Naval Academy

On Friday afternoon Larry from Panacea and I toured the Naval Academy. The tour was very interesting from several aspects. It was commissioning week which translates to graduation. Some of the midshipmen will be going to the Marines, others to the Navy Seals, some to train as Navy pilots, many to submarines, etc. Again as I said in a previous blog, these are the best of the best. The academy only accepts less than nine percent of their applicants. Not only are they intelligent but they are physically fit. Their training at the academy includes at least two and a half hours of physical fitness training per day.

Our tour was completely walking. Because of graduation the campus was undoubtedly busier than normal. There were many family members everywhere.The grounds were immaculate and it was a beautiful day.

Since I didn't bring a notebook to take notes I won't attest to the accuracy of the comments on the pictures below. Our tour leader told us of many traditions here. Many more than I can remember or relate.

This is one side of the largest dorm in the world. Over 4000 midshipman live here.

This is the front of the dorm. All classes, meals, medical, etc. is conducted inside this building.

The students don't need to leave the building very often.

This is the great hall inside. 

There were three of these huge crystal chandeliers in this room.

I can't imagine hanging one of them. They must weigh an awful lot and they are suspended from that glass ceiling. The bottom of the chandelier must be at least thirty feet above the floor. 

This is admirals row.

Rank certainly has its privileges here.

This is the front of one of the duplexes.

Not being in the military myself I forgot the rank of the head of the school.

It is comparable to a superintendent and quite an honor.

This is usually a four year position and the person usually retires after completion.

Many dignitaries are entertained in this house.

The front door of the church on campus.

We weren't allowed inside because of a wedding.

The midshipmen are not allowed to be married or have any dependents.

Plaque of John Paul Jones, founder of the U S Navy.

This bust of John Paul Jones is said to be life size. 

This statue is painted in various themes every year by the graduating class.

Tradition has the plebes, first year students, retrieve a hat from the top of this monument

 and replace it with another hat of a higher rank. This is a symbol that their plebe year is completed.

The graduating class covers the monument with grease or lard to increase the difficulty.

Rumor is that it took around two and a half hours this year. 

The event took place the day before our tour and the sod had already been replaced because of the lard.