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News & Events

News, Events & More


NEW “Daily” Shipmate Publication
Posted: 3/26/2025

NEW: The Daily Shipmate is a new publication intended to share news about the Naval Academy, the Naval Services, and its members. It is apolitical as an organization and strives to bring forward relevant news on a wide variety of issues. Click HERE is you wish to subscribe.


TRICARE Online Patient Portal (TOL PP) Decommissioning Update

The on-line Tricare Patient Portal medical records sites (TOL PP) has transitioned to a new system: MHS GENESIS Patient Portal (MHS PP). Use MHSG PP for your online healthcare requests and to view your current Health Record (HR) data. Click HERE for more information.

On 1 April 2025, TOL PP will be decommissioned. Prepare now by downloading/printing your historical HR data that is not available on the MHSG PP.

Log in to TOL PP to download and save your HR data to PDF or store in CCD format for uploading into a personal health record (PHR) of your choice. Click here for instructions on how to print your Health Record data. Instructions to download HR data from TOL PP is also located on the “TOL Health Record” page within the FAQs.

TOL PP will no longer be available to users after 1 April 2025.

Final note: if you use Tricare for Life, it uses a different portal and is not impacted by this transition.


24 April: SAVE THE DATE for Vietnam SEALs Roundtable
Posted: 3/12/2025

Save the Date – Legacy of Valor: Vietnam War – SEALs roundtable – 24 April 2025

Join the Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation for a roundtable discussion moderated by ADM Robert Natter ’67, USN (Ret.), centered on the emergence of the SEAL community in Vietnam and their unique ability to operate in a guerilla warfare environment. Panelists include: ADM Robert Natter, who 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. 

CAPT Tom Murphy ’66, USN (Ret.) – Silver Star recipient who served with Seal Team two in Vietnam and whose post-war commands included SEAL Team One and SEAL Team Six. He authored Beyond the Trident which documents some of his experiences as a SEAL team member in Vietnam and tips for overcoming life’s trauma. 

CAPT Dick Couch ’67, USN (Ret.) – As platoon commander with SEAL Team One in 1970, he led one of the few successful POW rescue operations of the Vietnam War. He has authored several books spotlighting SEALs including By Honor Bound and Navy SEALs: Their Untold Story. CAPT Sandy Prouty ’67, USNR (Ret.) – Silver Star recipient who served with SEAL Team Detachment GOLF, MIKE Platoon in Vietnam. He joined the FBI in 1973 where he would become the agency’s third in command.

The Alumni Association is working with Naval Academy leadership to invite and host many of the 32 1/C Midshipmen who have been selected for Naval Special Warfare. It also is inviting more recent alumni to provide their perspectives on the SEAL community. Registration will open April 2, 2025. 


Supe to Speak at 12 March Class Luncheon
Posted: 3/6/2025

On Wednesday, 12 March 2025, the Class will hold its semi-annual luncheon at the Fleet Reserve Club, Annapolis, MD

The Class is privileged to have Vice Adm. Yvette M. Davids, Superintendant of the Academy, as its featured speaker. Click HERE for a current biography of VADM Davids.

As usual, the Luncheon will begin about 1130, buffet lunch at 1200, and our Guest Speaker at about 1230. Cost of the luncheon will be $45 per person. Wives, Widows and Guests are most welcome to join us.

Classmates are encouraged to attend this Luncheon to hear what’s going on at the Academy.

For more information and to register, contact Chuck Grutzius at elexsys.cg@att.net.


Columbarium Update
Posted: 3/3/2025

Fewer than 40 niches remain at the columbarium, and the Naval Academy memorial affairs team estimates it will reach capacity for new or first inurnments by the summer 2025. Once all niches are filled, no new inurnments for alumni will take place at the columbarium for at least two years.

Plans for future expansion or alternatives are being considered to accommodate the needs of the USNA community. For guidance and options in services and bookings, visit usna.edu/cemetery or contact Joe Fagan ’89 and Chris Silva at memorialaffairs-group@usna.edu.


UPDATE: Financial Wellness
Posted: 2/26/2025

20th Company Classmates, Rick Grant and Phil Bozzelli, share a recording that looks back at 2024 and predicts financial markets for the year ahead.

Click HERE to access a recording that offers clarity on how the markets have performed and what we might expect in 2025.

This information is provided through the USNA 1966 Class Wellness initiative. It is not advice nor is it an advertisement; it is additional information to consider in charting the year ahead.


Class Luncheons Scheduled for 2025
Posted: 2/13/2025

SAVE THE DATES!

Two Class luncheons are scheduled for the year ahead. Both will be in Annapolis.

  • Wednesday, 12 March
  • Wednesday, 9 July

Details on the March luncheon speaker and topic will be available soon.


Class President’s Message to ’66
Posted: 2/1/2025

Click HERE to read USNA Class President, Jim Long’s, letter to all ’66 Classmates. A great way to start the year.


2025 VA Benefits Guide Now Available
Posted: 1/20/2025

As part of VA’s commitment to provide world-class care and benefits to those who have served our nation, VA has released the “2025 VA Federal Benefits Guide for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers.”

This handbook will help Veterans, service members and their families understand the full scope of VA resources available to them to help them make the most of life after service. It provides details on eligibility requirements for each benefit, and because VA serves different generations of Veterans, it also outlines the qualification guidelines for distinct periods of service to clarify eligibility for Veterans with service spanning both peace and wartime periods.

The handbook contains a comprehensive listing of VA programs, including phone numbers and websites for easy reference. The annual Federal Benefits Guide hosts a wealth of information on most VA benefits and services, including:

  • Compensation.
  • Life insurance.
  • Pension and fiduciary services.
  • Education benefits.
  • Economic development and employment.
  • Home loan guaranty programs and housing assistance.
  • Mental health resources.

Click HERE to download a pdf of the 2025 Federal Benefits Guidebook.


Navy Names New Ship After USNA Grad
Posted: 1/15/2025

The Navy named three future ships in January, as well as the official name for its new class of ocean surveillance ships. The vessels honor two Navy veterans and underwater explorers, as well as a Marine killed in action during the Iraq War. 

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced the names on 10 January. The amphibious transport dock ship LPD 33 will be named for Travis Manion, Del Toro announced at the U.S. Naval Academy. Manion, an academy graduate, served in the Marine Corps with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion and fought in Iraq. In April 2007 his unit was in the Anbar Province when it came under attack. Manion exposed himself to sniper fire to distract the enemies from his wounded comrades. He was killed while attacking the ambushers. Manion was awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star with Valor posthumously. 

“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,” Del Toro said. “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.”

The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship serves as a kind of mothership for expeditionary forces, capable of carrying troops and landing craft and amphibious vehicles. They can both augment forces as a floating platform for aerial units or ferry assault forces to coastal areas. 

To read the whole article, Click HERE.


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