1961, Andrew was selected for Nuclear Power School in Vallejo, CA, and, following training at Ballston Spa, NY, began his submarine service onboard JoHn AdAms (SSBN-620) and etHAn Allen (SSBN-608). In the late 1960s, he completed an XO tour on HAddo (SSN-604) and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. Selected for early promotion, Andrew was hand-picked by Admiral Rickover to join his staff at the Pentagon, however, in early 1970, a brain abscess caused a partial vision and memory loss that ultimately led to a medical discharge.

Andrew was then hired by H. Ross Perot ’53 and embarked on a 26-year career with Electronic Data Systems in Dallas, TX.

In 1996, he retired to home life and community service, taking on leadership roles at his church and as volunteer CEO of Medisend, a non-profit providing medical supplies to communities in need. Andrew

enjoyed singing with a barbershop chorus, cooking for family and friends, and socializing through the local SubVets organization. He was a beloved neighbor and friend.

Andrew is survived by his wife of 65 years, Frances; their children (and spouses), Elisa (Pierre), Michele (Joseph), Maria (James), Andrew (Kelly) and Julia (Lynda); and 11 grandchildren.

Dedication to helping others was the motivating principle of his life. Andrew was a devout Catholic who called upon his relationship with his Creator and Redeemer in trying times. Love of family, pride in his heritage and loyalty to this Nation were at his core.

Inurnment in the USNA Columbarium will take place on 28 April 2025. H

RICHARD HARRY SPACKMAN ’57

Richard H. Spackman passed away on 1 October 2024 in La Jolla, CA.

Known as “Spack,” he was born in Evanston, IL, on 18 May 1934 to H.B. and Jane Powell Spackman. His older brother, Bob, was killed on Okinawa during World War II. As a toddler, the family moved to Aurora, IL, where he graduated from West Aurora High School before leaving to attend the U.S. Naval Academy.

Following his graduation from Annapolis in 1957, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and married Anne Caughey, whom he had met and fallen in love with in kindergarten.

While in the Air Force, Spack was a fighter jet electronics officer until he was assigned by USAF Headquarters to serve on classified duty on Mindanao in the Philippines. During his years in the military, Spack and Anne lived in Biloxi, MS; Albuquerque, NM; Denver, CO; Douglas, WY; and Sacramento, CA. Spack left military service in 1965 as a captain.

Spack then joined the Bell System in San Diego. For six years, he worked as an engineer for Pacific Telephone before being transferred to New York City, where he was a financial manager for AT&T, working on Wall Street and commuting from Ridgewood, NJ. Four years later, he moved to Los Angeles, CA, where he and his family resided for 41 years. He was a general plant manager of two Western Electric plants in Los Angeles and Phoenix before retiring in 1989. In 2017, Spack and Anne moved to La Jolla, CA.

Spack and Anne’s travels include trips on the Yangtze, Nile, Amazon, Mississippi and Danube rivers. For his 90th birthday, he went paragliding and was surprised by his family at the landing.

Spack is survived by his wife of 67 years, Anne; their three daughters, Linda Spackman (Ted Harrison) of Santa Fe, NM, Susan Panjabi (Arvind) of Fort Collins, CO, and Jane Sarath (David) of Ridgefield, CT; son, Dr. Andrew Spackman of San Diego, CA; and seven grandchildren, Josh, Sam, Peter, Annie, Eliza, Cameron and Donovan.

A celebration of life was held at White Sands La Jolla and he was laid to rest at Miramar National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 Fourth Street, Suite 360, Santa Monica, CA 90401; (www.pcf.org). Please note “In Memory of Richard Harry Spackman.” H

THOMAS GIBBONS ’58

Commander Thomas Gibbons, USN (Ret.), of Alexandria, VA, died on 6 November 2024 of natural causes. At 88 years old, he was a man of strong faith, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who passed surrounded by his children.

“Tom” was born in Bronx, NY, and graduated from Chaminade High School in Mineola, NY, in 1953 with a congressional alternate appointment to the Naval Academy. Disappointed when the principal appointee was accepted, Tom enlisted in the Navy. In 1954, while attending Electronic Technician “A” School at Great Lakes Naval Center, he received his congressional principal appointment to Annapolis. He entered USNA with the Class of 1958 and earned the nickname of “Scotty” for playing the bagpipes on the Sixth Wing terrace at noon meal formations.

Upon graduation with the 19th Company on 4 June 1958, Scotty married Marie Therese Carney on 5 June 1958, and reported to Pensacola, FL, for flight training. Receiving his Wings on 22 December 1959, Scotty joined VP-7 in Brunswick, ME, deploying to Argentia, Newfoundland; Sigonella, Sicily; Rota, Spain; and a squadron move to Jacksonville, FL. Subsequent duty included the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA; VP-56 in Norfolk, VA; engineering instructor at the Naval Academy; Sandia Base, Albuquerque, NM; JoHn F. kennedy (CVA-67); Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet Staff, Norfolk, VA; Defense Systems Management School, Ft. Belvoir, VA; and Naval Air Systems Command, Washington, DC. Tom received a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1966 and was a Distinguished Graduate from the Defense Systems Management School in 1975.

After retiring from the Navy in 1978, Tom continued serving the Navy as a contractor, supporting Sidewinder and Sparrow missile foreign military sales until his retirement in 1998. He continued serving the Class of 1958 as the Company representative for his 19th Company Classmates and widows for many years, almost up to his death.

Tom was predeceased by his wife, Marie, on 16 March 1996. Survivors include their children, Thomas J. Gibbons of Dallas, TX, Cathryn Gibbons Morrissey of Raleigh, NC, Robert P. Gibbons of Urbana, MD, and Tracey Gibbons Marini of Chadds Ford, PA; 15 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on 22 April 2025 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Alexandria, VA, followed by interment at Arlington National Cemetery on 23 April. H

HUGH JAMES HARPER ’58

www.usna.com/memorial-services

Hugh J. Harper passed away on 15 November 2024 in Washington, DC, due to complications associated with advanced dementia. He was 89. Born in 1935 in San Francisco, CA, Hugh was the son of Claude and Dorothea Harper. Hugh and his family later moved to Hawaii, where they witnessed “a day that will live on in infamy” on 7 December 1941, when Japanese planes attacked Pearl Harbor. Hugh was just 6 at the time but remembered the chaos of that day that took America headlong into World War II. His family eventually returned to the San Francisco Bay Area, where Hugh attended Piedmont High School. There, he served as commissioner of entertainment, won the talent show M.C. Award, earned the prestigious Samuel Moyer

Award for his football prowess and was elected chairman of the carnival committee and vice president of Rigma, a social club. He attended Bullis Prep School in Silver Spring, MD, for a year before reporting to the Naval Academy in 1954. His classmates in the 22nd Company appreciated his extroverted personality and wild sense of humor.

Upon graduation with the Class of 1958, he was commissioned in the Marine Corps and married his high school sweetheart, Susan Smith.

After serving as a Marine, Hugh pursued a career in technical instrumentation sales and earned an MBA. He was a creative writer in his spare time and authored a publish-worthy collection of poetry and short stories as a legacy for adults and children to enjoy.

Hugh and Susan moved to Norfolk, VA, in 1997 to live near their son and his family. Several years later, Hugh retired from his sales career. After Susan’s death in 2017, Hugh moved to Washington, DC, to live near his daughter and her husband. The three of them attended the USNA Class of 1958’s 60-year reunion in October 2018. Hugh had the time of his life attending the reunion and reconnecting with many of his classmates.

Predeceased by his parents; his wife, Susan; his son, Scott; and his sister, Claudia, Hugh is survived by his daughter, Laura Harper Powell (and her spouse, Doc Powell); his daughter-in-law, Jane Harper; grandchildren, Jackson, Natalie and Wesley; sister, Patricia; and his nieces and nephews.

Services with Marine Corps honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined, followed by inurnment at the ANC Columbarium.

The Harper Family H

ARTHUR GUSTAVE KLOS ’58

Arthur G. Klos passed away on 13 December 2024 in Fairfax, VA.

“Art” was born on 5 May 1936, the son of Gustave J. and Lucille E. Klos. A native of Bloomfield, NJ, he graduated from high school in 1954 and was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was a member of the 24th Company. He played intramural sports and was on the plebe and varsity fencing teams.

Upon graduation with the Class of 1958, he was commissioned in the U.S Air Force and reported to Moore Air Base in Mission, TX. Unable to complete flight training, he was assigned to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), attended their Special Investigations Academy and became a special agent at Barksdale AFB, LA. He attended a Japanese language course at Yale University and reported to an assignment in Okinawa, where he was a counter-intelligence analyst and investigator. He was then assigned to Headquarters, AFOSI in Washington, DC.

In 1966, he separated from active duty and joined the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in the Office of Security and Counterintelligence. While at DIA, he was selected for postgraduate education at The American University in 1972 and graduated with a master’s degree in public administration (MPA). After his first tour with DIA, he served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense (comptroller) as a programbudget analyst. While in OSD. he was chosen to attend the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF) at Fort McNair, Washington, DC, graduating in 1978. Following this assignment, he was an investigations officer in the office of the Inspector General for Intelligence. In 1982, he returned to DIA and served as Director of Security until he retired from government service in 1992.

After retirement, Art was a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) contractor assigned to the Office of Security in the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) as a security policy analyst. He then served in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) until his retirement in 2014.

In the community, he was Cub master and Assistant Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts.

Art is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jeanie Patricia Eichenlaub of Altoona, PA; their two children, Brittany Catherine Klos and Roman Gabriel Nebelski Klos (Irina); three children by his first wife, Susan Elizabeth Brown: Arthur Gregory Klos (Mercedes), Karen Elizabeth Newman (Kevin) and Laura Susan Moss (Alex); and six grandchildren, Gabrielle, Erin, Tyler, Sam, Aidan and Ava. H

GARY HAROLD MINAR ’58

Lieutenant Colonel Gary H. Minar, USAF (Ret.), died on 24 October 2024.

Gary was born in Inglewood, CA, on 4 January 1936. He attended schools in and around Los Angeles, CA, including El Segundo High School, from which he graduated in June 1954. He then entered the Naval Academy, where he rowed on the lightweight crew team.

Upon graduation with the 20th Company on 4 June 1958, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and assigned to Warren Air Force Base (AFB) for training as an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Launch Team member (1959-1963), during which the Cuban Missile Crisis occurred. He then attended the University of Southern California, earning a master’s degree in astronautics in 1965.

Gary then served at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, until 1969, successively as project engineer for the X-15 rocket plane, the XB-70 experimental bomber and the YQU-22B drone aircraft; and as project manager for the X-24A lifting body. He then served at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX, as an Air Force technical representative during development of the space shuttle. In 1972, he transferred to Los Angeles AFB, where he continued working on shuttle development and on satellite programs. In 1976, he transferred to Vandenberg AFB, CA, as safety director for space and missile launches. He retired from the Air Force in 1978.

Gary entered the civilian aerospace engineering arena, joining Lockheed Martin at Vandenberg for over 20 years, with the first eight years involving development of the Air Force space shuttle launch that ended abruptly after the shuttle Challenger crashed in 1986. He then continued as engineering manager on satellite launch programs using TITAN launch systems. He left Lockheed in 1998 and worked as a consultant for architecture and design of launch base telemetry systems at Cape Canaveral, FL, and at Vandenberg until 2007.

After that, Gary worked part time at Alisal Guest Ranch in Solvang, CA, taking guests to the ranch’s private lake and teaching their children how to catch fish.

Gary met his wife, Barbra Kay Goodyear, at Keesler AFB, MS, while he was on temporary duty there during his 1958 assignment at Warren AFB. They were married in Cheyenne, WY, in 1960.

