What are some interesting facts about the Naval Academy?

I'm curious about the Naval Academy and would love to know some cool or unique facts about it. What makes it stand out compared to other military academies?

Sure, here are some interesting facts about the United States Naval Academy (USNA):

1. Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Unlike most universities, the USNA implements a balanced and interdisciplinary curriculum where students are required to study a mix of humanities, engineering, and natural sciences no matter their chosen major. This structured curriculum ensures that all graduates have a solid foundation across multiple disciplines.

2. Herndon Monument Climb: In a unique and time-honored tradition, plebes (freshmen) work together to climb the 21-foot Herndon Monument that's greased with lard and replace a plebe "dixie cup" hat at the top with an upperclassman's cover. The person who replaces the hat is supposedly destined to become the first admiral from their class.

3. Ring Dance: Another significant tradition is the Ring Dance for second-class midshipmen, which signifies their transition to upperclassmen. Each midshipman's class ring is dipped into the "Waters of the Seven Seas," representing the global reach of the Navy and Marine Corps.

4. Unique Major: Unlike many other schools, the Naval Academy offers unique and specialized programs like Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering which isn't commonly found in many other institutions.

5. Strong Emphasis on Honor: The academy functions under a strict honor concept, where midshipmen are expected to not lie, cheat, or steal, and are encouraged to act with integrity and responsibility.

6. Graduation Ceremony: Graduation at USNA is an event of nationwide interest, culminating in the much-anticipated hat-toss, a tradition replicated at various institutions across the U.S.

7. Alumni: Notable alumni include former President Jimmy Carter, numerous Medal of Honor recipients, and many astronauts, including Alan Shepard, the first American in space.

8. Annapolis: Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the Naval Academy is known for its scenic campus, complete with Beaux-Arts architecture and the iconic Chapel Dome visible from many points around the city.

As for how it stands out from other military academies, the USNA focuses specifically on naval service, including both the Navy and the Marine Corps. Also, it has a smaller student body compared to some other military academies, which allows for a tight-knit community and low student-to-faculty ratio.

One more unique aspect is the emphasis on seamanship, with all midshipmen required to participate in Professional Training of Midshipmen (PROTRAMID) during their plebe summer, exposing them to various aspects of naval service, including navigation, sailing, and weapons.

Hopefully, these facts provide you with a greater understanding of the Naval Academy's uniqueness and traditions.