Hawaii Chapter News

After a period of relative quiet, the NIP Hawaii Chapter is entering a season of renewal. Since CDR Grant Cassingham assumed leadership in summer 2025, the chapter has focused on re-establishing its core digital architecture, membership growth, and operational processes to support a full relaunch in 2026.

On 13 May 2025, the Naval Intelligence Professionals Hawaii Chapter hosted a memorable pau hana (“done with work”) gathering at The Lanai restaurant on Mamala Bay, Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam. The evening featured special guests NIP Chair VADM (Ret) Bob Sharp and NIP Secretary CAPT (Ret) Stephanie Leung, both visiting the island.

NIP’s Hawaii Chapter volunteered at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific on the early morning of 14 December.

NIP’s Hawaii chapter welcomed Captain Jamie Fraser-Loria to Oahu with a social event at Captain Jeff Buschmann’s home on 11 August. Captain Fraser-Loria joined the Hawaii team as the commanding officer of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Joint Intelligence Operations Command (JIOC) on 22 August.

The Hawaii chapter celebrated St. Patrick’s Day together at the home of CAPT Jeff Buschmann on 17 March 2023. Around 50 people attended, to include RDML Tom Henderschedt and RADM Mike Vernazza. All appreciated the lovely hospitality from Nicole Buschmann. It was a great opportunity to bring everyone together and generate interest for increased participation in NIP.

Operating Procedures have been drafted and are being reviewed by the Executive Board at this time, and are working to establish a 501(c)(3). LT Bridges is building an active and engaging social calendar to make the Aloha chapter the exciting place to be in Honolulu! Join today! Mahalo!

Chapter commemorates 74th Anniversary of Battle of Midway at Hickam Officer’s Club at Pearl Harbor