NStar Articles

Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III, USN (Ret.), a member of the United States Naval Academy’s Class of 1977, well personifies the qualities of leadership, dedication, and service that define a USNA Distinguished Graduate.

The U.S. Naval Academy reaches another milestone this October 10th when it celebrates 179 years of excellence, which all started on a small plot of land right here in 1845. We salute the Academy that started then and the world-renowned educational institution it is today.

It rises up out of the Santee Basin, more than just a building. The USNA Robert Crown Sailing Center is a tribute to modern architecture, having been praised for its structural and symbolic beauty, as well as the successful Navy sailing programs it fosters. Yet looking at it now, it’s hard to imagine just how far it's come since its humble beginnings.

The smell of fall is in the air and the Naval Academy campus is ready to play. Time to brush off your USNA sportswear and take it to the game! We have loads of new spiritwear to show your Annapolis pride. Take a look at Navyonline.com for everything from sweatshirts, to seats, to tailgating treats.

If you’re on the Yard just before noon, drop whatever you’re doing and get to T-Court, right outside of Bancroft Hall. Join the crowd to view the impressive noon meal formation. Against the stunning backdrop of Bancroft Hall, you’ll see thousands of midshipmen enter T-Court and then stand at perfect attention.

Commander Janie Mines made history as the first Black woman to graduate from the United States Naval Academy (USNA). Her journey is a story of resilience, determination, and groundbreaking achievements. Let’s delve into her remarkable accomplishments, both during and after her time at the Academy.

On October 13, 1775, the United States formally established its Navy, a formidable fighting force that would go on to dominate the world arena, providing strength and protection for our country and countless others. We are thrilled to celebrate that momentous milestone, and we’ve assembled some great Navy gear and Navy apparel to help make the moment even more meaningful.

When it comes to science fiction, few names shine as brightly as Robert Heinlein’s. Known as the "Dean of Science Fiction Writers," Heinlein was a pioneering and prolific author whose emphasis on scientific accuracy transformed the genre and catapulted him to the head of the subgenre of “hard science fiction.” But before he became a literary legend, Heinlein was a proud graduate of the United States Naval Academy (USNA), where he developed the discipline and intellectual rigor that would later define his writing career. Here, we’ll delve into his fascinating story.

We know you love to love the U.S. Naval Academy campus (the Yard). From its majestic Beaux-Arts architecture to its precision parades, to the ever-prevalent feelings of duty and honor, the USNA is revered by so many. Its 179-year history is just a short preamble to the amazing things the midshipmen that walk its halls and hallowed walkways will accomplish over their lifetimes. We are honored and proud to be a part of Navy’s long and impressive story, and in this blog we celebrate all the ways you can show your admiration for Navy too.

Every year, students with a passion for STEM descend upon the Yard and have a chance to partake in a summer camp unlike any other. We are thrilled to share a recap of the highly successful 2024 Summer STEM Camp, which features the incredible experiences and learning opportunities provided to rising ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade high school students.

It’s time to prep for fall games at Navy! Whether you follow Navy football, soccer, rugby, cross country, field hockey, ultimate frisbee, golf, or other sports, the fall teams are gearing up for a great season, so it’s the perfect time for you to gear up too. We’ve just dropped new swag, as well as some old classics, which will see you through the season. From tees to shorts, to REAL Navy gear you love to wear, these items will inspire you and the players to Go Navy Beat Army every time!

It can feel premature to think about the school year in July. We’re all still sticking our toes in the sand, enjoying picnics in the park, and firing up the grill. School seems like a faraway idea. And it is! Enjoy this time when the clock seems to slow down a bit and the lazy, hazy days of summer give us all more daylight. While you’re soaking it all up, you can browse our selection for back to school at your leisure. Now’s a great time to get ready without worrying about the rush. Happy shopping!

Montel Williams is a name many recognize from his successful career as a television host and media personality on The Montel Williams Show from 1991-2008. However, his journey to fame began long before the bright lights of the studio. One of the most formative periods of his life was his time at the U.S. Naval Academy, where he developed the discipline, leadership, and resilience that would propel him to future success. In this blog, we’ll explore his story.

It’s the sweet season of summer. Time for slower days and warmer nights. It’s also time to refresh your wardrobe with the newest Navy gear and Navy apparel.

Summer is here and it’s time to soak it all up! We’ve recently restocked the REAL Navy gear and apparel at Navyonline.com with some maritime-inspired goods. Like all purchases on the site, these goods do good! Their proceeds are used to fund extracurricular activities for the Brigade, like cultural arts, music, theater, club sports, and more. When you’re shopping here and at the Midshipman Store and USNA Gift Shop, you’re giving 100% to the midshipmen that give 100% for our freedom. Support the mids!

The U.S. Naval Academy is a special place - and a bit of a hybrid. It’s certainly not your typical college, though it has a vibrant academic curriculum, bustling dining hall, busy quadrangle, and cadre of devoted faculty and students. It’s also not quite the U.S Naval Fleet or the U.S. Marine Corps, but it does require rigorous military training and exercises, uniforms, and an oath of office. So it’s an amalgamation of both, with a unique and proud culture and a passionate group of people who make it both demanding and welcoming at the same time.

The Fourth of July is fantastic! Shiny firetrucks roll down Main Streets, children wave American flags, and the night sky lights up with colorful fireworks celebrating the birthday of our great nation. And on this, our 248th celebration, it’s more exciting than ever to be a part of it.

The Fourth of July in Annapolis is a festivity to remember. With a colorful parade through the bricked streets, a sea of boats bobbing in the harbor awaiting the fireworks, and everyone celebrating our nation’s 248th birthday with ice-cream, cupcakes, BBQ and other treats, it’s a not-to-be-missed summer event.

Throughout their time at the Academy, midshipmen must regularly prove their strength. It starts as soon as they arrive; Plebe Summer is the first test of physical, mental, and emotional endurance, lasting approximately seven weeks. At the end of their Plebe Year, midshipmen must also conquer a “capstone event,” the extremely difficult Navy Sea Trials, which take place in May and are not open to the public. Sea Trials represent the culmination of an incredibly challenging and fulfilling year.

Wow what a week! Commissioning Week is the culmination of four years of hard work, determination, team-building, leadership lessons, and the amazing transformation from a civilian to a naval officer. But it is even more than that. The emotional ties midshipmen have made here during their four years will live on and only strengthen with time, as they go on to serve our country alongside many of their classmates and mentors. We applaud their tremendous accomplishments and congratulate them on the beginning of an exciting career!

The Navy Co-Ed Gymnastics team truly embodies the spirit of the sport, with as many pivots throughout their USNA history as you might see on a floor routine. What started as a group of midshipmen who were passionate about the sport has evolved into a premier ECA program featuring remarkable talent and drive. The tight-knit group has gone through a variety of iterations across the years, and are currently looking to expand once again and become sanctioned as a USNA club or varsity team.

As we rapidly approach the end of the academic year, congratulations are in order! The midshipmen have once again shown excellence in their moral, mental, and physical pursuits. They’re now preparing for summer training or (in the case of the Firsties) their commissioning into the naval service. We are excited to bid them fair winds and following seas. But before they go, here are some great Real Navy gifts you can send them off with—gifts they will be excited to receive and proud to wear or display.

Commissioning Week is coming! After four long years of proving themselves again and again, the midshipmen of the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2024 are ready to take the Oath of Office and start their journeys in the U.S. Navy Fleet and U.S. Marine Corps. While we’re busy preparing for the week-long celebration, it’s a good time to look ahead for commissioning gifts. Just make sure to order soon so they get here in time for your favorite midshipmen. We have the Navy gear and Navy apparel they want—items that commemorate their time here and serve as important reminders in the future, as their stories continue.