Barbra predeceased Gary on 5 November 2015. Together, they raised three children: sons, Steven Harold and Jeffrey Allen, and a daughter, Katherine Leone. They were also blessed with six grandchildren. H

WILLIAM DONALD BARKMAN

’59

William D. Barkman passed away peacefully at his home in Wantagh, NY, surrounded by his family, on 27 November 2024, from stage IV metastatic pancreatic cancer.

“Bill” was born on 4 October 1937 in Seattle, WA, to Helen (Lacey) and Lieutenant Colonel William E. Barkman, USA. He and his sisters spent their childhood living around the country and abroad as an Army family. He graduated from Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, MD, in 1955, then joined the U.S. Naval Academy.

Upon graduation with the Class of 1959, Bill was commissioned as a U.S. Navy ensign and married Dianne Sue Verity. From 1959-1960, he served aboard HAle (DD-642) as fire control officer, anti-submarine warfare officer, combat information center officer, ships secretary and navigator. From 1960-1963, he served aboard Preble (DDG-88) as electrical officer, damage control officer, navigator, legal officer, public information officer, ships secretary, personnel officer and atomic biological and chemical warfare defense officer. He was honorably discharged in 1963 as a lieutenant.

In 1963, Bill went to work for Sperry Gyroscope Company in Great Neck, NY, as a marketing representative. In 1966, Bill went to work for Grumman Aerospace, where he spent the next 35 years as a defense marketing executive. He was the Director for Modifications, Overhauls and Support Services within Business Strategy and Development, at Northrop Grumman AEW & EW Systems. He provided leadership for new business generation and acquisition in the mods and overhauls and support services areas including coordination of all IPT international program business development activities. One of his significant, successful marketing initiatives involved his work with the F-14.

Retiring in 2001, Bill travelled and played golf. He was a member of the Salisbury Golf Club in East Meadow, NY. Bill was a lifetime member of the Navy League of the U.S. and the Tailhook Association. He also was a member of the Naval Institute, the Naval Academy Alumni Association, the Naval Academy Athletic Association, the Association of Naval Aviation and the Naval Reserve Officers Association.

Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dianne; daughters, Cindy Cooley (Larry) and Susan Mantovani (David); granddaughters, Katelyn Metz (Ryan), Lacey Rogers (Doug) and Georgie Mantovani (Dylan); and sisters, Patricia Bainbridge (Jay ’59) and Kathleen Flint (Dennis). He was predeceased by his daughter, Robin Altadonna.

Services were held in Wantagh, NY, on 2 December 2024, followed by interment at Calverton National Cemetery with military honors on 3 December 2024. H

JOHN CLAYTON BUCHANAN ’59

John C. Buchanan passed away on 11 July 2024 in St. Paul, MN, at 89 years old.

Born in Iowa, but raised in North Dakota, after his high school graduation, John joined the Air Force, was trained as a Russian language specialist and was stationed in Hokkaido, Japan, for two years. A senatorial appointment sent him to the Naval Academy after a term at NAPS. His only extracurricular activity at Annapolis was participating in the Catholic choir and glee club, the bonus of which was meeting Henry Jordan ’56, who later became his brother-in-law.

After graduation, he spent a year on lexington before transferring to Submarine School. Subsequent service included cuberA (SS-347)

and shipyard duty, working on the building and launching of Henry clAy (SS-625).

Always a faithful Catholic, John resigned his commission in order to enter Our Lady of Gethsemani Trappist Monastery, where he was assigned as scribe for renowned author and spiritual advisor, Thomas Merton. As much as he embraced the spiritual life, he decided that he would be a better servant in the world. He sought professional counseling and was so taken with psychology that the rest of his career was devoted to that end.

After graduation from the University of Minnesota with his Ph.D., he worked with individuals, business, industry and government agencies to get the right person in the right career. He notably worked for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, where he and his partners outlined psychological profiles necessary for employment at a nuclear plant. He worked for the Veterans Administration and Personnel Decisions, Inc., before opening his own practice, the Center for Character Based Leadership based in Minneapolis. A man of warmth and compassion, he was also a volunteer at the walk-in Al-Anon counseling center and was a huge supporter for those struggling with addictions.

Ever curious and involved, he read virtually all the time. Besides fishing and golfing, his time with family was precious, playing games and telling sea stories.

On this journey was his wife, Joan, the Navy nurse he couldn’t forget, and with whom he reconnected after leaving the monastery. Married on 25 November 1965, they shared almost 59 years of loving partnership. He leaves Joan; their daughter, Adrianne; son, Andrew (Kara); six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

His funeral and celebration of life took place at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church on 21 September 2024, followed by interment with full military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. H

GEORGE EDWARD GIFFORD ’59

Lieutenant Colonel George E. Gifford, USAF (Ret.), passed away on 19 November 2024 in Sugar Land, TX, at the age of 87.

Born on 26 May 1937 in Minot, ND, George was the youngest of nine children of Olen D. and Ione E. Gifford. He attended Minot Model School before relocating to Thief River Falls, MN, where he graduated from Lincoln High School in 1955. He received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy from Congresswoman Coya Knutson, joining in 1955. He was assigned to the 14th Company after Plebe Summer and graduated on 3 June 1959, with the Class of 1959.

Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, and married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Ramae Evenstad. He began his military career at Lowry Technical Training Center for armament/electronics officer training before completing pilot training in 1961. He flew the F-100 and later the F-105 Tactical Fighter, participating in deployments across the U.S., Europe and Asia. During the Vietnam War, he flew 100 combat missions over North Vietnam and Laos, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross (2) and Air Medal (10) for heroism.

His career included assignments as a military studies instructor at the Air Force Academy; as an F-105 Wild Weasel pilot; and later, commander of Chandy Gunnery Range in Thailand. He concluded his military service retiring in 1980 as a lieutenant colonel after 21 years of service.

Following retirement, George managed the Westfield-Barnes Municipal Airport in Massachusetts for 19 years, earning recognition as an accredited airport executive and serving in leadership roles in

professional aviation organizations. He was actively involved in civic and veteran organizations, including the Rotary Club, VFW, American Legion and Air Force Association. In Sugar Land, TX, he enjoyed serving as a starter and marshal at Quail Valley Country Club for many years.

George is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sharon; son, George Edward “Ed” Gifford Jr. (Polly); daughter, Julie Burgess (Bill); grandchildren, Bradley, George III “Trey,” Alexander, Andrea, Dana and William; and four great-grandchildren, Lyla, Lyra, Ryden and Eloise. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings.

George lived a life marked by unwavering faith, embodying the principles of love, kindness and perseverance as a steadfast warrior for Jesus Christ. George’s legacy of strength, wisdom and devotion will forever inspire those who knew and loved him.

Services and interment took place at the Air Force Academy Cemetery.

The Gifford Family H

FREDERICK ARTHUR OLDS ’59

Captain Frederick A. Olds, USN (Ret.), passed away peacefully on 1 January 2025 in Glen Allen, VA, following a long illness. He was 88.

“Fred” was born on 3 June 1936 in Newport News, VA, to Helen (Sterling) and aviation pioneer, Major General Robert Olds, U.S. Army Air Forces. He grew up in Clearwater, FL, which fostered his love for fishing and all things on the water. He told stories of making his own water skis and became an adequate slalom skier. He loved swimming and learned to play water polo. On one fateful trip to the dermatologist, he met the doctor’s pretty receptionist (and daughter), Linda Lohrbauer.

After graduation from Georgia Military Academy, Fred entered the Naval Academy with the Class of 1959. Just as his military career began, he re-connected with Linda, and they were married in 1961. They had many happy years and raised three children who learned early to “Rise and Shine” and “Beat Army!”

Fred dedicated three decades of especially arduous sea service during trying times for our Navy, but he thoroughly enjoyed knowing that he made a difference not only with improvement in material and operational readiness of Navy ships, but also in the morale and lives of the many officers, Sailors and Marines he called shipmates. He commanded sumter (LST-1181), Austin (LPD-4) and Amphibious Group 5, where he proudly led the first successful exercise with Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCACs). He served on numerous ships, including lloyd tHomAs (DD-764), luce (DLG-7), FrAncis mArion (LPA-249) and Furse (DD-522).

After retirement, Fred earned his Merchant Captain’s license and was back on the water for a few deployments. Following his time at sea, he worked for Global Associates and expertly led military wargames, proving that he could strategize both on and off the water.

Fred very much enjoyed golfing – especially his annual ’59 Spring Break outings, fishing, crabbing, woodworking, playing his guitar and singing (loudly). A patriot until his final breath, he loved his church, his country and USNA and was justifiably proud of his professional accomplishments.

Fred was predeceased by his parents; his wife of 51 years, Linda (2013); stepfather, Barton Lewis; brothers, Robin, Steven and Sterling Olds; and niece, Susan Olds. He is survived by his brother, Kersley Lewis; children, Bradley Olds ’85 (Erica), Stacey Marks (Tim) and Shelley Burns (Jeff); grandchildren, Megan, Brendan, Victoria, Matthew, Jenna (Eric) and Madison (Alex); and numerous nieces and nephews. H

ALBERT JAMES ROBERTS III ’59

On 4 November 2024, A. James Roberts III passed away in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, surrounded by his family.

“Jim” was born in Helena, MT, on 29 January 1938. During World War II, his family moved to Whittier, CA. At Whittier High School, he was active in sports and vice president of the student body. At 15 years of age, he fell in love with classmate Barbara Rosentreter. Upon graduation from high school, Jim received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.

After graduation from USNA, he married Barbara and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. After resigning his commission as a captain, he attended law school at UC Berkeley (Boalt Hall), serving as managing editor of the law review.

Jim’s career in law included practicing law in Los Angeles and the U.S. Supreme Court. He enjoyed teaching law in California, Montana and Utah, as well as serving on many boards of directors.

Jim retired to his home in Park City, UT, and spent summers on Wildhorse Island at Flathead Lake, MT. He began sculpting in bronze and his creations can be found in the United Kingdom, Canada and many homes in the western United States and Mexico.

Jim’s family includes his wife of 65 years, Barbara; their children, Jenny Roberts (Warren Pretorius), Jill Roberts Manson (Justin) and Albert James Roberts IV (Dr. Danielle Roussel); and eight loving grandchildren, Jonathan Woodcock (Charlotte), Dr. Alexandra Woodcock (Jack Greenberg), Logan Pretorius, James Manson, Helena Manson, Isabella Manson, Natalie Roberts and Audrey Roberts.

The Roberts Family H

ROBERT PHILLIP ROGNLIEN ’60

“Phil” Rognlien passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on 23 November 2024.

Born on 5 May 1937 to Gordon and Myrna Rognlien in Kalispell, MT, Phil grew up hunting and fishing with his dad, sometimes showing up late to school with a couple of ducks in his backpack. He spent summers at the family cabin on Flathead Lake, enjoying swimming and water skiing with siblings. He excelled on the Flathead High ski team, earning a skiing scholarship to Montana State College in Bozeman. During his freshman year, a senatorial appointment to the Naval Academy dramatically changed the trajectory of his life.

Upon his graduation from USNA in 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Celeste Leitch. Phil completed Flight School in Pensacola and Texas (where his daughter, Leslie Carol, was born). An outstanding aviator, Phil became a fighter pilot and flew A-4 Skyhawks off constellAtion (CVA-64). He completed two cruises in the South Pacific on the “Connie,” culminating in aerial combat over the Gulf of Tonkin, shortly after his son, Robert Phillip Jr., was born.

Phil completed his naval service and became a pilot for Pan Am World Airways in 1966, a career that would span the next 31 years. His postings took the family to live in Hong Kong and West Berlin, before settling down on a small ranch outside of Seattle, WA. After the kids were grown and off to college, the marriage ended, and Phil moved back to Montana. There, he married Mary Margaret Little and they lived on the new Eagle Bend Golf Course for 15 years before building a beautiful ranch home outside of Bigfork. In 1991, Pan American went out of business and Phil continued his career with Delta Airlines.

