United States Naval Academy (USNA) (Annapolis, MD)

United States Naval Academy (USNA)

121 Blake Road, Annapolis, MD 21402

Date of Visit: Friday, 11/7/25
Cons: Limited Hours
Pros: Accessible Friendly, Cleanliness, Comfortable Polaris GEM Electric Vehicle (5 Passenger Seats & See Thru Roof), Complimentary Bottled Water with Guided Tour, Complimentary Post Cards, Display Signs, Exhibit, Friendly Staff, Gift Shop, Group Tours Welcome, History, Knowledgeable Tour Guide (Susan), Location, & Well Maintained

Comments: Next time we hope our time permits to dine The Alley open to the public. Since, spraining my ankle prior to arrival deboarding at low tide the GEM was a great way to get around.

We Learned: 

• Academy founded in 1845.
• All midshipmen are studying for the Navy or Marines.
• Athlete ticket events are sold at Ricketts Hall, NAAA Ticket Office.
• Bancroft Hall (aka: Mother B) is the largest USA dormitory housing over 4,400 midshipmen.
• Bancroft Hall & Chapel are listed on the National Historic Site.
• Consists of 338 acres.
• Education does not coincide with Navy speciality.
• Even had a Offshore Sailing Team.
• Every midshipmen must pass a (in attire clothes) swim test before graduation in their Olympic size pool (Lejeune Physical Education Center).
• Every midshipmen studies International Affairs & Cyber.
• Formerly housed at Philadelphia Naval Asylum (Philadelphia, PA). 
• Freshmen are referred to as plebe.
• Graduates earn a Bachelors Degree.
• Graduates are commissioned as Ensigns (Navy) or Second Lieutenants (Marine).
• Graduates often jump into the water fountain clothed post their ceremony.
• Herndon Monument annual greased tradition to climb the 21′ monument.
• Most midshipmen have high school athletic backgrounds.
• Naval Academy Band is the oldest professional musicians in the country.
• Naval Academy Graduate was the first to measure the speed of light.
• Naval Academy is a four year committment.
• Naval School dates back to 1850. Continuing the focus on morals, mental health, and physicalness.
• Observing jogging midshipmen drop to a dirt area in front of the Kristensen tombstone honoring the fallen with pushups was visually symbolic and heartfelt as a parent. A female midshipmen asked to take our photo as she was required to capture 5 tourist photos for some sort of punishment. Of course, we honored her request.
• Official seal dates back to 1800’s. Prior graduates had a rotation of colors and design.
• Persons 18+ must present photo ID on campus.
• Preble Hall was closed due to renovations during our visit.
• Prep school is Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) (Newport, RI).
• Religion is highly regarded and supported.
• Select dining is open to the public: 1845 Coffee (breakfast), Drydock Restaurant (quick service), & The Alley (casual upscale lunch).
• Officer housing accommodates 7 persons.
• Plebe are sworn in at Tamanend Court.
• Revolutionary War naval hero, John Paul Jones is enshrined beneath the chapel.
• Ring Dances is symbloc ritual with alma mater, “Navy Blue & Gold“.
• Students are all called midshipmen.
• The Marines are under the umbrella of the Department of the Navy.
• The campus cemetery has astronauts and infants buried there.
• The campus has their own federal police.
• Tuition is fully funded by the Nany with a commitment upon graduation.
• USS Enterprise Bell from World War II is by Bancroft Hall.
• US Navy purchased the historic Wright Brothers B1 Flyer and hangs above the second deck in Dahlgren Hall.
• Wedding ceremonies at the Main Chapel are restricted to one hour, that includes guest entry, ceremony, and guest exit.