NStar Articles

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. Bolden graduated from the Naval Academy in '68, earning his bachelor’s degree in electrical science.

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

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