Plebe Summer

Plebe Summerun i t e d Stat e S nava l ac a d e m y

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Pl e b e Su m m e rcl a S S o f 2016un i t e d Stat e S nava l ac a d e m y

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Welcome to Parents’ Weekend 2012! On Induction Day your sons and daughters embarked on an exciting

and rewarding journey in the service of our nation. They made a commitment to be part of something larger than themselves, forged through 167 years of Naval Academy history and tradition. In turn, we made a commitment to challenge them daily to excel and imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor and loyalty so they are prepared to eventually assume roles as leaders in the Navy and Marine Corps. The last six weeks have likely proven to be the most demanding of their young lives – a rigorous program of taking orders, marching, physical training, learning Naval history, and extensive character and honor development. They have endured the heat of Annapolis, pushed themselves beyond exhaustion, and have begun to learn the meaning of teamwork, determination and resilience. The bonds forged by the class this summer will serve as a foundation for their four years together on the banks of the Severn, and more importantly, throughout their careers as Navy and Marine Corps leaders. When you reunite with your sons and daughters, you’ll likely notice many changes. Some physical changes will be apparent; standing taller, prouder and appearing leaner than ever before is to be expected. But there are even more important changes that are not as visible; greater confidence, increased maturity and self-discipline, and a new dedication to service and teamwork. In fact, the Class of 2016 has already begun to meld into a unified team, and is ready to join the Brigade of Midshipmen. You should be very proud of their hard work and dedication, and extremely proud of your roles in laying the foundation that brought them to this distinguished institution. Without you, they wouldn’t be here today. Congratulations and enjoy this weekend. Your Midshipman has certainly earned it!

Michael H. Miller Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy Superintendent

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S Welcome 3Class of 2016 Profile 6Overview 9Induction Day 13Navy Traditions 21Shaping Up 27Living in the Hall 35Learning the Ropes 39Reflections 45Building a Team 49Academic Choices 57Parents’ Weekend 63Alumni Association & Foundation 67

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APPLICATIONSMen 15,781Women 4,820Total 20,601

OFFERS OF APPOINTMENTMen 1,049Women 345Total 1,394

CLASS SIZEMen 917Women 294Total 1,211

NOMINATING CATEGORIESPresidential 833Congressional 5,146Secretary of the Navy 351ROTC/JROTC 142Children of Deceased/Disabled Veterans 35

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Midshipmen were admitted from every state in the nation, as well as Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Class of 2016 also includes seventeen international students from: Bangladesh (1), Bulgaria (2), Costa Rica (2), El Salvador (1), Gabon (2), Guyana (1), Kazakhstan (1), Korea (1), Malaysia (1), Peru (2), Philippines (1), Singapore (1), and Thailand (1).

ALUMNI SONS AND DAUGHTERS (56)The class of 2016 includes 41 sons and 15 daughters of alumni. Five members of the entering class have both parents who are alumni of the Naval Academy.

MILITARY BACKGROUNDTotal Former Enlisted*Navy 47Marine Corps 8Total 55

*This figure includes 28 who entered directly from the Fleet (24 Navy, 4 USMC), and 27 from the Naval Academy Prep School (23 USN, 4 USMC).

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COMPOSITIONTop 10% 56%Top 25% 71%Top Third of H.S. Class 87%

Varsity athletics 89%Community Service 87%Dramatics, Public Speaking or Debating 67%Student Body Leader 66%Captain/Co-Captain of Sports Team 63%National Honor Society 63%Church Group 52%Tutoring 39%Musical Activities (Band, Chorus, Etc.) 31%Another Language Spoken at Home 18%Work Experience (>10 hrs/week) 17%ROTC/JROTC/Sea Cadets/Civil Air Patrol 17%Hardship or Adverse Life Experience 17%School publication 11%First to Attend College in Family 10% First Generation American 6%

COLLEGE BOARD DATA Middle 50th percentile*

Verbal 560-670 Math 600-700* 50% of the class achieved SAT scores within the range between the 25th and 75th percentile

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUNDThe Class of 2016 includes 373 (31%) from college and post-high school preparatory programs which include:

H 222 from Naval Academy Prep School in Newport, RI

H 20 from the Navy Nuclear Power Program

H 45 from the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation Program (28 from prep schools and 17 from colleges) H 86 additional students have completed at least one semester of study at a college or university (including one sailor from Nuclear Power School)

APPLICATIONSMen 15,781Women 4,820Total 20,601

OFFERS OF APPOINTMENTMen 1,049Women 345Total 1,394

CLASS SIZEMen 917Women 294Total 1,211

NOMINATING CATEGORIESPresidential 833Congressional 5,146Secretary of the Navy 351ROTC/JROTC 142Children of Deceased/Disabled Veterans 35

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Midshipmen were admitted from every state in the nation, as well as Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Class of 2016 also includes seventeen international students from: Bangladesh (1), Bulgaria (2), Costa Rica (2), El Salvador (1), Gabon (2), Guyana (1), Kazakhstan (1), Korea (1), Malaysia (1), Peru (2), Philippines (1), Singapore (1), and Thailand (1).