The Naval Academy is fortunate to have a devoted group of faculty and staff members who enrich its work every day, and many of them have been here for decades. In this article, we’ll explore the inspiring career path of Monte Maxwell, USNA orchestra director, director of chapel music, and chapel organist at the Naval Academy, who is well known and beloved for his mastery of the organ and has been at USNA for almost 30 years. We recently sat down with Maxwell to hear his fascinating story.

It’s almost here: Commissioning Week 2024. This week of highlights culminates with the long-awaited day when the Class of 2024 caps off four incredibly hard and rewarding years at the U.S. Naval Academy with their graduation. They will be commissioned into their first roles as an officer—either as an ensign in the U.S. Navy or as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. We are swelling with pride just thinking about their achievements.

You may be familiar with famous bandmaster Charles A. Zimmerman, who composed and performed the U.S. Naval Academy anthem “Anchors Aweigh”—and you probably know one of USNA’s most famous graduates is Jimmy Carter. Still, the Yard is full of history, and these facts just scratch the surface.

There’s nothing that brings people together like breaking bread and sharing a meal. When you’re bringing more than 4,400 midshipmen together, that’s a lot of bread and a lot of meals. In the Naval Academy dining hall, King Hall, this feat is performed three times a day. It’s run like a ship because they’re preparing the future Navy for the rhythm of mealtimes aboard a ship. Also, how else can you feed that volume of people so efficiently?

Welcome to spring, the long-awaited season of new beginnings. As the crocuses make their way out and the days get longer, we all look for ways to stay outside more. At Navyonline, we’ve been stocking up on all of those shoulder season necessities—ballcaps, tee shirts and other spring accessories.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! The luck of the Irish abounds as we get ready to welcome spring and the sprightly new green world it brings. Are you feeling lucky? We’ve just reloaded our inventory with some new Navy gear and Navy apparel that is fresh and ready to kick off the season. So take a look and try your luck. You might discover your own rainbow with a pot of Navy gold at the end.

In December 2006, then-Captain Margaret “Peg” Klein became the first female commandant of the United States Naval Academy, overseeing the 4,400 young men and women preparing to be the nation’s next Navy and Marine Corps leaders. She was surprised by the appointment herself - as she told Inside Annapolis in 2007, “I never dreamed I’d be in this position. Just to be interviewed was an honor in itself, so to be selected was amazing.”

Happy Leap Year! It’s always fun to celebrate a day that appears only once every four years. Fun Fact: It’s called “Leap Year” since we’ll skip a day on the calendar after the 29th. So St. Patrick’s Day was on a Friday last year and it will be on a Sunday this year. On February 29th, we’re grateful for an extra day to enjoy, and we’ve rounded up some new Navy gear and Navy apparel to help you leap into the year.

Do you have a teen who is hoping to go to the Naval Academy? Whether they’re honoring a history of military service in your family, always wanted to be a part of the Navy, or are just now realizing they’re being called to serve, we applaud and welcome them. Since 1845, we’ve had the privilege of training the U.S. Navy’s future leaders, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. 

It’s never too early to start thinking about the U.S. Naval Academy—or preparing to apply. Even if you don’t want to ultimately attend this school, there are a number of valuable USNA summer training programs to set you up for future success. And if your interest in USNA happens to spark along the way, you’re set up for the next step. Right now, we’re opening the USNA Summer Seminar and USNA Summer STEM Applications.

February 14th may be the day to give Valentine’s Day gifts, but we celebrate our love for Navy all month and all year. Take this opportunity, while Cupid is on the wing, to show your love for Navy, too! When you purchase Navy gear and apparel at Navyonline.com, we give 100% to the Brigade of Midshipmen. So not only are you showing your love, but you’re showing them love too! We’ve pulled together some of our favorite ways to say “Go Navy!”

Let me count the ways we love Navy: the roar of the crowd at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, the impressive drill work at the parades on Worden Field, the Saturday afternoons when midshipmen make Annapolis look like a sea of white uniforms. The pride in tradition, toughness, and leadership is palpable. This place is special, and those who love the U.S. Naval Academy love to show it. Do you have a sweetheart or any special people in your life that would swoon over a Navy sweatshirt, fall for a Navy blanket, or delight in some Navy jewelry? Here is a guide to get your Navy Valentine’s Day started!

The U.S. Naval Academy enjoys a large number of long-tenured faculty and staff. It’s a unique working environment, and the shared mission to help the midshipmen generates a special pride and camaraderie that is hard to match. The Academy considers itself very fortunate to have retained such excellent talent over the years, and it’s helped them become the world-class institution they are today.

The Naval Academy Business Services Division (NABSD) is proud to support the USNA Midshipmen by helping to fund a variety of extracurricular activities, including cultural arts, music, theater, club sports, and more. One of the largest musical groups is the Instrumental Ensemble, a midshipmen organization which encompasses several musical groups playing a wide variety of music. Our blog today focuses on the USNA Orchestra and its associated musical groups. The orchestra is headed by Director of Chapel Music, Chapel Organist and Orchestra Conductor, Monte Maxwell. 

Every year, right as the ball drops, there’s an unbridled optimism that fills the air. You can feel the excitement as we welcome a new year, a year fresh with possibilities and opportunity. Do you have a resolution you’re looking to crush? Or a wardrobe you want to refresh? Navyonline is the place for the Navy gear that will help you get it done! We have loads of workout apparel and accessories, and all the latest Navy apparel to restock your closet for a new look. Ready to welcome 2024 Navy with style? New year, new you, new Navy wardrobe. Let’s do it!

UPDATED FOR 2023

The U.S. Naval Academy offers its midshipmen many life changing experiences, from the rigors of Plebe Summer, to the USNA Sea Trials at the end of that year, to the Summer Training opportunities after each academic year. These milestones are important steps along the way to becoming an effective and skilled naval officer.

The Navy Midshipmen faced off against the Army Black Knights right outside of Boston, Massachusetts, on December 9, 2023, in front of a crowd of 65,878 roaring fans and far more watching on televised broadcasts. It was “America’s Game,” aptly played just one week before the 250th celebration of the Boston Tea Party. It was the first time in their history the two teams met at the Patriots’ Gillette Stadium, and it was a game that lived up to the anticipation. 

The holidays are in full swing. Whether you have your list almost finished or you just started thinking about it, Navyonline has the REAL Navy gear for which your favorite Navy fans are wishing. Check out these top USNA merch items. There’s one for every age and every passion, from Navy midshipmen apparel, to home decor, to treats for their pets. Don’t forget to pick up a little something for yourself to celebrate the season too! All purchases help fund extracurricular activities for the midshipmen, like cultural arts, music, theater and club sports. Your gifts are a gift to the Brigade. When you shop here, you’re supporting the midshipmen 100%. No other stores outside the Yard do this. Let’s get the holidays started!

In the course of many USNA Notable Graduates’ careers, many have accomplished great things because they have been faced with insurmountable odds, adversity that could topple the hardiest of souls, and choices that have no upside, no matter how they’re considered. For USNA Notable Graduate Captain Thomas Jerome Hudner, Jr., his career was defined by making an impossible choice.

