News, Events & More
– Yard Gouge (Summer 2018)
Posted: 8/7/2018
Hey Classmates, here’s a host of gouge about the latest at USNA from the last Council of Class Presidents Meeting
Recent Drug Ring news: Many of us have heard about Midshipman Zachary Williams who was charged with distributing illegal drugs. Superintendent VADM Ted Carter told us that the investigation by NCIS has been going on for awhile, and it was brought about by a midshipman turning someone in. There were about 7-8 users and 1 distributor (I’m assuming that MIDN Williams is the one who is being charged with being the distributor). Most of those involved were Youngsters and Plebes.
Investment in Midshipmen / Cost of Being Separated. The cost of being separated can be pretty large. Depending on the circumstances, a firstie can wind up owing the federal government $202K. Two firsties who were separated for DUI recently owed that much.
The total burdened cost of graduating a midshipman is $428K. Total burdened cost includes stuff like USNA housing, maintenance, utilities, etc. – basically taking the entire budget allocated to USNA and dividing it by the number of midshipmen. USAFA costs $160K more and USMA is 17% more. The cost difference is not necessarily because we’re more awesome (which we are) – it’s driven by our smaller campus, our smaller staff, and more graduates.
There’s a great deal of construction underway or planned!
Rickover Hall. Believe it or not, RIckover Hall is OLD, so a $52M overhaul is scheduled to begin in 2019. That overhaul doesn’t include the labs just yet, but those will be an additional $10M (if I’m reading my notes right).
Ricketts Hall. I’m not even sure we should still be calling this building Ricketts Hall, because it is completely different from the barracks and football offices we had when we were mids. Anyway, it’s been under construction again and should be done by 2019.
McDonough Hall. Remember this building was being renovated when we were plebes? Well it’s going through another facelift inside. It’s our most used athletic building! Didn’t know that.
Chapel Dome. The base of the dome will go through $7M-$8M of repairs to fix leaks and mold problems.
Hopper Hall. The primary focus of our class project, Hopper Hall should complete its $106M construction in late 2019 (if we’re lucky, it will be in time for our reunion, but no promises!). Here are some stats:
- It’s a little smaller than Rickover
- When complete, most engineering will move there
- Power grid connection is a challenge because the grid is OLD
- It will have a robotics pool (that’s cool – a place for cyborgs to hang out, I guess)
- It will have a big SCIF capable of hosting meetings, and no other service academy will have that scale of capability
- Not building related – our Cyber program recently received “zero” comments while being accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). Ours was the first Cyber program to be accredited and – apparently – no one ever gets zero comments during the inspection process.
Parking Garage. There’s been quite a bit of drama surrounding this new structure, but it’s finally open and SAFE to use. There are 374 spots in the garage, resulting in a net increase of 60 spots, even after the loss of the “waffle lot.”
Naval Academy Bridge. This is the “new” bridge completed in the 90s that replaced the old Route 450 drawbridge across the Severn. The lights used on it have always been an issue, so USNA fixed them using lights that we use on Stribling Walk. Apparently they’ve been a great success.
Sports.:Last spring was the best season EVER for Navy with a 70% winning percentage. Men’s Tennis won the Patriot League and played ultimate National Champion Wake Forest in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Navy’s Triathlon Club won the overall club title at the collegiate club national championships with the men finishing first and the women finishing third. Read more: https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Triathlon/News/Articles-and-Releases/2018/April/28/US-Naval-Academy-Wins-Overall-Club-Title-at-USA-Triathlon-Collegiate-Club-National-Championships
2nd Class Noah Song pitched a 9 inning shutout against Army in Fenway Park.
The direct-to-pro athlete program is no longer in place – we’re back to the David Robinson model of at least two years of active duty before having a chance to go pro.
There’s a chance that the 2023 Army game will be at Gillette stadium in Foxborough, MA.
The Showtime program, A Season with Navy Football (editorial note: which is thankfully over), is up for 2 Emmy Awards.
2017 Seventh Fleet collisions: There’s been a great deal of discussion over whether USNA can help the Navy improve basic seamanship. Here’s some gouge:
- YP and SeaNav training for OCS and NROTC: NROTC is viable given the summer schedule; OCS is problematic with scheduling.
- Moving MoBoards up to plebe year (didn’t we have MoBoards plebe year?) so that Youngsters can start looking at application during summer cruise.
