Naval Academy Induction Day Will Bring 1,200 Plebians To Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The U.S. Naval Academy will welcome its Class of 2026 on Thursday.

The incoming plebians will collect their uniforms, get their haircuts and learn to salute. About 1,200 plebes, or freshmen, will finish Induction Day by taking the Oath of Office.

Plebe Summer will then begin to prepare the class for the rigors of the military.

"The Mission of the Naval Academy is to ‘develop Midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically’ to lead Sailors and Marines in combat operations in the Fleet," said Navy Captain Robert McFarlin, who is also the Plebe Summer officer in charge. "Plebe Summer is the first step on that journey of development. Our team is focused on safety, as well as ensuring that Plebe Summer provides a significant challenge so these future war fighters have the skills and confidence to excel in the Brigade of Midshipmen and beyond."

Families can drive onto the Yard through Gate 8, located off Maryland Route 450, to drop their plebe-to-be off at Alumni Hall at their assigned report time. The families must then leave the grounds.

Families can return to the Yard by catching a free shuttle at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The Naval Academy will host parent forums on both days.

Families can later attend the Oath-of-Office ceremony. That event will take place Thursday at 6 p.m. in T-Court outside the Bancroft Hall dormitory. The Naval Academy will also live stream the oath.

The Academy approved all requests for personal swearing-in ceremonies.

Plebes can then greet their families. This will be the last time the plebians see their relatives until Plebe Parents’ Weekend, which runs from Aug. 11 through Aug. 14.

Afterward, plebes will muster on Stribling Walk and enter their dorms.

More information on Plebe Summer is posted at usna.edu/PlebeSummer.

Face coverings are currently optional at the Naval Academy, but the administration asked unvaccinated visitors to mask up when social distancing is not possible.

The Academy and Naval Support Activity Annapolis are still operating under Health Protection Condition Bravo, or HPCON Bravo. That means the coronavirus pandemic may prevent some gatherings on the installation. To learn more about the Naval Academy's coronavirus protocols, visit usna.edu/COVID-19.