ALUMNI SONS AND DAUGHTERS (56)The class of 2016 includes 41 sons and 15 daughters of alumni. Five members of the entering class have both parents who are alumni of the Naval Academy.

MILITARY BACKGROUNDTotal Former Enlisted*Navy 47Marine Corps 8Total 55

*This figure includes 28 who entered directly from the Fleet (24 Navy, 4 USMC), and 27 from the Naval Academy Prep School (23 USN, 4 USMC).

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O v e r v i e w

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O v e r v i e w

Plebe Summer is a demanding, fast-paced orientation that

begins the four years of preparation for commissioning

as Navy or Marine Corps officers. Physical and mental

demands upon the plebes’ time seem never ending,

but they all have a purpose: the development of leadership ability, motivation, moral

strength, physical skills and stamina — attributes of any outstanding naval officer.

Although some form of military training is found at many American

universities, the rigorous routine and challenges of a year-long fourth class devel-

opment system are unique to the service academies. Complementing other

phases of midshipmen training and education, the plebe year at the Naval

Academy is designed to test and develop. It is a challenging year requiring

midshipmen to stand on their own feet, to produce under pressure,

to respond promptly and intelligently to orders, and finally, to

measure up to the highest standards of honor, courage and

commitment.

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commitment.

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The first day of Plebe Summer, Induction Day (I-Day), is a day that most

midshipmen will remember forever. This is scarcely surprising because, in one very busy day, they begin adjusting to a different and challenging way of life. The day begins as prospective midship-men arrive and report to Alumni Hall to begin induction. There they meet selected first class (senior) midshipmen, and the commissioned officers and senior enlisted personnel who lead the Plebe Summer training program. They also meet their new

classmates, many of whom will become close friends by summer’s end. During the induction pro-cess, midshipman candidates cycle through medical ex-aminations, uniform fittings and equipment issue. They get their first plebe haircuts. They fill out forms and more forms. Fourth class are assigned

to military units com prising the Fourth Class Regiment. The regiment consists of two battalions, port and starboard. Port has seven companies and starboard battalion has eight companies. Each company has two numbered platoons, for a total of 30 in the regiment. Each platoon has four squads with about 11 plebes per squad. There are 120 squads during Plebe Summer. About 12 hours after they first arrive at the academy, the candidates assemble for the Oath of Office ceremony. With anxiety, fatigue and great pride, the new midshipmen take an oath that reads in part “to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” Evening meal formation and their first meal as real fourth class follow, after which they return to the company area for squad leader instruction and a little personal time. Then, at 9:45 p.m., they fall into bed after an exciting but exhausting first day as midshipmen in the United States Navy.

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Reveille jars everyone back into reality. It is 5:30 a.m. of their first full day at the academy. “Another day in which to excel,” as the upperclassmen say. And so it goes; there’s no letup in sight. Days blur into weeks through the hot summer. Civilian ways and days soon seem far behind.

As the summer progresses, the new midshipmen rapidly assimilate basic skills in seamanship, navigation and damage control. Infantry drill, shooting 9mm pistols and M-16 rifles, and sailing small boats all contribute to making each midshipman a proudly versatile individual. A rigorous physical conditioning program, including calisthenics, running, pull-ups, sit-ups, swimming, wrestling, boxing and personal defense, are only a small part of the daily regimen. The fourth class also tackle obstacle, endurance and confidence courses as well as a 40-foot climbing wall. Team spirit and a desire to win are developed through competition in activities ranging from athletics to dress parades and damage control drills.

Fourth class midshipmen also receive instruction and indoctrination on the Brigade of Midshipmen Honor Concept. Honor is the backbone of the military profession. We recognize that individuals are not born with a sense of honor and that its attainment results from an educational process. The internalization of these ideals in every midshipman is one of the key objectives of the Naval Academy’s educational core values program. The Honor Concept stresses that each individual has the moral courage and the desire to do the right thing because it is right, not from a fear of punishment.

However difficult, Plebe Summer is a time most midshipmen will never forget. They experience both success and failure.

Making each hurdle brings a feeling of relief that it is over and a sense of pride that the challenge has been met — and conquered.

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Reveille jars everyone back into reality. It is 5:30 a.m. of their first full day at the academy. “Another day in which to excel,” as the upperclassmen say. And so it goes; there’s no letup in sight. Days blur into weeks through the hot summer. Civilian ways and days soon seem far behind.

As the summer progresses, the new midshipmen rapidly assimilate basic skills in seamanship, navigation and damage control. Infantry drill, shooting 9mm pistols and M-16 rifles, and sailing small boats all contribute to making each midshipman a proudly versatile individual. A rigorous physical conditioning program, including calisthenics, running, pull-ups, sit-ups, swimming, wrestling, boxing and personal defense, are only a small part of the daily regimen. The fourth class also tackle obstacle, endurance and confidence courses as well as a 40-foot climbing wall. Team spirit and a desire to win are developed through competition in activities ranging from athletics to dress parades and damage control drills. Fourth class midshipmen also receive instruction and indoctrination on the Brigade of Midshipmen Honor Concept. Honor is the backbone of the military profession. We recognize that individuals are not born with a sense of honor and that its attainment results from an educational process. The internalization of these ideals in every midshipman is one of the key objectives of the Naval Academy’s educational core values program. The Honor Concept stresses that each individual has the moral courage and the desire to do the right thing because it is right, not from a fear of punishment. However difficult, Plebe Summer is a time most midshipmen will never forget. They experience both success and failure. Making each hurdle brings a feeling of relief that it is over and a sense of pride that the challenge has been met — and conquered.