[UPDATED FOR 2023]

Temperatures are dropping, the leaves have fallen and the sun keeps setting earlier and earlier. Wintry weather is coming, and we’ve got you covered, from head to toe. When you support your favorite Navy team or activity, hit the slopes, or enjoy a brisk walk around town, you and your favorite Navy fans are going to need some fresh Navy gear to keep you warm and Navy proud. Here’s a selection of some of our favorite cold-weather gear so you stay cozy and comfortable and enjoy the best of what winter has to offer.

[Updated for 2023]

It’s an uncommon word, and many wonder about its origins. “What is a midshipman?” We’re here to provide some context. The title of midshipman has its roots in the Royal Navy. Dating back to the 1600s, this category of rank was filled with experienced deckhands promoted to work a specific location amidships, usually between the main and mizzen masts, hence the “mid” term. Over the next two centuries, the position of midshipman eventually evolved to become the rank given to officer candidates.

The countdown has begun. With just over a month until the December 9th Army-Navy Football Game 2023, it’s time to get ready to rival. America’s Game is entering historic territory, since it will be the first game played in New England, as Boston’s Gillette Stadium fills up with passionate fans. Navyonline.com has everything you need to gear up for the ultimate match-up. This comprehensive guide features a curated selection of spirited merchandise, from jerseys and caps to unique memorabilia, to one-of-a-kind Go Navy! Beat Army goods. You’ll find everything you need to show your Navy spirit and make this iconic game one to remember.

Each year, the U.S. Naval Academy graduates about 1,000 midshipmen. After four years of tireless dedication to the mental, physical and moral missions of the Academy, these intrepid young women and men are ready to take on the next level of responsibility and further their military careers with USNA service assignments in the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marine Corps. This blog series explores the various career paths they can pursue in the U.S. Naval Fleet, including as surface warfare officers (SWOs), nuclear power—surface, naval aviation, submarine warfare, naval special warfare and with the U.S. Marine Corps, among others. Here, we’ll dive into the world of Navy submarines.

After his death, William C. McCool was awarded the third highest honor bestowed on an astronaut—the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. He also received the NASA Space Flight Medal, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and the Defense Distinguished Service Medal. On October 7, 2023, Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro posthumously promoted Cmdr. William “Willie” C. McCool to the rank of Captain. Captain William C. McCool made tremendous contributions to the U.S. Navy, NASA and the world throughout his extraordinary life. Although it was cut short tragically when the vessel he was commanding, the space shuttle Columbia, was lost, his achievements will never be forgotten.

What do you buy for the institution that’s turning 178 years old this month? More importantly, what do you buy for the USNA alumni, midshipmen, and family that celebrate this invaluable institution? October 10th marks the U.S. Naval Academy’s official birthday, as it was founded in Annapolis on October 10, 1845. For almost two centuries, the Academy has educated some of the best and brightest our nation’s military has had the privilege of training. Here, we honor that tradition of excellence with some well-curated birthday gifts to celebrate its storied history and unwavering dedication to our nation.

UPDATED FOR 2023

November 12, 2022 had already been a long and exciting day for the USNA club karate team, Navy Karate, at the American Kyokushin International Tournament in Holley, New York. Then-President, Midshipman LTJG Larah Alberto, stepped onto the mat for her last fight of the night. She faced an exceedingly tough opponent, a woman who had just prevailed over Alberto’s fellow teammate, and now the fight was intense, rising to a crescendo of heavy body blows on both sides. As current Navy Karate Vice President Dylan Steidley tells it, “Then out of the corner of the room, someone from the audience yelled "Go Navy!" Larah kicked it (literally) into high gear, throwing a flurry of solid strikes and kicks in quick succession with considerable power, pushing her opponent out of the ring, and winning the fight.”

Formal USNA parades have been an exciting tradition at the U.S. Naval Academy since it was founded in 1845. Not only do these parades inspire pride and patriotism in all involved, but they also bring USNA midshipmen together as one unified Brigade, teach them the crucial drilling skills important to military precision and engage important dignitaries and the public in a meaningful way. On the Yard, USNA parades are an exciting show of strength, highlighting USNA midshipmen’s unceasing dedication to professionalism, military discipline and teamwork—all tenets they build at the Academy and then rely on extensively in their careers as naval officers. 

You might be a Navy football fan if you know the moment the Navy football schedule is dropped pre-season, you jump on every chance to root for the midshipmen and you wear your Navy pride wherever you go. If you are just coming aboard as a Navy football fan, Navyonline.com has some excellent apparel and gear to help you cheer the midshipmen on to victory this fall. Consider this your Navy Football Fan Shopping Guide.

Over the years,Navy Football has been called 'home' by many extremely talented players, some of whom went on to achieve greatness in even larger arenas. Phil McConkey, once called “the skinny kid from Buffalo,” was one such graduate—a player who continued to shine as one of the few Navy football players who went on to play in the NFL. 

Like many naval officers, the Honorable Kenneth J. Braithwaite has built a career with many twists and turns through the years. Not only has he served as a career U.S. naval officer, but he has worked as a diplomat and businessman as well. Perhaps most notably, former Secretary Braithwaite has distinguished himself as the first U.S. Navy flag officer to serve as Secretary of the Navy. His path also led him to becoming the 31st U.S. ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway, as well as an integral part of shaping several major healthcare and petroleum companies.

If you’ve ever been away at summer camp or college — or even just away from home for a while, you know the feeling — the one you get when you receive a surprise package in the mail and rip it open to find great gifts tucked inside by your loved ones. Whether it’s food, trinkets from home or comfort items, it’s enough to make your day, if not your entire week. You might also find  someone took the time to write a note, which means even more.

The start of the school year is fast approaching (or has already begun in some places). It’s a great time to grab some U.S. Naval Academy gear for the midshipmen returning to the Yard or for all the Navy fans showing their spirit across the nation and around the world. Navyonline.com is ready to supply you with the Go Navy! gear you need to start the semester right. From U.S. Naval Academy t-shirts and notebooks, to posters and  naval gifts, you can find something sure to get Navy nation excited for back-to-school. Get geared up!

They met when he was a sophomore and she was a freshman at Ayala High School in Chino Hills, California. She jumped into his lane at a varsity swim practice and “immediately started cooking everyone in every swim set,” he says. “So she stood out to me. We’ve been best friends since then but we began dating in the summer after my youngster, or 2nd year, at USNA.” That’s when Justin Chu (Class of 2023) knew Anna Cohee was special. 

If you have a plebe starting at the U.S. Naval Academy this summer, then you know that Plebe Summer can be a real test of their mental, physical and moral strength.  It’s a time of total transformation, and plebes need every bit of encouragement they can get as they embark on a life completely different from the one they’ve always known. 

Right now, the plebes are running, sweating and saluting their way through Naval Academy Plebe Summer, their introduction to the U.S. Naval Academy. Inducted on I-Day in late June, these incoming midshipmen are learning the ropes at the Academy, getting acquainted with the unique customs and terminology as well as adhering to the rigorous requirements of being a midshipman. Despite the punishing Annapolis heat, they perform hours of physical training (PT) as well as start their military leadership education. By the end of the summer, they will be transformed from civilian high school graduates to midshipmen, a change their parents and loved ones will get to witness when they visit for Plebe Parents’ Weekend. 

You might be a U.S. Naval Academy midshipman  sponsor if…you live in the Annapolis area, would like to host one more midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy and are interested in learning more about life at the Academy and becoming part of the USNA family. The Academy greatly values its USNA Sponsor Program and is grateful to all of the sponsors who spend their time, resources and energy providing a wonderful “home away from home” experience for our midshipmen. 

