Congressman Nick Begich Announces 2026 Service Academy Nominations

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Feb. 12, 2026 - Congressman Begich (R-AK) announced the candidates nominated to four U.S. service academies: the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), the U.S. Military Academy (USMA), and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA).

"It is an honor to nominate these exceptional young Alaskans to our nation's service academies," said Congressman Begich. "These students exemplify Alaska's strong values of leadership and perseverance. As they pursue this prestigious opportunity, they carry with them the hopes of their communities and the proud legacy of Alaska. I commend each of them for their dedication and commitment to our country."

U.S. Naval Academy - Annapolis, MD

Reese Mills Woodward - Eagle River, AK
Sarah Jane Baisden - Anchorage, AK
Joseph B. Dallaire Jr. - Fairbanks, AK
Mary Faulker Burke - Honolulu, HI
Joshua L. Nelson - Anchorage, AK
Henry D. Simoneau - Newport, RI
Braidin Maddox-Justin Martin - North Pole, AK
Aodhan Nakada - Anchorage, AK
Isabelle Skye Limauro - Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK
Michael Joseph Porter - Eagle River, AK
Nina Ani Rose Carstens - Military Dependent
Rick R. Benedict III - Wasilla, AK
Keena Liberty Bennett - Anchorage, AK
Macey M. Harper - Anchorage, AK

U.S. Air Force Academy - Colorado Springs, CO

Knud Larsen - Chugiak, AK
Bryant K. Marquez - Ketchikan, AK
Luke Hillyer - Soldotna, AK
Lane Hillyer - Soldotna, AK
Morgan C. Ainsworth - Palmer, AK
Austin R. Johnson - Eielson Air Force Base, AK
Andrew Whaley III - Eielson Air Force Base, AK
Isabelle Skye Limauro - Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK
Michael Joseph Porter - Eagle River, AK
John Patrick McGaughan - Crofton, MD
Aiden Anthony Smith - North Pole, AK
Alexis Sachie Naka Morgan - Gig Harbor, WA
Andrew Maziashvili - Military Dependent
Rick R. Benedict III - Wasilla, AK
Keena Liberty Bennett - Anchorage, AK
Macey M. Harper - Anchorage, AK

U.S. Military Academy - West Point, NY

Mary Faulker Burke - Honolulu, HI
Joshua L. Nelson - Anchorage, AK
Aodhan Nakada - Anchorage, AK
Isabelle Skye Limauro - Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK
Michael Joseph Porter - Eagle River, AK
Nina Ani Rose Carstens - Military Dependent
Rick R. Benedict III - Wasilla, AK
Keena Liberty Bennett - Anchorage, AK
Macey M. Harper - Anchorage, AK
Elayna Grace Tunney - Anchorage, AK
Aspen Isis Kwan - Hong Kong
Alyssa Chase Hansen - Fort Wainwright, AK
Elodie A. Bennett - Anchorage, AK
Aidan Seth Koontz - Eagle River, AK

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy - Kings Point, NY

Joshua L. Nelson - Anchorage, AK
Aodhan Nakada - Anchorage, AK
Isabelle Skye Limauro - Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK
Michael Joseph Porter - Eagle River, AK
Scott Levi Johnson - Ketchikan, AK
Evan J. Dash - Ketchikan, AK
Rick R. Benedict III - Wasilla, AK
Keena Liberty Bennett - Anchorage, AK

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