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I n d u c t i o n D a y

Induction Day is the day when civilians begin the

transformation to midshipmen. For those with prior

enlisted experience in the Navy and Marine Corps, and

for students from the Naval Academy Preparatory School,

I-Day begins a day early (“I-Day minus one”), but all candidates complete the

induction process with the Oath of Office ceremony on the evening of I-Day.

I-Day begins at 6 a.m., when the candidates, dressed in their civilian

clothes, gather at Alumni Hall. Here they place their personal belongings

aside and begin checking in.

Inside Alumni Hall their vision is tested and they are

given inoculations. They are given their first military haircut

and receive their first uniform issue: a T-shirt, athletic socks,

running shoes and the prized “dixie cup” hat. Each is also

issued a huge laundry bag that contains their “white

works,” or jumper uniforms, and other uniform items.

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Oath of Office

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Emotions

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After leaving Alumni Hall, the new candidates are bused to Bancroft Hall where they eat

lunch in King Hall and meet their new squad leaders. After a brief stop to unload all their gear in their rooms and meet their roommates, the relentless pace continues into the afternoon. Early evening brings an important pause in the day for the Oath of Of-fice Ceremony with many proud family members and friends watching. Standing together, the fourth class are asked if, “… having been appointed a midshipman in the United States Navy, do you solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that you will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that you take this obligation freely and without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that you will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which you are about to enter, so help you God?” Right hands raised, the plebes respond, “I do.” Congratulations are in order, and the fourth class midshipmen have an hour to enjoy the feeling. Then, another new class heads for evening meal formation. The action picks up again during supper. Upperclassmen are ever present in Ban-croft Hall — giving orders, instructing, challenging every step — as the fourth class mids struggle to stay afloat in their new home. Finally, their first day as mid-shipmen ends. Taps: it’s 9:45 p.m., time for a welcome, well-deserved sleep.

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Gig lines, edge dressing, tucks, brush offs,

and working out the smiles mean little to

the midshipmen candidates who come to

the Naval Academy. But in no time these

techniques of perfecting appearance in uniform, along with a host of

other military practices such as saluting and marching, become a natu-

ral part of a fourth class midshipman’s life.

Immediately after they get out of their civilian clothes, new

midshipmen are taught how to salute, whom to salute and how to stand at

attention and parade rest.

They learn how to carry a rifle and spend hours learning how to march,

perfecting their synchronization on the field. Perfection in every detail

— in marching, inspections and physical fitness competitions —

earns points toward the title of “color company.” The winner of the

color competition earns a blue border on the company guidon, which

distinguishes the company as best in the regiment.

Navy Traditions

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Shaping Up

Physical education and competitive sports programs

support an important part of the mission of the Naval

Academy. The physical fitness program gets off to

a fast start during Plebe Summer. The fourth class

regiment spends more than 135 hours, or about 32 percent of their time,

engaging in physical fitness and athletic activities.

Most days of Plebe Summer begin at 5:30 a.m. with 90 minutes of

calisthenics, running, push-ups, sit-ups and other exercises designed to

increase strength, endurance, agility, flexibility and general athletic

ability. Fourth class midshipmen also receive instruction and

practice in boxing, soccer, gymnastics, crew, tennis, squash,

swimming, track, judo, and running an obstacle course. They

scale a 40-foot tall climbing wall, and tackle the confidence

and endurance courses.

Even midshipmen in the best shape can find this

overall physical conditioning program a challenge,

but few can argue with its results.

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After six weeks of this routine, they feel stronger and they look better. But the ultimate

purpose of this program is even more important. It is designed to develop the personal fitness and assertive spirit found in an outstanding naval officer. During their years at the academy, midshipmen will participate in intercollegiate or intra-brigade athletic programs. They also receive 164 hours of physical education instruction. Midship-men are graded on their performance, and the grade is reflected in their overall class standing. Successful completion of the required physical education program is a prerequisite for graduation.

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Obstacle and Confidence Courses

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Living in the Hall

Bancroft Hall is home away from home for the

entire Brigade of Midshipmen. They spend

practically every moment in the Hall when they

are not going to class, marching, attending sports

events or religious activities, or on liberty.

Plebes learn the intricacies of preparing for meticulous room

inspections. They must wax the deck, clean their showers, and

stow their clothes in a prescribed way. During the inspections,

upperclassmen examine every surface and corner with a white glove.

Midshipmen learn quickly what it means to have the highest

standards of cleanliness and organization. Frequent inspections are meant

to encourage attention to detail and military readiness.

Life in Bancroft Hall presents daily challenges for fourth class

midshipmen. Meals here are different from anything they’ve ever

experienced. Plebes march to meals, find their squad tables and

stand at attention before sitting.