Would you like to paint the town red (and white and blue) this Independence Day? Would you enjoy watching a parade marching proudly down Main Street and seeing stunning fireworks light the Fourth of July sky? If your answer is yes, then Annapolis is the perfect place to visit for the holiday. This historic spot is a beautiful example of our prized American hometowns, with Fourth festivities lined up throughout the weekend from the Annapolis Harbor to the outskirts of town. We welcome you to the “Sailing Capital of the U.S.” to celebrate the birth of our great nation and enjoy its unique history, culture, and hospitality. 

Throughout his life, Clarence Wade McClusky Junior (known as Wade McClusky) insisted that he was just doing what he was trained to do. However, the scribes of history have repeatedly praised his intuition for helping Americans win the decisive Battle of Midway, which became a critical turning point for the U.S. and the Allies in World War 2. McClusky is a USNA graduate with a large legacy who has humbly become one of the greatest war heroes in America’s history. Let’s dive into his incredible story.

Bring on summer, with its warmer mornings and longer days—sunlight glinting off the Chesapeake—and Annapolis ice cream shops sending happy customers to stroll the brick streets with their dripping treats. We’re more than ready for summer at Navyonline.com. We’ve been stocking the best warm weather U.S. Navy and Naval Academy gear we can get our hands on, so you can get out there and enjoy this sweetest of seasons.

To reach the pinnacle of your industry in any career is an extraordinary endeavor. When that height is the U.S. Navy’s highest ranking position, our entire country recognizes the significance and sacrifice. Here, we’ll follow the career of Admiral Mike Gilday, an indefatigable USNA Notable Graduate who became the 32nd Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) on August 22, 2019. This is his extraordinary story.

In 1991, a basketball player named David Robinson visited a group of fifth graders attending Gates Elementary School in Texas. He challenged them, promising that if they graduated from high school, he would give each child a $2,000 scholarship. Seven years later in 1998, 50 of the original 94 of those kids reached that milestone, and not only did Robinson make good on his promise, but he gave each one of them $8,000 to help fund their college tuition. To this day, Robinson is a generous philanthropist, with steady involvement in a variety of charitable organizations, especially those that help children. He does this because he can relate to them as a son of a dad in the military with a strong and caring mom who was often the sole parent when his dad was deployed. Here’s the phenomenal story of this USNA Notable Graduate.

It’s one of the most exciting weeks on the Yard, and it’s almost here. Get ready for the U.S. Naval Academy Commissioning Week by breaking out your best Go Navy! gear. Need some new pieces? Not to fret, Navyonline.com has been preparing for Commissioning Week and has all the Navy t-shirts, fishing shirts, polo shirts, sweatshirts, hats, totes and more that you need. Here’s a quick roundup of the best ways to show your Navy love on the Naval Academy campus (the Yard) and around Annapolis as we celebrate our newest USNA graduates and wish them fair winds and following seas on their new journeys in the Navy and Marine Corps. Let’s send them off right!

Congratulations! Your daughter or son was accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy. Only 7% of applicants make it to this point, so this is an achievement you can celebrate. We know you’re already proud of the work they put in to get here — late-night study sessions, long hours spent perfecting their sports and activities, their efforts to secure the nomination, and all the tasks they needed to complete to prove they could make it here. Now they are preparing to become plebes, and it is time to show off some of that pride!

This is our third installment of a series highlighting our most noteworthy superintendents, culled from the over 60 that have served the U.S. Naval Academy admirably over the past 177+ years. We are fortunate to have had so many exceptional leaders at the helm of our ship, skilled officers who have excelled in the military and applied these learnings to their time as superintendents. Many have received the coveted USNA Alumni Association Distinguished Graduates designation, and surely more will in the future. Our earlier two posts covered superintendents from the first (Commander Franklin Buchanan) to the 51st (and later 55th, Admiral Charles R. Larson). Here, we’re exploring the lives of Rear Admiral Ronald Marryott, the 52nd, Rear Admiral Thomas Lynch, the 54th, Vice Admiral John Ryan, the 56th and Vice Admiral Sean Buck, the 63rd (and current) superintendent. 

Welcome to the second in our series of three articles profiling some of the most notable superintendents in the U.S. Naval Academy’s 177+ years history of having superintendents. Our first post looked at the careers and contributions of a few of the earlier superintendents. They have all proven themselves to be excellent leaders both in their fields and in the role of superintendents. Many have been recognized with the prestigious Distinguished Graduate title bestowed by the USNA Alumni Association. All in all, over 60 superintendents have given their time and expertise to the Academy, and we are grateful to each for their dedication. 

USNA graduate, Lieutenant Commander and Astronaut Kayla Barron has broken barriers her entire life. As a newly minted ensign, she was a member of the first class of women to be commissioned into the submarine community upon graduation in 2010. Then in November 2021, she was part of the historic SpaceX Crew-3 flight that rocketed four people into space for 177 days. Her passion for exploration is evident. In an interview for NASA, Barron notes, “I think the thing that’s most important to me is the inspiration of exploration. I think we all have this innate sense to explore — whether you’re the one who actually gets to step on the Moon or not. I think it changes all of us to know that we can actually do things that would be unimaginable to the generations that came before us.” Her path has certainly honored that — and while her achievements are just beginning, Barron has already proven what it takes to be a USNA  Notable Graduate — and we are proud to highlight her career here.

It’s time to get spring officially underway. After a wet winter, the flowers and greenery on the Yard are eager to start their seasonal show, and we are ready for some warmer weather. Spring showcases some of the best Annapolis has to offer, from seaside breezes off the Bay to the return of Farmers Markets and festivals, to gardens awakening across town. 

Get ready to experience Macbeth in all its tragic glory. On April 22nd and 23rd, the talented USNA Masqueraders will summon from their depths the immortal words of William Shakespeare, whose birthday happens to be celebrated April 23rd (in the year of 1564). Though written many centuries ago, Shakespeare’s words still inspire, entertain and move audiences around the world, teaching us to treasure some of life’s most important gifts. 

A Look Back at USNA Superintendents, Part I

Fresh off clinching an exciting conference championship in the spring, the Navy Women’s Hockey team is in full swing this season, with a 12-2-0-0 record as of publication time, and a shot at winning the championship again. This impressive team is currently ranked second in their conference and they have their sights set on the national championship in Massachusetts next month. Their momentum and enthusiasm are unstoppable.

We’re a small band of brothers and sisters. Just 1,200 USNA midshipmen are accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy each year, and a bit over 1,000 of us will graduate four years later. We’re a hardy lot, accustomed to long hours and late nights, tough physical training sessions and hard leadership lessons. While we enter as plebes, we leave as commissioned naval leaders, ready and equipped to help protect our country and preserve its freedoms. Along the way as midshipmen (and as midshipgoat) for our four years here, we learn what it takes to survive and thrive. We also learn the tips and tricks that get us there.

For many of the one million plus people who walk through the gates of the U.S. Naval Academy each year hoping to get a glimpse at what makes this place so special, “The Call to Serve” movie at the USNA Visitor Center is their first good look at midshipmen life. When you enter the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center, you’ll find this movie in its own theater. Approximately twelve minutes long, it plays every fifteen minutes throughout the day, starting at 9:00 AM and continuing until the last visitor leaves at 5:00 PM. It’s estimated that  85,000 people take the tours annually, and a significant number of them also watch, “The Call to Serve.”

