NStar Articles

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

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

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