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They must be prepared to answer a

barrage of questions or recite their rates (passages from Reef Points), the menu, the names of officers of the watch and memorized news or sports stories from the day’s newspaper. The fourth class midshipmen get permission from their squad leader to stow their covers (under their chairs). After hearing the announcements, they ask permission to sit and begin passing food to each other family style. Some plebes find eating under these circumstances difficult, but soon they become accustomed to it. Squad leaders make sure that everyone is eating enough food.

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Learning the Ropes

Professional training, in areas such as seamanship,

marksmanship and combat skills, is a hands-on and

an enjoyable part of the summer for the fourth class.

On the water, they learn basic seamanship skills of boat handling and

navigation, as well as fundamental concepts about the effects of wind and

currents. Midshipmen fourth class are introduced to small arms during

marksmanship training at the Naval Support Activity pistol range.

There, under the close supervision of upperclass midshipmen and

Navy and Marine Range Officers, they learn weapons safety, sight

alignment and trigger control before shooting to qualify for

ribbons as marksmen, sharpshooters or experts.

In order to emphasize Plebe Summer as an initial

step in the professional development of junior officers,

fourth class midshipmen receive significant naval science

training. The topics covered include shipboard watch

standing, damage control, basic seamanship and line

handling. At the end of the summer, a proficiency test is

administered to each fourth class, with high marks earning

color points for their company.

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At th e RA n g e

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D A m A g e C o n t R o l

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Plebes take a trip to Baltimore in order to attend a day-long shipboard damage control

team trainer. At the trainer (“buttercup”), the fourth class midshipmen will learn basic fire fighting, pipe patching, and shoring. The event culminates in a real flooding scenario where the team must patch and shore damage while water rushes into the space. This experience will increase the competence and confidence necessary for their future summer training cruises and when they take their places a junior officers in the fleet.

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Reflections

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Reflections

During Plebe Summer, specific periods

of the day are provided for the fouth

class as opportunities to engage in

sports activities, sing in the choir, attend

religious services, make a telephone call or write home.

Midshipmen fourth class first meet their classmates outside

Alumni Hall during I-Day. While there is little chance for mingling

during this busy day, after a while they come to know their fellow

classmates as shipmates and friends. Midshipmen realize early on that

they must work as a team. Roommates work together preparing their

rooms and themselves for inspection, and they help each other study.

Plebes must learn the first names and hometowns of all classmates

in their platoon. This requirement encourages loyalty and a kinship

among the midshipmen. The Class of 2016 will become an extended

family, with the kind of close relationships that last lifetime.

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From the first day of Plebe Summer until the day of commissioning, the academy’s staff of chaplains

and religious program specialists minister to the needs of the brigade. Midshipmen may attend the religious service of their choice, and a wide variety of such services are available on the Yard. Attendance at these services is voluntary. These services support the role of spirituality in the development of midshipmen and provide a foundation for withstanding times of personal trial, professional stress and human suffering.

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It’s to the “firstie” that the new midshipmen look for

guidance, instruction and inspiration. Many fourth

class take for granted the self-confident, squared-away

midshipman squad leader who always seems to know

just what to do, and how and when to do it. But the first

class midshipmen know that positive leadership by example isn’t easy. Most

have wanted to be squad leaders since they were fourth class themselves,

and to reach this goal they have completed extensive training. They

cannot expect their subordinates to look sharp in their uniforms

unless they themselves set a perfect example. And if the fourth

class must know the menu, officers of the watch, and the time

of the next evolution, then the squad leaders must know

their plebe “rates” even better. As people in authority who

are closest to the fourth class during their first formative

weeks as midshipmen, the squad leaders have an

important responsibility. Professional training, in areas

such as seamanship, marksmanship and combat skills,

is a hands-on and an enjoyable part of the summer for

the fourth class.

Building a Team

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For many of the first class midshipmen, their weeks as Plebe Summer platoon commanders and squad leaders are

the most professionally challenging weeks of their Naval Academy careers. For years they have watched and critiqued the leadership styles of other midshipmen and officers. The Plebe Summer experience gives them the chance to try the leadership techniques they have learned. And if they make a mistake, they experience one of the toughest tasks in leadership: admitting a mistake, learning from it and moving forward. In some ways, the squad leader’s second Plebe Summer is harder than the first, but the leadership opportunity is worth the time and effort. And while the fourth class do not always appreciate squad leaders (at first) or understand their methods right away, they rarely forget those upperclassmen who helped turn civilians into midshipmen during Plebe Summer.

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SquA D Co m b At Co u R S e

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Academic Choices

During the academic year, the entire brigade

is organized into two regiments. In each

regiment are three battalions and in each

battalion are five companies. The fourth

class of each of the 30 platoons from Plebe Summer join their

respective academic year companies numbered one through 30.

The demanding daily schedule during the academic year is arranged

into six periods each week day. In addition to regular classes, a

midshipman’s day may include extra instruction, several hours of study,

and other activities such as inspections, formations and drills, parades

and varsity and intramural athletics.

All midshipmen fourth class study leadership, naval science

fundamentals, navigation, calculus, chemistry, English,

government and U.S. naval history. These courses lay the foundation

for the core curriculum required of all midshipmen.