Love is in the air. It’s the month of cupid, and whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day on the 14th, throughout the month or all year long, Navyonline.com has a wealth of unique Navy gifts that you’ll love to give. From REAL U.S. Naval Academy clothing like Navy sweatshirts and shorts, to bags, to home decor, to pet accessories and more—you can show someone you care with that perfect-for-them find. Or grab something special that you adore and show yourself some love. Either way, you’ll be sending a valentine to the Brigade, since all proceeds go to the midshipmen. Happy Valentine’s Day to all! Let’s take a spin around the Naval Academy store.

Many of the intriguing artifacts that dress the Yard have significant meaning, and several of them still play an integral role in daily life at the Naval Academy. The historic bells that flank Bancroft Hall are two such living relics. Known as the Enterprise Bell and the Japanese Bell, they come to life towards the end of each semester  to be rung for each sport that Navy has dominated over Army. When they’re not being rung, they are heavy with the histories that they bring to this special place.

Know someone who wants to go to the Naval Academy? We have some gifts they will absolutely love. The USNA Gift Shop, USNA Midshipmen Store and Navyonline.com are stocked with exclusive Navy gear that you’ll only find here. Additionally, these are the only official Naval Academy stores for REAL Navy gear that give back to the Brigade. All profits go right to the midshipmen. So you’ll be supporting the current midshipmen and future midshipmen when you shop here!

It’s a new year—and the perfect time for a new wardrobe! Whether you’re completely swapping out the old or revamping a swath of your closet, this official U.S. Naval Academy clothing guide can provide some inspiration for showing your Navy spirit. From U.S. Navy jackets, to Navy football gear, to Navy shirts, to more, our quick primer will save you the shopping, and Navyonline.com can do the shipping! Take a look at what’s new and exciting at the store.

They are two of the most competitive colleges in the nation, especially when they go head-to-head on the football field. They both train civilians for the incredible pressures of leadership at the highest levels of the military. And they both have been doing so for more than 176 years. Yet despite these commonalities, the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) and the U.S. Military Academy (USMA or West Point), have their own unique attributes too. Let’s explore what makes the Naval Academy midshipman different from the West Point cadet.

Wow, what a game. While not the outcome we hoped for, we’d still like to extend a hearty congratulations to the winningest team in the Army-Navy 132 year-old football rivalry. The U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen left it all out on Lincoln Financial Field in their first overtime game in their 123 rivalry games. Even though they came up empty-handed on Saturday with an Army-Navy football game score of 20-17, they still boast a cumulative total against the West Point Black Knights of 62 wins to their 54 wins, with seven ties between them, an admirable record to be sure. Almost 70,000 fans watched the game from the stands, and they were joined by countless additional television viewers and others listening and streaming. The game joins a legendary list of other great “America’s Game” battles played over the course of history.

Rock climbing is a full body workout. Climbers must perform a carefully choreographed vertical dance to successfully scale a surface that’s oftentimes unpredictable and unreliable. It’s no wonder then, that midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy are drawn to this challenging sport. Throughout their career at Navy, midshipmen strive to accomplish the all-important physical mission despite the difficulties and impossibilities–and rock climbing is an excellent way to achieve that.

This year's Army-Navy football game is raring to go, and we’re getting revved up for the game of the year. Last December, Navy boosted their cumulative lead over long-time rival Army Black Knights with another win, notching a total of 62 games in the win column versus the Black Knights’ 52 in their long and tumultuous history. The games are the stuff of legends, drawing crowds of 80,000 and up. There’s also a television audience of 7.57 million screaming fans tuning in. Even as exciting as the games? The uniforms.

If you’re visiting the Yard in the fall or the spring, you are in for a treat. Every weekday (minus Wednesdays) just before noon (weather permitting), the entire Brigade of Midshipmen (that is 4,400+ women and men in uniform) assembles at Tamanend Court, right in front of their massive dormitory, Bancroft Hall. This is Noon Meal Formation , and it is one of the USNA traditions that has been occurring here for over one hundred years. It is a must-see for any Naval Academy visit.

(Lt. Lopez is shown leading his platoon. A few minutes after this photo was taken, he sacrificed his life.)

A medal awarded posthumously is bittersweet. Recognizing bravery in the face of unimaginable danger, it is one of the greatest honors to bestow, a promise to never forget—and at the same time, an acknowledgment of a life lost too soon. So many of our notable graduates have achieved great things in service to our country, and when they have given their lives for that honor, we are extraordinarily grateful and extremely mindful of the meaning and poignancy of that sacrifice. First Lieutenant Baldomero Lopez is one such notable graduate.

A four-time space veteran and former Deputy Commandant of the USNA, the Honorable Charles F. Bolden, Jr., has distinguished himself as a top tier astronaut, Marine and USNA graduate. Yet there’s even more to his incredible story. 

Charles Frank Bolden, Jr. was born in Columbia, South Carolina, on August 19, 1946. He graduated from C.A. Johnson High School and received an appointment from an Illinois congressman to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was known as a talented boxer, Glee Club singer, 11th Company Commander, and the president of the Class of 1968. In his time at the U.S. Naval Academy, Bolden worked closely with the Superintendent to increase diversity initiatives and graduated earning his bachelor’s degree in electrical science.

“Go Navy!” The battle cry rings out each week when the midshipmen take the field. Since 1878 the U.S. Naval Academy has fought on the gridiron with the cheers of passionate fans in their ears. Everything about USNA football is packed with excitement, from the parade pouring into Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, to the bustling tailgates set up just outside, to Navy Spirit’s high flying tricks, to the roar of the crowd as the midshipmen take the field. “Anchors Aweigh” gives you goosebumps as you look over a sea of crisp uniforms. It’s an experience not to be missed. Check out our Go-To Guide for Navy Football for the details.

As the official midshipgoat for USNA, I am often asked by fans, “when is the Navy’s birthday?” I also get “do you really eat everything?” The first is a great question, and I needed to double check my math since the Navy is certainly getting up there in years! The second answer is, yes, well anything not tied down….

There are two gleaming Heisman trophies displayed proudly in the state-of-the-art Terwilliger Center and in Lejeune Hall, and Roger Staubach earned one of them.* One of the U.S. Naval Academy’s most well-known and revered football stars, this Class of 1965 graduate continues to play a role in the sport at which he has excelled for so many years. Here’s his incredible story.

Once upon a time, midshipmen took a so-called “core curriculum” that led to every graduating midshipman earning a Bachelor of Science of degree. The school was founded in 1845, and the majors program started in 1969, when it required the Class of 1972 to complete a major in order to graduate. Qualifying midshipmen in the 1969 graduating class that year received the first designated engineering degrees, which were aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, naval engineering and systems engineering.  

As the U.S. Naval Academy’s favorite goat, I am at every USNA football game, whether it’s here at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium or in another amazing arena like MetLife, battling the Black Knights of West Point. These games are epic, and it’s hard to fully explain the feeling until you’ve been there. The heady competition and cherished military tradition combine for an incredible game experience that’s turbocharged with meaning, history and pride. 

What’s approximately 13 pounds, black and white (and every color) all over and full of Naval Academy treasures? Why the “Lucky Bag” of course, the U.S. Naval Academy’s long standing yearbook! According to the publisher’s Facebook page, it’s the “largest yearbook in the world.” Started in 1894, it now counts 129 huge volumes. To think that it was started by a small band of five merry midshipmen sailing the seas on a summer cruise is incredible. They were reciting poetry and decided that they should  "publish a little volume into which bursts of genius might be gathered,” according to the current Lucky Baggers. 