Phil’s retirement in 1997 gave him and Mary Margaret more time to travel, enjoy friends, participate in Bible studies and work on his golf game. In 2015, they moved back to Eagle Bend, where he enjoyed the final years of his life with his family and many friends.

Phil is survived by his wife, Mary Margaret; children, Leslie and Bob; stepchildren, Shawn (Capri), Ryan (Wanda) and Scott; grandchildren, Bobby, Luke and Stan; and step-grandchildren, Gussie, Lane, McKinnon, Morgan and Nathaniel. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Skip; and younger sister, Mary.

A celebration of his remarkable life will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork on 26 July 2025 at 2:00 p.m. H

JOHN MICHAEL DRUSTRUP ’61

Captain John M. Drustrup, USN (Ret.), died on 22 January 2025 at his home in Upper Black Eddy, Bridgetown Township, PA. He was 85.

“Mick,” as he was known by friends, graduated from the Naval Academy with the Class of 1961. He received a master’s degree in Oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. While in the Navy, he served in the submarine service and had command of Salmon. He was proud to be a submariner and often commented that, “there are two types of ships in the Navy: submarines and targets.”

After retiring from a 32-year naval career, he worked for several defense contractors: Westinghouse, Northrop Grumman and EMS Development Corporation (as president). In 2002, he retired to his beloved farm in Upper Black Eddy with his high school sweetheart, Linda. Mick’s interests were copious. He traveled extensively, loved sailing, riding his Harley, reading novels and history and enjoying a bourbon and cigar with his dog from his back porch. He was known by everyone for his stories and hearty laughter and warm hospitality. An active conservationist, he served as president of the Friends of the Delaware Canal, however, he was happiest on the farm with family near and far, coming and going. You could often see him riding his tractor over the property with his great-grandson on his lap.

Mick is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Michael of Upper Black Eddy, PA; and daughters, Julie of Upper Black Eddy, PA, and Susie of Valencia, CA. In addition to their families, his large, extended family included three grandchildren, Kristen, Eli and Reilly and their families; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and partners.

A celebration of life will be held in the Spring at the farm and will be announced later. For anyone who would like to be notified, please leave your contact information on the tribute wall at (www.johnsonwalton. com). Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his name be sent to Friends of the Delaware Canal, 145 South Main Street, New Hope, PA 18938; (www.fodc.org). H

ROBERT DRIVER LUCKEY ’61

Robert D. Luckey passed away peacefully of natural causes on 30 December 2024. He was 84 years old.

“Bob” was born in Tynemouth in the north of England in 1941 and raised in nearby North Shields. He escaped the Blitz by spending the war years in the rural village of Carrshield, where his mother, Rebecca, passed away. After the war, his father, Captain Robert T. Luckey,

a British Merchant Marine, remarried and brought the family to Staten Island, NY, when Bob was just nine years old. He became a U.S. citizen in 1952.

At the age of 17, Bob entered the United States Naval Academy and graduated in 1961. He served four years in the Navy, during which time he met his first wife, Kathy. Kathy and Bob were married in 1964 and later moved to Chicagoland, where Bob began his career at Illinois Bell, and they raised their family. Following Kathy’s death in 1990, Bob was blessed to reconnect with family friend, Maria Nanay, in 1992. They were married in 1993 and together enjoyed many years in retirement on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi.

A life-long learner and avid reader, Bob was a frequent visitor to the Orange Grove Public Library and enjoyed his morning visits with the ladies at the Winn Dixie on Highway 49. Bob and Maria enjoyed taking walks and drives along the beach and were blessed by dear neighbors, Deanna and Andres, and of course the presence of Keke the cat in their lives.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of over 30 years, Maria Nanay; his daughters, Robin Luckey (and her husband, Michael) and Amy Luckey; and three grandchildren, Jackson, Ryan and Elli; as well as Maria’s children, Jason, Derrick and Sacha Nanay. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Kathleen Ann Luckey, and his sister, Audrey Byrne.

Per Bob’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service.

For those who wish to remember Bob, please consider making a donation in his name to your local public library or to the charity of your choice. H

RALPH DACE KIMBERLIN ’63

Colonel Ralph D. Kimberlin, USAFR (Ret.), passed away on 28 November 2024. He was 84 years old.

Ralph was born on 6 January 1940, in Sullivan, MO, the son of Hazel Marie (Dace) and Clyde Eugene Kimberlin. He was fascinated with flying, which would successfully manifest throughout his life. Upon graduation from the Naval Academy with the Class of 1963’s 17th Company, Ralph was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.

During his first assignment, Ralph traveled to Vietnam to participate in the combat evaluation of the AC-47 gunship. While deployed to Vietnam, he met and eventually married his wife of over 57 years, Jean Pham. Ralph completed his active duty and continued serving in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, retiring as a colonel.

For more than a decade, Ralph pursued his aviation career as a flight test engineer and test pilot for historic aviation manufacturers such as Rockwell International, Beech Aircraft and Piper. The dangers of test pilot work, combined with his concerns for his growing family, led him to pursue a teaching career, achieving a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Tennessee and a PhD from the Technical University of Aachen (Germany) in 1991. Dr. Kimberlin held the professor and program chair post at the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) for over 27 years. His program was responsible for the graduate-level education in flight test engineering of 13 space shuttle astronauts.

Dr. Kimberlin published Flight Testing of Fixed-Wing Aircraft in 2002 with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. This textbook provides a fundamental baseline for aircraft flight testing and an educational text for students and professionals.

Most recently, Dr. Kimberlin developed a master’s degree program in Flight Test Engineering at the Florida Institute of Technology in

Melbourne, FL, where he served as full professor and test pilot instructor. In his lifetime as an FAA Designated Engineering Experimental Test Pilot, he accumulated over 9,300 flight test hours, flying over 250 different aircraft types and pioneered 25 first flights. He was honored as a Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP).

Ralph was predeceased by his wife, Jean, and is survived by their son, Charles “Tony” ’89 (Hadley); daughter, Lisa; and three grandchildren, Jenna, Thomas and Marissa.

The Kimberlin Family H

HAROLD MURRAY ANDERSON ’64

Captain Harold M. Anderson, a decorated U.S. Navy veteran, devoted father and loving husband, passed away on 26 November 2024.

“Hal” was born on 28 July 1942, in Ontario, Canada, to George and Dorothy (Fair) Anderson.

After graduating from the Naval Academy with the Class of 1964, Hal married the love of his life, Sandra Rae Page, in Detroit, MI. His 27 years of service (1964-1991) included covert monitoring of Soviet fleet movement during the Cold War and commanding the fast attack submarine, sHArk (SSN-591), where he attained the rank of captain. Hal passed many values on to his two daughters from his time in the Navy, like duty, sacrifice, loyalty, honesty, and of course, that loose lips sink ships.

In 1983, Hal went on to get a master’s degree in international relations and became a naval representative to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

After he retired, Hal raised more than $200,000 for the research of Multiple Myeloma, a cancer he was diagnosed with. He did countless fun runs and other events over the years, which all gave him hope and peace. On top of that, he then became involved with Stephen Ministries, a group in which allowed him to speak, counsel and listen to anyone who needed someone to talk to. Most recently, he worked with Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry, an outreach program in which he did Bible study with prisoners.

Hal is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra; their children, Meredith Little (Robert) of New Hampshire, and Hilary Anderson of Burton, MI; and two grandchildren, Emily Little and Connor Little. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Douglas Anderson, Dwight Anderson and Sharon Kruse.

Funeral services took place on 2 December 2024in Lapeer, MI, followed by burial at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI, on 3 December. Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (https://themmrf.org).

Condolences may be left for the family online at (www.Muir BrothersLapeer.com).

The Anderson Family H

MARSHALL HARLAN AUSTIN JR. ’64

Lieutenant Commander Marshall H. Austin Jr., USN (Ret.), passed away on 31 October 2024 in Springfield, IL. He was 82 years old.

Born in Honolulu, HI, on 29 December 1941, he was the son of Marshall H. Austin Sr. ’35 and Sarah Jane (Flenniken) Austin. Known as “Marty” by his friends and family, he attended the United States Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science in engineering and later a master’s degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.

His service in the United States Navy spanned over 20 years. He earned the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal (with 3 Stars), Vietnam Campaign Medal (with Device) and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea). He retired on 30 June 1984.

After his retirement, he received his master’s degree in MIS from American University and worked as a consultant in computer security for 15 years.

He was a faithful and devoted member of Salem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, IL. He loved to sail and found great joy sailing his 26’ single hull boat. He loved his family, encouraging them in all their endeavors and was proud of their accomplishments. He loved his canine companions, as well.

Marty married the love of his life, Vickie Torbeck Terio in Arlington, VA, on 4 May 1979.

He is survived by his wife, Vickie; three sons, Christopher Austin (Julie) of Sherwood, OR, Alan Austin (Jackie) of Eugene, OR, and Christopher Terio (Anne) of Alexandria, VA; grandchildren, Andrew, A.J., Paige, Emma and Hannah; his brother, Robert Austin (Cindy) of Carmichael, CA; brother-in-law, Steve Claassen ’64 (Virginia); and several nieces, nephews and cousins. His parents and sister, Susan Claassen, preceded him in death.

A funeral service was held in the Concordia Village Chapel in Springfield, IL, on 8 November 2024, followed by burial with full military honors in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may direct memorial contributions to the Benevolent Fund at Concordia Village, 4101 W. Iles Ave. Springfield, IL 62711; or Salem Lutheran Church, 222 E. Beecher St. Jacksonville, IL 62650, (https://salemjax.net).

Please visit Marty’s online “Life Remembered Story” at (www. bischfuneralhomewest.com), where tributes and condolences may be left for his family. H

MICHAEL McNEAL MARTIN SR. ’64

Michael M. Martin Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and son, died at his home in Pinehurst, NC, on 24 January 2025 as a result of heart complications. He was 82 years old.

“Mike” was born on 18 March 1942 in Charleston, WV, to the late Marjorie (Garrett) and Leslie Martin ’27. He married his junior high and high school sweetheart, Sarah Repass, immediately after graduation from the United States Naval Academy in 1964.

He and Sarah toured the world their entire life. First, with the Navy and then as corporate gypsies with AT&T/Western Electric/Lucent Technologies before settling on Pinehurst as their retirement location after 24 moves. Both Mike and Sarah were avid antiquers and established and ran antique businesses in nearly every town they lived in.

Predeceased by Sarah in 2014, they are survived by two sons, Brian M. Martin (Kathy) of Columbus, OH, and Michael M. Martin Jr. (Ranee) of Naperville, IL; four grandchildren, Max McNeal, Madelyne Ann, Abby Michelle and Christopher Matthew; his sister, Leslie Susan Neal of Tyler, TX; 12 nieces and nephews; and many, many dear and loving friends. In addition to Sarah, he was also predeceased by his brothers, Larry and David.

A memorial service and reception took place on 28 January 2025 in Pinehurst, NC.

Memorial donations may be made to the Moore Humane Society, P.O. Box 203, Southern Pines, NC 28388; (https://moorehumane.org/ give-today).

He will be inurned at the Naval Academy Columbarium with his beloved wife, Sarah, at a later date.

Condolences may be left for the family at (www.bolesfuneralhome.com). H

JAY BURTON RUSSELL ’64

Commander Jay B. Russell, USN (Ret.), died peacefully in his sleep on 23 December 2024 in his apartment with his daughter by his side. He was 81 years old.

Jay was born in New Jersey on 2 February 1943 to Colonel George B. Russell, U.S. Army, and Dorothy Russell.