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First-year courses also provide a sound basis for pursuing a major field of study chosen toward the

end of plebe year. Majors are offered in 23 subject areas — eight in engineering, nine in sciences and six in humanities and social sciences. Seven majors offer honors programs for exceptional students. Given the small size of classes, the fourth class quickly get to know many members of the Naval Academy faculty. This is a varied group of about 540 civilians and military officers. The officers, rotated at intervals of two to three years, bring fresh ideas and experiences from operational assignments. The civilian faculty, almost all of whom have Ph.D.s, provide a core of professional scholarship and teaching experience as well as continuity in the educational program. The faculty is divided into five divisions. At another university, these would be called colleges. They are: Engineering and Weapons, Mathematics and Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Professional Development, and Leadership Education and Development. An additional division is responsible for Character Development and Training. The divisions consist of the 18 departments described on the following pages.

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Di v i S i o n o f en g i n e e R i n g A n D We A p o n S

The Division of Engineering and Weapons consists of five departments located in Maury and Rickover Halls. These are Aerospace Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, and Weapons and Systems Engineering.

• The Aerospace Engineering Department offers courses of study in all aspects of flight including the dynamics, control and structure of aircraft, satellite attitude dynamics and control, and the space environment. Facilities include structures, propulsion and rotor labs; variable stability aircraft simulator; spacecraft tracking and experimentation facilities; and various wind tunnels with flow velocities ranging from subsonic to supersonic.

• The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department teaches cornerstone core courses in basic electricity, electronics, analog and digital communications, motors and generators, electrical power distribution and conversion, and information technology. Advanced courses available to its majors include microrocessor fundamentals, signal processing, circuit analysis, semiconductor and fiber optic devices, and electromagnetism.

• The Mechanical Engineering Department provides instruction in subjects fundamental to all engineering disciplines including statics, dynamics, materials engineering, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, ship propulsion, and nuclear engineering.

• The Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering Department teaches a core course in ship performance as well as several naval architecture courses related to ship design and ocean engineering courses that pertain to coastal, harbor, and offshore structures; unmanned underwater vehicles and diver-support equiptment; underwater acoustic systems; ocean energy and other marine-related environmental systems.

• The Weapons and Systems Engineering Department teaches core courses in weapons and control systems for all midshipmen and majors courses in digital technology, microprocessors, communications, simulation, robotics, feedback and control theory.

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DiviSion of mAthmAtiCS AnD SCienCe

DiviSion of humAnitieS AnD SoCiAl SCienCeS

The Division of Mathematics and Science, located in Michelson and Chauvenet Halls, is home to five departments: Chemistry, Computer Science,

Mathematics, Oceanography, and Physics. • The Chemistry Department instructs all midshipmen in basic chemistry, the science of matter and its transformations and provides courses for its majors that include organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, bio-, polymer and environmental chemistry. Biology courses are also offered.

• The Computer Science Department offers courses in programming, data structures, algorithms, sofware engineering, computer architecture, compilers, artificial intelligence, networks, robotics, information technology, and information security.

• The Mathematics Department instructs midshipmen in four required courses, including three semesters of calculus and one of either differential equations or probability and statistics. The department offers additional courses beyond these that are required by several majors, and it also teaches courses for its own majors in linear algebra, abstract algebra, geometry, topology, discrete and combinatorial mathematics, modeling, operations analysis, search and detection theory, logistics, linear programming, computational mathematics, numerical analysis, engineering mathematics, partial differential equations, and real and complex analysis.

• The Oceanography Department offers courses in meteorology, geophysics, geology, sound propagation in the ocean, waves and tides, remote sensing by satellite of the ocaens and atmosphere. A large array of elective courses, special laboratories and other facilities together with a fortuitous location on the world’s largest estuary, the Chesapeake Bay, and research opportunities afloat during the summer create an exciting area of study for the future naval officer.

• The Physics Department provides instruction in a two semester course with laboratory exercises in basic physics for all midshipmen and a major program for those interested in the fundamental concepts and principles that govern all physical phenomena. Among the many topics treated in the major are the origin, propagation and reception of waves of all kinds, field concepts, the theory of relativity, mechanics, electromagnetic theory, thermal physics, quantum mechanics, astronomy, acoustics, solid state physics, laser optics, and nuclear physics.

The Division of Humanities and Social Sciences, located in Nimitz Library and Sampson Hall, introduces midshipmen to the study of human interactions in

all their manifestations. The division’s five departments are Economics, English, History, Languages and Cultures and Political Science.

• The Economics Department offers a wide variety of elective courses that describe and analyze the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The department offers a major designed to acquaint prospective naval officers with both macro- and micro-economic theory, quantitative methods in economics, economic problem-solving in an institutional context, and the international economic relations of the United States.

• The English Department offers explorations of the most significant and influential writings of civilization from ancient times to the present and affords midship-men the opportunity for independent study and creative writing projects. Every plebe must complete or validate two English courses in rhetoric and literature that are cornerstones of an Academy-wide program to develop graduates with excellent oral and written com-munications skills.

• The History Department instructs all midshipmen in required core courses that study the history of American sea power and the history of western civilization. The department offers many elective courses and a major that focuses on American, European, regional, thematic, and naval or military history.

