United States Naval Academy facts for kids
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| Motto | Ex Scientia Tridens (Latin) |
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Motto in English
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From Knowledge, Seapower |
| Type | U.S. service academy |
| Established | 10 October 1845 |
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Parent institution
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Naval University System |
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Academic affiliations
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Space-grant |
| Superintendent | Vice Admiral Yvette M. Davids |
| Provost | Samara L. Firebaugh |
| Commandant of Midshipmen | Captain Walter H. Allman III |
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Academic staff
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510 |
| Students | 4,576 |
| Location |
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United States
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| Campus | Urban – 338 acres (1,370,000 m2) |
| Colors | Navy Blue Gold |
| Nickname | Midshipmen |
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Sporting affiliations
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| Mascot | Bill the Goat |
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U.S. Naval Academy
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| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
| Location | Maryland Ave. and Hanover St., Annapolis, Maryland |
| Built | 1845 |
| Architect | Ernest Flagg |
| Engineer | Severud Associates |
| Architectural style | Beaux Arts |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000386 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | 15 October 1966 |
| Designated NHLD | 4 July 1961 |
The United States Naval Academy (USNA), also called Navy or Annapolis, is a special college in Annapolis, Maryland. It's where young people train to become officers in the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. The academy started on October 10, 1845. It is the second oldest of the five U.S. service academies.
The campus is about 338 acres, which is like 250 football fields. It sits where the Severn River meets the Chesapeake Bay. This whole campus, often called "the Yard," is a National Historic Landmark. It has many old buildings and monuments.
Students who want to join the academy usually apply directly. They also need a nomination, often from a member of Congress. Students here are called "midshipmen" and are officers-in-training. The Navy pays for their education. In return, they promise to serve in the military after they graduate.
About 1,200 new students, called "plebes," start each summer. They go through a tough training period called "Plebe Summer." Around 1,000 midshipmen graduate each year. Graduates become ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. Some can even join other U.S. services or the forces of allied countries.
The academy offers a Bachelor of Science degree. Students are graded on their studies, leadership skills, and participation in sports. Midshipmen must also follow the academy's Honor Concept.
Contents
- What is the Naval Academy?
- History of the Naval Academy
- Student Ranks and Life
- The Academy Campus
- Who Leads the Academy?
- Teachers at the Academy
- How to Get In
- What Students Learn
- Student Activities
- Police at the Academy
- Women at the Naval Academy
- Academy Traditions
- Famous Graduates
- Images for kids
- See also
The Naval Academy is a special college for future Navy and Marine Corps officers. It is part of the Naval University System. The academy helps midshipmen learn about naval life and leadership.
The Navy has other schools too. The Naval Postgraduate School and the Naval War College are for advanced studies. The Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) in Rhode Island helps students get ready for the Naval Academy.
The idea for a naval school started in 1819. The first "Nautical School" opened on a ship called the USS Guerriere in 1821. It taught midshipmen subjects like naval tactics, astronomy, and French. This small school eventually grew into the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.
The academy's history has four main periods:
- The first years (1845-1861) at Fort Severn.
- "Porter's Academy" (1865-1903) after the Civil War.
- "Flagg Academy" (1903-1941) when many new buildings were built.
- The modern era (since 1941).
The academy's Latin motto is Ex Scientia Tridens. This means 'Through Knowledge, Sea Power'.
Early Years of the Academy
The Naval School was founded on October 10, 1845. Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft and Captain David Forman started it. It was built on the old U.S. Army post Fort Severn in Annapolis. The school began with 50 students and seven teachers.
At first, students spent one year at school, three years at sea, and then one more year at school. In 1850, the school was renamed the United States Naval Academy. The course of study was changed to four years of study at the school, with practice cruises at sea. The first class graduated on June 10, 1854.
In 1860, the Tripoli Monument was moved to the academy. Also, the old ship USS Constitution became a school ship. New students lived on board to learn about ship life.