- We are getting a new fleet of 12 YPs.
Applications / Admissions / Graduation: All colleges are seeing decreasing applications, and so is USNA, but we are seeing a BIG increase in the number of applications we receive from women and minorities. We got about 16,000 total applications for the class of 2022, which is more than USAFA (10K) and USMA (12K).
There are 1185 spots in an incoming class. Of those 16,000 applications, about 3500 are fully qualified for those spots. You may notice that that number is smaller than the number of spots we had on I-Day (what was it, about 1360?). The reasons for this are:
- Faculty quality
- Admissions process – we are better at deciding who should get an appointment
- Academic Center of Excellence – tutoring / additional classroom work.
When we were there, the expected attrition rate was about 21%, 6-8% of which were academic. Now attrition is about 11-12%, and most of it is voluntary (1.5% is academic). In Plebe Summer, only about 10 midshipmen separate.
Average Brigade size is 4400.
99% of midshipmen get there first and second choice for service selection, and submarines have once again become a hot ticket (things were a little dicey about a decade or so ago).
Here’s some interesting analysis from the Academic Dean (Dean Phillips):
Nationwide, there are 1474 schools that offer 4-year degrees and graduate 100 or more people a year. Of those, only 41 graduate 50% or more with STEM degrees (Only 41! Yikes!). Of these schools, USNA has the highest graduation rate in 4 years – 88.8% — and most of those other schools use 6 years for their graduation rate. In other words, we do more in 4 years than they do in 6. In 4 years, the average graduation rate for those schools is 29%, and it’s 59% in 6 years. Interesting to note that those 41 schools DO NOT include Army or Air Force – less than 50% of their graduates are STEM majors.
- Class of 2021 stats are
- 73% male / 27% female
- 37% are members of a racial/ethnic minority
- 14% are the first in their family to attend college
- 11% are first generation American (like me!)
- 5% are prior enlisted
- 62% were in the top 10% of their class (seems low?)
- 92% were Varsity Athletes in high school
- 90% were active in Community Service
- 66% were student body leaders
- 30% had significant work experience
- 16% were Boy/Girl Scouts
– Unique Group Retirement Opportunity!
Posted: 8/5/2018
The USNA Class of 1989 has a unique opportunity for those who are retiring at the point of 30 years of commissioned service – to retire under Navy regulations at 30 years to the day of commissioning. That can only occur if a class commissions on the last day of a month, which is rare for a service academy. To take advantage of this, CAPT Francis Spencer and CAPT Edwin Henderson are spearheading the effort for a group retirement (mini-reunion) event at USNA (probably Memorial Hall) on 31 May 2019. A reception will follow at the USNA O’club on the Yard.
So far interested officers include CAPTs Spencer, Henderson, Joe Shipley, Chris Brunett, Scott Russell and Larry Vincent. More info will be posted here and on the class FB page in the coming months as the coordination continues.
If interested in participating in either or both events (event cost involved only with the reception), contact Francis or Edwin at:
Francis:
Personal cell: (901) 581-1444
Personal e-mail: francis.e.spencer.iii@gmail.com
Edwin:
Personal cell: (360) 969-2697
Personal email: edwin.henderson89@gmail.com
– Death of a classmate: Ken Johansen ’89
Posted: 5/31/2018
UPDATE from RDML Tim Gallaudet ’89: A memorial service for Kenny Johansen ’89 will be held at 1400 on July 25th at the USNA Columbarium. There will be a no-host reception the night before at the Alley in the basement of the Naval Academy Club. Please RSVP for both/either to Tim at tcgallaudet@icloud.com.
Previous Update:
Hey Classmates:
We lost our classmate Ken Johansen today (5/30/18) while flying with the GEICO Skytypers.
We’ll post more information when we have it, but here are links to some stories that came out today. He leaves behind his wife and two children. RIP, Ken.
“GEICO Skytypers Pilot Ken Johansen Killed in Wednesday’s Crash:”
“Pilot who flew in air show killed in Melville crash, officials say:”
V/R
Ingar Grev
– Bremont Class Watch Project
Posted: 5/29/2018
From Kelly Brown – ’89 Bremont Class Watch project lead.
Hey Classmates! There are a few decisions we need to make for our Class/USNA Watch project so that we can finalize the overall design.