• The Languages and Cultures Department provides instruction in seven foreign languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish and offers majors in Arabic and Chinese. Midshipmen majoring in the non-technical majors must complete or validate a total of four semesters of a selected foreign language. Opportunities exist for summer overseas language study under programs supported by the George and Carol Olmsted Foundation Funds.

• The Political Science Departmentteaches a core course on the Constitutional foundation of the United States government, that is taken by all fourth classmen. Upper-level courses explore law, political theory, institutional and policy analysis, national security affairs, and area studies of the United States, Europe, the former Soviet Union, Latin America and Asia. Internship programs at the Maryland legislature, in Washington, D.C., or overseas are available for qualified midshipmen.

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DiviSion of pRofeSSionAl Development

The Division of Professional Development, located in Luce Hall, is responsible for all maritime and professional education of midshipmen and for the

Naval Academy Career Information and Officer Accession/Commissioning programs. It consists of two departments: Seamanship and Navigation and Career Information and Officer Accessions.

• The Seamanship and Navigation Departmentprovides a foundation in basic marine engineering, seaman-ship, ship handling, ship operations, and naval tactics. A junior officer practicum is taken by all midshipmen to complement their service assignment made in first class year. The department conducts training aboard the Yard Patrol (YP) craft in the core courses and during summer cruises.

• The Career Information and Officer Accessions Departmentis a non-teaching department, which serves as the coordination center for midshipman career development and service assignment. It is responsible for the summer training of midshipmen, and their assignment to their future warfare Navy and Marine Corps communities.

DiviSion of leADeRShip eDuCAtion & Development

The Division of Leadership Education and Development is responsible for all leadership and character education of midshipmen. The courses offered by its academic

department, Leadership, Ethics and Law, provide the education necessary for midshipmen character development through leadership positions.

• The Leadership, Ethics and Law Departmenthelps to mold midshipmen into future Navy and Marine Corps officers by teaching required courses in human behavior, leadership, moral reasoning, and law for the junior officer. The department also offers elective courses in leadership, psychology, and philosophy.

• The Character Education Programconsists of interactive seminars, speaker series, conferences, and experiential activities that begin during Plebe Summer and continue through all four years at the academy. The program is integrated with both the academic leadership education and the formal leader training program, and culminates with the 1/C year Officership Capstone Seminar.

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Parents’ Weekend provides an opportunity for

parents to meet with their sons and daughters

after the first six intensive weeks of Plebe

Summer. During this three-day weekend,

parents can sail with their midshipmen, watch

a dress parade, dine in Dahlgren Hall and meet with faculty and staff

members to get an inside look at life at the Naval Academy. For the fourth

class, Parents’ Weekend is a proud time to show off new uniforms, skills,

knowledge and shipmates.

This year, Parents’ Weekend begins with early registration on

Thursday, August 9. Parents have the first opportunity to visit

with mid ship men on Friday following the noon formation.

There are signs along Stribling Walk to help parents and

their new midshipmen reunite. Many parents won’t

recognize their sons or daughters right away. In just over

a month’s time as midshipmen, they’ve changed: they

stand taller and straighter, often say “sir” and “ma’am”

and use Navy terms, acronyms and abbreviations

with ease.

P a r e n t s ’ We e k e n d

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Friday morning, the Parents’ Welcome Aboard Forum and reception is held in Alumni Hall. The Superintendent and the Commandant of

Midshipmen address the assembly. After these remarks, senior leadership, members of the faculty, the battalion and company officers and senior enlisted leaders for the 2012-2013 academic year meet with parents to discuss the academy’s programs and facilities. Earlier in the day, there are tours of the academy’s engineering and mathematics departments. This opportunity to demonstrate new skills with a sense of pride for what they have accomplished in six short weeks becomes the foundation for the challenges and rewards of the four years they will spend together preparing to become naval officers. For parents, the dress parade on Saturday morning is one of the highlights of the visit. The entire Class of 2016 participates. Members of the Class of 2013 lead the military units in the parade.

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Alumni Association and Foundation

Since its founding June 1886, the U. S. Naval

Academy Alumni Association has been providing

support to the Naval Academy, the Brigade of

Midshipmen, and its alumni. Rear Admiral

Edward Simpson, Class of 1846, assumed the role as the first

president. His speech to the members of the association outlined a

purpose that has endured for more than 125 years: “. . . to promote

kindly feeling among the members and to foster the memories of

the alma mater.” While our bylaws and governance have provided

necessary course changes over the years, we continue to head in the

original direction laid out by our founders. Indeed, it is our ongoing

mission to support the Naval Academy.

Today, as one consolidated, integrated organization, the U.S.

Naval Academy Alumni Association and the Naval Academy

Foundation bring the past and the present together to facilitate

future planning efforts in support of the Brigade of Midshipmen

and the Naval Academy. The Foundation is the single fundraising

entity for the Naval Academy and the Alumni Association. It

raises private gifts from alumni, parents, corporations and

friends to support all facets of the development of the

Brigade of Midshipmen.