The American Civil War and the Academy
The American Civil War (1861-1865) caused big changes for the Naval Academy. Because of fighting in Maryland, the academy had to move quickly. The upper classes were sent to sea. The rest of the academy moved to Fort Adams in Newport, Rhode Island in April 1861. The Annapolis campus became a U.S. Army Hospital.
Many Navy officers left to join the Confederate States Navy. This included 95 graduates and 59 midshipmen. The first superintendent, Admiral Franklin Buchanan, became an admiral in the Confederate Navy.
The midshipmen and teachers returned to Annapolis in the summer of 1865, after the war ended.
Porter's Academy: After the Civil War
After the Civil War, Admiral David Dixon Porter became the superintendent in 1865. He worked to rebuild the academy. He focused on hiring naval officers as teachers. He also started organized sports for the students.
In 1869, class rings were given out for the first time. The academy also bought more land for future growth. In 1874, a law was passed against severe student hazing. Hazing is when older students treat new students harshly.
In 1877, Kiro Kunitomo from Japan graduated. In 1879, Robert F. Lopez was the first Hispanic-American to graduate. John H. Conyers was the first African-American student in 1872. He faced very tough hazing and left in 1873.
In 1890, Navy adopted the goat mascot after winning its first football game against Army.
The Flagg Academy: Early 1900s
The Spanish–American War in 1898 made the academy more important. Most of the campus was rebuilt and made larger between 1899 and 1906. The new buildings were made of heavy stone. This required deep foundations because the ground was soft.
In 1907, a modern hospital was built. In 1910, the academy started its own dairy farm, which closed in 1998.
Aviation School at the Academy
In 1911, the Navy started an aviation school at Greenbury Point, Annapolis. It had a building with three hangars for new airplanes. Over 100 officers wanted to learn to fly. Students had to be good swimmers. They learned to fly quickly, usually in about a month. In 1914, Navy flight training moved to NAS Pensacola, Florida.
In 1912, the USS Reina Mercedes, a ship sunk in battle, was used as a "brig" (a jail) for students. By 1912, the midshipmen were organized into a "brigade," which is still its structure today.
The number of students and teachers tripled during World War I. The academy also built more parts of Bancroft Hall. In 1918, the great flu pandemic infected about half the students. Ten midshipmen died.
World War I and Between the Wars
After World War I, the academy became a popular place for tourists. In 1920, the Naval Academy rowing team won a gold medal at the Olympics. They were called "The Wonder Crew."
In 1925, the "second-class ring dance" began. In 1926, the academy's alma mater song, "Navy Blue and Gold", was first sung in public. It is now a tradition to sing it at the end of gatherings. Navy won the national college football championship in 1926.
In 1929, graduates could apply for Rhodes Scholarships. Six graduates received this honor that year. In 1930, the Association of American Universities recognized the Naval Academy's curriculum.
In 1933, a law allowed the Naval Academy to give Bachelor of Science degrees. In 1937, all living graduates could also receive this degree. Reserve officer training started again in 1941, before World War II.
In 1939, the first Yard patrol boat arrived. In 1940, the academy stopped using Reina Mercedes as a brig.
In 1941, the superintendent, Rear Admiral Russell Willson, did not allow the lacrosse team to play Harvard. This was because the Harvard team had an African-American player. The Harvard player was sent home, and the game was played.
Modern Era: World War II to Today
During World War II, 3,319 graduates became officers. In 1943, the first SCUBA diving course in the U.S. was held at the academy. In 1945, a Department of Aviation was created. The academy celebrated its 100th anniversary that year.
In 1947, the academy was officially recognized by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. In 1949, Wesley A. Brown became the first African-American to graduate from the academy. Lawrence Chambers later became the first African-American graduate to reach flag rank (admiral).
The Navy fencing team won the NCAA national championship in 1950. In 1952, the Navy rowing team won a gold medal at the Olympics. In 1955, the tradition of greasing Herndon Monument for new students to climb began. This marks their change from "plebe" to "third-classman."
