Commissioning Week Statement from USNA

[OldRetSWO]

USNA CANCELS ALL PUBLIC COMMISSIONING WEEK 2020 EVENTS


ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The U.S. Naval Academy formally announced April 10th the cancellation of all Commissioning Week 2020 public events due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“This was a very difficult decision to come to,” said 63rd Superintendent Vice Adm. Sean Buck, “but due to the national impact of the coronavirus, I have canceled our traditional Commissioning Week public events in order to safeguard the health and welfare of the entire Naval Academy family and local community, which has been my number one strategic priority since the onset of this pandemic.”

“I still intend to accomplish my second strategic priority, which is to graduate and commission each member of the Class of 2020,” Buck said. “My team is diligently planning on how, when, and where this special event will virtually occur. It won’t, unfortunately, be the traditional event we’ve all grown accustomed to witness. The Class of 2020 has worked tirelessly for nearly four years for this milestone — I believe we owe it to them to exhaust all efforts in our decision-making and planning process to make this special for them, within the guidelines we’re operating under.”

Other traditional class milestone events, such as the Herndon Climb and Ring Dance, are postponed until social distancing protocols will permit large-scale events.

“There are certain rites of passage unique to the Naval Academy that every graduate reflects positively upon and thus helps to define and strengthen the Naval Academy experience,” said Commandant of Midshipmen Capt. T.R. Buchanan. “Even if not held this May, our midshipmen still deserve the opportunity to enjoy those milestone events.”

In the Naval Academy’s storied 175 year history, there have been 26 early graduation and commissioning ceremonies in order to support several war efforts (Civil, Spanish-American, and World Wars I and II). At the end of the Civil War, half the class of 1865 graduated early, in November 1864 in Newport, Rhode Island, and the other half graduated late, in September 1865, when the school was moved back to Annapolis. In 1907, three separate ceremonies were held - two early, one on time. In 1917, Congress authorized the Naval Academy to reduce its four-year program to three; the Class of 1917 was graduated early on March 29, and three months later, the Class of 1918 was graduated on June 28, 1917.

We will continue to keep the Class of 2020 and families informed of plans for graduation and commissioning as more information becomes available.

For more information on coronavirus impacts to the Naval Academy, visit https://www.usna.edu/COVID-19.

USNA

 

[buffalobill2003]

USNA CANCELS ALL PUBLIC COMMISSIONING WEEK 2020 EVENTS


ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The U.S. Naval Academy formally announced April 10th the cancellation of all Commissioning Week 2020 public events due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“This was a very difficult decision to come to,” said 63rd Superintendent Vice Adm. Sean Buck, “but due to the national impact of the coronavirus, I have canceled our traditional Commissioning Week public events in order to safeguard the health and welfare of the entire Naval Academy family and local community, which has been my number one strategic priority since the onset of this pandemic.”

“I still intend to accomplish my second strategic priority, which is to graduate and commission each member of the Class of 2020,” Buck said. “My team is diligently planning on how, when, and where this special event will virtually occur. It won’t, unfortunately, be the traditional event we’ve all grown accustomed to witness. The Class of 2020 has worked tirelessly for nearly four years for this milestone — I believe we owe it to them to exhaust all efforts in our decision-making and planning process to make this special for them, within the guidelines we’re operating under.”

Other traditional class milestone events, such as the Herndon Climb and Ring Dance, are postponed until social distancing protocols will permit large-scale events.

“There are certain rites of passage unique to the Naval Academy that every graduate reflects positively upon and thus helps to define and strengthen the Naval Academy experience,” said Commandant of Midshipmen Capt. T.R. Buchanan. “Even if not held this May, our midshipmen still deserve the opportunity to enjoy those milestone events.”

In the Naval Academy’s storied 175 year history, there have been 26 early graduation and commissioning ceremonies in order to support several war efforts (Civil, Spanish-American, and World Wars I and II). At the end of the Civil War, half the class of 1865 graduated early, in November 1864 in Newport, Rhode Island, and the other half graduated late, in September 1865, when the school was moved back to Annapolis. In 1907, three separate ceremonies were held - two early, one on time. In 1917, Congress authorized the Naval Academy to reduce its four-year program to three; the Class of 1917 was graduated early on March 29, and three months later, the Class of 1918 was graduated on June 28, 1917.

