Commissioning Week

Commissioning Week
Name	Commissioning Week
Caption	The United States Naval Academy Chapel is a focal point during the week.
Genre	Military, Academic
Location	Annapolis, Maryland
Country	United States
Years active	1870–present
Founders	United States Naval Academy
Dates	Late May
Website	https://www.usna.edu

Commissioning Week. It is the culminating week of the academic year at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, marking the transition of the senior class, known as the First Class Midshipmen, from students to commissioned officers in the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. The week is a deeply traditional series of ceremonies, parades, and social events that celebrate the achievements of the graduating class and their families. It concludes with the formal graduation and commissioning ceremony, after which the new ensigns and second lieutenants receive their first orders to the fleet or The Basic School.

Overview

Held annually in late May, the week serves as the final chapter in the four-year journey of the Bancroft Hall residents, transforming the historic grounds of the Academy into a vibrant hub of military pageantry and celebration. The events are steeped in the customs of the Navy and Marine Corps, honoring the legacy of alumni like Admiral of the Navy Chester W. Nimitz and General James Mattis. Activities range from the solemnity of the graduation ceremony to the spirited competition of the Herndon Monument climb, all under the watchful eyes of senior leadership including the Superintendent and the Chief of Naval Operations.

History and traditions

The origins of the week trace back to the post-American Civil War era, with the first formal graduation exercises held in the 1870s under Superintendent David Dixon Porter. Key traditions have evolved over decades, including the symbolic ascent of the Herndon Monument, a ritual initiated in the 1940s where the plebe class replaces a "Dixie Cup" hat with a midshipman's cover. The week also features the dramatic Blue Angels flight demonstration team performance over the Severn River, a tradition since the 1970s. These customs connect the current class to a long line of distinguished graduates, from President Jimmy Carter to astronauts like Wally Schirra and military leaders such as Admiral William H. McRaven.

Schedule of events

The schedule is a meticulously planned sequence of academic, military, and social functions. It typically commences with the Color Parade on Worden Field and includes the Bancroft Hall address by a prominent figure, often like Secretary of the Navy or a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Herndon Monument climb occurs mid-week, followed by the Ring Dance for the Third Class Midshipmen. The Blue Angels perform their aerial show, and the week culminates with the graduation and commissioning ceremony at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, presided over by high-ranking officials such as the President or the Secretary of Defense.

Commissioning ceremony

The culminating event is the formal graduation and commissioning ceremony held at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The Superintendent, often joined by dignitaries like the Chief of Naval Operations or the Commandant of the Marine Corps, presides. Each graduate receives their diploma and takes the oath of office, administered in accordance with Title 10 of the United States Code. Following tradition, the new officers celebrate by tossing their midshipmen covers into the air, a moment famously captured in photographs. They then receive orders to assignments across the globe, from ships like the USS Gerald R. Ford to bases like Marine Corps Base Quantico.

Notable participants and guests

The week regularly attracts senior military leaders, government officials, and celebrities. Sitting Presidents, including John F. Kennedy, George H. W. Bush, and Donald Trump, have delivered commencement addresses. Other notable speakers have included Secretary of State John Kerry, NASA administrator Charles Bolden, and heroes like Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger. Distinguished alumni participants span history, from Admiral Raymond Spruance and General Alfred M. Gray Jr. to modern figures like Senator John McCain and Astronaut Sunita Williams.

Impact and significance

The week is a pivotal national event that underscores the mission of the United States Naval Academy to develop leaders for the Navy and Marine Corps. It receives extensive coverage from media outlets like The Washington Post and CNN, highlighting its role in American civil-military relations. The commissioning of over 1,000 new officers annually directly impacts the readiness of the United States Armed Forces, sending leaders to commands worldwide. It reinforces the enduring legacy of the Academy, immortalized in films like *Annapolis* and literature, ensuring the continued strength of the Naval Service.

Category:United States Naval Academy Category:May events Category:Graduation ceremonies in the United States Category:Recurring events established in 1870