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| Commissioning Week Continues for Class of 2021 |
 The Class of 2021 is enjoying a largely traditional, in-person Commissioning Week, culminating Friday, 28 May with graduation at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Alumni from around the world shared their well wishes by video for the Class, now preparing to head out into the fleet and Marine Corps after a most unusual first class year. |
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| Fallen Heroes Remembered on Virtual Poppy Wall |
 As part of our Honor Our Fallen Heroes program and in observance of Memorial Day, the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation has created an online Poppy Wall where family and friends of alumni killed in action and operational losses can post memories of their loved ones. |
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| All Academy Challenge Nets Almost $1.4 Million |
 Victory eluded Navy once again in the All Academy Challenge (Merchant Marine won. Again), but the five-day competition netted almost $1.4 million and participation reached its second-highest level ever. Class competition was strong, with three challenge gifts unlocked and the Classes of ’65, ’84 and ’78 taking the top spots in participation percentage. Missed your chance to make a gift during the Challenge? You can support the Naval Academy any time at www.usna.com/give. |
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| Wright ’02 Makes Final HSC 22 Flight Over Annapolis |
 In early May CDR Matthew Wright ’02, USN, soared over the Yard and Annapolis for his last flight as commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Squadron 22 (HSC 22). Other pilots participating were Naval Academy graduates ranging from classes 1995-2017: CDR Tim Drosinos ’02, USN; CAPT Ryan Keys ’95, USN; LT Raymond Sudduth ’15, USN; LT Sara Shrum ’15, USN; LTjg Brody Samaha ’17, USN; LTjg Michael Maxwell ’17, USN; and LTjg George Coughlin ’17, USN. Wright was relieved as HSC 22 commanding officer by CDR Drosinos on 7 May 2021. |
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| 2021 Service Academies Global Summit: “Rebuilding Together” |
 Registration is open for the 2021 Service Academies Global Summit, sponsored by USAA, which will be held on 15 June 2021. Join the conference virtually and hear from speakers including Superintendent VADM Sean Buck ’83, USN; Former Superintendent VADM Walter “Ted” Carter ’81, USN (Ret.); VADM John Bird ’77, USN (Ret.); MajGen Charles F. Bolden Jr. ’68, USMC (Ret.); and LtGen Lori Reynolds ’86, USMC. This summit will bring together a diverse group of leaders and experts to share and engage with the audience on the broad topic of today’s extraordinary challenges, needs and opportunities. Learn more and register here. |
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| Alumni Association, Foundation Welcome New Board Members |
 The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and U.S. Naval Academy Foundation welcomed new board members at their Spring 2021 meetings. On 14 May, the Alumni Association Board of Trustees welcomed: Western Regional Trustee CAPT Barbette Lowndes ’80, SC, USN (Ret.); Mid Atlantic Regional Trustee CDR Juliana Vida ’94, USN (Ret.); CAPT Craig Smith ’82, USN (Ret.), San Diego Chapter Trustee; Enochia Anderson ’94, Jacksonville Chapter Trustee; Anthony Konecny ’79, Columbus Chapter Trustee; Steve Swift ’87, Tampa Chapter Trustee and Rocky Goins ’84, Tulsa Chapter Trustee. The Naval Academy Foundation welcomed new members at its 16 April meeting: Patrick Sullivan ’74; J. Michael Yeager ’76; Robert Pragada ’90; and Mary Kay Wegner ’90. For more information on our volunteer leadership structure, visit the “About” section of our website. |
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| Celebrating 50 Years of Travel with Incredible Tours |
 We have an amazing selection of special domestic itineraries to offer you in 2022. From our top domestic destination, Alaska, to the Civil Rights Trail, to Arizona Spring Training, to National Parks, there is something for everyone wanting to travel closer to home. We welcome alumni, friends and family on all of our tours and hope to see you on one soon. Low deposits and new cancellation policies are currently the norm so that you can make a reservation with confidence. The new 2022 Travel Catalog was included with the May issue of Shipmate. You can also view the catalog or individual trips on our website. Let’s experience the world together. |
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| Indo-Pacific Commander Davidson ’82 Relieved by Aquilino ’84 |
 ADM John Aquilino ’84, USN, relieved ADM Philip Davidson ’82, USN, as the 26th Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, during a ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI, on 30 April. ADM Davidson served in the U.S. Navy for 38 years. ADM Aquilino will now lead the nation’s oldest and largest combatant command with 380,000 military and civilian personnel. “We have spent much of our time at INDOPACOM focused on strengthening our alliances and enhancing our emerging partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region,” noted Davidson. “The United States is deeply committed to advancing and expanding these vital relationships further to help promote our collective peace and prosperity while enhancing security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.” |
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| Support Office of Admissions Outreach Efforts |
 In an effort to grow the pipeline of qualified minority applicants to the Naval Academy, the Naval Academy Minority Association (NAMA) partnered with the Naval Academy Foundation to establish the Naval Academy Minority Affairs Fund. Donations to this new fund will support critical outreach efforts by the Office of Admissions such as: travel for the Gospel Choir; on campus visits for candidates and their centers of influence; as well as a variety of social media and marketing campaign efforts. You can find more information here. |
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| Hold History in Your Hands |
 If you’re looking for a unique piece of memorabilia, or a meaningful gift, consider one of the many heirlooms that are being crafted from the historic copper that has been removed from the United States Naval Academy Chapel dome. There are more than 30 pieces to choose from, including our brand-new spring collection that has just arrived this month. Order your heirlooms here. |
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