NStar Articles

4 min read

Behind the Scenes: Feeding the Masses at King Hall

By Bill the Goat on Mar 25, 2024 8:30:00 AM

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?

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5 min read

Shopping Guide: Spring Into Real Navy Gear and Navy Apparel

By Bill the Goat on Mar 19, 2024 8:30:00 AM

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.

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4 min read

Shopping Guide: Feeling Lucky? You Will With Fresh Navy Gear and Apparel

By Bill the Goat on Mar 11, 2024 9:00:00 AM

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.

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4 min read

USNA Notable Graduate Captain Margaret D. “Peg” Klein

By Bill the Goat on Mar 8, 2024 8:30:00 AM

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.”

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4 min read

Shopping Guide: Leap Into This Year with New Navy Gear and Navy Apparel

By Bill the Goat on Feb 19, 2024 12:00:00 PM

 

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.

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3 min read

How to Apply to the Naval Academy: 5 Things Your Teen Needs to Know

By Bill the Goat on Feb 7, 2024 1:00:00 PM

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. 

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3 min read

Summer Step Up at the Academy: USNA Summer Seminar and USNA Summer STEM Programs

By Bill the Goat on Feb 5, 2024 1:30:00 PM

 

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.

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4 min read

Valentine’s Day Gifts and Navy Gear: Show Your Love for Navy

By Bill the Goat on Feb 1, 2024 10:41:23 AM

 

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!”

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5 min read

Unique Valentine’s Day Gifts: Show Your Sweetheart Some Love with Navy Gear

By Bill the Goat on Jan 15, 2024 10:00:00 AM

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!

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4 min read

Thank You For Your Service: Stephanie Woodall’s 39 Years at USNA

By Bill the Goat on Jan 8, 2024 8:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: USNA
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5 min read

USNA Club Spotlight: The USNA Orchestra Transports Us

By Bill the Goat on Jan 6, 2024 10:00:00 AM

 

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. 

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5 min read

Shopping Guide: New Year, New You, New Navy Wardrobe

By Bill the Goat on Jan 2, 2024 10:00:00 AM

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!

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7 min read

Get the Gouge: Naval Terms with History & Mystery

By Bill the Goat on Dec 28, 2023 10:00:00 AM

UPDATED FOR 2023

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3 min read

Service Academy Exchange Program: A Swapping Success Story

By Bill the Goat on Dec 19, 2023 10:00:00 AM

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.

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5 min read

2023 Army-Navy Game Recap: The Rivalry Continues

By Bill the Goat on Dec 13, 2023 11:22:50 AM

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. 

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5 min read

Give the Gift of Real Navy Gear

By Bill the Goat on Dec 6, 2023 10:00:00 AM

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!

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5 min read

USNA Notable Graduate: Captain Thomas J. Hudner, Jr.

By Bill the Goat on Nov 25, 2023 10:00:00 AM

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.

Topics: USNA Graduate
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3 min read

Dive Into the Naval Academy Yard Patrol

By Bill the Goat on Nov 18, 2023 10:00:00 AM

[UPDATED FOR 2023]

Topics: Insider
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6 min read

Gear Up for the Winter Weather With Navy

By Bill the Goat on Nov 12, 2023 10:00:00 AM

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.

Topics: Navy Gear
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4 min read

What Is a Midshipman?

By Bill the Goat on Nov 9, 2023 10:00:00 AM

[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.

Topics: Insider
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6 min read

Army-Navy Game 2023 Shopping Guide

By Bill the Goat on Nov 4, 2023 10:00:00 AM

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.

Topics: Navy Football
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4 min read

Service Assignment Spotlight: Navy Submarines

By Bill the Goat on Oct 15, 2023 7:30:00 AM

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.

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4 min read

USNA Notable Graduate: William C. McCool

By Bill the Goat on Oct 12, 2023 9:00:00 AM

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.

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6 min read

Happy Birthday, Navy!

By Bill the Goat on Oct 3, 2023 9:00:00 AM

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.

Topics: usna store
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2 min read

Founders Day: The Formation of the Naval Academy

By Bill the Goat on Oct 2, 2023 12:53:16 PM

UPDATED FOR 2023

Topics: Insider
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3 min read

Inside Look: Navy Karate, a USNA Club Powerhouse

By Bill the Goat on Sep 28, 2023 11:24:19 AM

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.”

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4 min read

What is a Formal USNA Parade?

By Bill the Goat on Sep 26, 2023 11:00:00 AM


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. 

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6 min read

Navy Football Fan Shopping Guide

By Bill the Goat on Sep 21, 2023 11:00:00 AM

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.

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5 min read

From the Service to the Super Bowl: Phil McConkey’s Football Journey

By Bill the Goat on Sep 18, 2023 11:15:00 AM

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. 