Upon his graduation from the Naval Academy with the Class of 1964, he was commissioned into the U.S. Navy and married Mary Ann Lyle in a June Week wedding. Jay attended flight school in Pensacola, FL, and became an E-2 Hawkeye Naval Flight Officer, serving with VAW-120, VAW-124 and VAW-125, earning the Air Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal (with two Stars). He also served in the VAW Test Directorate at Pax River Naval Air Test Facility, where he did a lateral transfer to become an Aeronautical Engineering Duty Officer working on E-2 Hawkeye radar upgrades.

Upon retiring from the Navy, he continued to serve as a contractor for Lockheed/Martin, working on the AEGIS Radar Combat System program in Moorestown, NJ, until his retirement in 2010.

Jay was a devoted husband to Mary Ann for 58 years until her passing in 2022. Jay is survived by his sister, Lynn Lester; son, Captain Scott Russell ’89, USNR (Ret.) (and his wife, Christa); daughter, Cindy Russell; grandson, Jacob Russell (and his wife, Courtney); and great-granddaughter, Ellinore Katherine Russell.

A memorial service with military honors was held at the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA, on 14 February 2025.

The Russell Family H

DENNIS RICHARD SPRADLIN ’64

Lieutenant Commander Dennis R. Spradlin, USN (Ret.), departed this life on 7 January 2025. He was 82 years old.

He was born on 28 April 1942, in Wichita, KS. At Winfield High School, he excelled academically and played football and ran track, graduating in 1960.

Following his graduation from the Naval Academy in 1964, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Jane Hutchins, and earned his aviator’s Wings.

Dennis’ first tour as a pilot was flying C-130 aircraft with an air transport squadron attached to the U.S. Air Force, flying men and supplies in and out of Vietnam. He subsequently transitioned to P-3 aircraft and completed tours with VP-9, VP-31, VP-19 and VP-50, achieving patrol plane commander status. He served tours as a Company officer back at USNA; aboard corAl seA (CVA-43); on the staff of ComThirdFlt; and ultimately, in the Office of the CNO.

After his Navy retirement in 1984, Dennis became a business owner and manager. The Spradlin family loved to travel and enjoyed many

cross-country trips across the United States. He delighted in becoming a grandfather and great-grandfather.

In 2008, health issues caused the Spradlins to move into a retirement condo in Lansdowne Woods, VA, where Dennis served on several committees, helping with building management. Both he and Mary Jane enjoyed cruising in the Caribbean and European rivers.

Dennis was predeceased by his brother, Donald, and both parents. Survivors include his wife, Mary Jane; son, Gregory; daughter, Christine Mosier; sister, Karen Brown; granddaughter, Jessica Wall (John Breeding); grandsons, Richard Jason Mosier and Austin Mosier; great-grandchildren, Hunter, Jackson Fisher, Kaylea and Lily; and his much-loved cousin, Betty Snell.

Inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined. H

BRIAN VINCENT KINNEY ’65

Captain Brian V. Kinney, USNR (Ret.), 83, of Plymouth, MA, passed away on 15 January 2025.

Brian was born on 20 June 1941 to the late Clarice (Quaife) and William Kinney. From an early age, he loved the U.S. Navy and naval history. His interest never wavered, and he gained an appointment to the Naval Academy. He graduated in 1965 as a proud member of the Eighth Company. Later in his career, he earned a master’s degree in international relations from the University of Maryland.

Brian served consecutively in vAn voorHis (DE-1028) and leAry (DD-879). These assignments were followed by an “in-country” tour as a psychological operations officer at DaNang, South Vietnam.

After these tours with their long separations, Brian left active duty and began his career with the Navy Department. He also served in the Naval Reserves with the Naval Intelligence Command, NAIU A2, NIS 0166, NOSIC 0166, Defense Attaché 0166, RIAC-19 and ONI 0766. He capped his Reserve career by commanding the ONI 0766 Unit. As a civilian at the Pentagon, Brian worked for Navy Foreign Disclosure, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

His decorations include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and National Defense Medal.

A man of deep faith, Brian served many years as an altar server, lector and Eucharistic minister at daily Catholic Mass at the Pentagon. He was also very active at Christ the Redeemer and Our Lady of Hope parishes in Potomac Falls, VA. During this time, Brian made a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Yugoslavia (now Bosnia-Herzegovina), which greatly influenced his spiritual life. He shared his deep faith with many, especially with those who had terminal illnesses.

Family was everything to Brian. He prayed daily for everyone’s safety and happiness. He was known for his humor and one-liners. All of his grandchildren perfected his signature “Aaarrgh.” Friends and family will remember him for his humility, faith, selflessness and humor.

Brian met his wife, Pat, during an exchange week at West Point. It was love at first sight for both and they were married in the Naval Academy Chapel on graduation day. They were a beautiful, loving and amazing team for nearly 60 years. He is survived by Pat; their four children, Annmarie Johnson (Scott), Scott Kinney (Alisa), Jeff Kinney (Julie) and Patrick Kinney (Heather); seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Brian’s ashes now rest in the Naval Academy Columbarium. H

GORDON LeROY PETERSON ’65

Gordon L. Peterson, PhD, passed away at age 82 on 12 December 2024 at Belmont Village Senior Living in Dallas, TX, from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).

Gordon was born on 5 October 1942 to John Leroy Peterson and Ruby Peterson, grew up in Georgetown, TX, and graduated from Georgetown High School, where he was a proud “Eagle” and participated in football and track. While at the Naval Academy, Gordon participated in track, sailing, choir and served as the Fall Set 11th Company Commander.

After graduating, he attended the Nuclear Power and Submarine schools. He served in Wilhoite (DER-397) conducting Market Time patrols; as executive officer of River Division 552, patrolling the VietnamCambodia border; and assumed command following the loss of the commanding officer, demonstrating extraordinary leadership under fire. For his action, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat V.

Gordon then became naval aide and flag lieutenant to Rear Admiral Julian LeBourgeois ’45, Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Policy at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).

Following his naval service, Gordon earned an MA from Boston University and a PhD from the London School of Economics.

Returning to Texas with his British wife, Sara Ward, Gordon became involved in many cattle interests and was a commodity broker with Anspacher and Associates in Dallas. He then founded International Research and Asset Management, a Dallas-based investment advisory firm, and was its chairman and CEO until his retirement.

Gordon had a deep appreciation for the arts and was a regular member of the Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Opera, Dallas Pops, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Theater Center, Kimball Art Museum and the Wylie Theater Center. He was an active member of the Cosmos Club in Washington, DC, the LSE Alumni Association and the USNA Alumni Association, where he was deeply dedicated to the Class of ’65 projects. Gordon was also an avid world traveler and enjoyed many trips.

Predeceased by his wife, Sara, left to mourn his passing are his brother, Brian Peterson (wife, Peggy) of Georgetown, TX; three nieces, Amanda Saul (husband, Ryan and their children, Ember and Xander) of Georgetown, TX, Tanya Edwards (husband, Marcus and their children, Millye, Kendal and Colton) of Salado, TX, and Samantha Peterson (partner, Tamika Phillips) of Austin TX; and his especially dear and long-time companion, Mollie Crow of Dallas, TX.

Donations in Gordon’s memory may be made to the Cure PSP Foundation (www.psp.org). H

MICHAEL RAY HOLLAND ’66

After fighting pancreatic cancer with the same intensity he brought to his Brigade boxing, “Mike” Holland passed away on 7 October 2024. Born in Bremerton, WA, on 6 May 1944, Mike was the son of Milam and Mary Holland. He grew up in Klamath Falls, OR, where he was student body president at Sacred Heart Academy and a standout in football, basketball, track, art and music.

At the Naval Academy, he was an exceptional boxer and known throughout the Brigade as an artist and cartoonist. His prolific cartoons and more serious art were published in The Log and the Trident calendar. Even more than his talents and skills,

his classmates respected Mike for his character—solid, plainspoken, committed, always smiling and optimistic.

Graduating in 1966, Mike’s Navy flight training led to his service as an aircraft commander, flying primarily maritime patrol missions.

After his Navy service, Mike continued his aviation career as an American Airlines captain, flying American’s “Heavies” worldwide until his retirement. For nearly four decades, he focused on his mission, which he summed up as “Arriving safely, with over a million ’Souls on Board’ when the rubber met all those runways.”

Along with Mike’s love for his family and his faith, Mike was truly devoted to USNA and his Band of Brothers from the Class of 1966’s Old 24th Company. He created and shared a wealth of his original art, some personal to each of his Brothers and some capturing images meaningful to our entire Band or the Academy as a whole. Using his art and enthusiastic emails, Mike generated robust communication among our far-flung Companymates, renewing and sustaining our camaraderie and friendships. Our other Brothers contribute significantly, to be sure; Mike has led us.

Reflecting his wide-ranging talents, Mike pursued many side-gigs over the years, such as commercial pilot instruction, designing aircraft tail insignias, home theater design, presentation graphics, multi-sport courts (including the huge sports floors for the 1995 Special Olympics in New Haven, CT), and designing a fieldstone country chateau in Connecticut, his home for 24 years.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Unni Margrete Holland; his children, Dr. Ann Marie Holland and Lieutenant Colonel Jon David Holland, USAF (Ret.) (Jennifer); and his grandchildren, Finn, Reed, Henry and Lucie.

A memorial service for Mike will be conducted at the Naval Academy Columbarium.

Rest in peace, Brother.H

RICHARD BRADSHAW HUDSON ’67

Lieutenant Colonel Richard B. Hudson, USMC (Ret.), passed away on 16 June 2024, surrounded by his family at his home in Oceanside, CA. He was 80 years old.

Born in Indianapolis, IN, “Rick” was the son of Richard and Frances Hudson. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1961, reporting to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. He was accepted and reported to the Naval Academy in 1963.

Upon his graduation from USNA with the Class of 1967, he was commissioned into the U.S. Marine Corps as a second lieutenant. Rick served one tour of duty in the Republic of Vietnam, where he was wounded in action and became a Purple Heart recipient. During a military career that spanned 22 years, Rick attended various military training schools and ultimately became the WestPac Marine Corps barracks inspector. Rick’s duty stations included Quantico, VA; Fort Knox, KY; Republic of Vietnam; MCRD, CA; Okinawa, Japan; Camp Smith, HI; Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico; and Camp Pendleton, CA.

During his final assignment at Camp Pendleton, Rick attended the University of San Diego, passing the California State Bar Exam and obtaining his license to practice law, which he did for more than 20 years. Rick and Jessie resided in North San Diego County after retirement. For many years, Rick gave his time to San Diego Christian Legal Aid, which provided free legal advice to people who couldn’t otherwise afford it.

In 1967, Rick married the love of his life, Jessie Bell, in a ceremony at the Naval Academy Chapel. They were married for 57 years and enjoyed travelling all over the world, especially to Hawaii.

Predeceased by his parents and his youngest son, Jeffrey, Rick is survived by his wife, Jessie; their children (and spouses), Richard III (Stephaine), Jennifer (Michael); grandchildren, Andrew (Emma), Richard IV, Jacob, Hailey (Wyatt), Tyler, Hannah, Joshua and Spencer. Services were held at The Vistonian in Vista, CA, on 15 July 2024, followed by interment at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl Crater in Honolulu, HI.

The Hudson Family H

JOSEPH BURKITTE DiCARLO ’68

“Kit” DiCarlo, 78, passed away peacefully on 22 October 2024 after a six-month battle with lung cancer.

Born on 12 June 1946 in Meridian, MS, to Billie Maye and John DiCarlo, he was raised primarily in Tennessee and excelled in sports at Bearden High School in Knoxville. He was awarded a Bausch & Lomb merit scholarship to attend MIT, but with just two weeks before Plebe Summer, Kit accepted a last-minute, alternate spot to become a Midshipman. In December 1965, urgent family matters required that he reluctantly resign from USNA, and he finished his formal education at the University of Tennessee with a major in Mechanical Engineering/Industrial Design in 1968. He always considered USNA his alma mater and made it a priority to stay in touch with 18th Companymates and to attend major reunions.