Many of us know him for his quirky infomercials that took the 1992 presidential election by storm, talking in his down-home way about balancing the budget, creating jobs, or other timely economic concepts. Perot, one of USNA’s distinguished graduates,  captured the imagination of Americans over the course of two unconventional presidential runs. He became one of the most successful third party candidates for American presidents in history, and when you look at his life, you can see why.

We’re welcoming the lazy, breezy days of August to the Yard. Plebe Summer winds down in the middle of the month, and the air is full of Annapolis magic—Chesapeake Bay breezes, bushels of crabs laid out on picnic tables with suds to wash them down—and dogs. Everywhere, dogs! It seems like everyone in Annapolis has a dog these days—there are dogs on boats, dogs on the sidewalk and dogs out on patios with their people, enjoying the sun. We just can’t get enough of dogs!

Back to School shopping is a strange season filled with mixed emotions. Kids, teens and adults heading back often dread trading in their pool and friend time for time in the classroom, and parents and others are dreading the back-to-the-office grind that typically accompanies Back to School, after the vacations have turned into photo memories, sandy car trunks and (hopefully) some lingering tans. 

The Naval Academy prides itself on its physical prowess. As one of the pillars of the institution, excellence in physical fitness  is part of the mission “To develop midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor, and loyalty in order to graduate leaders who are dedicated to a career of Naval service and have potential for future development in mind and character to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship, and government.”

She holds the spacewalking record for women: seven spacewalks that clocked in at 50 hours and 40 minutes. She has logged a total of 322 days in space across two missions, ranking her sixth on the all-time U.S. endurance list—and second for women. Sunita L. Williams has blazed starry trails in space and earned every one of her minutes in the sun (even if they were on the moon).

Ahhh, summertime. When most of us set our out-of-office notices and head on long-awaited vacations, whether they’re sunny, sandy spots, a quiet lake in the woods, a trek through ancient cities, or some good old fashioned kicking back at home, it’s finally time to relax and recharge, and Navyonline will help you do just that. Take USNA with you on vacation with these useful, clever items. Don’t leave home without them—unless you’re not leaving home in the first place. So if you’ve been asking yourself “where to shop for summer”—look no further, Navyonline has you covered. Here’s to summer vacation the way you want it! Shop for summer and show your support.

It’s an ice arena, tennis center and fitness center. When the new class of plebes are inducted at the beginning of plebe summer, it also becomes one of the biggest distribution centers around, storing the 360,000 personal, school, and toiletry items that the plebes will need for the first year of their Naval Academy career and beyond. The Thornton D. and Elizabeth S. Hooper Brigade Sports Complex is a lot of things to a lot of people.

After four long years of hustle, heart and hard work, the women and men who entered the Naval Academy as plebes graduate as commissioned junior officers. The change is astonishing — anyone comparing the “before” on I-Day to the “after” on graduation day can see a complete transformation. Gone are the rhythms of civilian life. Instead, young naval leaders take command with confidence and pride. 

Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale was an extraordinary man. He not only weathered over seven brutal years as a prisoner of war (POW) at the infamous Hanoi Hotel in Vietnam, but recently declassified information reveals that this brave and unflagging war hero also led the POWs there and even ran a successful espionage operation together with the CIA and his wife, Sybil Stockdale.

Hoist up the sails! It’s time for some summer fun. Nothing says warm weather better than a day on the waves, and we’ve pulled together some Navy inspired looks for a fun day on the Bay—or wherever your water-filled adventures take you! Get shopping for your summer Navy apparel now!

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “do USNA students get a summer break after their spring semester is finished?” or “what do midshipmen do in the summer?” You’re not alone. While the midshipmen and this goat do get a break from our typical year, it's certainly not your average summer break—and it’s really not a break at all. In addition to undertaking a rigorous course load for the school year, the midshipmen and I stay on the Yard through most of the summer for some on-deck training through several exciting and demanding naval academy summer programs. In fact, each of the classes from just after fourth year through just after second year take part in a cruise that offers real hands-on (or “hooves-on” in my case) maritime experience, as well as off-shore training that prepares us for our future careers as naval leaders. 

One of the newer club teams on the Yard, Women’s Navy Club Lacrosse made its debut in 2018 when now ENS Jessica Mazzeo and 2nd Lt. Cheyenne Coughlin (both class of 2020) started the popular extracurricular activity (ECA). Both women led the club for two years, and they still keep in touch with the current team today. As Christine Hogan, current Club President says, “The team’s success is owed to them.”

The Naval Academy is proud to have graduated a number of women and men that later traveled into space. One of the most well-known Naval Academy graduates is Alan Bartlett (B.) Shepard Jr., the first American astronaut to do so. While his flight was 23 days after the Russian cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin’s flight, it was remarkable since Shepard was able to pilot his rocket, whereas Gagarin was just a passenger on his voyage—and while the Russian launch was shrouded in secrecy, Shepard’s flight, successful splashdown and retrieval by helicopter and aircraft carrier were watched live by millions around the world and gleefully celebrated with parades and accolades across the U.S.

His name is familiar but his extraordinary story might not be. Chester W. Nimitz, who commanded more men and women than any U.S. military officer in World War II, came from humble beginnings and was, by all accounts, a humble man.

Spring showers are here! Visit Navyonline for all of your rainy day Naval Academy merch needs, from less-than-fair weather gear, to rainy day fun, to umbrellas for wet weather games.

The Navy is notorious (in a good way) for its colorful language, from the days when sailors spent many a month out at sea, navigating the waters. As they worked together in the rough conditions, a whole new language emerged, and it has continued to grow to this day.

Ever since she watched the first men walk on the moon, USNA hero Wendy B. Lawrence wanted to fly in space.

Hello Spring! Now is the perfect time to add new USNA spring clothing pieces to your wardrobe.

Combine the endurance of long-distance swimming with the agility of myriad sports including basketball, rugby, hockey, and soccer and you’ll see what creates the incredible sport of Water Polo.

Our pets love us and we love them! As we await spring, let's spoil our pets with these fun Navy pet products from Navyonline.

From the moment we enter the Academy on I-Day, Reef Points is our go-to handbook for critical Naval Academy information and instructions. This little blue guide has over 300 pages and more than 175 years of history within it.

Lieutenant Commander Wesley Anthony Brown broke a momentous milestone in 1949 when he became the first African American USNA graduate.

Love is in the air. With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, we put together a love note with some sweet and unexpected gifts for your Navy Valentine.

While the love from your special someone may make you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside, it can't change how chilly it is in February! This USNA frosty fleece blanket is the perfect gift for you or your boo to snuggle up with during the cold winter months. It's no surprise that this blanket is so popular - with its Sherpa fleece material it's as cozy as they come. An added bonus, it comes perfectly folded and wrapped with a Navy ribbon and bow making it a perfect gift!

From the time of his birth, on August 29, 1936 at the Coco Solo Naval Air Station in the Panama Canal Zone, John Sidney McCain III began building his foundation in public service. Whether it was his early stint as a midshipman at the Naval Academy from 1954 to 1958, his captivity during the Vietnam War, his public service in the House of Representatives and later the Senate, or his bids for the presidency, he resolutely focused on service to his country. It was McCain’s greatest accomplishment. His final resting place is a tribute to his steadfast honor and loyalty. McCain’s remains are in the USNA Cemetery next to those of his best friend, Chuck Larson, another notable graduate who the administration building “Larson Hall” was named for.

Winter brings mixed feelings and dropping temperatures. Some welcome the season with outstretched gloves and an eagerness to hit the slopes and spend hours in powder.

The U.S. Naval Academy campus is known for its awe-inspiring Beaux-Arts architecture. Born of the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, this style was popular from the 1830s through the late 19th century.

