NStar Articles

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. 

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

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