NStar Articles

We know, we know—no one wants to think about heading back to school when summer is still in full swing. But trust us, there’s an upside to early school shopping, especially when it includes spirited United States Navy apparel and fun USNA gear that also supports midshipmen.

You’ve waited weeks—okay, let’s be honest, it’s felt like months—to see your plebe again. After all those silent days and long-awaited phone calls, the time has finally come: Plebe Parents’ Weekend is here! It’s not just a chance to hug your plebe again, it’s a full-blown celebration of everything they’ve accomplished during the arduous Plebe Summer—and a fantastic opportunity for you to show your support.

At the United States Naval Academy, strength isn’t just measured in muscles—it’s tested through character, teamwork, and sheer willpower. From the very beginning of Plebe Summer to the final march across the stage at graduation and commissioning, each midshipman is shaped by a series of physical and mental challenges. One of the most grueling—and meaningful—of these milestones is the USNA Sea Trials, held each May.