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4 min read

USNA Notable Graduate: The Honorable Kenneth J. Braithwaite

By Bill the Goat on Aug 17, 2023 9:00:00 AM

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.

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3 min read

Start the Semester with a Food Care Package

By Bill the Goat on Aug 15, 2023 9:00:00 AM

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.

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6 min read

Shop Navy Gear for a New School Year

By Bill the Goat on Aug 10, 2023 9:00:00 AM

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!

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4 min read

A Story of Service: Dating as a USNA Midshipman

By Bill the Goat on Aug 8, 2023 9:00:00 AM

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. 

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4 min read

How to Surprise Your Plebe During USNA Plebe Summer and Beyond

By Bill the Goat on Jul 18, 2023 9:00:00 AM

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. 

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4 min read

A Rare Look Inside USNA Plebe Summer: The First and Second Sets

By Bill the Goat on Jul 10, 2023 9:52:07 AM

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. 

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2 min read

How to Sponsor a USNA Midshipman

By Bill the Goat on Jul 5, 2023 12:38:24 PM

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. 

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6 min read

Ring in Independence Day With Navyonline

By Bill the Goat on Jun 20, 2023 9:09:00 AM

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. 

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6 min read

How Wade McClusky Jr. Redirected the Course of History at the Battle of Midway

By Bill the Goat on Jun 12, 2023 1:50:28 PM

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.

Topics: USNA Graduate
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7 min read

Navy Summer Shopping Guide

By Bill the Goat on Jun 6, 2023 9:30:00 AM

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.

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4 min read

USNA Notable Graduate: Admiral Mike Gilday

By Bill the Goat on Jun 2, 2023 9:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: USNA Graduate
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4 min read

USNA Notable Graduate: David Robinson

By Bill the Goat on May 23, 2023 9:00:00 AM



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.

Topics: USNA Graduate
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6 min read

Show Your Navy Pride During USNA Commissioning Week

By Bill the Goat on May 9, 2023 9:00:00 AM

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!

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6 min read

Plebe Parents Shopping Guide: Welcome to USNA!

By Bill the Goat on May 2, 2023 9:00:00 AM

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!

Topics: Navy Gear
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6 min read

A Look Back at USNA Superintendents, Part III

By Bill the Goat on May 1, 2023 10:33:48 AM

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. 

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7 min read

A Look Back at USNA Superintendents, Part II

By Bill the Goat on Apr 19, 2023 10:30:00 AM

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. 

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4 min read

USNA Notable Graduate: Kayla Barron

By Bill the Goat on Apr 11, 2023 10:15:00 AM

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.

Topics: USNA Graduate
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6 min read

Shopping New Navy Gear for Spring Sun and Warm Fun

By Bill the Goat on Apr 4, 2023 10:15:00 AM

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. 

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5 min read

The USNA Masqueraders Bring Macbeth to the Yard

By Bill the Goat on Apr 3, 2023 10:24:04 AM

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. 

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4 min read

A Look Back at USNA Superintendents, Part I

By Bill the Goat on Mar 29, 2023 10:00:00 AM

A Look Back at USNA Superintendents, Part I

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5 min read

USNA Notable Graduate: Ernest J. King

By Bill the Goat on Mar 21, 2023 10:00:00 AM

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7 min read

The Prize of the Skies: Different Types of U.S. Naval Planes

By Bill the Goat on Mar 9, 2023 10:30:00 AM

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6 min read

Spring Shopping Guide for Navy Gifts

By Bill the Goat on Mar 2, 2023 10:00:00 AM

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4 min read

Navy Women’s Hockey: A Shot at the Top

By Bill the Goat on Feb 21, 2023 10:00:00 AM

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.

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4 min read

You Know You’re a Midshipman When…

By Bill the Goat on Feb 16, 2023 10:00:00 AM

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.

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3 min read

The History of “The Call to Serve”: Experience the Excitement!

By Bill the Goat on Feb 8, 2023 10:00:00 AM

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.”

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7 min read

Show the Love with Naval Academy Gear

By Bill the Goat on Feb 1, 2023 10:00:00 AM

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.

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4 min read

What is the Bell Ringing Ceremony?

By Bill the Goat on Jan 30, 2023 10:00:00 AM

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.

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5 min read

Navy Gifts for Your Midshipmen Hopefuls

By Bill the Goat on Jan 24, 2023 10:00:00 AM

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!

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4 min read

USNA Notable Graduate: Mikie Sherrill

By Bill the Goat on Jan 18, 2023 10:00:00 AM

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5 min read

New Year, New Navy Gear Guide

By Bill the Goat on Jan 5, 2023 10:00:00 AM

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.

