⭐️ Countdown To Commissioning 2024 💫

[justdoit19]

In 4 more Fridays, 28 days, one month, at this time, we will be loading up to car to head to the event!

I’m starting to pack. And salivate at the thought of the cuisine I want to taste for our last trip out. Most likely, won’t head out that way again. After almost 7 yrs of visiting, I feel fulfilled. If that can happen (although there may be a TAD visit or two …remains to be seen).

Where are my people? Memories? Do’ and don’ts? We have been through this before. I’m SO HAPPY to FINALLY feel like ‘24 families are going to be able to celebrate their Mids. This is the class that entered year 1 of COVID, so participating parents have yet to experience Annapolis abuzz with a full on class event. We had no Iday or PPW (NOT a complaint or sob story, just stating that this is super special in that sense for families who have yet to experience each other, as a class).

Let’s go 2024!!!!

 

[Capt MJ]

In 4 more Fridays, 28 days, one month, at this time, we will be loading up to car to head to the event!

I’m starting to pack. And salivate at the thought of the cuisine I want to taste for our last trip out. Most likely, won’t head out that way again. After almost 7 yrs of visiting, I feel fulfilled. If that can happen (although there may be a TAD visit or two …remains to be seen).

Where are my people? Memories? Do’ and don’ts? We have been through this before. I’m SO HAPPY to FINALLY feel like ‘24 families are going to be able to celebrate their Mids. This is the class that entered year 1 of COVID, so participating parents have yet to experience Annapolis abuzz with a full on class event. We had no Iday or PPW (NOT a complaint or sob story, just stating that this is super special in that sense for families who have yet to experience each other, as a class).

Let’s go 2024!!!!

Comm Day ceremony - sunscreen, hat.

Cushy extra shoe insoles for the week!

Make any dinner reservations now, as the town is mobbed.

 

[justdoit19]

Comm Day ceremony - sunscreen, hat.

Cushy extra shoe insoles for the week!

Make any dinner reservations now, as the town is mobbed.

Check
Check
Check

Adding, bandaids for blisters. Even with broken in shoes (other than tennis shoes and socks).

 

[THParent]

We had the best spot out at Hospital Point to watch The Blues in 2022. Away from the crowd, cooler full of food and drinks. I set up the grill and we had burgers and brats. Since it had been overcast, they had postponed the show for a day. It was the best low show I have ever seen, and I used to hang out in the parking lot where the pilots park their cars in Pensacola (you can't do that anymore!).

I got through Gate 8 really early, before they closed everything off.

 

[justme]

We're trying to figure out options for a couple of grandparents who wouldn't survive sitting for 5 hours on metal bleachers. Besides a foam seat cushion, any options? Do people walk around during the ceremony? Are any chairs (other than wheelchairs) allowed? Have them show up around 10 and skip the early stuff?

 

[justdoit19]

IMO the seats are actually rather comfortable. They aren’t benches, but rather an individual seat. Cushions would add to that. Yes walking around after getting your seats is a thing. We actually met up with our Mid for a bit.

We didn’t deal with the sun in ‘22. I suspect that will be one of the bigger challenges.

They could for sure come later. Parking could be an issue (parking further out I suspect?).

 

[Capt MJ]

We're trying to figure out options for a couple of grandparents who wouldn't survive sitting for 5 hours on metal bleachers. Besides a foam seat cushion, any options? Do people walk around during the ceremony? Are any chairs (other than wheelchairs) allowed? Have them show up around 10 and skip the early stuff?

The Brigade area is old-school metal bleachers, I believe. Regular stadium seating has a chair back. Foam cushions are definitely advisable.

The Stadium follows NFL bag rules - clear bags of a certain size, many items prohibited, no handbags or backpacks. A very small wristlet is allowed.

Navy Clear Bag Policy

Navy Clear Bag Policy

navysports.com

I think showing up around 10 would not be good. I would assume long lines of people trying to get through security at the last minute. The traffic will be crazy all day long. If walking over, that’s going to be hot and not fun.