Given the price point (USAFA has commissioned a similar watch through Bremont with two base options: the U-2 GMT at around $3000 and the Solo-37 at around $2175), I understand that although many of you won’t purchase a watch, I would like input from as many as classmates as possible.
Some options are confusing, so please reach out to me if you need anything cleared up. The survey closes 6/15/18.
Click here to take the survey.
Details:
– We are investigating two watch designs – an ’89 Class Crest Watch and a USNA Graduate Watch. If we are able to get at least 15 orders for at least one model of the ’89 Class Crest Watch (MBII, MBIII, or Solo–37), we will be designing both types. If we are not able to get at least 15 orders for the ’89 Class Crest Watch, we will only be designing the USNA Graduate Watch.
– Either watch will only be available to USNA graduates through a special ordering process
– Watch options (different “decals/logos”, GMT Function, Watch Face detail, Rotor engraving, Barrel color) are dependent upon the number of watch orders.
– If we get at least 15 orders, the “basic” watch project is started. It will include either a flat white face (see image) or 3-D N* background (see image), 8 character engraving on Rotor/Back of watch, and either a Gold or Navy barrel (see image).
’89 Watch with 3D Background
‘89 Watch with Flat White Background
Gold Barrel
– If we get at least 50 orders, we get all the above options, PLUS a GMT function, additional rotor color (Blue, Gold, Red), and engraving beyond the 8 characters (e.g. two swords and “USNA”). The smaller watch option, the Solo-37, also requires at least 50 orders to launch.
– Since the USNA Graduate Watch is an “Alumni Project,” and athletics generate the most interest for Naval Academy-associated fundraising, the USNA crest and N* will be part of the face design.
– Bremont would love nothing more than to design just one watch as a “USNA Graduate Watch,” but I have worked with Bremont to get our Class Crest as an option for us. In my opinion, if something has our class crest on it, it means more, and I thought this would be a great idea since our 30th is quickly approaching.
Click here to take the survey (Closes 6/15/18)
Again, please complete survey based on your intentions to buy. If you intend to purchase an ’89 Class Crest Watch, please answer all survey questions. If you do not intend to purchase an ‘89 Class Crest watch, the survey will take you right to the USNA Crest questions.
Thank you for your time and constructive inputs. I am looking forward to the results. Because this is such a special project, after I compile the results of this survey we’ll likely take another survey to come up with a product on which we all agree.
Please take your time with the survey. Everyone has a say in this, and I hope you are as excited about this project as I am.
BEAT ARMY!! KB
– Beat Army 2017 Tailgater!
Posted: 11/26/2017
It’s that time of year! Join 200+ of your classmates, their families, and their friends as we get ready to start a new winning streak against Army!!
Because we are loading up the trailer with everything (food and drink), we’re asking you to register is there’s a CHANCE you might come. If you’re not sure, yet, please register anyway. It’s better for us to have too much food and drink than to have too little! You’re not committed to anything by registering.
Click here to get all the gouge and to register.
Please feel free to spread the word far and wide! As before, we expect to have our awesome location right next to the stadium in Lot E which makes us easily accessible from most of the parking lots!
Let me know if you have any questions or are unable to access the link for some reason.
Beat Army!!
Ingar
– USNA ’89 Beat SMU Tailgater!
Posted: 11/9/2017
Join the Class of ’89 as Navy takes on SMU for our last home game of the season! No 25th Company this time, so we won’t be setting up the big tent, but we’ll be have everything else!
Kickoff is at 1530 on Saturday, November 11, so start coming by around 1230 or so to enjoy the day! We’ll be there an hour or so after the game as well!
We’ll bring the beer, wine, coffee, water, soft drinks, infrastructure, etc. (donations appreciated!!) If you would like to bring a dish to share, please sign up here to let others know what you’re bringing (for coordination purposes). You don’t need to sign up to bring up anything, and…You DO NOT need to bring a dish or anything to attend!!!!!
Stuff to know:
- No need to register like in previous years since we no longer need to plan for food (we’ll always have plenty of drinks)
- We will not be proactively asking for donations, but since the class fund never buys consumables (beer, napkins, gas, etc.) or equipment (apart from the tent and part of the trailer), nor does it pay for repairs/maintenance, we appreciate you offering a few bucks when you come to help us keep doing this.