His career took many twists and turns over nearly five decades. The first job was with Mobil Oil as an engineer in plastic molding. Next, he spent significant time at GE in both sales and design roles. In 1975, he moved to Long Beach, CA, to join Borg Warner as an engineer and sales consultant.

In 1982, Kit left the corporate world to become a full-time freelance designer, landing contracts with Sony, JBL and medical technology companies. He also worked frequently as a hand model in advertising campaigns. His final and most beloved position was as a computer-aided design instructor at The ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, CA.

Kit’s hobbies and interests were plentiful. In his 20s and 30s, he enjoyed motocross and participated in hundreds of races. He also began to restore and sell antique cars. In his late 30s, he focused on music, teaching himself harmonica and playing often with Southern California folk and blues musicians. USNA led to his enjoyment of years of sailing. He was also an avid photographer, producing thousands of Kodachromes and darkroom black and whites. In his 40s, he began to collect, restore and sell vintage watches. Over the years, he acquired collections of vintage musical instruments, knives, cameras, pens, bicycles and opticals.

Kit loved coastal California, especially the Mendocino area, where he visited often with friends. He cherished his life-long relationships and made sure to commemorate birthdays, typically with an original card. His artistic talent always played a large role in his life.

He is survived by his sons, Joshua and Bradley; sister, Beje Parham; and grandchildren, Suzanna, John, Zachary and IsabellaH

MICHAEL ALEX KALASHIAN ’68

Colonel Michael A. Kalashian, USMCR (Ret.), a decorated Marine, accomplished aviator and business leader, passed away at home in Aptos, CA, on 13 November 2024, at the age of 80. A true embodiment of the American Dream, he rose from humble beginnings in Las Vegas to achieve remarkable success in military service, education and industry.

“Mike” was born in 1943, to Paul and Alice Kalashian. He graduated from Las Vegas High School in 1961 and enlisted in the Marine Corps, beginning as an H-34D helicopter avionics technician. Recognized for his potential, Mike earned a Secretary of the Navy appointment to the Naval Academy via NAPS. Upon graduation and commissioning as a second lieutenant, he earned an MS in Electrical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.

As a Marine officer, Mike completed The Basic School, flight training and flew A-4 Skyhawks in the Pacific Theater. He returned to Annapolis as a systems engineering professor (1973-1976), before transitioning to the USMC Reserves. From 1976 to 1993, he continued flying A-4s at NAS Alameda and served as a squadron commander for three years, retiring as a colonel.

While in the Reserves, Mike pursued an MBA at Stanford Business School (1976-1978) and began a successful career at Hewlett-Packard (HP) in marketing and general management. After nearly three decades at HP and a few entrepreneurial adventures, he retired in 2005.

In 2000, Mike faced significant health challenges, joking that “Y2K missed [the] industry, but got me.” With the unwavering support of his second wife, Nancy, whom he married in August 2001, and the support of his daughters, he made a remarkable recovery.

Together with Nancy, he built a large, blended family. Amongst his family and friends, Mike was known for his love of life and gregarious personality.

Mike’s life was defined by resilience, ambition, humor, intelligence and dedication to his family, friends, country and colleagues. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters, Jennifer and Emily; grandchildren, Maggie, Jack, Logan, Drew and Brady; stepdaughters, Laurie (Kelly) and Tracy; stepson, Mark (Nina); step-grandchildren, Lauren, Nate, Jessica and Maddy; great-grandchildren, Elijah and Sophia; and many dear friends and extended family. He was predeceased by his brother, Gene; half-sister, Maria; and two half-brothers, Paul and David.

As a proud U.S. Marine, Mike was interred at California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery in Seaside, CA, following a memorial service on 13 January 2025.

Semper Fi H

DAVID RUDOLPH SAMUELSON ’68

David Samuelson passed away on 23 January 2025 in Kansas City, KS, after a courageous battle with lymphoma. He was 78 years old.

Born 4 October 1946 in Westmoreland, KS, to Harry and Eunice (Duell) Samuelson, he graduated as high school valedictorian in 1964 and joined the Naval Academy Class of 1968. David majored in mathematics and was continuously on the Dean’s and Superintendent’s lists. From the 23rd Company, he service selected submarines, graduated With Distinction and was commissioned an ensign.

On active duty for 11 years, his assignments included grenAdier (SS-525), benJAmin FrAnklin (SSBN-640) and dWigHt d eisenHoWer

(CVN-69). He qualified in submarines and was certified as a Navy nuclear engineer. David also earned graduate degrees in engineering economic systems and operations research from Stanford University through the Navy’s Burke Scholar Program.

Following active duty, his second career supporting national defense was with Sonalysts in Waterford, CT. After 33 years, he retired as technical director, executive vice president and corporate secretary.

David’s faith and church life were very important to him. He always found a Lutheran church to call home. He served as an elder and Stephen Minister, visiting shut-ins, leading Bible studies and singing in the choir. He was called to serve God and his neighbor, and he took that role seriously.

David married Ann (Breymann) McIntosh in 1994. They lived in North Stonington, CT, for many years and then in Falun, KS. David’s many hobbies and interests included beekeeping, gardening, woodworking and bird watching. He enjoyed his rural property, sang in choruses, served on community boards and worked as a county election official.

David is survived by Ann, his loving wife of 30 years; brother, Gary Samuelson ’73 (Lisa) of Marshfield, MO; sisters, Mary Ehrlich (Larry) of Oshkosh, WI, and Ruth Mulari (Samuel) of Minneapolis, MN; his former wife, Catherine Evans Samuelson, and their sons, Seth and Isaac, all of Las Vegas, NV; stepson, Alan McIntosh (Lauren) of Bryan, TX; stepdaughter, Elizabeth Jabs (Daniel) of Hastings, NE; son-in-law, Stephan Podosek of Odessa, FL; and grandchildren, Morgan, Dublin, Susannah, Abby, Hannah and Julia. David was predeceased by his parents; infant siblings, Daniel and Jeanne; daughter, Amy; and infant daughter, Ann. Interment took place at Mariadahl Cemetery in Olsburg, KS, followed by a memorial service on 15 February 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Salina, KS.

Memorial donations would be appreciated by Trinity Lutheran Church (www.trinitysalina.org) or the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org).

The Samuelson Family H

GERARD RICHARD FINNEGAN JR. ’70

Gerard R. Finnegan Jr. of Lincoln, NE, passed away on 14 November 2024. He was 76 years old.

“Gerry” was born on 6 January 1948 in Tampa, FL, to Grace (Hourigan) and Gerard R. Finnegan Sr. Growing up, they lived in Tampa, FL, Sacramento CA, Frankfurt, Germany, Savannah and Albany, GA, and Bellevue, NE, where he graduated from high school in 1966.

Appointed to the Naval Academy in 1966, he officially became a Midshipman and member of the 28th Company. He proudly considered himself a member of the company’s “Irish Mafia” of Sullivan, Kenney, Fitzgibbon and Finnegan, for the next four years.

Gerry graduated with the USNA Class of 1970 and reported to flight training in Pensacola, FL. Upon earning his naval aviator Wings, he was stationed at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi and Naval Air Station Oceana, where he proudly flew the A4 Skyhawk with Fleet Composite Squadron Two (VC-2). While in Virginia Beach, he received his master’s degree in business and finance from The George Washington University.

After his Navy service, Gerry and his family moved to Lincoln, NE, where he spent his career as an independent certified financial planner and was a founding member of the Nebraska Society of Certified Financial Planners.

Gerry was a 19-year member of the adjunct faculty at the College of Business at the University of Nebraska, teaching courses in finance.

Gerry served as campaign manager and treasurer for many national and local political campaigns, including for governor and two term U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey, Senator Jim Exon, Mayor Bill Harris and many other local officials. He served on the boards of Lincoln Citizen Advocacy, Wreaths Across America and the Capital Humane Society. He was appointed to the city’s long-term planning and visioning committee, the Police and Fire Pension Fund and the E.N. Thompson Forum Series. He was the Nebraska coordinator for the Marshall Fund’s prestigious Marshall Memorial Fellows program.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Deane Smith Finnegan; sons, Gerard “Tad” Finnegan III (Erica) of Valley Cottage, NY, and Patrick Finnegan (Julie) of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren, Ashley, Cooper and Tessa Finnegan; brothers, James F. Finnegan (Janet) and Robert E. Finnegan; sister-in-law, Donna Hockley; brothers-in-law, Earl Tifford and David Smith (Pam); and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Grace Tilford; and brother F. Thomas Finnegan.

Memorial services were held 5 December 2024 at First Plymouth Church in Lincoln, NE. H

JOHN DANIEL ROGERS ’70

Commander John D. Rogers, USN (Ret.), passed away on 4 October 2024 at his home in Round Rock, TX. He was 75 years old.

Born on 11 October 1948 in Boise, ID, he was the son of Commander Ralph Wayne Rogers, USN, and Josephine Brush Rogers. John dedicated his life to serving his country. He graduated from the Naval Academy with the Class of 1970 and served for over 20 years. Callsign “Buck Buck,” his most notable accomplishment included serving as a F-14 radar intercept officer aboard indePendence (CVA-62).

He found true love with Joan Margaret Austin Rogers. The couple met at an officer’s club in San Diego and were married on 27 March 1976. She predeceased him in 2011 and is now no doubt enjoying catching up on her husband’s golden years.

John’s travels took him and his family around the world. He was a lifelong adventurer, from his military service to his retirement and beyond. He was brave enough to move his young family and two Siberian huskies to Yokota AFB in Tokyo, Japan, in 1986. John had multiple trips planned for 2025, including a return trip to Tokyo through luxurious Crystal Cruises, his preferred post-retirement cruise line.

John’s presence at USNA alumni events and functions will be sorely missed. He often organized game day viewing events and was planning to attend his upcoming 50th class reunion.

Those that knew John knew of the expert orator he was and the vast wealth of knowledge he possessed. He could liven any room with tales of Navy days gone by and has been described by many of his loved ones as, “The smartest man I’ve ever known.” John even wrote and self-published a historical fiction novel, titled O.K. GO 30

John is survived by his loving family, including his son, Jeff David; daughter, Stephanie Christine; and brothers, James, Richard and Thomas.

A memorial service was held on 18 October 2024 in Austin, TX. It can be viewed online at (https://tinyurl.com/JDR70service).

John was laid to rest alongside his beloved wife, Joan Margaret, at Cloverdale Cemetery in Boise, ID, on 25 October 2024.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Naval Academy Foundation (www.usna.com/give) and the Williamson County Animal Shelter (www.wilcotx.gov/380/Donations) to honor Commander Rogers’ lifelong support of the Naval Academy and his love of animals, especially dogs. H

DOUGLAS VAUGHN SMITH ’70

Commander Douglas V. Smith, USN (Ret.), PhD, passed away on 18 December 2024 in Middletown, RI. He was 76 years old.

“Doug” was born into a Navy family on 17 September 1948. The son of Senior Chief Lawrence Raymond Smith, USN, and Grace Epley Smith, Doug was a scholar and standout high school baseball player in Maryland and entered the Naval Academy in the summer of 1966.

Upon graduation as a member of the Seventh Company, Doug headed to Pensacola, FL, and earned his Wings of Gold as a Naval Flight Officer in the P-3 community. He completed designation as mission commander and served in squadrons on both coasts, with numerous deployments to detachments world-wide.

Non-flying assignments included service as executive officer for NavFac Midway Island and as head of War Plans and Strategic and Long-Range Plans at CinCUSNavEur, London, England.

