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| Ready to “Know the Ropes”? |
 Artist Bob Baczenas ’72 kicked off our first “Know the Ropes” event by hosting a paint night featuring the Chapel dome at sunset. Thanks to everyone who joined us! If you missed out but are still interested in Bob Bazcenas’ work, take a look at his website here. Stay tuned for more information on our next “Know the Ropes” event, a virtual trivia contest commemorating the 175th Anniversary of the Naval Academy. Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates on “Know the Ropes” and other virtual events taking place this fall. |
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| Share the Story of Your First Salute |
 One of the most memorable Naval Academy traditions is receiving that first salute upon commissioning. Shipmate would like to share alumni memories of their first salute in a future edition of Clear the Deck. To submit a response, please complete this sentence: “My first salute was with ___ because ….” Please send responses (250 words or fewer) to Managing Editor Jimmy DeButts at jimmy.debutts@usna.com. |
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| Midshipmen Development Center Focuses on Mental Health |
 September is Suicide Prevention Month, and an ideal time for all to recognize the importance of mental health. Each year, one in five midshipmen turn to the Midshipmen Development Center (MDC) for confidential psychological and nutritional counseling and other services. The MDC stepped up its focus on digital and social media communications during the remote learning period last spring and is keeping that emphasis going throughout the year with its Facebook and Instagram pages. |
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| Call for USNA Alumni Association Board Nominations |
 In May 2021, the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustees Chair, Mid-Atlantic Region Trustee and Western Region Trustee will complete their terms of office. The Chair, ADM Samuel Locklear ’77, USN (Ret.), and the Mid-Atlantic Region Trustee, CAPT Dale Lumme ’80, USN (Ret.), are eligible to serve an additional term. The Western Region Trustee, CDR Steve Clark Hall ’75, USN (Ret.), will have completed two terms of office and will, therefore, be ineligible for further service on the board. Although ADM Locklear is eligible for another three-year term, he is willing to serve beyond his current term until May 2022. His nomination, with this one-year term will be considered along with any other nominations for the Chair position. Proposed candidates must be regular members of the Alumni Association who have expressed a willingness to serve as a Trustee. Proposed candidates for the Regional Trusteeships must reside in the region they intend to serve. In order to improve our commitment to better alumni inclusion on the board of trustees we hope this call for nominations inspires you to become more involved and champion diversity. To propose a candidate, please contact the Nominating Committee. |
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| SACC: Supporting You Throughout Your Career Journey |
 Today's business world is increasingly driven by the strength of our social and professional connections. The Service Academy Career Conference (SACC) provides a platform through which you can develop and strengthen those relationships. Are you considering a career change? Are you interested in educational opportunities to enhance your career? Is your organization searching for new talent? If so, consider participating in our fall virtual career conference. From 26-30 October, we will host a variety of company-led panel discussions and informational webinars. This will be followed by a virtual career fair on Friday, 30 October. Take advantage of this opportunity to let SACC put you in touch with recruiters from industry leading companies and top tier universities. Register now. |
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| The 2021 Travel Catalog is Here! |
 With fervent hope that travel—domestic and worldwide—returns next year, the USNA Alumni Association Travel Program has launched an online-only 2021 Travel Catalog. The catalog is filled with a wide variety of travel options for alumni and friends of all backgrounds and interests. Take a look today and make plans to travel with us soon. |
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| Classmates Receive 2020 Stockdale Leadership Awards |
 Each year, the U.S. Navy recognizes commanding officers who demonstrate inspirational leadership both professionally and personally while also contributing to the improvement of leadership in the Navy with the James Bond Stockdale Award, named for VADM James Stockdale ’47, USN (Ret.). It is peer-driven, as only those who are eligible for the award themselves are allowed to nominate others for consideration. This year, both recipients are Naval Academy alumni and classmates: CDR William H. Wiley ’00, USN, commanding officer of fast-attack sub JOHN WARNER, and CDR Bradley D. Geary ’00, USN, from U.S. Pacific Fleet, former commander of SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One. |
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| Explore Chapel Dome Heirlooms and More |
 Choose from more than 20 distinctive pieces crafted from the historic copper being removed from the United States Naval Academy Chapel dome. Visit the website to explore the whole collection. Interested in other USNA merchandise and memorabilia? Visit Shop 2 for all your apparel needs – great gifts for yourself and all the Navy fans in your life. |
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| Top 10 Estate Planning Mistakes… |
 October is Estate Planning Awareness Month, and the Naval Academy Foundation will host a webinar “Top 10 Estate Planning Mistakes… and How to Detect and Avoid Them” on Wednesday, 21 October at 3 p.m. EDT. The webinar is designed to help people think through some fundamental estate planning oversights and correct them before they cause serious family, financial and/or tax issues. Michael E. Lehr, Esq. of the Annapolis estate planning firm Sims & Campbell will lead the webinar. Lehr’s practice focuses entirely on estate planning and administration, including the use of trusts and other entities for probate avoidance, estate and gift tax savings and planned giving strategies. |
