ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Feb. 2, 2023) Capt. Hiroyuki Sano and Cmdr. Genkai Oki from the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force present a ceremonial katana (Japanese samurai sword) to Midshipman 1st Class (senior) Orieona Howard from Newport, Rhode Island, the first midshipman to select a ship out of Sasebo, Japan, during the annual Ship Selection Night in Alumni Hall. Howard selected USS America (LHA 6). Approximately 250 midshipmen, who will serve as surface warfare officers upon graduation and commissioning, participate in the event. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sarah M. Theilen)