Indiana USNA Parents Club
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The 2023 Herndon Climb

Wednesday, May 17 for the Class of 2027

The Herndon Monument Climb is the traditional culmination of plebe year at the Naval Academy. Demonstrating the teamwork and perseverance they have learned during their first year at the academy, the plebes build a human pyramid to remove the “dixie cup” hat at the top of the vegetable shortening-covered monument and replace it with an upperclassman’s hat. After successfully completing the Herndon climb, the freshmen are no longer called plebes but “fourth class midshipmen.”
YouTube video of Class of 2023 Herndon Climb

A great way to follow USNA Midshipmen Activities is via the
Flickr USNA Albums 
and the USNA Facebook

The purpose of Plebe Summer is to lay the foundation of the Academy’s four-year professional development curriculum. At the conclusion of summer training, each Plebe class shall: 

  • Be indoctrinated in the traditions of the Naval Service and the Naval Academy;
  • Understand basic military skills and the meaning behind them;
  • Appreciate the high standards and obligations inherent in service as a Midshipmen and Naval Officer;
  • Be dedicated to excellence in a competitive atmosphere that fosters leadership, teamwork, character, and a passion for “winning;”
  • Appreciate the importance of mental, moral, and physical toughness in all aspects of duty and service; and
  • Be prepared to execute the rigorous academic year routine.