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6 min read

The Differences Between a USNA Midshipman and a West Point Cadet

By Bill the Goat on Dec 19, 2022 10:00:00 AM

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.

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3 min read

The Army-Navy Football Game: Who is Winning?

By Bill the Goat on Dec 12, 2022 1:56:39 PM

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.

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5 min read

USNA Climbing Team Navy Rock Has Each Other's Backs

By Bill the Goat on Dec 7, 2022 10:14:42 AM

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.

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5 min read

USNA Holiday Gift Guide

By Bill the Goat on Dec 1, 2022 10:00:00 AM

 

Topics: Merchandise
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6 min read

Rivalry: Unveiling the New Army-Navy Game Gear

By Bill the Goat on Nov 22, 2022 10:00:00 AM

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.

Topics: Navy Football
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3 min read

The History of Noon Meal Formation

By Bill the Goat on Nov 21, 2022 10:00:00 AM

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.

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5 min read

10 Things You Didn’t Know About U.S. Naval Academy History

By Bill the Goat on Nov 14, 2022 10:00:00 AM

So you’re familiar with the famed bandmaster Charles A. Zimmerman, who composed and performed the U.S. Naval Academy anthem “Anchors Aweigh”—and you know one of USNA’s most famous graduates is Jimmy Carter. Yet the Yard is full of history, and those facts just scratch the surface. 

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4 min read

USNA Notable Graduate: Baldomero Lopez

By Bill the Goat on Nov 10, 2022 2:47:50 PM

(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.

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5 min read

USNA Notable Graduate: Charles F. Bolden, Jr.

By Bill the Goat on Oct 26, 2022 10:00:00 AM

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.

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6 min read

Top USNA Football Finds for the New Season

By Bill the Goat on Oct 22, 2022 10:00:00 AM

“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.

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6 min read

Celebrate the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps’ 247th Birthday!

By Bill the Goat on Oct 13, 2022 10:00:00 AM

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….

Topics: USNA Birthday
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7 min read

An Inside Look: Upcoming USNA Musical Events

By Bill the Goat on Oct 1, 2022 10:10:29 AM

 

We’ve begun a new music season at USNA, and the Yard is humming. While most people might think midshipmen solely focus on their military, academic, and leadership training, it’s refreshing to know these talented young women and men also have a wealth of other diverse talents and are eager to hone and share them.

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5 min read

USNA Notable Graduate Highlight: Roger Staubach

By Bill the Goat on Sep 27, 2022 10:00:00 AM

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.

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6 min read

An Academic Tour: Naval Academy Majors

By Bill the Goat on Sep 14, 2022 10:00:00 AM

 

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.  

Topics: Midshipmen
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4 min read

USNA Club Spotlight: The Navy Spirit Team Reaches New Heights

By Bill the Goat on Sep 7, 2022 10:00:00 AM

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. 

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6 min read

Shop to Support Fall Naval Academy Sports

By Bill the Goat on Sep 3, 2022 10:00:00 AM

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4 min read

The Navy "Lucky Bag": The Largest Yearbook in the World

By Bill the Goat on Aug 25, 2022 10:15:00 AM

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. 

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5 min read

USNA Distinguished Graduate Highlight: H. Ross Perot

By Bill the Goat on Aug 18, 2022 10:15:00 AM

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.

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4 min read

The Dog Days of Summer: In Honor of National Dog Month

By Bill the Goat on Aug 11, 2022 10:15:00 AM

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!

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5 min read

Back to School Shopping, Navy Style

By Bill the Goat on Aug 4, 2022 10:15:00 AM

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. 

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4 min read

Behind the Scenes of Plebe Summer: How to Pass the Physical Readiness Test (PRT)

By Bill the Goat on Jul 29, 2022 10:00:00 AM

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.”

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5 min read

The History of the N*: An Epic Rivalry That Rolls On

By Bill the Goat on Jul 27, 2022 10:00:00 AM

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5 min read

USNA Notable Graduate: Sunita L. Williams

By Bill the Goat on Jul 15, 2022 10:00:00 AM

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).

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7 min read

Take USNA Gear with You on Vacation

By Bill the Goat on Jul 11, 2022 1:42:06 PM

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.

Topics: Merchandise
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3 min read

Inside the Brigade Sports Complex

By Bill the Goat on Jun 27, 2022 10:33:00 AM

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.

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5 min read

Life After the Naval Academy: What Happens Next?

By Bill the Goat on Jun 15, 2022 10:30:00 AM

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. 

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6 min read

Distinguished Graduate: James B. Stockdale

By Bill the Goat on Jun 8, 2022 10:30:00 AM

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.