We will continue to keep the Class of 2020 and families informed of plans for graduation and commissioning as more information becomes available.

For more information on coronavirus impacts to the Naval Academy, visit https://www.usna.edu/COVID-19.

USNA

Are NASS and all summer athletic camps still on?

 

[A1Janitor]

On Facebook ... people don’t understand cancelled vs. postponed for Herndon and Ring Dance.

 

[THParent]

Dang. Lost to Covid-19

• Ring Dance
• USMC Silent Drill Platoon
• Drum & Bugle Corps
• Herndon
• Blue Angels Circle and Arrival / Rehearsal
• Brigade Change-of-Command
• Blue Angels Flight Demo
• Graduation Ball
• Commissioning in Navy-Marine Corps Stadium

 

[OldRetSWO]

Are NASS and all summer athletic camps still on?

I think that the Supe and staff are a bit occupied with the whole puzzle and the priorities are clearly getting
"20" graduated and out to the fleet and "24" inducted while also cycling the three lower classes through
USNA and onto what ever summer training (or not) is pulled together. Lots of intricacies here like the fact that
the Class of "24" and NASS need to use the rooms of Bancroft which are still filled with personal effects and
stuff from all of the current occupants who will need to come in and empty rooms while maintaining some degree
of separation for the sake of keeping the Virus away or at least to a minimum.

Then the rooms need to be somehow sanitized before they are used for new plebes, etc.

MY OPINION: And only my opinion. I do not speak for USNA

I think that just getting "20" launched, the other three through the hall AND "24" started will be a huge stretch and
it will take a nearly biblical level miracle just to get Plebe Summer started on time. From there, logic has me doubting
that USNA will be able to hold NASS, STEM and the camps. I hope and pray that I am wrong but the logic and
command experience that I've had tells me otherwise.

By the way, I may have missed some major movements/pieces to the puzzle that have to happen and those make my
conclusion even more probable.

 

[justdoit19]

[https://www.usna.edu/PAO/Superintendent/messages/2020-04-10-USNA.php

Here is the Supe's message, that touches on plebe summer and summer training, along with his first message of the three priorities

 

[crazydaisy1321]

This is so devastating for these firsties that have worked years for a rightful celebration. I am heartbroken for them and their families. I hope President Trump invites them to the White House for some sort of celebration. Or they let them walk at homecoming and do a cover toss.

 

[THParent]

Plebe Summer is going to be pretty difficult if they don't let the other 4,400 MIDNs back there to get their stuff out of their rooms in Mother B.
With social-distancing, will every Plebe get their own room?

I have no answers, but I believe (I really do) that the folks there at USNA, along with the classes of '21 and '22 will work each problem and come up with solution after solution, to get it done.

 

[Capt MJ]

The staff is grappling with all those logistic problems. But this is what the military is good at!

We could read the tea leaves from the Supe’s statement a few weeks ago about the strategic priorities. No promises made about all the special, but unnecessary, accompanying events that have grown into a week of traditions.

Nice statement mentioning historic perspective.

The Class of 2020, as well as other current classes, has a chance to distinguish itself by handling this with a positive and adaptive attitude. They will have a seachestful of stories about their 2020.

 

[NavyHoops]

To the Firsties... I am sorry your four years will not culminate with Commissioning Week. I know this will be a defining moment for your class and you guys will represent USNA well. Whatever Commissioning ends up being... embrace and celebrate it with your family and friends.

Plebes, you will climb Herndon... won’t be next month, but you will. 2/C, whenever ring dance is held, enjoy it.

 

[Just Dad]

Questions for anybody who has answers or a more informed sense of things. I posted two of these on the parent's board, I will be more concise here.
1) Anybody know what "virtual" means in this context? Virtual for the Mid (sitting in my living room) or just virtual for the family no commissioning week with 10000 people in a stadium and hordes visiting Annapolis? Two very different levels of risk with very different sets of logistics requirements. Any Chance the Brigade or just 1cs are called back to The Yard before graduation?

