NStar Articles

3 min read

Navigating Toward Leadership: The USNA Summer Training and Yard Patrol

By Bill the Goat on Apr 23, 2025 8:30:00 AM

[UPDATED FOR 2025]

While a classroom is a great place to acquire knowledge, some skills are best learned through on-the-water experience. As midshipmen put their classroom instruction to practical use, these lessons are reinforced and retained more effectively. While topics like navigation and seamanship may begin with textbooks and lectures, true mastery comes through immersive, real-world training.

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4 min read

How to Sponsor a USNA Midshipman

By Bill the Goat on Mar 26, 2025 8:30:00 AM

Summary:

The U.S. Naval Academy Sponsor Program pairs Annapolis-area families with midshipmen to provide encouragement, stability, and a local support system during their demanding Academy years. The program strengthens community ties, enhances the midshipman experience, and plays a vital role in officer development, making it a deeply rewarding way for civilians to give back.

Have you ever thought about opening your home - and your heart - to a U.S. Naval Academy midshipman? If you live in the Annapolis area, enjoy meeting impressive young leaders, and want to give back in a meaningful way, the USNA Sponsor Program may be exactly what you’re looking for. Rooted in tradition and community pride, this program connects local families with midshipmen and offers support during one of the most demanding chapters of their lives.

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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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