2011 Plebe Herndon Climb

Motodoc

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Dec 23, 2010
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I know last year VADM Fowler nixed the greasing of Herndon climb for the first time in many years presumably to too many injuries. I personally think this was a mistake....(we can send our Midshipmen into battle, but can't let them climb a greased Herndon). Has anyone heard if VADM Miller will reinstitute this age old rite of passage for the plebe class?
 
Haven't heard of Adm Miller's decision on this. While I'm for allowing the Herndon hog to be greased, I'm not sure the logic is because it's minor compared to battle. Should Mid's also be allowed to ride motorcycles?
 
Herndon Climb is on the Commissioning Week schedule for Monday afternoon. Weather it is greased or ungreased is not known at this time. Maybe they will dance around it like they did in the 1930's......
 
LOL! MIDNDAD, are you getting it confused with the May Day/Maypole ballet performed by the boys of st. johnnies?
 
No, if you look back at pictures from the 1930's era Mids wore their covers and uniform jacks backwards and danced around Herndon to celebrate the end of plebe year. Pretty lame by todays standards.

The tradition of climbing Herndon, as we know it today, did not start until what the 1960's or 70's? Bit shakey on the dates.
 
football

I think they should delete football from the USNA, too many injuries. I mean climbing Herndon has to be more dangerous than that!
 
Hoorah for the class of 1014! Now any other events we need to know about that we can attend---i know sea trials are a "no no" but any other rites of passage for plebe parents to attend?
 
Haven't heard of Adm Miller's decision on this. While I'm for allowing the Herndon hog to be greased, I'm not sure the logic is because it's minor compared to battle. Should Mid's also be allowed to ride motorcycles?

Do they ride motorcycles in combat? :smile:

In fact, it's far more likely that they'll have to do something similar to scaling a slippery obstruction than ride a motorcycle.

I was watching a documentary on the USS Cole incident the other day on the Military Channel. One of the sailors who got both legs crushed had to climb a vertical ladder using only his arm strength. He had to do this to escape the compartment which would have soon proved to be fatal. He said he was glad he frequently worked out and stayed in shape.

Yet, I agree with you. The lesson in Herndon is not about combat preparation so much as it is about the power of teamwork, patience, leadership, and physical adeptness.
 
Boy, that's great news from the Annapolis newspaper. Thanks for the post pmlutton. My daughter will be going to NAPS this next year and is excited to be able to participate in this tradition as a member of the Class of 2016. What an amazing end to the most challenging and memorable year of their young lives.
 
Do they ride motorcycles in combat? :smile:

In fact, it's far more likely that they'll have to do something similar to scaling a slippery obstruction than ride a motorcycle.

I was watching a documentary on the USS Cole incident the other day on the Military Channel. One of the sailors who got both legs crushed had to climb a vertical ladder using only his arm strength. He had to do this to escape the compartment which would have soon proved to be fatal. He said he was glad he frequently worked out and stayed in shape.

Yet, I agree with you. The lesson in Herndon is not about combat preparation so much as it is about the power of teamwork, patience, leadership, and physical adeptness.

YOU BET THEY RIDE 'CYCLES in combat!:eek: And I've the video to prove it with Steve McQueen @ the handle bars! Critical to his "Great Escape!":thumb: Unfortunately, like too many Mids (and others) his ride did not end well.:thumbdown:
 
I this might sound crazy, but I'm actually a motocross guy from way back and was in the Navy as both medical officer and enlisted (Seabees). My daughter will be attending the USNA. I usually don't mix my motocross with my military, but I was shocked to see a few motocross type bikes that were made for a combat environment while I was stationed at Camp Pendleton. They actually were desert camoflaged with special bullet resistant/proof tires. I knew the guys at the shop who had the contract to retrofit these bikes for a combat environment. This is not widely known but a cool side note. They don't use them a ton, but they are out there.
 
I this might sound crazy, but I'm actually a motocross guy from way back and was in the Navy as both medical officer and enlisted (Seabees). My daughter will be attending the USNA. I usually don't mix my motocross with my military, but I was shocked to see a few motocross type bikes that were made for a combat environment while I was stationed at Camp Pendleton. They actually were desert camoflaged with special bullet resistant/proof tires. I knew the guys at the shop who had the contract to retrofit these bikes for a combat environment. This is not widely known but a cool side note. They don't use them a ton, but they are out there.
Very cool side note!!:cool::thumb: Thanks for this interesting tidbit!:thumb:
 
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