On a toasty May day in Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, 1,006 midshipmen (about 80 percent of their original plebe class) became Ensigns and Second Lieutenants in the presence of thousands of well wishers. Watch the video of then-MIDN Michael E. Orzetti ’11, USN, and RADM Jerry F. Smith ’61, USN (Ret.), both class presidents, discuss their hopes and their classes’ relationship.

If you didn’t get a ticket to graduation this year, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates’s address can be seen right here.

USS WILLIAM P. LAWRENCE (DDG 110), the 60th Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, was recently commissioned in Alabama. Diane R. Lawrence, widow of the ship’s Class of 1951 namesake, attended with their daughters, Dr. Laurie M. Lawrence and CAPT Wendy B. Lawrence ’81, USN (Ret.).

During the Vietnam War, many wore prisoner of war bracelets to remember and honor those missing in action. Lisa Hamblen’s was for William Lawrence. She wore it until 1973. Although she never heard of the fate of her pilot, she kept the bracelet and has since connected with his family.

The Class of 2014 may have taken their own sweet time to get to the top of the obelisque (two hours, 41 minutes), but the videographer here decided we didn’t have that kind of time. Watch the whole event reduced to about a minute, then watch our video with the Another Link in the Chain class rep CAPT Jay Green ’64, CEC, USN (Ret.)

On 30 May, Memorial Day, at Arlington National Cemetery, two Class of 2004 Academy graduates were included in President Obama’s speech: 1stLt Travis J.L. Manion ’04, USMC, and his former roommate, LT J. Brendan A. Looney ’04, USN.

For the first time in its 96-year history, a female general is taking charge at Parris Island. BGen Loretta Reynolds ’86, USMC, also known as the first female Marine to hold a command position in a battle zone, took charge 24 June south of Beaufort, SC.

Three-time All-American Jake J. Lawlor ’75 has been selected for induction into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame on 29 October 2011 in a ceremony to be held in Hunt Valley, MD.

The Class of 2011 has graduated and moved on from the Yard. Now the Yard turns to its next mission: summer training and development of rising high school and middle school students from … (read more)

On 7-8 July 2011 at NAS North Island, the famous Screamin’ Indians of HS-6 will be re-commissioned as Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6. All former Indians are invited to attend this historic day in San Diego to see the new squadron, meet old friends and celebrate. Email LTJG Alexander J. Campbell ’08, USN, HS-6 Public Affairs Officer, for more info.

Spots are filling up quickly! Sign up today to help support the USNA Golf Team. Thursday’s Scramble is already over half sold. To register, visit our web page. See you out on the green!

The guided missile cruiser is currently in the Black Sea, a violation of all Russian-American agreements according to Russia. The U.S. plan is to erect a missile shield in and around Europe, which may lead to “action” from Russian leaders. The C/O is CAPT James W. Kilby ’86, USN.

The new Anchors Away travel catalog for next year is in your May-June Shipmate. See our great variety of programs throughout the world, from amazing Oceania itineraries and land programs in Europe to the Navy vs. Notre Dame football game in Dublin. The catalog is also online. Bon Voyage!

USNA is conducting an online survey of graduates of the CS and IT majors from 2004-2006 to support the 2012 ABET accreditation. All USNA graduates of the CS and IT majors in these years are encouraged to participate in the survey here.