Naval Academy Midshipmen Not Returning To Annapolis Due To Virus

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The U.S. Naval Academy announced this week that its Brigade of Midshipmen would not be returning from spring break as planned due to the new coronavirus and students would instead start online/remote academic instruction Friday "until further notice."

“I want to reinforce that spring break is over. I want to make sure it is abundantly clear that you are in a duty status at your current location," said U.S. Naval Academy Vice Adm. Sean Buck, academy superintendent, in a letter sent to students and posted online.

All midshipmen are required to provide "daily accountability" by noon and check in with their chain of command. They also are to communicate any changes in their health status. At this time, the U.S. Naval Academy emphasized that it has "no plans to shut down the Academy."
The U.S. Department of Defense is under a "stop movement" order through May, which restricts travel to an officer's local area; this includes the Brigade of Midshipmen. Furthermore, any midshipmen who visited high-risk locations or had exposure to individuals with new coronavirus have been placed in 14-day quarantines, the Naval Academy noted in a letter sent to students.

U.S. Naval Academy officials also communicated to parents that they are evaluating what to do about graduation and commissioning in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps this May. Also, all spring athletics competitions have been canceled.
"We are currently discussing mitigation measures throughout USNA which will affect the daily life of midshipmen, to include dining arrangements in King Hall, academic classes, physical fitness, events, etc., as well as planning for the reintegration of the midshipmen. COVID-19 has the potential to impact a number of long-planned events at the Naval Academy, but our top priority is the health and welfare of the entire USNA family, while accomplishing our number one mission – graduating midshipmen and commissioning naval officers. I know many of you are concerned specifically about Commissioning Week – you have my word that I will keep you informed of any decisions made regarding Commissioning Week with as much lead time possible," officials wrote in a letter.

The U.S. Naval Academy also ended public worship services at the Naval Academy Chapel and will review weddings and funerals on a case-by-case basis. The Yard has been closed to the public, too.

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