Following his Navy retirement, Doug continued a life of service to the nation. He joined the faculty at the Naval War College in Newport, RI, and was designated Division Head for Strategy and Policy in the College of Distance Education. Dr. Smith earned his doctorate in military history from Florida State University and became a noted military historian and lecturer. When the Naval Postgraduate School was directed to include joint professional military education in its curriculum, Doug was selected to stand up that program in Monterey and initiated a cooperative arrangement between the War College and the Postgraduate School that continues to this day. When he retired from the War College, his superior service was honored and recognized through award of the title of professor emeritus.

An accomplished academic, historian and writer, Doug authored Carrier Battles: Command Decision in Harm’s Way and was the editor of One Hundred Years of U.S. Navy Air Power. In recognition of his national standing as a military and naval historian, he was installed as Historian General of the Naval Order of the United States. Additionally, he served as commander of the Newport Commandery of the Naval Order and was a past-master of St. John’s Masonic Lodge #1 in Portsmouth, RI. Doug leaves a lifetime legacy of service to the nation and to his fellow man.

Doug is survived by his loving wife, Paulette Denman Smith of Portsmouth, RI. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Gloria Grace Smith.

He is buried in his family plot at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Suitland, MD. Tim Garrold ’81 H

GEOFFREY LLOYD McMULLIN ’71

Lieutenant Commander Geoffrey L. McMullin, USN (Ret.), passed away peacefully at his home in Pensacola, FL, on 2 January 2025 after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 76 years old.

Born on 9 September 1948 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, “Geoff” was a resident of Warren, MI, where he was a star linebacker on his high school football team. He attended Bullis Preparatory School in Potomac, MD, prior to receiving his appointment to the Naval Academy, entering in June 1967. At Annapolis, he was a member of the Navy football team until he sustained a career ending knee injury. He graduated on 9 June 1971 as a proud member of the 15th Company.

Upon graduation, he was sent to San Diego, CA, for a brief shipboard duty. He reported to Pensacola, FL, for naval aviation training and earned his Wings of Gold in 1972. His initial squadron assignment was in the aircraft carrier based Light Photographic Squadron VFP-63, flying the RF-8 Crusader. Geoff’s most memorable flight was during a U.S. Navy freedom of navigation operation in the Gulf of Sidra, where Libyan leader Gaddafi had claimed the entire Gulf was his territory. Geoff flew a high-altitude, high-speed decoy flight into Gaddafi’s so-called “Line of Death,” to draw the Libyan fighter planes out where U.S. Navy F-14s might intercept them. Following his tour in F-8s, Geoff transitioned to TAR (reserve officers on active duty), flying the C-9 Skytrain Navy Airliner. In 1991, Geoff retired from the Navy as a lieutenant commander.

Following his Navy retirement, Geoff flew as a commercial pilot for Braniff International Airlines and ATA (American Trans Air). The highlight of his civilian career was piloting the team plane for the Houston Oilers football team and getting to know the coaches and players.

In retirement, Geoff moved to the “Cradle of Naval Aviation,” Pensacola, FL. He bought a home on the course of Perdido Bay Golf Club, where he perfected his golf game, chasing that elusive “hole-inone.” He and his longtime golf foursome, which included David Ray ’75, won the 2009 Naval Aviation Symposium Golf Tournament.

Predeceased by his son, Michael McMullin, Geoff is survived by four grandchildren, Madison McMullin, Shelby McMullin, Lily McMullin and Grayson McMullin; his daughter-in-law, Kelli McMullin; and his caring and loving neighbor, Diane Bender.

A private memorial will be held later this year.

Rear Admiral David P. Polatty III ’71 & the McMullin Family H

PHILIP JOSEPH PAUL III ’71

Major Philip J. Paul III, USMC (Ret.), of Easthampton, MA, died peacefully on 27 December 2024, following a recurrence of leukemia. He was 76.

The eldest child of Philip J. Paul Jr. and Catherine (Mulkern) Paul of Coventry, RI, Philip was born on 12 November 1948 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where his family was stationed while his father served in the U.S. Navy. After his father’s tours of duty in California and Virginia, the family settled in Coventry, RI. Philip was a 1967 graduate of Coventry High School, where he was a stand-out distance runner and was voted senior class president. He was named the Honor Roll School Boy Athlete of Rhode Island in 1967. After graduation, he was selected by Senator John O. Pastore as one of two of Rhode Island’s selections for entry to the United States Naval Academy.

After his graduation from USNA in 1971, he was commissioned into the Marine Corps as a first lieutenant and remained in Annapolis as an instructor at the Academy. His many duty stations included Twenty-Nine Palms, CA, and Honolulu, HI.

During his 20 years of service in the Marine Corps, he earned an MBA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and a master’s degree in international relations from Georgetown University.

After he retired from the Corps, he attended St. Michael’s College in Colchester, VT, where he received a Divinity degree. He served as a pastoral counselor at East Stroudsburg State University in Pennsylvania. He also taught religion at Pope Francis Preparatory School and Holyoke Catholic in Massachusetts. Philip will be remembered for his compassionate and generous spirit.

After his retirement, he resided for several years in Central and South America, volunteering at schools and helping families.

While in Bolivia learning to speak Spanish, he met and married his beloved wife, Margarita Sejas Paul and they enjoyed 23 years together. He is also survived by his brother, Michael Paul (Elizabeth Lynch) of Greenville, RI; sisters, Dawn Paul (Marilyn McCrory) of Beverly, MA, and Sandra DiRaimo (Thomas) of Foster, RI; nieces, Rachael Woods, Lauren Paul and Violeta Paul; and nephew, Thomas P. DiRaimo. He was predeceased by his parents, Philip Jr. and Catherine.

Philip was buried at Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, RI, with his parents, who were both U.S. Navy veterans. H

GREGORY DENNIS LAMBERTH ’72

Gregory Lamberth passed away at his home in Sierra Vista, AZ, surrounded by family, of infective endocarditis on 29 November 2024. He was 74 years old.

“Greg” hailed from a Marine Corps family. At Tustin Union High School in California, he lettered in wrestling and football and was an Eagle Scout. After four years as an 11th Company Tiger at the Naval Academy, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving as an artillery officer and naval gunfire support officer. In 1977, he married Gretchen Frahm.

He left the service in 1978 to join BDM in Albuquerque, NM, designing and testing weapons and communications systems for the military - many of which saved the lives of numerous soldiers following 9/11/2001.

After receiving his MBA, he operated offices at Eglin Air Force Base and at the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) at Fort Huachuca, AZ, with further employment at defense-related organizations. He won several awards in the work he loved and was a past president of the local International Test and Evaluation Association (ITEA) and the Association of Old Crows.

Greg and Gretchen were members of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, where he was the volunteer treasurer for many years. Additionally, he was a member and past president of the board of directors for Cochise Area Network of Therapeutic Equestrian Resources (CANTER).

Greg was a great cook, a talent he passed on to his children, Sarah and Geoffrey. He liked to read, hike, research and travel with family and friends, meet friends for meals, garden and learn about birds. A selfproclaimed “font of useless information,” he was a sought-after member of many winning trivia teams while traveling. He loved to snorkel and taught his wife, children, cousins, friends and his young grandson that sport. Greg was known for his sense of humor and his love of music— he knew all the words and his singing was legendary. Very competitive and strategic, he excelled at table-top war games and card games. He followed college football, especially Navy, and enjoyed watching all live sports. He was always faithful to his family and friends. Semper Fidelis!

Greg was interred at Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista, AZ, on 21 February 2025, with a celebration of life at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Class of 1972 Project Fund (www.usna.com/give/1972). H

DAVID BRUCE REPPARD ’72

Commander David B. Reppard, USNR (Ret.), of Richmond, VA, passed away peacefully on 28 November 2024, surrounded by his beloved wife and children. He was 75 years old.

Born in Woodbury, NJ, on 19 September 1949, “Dave” lived the majority of his childhood and teenage years in the Annapolis, MD, area, attending Severna Park High School, where he played football and lacrosse and met the love of his life, Leslie, at age 17. He then studied Mathematics at the Naval Academy.

After graduating from USNA with the Class of 1972, Dave served on active duty in the Navy for five years and was honorably discharged in 1981. Commander Reppard continued his service for another 22 years in the Naval Reserves, while simultaneously serving our country for 28 years as a special agent with Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), including being stationed in Italy.

Despite these honorable contributions to our country, Dave would tell you that he is most proud of his grandchildren. “PopPop” could often be found driving carpools, cheering on the sidelines, doing projects with the grandkids or taking them on special trips.

In retirement, Dave and Leslie loved to travel far and wide, they were avid supporters of Young Life Ministry (in which both his children and grandchildren participate), and Dave was a committed member, deacon and servant-leader at his church, Grace Community Presbyterian, where he faithfully cared for those around him.

Dave was predeceased by his parents, Warren G. Reppard and Elnora Robinson Reppard, and his brother, Warren Thomas Reppard. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Leslie Hatchard Reppard; their daughter, Courtney Michelle Roberts; son, Warren Hatchard Reppard Sr. (Shannon); four adoring grandchildren, William, Hudson, Anna and Hatcher; his sisters, Jill Reppard Erickson and Sue Reppard Dignan; and a host of wonderfully fun nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Young Life Youth Ministry (https://giving.younglife.org). Please designate your gift to Hanover County/VA58 or West End/VA45.

The Reppard Family H

SCOTT HUNTER STEVENS ’72 “Scotty” Stevens passed away unexpectedly on 3 January 2025 in Waterville, KS. He was 74 years old.

Born in Annapolis, MD, Scotty was the son of Virginia Stevens, a former World War II Navy WAVE, and Walter Stevens ’43, a naval aviator. Scotty excelled at Westchester High in Los Angeles, CA, where he was both an All-City defensive back on the football team and sprinter on the track team. As a Plebe at USNA, he played football and set several athletic records. Few of our ’72 Classmates will forget Plebe Summer, when Scotty matched the obstacle course record, set a record on the pistol range, received a “4.0” on the applied strength test and was dubbed “super stud” by an admiring ’70 squad leader. An affable and supportive Classmate, Scotty had a unique take on life—few things upset him—and he was the definition of a true friend.

Scotty chose Marine Air after graduation, and again set a new record for the obstacle course while at The Basic School in Quantico, VA. He had the privilege of having his mother pin on his Wings of Gold in 1974, just as she had done with her husband almost 30 years prior. Scotty

LAST CALL

flew the UH-1 Huey at MCAS(H) Tustin, CA, MCB Camp Pendleton, CA, and MCAS Kaneohe Bay, HI, during his five years in the Corps, enjoying life and making lifelong friends along the way.

Upon leaving the Marine Corps in 1977, Scotty moved to the Lake Tahoe area, where he drove a snow groomer at Squaw Valley and later became a licensed contractor, building homes in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee areas and later in Bend, OR. Life eventually took Scotty to the Midwest, and he settled in Waterville, KS.

Predeceased by his parents, Scotty is survived by his sister, Nora Stevens Kanoy of San Clemente, CA; and his brother, Brian Stevens of Bend, OR.

Services will take place at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, CA, at a future date.

Paul Donohue ’72 & Classmates H

JIMMY BOLDING JONES ’73

Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy B. Jones, USMC (Ret.), 74, passed away on 25 January 2025, surrounded by his devoted family. He had battled Lewy Body dementia for several years, but finally succumbed to complications from a broken hip.

Born in Portsmouth, VA, on 9 November 1950 to Claud and Edith (Catlett) Jones, his brothers, Allan ’74 and Claud “Buddy,” followed.

A member of the first graduating class of Western Branch High School in Chesapeake, VA, in 1969, he was senior class president and the captain of the football team, where he played center. Jimmy was recruited to play football by several colleges, including West Point, but his lifelong desire to be a Marine, his admiration of Roger Staubach and a congressional appointment to the Naval Academy led him to Annapolis. Once there, he discovered that the physical and academic demands of life as a Midshipman and the rigorous training schedule of the Plebe Football team seemed mutually exclusive, and he wisely decided that his goals would be better served by graduating and commissioning. Thus ended his football career, but his service selection as a Marine was the beginning of living his dream.

