First Class Info
Service Selection
One important event for First Class Midshipmen is the service selection that happens in the fall of their final year at USNA. The Naval Academy employs a rigorous and selective process for service selection, allowing Midshipmen to choose their future career paths within the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps. Midshipmen rank their service preferences based on personal interests, aptitudes, and the needs of the military. The selection process considers academic performance, leadership potential, and physical fitness. Ultimately, Midshipmen’s choices are weighed against the operational requirements of the Navy and Marine Corps, ensuring a well-rounded and capable officer corps upon graduation.
Ship Selection
Ship selection at the United States Naval Academy is the process through which graduating Midshipmen choose their first assignments in the U.S. Navy. This event typically occurs during the winter of the First Class year. During ship selection, Midshipmen rank their preferences for the type of ship or submarine they would like to serve on, considering factors such as ship class, location, and mission. The Navy then matches these preferences with the needs of the service. This process allows Midshipmen to begin their naval careers with assignments that align with their interests and career goals. It’s a significant moment as it marks the transition from the academic environment of the Naval Academy to active duty service in the fleet.
Commissioning Week
Commissioning Week is a momentous and highly anticipated event marking the culmination of four years of rigorous training and education for graduating Midshipmen. This week-long celebration is filled with various traditions and ceremonies, including the iconic Blue Angels flight demonstration, the Herndon Monument climb, and the formal Commissioning Ceremony where Midshipmen officially become officers in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps. Families and friends join the Midshipmen for these events, witnessing the transformation of these young men and women into military leaders. The week is a blend of solemnity, pride, and joy, honoring the achievements of the graduates and welcoming them into the esteemed ranks of naval officers. It serves as a fitting conclusion to their transformative journey at the Naval Academy and the beginning of their dedicated service to the nation.