Retired 4-Star Navy Admiral Michelle J. Howard has had a career filled with breakthroughs and firsts.

It’s holly jolly holiday time! When we were kids (it wasn’t long ago for me!), we used to rifle through catalogues with our little hooves and circle all the shiny new toys we wanted, hoping that a bike, baseball glove, doll or hay bale would appear, and crossing our hooves there wouldn’t be coal.

When you've got a huge Navy fan to surprise for the holidays, look no further than Navyonline.com. They have everything you need for a very Navy holiday!

Being a midshipman at the Naval Academy means serving your country. For many of them, that service is just the beginning.

Many know Jimmy Carter as our 39th president, a great humanitarian and peanut farmer who ruled the free world for a time.

As the days get shorter and crisper, it's fun to switch up your wardrobe and cozy up in comfy fall fabrics. Navyonline has a great variety of cooler weather finds, from blankets, to sweaters, to scarves.

I subscribe to the idea that it’s never too early to shop for the holidays—especially now, with shipping channels frequently experiencing delays. Finding the right gift for everyone on your list can also be tricky, so starting early is key to a successful gift giving season.

Note: Shirts have sold out for the 2021 Army-Navy game, but you can still get in the spirit and show your Navy support with our Under Armour 2021 Rivalry Series available now!

One of the longest running and most exciting rivalries in college football is the Army-Navy game. Midshipmen and cadets come together to cheer on their respective services in a high-spirited and competitive match-up.

For better or worse, the working world as we know it has changed. In many cases, commutes are now steps instead of miles, cubicles have given way to guest rooms and our office mates are more often the four-legged kind. If you find that you are working from home, Naval Academy fans, this post is for you.

U.S. Navy Captain Kathryn P. Hire has defied expectations her entire life. Even she would never have predicted she’d be working for the Navy for three and a half decades, becoming a dual-career Navy Captain and NASA astronaut.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live life on the Yard and walk (or jog, as the plebes do) inside the hallowed halls of the Naval Academy?

Hooray for fall sports! It feels great to be back on the fields, courts, pitches, you name it. And it's great to show our support with some fun REAL USNA sports merchandise from Navyonline. When you are heading to one of the many club and intramural games, matches, or meets, there are many ways to show the USNA your Navy love!

Do you know why the Tiffany windows in the Main Chapel glow even on cloudy days? Have you found the hushed spot where John Paul Jones lies in repose, or seen where the plebes officially become “plebes no more?” These treasures, and many more, await you on a tour of the Yard.

One of only four varsity sports offered at the Naval Academy at the turn of the century (along with baseball, crew and football), fencing has been an integral part of the Naval Academy sport story since 1896.

Are you ready for some Navy football? It’s time to (finally) get back to the gridiron!

The Naval Academy has many heroes, some you know well and some you may not know much about - yet.

For so many reasons, the Naval Academy is not your average college. So it stands to reason that the USNA student supplies go beyond your typical college requests.

Go Navy, Beat Army! Go Navy, Bite Army! These are the rallying cries (at least the first one) that have propelled our legendary Naval Academy football team to victory countless times. The second rallying cry is a barking order you’ll find attached to some of our legendary and delightful pet products. Whatever your rallying cry, we’re looking forward to six exciting home games on the fall schedule.

The day is finally here! On August 12th, we kick off the Class of 2025 Plebe Parents’ Weekend and begin a whirlwind of exciting events.

Can’t Wait to See You in September!

With most schools returning to in-person instruction this fall, the teacher’s refrain of “See you in September” has never sounded so sweet. We’re all glad to enjoy a more in-person summer, but that first day of “normal” school is highly anticipated by teachers, parents and students alike this year!

One of the best things about being a midshipman is having my laundry done by the amazing Naval Academy Business Services Division (NABSD) Laundry and Dry Cleaning Facility. These dedicated team members wash and dry clean over 1.5 million pounds of midshipmen clothing and linens per year, including my famous blue and gold blanket.

(Updated July 2021)

Naval history is rich in many ways. From the men and women who have defended our freedoms, to the ceremonies that mark long-standing traditions, to the monuments that recognize their sacrifices, there are constant reminders throughout the Naval Academy Yard of those who have contributed, in incalculable ways, to the defense of our country.

(Updated July 2021)

The United States Naval Academy has experienced tremendous change and advancement throughout its 175 plus years. It has weathered constant transition since it was founded, from the disruptions of the Civil War, to the many modernizations the Academy made during the 20th century, to the ongoing evolution we experience today.

The Yard was built to create leaders. The men and women that train here are our future military leaders, forged by the unending rigor of physical, mental, and moral challenges, trained by some of the best leaders in the country, and called to serve our nation, no matter the circumstances.

Plebe Summer is here! That means the herculean effort of Plebe Issue, preparing the Plebes for summer and beyond in a few short hours, is also here!

The Women’s and Men’s Glee Clubs are just two of the 140+ activities, including club athletic, service, artistic and academic, that the Naval Academy Business Services Division (NABSD) helps to fund. Without your support, NABSD would not be able to provide the level of experience that forms the heart of the USNA extracurricular experience.

Congratulations! Those long years of sacrifice - weekend-long competitions, sports practices and tournaments, unending theater and music rehearsals, and hours of studying, testing, working and pure perseverance - have paid off. Your Plebe has been accepted into one of the most prestigious military academies in the world. Only 8% of applicants make it to this point. We are excited to welcome them to the Yard!

Red for hardiness and valor. White for purity and innocence. Blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice. These values are the makings of Old Glory.

Summer’s here! It’s a great time to rejuvenate, relax, and ready yourself for all things Navy! While enjoying the outdoors, as well as your deck, porch, or pool, take a look around. You can spice up your view with a myriad of treasures from the Naval Academy and show your pride, service, and support for the Brigade of Midshipmen at the same time.

Here’s a brief history lesson on our famous friend, Bill the Goat. Let’s learn about how he came to be the official mascot of the United States Naval Academy, and what Bill was like in the early years.

It’s been amazing to have the Midshipmen Store renovated in time for Commissioning Week. I’ve been getting my fix at 1845 Coffee every day, and doing the rounds while I snap up some snacks and snag some new spring Navy gear (like a lighter blanket—this winter one is too hot).

Ah, summer is finally on the horizon. It’s time to kick back with some good reading material and finally relax. Whether you’re lounging on your patio, sunning yourself on a beach, or sitting around between baseball games with your nose in a book, you don’t need to GO to the Academy to go to the Academy this summer.

Did you know that, in total, Americans typically eat 7 billion hotdogs between Memorial Day and Labor Day? That’s 818 every. single. second. We are a nation that’s fond of our franks.

(Updated May 2021)

The Plebes at the United States Naval Academy overcome obstacles all throughout their first year, and that year is always capped off with one last great challenge.

As a newly minted Plebe goat, I’m still learning the ropes (and knots, and rules) of the Brigade of Midshipmen. One of the most fascinating things I’ve found here has been the ranking structure.

As if the nerves of beginning Plebe Summer weren’t tingling enough, today’s the day we’re hoofing it over to the training course to prove ourselves physically ready to remain at the Academy as Midshipmen. That’s right, it's time for the PRT - Physical Readiness Test.