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5 min read

Summer Shopping: Maritime Fun

By Bill the Goat on Jun 1, 2022 10:30:00 AM

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!

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3 min read

USNA Summer Training: 2/C Gray Hull Cruise and Other Adventures

By Bill the Goat on May 25, 2022 10:00:00 AM

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. 

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2 min read

Women’s Navy Club Lacrosse

By Bill the Goat on May 19, 2022 10:00:00 AM

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.”

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5 min read

Notable Graduate: Alan B. Shepard

By Bill the Goat on May 11, 2022 10:00:00 AM

 

 

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.

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5 min read

Decorate Your Yard Like Our Yard

By Bill the Goat on May 4, 2022 10:00:00 AM

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5 min read

USNA Notable Graduates: Chester W. Nimitz

By Bill the Goat on Apr 21, 2022 8:30:00 AM

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.

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3 min read

Shows of Strength: The USNA Sea Trials

By Bill the Goat on Apr 14, 2022 8:30:00 AM

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

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5 min read

Spring Shopping for Those Rainy Days

By Bill the Goat on Apr 7, 2022 8:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Merchandise
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3 min read

Slang Terms for April Fool's Day Fun

By Bill the Goat on Apr 1, 2022 8:30:00 AM

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.

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4 min read

USNA Notable Graduate: Wendy B. Lawrence

By Bill the Goat on Mar 31, 2022 8:30:00 AM

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

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4 min read

Freshen Up Your Wardrobe With Naval Academy Clothing for Spring

By Bill the Goat on Mar 24, 2022 8:30:00 AM

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

Topics: Merchandise
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2 min read

Club Spotlight: ECA Water Polo

By Bill the Goat on Mar 17, 2022 8:30:00 AM

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.

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4 min read

The 9 Most Fur-tastic Navy Pet Products

By Bill the Goat on Mar 10, 2022 10:47:56 AM

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.

Topics: Merchandise
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5 min read

Living the Yard Life: What You'll Find in Reef Points

By Bill the Goat on Feb 24, 2022 8:30:00 AM

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.

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4 min read

From Anchored Ship to Soaring Athletic Building: The History of the USNA Robert Crown Sailing Center

By Bill the Goat on Feb 17, 2022 8:30:00 AM

Sailing is deemed a "crucible" for leadership training at the Naval Academy. Maritime expertise sets this academy apart, as the future military leaders must be able to master the skills of small-boat handling, navigation, safety at sea, watch standing, and small-unit leadership. Like many of the buildings dotting the Yard, the Robert Crown Sailing Center has a long and rich history and is considered to be the center for professional development for the Naval Academy.

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3 min read

USNA Distinguished Graduate Highlight: Wesley Brown

By Bill the Goat on Feb 10, 2022 9:15:00 AM

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

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5 min read

Sweet Valentine Gifts for Your Navy Valentine

By Bill the Goat on Feb 3, 2022 8:30:00 AM

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!

Topics: Merchandise
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5 min read

USNA Distinguished Graduate Highlight: John S. McCain III

By Bill the Goat on Jan 27, 2022 8:30:00 AM

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.

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5 min read

Get Your Winter Wardrobe from Navyonline

By Bill the Goat on Jan 13, 2022 8:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Merchandise
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5 min read

History Class: The Yard’s Beaux-Arts Architecture

By Bill the Goat on Jan 6, 2022 8:30:00 AM

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.

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3 min read

USNA Hero Highlight: Michelle J. Howard

By Bill the Goat on Dec 27, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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

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3 min read

It’s All Fun and Games: Navy Toys We Can’t Get Enough Of

By Bill the Goat on Dec 16, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Merchandise
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4 min read

The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Your Naval Academy Fanatic

By Bill the Goat on Dec 9, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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!

Topics: Merchandise
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4 min read

Midshipmen Make Spirits Bright

By Bill the Goat on Dec 2, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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

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3 min read

USNA Distinguished Graduate: Jimmy Carter

By Bill the Goat on Nov 23, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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

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3 min read

Our Top 4 Picks to Stay Toasty for Fall

By Bill the Goat on Nov 22, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Merchandise
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6 min read

USNA 2021 Holiday Gift Guide

By Bill the Goat on Nov 17, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Merchandise
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2 min read

"Beat Army" T-Shirt Design Contest for Midshipmen

By Bill the Goat on Nov 9, 2021 12:34:48 PM

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.

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5 min read

Eight Great USNA Home Office Products to Give Yourself a Promotion

By Bill the Goat on Oct 28, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Merchandise
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4 min read

USNA Hero Highlight: Kathryn P. Hire

By Bill the Goat on Oct 21, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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.

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4 min read

A Day in the Life of a Midshipman

By Bill the Goat on Oct 14, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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?

