USNA Commissioning Week Highlights
Every May Annapolis gears up for one of it’s most special time of year, USNA Commissioning Week. It all honors the First Class Midshipmen upon completion of their four years at Naval Academy. Parents, family members, and guests travel from all over the country to Maryland’s historic state capital. They partake in a series of events at the Naval Academy and around town. Some activities include The Herndon Climb, the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration, Color Parade, award ceremonies, and more! Check out some of the key Commissioning Week activities.
The Herndon Climb
The culmination of the plebe year at the USNA wraps up the Monday during Commissioning Week with the Herndon Climb. This tradition demonstrated the teamwork and perseverance the Plebs have acquired through their first year at the Academy. They are presented with the task of climbing the vegetable shortening covered Herndon Monument to retrieve the “dixie cup hat” and replace it with an upperclassman’s cover. The plebes form a human pyramid as they work together to formulate a plan to climb high and fast. Once they complete the Herndon Climb, the freshmen are no longer referred to as plebes but Fourth Class Midshipmen.
Blue Angels Practice and Air Show
For two back to back days, to the delight of Annapolitans and visitors, we are treated to a special Blue Angels flight show. On the Tuesday during Commissioning week, the Blue Angels arrive, circle the city. They then proceed to practice for about 2 hours, in preparation for their big show on Wednesday. The Blue Angels have become an integral part of Annapolis Culture. Folks plan epic gatherings and parties around these tow events. It is almost like the Wednesday during Commissioning Week is our own City Holiday. Click here for all the details.
Color Parade
Visitors and family can visit the Yard (USNA campus) on the Thursday during commissioning for the Color Parade. It is the final parade of the school year. It features the entire brigade in their dress whites on Worden Field. It is quite a site to see!
USNA Commencement
Friday is the official USNA graduation. Weather permitting, the ceremony occurs at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, in the heart of Maryland’s historic state capital. The gates open at 7 am, and thousands of family, friends, and visitors file through the streets of Annapolis to witness this occasion. The Graduate and faculty promenade in at 9 am, and the ceremony starts promptly at 10 am. Annapolis is treated once again to yet another Blue Angels flyover at 10:04 am. Click here to watch it all live!
Congratulations to the USNA Class of 2019!
If you are visiting Annapolis, or are hosting an event during USNA Commissioning Week, pick up bagels and spreads to feed your hungry crew! We have so many menu options to delight your family and guests. We appreciate your business and are grateful you choose Naval Bagels!
The entire Naval Bagels staff would like to wish the best to the USNA class of 2019!