The 1959 fencing team won another NCAA national championship. The Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium was opened in 1959.
Joe Bellino (Class of 1961) won the Heisman Trophy in 1960. In 1961, the campus was named a National Historic Landmark. The 1962 fencing team won another NCAA national championship. In 1963, Roger Staubach (Class of 1965) also won the Heisman Trophy.
In 1963, the academy changed its grading system to letter grades. Professor Samuel Massie became the first African-American faculty member in 1966. By 1972, the academy offered more than 20 different majors.
In 1972, Lieutenant Commander Georgia Clark became the first female officer instructor. Dr. Rae Jean Goodman was the first civilian woman on the faculty. Also in 1972, students no longer had to attend chapel. In 1973, the new library was named after Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.
On August 8, 1975, Congress allowed women to attend service academies. The Class of 1980 included 81 female midshipmen. In 1980, the first Hispanic women graduated. In May 1980, Elizabeth Anne Belzer became the first woman to graduate. Janie L. Mines was the first African-American woman to graduate. In 1984, Kristine Holderied was the first woman to graduate at the top of her class.
On March 12, 1995, Lieutenant Commander Wendy B. Lawrence, a graduate from the Class of 1981, became the first woman USNA graduate to fly in space. In 1995, the U.S. Postal Service made a stamp to celebrate the academy's 150th anniversary.
On September 11, 2001, the academy lost 14 alumni in the September 11 attacks. The campus was placed under very high security.
In November 2007, the Navy football team beat Notre Dame for the first time in 43 years. Notre Dame had helped train naval officers during World War II, which saved their university.
In 2019, the USNA rowing team won the King's Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta in England. They beat the German team in the final race.
Student Ranks and Life
The students at the Naval Academy are called the Brigade of Midshipmen. They are officers-in-training. They rank just below chief warrant officers.
Midshipmen are not called freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Instead, they are called:
- Fourth Class: These are the new students, also known as "plebes." Their first year is about changing from a civilian to a military officer. They have many rules and tasks that older students do not.
- Third Class: These students are called "youngsters." They have more respect and privileges, like watching TV or listening to music.
- Second Class: These midshipmen help train the plebes. They can drive their own cars (but not park them on campus). They can also wear civilian clothes on weekends.
- First Class: These are the "firsties." They have the most freedom and lead the brigade. They can park their cars on campus and have more time off.
The brigade is divided into two regiments, with three battalions each. Each battalion has five companies, making 30 companies in total. A first-class midshipman, called the brigade commander, leads the students. Experienced Navy and Marine Corps officers also help lead the companies and battalions.
Midshipman Insignia
| Rank group | Senior officers | Junior officers | ||||
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| Midshipman captain | Midshipman commander | Midshipman lieutenant commander | Midshipman lieutenant | Midshipman lieutenant (junior grade) | Midshipman ensign | |
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| Midshipman first class | Midshipman second class | Midshipman third class | Midshipman fourth class | |
Midshipman Uniforms
Midshipmen wear uniforms similar to U.S. Navy officers. Their shoulder boards and sleeve badges show their year or rank. All uniforms have gold anchor badges on the lapels.
On their working uniform shirts:
- New students (plebes) wear no collar badges.
- Third-class students wear one fouled anchor on the right collar.
- Second-class students wear fouled anchors on both collars.
- First-class students wear fouled anchors with perched eagles.
- First-class midshipmen in leadership roles wear gold bars instead of anchors.
They wear different uniforms depending on the season. For formal parades, they wear a special navy blue jacket with brass buttons and white trousers. During graduation week, they wear summer whites.
The Academy Campus
The campus, or "Yard," has grown a lot. It started as a small Army post in 1845. Now it is about 338 acres.