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5 min read

'Tis the Season for USNA Fall Sports

By Bill the Goat on Oct 7, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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!

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4 min read

Visit USNA: Come Tour the Naval Academy Yard!

By Bill the Goat on Sep 23, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Insider
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5 min read

NABSD Club Spotlight: Men's and Women's Fencing

By Bill the Goat on Sep 16, 2021 8:58:34 AM

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.

Topics: Midshipmen
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5 min read

It's Time to Tailgate!

By Bill the Goat on Sep 9, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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

Topics: Merchandise
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4 min read

USNA Hero Highlight: Joe Bellino, Navy Football Star and Heisman Trophy Winner

By Bill the Goat on Sep 2, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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

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2 min read

Treat a Midshipman: How to Order Essentials for Your USNA Student

By Bill the Goat on Aug 26, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Midshipmen
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5 min read

Go Navy! USNA Football Products That Beat All

By Bill the Goat on Aug 19, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Merchandise
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5 min read

The Wait Is Over! What to Do on Plebe Parents’ Weekend

By Bill the Goat on Aug 12, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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.

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6 min read

USNA Back-to-School Is Big This Year

By Bill the Goat on Aug 4, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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!

Topics: Merchandise
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5 min read

Brigade of Midshipmen Uniform Protocols, Explained

By Bill the Goat on Jul 27, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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.

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8 min read

Naval Ads Through The Years

By Bill the Goat on Jul 16, 2021 8:30:00 AM

(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.

Topics: Insider
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3 min read

Over the Years: The U.S. Naval Academy’s Advancement

By Bill the Goat on Jul 9, 2021 7:30:00 AM

(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.

Topics: Insider
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4 min read

USNA Hero Highlight: Commander William Herndon

By Bill the Goat on Jul 1, 2021 2:42:21 PM

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.

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3 min read

Plebe Issue: A Behind the Scenes Look at the Monumental Quest to Outfit Incoming Midshipmen

By Bill the Goat on Jun 30, 2021 8:15:00 AM

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!

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3 min read

USNA Glee Club: Made by Midshipmen, Made Possible with NABSD and You

By Bill the Goat on Jun 29, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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.

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2 min read

Welcome to the USNA!

By Bill the Goat on Jun 24, 2021 8:45:00 AM

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!

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4 min read

Celebrate the Fourth With Patriotic Products That Support the USNA

By Bill the Goat on Jun 17, 2021 8:45:00 AM

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

Topics: Merchandise
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4 min read

Bring the Yard Back Home

By Bill the Goat on Jun 9, 2021 11:00:00 AM

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.

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4 min read

The Making of a Mascot - Bill the Goat

By Bill the Goat on Jun 2, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Insider
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3 min read

Coming Soon to a Website Near You: A Brand New NABSD Experience!

By Bill the Goat on May 27, 2021 12:30:00 PM

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).

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3 min read

Read This! Naval Academy Books We Love

By Bill the Goat on May 20, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Merchandise
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4 min read

Get Your Summer Started with Fun Navy Finds

By Bill the Goat on May 13, 2021 10:32:47 AM

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.

Topics: Merchandise
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4 min read

One of the Greatest Struggles You’ll Ever See: The Herndon Climb

By Bill the Goat on May 5, 2021 9:00:00 AM

(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.

Topics: Midshipmen
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2 min read

Do Not Miss the Noon Meal Formation!

By Bill the Goat on Apr 14, 2021 8:30:00 AM

If you’re on the Yard just before noon, drop whatever you are doing and get to Tecumseh Court, right outside of Bancroft Hall. Join the crowd to view the impressive noon meal formation. Against the stunning backdrop of the massive Beaux Arts Bancroft Hall, you’ll see thousands of us Midshipmen marching into Tecumseh Court and then standing at perfect attention. The excitement is palpable.

Topics: Midshipmen
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3 min read

What’s Rank Got to Do With It? Everything.

By Bill the Goat on Apr 7, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Midshipmen
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3 min read

Can You Handle the Midshipmen Fitness Routine?

By Bill the Goat on Apr 1, 2021 2:38:02 PM

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.

Topics: Midshipmen
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3 min read

Don’t Give Up the Ship!

By Bill the Goat on Mar 24, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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:

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2 min read

Top Reasons for Students to Apply to USNA Summer STEM

By Bill the Goat on Mar 18, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Insider
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2 min read

Summer Seminar: A Look Into Naval Academy Life

By Bill the Goat on Mar 12, 2021 8:30:00 AM

(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.

Topics: Insider
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3 min read

Preble Hall: A Podcast

By Bill the Goat on Mar 3, 2021 9:00:00 AM

(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.

Topics: USNA History
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3 min read

Dark Ages at USNA

By Bill the Goat on Feb 26, 2021 8:00:00 AM

(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.

