ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 15, 2024) U.S. Naval Academy freshmen, or plebes, climb the Herndon Monument, a tradition symbolizing the successful completion of the midshipmen's freshman year. The class of 2027 completed the climb in 2 hours, 19 minutes and 11 seconds. 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 Stacy Godfrey)