Main Buildings and Halls
- Bancroft Hall is the largest building at the academy. It is the biggest college dormitory in the world. All midshipmen live there. You can visit Memorial Hall and the Rotunda, which is the main entrance.
- The Naval Academy Chapel is in the center of campus. Its high dome can be seen all over Annapolis. John Paul Jones, a famous naval hero, is buried in the crypt below the chapel.
- Commodore Uriah P. Levy Center and Jewish Chapel was built in 2005. It has a Jewish chapel and places for learning about ethics and leadership.
- Alumni Hall is where the midshipmen gather. It has dining areas and hosts sports events. The Bob Hope Performing Arts Center is also here.
- Halsey Field House has an indoor track, courts for squash and tennis, and basketball courts. It also has a climbing wall and workout areas.
- Hubbard Hall is used by the crew (rowing) team. It is also called the Boat House.
- Lejeune Hall, built in 1982, has an Olympic-sized swimming pool. It also has a mat room for wrestling and the Athletic Hall of Fame. It is named after John A. Lejeune, a Marine Corps officer.
- Wesley Brown Field House is used for physical education and sports. It has a retractable football field and a 200-meter track. It is named after Wesley A. Brown, the first African-American graduate.
Monuments and Special Places
- Gokoku-ji Bell: This bell is a copy of one brought from Japan in 1855. It is rung for every Navy victory over Army.
- Enterprise Bell: This bell was from the USS Enterprise (CV-6). It is sounded after most Navy wins against Army.
- USS Delaware Figurehead: This is a bronze statue of a Native American chief. Students call it "Tecumseh." It is a good-luck charm for midshipmen. They throw pennies at it for good luck, especially before exams or sports games.
- Battle Ensigns: Famous U.S. Navy flags and captured enemy flags are displayed. One famous flag says "Don't Give Up the Ship."
- Herndon Monument: This monument honors Commander William Lewis Herndon. He stayed with his sinking ship in a hurricane in 1857. It is the site of a famous tradition where new students climb it.
- Memorial Hall: This hall in Bancroft Hall honors graduates who died in military operations.
- Pearl Harbor Memorial: A wall in Alumni Hall remembers those killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor.
- Tripoli Monument: This is the oldest military monument in the U.S. It honors servicemen from the First Barbary War (early 1800s).
- USS Samuel B. Roberts Memorial: This memorial in Alumni Hall honors the crew of the USS Samuel B. Roberts. This ship fought bravely in World War II.
- Mexican War Midshipmen's Monument: This monument remembers midshipmen who died in the Mexican–American War.
- Macedonian Monument: This is the figurehead from a British ship, HMS Macedonian. An American ship captured it in the War of 1812.
- Saitö Monument: A Japanese granite pagoda honors Hiroshi Saitö, a Japanese Ambassador. It was put up in 1941 to remember his efforts for peace.
Sports Facilities
The academy has many sports facilities. These include the McMullen Hockey Arena, rugby fields, and the Tose Family Tennis Center.
Cemetery and Columbarium
The United States Naval Academy Cemetery is on campus.
Glenn Warner Soccer Facility
The Glenn Warner Soccer Facility is where the soccer teams play.
The Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium is a large stadium used for football and other events.
Terwilliger Brothers Field
The baseball team plays at the Terwilliger Brothers Field at Max Bishop Stadium.
Who Leads the Academy?
The Superintendent of the Naval Academy reports directly to the Chief of Naval Operations. A group called the Board of Visitors checks on the academy every year. This board includes officials chosen by Congress and the president.
Teachers at the Academy
About 500 teachers work at the academy. Half are civilian professors, and half are military instructors. Most civilian professors have PhDs. Military instructors usually have master's degrees and teach for a few years.
Permanent Military Professors
Some officers are "permanent military professors" (PMP). They all have PhDs and stay at the academy until they retire. They are usually Navy commanders or captains.
How to Get In
To get into the Naval Academy, candidates must be between 17 and 23 years old. They must be unmarried and have no children. They also need to be of good character.