Topics: Insider
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3 min read

Oohrah!

By Bill the Goat on Feb 19, 2021 4:58:24 PM

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.

Topics: Midshipmen
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2 min read

The Navy Language

By Bill the Goat on Feb 11, 2021 4:58:15 PM

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.

Topics: Insider
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2 min read

USNA and Navy Cyber Operations

By Bill the Goat on Feb 4, 2021 12:00:00 PM

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.

Topics: Insider
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4 min read

Best USNA Outerwear Gifts

By Bill the Goat on Jan 28, 2021 9:00:00 AM

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.

Topics: Merchandise
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2 min read

Ship Selection Night

By Bill the Goat on Jan 21, 2021 8:30:00 AM

(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.

Topics: Insider
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3 min read

History of the Naval Academy Chapel

By Bill the Goat on Jan 13, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Insider
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2 min read

Take Off With the History of the Blue Angels

By Bill the Goat on Jan 5, 2021 8:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Insider
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3 min read

How USNA Prepares Midshipmen for the U.S. Navy

By Bill the Goat on Dec 21, 2020 8:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Insider
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3 min read

How the United States Navy Started

By Bill the Goat on Dec 16, 2020 8:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Insider
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2 min read

What It Means to Be Selected as the Brigade Commander

By Bill the Goat on Dec 8, 2020 8:30:00 AM

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

Topics: Insider
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2 min read

Holiday Gift Wrapping for Midshipmen

By Bill the Goat on Dec 1, 2020 8:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Insider
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3 min read

Who Is Buried at the Naval Academy?

By Bill the Goat on Nov 24, 2020 8:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Insider
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2 min read

Snacker-Box Spotlight

By Bill the Goat on Nov 17, 2020 8:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Merchandise
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2 min read

The History of Veterans Day

By Bill the Goat on Nov 11, 2020 8:30:00 AM

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."

Topics: Insider
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3 min read

USNA Barber Shop History

By Bill the Goat on Oct 29, 2020 9:00:00 AM

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.

Topics: Insider
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2 min read

USNA Barber Shop Reopening & Ribbon Cutting

By Bill the Goat on Oct 27, 2020 11:45:09 AM

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.

Topics: Insider
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4 min read

Read This! Top 6 Books About The Naval Academy

By Bill the Goat on Oct 14, 2020 8:50:00 AM

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:

Topics: Insider
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2 min read

The Silver Dollar Salute

By Bill the Goat on Sep 30, 2020 9:00:00 AM

Commissioned Officers in the United States Navy are responsible for the effective and efficient management of personnel, ships, aircraft, and weapons systems. These highly educated leaders have successfully completed extensive specialized training enabling them to execute the mission of the Navy.
Topics: Insider
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2 min read

How Does Navyonline Support the Brigade of Midshipmen?

By Bill the Goat on Sep 22, 2020 9:00:00 AM

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.

Topics: Insider
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2 min read

NAPS - Naval Academy Preparatory School

By Bill the Goat on Sep 16, 2020 9:00:00 AM

With the exception of the United States Naval Academy (USNA), academic education isn’t necessarily something that the average citizen associates with the United States Navy (USN). The Navy places tremendous value on developing a fighting force which actively works to gain new skills, expertise, and expand its knowledge base. Not only is education highly encouraged, but is required for career advancement.
Topics: Insider
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3 min read

A Look Into the Chain of Command in the US Navy

By Bill the Goat on Sep 10, 2020 9:30:00 AM

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.

Topics: Insider
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3 min read

Army-Navy Game History

By Bill the Goat on Aug 26, 2020 9:00:00 AM

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.

Topics: Insider
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2 min read

What is the USNA Honor Concept?

By Bill the Goat on Aug 19, 2020 9:00:00 AM

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.

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3 min read

This Summer's Best Sellers

By Bill the Goat on Aug 12, 2020 9:00:00 AM

Topics: Insider
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2 min read

USNA Flag Usage and Ceremonies

By Bill the Goat on Aug 5, 2020 9:00:00 AM

Topics: Insider
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2 min read

The Naval Academy Club

By Bill the Goat on Jul 29, 2020 9:00:00 AM

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.

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3 min read

Highlight on the USNA History Museum

By Bill the Goat on Jul 22, 2020 9:00:00 AM

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. 

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3 min read

History of Dahlgren Hall

By Bill the Goat on Jul 15, 2020 9:00:00 AM

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.

