Favorite thing at USNA

B

BRNavy

USNA Class of 2026
Joined
Mar 9, 2022
Messages
12
What is your favorite place or activity or thing, in general, at the USNA? I will be attending as a part of the class of 2026' so I aI curious to see what everyone says! Plus I recently saw a post on the USNA Instagram page and it gave me the idea to ask! Thank you all for your responses!
 
BRNavy said:
What is your favorite place or activity or thing, in general, at the USNA? I will be attending as a part of the class of 2026' so I aI curious to see what everyone says! Plus I recently saw a post on the USNA Instagram page and it gave me the idea to ask! Thank you all for your responses!
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Hard to pick just one
The Sailing Center - spent over 30 hrs per typical week there and have lots of happy memories in and around it.
AFTER PLEBE YEAR - The Midshipman Wardroom (now called King Hall) - good times with classmates
Dahlgren Hall, dances, hockey games and ice skating
Summer Cruise - especially PROTRAMID and 1/C cruise with ship in the Med.
 
Not a grad, but… Walking the dogs at sunrise on Hospital Point, anytime of the year, mist rising off the Severn River, mids running an “outer,” the rhythmic sounds of the crew team on glassy water for early practice, seeing an osprey dive..,

And the Chapel Dome lit up at night.D38C52F0-0DE6-4E19-A841-A67D16C09883.jpeg9EDCE31F-F1CF-41F9-A81B-F2DD01D7FE44.jpeg
 
I'll add a couple more.

Running the "inside perimeter" especially along the seawalls.

Counterintuitive - I hated the old Obstacle Course (on Hospital Point) but the feeling after passing it every semester as we had to was really really great.
 
The people. Just hanging out with your buddies with so little worries in the world.

The views. USNA is a beautiful campus as seen in some of the pics. As an introvert being able to escape for a run or walk to see the sunsets, sun rises or other amazing parts of the yard were always amazing.

The cemetery. I know that sounds weird and almost dark, but it’s the final resting place for some of my favorite people.
 
Sharing a common bond with Classmates that lasts forever. I just got back from a ski trip with some classmates a few weeks ago-- I didn't know a few of them at USNA, but still almost 40 years later we were all brothers (and a sister).

The truth is, many don't truly appreciate it when in .... I didn't -- wasn't much chilling with no worries in the worries in the world (especially Plebe year). but looking back there are so many great memories. Summer cruises and Protramid were great. First class year really felt like we were on the top of the world at times . I'd do it all over in a heartbeat -- (especially with the wisdom I have now !)
 
Straddling the stanchions at the bow of a 100' sailboat on our way to the Bahamas on youngster cruise -- thinking I'm getting paid to do this! Lining up for graduation realizing I'd spent the last four years with the people around me and realizing we'd never be altogether again.

Agree with Old Navy BGO that, while you're there, you often focus on the negative. IMHO, the longer you're out, the more you start to appreciate the experience. There are still memories of "not so great parts" (especially for some), but I like to think that, over time, memories of the good times predominate.
 
Not a grad. Just a dad. This is not a difficult question. The answer, of course, is the Mid Store! 😎

(If the “thing” has to fit in your pocket, then the answer is the DBIDS card. Which, coincidentally, helps ease access to the Mid Store. 🤗)
 
(If the “thing” has to fit in your pocket, then the answer is the DBIDS card. Which, coincidentally, helps ease access to the Mid Store. 🤗)

What is the DBIDS card?
 
Mid-dad here, I love architecture and I love the architecture on this campus. I also really enjoy strolling around during twilight hours- if in the morning then also with a good cup o joe.
 
LST271 said:
What is the DBIDS card?
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If you play it right, you get it on I-Day. Renew it at the three-year mark. Then after your kid is no longer a mid, dare USNA to pry it from your cold, dead fingers.

Provides unfettered access to the Yard, especially through Gate 8. One of the best feelings in the world when you can drive onto the Yard at any hour to pick up DD/DS or drop off something or go for a walk along the seawall or visit the — wait for it — Mid Store!

As far as “documents” go, it has a hallowed place next to my birth certificate and passport.
 
As a 2024 Covid mom I didn’t get a DBids card. But man my first and only trip out so far, when they handed me my Mid Store card, I won’t lie. I got teary eyed. And I’m not ashamed of it. Puts a lump in my throat now.

Seeing my MIDN in noon formation for the first (and only time so far).
My first color parade.
Seeing Memorial Hall and looking for my father and grandfather’s classes.

Walking alone on Stribling in the evening waiting for my MIDN to meet up with me.

The talks I have had with my MIDN and his roomies.
 