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Although the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Alumni Hall, the Uriah P. Levy Center and

Jewish Chapel, the Glenn Warner Soccer Facility, the Brigade Sports Complex and Max Bishop Stadium may now be well-known landmarks on and around the Yard, they were renovated or built with private funds or a combination of public and private funds through coordination with the Navy. The Brigade also benefits directly from many unrestricted gifts for projects such as: •Funding for the Plebe Summer Class of 2016 book •Program support for the Center for Ethical Leadership •International Immersion Experiences •Bancroft Lecture Series, among others In concert with the Foundation, the Alumni Association’s primary focus is to educate and inform our “Extended Brigade” and promote advocacy for today’s Naval Academy. The Association keeps the Extended Brigade connected and informed while providing programs and services to more than 55,000 members through its 100 alumni chapters, 75 class organizations and 84 parents clubs around the world. Most of the members

of the Class of 2016 have signed up for membership in the Alumni Association. If you have not taken the opportunity to join the Alumni Association as an associate member, please visit our booth in Dahlgren Hall or online at www.usna.com. The parents program supports parents clubs and provides a tremendous resource for parents seeking assistance and information about the Naval Academy. The Alumni Association and Foundation host the annual I-Day “Welcome Aboard” and sponsors the Annual Parents Club Officers Conference, among other events throughout the year. Parents clubs are encouraged to work closely with their local alumni chapters. If you have not yet joined your local parents club, go to our web site at www.usna.com and look under the “Stay Connected” heading for more information. Soon we will invite you to join us in the Naval Academy Foundation’s annual Parents Fund drive. Parents Fund gifts allow the Superintendent to respond to opportunities to strengthen and enrich educational resources and to quickly respond to emerging needs. Your support of the Parents Fund will directly benefit your sons and daughters, as well as those who follow them. Our mission

has stood the test of time for more than 125 years because our cause is about providing moral, mental, physical and fiscal support to the Naval Academy and the Brigade of Midshipmen today and into the future. Together, the Alumni Association and Foundation work to enhance the margin of excellence your midshipman experiences while he or she is at the Academy. And, we’ll continue to meet their needs even after graduation with our wide range of programs and services. As an associate member, you will stay in touch with the Academy and the great Class of 2016 through our publications, including Shipmate magazine, WaveTops e-newsletter as well as our web site, www.usna.com. Also, check out the Naval Academy App to keep in touch on the go. Welcome to the Naval Academy family! We wish you the very best as we set out together, for the next four years, to prepare your son or daughter for service at the highest levels of command, citizenship and government.

Go Navy!Your Alumni Association

and Foundation

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USNA Parents’ Club Presidents

Alabama -NAPC of AlabamaJames H. [email protected]

Alaska -NAPC of AlaskaDan F. Kennedy(907) [email protected]

Arizona -NAPC of ArizonaMark C. Preul(480) [email protected]

Arkansas -NAPC of ArkansasJoseph R. Spivey(479) [email protected]

California -NAPC of Northern CaliforniaCraig R. Cooper(510) [email protected]

California -NAPC of Southern CAFran M. Loeffler(714) [email protected]

California -NAPC of San DiegoDennis J. Landaal(619) [email protected]

California -NAPC of Greater Sacramento AreaThomas J. DeLaMora(916) [email protected]

Colorado -NAPC of ColoradoWilliam R.Worsham(719) [email protected]

Connecticut -NAPC of CTSusanTheodos(203) [email protected]

Delaware -NAPC of DelawareErnest S. Halton(302) [email protected]

Florida -NAPC of Tampa Bay FloridaJuan C. Guerra(353) [email protected]

Florida -NAPC of Central FloridaLawrence A. Salazar(407) [email protected]

Florida -NAPC of PensacolaJoan M. Platz(850) [email protected]

Florida -NAPC of Southwest FloridaStephen J. Alexander(239) [email protected]

Florida -NAPC of Big Bend Florida/JointScott Grant(850) [email protected]

Florida -NAPC of Northeast FloridaEdwin H. Dendor(904) [email protected]

Florida -NAPC of Northeast FloridaEdward M. White(904) [email protected]

Florida -NAPC of South FloridaJon A. Kotler(954) [email protected]

Georgia -NAPC of GeorgiaWalter P. Dembowski(770) [email protected]

Hawaii -NAPC of HawaiiCharles May(808) [email protected]

Idaho -NAPC of IdahoToni Rome(238) [email protected]

Illinois -NAPC of Central IllinoisClay S. Elward(309) [email protected]

Illinois -NAPC of Northern ILKristi K. Miller(630) [email protected]

Indiana -NAPC of IndianaScott B. Sanders(317) [email protected]

Iowa -NAPC of IowaDavid R. Inloes(641) [email protected]

Kentucky -NAPC of KentuckyLauren Theobald(502) [email protected]

Louisiana -NAPC of LouisianaLynley R. Brown(985) [email protected]

Maine -NAPC of MaineDoreen J. Theriault(207) [email protected]

Maryland –NAPC of MarylandWilliam R. Angle(301) [email protected]

Massachusetts -NAPC of Central New England-Serving MA, NH & RIJames W. Walsh(508) [email protected]

Michigan -NAPC of MichiganBrian A. [email protected]

Minnesota -NAPC of Min-nesotaDanny D. Albertson(651) [email protected]

Minnesota -NAPC of MNDavid L. Westlund(651) [email protected]