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3 min read

USNA Uniform Store

By Bill the Goat on Jul 8, 2020 9:26:34 AM

 

Topics: Insider
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3 min read

History of the 4th of July

By Bill the Goat on Jul 1, 2020 9:00:00 AM

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3 min read

Notable USNA Grads

By Bill the Goat on Jun 24, 2020 9:00:00 AM

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2 min read

Reef Points: A Plebe's New Favorite Book

By Bill the Goat on Jun 17, 2020 9:00:00 AM

Reefing a sail is employed when a ship’s exposure to heavy winds needs to be controlled.  Reefing a mainsail allows for improved performance and stability in rough weather.  The sail’s reef points are the sturdy ties that secure the unused portion of the sail material to the boom.  These reef points increase helm visibility and prevent the foot of the sail from flopping about uncontrollably.  Skilled sailors rely on a ship’s reefing system to ensure a controlled and safe sail no matter the conditions.

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2 min read

100 Objects: A History of the Navy

By Bill the Goat on Jun 10, 2020 9:00:00 AM

We as a species are fascinated with the past. It’s a curious characteristic of mankind. Our history is something that delivers information, entertainment, and a sense of identity and community. But as intellectually oriented as humans are, oral stories and written descriptions only satisfy our curiosity to a certain point. Nothing brings history to life more than physical remnants of days gone by. Artifacts that we examine with our senses, provide credibility to what might otherwise be dismissed as myth or embellishment. We are drawn to the tangible and often fragile connections to our past like magnets.

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2 min read

USNA Tailor Shop

By Bill the Goat on May 27, 2020 9:00:00 AM

Famous quotes rarely come from cowboys, but cowboy-turned-actor, Will Rogers, seemed to have a comprehensive understanding of the human psyche. One of his more well-known quips is, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”.

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3 min read

Bancroft Hall: The Place They Call Home

By Bill the Goat on May 20, 2020 9:00:00 AM

English is an imprecise language. Its ambiguities and vagaries lead to varied interpretations. A case in point, the word “home” can have many meanings depending on the context. At the core, its most basic definition is the physical dwelling in which one lives and where possessions are kept.  But “home” may also refer to a physical location or region that one has a relationship with or an affinity to. And two diverse places might be “home” at the same time. The city where one is born or raised can be thought of as “home” as much as an adopted location may be.

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3 min read

USNA Cobbler Shop: Nope, Not the Dessert

By Bill the Goat on May 13, 2020 9:12:00 AM

Cobblers, the dessert, are the result of true American ingenuity.  Early settlers craving traditional British puddings were forced to pull from whatever items were available in their pantries and throw a similar dish together.  The resulting biscuit and fruit dessert may be what most Americans envision upon hearing the term “cobbler”, however, the original definition of the word has a much longer history. 

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3 min read

Tours and Tea at USNA

By Bill the Goat on May 6, 2020 9:00:00 AM

The United States Naval Academy (USNA) is more than an institution of higher learning and military instruction. Its 338 acres on the former grounds of Fort Severn are rich in U.S. and Naval history. As such, the entire campus, also known as The Yard, is a designated National Historic Landmark on the country’s list of National Register of Historic Places.

Topics: Insider
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3 min read

USNA Barber Shop: Plebe Hair Requirements

By Bill the Goat on Apr 29, 2020 9:15:00 AM

For members of the military, uniform regulations dictate personal appearance to include grooming and hair requirements.  These regulations are not arbitrary or merely time-honored military traditions.  While these regulations have both appearance and functional purposes, they have been able to adapt to the changing demographics of the personnel making up our armed forces.

Topics: Insider
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3 min read

Home of the Midshipmen - Bancroft Hall Steerage Restaurant

By Bill the Goat on Apr 22, 2020 9:15:00 AM

As most of you know, Bancroft Hall has quite a lot to offer a midshipman - it’s their home while at USNA, their means of grabbing a quick snack, there’s Smoke Hall and much more.  We’re developing a blog series on all the ins and out - and details you might not know - about Bancroft Hall. Our premier blog is about the Steerage Restaurant. 

Topics: Insider
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2 min read

47th Annual Spring Oratorio

By Bill the Goat on Apr 15, 2020 9:30:00 AM

Beginning in the 16th century, the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri church in Rome achieved notoriety for a unique style of musical religious service. In an effort to instill moral musical entertainment, St. Philip Neri instituted services which included two musical acts separated by a sermon. With a name derived from the church where it originated and the and Latin verb, orare, meaning “to pray”, these performances came to be known as oratorios.

Topics: Insider
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2 min read

Annual Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference

By Bill the Goat on Apr 8, 2020 9:00:00 AM

In a letter written by John Paul Jones, he noted that “It is by no means enough that an officer of the Navy should be a capable mariner.  He must be that, of course, but also a great deal more”. The world in which John Paul Jones fought and commanded ships bears little resemblance to the contemporary global environment, yet his view regarding the qualifications a Naval Officer must possess is still relevant today.