- Our big grill, chafing trays, and 7000W of power are at your disposal! Crock pots, microwave, blender, hot plates, grilling a bunch of sausages, steaks – whatever! Just let us know in advance if you have some special preparation needs (we don’t bring crock pots, blenders, hot plates) so we can plan accordingly.
- If you have a bunch of food to drop off, but no parking pass, you can pull over behind our tailgater (most folks do it on Linden Ave.) and just drop things off – we’ll send people over to grab your stuff!
- BRINGING FOOD OR MONEY IS NOT REQUIRED FOR ATTENDANCE!!!! Just come – YOU being there is way more important than anything else. I can’t stress this strongly enough – please do not say. “We can’t go to the ‘89 tailgater because we didn’t bring anything and we don’t have any cash to help pay for the beer.” It’s not a party without you.
DETAILS:
WHO CAN COME: Everyone and anyone! The more the merrier! Invite co-workers, neighbors, clients, grads from other classes, even whoops! it doesn’t matter!
HOW IT WORKS: We’ll bring adult beverages, soft drinks, tents, tables, chairs, music – everything. Please bring some food to share, or just bring yourself!!!
LOCATION: This map shows where we are (Spot 31): http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/navy/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2016-17/misc_non_event/map-and-assignments.pdf. It also gives you the location of all the other tailgates! Use it to find friends from other classes!
PARKING: Click here to get to the fan / parking guide: http://www.navysports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/16-gameday-guide.html?_ga=2.239135043.1365778718.1504544461-1597329709.1504544461 . If you have a parking pass, you’ll need to come in Gate 3A if you want to park close to us. This guidance is not applicable for Admiral’s Row parking.
OTHER QUESTIONS: Call me/Text me at 443-744-1059 or e-mail me at igrev@1989.usna.com. During game day, it can be difficult for me to hear / feel the phone ringing, but keep trying! Texting is definitely most effective on game day.
Go Navy! Beat SMU!
Ingar
– Beat UCF Tailgater 2017
Posted: 10/20/2017
Join the Class of ’89 and 25th Company as Navy takes on undefeated UCF this Saturday!
Kickoff is at 1530 on Saturday, October 21, so start coming by around 1230 or so to enjoy the day! We’ll be there an hour or so after the game as well!
We’ll bring the beer, wine, coffee, water, soft drinks, infrastructure, etc. (donations appreciated!!) If you would like to bring a dish to share, please sign up here to let others know what you’re bringing (for coordination purposes). You don’t need to sign up to bring up anything, and…You DO NOT need to bring a dish or anything to attend!!!!!
Stuff to know:
- No need to register like in previous years since we no longer need to plan for food (we’ll always have plenty of drinks)
- We will not be proactively asking for donations, but since the class fund never buys consumables (beer, napkins, gas, etc.) or equipment (apart from the tent and part of the trailer), nor does it pay for repairs/maintenance, we appreciate you offering a few bucks when you come to help us keep doing this.
- Our big grill, chafing trays, and 7000W of power are at your disposal! Crock pots, microwave, blender, hot plates, grilling a bunch of sausages, steaks – whatever! Just let us know in advance if you have some special preparation needs (we don’t bring crock pots, blenders, hot plates) so we can plan accordingly.
- If you have a bunch of food to drop off, but no parking pass, you can pull over behind our tailgater (most folks do it on Linden Ave.) and just drop things off – we’ll send people over to grab your stuff!
- BRINGING FOOD OR MONEY IS NOT REQUIRED FOR ATTENDANCE!!!! Just come – YOU being there is way more important than anything else. I can’t stress this strongly enough – please do not say. “We can’t go to the ‘89 tailgater because we didn’t bring anything and we don’t have any cash to help pay for the beer.” It’s not a party without you.
WHO CAN COME: Everyone and anyone! The more the merrier! Invite co-workers, neighbors, clients, grads from other classes, even whoops! it doesn’t matter!
HOW IT WORKS: We’ll bring adult beverages, soft drinks, tents, tables, chairs, music – everything. Please bring some food to share, or just bring yourself!!!
LOCATION: This map shows where we are (Spot 31). It also gives you the location of all the other tailgates! Use it to find friends from other classes!
PARKING: Click here to get to the fan / parking guide. If you have a parking pass, you’ll need to come in Gate 3A if you want to park close to us. This guidance is not applicable for Admiral’s Row parking.
