I just came back from Hospital Point on the Yard.
The big tents are all set up. The wx (weather in military shorthand) promises to be classic - hot and humid. Wear sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, dress for the weather, no one will care how you look!
I spoke with one of my contacts at the Alumni Assn who was there; 1183 is the expected number of plebes reporting in. I would assume that includes the FONATs (foreign nationals).
Families, even if you didn’t book the catered lunch in one of the tents, make sure to go in the tent with all the sponsors. There are tables with State/regional parents clubs, local hotels (ask if they have a “USNA Friends and Family” booking code for a good rate, snag the Doubletree Hotel cookies), other sponsors, all kinds of free swag! Just go over the footbridge near Alumni Hall to the big tents. They usually have a big tent just for shade and sitting down, open to all.
Other stuff to do while your P2B gets run through inprocessing:
- MidStore shop until you drop. Assign a family Sherpa to haul the bags back to the car, even if they have to shuttle via bus to the Stadium.
- Check out the Museum. AC!!! Bathrooms!!!
- Did I mention MidStore?
- Snack at the Drydock in Dahlgren Hall. AC!!! Bathrooms!!!
- Wander through the Visitor Center Store, slightly different stock then MidStore. Discount for military ID and parents DBIDs. AC!!! Bathrooms!!!
- Under the bandstand gazebo on Worden Field across from Alumni Hall, there are bathrooms. Hospital Point, it’s Sun-Baked Portapotties.
- Look for the Link In The Chain grads wandering around, talk to them. For Class of 2023, that would be the Class of 1973, who started their journey 50 years ago. They will be involved with 2023 for all 4 years, cheering them on. They will take gold from donated ‘73 class rings to be added to the gold for 2023’s rings. They will hand out butter bars to the new ensigns and second lieutenants on Commissioning Day as they come off the stage. They will cheer you up and tell you sea stories.
I’ll be there. I’ll be wearing a Navy polo, Navy ball cap and Bill the Goat earrings. [emoji16]