Topics: Insider
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3 min read

I-Day: A Day in the Life

By Bill the Goat on Apr 1, 2020 11:00:00 AM

Young people who choose to serve their country in the United States military might enlist after high school or enter an officer candidate program after earning a 4-year college degree.  But a select few spend their high school years building an outstanding record of achievement that will make them competitive for an appointment to one of the nation’s military service academies.

Topics: Insider
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4 min read

New Spring Navy Apparel for the Whole Family

By Bill the Goat on Mar 25, 2020 9:57:52 AM

It’s been a surprisingly warm winter around the Naval Academy. In the fall we all prepped for the Dark Ages and cold weather at USNA by getting our hands on warm gloves, cozy hats, and thick jackets. We’re all starting to realize we aren’t going to need them for much longer considering it’s been a warm 40-50 degrees over the last couple months. There have been cooler days, but overall we haven’t needed to thoroughly bundle up our children too much this year like we did last year. There’s been no shoveling snow by the midshipmen - or grumpy teenagers - around Annapolis, and I don’t either of them are too upset about that. 

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2 min read

120th Submarine Birthday Ball

By Bill the Goat on Mar 18, 2020 9:30:00 AM

Sir Winston Churchill once famously stated, “Of all the branches of the men in the forces there is none which shows more devotion and faces grimmer perils than the submariners.”

This brave fighting force is the silent service, requiring highly educated and qualified personnel to staff and operate its complex weapons systems undersea. Life aboard these platforms is demanding. Submariners forgo fresh air and natural light, working and living in close quarters to perform their critical duties beneath the seas. The submarine community and its history are celebrated each year at the Submarine Birthday Ball.

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3 min read

The Yard Over the Years

By Bill the Goat on Mar 11, 2020 9:15:00 AM

On October 10, 1845, Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft established the Naval School.  Opening with 50 midshipmen and seven professors, the original academic program required a five-year course of study. Located on the grounds of former US Army Post, Fort Severn, the United States Naval Academy has experienced incredible changes and evolved throughout its noble history.

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Where did Anchors Aweigh Come From?

By Bill the Goat on Mar 4, 2020 9:45:00 AM

Military bands have long been used as a means of communication on the battlefield.  The first documented evidence is found in Sun Tzu’s The Art of War from 2,500 years ago when drums and gongs were used to broadcast orders to troops.

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What Feeds America’s Midshipmen?

By Bill the Goat on Feb 26, 2020 10:00:00 AM

There’s an old saying that an army marches on its stomach. This famous quote has been attributed to both Napoleon Bonaparte and Fredrick the Great, but no matter which military leader first came to this conclusion, its meaning is clear. The intent of the phrase is to convey that the effectiveness of a military force relies on the quality and quantity of the food it is served.  At the US Naval Academy (USNA), the requirement for plentiful and appetizing meals to serve the Brigade of Midshipmen is no different. But what exactly does it take to feed future Naval and Marine Corps Officers? Quite literally tons of food and optimum efficiency.

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USNA Winter Musical: Oklahoma!

By Bill the Goat on Feb 19, 2020 9:30:00 AM

There’s something magical about musical theater. It keeps the audience on the edge of their seat. At any moment a character might unexpectedly break into song, sharing their innermost emotional turmoil, or ambitions for pulling something over on another character. In other scenes, the entire cast is suddenly in on the action, belting out the same thought as a choral ensemble. While no one ever really publicly breaks into song to get a message across, there is something to love about campy songs with catchy melodies paired with over-the-top storylines.

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USNA Black History Month Concert

By Bill the Goat on Feb 5, 2020 11:06:00 AM

Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, is an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans. An idea born from Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and other notable African Americans, its origins date back to 1926. For its debut, a single week spanning the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass was chosen by the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) as a proper time to raise awareness regarding the significant role African Americans have played in the nation’s history. Community response to the event proved popular with organizations nation-wide holding their own educational event and celebrations. 

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Naptown Funk - A Viral Video

By Bill the Goat on Jan 22, 2020 9:30:00 AM

The first video to go viral appeared in 2004, when Gary Brolsma posted his lip-synced Numa Numa Dance. Hilarious, wildly unexpected, and a bit endearing, viewers repeatedly watched and shared the short video of Brolsma gesturing along to the song without abandon. 

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USNA Midshipmen Classical Recital

By Bill the Goat on Jan 15, 2020 9:22:00 AM

Live music provides an energy to performances that recorded tracks are unable to match. And this is precisely what makes a recital such a special event. During a recital, all attention is devoted to the music and the musician. On January 31, musicians and their instruments will take their turn as the stars of the show during the Midshipmen Classical Recital.

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