Some people tailgate in the parking lot with breakfast food and beverages to pass the time.

As with any sports event in the stadium, people are up and down all the time.

You may want to consider having someone stay with them and watch the stream in the comfort of your rental or other location. Everyone is exhausted by that morning.

 

[IronmanDaremo]

If you haven't been yet, highly recommend Acqua Al 2. It is quickly becoming our new favorite in Naptown.

Celebrated our anniversary there last year, and my birthday this one.

 

[Capt MJ]

And, dress ultra-comfortably for the stadium, but good enough to not look sloppy in photos.

 

[basketball101]

Comm Day ceremony - sunscreen, hat.

Cushy extra shoe insoles for the week!

Make any dinner reservations now, as the town is mobbed.

i emphasize the sunscreen lol because I was severely burned at my brothers graduation last year

 

[Capt MJ]

i emphasize the sunscreen lol because I was severely burned at my brothers graduation last year

My first Commmissioning Ceremony I attended as a BattO, I was in a skirted uniform. My knees and back of neck were heavily burned. Never again.

 

[WT Door]

In 4 more Fridays, 28 days, one month, at this time, we will be loading up to car to head to the event!

I’m starting to pack. And salivate at the thought of the cuisine I want to taste for our last trip out. Most likely, won’t head out that way again. After almost 7 yrs of visiting, I feel fulfilled. If that can happen (although there may be a TAD visit or two …remains to be seen).

Where are my people? Memories? Do’ and don’ts? We have been through this before. I’m SO HAPPY to FINALLY feel like ‘24 families are going to be able to celebrate their Mids. This is the class that entered year 1 of COVID, so participating parents have yet to experience Annapolis abuzz with a full on class event. We had no Iday or PPW (NOT a complaint or sob story, just stating that this is super special in that sense for families who have yet to experience each other, as a class).

Let’s go 2024!!!!

Your peeps are here. So, you’re packing already? My DW has gotten used to me packing at the last minute. I’ll be ready though. Thoughts? Memories? After reading the news this morning, I’m glad that my kid didn’t attend USC. Too bad there will be no commencement ceremony because there are probably some students from that great ROTC program that will not have their efforts recognized. As for memories, DS was in elementary school when his brother graduated. Early in the week his brother took him, another brother and a sister to Chick and Ruth’s Deli to collectively attempt to consume a six-pound milkshake while being timed. The picture shows them with their face’s cheek to cheek around a giant mug. straws in their mouth, slurping away. On graduation day the same little kid when down on the infield to see his newly commissioned brother and to get a midshipman’s cover. He posed sheepishly next to a little girl, about the same age, with a big toothy grin. Now it’s his turn. Siblings will be there again. The ones that can’t make it will send their best wishes. Commissioning Week is festive. Plebes (oops, I meant 4/C, no mo’ plebes!) are happy. 2/C are happy, Ring Dance and knowing their time is going to come soon. Parents and relatives are happy as they should be. Commissioning Week will be the happiest place in the world, not Disneyland. I am ready to take it all in! Congrats USNA Class of 2024.



PS: Will make the time to visit Arturo’s as suggested by @Capt MJ. Son's love Italian.

 

[basketball101]

My first Commmissioning Ceremony I attended as a BattO, I was in a skirted uniform. My knees and back of neck were heavily burned. Never again.

Isn’t it so painful? I was dying lol-my mom said to me after “that’s what you get for not listening to me” LOL

 

[Capt MJ]

Isn’t it so painful? I was dying lol-my mom said to me after “that’s what you get for not listening to me” LOL

I didn’t want to get a stain of any kind on my uniform in that area. Didn’t even think about my knees. Ouch everytime I sat down or bumped them the next few days.

