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| Cassidy ’93 Commands International Space Station Mission |
 Astronaut CAPT Chris Cassidy ’93, USN, and two Russian cosmonauts took off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on 9 April after the ultimate in social distancing—a month in strict isolation. The trio will spend the next six months conducting approximately 160 scientific investigations at the station as part of Expedition 63. Cassidy, the expedition’s commander, has stayed active on Instagram during his third spaceflight, including sharing “Some Good News” from space. |
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| Show Your Support for the Class of 2020 |
 While we can’t be there in person to show our support for the Class of 2020, we can paint the internet Blue and Gold during the week of 15–22 May. Join the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation in celebrating the Class of 2020 in photos, videos and other messages on Facebook, Instagram and other social medial channels throughout the week leading up to graduation. Get decked out in your Navy gear and send your thoughts, wishes and congratulations to the class with hashtag #usna2020together. Don’t forget to tag @usna and @usnaalumni in your pictures and posts. |
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| Navy Athletics: We’re All in this Together |
 Naval Academy Athletics Director Chet Gladchuk recently provided an update for Navy fans: “Our coaches are continuing to lead their programs and have regular contact with all members of their teams to provide support, guidance and visionary objectives. They are also preparing on all fronts, and we will be ready when we have the opportunity to return to practicing and competitions hopefully in the late summer and into the early fall.” View the full message and a video, “We’re All in this Together,” here. |
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| Stockdale Center Launches Video Trailer for “Return with Honor” Film on POWs |
 In 2019, the Class of 1964-funded Integritas film project traveled across the country to capture a series of in-depth interviews with 23 Navy and Marine Corps airmen—including Distinguished Graduate RADM Robert Shumaker ’56, USN (Ret.); CDR Paul Galanti ’62, USN (Ret.); and CDR Phil Butler ’61, USN (Ret.); who were captured and systematically tortured as Prisoners of War during the Vietnam War. The Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership has produced a trailer for the film, which is still being completed. A wide variety of other Stockdale Center podcasts and videos are available through the Radio Stockdale app. |
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| Innovative Alumni Move Reunions, Receptions Online |
 Naval Academy alumni are adapting fast to the COVID-19 crisis and moving their gatherings online rather than pass them up entirely. The Class of 1991 has been hosting regular class video calls, encouraging classmates to hop on to share their needs and ways they can help others. The Naval Academy Minority Association is hosting a virtual happy hour 30 April. The Class of 1963’s 2nd Company held its first Zoom reunion 9 April: “Much better than email or conference calls,” said Bill Anderson ’63, company webmaster. “We shared a lot of reminiscences as well as news about how we are all dealing with the pandemic.” Email Shipmate at shipmate@usna.com to tell us how you’re staying connected with your class. |
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| Naval Academy Alumni Business Directory Launched |
 Naval Academy alumni go on to start and/or own businesses in a wide variety of vital industries and many are currently feeling the immediate impact of the COVID-19 crisis. The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association has launched a Business Directory to help alumni showcase—and, if in need of a product or service, locate—alumni-owned businesses by class, location or industry. Help us build this resource by listing your business here. |
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| Lovell ’52 Recounts “Beautiful Failure” of Apollo 13 |
 This month marked the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 13 mission. Mission Commander CAPT James Lovell ’52, USN (Ret.), sat down with “The Today Show” to discuss the accident that derailed the mission and the crew’s dangerous journey back to Earth. |
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| Personal Estate Planning Kit Available through the Naval Academy Foundation |
 With most of us at home more during this unprecedented time, this can be a good opportunity to review your estate plans to make sure your plans accurately reflect your wishes. An error as simple as a misspelled beneficiary name can complicate the arrangements you would like to make. Access a free Personal Estate Planning Kit here. |
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