When I hear “Don’t Give Up the Ship,” I feel the pride behind this centuries old phrase. These five words are a rallying cry, a powerful thread running through the Navy’s vast and colorful history, and a song we keep close to our hearts. They’re immortalized in the flag preserved in the USNA Museum, and they run through our blood every day. I have always wanted to know where this storied phrase came from, so I hoofed it over to the museum to look upon the actual threads. Here’s what I found out:

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (collectively referred to as STEM) are growing fields where students can find exciting and fulfilling careers as we move into a future burgeoning with technology. The USNA enjoys a long history of preparing young adults for service as commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, and proudly offers an annual Summer STEM Program to give 9th-11th graders an opportunity to connect with peers and experience these fields first-hand through a variety of unique projects.

(Updated for March 2021)

If you’re up for truly being challenged, a junior in high school, and have interest in attending the USNA, check out Naval Academy Summer Seminar (NASS) sessions.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the 2021 Summer Seminar sessions will be virtual. This seminar experience isn’t like a summer camp - it's designed for high-achieving high school students that are ready to experience the commitment, discipline, and training it would take to be a Midshipman.

(Updated March 2021)

Podcasts are now a popular and widespread form of communication for both information and entertainment. Their origin dates back to 2004, with Adam Curry and Dave Winer commonly credited with the invention of podcasting, a term coined in an article from The Guardian titled “Audible Revolution.” They’re the interconnected online realm’s adaptation of radio.

(Updated February 2021)

Mention the Dark Ages and the images conjured up frequently resemble a stark, cold, livelihood devoid of mirth and music. The official Dark Ages are defined as the Early Middle Ages, following the collapse of the Roman Empire, when the Goths and Vandals poured into Western Europe and brought violence and destruction with them.

Oohrah!

“The Few. The Proud. The Marines.” This powerful statement defines an elite fighting force. Their path is not easy. They are known for being some of the toughest men and women in the military, and in the world.

The Navy is steeped in tradition and culture. Over centuries of development, the Navy has accumulated many terms that help to keep the tradition and culture true.

The Cyber Operations field has experienced tremendous growth. We rely heavily on the web, telecommunications, and information technology infrastructures to open doors to various positions in the private sector and the government. The field of Cyber Operations is a significant component of our nation’s defense infrastructure within the Navy and Marine Corps.

Winter is here, and the chill outside is staying for a while. Right now, people are trying to stay warm. There are lots of ways to warm up when you're inside, but when it’s time to spend extended periods of time outdoors, it’s important to have the right outerwear.

(Updated January 2021)

Three and a half years after entering the Academy and becoming Midshipmen, prospective Surface Warfare Officers take the first step toward joining the surface fleet. Soon after graduation and commissioning, these Midshipmen report for duty, decked out in their brand-new Summer Whites or Service Dress Blues, with orders in hand. The ship each Midshipman reports to will become their first command, setting the course of their Naval careers.

At the end of the nineteenth century, Colonel Robert Means Thompson commissioned Ernest Flagg, already a renowned architect, to create a design that would revitalize the Naval Academy. His ideas resulted in a Beaux-Arts style design that would make up the heart of the Naval Academy, with the Chapel serving as centerpiece of the design.

Air shows are an opportunity for aviation enthusiasts to not only watch unbelievable aerobatics and airspeed demonstrations, but also get up close and personal with static aircraft displays and pose questions to the flight crew. Often the highlight of the event, drawing in spectators young and old, is the world-renowned Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron.

The United States service academies are institutions of higher learning designed to educate young men and women and also prepare them for the challenging position of serving in the U.S. Armed Forces as highly capable and effective officers.

The creation and development of the U.S. Navy extended over nearly a quarter-century, from the American Revolution to the War of 1812. Despite numerous obstacles, the U.S. Navy established itself as the most powerful fleet on the high seas.

Using familiar military terminology, the student body of the United States Naval Academy is segmented into smaller, functional groups.

For the last several years, the United States Naval Academy has hosted a special Holiday Market event, located in Dahlgren Hall, at this time of year. A spirited and festive occasion, the Holiday Market event allowed Midshipmen to get some gift shopping done for the holiday season, and gave vendors a chance to market to the Brigade. This event will sadly be skipped this year due to safety precautions related to COVID-19.

Memorial buildings, structures, or statues are common sights on the grounds of many institutions. However, it may be interesting to learn, that in addition to memorials and monuments, there are a number of colleges and universities with cemeteries on campus, as well. The United States Naval Academy (USNA) is included in this list, which leads many to wonder who exactly is buried at the Naval Academy cemetery.

The Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy give 100%, so they need to stay fueled. Our future Navy and Marine Corps Officers deserve an occasional treat. To aid in keeping them motivated and ready, the Naval Academy Business Services Division offers care packages known as Snacker-boxes.

What Is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day originated as "Armistice Day" on November 11th, 1919. It originally commemorated the armistice between the Allied forces and Germany that took place on the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month."

The iconic USNA Barber Shop, in the basement of Bancroft Hall, was the subject of some recent renovations. Now looking more sleek and lustrous, the Barber Shop carries both a new, modern image and a rich history.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Vice Admiral Sean Buck, Superintendent; Tammy Barber, USNA Barbershop Manager; Doug Borrebach, Director, Naval Academy Business Services Division; Rondell Williams, USNA Barbershop, Lead Barber; Jennifer Sheppard; Captain Thomas R. Buchanan, USNA Commandant; Paula Clarke, Barber; Captain Thomas M. Feeks, USN (Ret.), Director, Midshipmen Services.

Looking for books to read this fall, winter or to keep busy during quarantine? If you are a Midshipman parent, alum, veteran or just interested in attending the Academy, we have the reading list for you. No matter your preference, you are sure to find something in the following reading list to spark your interest:

The development of Midshipmen isn’t restricted to formal educational settings. Extracurricular activities and sports clubs play a significant role in building the qualities necessary to become a well-rounded naval officer. The Naval Academy Business Services Division (NABSD) provides support to the Brigade of Midshipmen through sales at Navyonline.

Most organizations establish some form of structural hierarchy that delineate clear lines of authority. Frequently referred to as a chain of command (COC), this structure allows everyone within the system to understand their positional relationship to all others within the organization.

Go Navy! Beat Army! Those words are yelled by Midshipmen throughout the year at the Naval Academy and culminate with the yearly Army-Navy football game, typically held at Lincoln Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This rivalry between the Midshipmen and Cadets was first played at West Point on November 29, 1890. It was a shutout! There’s no doubt the Midshipmen were cheering raucously as they won the game 24-0.

Honor is just one of many widely used terms in the English language that has multiple meanings.  It is a noun where it represents the concept of a subject deserving great esteem or the strict adherence to a standard of conduct.  Additionally, the word honor also functions like a verb when it refers to the act of conferring or adhering to those same concepts.

The term “club” is related to the Old English noun “clump”.  First used in the 1660s, it referred to a gathering in mass for social discourse or to promote a common interest. It’s a word whose definition has remained largely consistent over the centuries of an evolving language. Today, Merriam-Webster defines it as “an association of persons for some common object usually jointly supported and meeting periodically”.  However, an alternate definition also describes a club as the meeting place of a club of persons. Therefore, a club can be a group of individuals who share a common interest as well as the physical location in which they meet.

There are many reasons we study history and seek out our past. There is the famous, and frequently paraphrased, quote from philosopher George Santayana that, “those who cannot remember their past are condemned to repeat it.” Besides using our past mistakes to make more intelligent decisions in the future, history helps us to understand where we came from, why things change, who we are, and why others are the way they may be. 

As circumstances evolve, so do requirements; and places and spaces are replaced or repurposed to meet current needs. The United States Naval Academy (USNA) is no exception. Throughout the years, the USNA has seen both transformational and preservational changes.