OTHER QUESTIONS: Call me/Text me at 443-744-1059 or e-mail me at igrev@1989.usna.com. During game day, it can be difficult for me to hear / feel the phone ringing, but keep trying! Texting is definitely most effective on game day.
Go Navy! Beat UCF!
Ingar
– USNA ’89 Beat Cincinnati Tailgater 2017
Posted: 9/21/2017
Join the Class of ’89 and 25th Company as Navy takes on the Cincinnati Bearcats for the first time in 61 years, in our second home game and our second American Athletic Conference matchup this season!
Kickoff is at 1530 on Saturday, September 23, so start coming by around 1230 or so to enjoy the day! We’ll be there an hour or so after the game as well!
We’ll bring the beer, wine, coffee, water, soft drinks, infrastructure, etc. (donations appreciated!!) If you would like to bring a dish to share, please sign up here to let others know what you’re bringing (for coordination purposes). You don’t need to sign up to bring up anything, and…YOU DO NOT NEED TO BRING A DISH OR ANYTHING TO ATTEND!!!!!
Stuff to know:
- No need to register like in previous years since we no longer need to plan for food (we’ll always have plenty of drinks).
- Since the class fund never buys consumables (beer, napkins, gas, etc.) or equipment (apart from the tent and part of the trailer), nor does it pay for repairs/maintenance, we appreciate you offering a few bucks when you come to help us keep doing this.
- Our big grill, chafing trays, and 7000W of power are at your disposal! Crock pots, microwave, blender, hot plates, grilling a bunch of sausages, steaks – whatever! Just let us know in advance if you have some special preparation needs (we don’t bring crock pots, blenders, hot plates) so we can plan accordingly.
- If you have a bunch of food to drop off, but no parking pass, you can pull over behind our tailgater (most folks do it on Linden Ave.) and just drop things off – we’ll send people over to grab your stuff!
- BRINGING FOOD OR MONEY IS NOT REQUIRED FOR ATTENDANCE!!!!. Just come – YOU being there is way more important than anything else. I can’t stress this strongly enough – please do not say. “We can’t go to the 89 tailgater because we didn’t bring anything and we don’t have any cash to help pay for the beer.” It’s not a party without you.
Like throwing a party? Our tailgater menu has always been coordinated by someone other than me (spouses, classmates, CAPT Kevin Brown and Andy Caufield last season), so if throwing a big party is your passion and you’d like to coordinate our tailgaters, please just let me know! If you want to do the whole thing yourself, we can do a registration. If you want to coordinate what everyone brings, we’ll help you out!
DETAILS FOR CINCINNATI:
WHO CAN COME: Everyone and anyone! The more the merrier! Invite co-workers, neighbors, clients, grads from other classes, even whoops! it doesn’t matter!
HOW IT WORKS: We’ll bring adult beverages, softdrinks, tents, tables, chairs, music – everything. Please bring some food to share, or just bring yourself!!!
LOCATION: This map shows where we are (Spot 31). It also gives you the location of all the other tailgates! Use it to find friends from other classes!
PARKING: Click here to get to the fan / parking guide. If you have a parking pass, you’ll need to come in Gate 3A if you want to park close to us. This guidance is not applicable for Admiral’s Row parking.
OTHER QUESTIONS: Call me/Text me at 443-744-1059 or e-mail me at igrev@1989.usna.com. During game day, it can be difficult for me to hear / feel the phone ringing, but keep trying! Texting is definitely most effective on game day.
WANT TO VOLUNTEER? Let me know at igrev@1989.usna.com!
Go Navy! Beat Cincinnati!
Ingar
– Beat Tulane Tailgater!
Posted: 9/4/2017
Join the Class of ’89 and 25th Company as Navy takes on the Tulane Green Wave in our first home game and our first step towards winning the American Athletic Conference West Division!
Kickoff is at 1530 on Saturday, September 9, so start coming by around 1230 or so to enjoy the day! We’ll be there an hour or so after the game as well!
