 |
| 2021 Distinguished Graduates Recognized at Ceremony
|
 On Friday, 25 March, the U.S. Naval Academy 2021 Distinguished Graduate Recipients were recognized for their lifetime commitment to service, personal character and distinguished contributions to our nation. The distinguished graduates honored were Kevin W. Sharer ’70, retired chairman and CEO of Amgen; Gen John R. Allen ’76, USMC (Ret.), former Commander of the NATO International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces in Afghanistan; VADM Derwood “DC” Curtis ’76, USN (Ret.), former Commander, U.S. Naval Surface Forces; Janie L. Mines ’80, the first Black woman to graduate from the Naval Academy; LT Bradley W. Snyder ’06, USN (Ret.), an eight-time Paralympic medalist, including six golds. See our video coverage and photos from the ceremony. Bravo Zulu to the 2021 Distinguished Graduates! The 2022 Distinguished Graduates will be honored this August and then we will return to our traditional timing for the 2023 Distinguished Graduates in spring 2023. |
 |
| Called to Serve Virtual Event with ADM Harris ’78 |
 We are thrilled to announce ADM Harry B. Harris Jr. ’78, USN (Ret.), former Ambassador to South Korea, as our featured Called to Serve virtual series speaker on 6 April from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. EDT to share his perspective on the Indo-Pacific region and its critical importance to the United States—its opportunities, challenges, and threats—including a network of alliances and partnerships amid the generational challenges posed by the People’s Republic of China and North Korea. Prior to his retirement, Harris was the Navy’s “Gray Owl,” the naval flight officer who had held this designation for the longest period, and the “Old Goat,” the longest-serving Naval Academy graduate still on active duty. Please read more about his distinguished career. Register here for the event. |
| |
|
|
| |
| In Memoriam: Crawford ’42 and Hayward ’48 |
 Distinguished Graduates CAPT John W. Crawford, Jr. ’42, USN (Ret.), 102, and ADM Thomas Hayward '48, USN (Ret.), 97, recently passed away. CAPT Crawford entered the Naval Academy as the world stood on the brink of war. Following the attacks on Pearl Harbor, the Navy expedited the class’s commissioning and Crawford began active-duty career. He retired in 1963 and became the manager of manufacturing for Murray Manufacturing before being called back to the U.S. nuclear power program just two years later. Following his commissioning, ADM Hayward served as an aviator on board aircraft carriers at sea and in training and test pilot commands ashore. He retired from active duty on 1 July 1982. He chaired the Ethics Resource Center of America dedicated to assisting at-risk students. In 2001, the Naval Academy honored Crawford with the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Award in recognition of his contributions to the nation, Navy and Naval Academy. Hayward, renowned for his leadership in times of war and peace and respected as an exceptional individual in the service of his country, was honored in 2007 as a Distinguished Graduate. |
|
| Shipmate Resizing to Avoid Delay |
 Due to a national paper shortage, future editions of Shipmate will be slightly smaller, but this also allows for larger photos within the columns. The change will start with the May edition of Shipmate. By shifting to a smaller paper size, the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation was assured Shipmate will ship on schedule. The ability to deliver our flagship magazine on its regular schedule is important. Please let us know what you think of the change! Send your comments and feedback to alumnifeedback@usna.com. |
| |
|
|
| |
| Learn to Sail with Patriot Sailing! |
 Maj Peter Gibbons-Neff ’11, USMCR, has a new mission after recently transitioning into the Marine Corps reserves—raising awareness for U.S. Patriot Sailing. This nonprofit organization helps veterans navigate the hardships of transition to civilian life and the complex life challenges associated with combat deployments. They welcome veterans onto a winning team, provide camaraderie, a sense of mission accomplishment, and new dynamic experiences through the sport of sailing. U.S. Patriot Sailing is based out of Annapolis and San Diego. Are you a veteran and want to learn how to sail? Sign up today! The team is also looking for veterans with sailing experience to volunteer. For more information, visit here. Gibbons-Neff will race in the 2023 Mini Transat race as an ambassador for U.S. Patriot Sailing on his Classe Mini 6.50 Terminal Leave. Make sure to follow the adventure here. |
|
| Alumni Ukraine Assistance |
 The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation is gathering stories of USNA alumni who are working to assist the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. We are sending thoughts and prayers, but we want to do more. Please send us your stories and experiences by emailing jimmy.debutts@usna.com. |
|
|
|
|