Mississippi -NAPC of MSJames H. Wiggins(662) [email protected]

Missouri -NAPC of Greater St. Louis - E. MO & S.ILDavid E. Price(314) [email protected]

Missouri -NAPC of Greater St. Louis - E. MO & S.ILKathleen M. Gatti(314) [email protected]

Missouri -NAPC of Kansas & MissouriEric P. Bosch(816) [email protected]

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Montana -NAPC of MontanaMelville J. Walters(406) [email protected]

Nebraska -NAPC of NebraskaDonald D. Anderson(402) [email protected]

New Jersey -NAPC of NJRobert F. Jones(732) [email protected]

New Mexico -NAPC of NMMark H. VanBenthem(505) [email protected]

New York -NAPC of Central NYJoseph M. Barbaro(315) [email protected]

New York -NAPC of Hudson ValleyFrank J. Hughes(518) [email protected]

New York -NAPC of NYC (NYC Naval Academy Parents’ Club)Phyllis T. Pruitt(516) [email protected]

New York -NAPC of Western New YorkDavid R. Hoy(716) [email protected]

New York -NAPC of Long Island/Greater Metro Area and West ChesterEileen D. McCarthy(516) [email protected]

North Carolina -NAPC of NCNancy J. Beale(919) [email protected]

North Carolina -NAPC of Greater Charlotte, NC & SCLinda Christian(704) [email protected]

North Dakota -NAPC of NDSusan A. [email protected]

Ohio -NAPC of Northeast OHSusan M. Keyes(330) [email protected]

Ohio -NAPC of NW Ohio/JointLaurie J. Pangle-Watrol(419) [email protected]

Ohio -NAPC of NWOhio/JointJudy L. Ubben-Genzman(419) [email protected]

Ohio -NAPC of Central OhioLisa M. McKimmins(740) [email protected]

Ohio -NAPC of S.OH, S.IN, N.KY-Cinn/DaytonJack L. Pollock(513) [email protected]

Oklahoma -NAPC of OK/JointMichael Glick(405) [email protected]

Oregon -NAPC of ORJay A. Williams(360) [email protected]

Pennsylvania -NAPC of Central PABenjamin R. Demandante(717) [email protected]

Pennsylvania -NAPC of Southeast PAFrancis P. McKenna(610) [email protected]

Pennsylvania -NAPC of Southeast PACynthia Love(215) [email protected]

Pennsylvania -NAPC of Northeastern PAHenry E. Gesecki(570) [email protected]

Pennsylvania -NAPC of Lehigh Valley PABruce A. Keene(610) [email protected]

Pennsylvania -NAPC of Western PARichard A. Samolovitch(412) [email protected]

South Carolina -NAPC of SCKelly R. Smith(843) [email protected]

South Dakota -NAPC of SDKari C. Kadrmas(605) [email protected]

Tennessee -NAPC of Mid-SouthLon T. Hill(901) [email protected]

Tennessee -NAPC of Middle TennesseeThomas H. Fowler(615) [email protected]

Tennessee -NAPC of Eastern TNBenét S. Theiss(865) [email protected]

Texas -NAPC of Gulf Coast TXThomas G. Corbett(936) [email protected]

Texas -NAPC of East TexasPatricia D. James(936) [email protected]

Texas -NAPC of South TexasEmmet A. Faulk(210) [email protected]

Texas -NAPC of North TexasGraydon Vandament(972) [email protected]

Texas -NAPC of the TX South PlainsCecil W. Marberry(806) [email protected]

Utah -NAPC of UtahClive C. Mecham(801) [email protected]

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Vermont -NAPC of VermontJohn A. Blackmore(302) [email protected]

Virginia -NAPC of Southwest VARobert B. Williams(540) [email protected]

Virginia -NAPC of Hampton Roads, VANeil T. Wallace(757) [email protected]

Virginia -NAPC of No. VAJoyce Ceconi(703) [email protected]

Virginia -NAPC of Central VAMargaret Anne Powers(804) [email protected]

Washington -NAPC of WARichard Y. Urmenita(253) [email protected]

Washington -NAPC of WAKevin R. Larson(206) [email protected]

Washington -NAPC of WASteven Loo(206) [email protected]

West Virginia -NAPC of WVLance McCoy(304) [email protected]

Wisconsin -NAPC of WINaval Academy Parents’ Asssoc.Jan M. Heinitz(262) [email protected]

Wyoming -NAPC of WYJane A. Hill(307) [email protected]

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Photos courtesy of:USNA Photography Lab Shannon O’Connor, DirectorDavid Tucker

Additional photos by:MCC Dennis J. Herring, USNMC1 Chad Runge, USNMC2 Alexia Riveracorrea, USNMCSN Danian Douglas, USNEnsign Michelle Weaver, USNMrs. Lou CoxMs. Lydia CarrollDavid HoffbergerMrs. Diane W. GreenFront cover: Shannon O’Connor

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Funding For the Plebe Summer book waS made PoSSible by

ParentS’ contributionS through the u.S. naval academy Foundation

291 wood rd., beach hallannaPoliS, maryland 21402

www. usna.com www.facebook.com/USNAAlumni

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Documents

Plebe Summer