Minor Format Change (doesn’t apply to Army)
For the last 12 years or so – ever since the parking situation changed at Navy Football games (only season parking passes are sold, no more drive-ups for individual games), we have delivered both food and drink to make things easier for everyone to join us (just bring yourself!). To help us plan, we asked folks to register so that we could buy enough food, and we proactively asked for donations to pay for food, drink, propane, gas, upkeep, registration, insurance, etc
This season we are going to go back to the traditional “potluck” approach to tailgating, but we will still bring kegs, wine, water, soft drinks, and all the equipment. We will also be bringing along burgers and dogs just in case. The big differences will be:
- We will not be asking you to register since we no longer need to plan for food (we’ll always have plenty of drinks)
- We will not be proactively asking for donations, but since the class fund never buys consumables (beer, napkins, gas, etc.) or equipment (apart from the tent and part of the trailer), nor does it pay for repairs/maintenance, we appreciate you offering a few bucks when you come to help us keep doing this.
- Our big grill, chafing trays, and 7000W of power are at your disposal! Crock pots, microwave, blender, hot plates, grilling a bunch of sausages, steaks – whatever! Just let us know in advance if you have some special preparation needs (we don’t bring crock pots, blenders, hot plates) so we can plan accordingly.
- If you have a bunch of food to drop off, but no parking pass, you can pull over behind our tailgater (most folks do it on Linden Ave.) and just drop things off – we’ll send people over to grab your stuff!
- BRINGING FOOD OR MONEY IS NOT REQUIRED FOR ATTENDANCE!!!!. Just come – YOU being there is way more important than anything else. I can’t stress this strongly enough – please do not say. “We can’t go to the 89 tailgater because we didn’t bring anything and we don’t have any cash to help pay for the beer.” It’s not a party without you.
Like throwing a party? Our tailgater menu has always been coordinated by someone other than me (spouses, classmates, CAPT Kevin Brown and Andy Caufield last season), so if throwing a big party is your passion and you’d like to coordinate our tailgaters, please just let me know! If you want to do the whole thing yourself, we can do a registration. If you want to coordinate what everyone brings, we’ll help you out!
DETAILS FOR TULANE:
WHO CAN COME: Everyone and anyone! The more the merrier! Invite co-workers, neighbors, clients, grads from other classes, even whoops! it doesn’t matter!
HOW IT WORKS: We’ll bring adult beverages, softdrinks, tents, tables, chairs, music – everything. Please bring some food to share, or just bring yourself!!!
LOCATION: This map shows where we are (Spot 31) and gives you the location of all the other tailgates! Use it to find friends from other classes!
PARKING: Click here to get to the fan / parking guide. If you have a parking pass, you’ll need to come in Gate 3A if you want to park close to us. This guidance is not applicable for Admiral’s Row parking.
OTHER QUESTIONS: Call me/Text me at 443-744-1059 or e-mail me at igrev@1989.usna.com. During game day, it can be difficult for me to hear / feel the phone ringing, but keep trying! Texting is definitely most effective on game day.
WANT TO VOLUNTEER? Let me know at igrev@1989.usna.com!
Go Navy! Beat the Green Wave!
Ingar
– Summer ’17 Update
Posted: 8/27/2017
Stay informed – Keep in Touch!
Keep in Touch!
Make sure your information is up-to-date with the Alumni Association! Click here, login, and click on “MY ACCOUNT.” Then, scroll down to “Update Your Profile” and make sure everything is correct! The easiest way for us to keep in touch with you is through e-mail, and please make sure that “Do not e-mail” is set at “No.” For career / business networking, consider checking your iSABRD (Service Academy Business Resource Directory) account while you’re at it. If you don’t have an iSABRD account, consider setting one up for a small fee ($40/year at last check); it’s a great way to network with grads from all the other federal service academies, including the Royal Military College of Canada.
RADM Tim Gallaudet ’89 Nominated to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere
From Science News, dated September 1, 2017 (click to read the original article)
Gallaudet, a 32-year Navy veteran, has also served as commander of the Navy’s Meteorology and Oceanography Command. According to his White House biography:
Gallaudet has had experience in weather and ocean forecasting, hydrographic surveying, developing policy and plans to counter illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, and assessing the national security impacts of climate change. Dr. Gallaudet has led teams of Navy Sailors and civilians performing such diverse functions as overseeing aircraft carrier combat operations, planning and conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts, assisting Navy SEAL Teams during high visibility counter-terrorism operations, and developing the Navy’s annual $52 billion information technology, cyber security, and intelligence budget. Dr. Gallaudet holds a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and masters and doctoral degrees from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, all in oceanography.
