What is the Naval Academy graduation ceremony like?

I'm thinking about applying to the Naval Academy, and I'm curious about what the graduation ceremony is like. Is it a big deal? What can I expect from attending or watching one?

The Naval Academy graduation ceremony is indeed a grand affair and truly unique compared to other higher education graduations. Known as "Commissioning Week," these celebrations span an entire week and involve a series of traditional and festive events for the graduating midshipmen (students at the Naval Academy) and their families.

The week typically kicks off with the Herndon Monument Climb, which is a famous tradition where plebes (first-year students) work as a team to climb a greased, 21-foot obelisk in shorts and t-shirts. The plebe who surmounts the monument replaces a plebe hat (known as a dixie cup) at the top of the monument with an upperclassman's hat, signifying the move up from plebe status. This event isn’t directly related to graduation, but it's part of the spirit of Commissioning Week and an exciting way to start off the celebrations.

As the week unfolds, there are various ceremonies, parades, and events that mark the transition of the graduates from midshipmen to commissioned officers. These events include the Blue Angels demonstration, where the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration squadron performs a spectacular air show above the Naval Academy.

The commissioning ceremony itself is the culmination of the celebratory week. Each graduate receives their diploma and takes the Oath of Office, officially commissioning them as an officer in the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps. Following the commissioning ceremony is a celebratory hat toss, a momentous and recognizable tradition that signifies the conclusion of the midshipmen's journey.

All these events make the Naval Academy's graduation a truly meaningful and unforgettable experience. It's a week where the valuable contributions and hard work of the midshipmen are given due attention, celebrating their transition from students to leaders in the Navy or Marine Corps.