2) I understand that the long tent pole in terms of travel restriction is a DoD directive to stay in place thru May 13th. Is this correct-n-current? Has the USNA issued additional travel restrictions for Mids? I'd rather have my DD back in DC with her Mid roommates (sharing an Apt.) if that's safe and possible.

Thanks

 

[usna1985]

Since NASS/STEM start the week after Commissioning Week and are a lot lower on the vast scheme of importance, I would not hold out much hope for those happening at USNA -- maybe they'll try something virtual. However, until there is an official announcement, everything is still on.

 

[THParent]

Logistically speaking, the Firsties need to be allowed back on The Yard to move their stuff out of their rooms and give back their rifles.
If they were to not allow them back, it would be a herculean task to move all that stuff out and store it.

They could do it I suppose (move stuff out and check their rifles back in), but that only frees up 1/4 of the rooms at Bancroft.
You have the other 3 classes as well. We are (like the Supe said today) in uncharted territory.

 

[williamsdr3]

I think that just getting "20" launched, the other three through the hall AND "24" started will be a huge stretch and
it will take a nearly biblical level miracle just to get Plebe Summer started on time. From there, logic has me doubting
that USNA will be able to hold NASS, STEM and the camps. I hope and pray that I am wrong but the logic and
command experience that I've had tells me otherwise.

By the way, I may have missed some major movements/pieces to the puzzle that have to happen and those make my
conclusion even more probable.

USMA cancelled SLE today so I think NASS and STEM camps are right behind on that path. Waiting for I-Day over here....

 

[NavyHoops]

I wouldn’t be surprised if the focus next month is get the 1/C back for graduation. Do it as a class and virtual to families. Then bring the rest of the Brigade back in June for clean out of Bancroft and prep for Plebe Summer. There are still things USNA can do for summer training on the yard like YPs, sailing, Marine martial arts, etc. They will get creative and work with what they have and the best regs for small groups. Also summer school will occur, maybe virtually, who knows. Maybe lots of the Brigade will do summer school and return in the fall. All options I am sure. I doubt any summer camps, NASS or STEM occur. I would also guess that means lots of CVW weekends in the fall. USNA will figure it out. I am sure all the Supts are talking and throwing out ideas to each other.

 

[UHBlackhawk]

Logistically speaking, the Firsties need to be allowed back on The Yard to move their stuff out of their rooms and give back their rifles.
If they were to not allow them back, it would be a herculean task to move all that stuff out and store it.

They could do it I suppose (move stuff out and check their rifles back in), but that only frees up 1/4 of the rooms at Bancroft.
You have the other 3 classes as well. We are (like the Supe said today) in uncharted territory.

I agree. Same with USMA. Probably a bunch of uniforms in alteration shops as well at the BX and around Annapolis. Cars that need to be picked up.

 

[crazydaisy1321]

My brother’s first training block was cancelled. Air Assault. Not sure if all first blocks were cancelled or just his. That is the one he was most looking forward to.

 

[Capt MJ]

I agree. Same with USMA. Probably a bunch of uniforms in alteration shops as well at the BX and around Annapolis. Cars that need to be picked up.

Room reefers have to be de-hazmatted. I hear the Hall has a slightly ripe aroma.

 

[justdoit19]

I wonder out loud if the USNA commissioning date will change? USAFA moves theirs up to this month. Has it been stated how USAFA is doing their commissioning? I know the firsties are physically there. But HOW will they commission? Social distance/masks?

 

[OldRetSWO]

Do it as a class and virtual to families. Then bring the rest of the Brigade back in June for clean out of Bancroft and prep for Plebe Summer.

Just spitballin here but if it were me, I'd bring them back at one class per week and maybe stagger by batt or regiment with maybe 3 or 4 days to actually move out and get moving back to next assignment. I think that the process needs to avoid bringing too many into Mother B at a time so thus the stagger by class and maybe subdivide within that.