SEAS THE DAY AT U.S.N.A.

from 2023 Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Visitors Guide

RECREATION

Annapolis attracts visitors with its charm—old brick-lined sidewalks, fresh Maryland seafood, historic architecture, and boutique shopping. Located along the banks of the beautiful Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis exudes ambiance.

My role—as head of tourism for the U.S. Naval Academy—is to ensure visitors from all around the world experience the best of what the city has to offer. And what makes Annapolis stand out from other historic seaports and military destinations is the strong connection to the U.S. Navy and Naval Academy. The Academy’s proximity to downtown Annapolis and connection to the community have inextricably tied the military school with the residents.

Ask military officers stationed on The Yard (the Naval Academy campus) what is different about being in Annapolis and they will tell you: Not only is the Academy a working naval base, but it is also a destination for visitors to learn about the history and traditions that prepare the Brigade of Midshipmen to commission into the naval service.

From its founding in 1845, the mission of the U.S. Naval Academy is to “develop midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor, and loyalty.” Attending the Academy is highly regarded as the admission process is based upon receiving a nomination generally by a seated U.S. Senator or congressional representative.

The Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center is open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during January and February, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from March through December. Tickets are available to purchase in advance at www.navalacademytourism.com/tours or at the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center.

• The U.S. Naval Academy is open for public tours daily.

• The GPS address is 52 King George Street, Annapolis, MD 21402.

• The location is walkable from downtown and the main entrance through security at the Visitor Access Center is located adjacent to the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center.

• Parking and directional information can be found here: www.navalacademytourism.com/ how-to-get-here

The Naval Academy is the undergraduate college of the United States naval service. Each June, families from around the globe descend onto the Academy for Induction Day, when midshipmen are sworn into active duty in the U.S. Navy. After attending the Academy for four years and graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree, midshipmen commission as ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. Naval Academy graduates are required to serve at least five years.

Life at the Academy is cyclical—just as the seasons turn, so do the signature events that make visiting the Academy memorable. The Yard is full of energy in the spring as classes come to an end and Graduation and Commissioning Week are on the horizon. Commissioning Week kicks off with the annual Herndon Monument climb. Open to the public, the climb marks the end of plebe (freshman) year for the class and presents them with a unique challenge. The plebes must retrieve a dixie cup hat that sits atop the 21-foot monument which has been mischievously covered in vegetable shortening by the upper classmen! Visitors can view the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration (and practice) in the skies above the Severn River during Commissioning Week. And they can watch the Color Parade, a presentation of the military discipline, professionalism, and teamwork necessary to succeed as a member of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

• Anyone 18 years of age or older must present a valid, unexpired U.S. government issued photo driver’s license*. Original, unexpired passports will gain admittance in lieu of the previously stated ID form and is required for visitors who are NOT U.S. citizens.

* Effective May 2023, please note that as a result of the REAL ID Act, some state/territory IDs are not sufficient for access to the Academy. Please check the current status of states/ territories to see if your state or territory’s ID is compliant with the REAL ID Act. Driver’s license and state ID from states that aren’t compliant must be accompanied by an acceptable second form of ID (SSN card, certified copy of a Birth Certificate, U.S. Citizen ID Card, etc.). Before your visit, please check the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website for the current list of compliant and non-compliant states and territories.

Most midshipmen go on summer training, but the incoming class is in full force during Plebe Summer after Induction Day. You have the chance to run into them learning all aspects of midshipman life on the Yard. During the summer, you can also enjoy the Anchors Aweigh Music Tour detailing the U.S. Naval Academy’s rich musical history from Retired Master Chief Dave Hanner. The tour unveils the history behind USNA’s beloved “Anchors Aweigh” song as well as the fascinating and often unknown history of Charles Zimmerman. The musical tour is followed by a complimentary USNA Navy Band performance.

Moving into the fall season with crisp autumn leaves that blanket the Yard, you may enjoy visiting us for a GEM, a five-person electric vehicle, tour. You can’t miss the annual USNA Halloween Concert held in our Main Chapel. The concert is a spectacular event of music, light, drama, and dance. Monte Maxwell, chapel organist, paired with talented midshipmen, draw record-breaking audiences. Tickets sell out fast and should be purchased online as soon as announced.

Winter in Annapolis is breath-taking. The season, known as the “Dark Ages” by midshipmen and alumni alike, brings snow adventure. You may even catch one of the largest rousing snowball fights if you time it right in front of Bancroft Hall, the midshipman dormitory. Plus, plan your visit in February to see the USNA Glee Club Winter Musical–in true Broadway style.

During the academic year, there are a few key milestones and events not to be missed! Make time to take the historical Yard tour at 11:00 or 11:30 a.m. including the traditional noon meal formation of the Brigade (weekdays excluding Wednesdays). This tradition began in 1905 to take attendance and is a mustsee on your visit.

After the noon meal formation, find lunch for yourself at the Alley Restaurant, housed in the lower level of the Naval Academy Club (weekdays). Then, located right across the street from the Alley, visit the Tripoli Monument. Known as the oldest military monument in the United States, the monument recognizes Navy heroes that died at Tripoli during the Barbary Wars.

Preble Hall, home to the Naval Academy Museum, is the next stop with two floors of exhibits about the history of

Whenever Kay and I have out of town guests we always take them on the tour of the Naval Academy; the guides are very knowledgeable and there is so much to see. I would also recommend a sunset cruise on the Schooner Woodwind and see Annapolis from the water.

Finally, it’s crab cakes and Dark and Stormies at the Boatyard to cap off the day.

BILL GIVENS,

Senior Associate Athletic Director Operations & Championships

U.S. Naval Academy Athletic Association sea power, the development of the U.S. Navy, and the role of the U.S. Naval Academy in producing officers capable of leading America’s sailors and Marines.

For a mid-day pick me up (or a strong start to the day), grab a snack at one of the 1845 Coffee locations. Step inside the oldest standing building on the Yard, order a delicious treat, and peek inside the shadow box that displays the original architecture of this special spot. Proceeds from the shop support the Brigade of Midshipmen.

Did you know that more than 50 Naval Academy graduates have become astronauts? Learn more about this and other interesting facts about midshipmen and alumni at the ArmelLeftwich Naval Academy Visitor Center before you go.

After your first visit to the Academy, the memories you capture will beckon you to return. Whether it be the change of the seasons, a sporting event, a cultural performance, or a parade, visitors somehow always find a way to make it back to Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and to the Naval Academy. Go Navy!