Jimmy began as a ground supply officer, but his desire to fly helicopters was spurred into action as he stood sweating on a beach in Sardinia, watching pilots in air-conditioned Cobras flying back to the ship for a hot meal and shower. He decided right then to execute his aviation option and spent most of his 28 years on active duty flying UH-1N Hueys. The cherry on top of his aviation career was commanding MAG 42 Det C. In preparation for his second career, Jimmy earned a master’s degree in education from Old Dominion University and spent 11 years following two more dreams: teaching algebra and coaching football.

Jimmy’s love of flying and football was exceeded only by his love for his family. He met the love of his life, Nancy Blankenship Jones, at Cubi Point, RP. She was the JAG for the naval air station and, ironically, was also from Chesapeake and had attended Western Branch High School. Clearly, their meeting was preordained, so they married in Okinawa and got busy raising three amazing sons, Jake ’15, Casey and Andrew; welcoming two incredible daughters-in-love, Teresa and Christine, to the family; and spoiling their beautiful grandchildren, Maximilian, Jackson, Wesley and Vivian.

Jimmy will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined. H

THOMAS RICHARD NADEAU ’73

Commander Thomas R. Nadeau, USN (Ret.), passed away unexpectedly on 17 October 2024 at his home in Brunswick, ME. He was 76 years old.

“Tom” was born on 3 October 1948 to Hubert G. and Priscilla Jewell Nadeau. He grew up in Lancaster, NH, and graduated from Lancaster High School with the class of 1966.

In April of 1967, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He attended many schools and training programs, and subsequently received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated with the Class of 1973.

His career as a Navy P-3 pilot enabled Tom to travel all over the world while on deployments to places he enjoyed and fondly remembered. Tom served on Enterprise, attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, and had a tour of duty at the Naval Research Lab near Washington, DC. In 1991, Commander Nadeau retired after a 25-year career. Tom was very proud of his military service.

Tom was a life-long learner with many interests, including woodworking, fly fishing, fast cars and volunteering. He was an avid reader, a patriotic man and someone who could strike up a conversation with anyone. Spending carefree summers at camp on Maidstone Lake in Vermont with his family and friends, and later on with his own family, were among his fondest memories and the best of times.

Tom leaves his wife, Dorothy of Brunswick, ME; sons, Travis (and his wife, Christin) of Yarmouth, ME, and Tyler of Lisbon, ME; two grandsons, Lucas and Benjamin; three siblings, Suzanne La Valley of Wasilla, AK, Douglas (and his wife, Nanette) of Catawba, NC, and Michael of Lancaster, NH; as well as an extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of Tom’s life will take place in the spring, followed by burial in his hometown of Lancaster, NH.

Memorial donations may be made to the Travis Mills Foundation (travismillsfoundation.org) or Habitat for Humanity (www.habitat 7rivers.org). H

JUAN JAVIER CARRIZALES ’75

Commander “Jay” Carrizales, USN (Ret.), passed away in Albuquerque, NM, on 7 January 2025. He was 71 years old.

Jay was born in Chicago, IL, on 12 March 1953 to Maria de Lourdez and Juan Francisco Carrizales. After his first airplane ride at age 5, he decided to become a pilot. At age 8, he read a library book about Annapolis and decided to attend the U.S. Naval Academy so he could simultaneously go to college and be in the Navy. He joined the Sea Cadets at age 14. Raised in Michigan, Texas and California, he graduated from high school in San Bernadino, CA, in 1971. He then joined the USNA Class of 1975, where he majored in International Security and participated in rugby and Chapel Choir.

Upon graduation from the Naval Academy and commissioning as an ensign, he was assigned to flight training in Pensacola, FL, and Corpus Christi, TX, where he earned his Wings of Gold. After designation as a Naval Aviator, he was assigned to fly the P-3C Orion in anti-submarine warfare operations throughout the world. Other career assignments were in air ops on Nimitz, the Atlantic Fleet Staff and duty at Navy Recruiting Command before his final duty assignment as commanding officer of the Navy Recruiting District, Albuquerque.

Jay finished his master’s degree and dabbled in a few new careers after his 1996 Navy retirement, including substitute teacher and manufacturing supervisor. Feeling like a “ship out of water,” he decided to try to return to the cockpit after nearly a decade. He took a refresher course and floated his resume, starting his 20-year career as a commercial airline pilot. He began flying for regional airlines, became a flight instructor and retired a second time in 2018 as a JetBlue captain on the Airbus 320.

He had some memorable experiences as a commercial pilot, once flying Ringo Starr and his band from Washington Dulles Airport to Nashville. He also flew the inaugural JetBlue flight from New York City to Albuquerque.

Commander Carrizales is survived by his wife, Deborah, and his daughter, Sarah. He will be inurned at the Naval Academy Columbarium.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the Carrizales family at (dmcf@unm.edu).

Memorial gifts may be directed to the USNA ’75 Class Gift— Columbarium Project at (www.usna.com/give). H

THOMAS MORE McPHILLIPS ’79

Commander Thomas M. McPhillips, USNR (Ret.), passed away on 20 December 2024 at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC, after a short illness. He had just turned 67.

“Tom” was born on 9 December 1957, in Pittsburgh, PA, the son of William and Gloria McPhillips. After graduating with the Naval Academy Class of 1979, 12th Company, he furthered his education by graduating with an Executive MBA from Columbia University, NYC. In 1982, he married Robin LeBlanc ’81.

His military assignments included flight training in Pensacola, FL; and HM-12 and HM-16 in Norfolk, VA. In 1986, he was commissioned in the Naval Reserve, flying with HAL-5, Point Mugu, CA, and ship augment units at NAS Glenview, IL, and Brunswick, ME.

As a civilian, Tom was hired by Pfizer, Inc. in their warehousing and customer service sector in 1986. He worked 28 years for Pfizer until his retirement as Vice-President, Trade Group in 2013.

Tom was an ardent fan of Naval Academy football, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penn State and UCONN Women’s Basketball. He loved exploring his family’s genealogy from Ireland and Italy. Tom and Robin loved to travel in Europe and the U.S., with much focus on visiting historical sites and golf courses. Just last year, he discovered the McPhillips family homestead in Tyvadnet, Monaghan, Ireland, talking to the current McPhillips family living there. He loved reading historically based books and biographies.

Committed to his faith and serving others, he volunteered for many years at Habitat for Humanity in Bridgeport, CT, and Hilton Head, SC. Tom volunteered for several years at St. Francis Thrift Shop. There, he initiated a clothing distribution program in conjunction with local food banks. A self-effacing man, he was always willing to drop what he was doing to help or uplift others and rarely turned the discussion to his own accomplishments or needs.

Tom leaves his wife, Robin; their children, Kelly Anderson (Justin) of Silver Spring, MD, and Noelle Grea of Granite Falls, WA; sisters, Karen Fischer (Carl) and Maureen Pirollo (Andrew), both of Jacksonville, FL; brother, Bill McPhillips (Wendy) of Pensacola, FL; his cherished granddaughter, Emmeline Anderson; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass was held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Hilton Head, SC, on 28 December 2024, followed by an Irish wake at Sea Pines Country Club on 11 January 2025. H

JOHN MARTIN LINK ’80

John M. Link died on 4 January 2025, after a two-year battle with leukemia. He was 66 years old.

John was born in Riverside, CA, on 6 September 1958 to Kenneth and Mildred “Milli” Link. Appointed to the Naval Academy from North Carolina, John’s attention to detail was evident from the beginning of Plebe Summer, reflected in perfect hospital corners on his rack, perfectly shined shoes and a perfect shirt tuck. As a Midshipman First Class, he was selected as Brigade Drill Team Commander, charged with the impossible task of getting midshipmen to march in straight lines. His Companymates affectionately dubbed him “Dant” because of his professional demeanor, although he was known to play a mean banjo in Bancroft Hall when he was not studying. He majored in marine engineering and commissioned as a surface nuclear power officer.

A proud graduate of the Class of 1980, 31st Company, he went on to serve with distinction as a nuclear reactor officer on cAliForniA (CGN-36) and texAs (CGN-38). He then resigned his commission, but his dedication to his country and his field of expertise continued long after his time in the Navy, as he spent his career working in the civilian nuclear power industry as an engineering analyst and consultant. He particularly enjoyed his work and colleagues at Numerical Advisory Solutions (a unit of Zachry Engineering), for whom he had been working for about a decade at the time of his death.

John had many passions. He loved to read, attend local baseball games and play soccer. He was also known for his knack for home improvement projects, always finding ways to make his home even more special. Above all, John cherished spending time with his family, particularly during holidays and vacations.

John is survived by his sister, Linda Floyd, brother-in-law, Tim Floyd, and nephew, Christopher Floyd, all of Marietta, GA, and his niece, Lauren Floyd of Washington, DC. He was deeply loved by his family and will be missed beyond measure.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John’s honor to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (https://givenow. lls.org) to continue the fight against this devastating disease.

John’s legacy of service, love for his family and dedication to his work will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

John’s remains will be inurned at the Naval Academy Columbarium at a date to be determined.

The Floyd Family H

KEVIN LAWRENCE SMITH ’83

Colonel Kevin L. Smith, USMC (Ret.), passed away peacefully on 6 January 2025, with his beloved wife, Rosa, by his side. He was 64 years old.

Born in New York to Lawrence Leighton Smith and Joy Pottle-Smith, Kevin spent his formative years in San Pedro, embracing the California lifestyle. He was raised by his grandfather, Harry Hathaway Pottle ’26, who inspired him to follow in his footsteps and attend the Naval Academy. Kevin entered the Academy in 1979, where he played on the rugby team and formed lifelong friendships as a member of the 22nd Company.

Upon graduation in 1983, Kevin was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps and earned his Wings as a naval

aviator helicopter pilot in 1985. He participated in both Operations Desert Thunder and Desert Storm as a squadron flight officer. From piloting his beloved CH-46 “Phrog,” to serving as squadron operations officer and commanding officer of the HMM-265 “Dragons” and Aviation Combat Element (ACE) commander in Okinawa, and rising to the rank of colonel, Kevin performed his duties admirably. Upon returning from Okinawa, he also served tours in the Pentagon and Quantico, strengthening the Marine Corps through his roles in manpower and policy.

After a 27-year career exemplifying dedication and excellence, he retired from the Marine Corps in 2010 and continued to support the military as a laser range safety specialist contractor.

Kevin was known for his resilience, humor and compassion. A man of deep Catholic faith, he found joy in nature and outdoor activities, including his lifelong passion for surfing, hiking, swimming and playing guitar. He was an avid traveler, a devoted James Taylor fan, a thoughtful writer and loyal supporter of the Washington, DC, area professional sports teams.

Kevin is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years, Rosa; their children (and spouses), Michael (Celica) and Krista (Richie); and three grandchildren Laiq, Gabriella and Raif.

Kevin was a man of immense character and kindness, leaving behind a legacy of love, service and cherished memories.

He will be laid to rest at the Naval Academy at a future date, fulfilling his lifelong commitment to service and country.

The Smith Family H

BRENT RUSSELL McMURRY ’91

Captain Brent R. McMurry, USNR (Ret.), passed away on 31 December 2024 at 55 years of age after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was a beloved husband to Suzanne and a devoted father to their three sons.

Born in St. Paul, MN, to John and Rachel McMurry, Brent grew up in the farming community of Canton, SD, before entering the Naval Academy in 1987. Assigned to the 21st Company, Brent was highly regarded as a loyal and convivial shipmate, earning renown for his infectious enthusiasm and a resounding laugh that echoed through Bancroft Hall. Awarded a coveted 4th Battalion Staff striper position for his positive leadership and example, Brent graduated with the Class of 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in economics.

