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.
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Navigating Toward Leadership: The USNA Summer Training and Yard Patrol
[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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How to Sponsor a USNA Midshipman
Have you ever considered opening your home and heart to a U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) midshipman? If you live in the Annapolis area, enjoy meeting remarkable young individuals, and want to support the future leaders of our Navy and Marine Corps, the USNA Sponsor Program might be the perfect opportunity for you. This program is a win-win, fostering meaningful connections while providing midshipmen with a much-needed “home away from home.” Here’s everything you need to know about how to sponsor a midshipman and make a lasting difference in their lives - and your own.