Stribling at Taps in the summer....Magical

Prior to our Mid reporting to I Day, she took a trip with DW to NY for a girls trip, with the plan we would all meet in Annapolis the day prior to I Day. Younger MidSib was exploring options and attended soccer camp at USNA the days leading up to her sister's I day. I booked a VRBO for myself to work, to be able to check out soccer training, explore Annapolis and the Yard, prior to all of us being together for I Day. One early evening, as I headed back across the Yard from watching soccer camp, I found myself on Stribling. It was getting dark and made darker on Stribling by the beautiful trees which line the walk. The only light, which felt blinding in the situation came from the doors of Bancroft, as the Mids were about come out for Taps. Not another sole around, I felt as if I was trespassing, I froze in my tracks. Once I realized there was absolutely no one else around, I softly worked my way closer to Tecumseh Court, to get a slightly better view of the Mids lowering the flag. I solemnly watched the Mids lower our flag. The entire ceremony they displayed perfect reference for the nightly ritual and then disappear back into Bancroft, as if 10,000 people were watching, even though as far as they knew, no one was watching.

At that time as a parent, my head was spinning. My oldest was going away. She was going to USNA which I never thought she would. Was it the correct path for her? Had I done my job as father? (thankfully it is all working out amazingly well). All of these emotions were boiled into a gumbo of pride. I am not sure why god put me on Stribling that night on the edge of Tecumseh Court, but I know this. It was humbling. It was solemn. It was It was magical. After Taps, I walked towards gate 1 past the row of officer's houses (sorry still don't know the exact street/row) and kids were playing in the yards as lightning bugs lit up the yards sporadically. When most of us are there the Yard is over run with us, parents and loved ones. If you can get there when we aren't there, its an even more incredible place.

I hope everyone who grows to love this institution gets to see it like I did, that June evening.
 
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Gabe_ said:
I hope everyone who grows to love this institution gets to see it like I did, that June evening.
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Wonderful picture. I had a similar experience, a couple Septembers ago. A soft fall evening, not quite dusk. Was walking with DD near the front of Mother B, and as we approached Tecumseh and the intersection with Stribling, taps commenced. She stopped talking and came to silent attention. The flag was just in our sights as it came down. Once it was done, we resumed our stroll and chat. The sun continued to set behind us. A priceless moment.
 
USNA34 said:
If my husband and I have "Military ID's"(Retired Coast Guard) do we still need to get the DBIDS card? Thanks
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No. Those with military ID, any flavor, can drive onto the Yard. Normal FPCON stages rules apply.
USNA34 said:
If my husband and I have "Military ID's"(Retired Coast Guard) do we still need to get the DBIDS card? Thanks
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No.
 
Gabe_ said:
Stribling at Taps in the summer....Magical

Prior to our Mid reporting to I Day, she took a trip with DW to NY for a girls trip, with the plan we would all meet in Annapolis the day prior to I Day. Younger MidSib was exploring options and attended soccer camp at USNA the days leading up to her sister's I day. I booked a VRBO for myself to work, to be able to check out soccer training, explore Annapolis and the Yard, prior to all of us being together for I Day. One early evening, as I headed back across the Yard from watching soccer camp, I found myself on Stribling. It was getting dark and made darker on Stribling by the beautiful trees which line the walk. The only light, which felt blinding in the situation came from the doors of Bancroft, as the Mids were about come out for Taps. Not another sole around, I felt as if I was trespassing, I froze in my tracks. Once I realized there was absolutely no one else around, I softly worked my way closer to Tecumseh Court, to get a slightly better view of the Mids lowering the flag. I solemnly watched the Mids lower our flag. The entire ceremony they displayed perfect reference for the nightly ritual and then disappear back into Bancroft, as if 10,000 people were watching, even though as far as they knew, no one was watching.

At that time as a parent, my head was spinning. My oldest was going away. She was going to USNA which I never thought she would. Was it the correct path for her? Had I done my job as father? (thankfully it is all working out amazingly well). All of these emotions were boiled into a gumbo of pride. I am not sure why god put me on Stribling that night on the edge of Tecumseh Court, but I know this. It was humbling. It was solemn. It was It was magical. After Taps, I walked towards gate 1 past the row of officer's houses (sorry still don't know the exact street/row) and kids were playing in the yards as lightning bugs lit up the yards sporadically. When most of us are there the Yard is over run with us, parents and loved ones. If you can get there when we aren't there, its an even more incredible place.

I hope everyone who grows to love this institution gets to see it like I did, that June evening.
Click to expand...
I stated Taps in my org. post. I meant Evening Colors. I think that's the correct term. My military ignorance still shows at times. Hope the moment was still conveyed properly.
 
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