Graduating from flight training in Pensacola, FL, at the top of his class in 1994, Brent made the Commodore’s List with distinction while earning designation as a naval aviator. After his successful carrier qualification, Brent was awarded “Top Hook” for his class and deployed onboard tHeodore roosevelt (CGN-71) with the VAW-126 Seahawks in support of Operations Deliberate Guard and Southern Watch. After a flight instructor tour with the VAW-120 Greyhawks, Brent served his department head tours with the VAW-77 Nightwolves as safety admin and operations department head, as well as OIC on numerous counter narcotics deployments. After serving as XO of VAW-120, Brent was selected to the Full Time Support (FTS) program and over the next two decades, he held command at the O-4, O-5 and O-6 levels, including command of the Navy Operational Support Centers in Kansas City, MO, and Minneapolis, MN. Brent earned his MBA with high honors and a

GPA of 4.0 during a shore tour with the Navy Personnel Command in Millington, TN.

Brent enjoyed traveling, the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping and golf. Devoted to God and his family, he was incredibly proud of his sons, inspiring them to embrace each day’s opportunities and be thankful for all life has to offer. Affectionately known as “McLucky” by his close friends at the Academy, Brent considered himself to be blessed rather than unlucky despite his health struggles.

Brent is survived by his wife of 31 years, Suzanne; their sons, Christopher, Jonathan and Patrick; his brother, John; and three sisters, Carla, Diane and Renee.

Derek Granger ’91 & The McMurry Family H

DAVID

MICHAEL COPE ’07

David Cope passed away suddenly on 7 January 2025, in Tacoma, WA.

David was born on 27 March 1985, in Shreveport, LA, to Connie and Johnny Cope. He was raised in Saudi Arabia while his dad worked for Saudi Aramco. He was active in sailing and scouting, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. At the age of 15, he attended and later graduated with honors from the Woodberry Forest School in Virginia.

David entered USNA in 2003. He was a dependable shipmate in the 17th Company and good libo buddy, who always made sure to get everyone back in time for formation. He majored in Ocean Engineering, while also studying Arabic.

Upon graduation and commissioning in 2007, he was assigned to FArrAgut (DDG-99), serving as the main propulsion, auxiliaries and anti-submarine officer. He conducted counter-drug operations in the Caribbean and joint operations with several South American navies, earning a Navy Achievement Medal.

Following his sea tour, he laterally transferred to the engineering duty officer field. He attended MIT in Boston, MA, and earned a prestigious 2N degree, a MS in naval architecture and marine engineering and a MS in mechanical engineering. At MIT, he continued to excel, with one of his papers receiving a Graduate Paper Award from the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. Upon graduation, David was assigned to Kitsap-Bremerton Naval Base, WA.

During his time in Tacoma, David was promoted to the rank of lieutenant commander. He enjoyed the great outdoors, including hiking and snow skiing. His primary interest became whale watching and he became a very active member of the whale watching community. David was known to always help those around him any time without hesitation.

Left to mourn his passing are his loving and devoted wife, Brianna Kerwin Cope; his mother, Connie Rosenzweig Cope; and brothers, Jonathan and Kevin Cope (and their families). He also left behind his beloved dogs, Maxx and Jack.

He was predeceased by his father, Johnny Hal Cope; grandparents, Rollins “Bob” and Beverly Rosenzweig, and Bryce and Alberta Cope.

A celebration of life was held at the Tacoma Yacht Club on 23 February 2024 in Tacoma, WA, and a memorial Mass and reception will be celebrated at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans in Shreveport, LA, at a future date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Humane Society, 2608 Center Street, Tacoma, WA 98409 or charity of choice. H

www.usna.com/submit-an-obituary or call Timothy Elizabeth Woodbury (410-295-4064) for information

SHIPMATE Classified Information & Insertion Order

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 May June 2025 03/17/25

q July-August 2025 05/21/25

q Sept-Oct 2025 07/23/25

q Nov-Dec 2025 09/16/25

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 88 • NO. 2

Publisher Jeff Webb ’95; jeff.webb@usna.com

Editor Jimmy DeButts; jimmy.debutts@usna.com

Editorial

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 and 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

Editorial shipmate@usna.com

Address Change/Delivery alumni@usna.com

Bravo Zulu shipmate@usna.com

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

CONTACT US

U. S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation

301 King George St., Annapolis, MD 21402 Main Phone 410-295-4000 Foundation Development 410-295-4100 Athletic & Scholarship Dev. 410-295-4095

EXECUTIVE OFFICE

Jeff Webb’95 President/CEO

Kara Fagley Chief of Staff

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 ’19 410-295-4036

Director, Online Engagement and SIGs

Wendy Owen 410-295-4017

Director, Class Programs

Lori Coogan 410-295-4038

Director, Parent Programs

Carrie Carroll 410-295-4062

Membership Coordinator

Debbee O’Donnell 410-295-4052

Member Services Coordinator

Kathleen Rohrs 410-295-4044

Member Services Coordinator

Amy Garwood 410-295-4015

Director, Alumni Travel

Wes Huey ’87 410-295-4023

Executive Dir., Strategy and Legacy Programs

Gwenn Dennis 410-295-4091

Director, Memorial Affairs

Mike Lowe ’98 410-295-4106

Dir. Alumni Support & AA Revenue Generation

Service Academy Career Conference

Tonya McGinnis 410-295-4022

Director, SACC

Melissa Nelson 410-295-4021

Assistant Director, SACC

COMMUNICATIONS

John Schofield 410-295-4080

Executive Director of Communications

Emily Lucht 410-295-4047

Director, Digital Communications

Jackie Furton 410-295-4073

Art Director

Heather Payne 410-295-4033

Creative Director of Communications

Grace Doerfler 410-295-4018

Graphic Designer

Jimmy DeButts 410-295-4085

Editor

Anne Sharpe

410-295-4078

Assistant Director, Communications

Maria O’Shea 410-295-4074

Assistant Production Manager

Sandra Stansbury-Spadaro 410-295-4076

Communications Specialist

Sarah Trimmer 410-295-4077

Digital Communications Coordinator

Timothy Elizabeth Woodbury 410-295-4064

Memorial Affairs Manager

FLUEGEL ALUMNI CENTER

Don Kennedy ’92 410-295-4063

Senior Director, Events and Facilities

Elizabeth Beedenbender 410-295-4166

Dir., Enterprise Operations, Fluegel Alumni Center

John Cooper 410-295-4031

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 six times a year (January-February, March-April, May-June, July-August, September-October and November-December).

Copyrighted 2025 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 $10 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.

Facilities Manager

John Taylor 410-295-4029

Facilities Assistant

Cyndi Morgan ’93 410-295-4024

Facilities Worker

Bridgette Lundfelt 410-295-4030

Associate Director, Engagement, Experience & Sponsorship

Laura Cylc 410-295-4014

Events Coordinator

Kylie Freeburger 410-295-4081

Events Coordinator

Danielle Milanette 410-295-4054

Events Coordinator

Judy Buddensick 443-994-2511

Partnership Marketing Liason

410-295-4090

410-295-4092

TREASURY AND OPERATIONS

John Coppola 410-295-4040

Executive Vice President /CFO

Lisa Strobel 410-295-4051

Executive Director, Finance

Tim Smith 410-295-4059

Director, Financial Reporting

Mikayla Owens 410-295-4129

Dir., Investment Reporting & Special Projects

Linda Reyes 410-295-4056

Director, Revenue Specialist

Janet Douglas 410-295-4057

Staff Accountant

Patricia “Patty” Ratigan 410-295-4028

Staff Accountant

Andrea Wabo 410-295-4155

Staff Accountant

Dawn Beach 410-295-4177

Payroll Manager

Gladys Sanchez 410-295-4112

Accounts Payable Specialist

Gift Administration Team

Darlene Jackson 410-295-4131

Director, Gift Administration

Elvira Reyes 410-295-4116

Senior Gift Manager

Erica Miller 410-295-4125

Gift Administrator II

Jodi Reilly 410-295-4114

Gift Administrator II

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Garrett Keating 410-295-4087

Director, Information Technology

Jordan Bailey 410-295-4060

Sr. Assoc. Dir., Enterprise Network and Security

Denise Clark 410-295-4079

Associate Director, Data Services

Derrick Planz 410-295-4067

Associate Director, Software Developer

Rick Clark 410-295-4088

Associate Director, Information Technology

Sean Henson 410-295-4083

AV Technician

Dustin Tripp 410-295-4086

Security Specialist

Ryan Haddaway 410-295-4089

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

Executive Director, Human Resources

Tom Cloutier 410-295-4050

Senior Manager, Human Resources

Nan Hooe 410-295-4045

Benefits Specialist

DEVELOPMENT

Bill O’Connor 410-295-4101

Executive Vice President

Abby Repko 410-295-4103

Exec. Administrator/Principal Gift Administrator

Tonya Grant 410-295-4108

Director, Corporate & Foundation Relations

Rachel Johnson 410-295-4109

Asst. Director, Corporate & Foundation Relations

Major Gifts

Michael Hoffman 410-295-4184

Vice President, Development

Ashley “AJ” Bauer 410-295-4160

Managing Regional Director of Development

Mariah Sakellaris 410-295-4187

Associate Director of Regional Development

John Maconi 410-295-4185

Regional Director of Development

STAFF AND ASSISTANCE

DEVELOPMENT CONTINUED

Dan Quattrini ’81 410-295-4167

Regional Director, Development

Chelsea Clute 410-295-4123

Regional Director of Development

Ted Ahrens 410-295-4183

Regional Director of Development

Misie King 410-295-4178

Admin. Manager of Development

Ashley Register 410-295-4178

Admin. Coordinator, Regional Development

Prospect Development and Research

Annie Ferry 410-295-4120

Analyst, Research & Portfolio Management

Mary Barto 410-295-4190

Analyst, Research & Portfolio Management

Paula Whisted 410-295-4189

Director, Research & Portfolio Management

Planned Giving

Anissa Kossakowski 410-295-4110

Director of Planned Giving

Jennifer Macris 410-295-4105

Senior Associate Director, Planned Giving

Mikala Ragin 410-295-4117

Administrative Coordinator, Planned Giving

Annual Programs

Gabrielle Kulcsar 410-295-4147

Executive Director, Annual Giving Programs

Bill Hebert ’82 410-295-4146

Director, Class Legacy Gift Programs

Megan Farmer 410-295-4188

Director, President’s Circle

Sara Brown 410-295-4130

Assistant Director, Class Giving Programs

Karen Hicks 410-295-4119

Associate Director, Parent Giving Programs

Donor Relations and Stewardship

Natalie Brianas 410-295-4102

Exec. Dir., Donor Relations and Stewardship

Travis Galaska 410-295-4111

Sr. Assoc Dir., Donor Relations and Stewardship

Hannah Geib 410-295-4127

Assoc. Dir., Campaign Operations

Nicolle Teixeira 410-295-4181

Director, Donor Engagement and Strategic Partnerships

Sarah Jane Dunaway Silverman 410-295-4124

Assoc. Dir., Development Communications

Jamie Janette 410-295-4113

Coordinator, Donor Relations & Strategic Partnership

Megan Kowalski 410-295-4107

Senior Development Writer

Strategic Advancement Resources

Adriana Bitoun 410-295-4150

Executive Director of STAR Team

Beth Spicer 410-295-4149

Director, Info. Management and Reporting

Stephanie Reuer 410-295-4153

Assistant Director, Gift Funds Compliance

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

Death Notifications obits@usna.com 410-295-4064

Class Ring Information classrings@usna.com

Register of Alumni registerofalumni@usna.com

Address Change/Delivery alumni@usna.com 410-295-4000

Donate 410-295-4115

Membership Updates 410-295-4000

USNA Main Phone 410-293-1000

U.S. Naval Academy Athletics 410-293-2700