In-Person Ceremony Held For U.S. Naval Academy Students

ANNAPOLIS, MD — While abiding by social distancing guidelines, the U.S. Naval Academy held the first of its in-person swearing-in ceremonies for the class of 2020 this week. Tuesday's ceremony didn't include family members and wasn't open to the public, but the academy released photos from the event.

The U.S. Naval Academy formally announced April 10 the cancellation of all Commissioning Week 2020 public events due to the coronavirus pandemic. During Tuesday's swearing-in ceremony, the new officers took their oath outdoors in Tecumseh Court. There will be four more swearing-in ceremonies held May 14, May 16, May 18 and May 20, which is before the virtual graduation ceremony. Each event is being filmed and the video will be released May 22.

While this year's ceremony wasn't the same as those in years' past, the graduates still were able to toss their caps up in the air.

One parent tweeted support for son Tyler Cain.

"Thanks to all of the USNA staff for working out a plan so all could have a well deserved ceremony! Class of 2020 will find a way or make one! Go Navy!"