The application process includes:
- A college application.
- Personality tests.
- Standardized tests (like SAT or ACT).
- Personal references.
- A physical fitness test.
- A full physical exam.
Most candidates need a nomination from a member of Congress or the vice president. Each member of Congress can have five students at the academy at one time. They usually nominate ten people for each open spot.
The Secretary of the Navy can also appoint 170 enlisted Navy and Marine Corps members each year. There are also spots for children of military personnel, especially those who died or were injured in action. Children of Medal of Honor recipients are automatically accepted if they meet the requirements.
A small number of students from other countries, usually from allied nations, also attend.
What Students Learn
The Naval Academy was first recognized as a "technological institution" in 1930. In 1933, a law allowed the academy to give Bachelor of Science degrees. The Class of 1933 was the first to receive this degree.
The academy now offers a core curriculum plus 22 different major fields of study. These subjects are divided into three main areas:
- Engineering and Weapons (Division I)
- Mathematics and Science (Division II)
- Humanities and Social Sciences (Division III)
U.S. News & World Report ranked the U.S. Naval Academy as the No. 1 public school in 2021. It was also ranked No. 6 among national liberal arts colleges.
Learning About Morals and Ethics
Learning about morals and ethics is very important at the Naval Academy. From the first summer (Plebe Summer) until graduation, students learn about integrity, honor, and respect. This includes respecting human dignity, honesty, and other people's property.
The "Honor Concept" of the Brigade of Midshipmen states:
- Midshipmen are people of integrity. They stand for what is right.
- They tell the truth and make sure the full truth is known. They do not lie.
- They are fair in all actions. They make sure their work is their own. They properly document any help they receive. They do not cheat.
- They respect other people's property. They make sure others can use their own property. They do not steal.
Midshipmen are allowed to talk to someone they see breaking the code. This is different from other academies. It helps build honor and trust among students.
Older students on the Brigade Honor Committees teach about the Honor Concept. Students who break the Honor Concept can be removed from the academy.
Since 1961, the academy has hosted the annual Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference (NAFAC). This is the largest college conference on foreign affairs in the country. It brings together students from around the world to discuss important international issues.
Midshipmen organize and run the entire conference. They serve as leaders, presenters, and delegates.
The Naval Academy Science and Engineering Conference (NASEC) started in 2000. It is a college conference focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Students from many colleges meet to discuss big science and engineering challenges.
Since 1973, the Naval Academy has hosted a large international conference for naval historians. It was named after John J. McMullen in 2006.
Small Satellite Program
The Naval Academy's Small Satellite Program (SSP) started in 1999. Midshipmen design, build, and control small satellites. The first satellite, MidSTAR I, was launched in 2007.
Graduate Studies
The Naval Academy does not offer graduate degrees because most graduates go directly into military service. However, some programs allow midshipmen to get master's degrees before serving. Some students can go straight to graduate school after commissioning. Others can start their master's degree during their senior year. Midshipmen who win special scholarships, like the Rhodes Scholarship, can also complete their studies before serving.
Student Activities
| Race and ethnicity | Total | ||
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| White | 61% |
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| Hispanic | 12% |
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| Other | 11% |
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| Asian | 8% |
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| Black | 7% |
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| Foreign national | 1% |
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| Economic diversity | |||
| Data Not Available | |||
Sports at the Academy
Most midshipmen must play a sport. If they are not on a varsity team, they play in intramural or club sports. Some exceptions are made for activities like the Drum and Bugle Corps.
Varsity athletes who win a letter wear a special blue sweater with a gold "N" patch. If a team beats Army, they get a gold star to add to their sweater.
The academy's sports teams are called "the Midshipmen" or "the Mids." Their mascot is a goat named "Bill."
The Midshipmen compete in the NCAA Division I. They are part of the American Athletic Conference for football and the Patriot League for many other sports. The academy has 30 varsity teams and 13 club teams.