Class Gift:
Thank you to all of who have participated in our 30-year class gift so far. We are doing very well in the categories of Athletics and the Annual Fund, but could use more support in our primary objective of supporting the Cyber Center. 19% of our classmates have contributed so far, and It would be great to achieve 89% participation. Please consider a gift of $89.00, either per quarter, per year, or even just a one time gift. Click here for a recent update and to get information on how to donate!
30th Reunion (October 24-27, 2019):
Remember to save the date! The reunion committee has been formed and we have locked in Homecoming for our reunion. More information about the schedule of events will be published soon!
Tailgaters:
One of the best ways to see classmates is at our class tailgater! If you are in/near USNA for any home football games, please stop in and visit! Many classmates who come to our tailgaters don’t even go to the game! Just come hang out! Volunteers and ideas are always appreciated and needed! Keep up to date with tailgater gouge by signing up for our listserver, by joining our Facebook or Linkedin group, or following us on Twitter!
By-Laws Update:
Late last year, we asked for volunteers to help us update our by-laws in an effort to check how our bylaws stack up against best practices and suggest appropriate changes. Jay Bitting and Cathy Masar took the bull by the horns and devoted a great deal of time reviewing multiple classes’ by-laws, interviewing many grads (including current and former class officers from different classes), and consulting with the Alumni Association to assemble an outstanding draft. While the process is still ongoing, the following is a rough summary of the next steps;
- Class Officers will complete their review of the draft by-laws,
- A “Final” version will be presented to the class for discussion, corrections, proposed changes,
- The class will vote on approving the new by-laws.
One big change (if approved by the class) is a change in the terms and make-up of the Class Officers. The changes would require an election soon after approval, so please start thinking of serving your class as an officer. Our class organization benefits from having new and diverse volunteers: different services, communities, geographical locations, backgrounds, gender, industries, service lengths, etc.
Class Representation at Funerals/Memorial Services:
After the recent death of our classmate John McGrew, John’s family was very grateful for the ’89 attendance at his memorial service. We determined that it would be a great idea if we can coordinate class representation (anyone from our class) at every classmate’s funeral or memorial service – for as long as it is practical.
Last Person Serving:
We have initiated a program to honor those still serving. At each reunion, the class will recognize our classmates that continue to serve in our military. When the time comes, the last remaining serving classmate (continuous active duty service) will be honored with the “Last Person Serving” designation.
NAPS Reunion:
While several NAPSTERS were in Newport to attend Captain Derric Turner’s Change of Command, we discussed a NAPS85 reunion. If you have any thoughts about this, please let us know! Whatever we do, we will ensure that it does not interfere or compete with our 5 year reunion. We’re currently thinking of two different approaches:
- Hold the NAPS reunion in Newport of a non-5 year reunion year, or
- Have the NAPS reunion on the Thursday night prior to our 5 year reunion.
The most valuable input is knowing which you prefer and the likelihood of you attending. Monica (Holland) Ropiak and Brian Caldwell will receive your comments at NAPSreunion@USNA89.com.
Captain Derric Turner’s Change of Command:
On 23Jun2017, 6 teammates from the greatest NAPS basketball team ever, Derric’s parents, Stephanie’s parents, several other classmates, and many friends attended Derric’s CoC ceremony in Newport, RI. Derric completed his CO tour at the Center for Service and Support. Derric’s speech was insightful, meaningful, touching, and had all of the attendees rolling in laughter. We think Derric may someday have a second career as a stand-up comic. Stephanie and Derric are stationed in San Diego and are expecting their first child in early fall. Congratulations Derric –We love you!!!
Derric Turner’s Change of Command
Captain Derric Turner’s CoC
(Left to Right): Mike Ropiak (89-2),Brian Caldwell ’89, Captain Doug Noble ’89, Monica (Holland) Ropiak ’89, Jim Maxfield ’89, Chuck Bailey ’89, Stephanie Turner, Captain Derric Turner ’89, Lou Major NAPS ’85 and USMMA ’89, Dan Smalley ’89, Rich Brennan ’89, and Marie Bailey
Greatest NAPS basketball team ever
NAPS 85 Basketball Team
(Left to Right): Brian Caldwell ’89, Monica (Holland) Ropiak ’89, Captain Derric Turner ’89, Lou Major NAPS ’85 and USMMA ’89, Dan Smalley ’89, and Rich Brennan ’89
3rd Photo: Derric and Stephanie Turner relaxing after the CoC