 

[justdoit19]

Your peeps are here. So, you’re packing already? My DW has gotten used to me packing at the last minute. I’ll be ready though. Thoughts? Memories? After reading the news this morning, I’m glad that my kid didn’t attend USC. Too bad there will be no commencement ceremony because there are probably some students from that great ROTC program that will not have their efforts recognized. As for memories, DS was in elementary school when his brother graduated. Early in the week his brother took him, another brother and a sister to Chick and Ruth’s Deli to collectively attempt to consume a six-pound milkshake while being timed. The picture shows them with their face’s cheek to cheek around a giant mug. straws in their mouth, slurping away. On graduation day the same little kid when down on the infield to see his newly commissioned brother and to get a midshipman’s cover. He posed sheepishly next to a little girl, about the same age, with a big toothy grin. Now it’s his turn. Siblings will be there again. The ones that can’t make it will send their best wishes. Commissioning Week is festive. Plebes (oops, I meant 4/C, no mo’ plebes!) are happy. 2/C are happy, Ring Dance and knowing their time is going to come soon. Parents and relatives are happy as they should be. Commissioning Week will be the happiest place in the world, not Disneyland. I am ready to take it all in! Congrats USNA Class of 2024.



PS: Will make the time to visit Arturo’s as suggested by @Capt MJ. Son's love Italian.

GEEEZE on USC! These are the kids that had HS graduation cancelled bc of covid, if they are on the 4 yr track. That’s REALLY sad.

 

[Capt MJ]

Your peeps are here. So, you’re packing already? My DW has gotten used to me packing at the last minute. I’ll be ready though. Thoughts? Memories? After reading the news this morning, I’m glad that my kid didn’t attend USC. Too bad there will be no commencement ceremony because there are probably some students from that great ROTC program that will not have their efforts recognized. As for memories, DS was in elementary school when his brother graduated. Early in the week his brother took him, another brother and a sister to Chick and Ruth’s Deli to collectively attempt to consume a six-pound milkshake while being timed. The picture shows them with their face’s cheek to cheek around a giant mug. straws in their mouth, slurping away. On graduation day the same little kid when down on the infield to see his newly commissioned brother and to get a midshipman’s cover. He posed sheepishly next to a little girl, about the same age, with a big toothy grin. Now it’s his turn. Siblings will be there again. The ones that can’t make it will send their best wishes. Commissioning Week is festive. Plebes (oops, I meant 4/C, no mo’ plebes!) are happy. 2/C are happy, Ring Dance and knowing their time is going to come soon. Parents and relatives are happy as they should be. Commissioning Week will be the happiest place in the world, not Disneyland. I am ready to take it all in! Congrats USNA Class of 2024.



PS: Will make the time to visit Arturo’s as suggested by @Capt MJ. Son's love Italian.

Buon appetito!

 

[OldRetSWO]

My DW has gotten used to me packing at the last minute. I’ll be ready though.

After many years of military and then business travel, I can and do generally pack in under 15 minutes pretty consistently
and almost never forget/miss anything. I'm headed out in a half hour for two nights and I think that my total packing time was
under 5 mins.

 

[basketball101]

I didn’t want to get a stain of any kind on my uniform in that area. Didn’t even think about my knees. Ouch everytime I sat down or bumped them the next few days.

yup that sounds very painful

 

[LA rockymnt hi]

We’ll be praying now for the next two years for overcast skies for class of ‘26. My daughter can put spf 100 on every 30 minutes and still end up a .

 

[Heatherg21]

I’m trying to get a few sundresses that will meet garden party, awards night, baccalaureate, commissioning day in order. Thank goodness for Amazon try before you buy. I don’t want burnt shoulders or knees.

Found out about a surprise guest that has just made my heart so happy. Major job change meant our DD and DH can’t be there the whole week, just the last three days so my new guest will complete my circle. Car rented (Tuoro was 1/4 the cost of commercial companies and more flexibility). House done. We aren’t doing reservations, just hanging at house with each other and our Mid and being present.

This is surreal, and yet so looked forward to. So many people and classes, students and supporters lost much during the pandemic. No one was unscathed.

But my heart is with my 2020 high school grad and 2024 USNA class who sure lost a lot of milestones and yet prevailed. Pinch me. Can’t believe it’s here already!!!!

Any of my SAF 2024 moms and dads want to hang out, DM me and we can meet up!