The most important sports event is the annual Army–Navy Game in football. Navy won 14 games in a row against Army from 2002 to 2015. The three main service academies (Navy, Air Force, and Army) compete for the Commander in Chief's Trophy in football. Navy won it in 2012.
Navy sports teams have won many national championships. The football team won a national championship in 1926. The men's lacrosse team has won 21 national championships. The men's fencing team won NCAA championships in 1950, 1959, and 1962.
The academy also has a croquet team. They play an annual match against students from St. John's College, Annapolis.
Other Activities for Students
Midshipmen can join many other activities. These include:
- Musical groups like the Drum & Bugle Corps, Glee Clubs, and a bagpipe band.
- Religious groups.
- Academic honor societies.
- A radio station (WRNV).
- Professional groups for future Navy and Marine Corps officers (like diving or flying).
- A student theater company called The Masqueraders.
- A debate team.
The brigade used to publish a humor magazine called The Log. It was discontinued in 2001 but returned in 2008.
Academy Songs
"Anchors Aweigh" is a famous song written at the Naval Academy. It is now the fight song for the entire United States Navy. It is sung at sports events and played by the Drum and Bugle Corps.
"Blue and Gold" is the academy's alma mater song. It is sung at the end of sports events, pep rallies, and alumni gatherings.
Police at the Academy
The Naval Support Activity Annapolis Police Department keeps the academy safe. It is made up of civilian police officers and Navy Masters-at-Arms. They enforce laws and help people.
The Naval Academy first accepted women as midshipmen in 1976. Congress allowed women to join all service academies then. About 22 percent of new students are women. They receive the same training as men. However, some physical standards are different for women, just like in the Navy.
In 2006, Michelle J. Howard (Class of 1982) became the first female graduate of the Naval Academy to become an admiral. Margaret D. Klein (Class of 1981) became the first female commandant of midshipmen in December 2006.
In May 2021, Vice President Kamala Harris became the first female speaker at the Naval Academy's graduation ceremony.
Academy Traditions
- Anchors Aweigh: This is the famous fight song of the Naval Academy and the U.S. Navy. Midshipmen learn the original verse as new students.
- Blue and Gold: This is the academy's alma mater song. It is sung at the end of events and gatherings. New students often sing it at the end of the day.
- Herndon Monument Climb: This is a yearly tradition for new students. They climb the greased monument to replace a "dixie cup" hat with a midshipman's hat. This shows they are no longer "plebes." Teamwork is needed to complete the climb. In 2008, the hats used were from Midshipman Kristen Dickmann, who had recently passed away. These were the first women's hats used for the climb.
Famous Graduates
Many famous people have graduated from the Naval Academy.
- Over 50 U.S. astronauts, including six who walked on the Moon. This is more than from any other college in the U.S.
- Over 990 noted scholars.
- 46 Rhodes Scholars and 24 Marshall Scholars.
- One President of the United States, Jimmy Carter. He also won a Nobel Prize.
- Albert A. Michelson, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1907.
- 73 alumni have received the Medal of Honor, the highest military award.
- Notable graduates
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Albert A. Michelson Class of 1873
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Jimmy Carter
Class of 1947 -
Ross Perot
Class of 1953 -
David Maurice Robinson
Class of 1987 -
Sunita Lyn Williams
Class of 1987
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Images for kids
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Rotunda steps leading to Memorial Hall
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Stereoscopic views of midshipman quarters and mess hall around 1905
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Interior of the Naval Academy chapel
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The pool in the Lejeune Hall
See also
In Spanish: Academia Naval de los Estados Unidos para niños
- Alumni House (United States Naval Academy)
- Annapolis (2006 film)
- Hispanics in the United States Naval Academy
- Naval Academy Bridge
- Navy Blue and Gold (film)
- Old Goat Award
- USNA Out
- United States Merchant Marine Academy
