Roller coaster I: Get Us (The Parents) Through Plebe Year - Class of ‘26 🎢

I kind of wish I could go back in time and do it all over again. Having a Midshipman on The Yard (and getting to know several more) was really a lot of fun for both of us parents. I wouldn't do anything differently, either. It is truly a unique opportunity for Midshipmen, family, and friends alike.
 
Sing2nd87 said:
Well-placed sources on the Yard tell me Class of '26 Plebe Summer will be a "real" Plebe Summer last experienced by Class of '23 (current Firsties) pre-COVID. I am also told by sources that '24 and '25 had a somewhat "watered-down" Plebe Summer due to limited personal contact with Plebes, some training evolutions cancelled, and other "traning sessions" that were simply not executed the same way due to COVID restrictions. Good news: USNA '26 will have a great Plebe Summer!
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‘24 summer wasn’t watered down. It was almost non existent lol!! At least as a traditional plebe summers go. Especially plebes spent in iso with Covid. Then getting out, but restricted from physical activity, and with brain memory fog and nasty headaches.

HOWEVER….their MENTAL fortitude was tested like no other class. Unique. And I believe those from ‘24 (and the whole brigade that has weathered Covid challenges…) will ultimately contribute in unique ways. Everyone’s journey adds to the diversity of experiences and makes the bigger group, better.
 
I'm unbelievably excited to be a professor there and observe / support plebe summer. I've always loved training commands and enjoyed my various duties where I supported building the next generation. Yet, despite how famous plebe summer is within the Navy it remains this thing of legend since I'm not a USNA grad. Congrats to class of '26 and I look forward to watching it with class of '28 and onward.
 
justdoit19 said:
‘24 summer wasn’t watered down. It was almost non existent lol!! At least as a traditional plebe summers go. Especially plebes spent in iso with Covid. Then getting out, but restricted from physical activity, and with brain memory fog and nasty headaches.

HOWEVER….their MENTAL fortitude was tested like no other class. Unique. And I believe those from ‘24 (and the whole brigade that has weathered Covid challenges…) will ultimately contribute in unique ways. Everyone’s journey adds to the diversity of experiences and makes the bigger group, better.
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Totally agree. My '24 DS spent 35 days in quarantine/ISO during Plebe Summer. I guarantee you he and his pals would much rather have had a traditional, old school, Plebe Summer. But, fortitude is not lacking.
 
it seemed like last summer was pretty normal from what I have read - it was tough, but DD loved it - in regards to visiting your midshipman - all kids are different - mine loves seeing me/us. we went to all the home games for her this spring bc it is a blast to be there! - she only hung with us for a couple of hours depending on the game schedule for Saturdays. she has made amazing friendships both on her team and in her company - I cherish these times and love being a part of USNA - if she told me not to come and she is busy then I would totally respect that! I won't ever regret the amount of time we are spending there - it is far for us, but it is only 4 years and then she is off to BIG Navy!!!! Good luck to all the plebes to be!!! thinking of you all!!!
 
Sing2nd87 said:
Well-placed sources on the Yard tell me Class of '26 Plebe Summer will be a "real" Plebe Summer last experienced by Class of '23 (current Firsties) pre-COVID. I am also told by sources that '24 and '25 had a somewhat "watered-down" Plebe Summer due to limited personal contact with Plebes, some training evolutions cancelled, and other "traning sessions" that were simply not executed the same way due to COVID restrictions. Good news: USNA '26 will have a great Plebe Summer!
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I think the only reliable resources would be the Plebes, now 3/C, from summer of '21. DS would say the COVID reset button was pushed by the time they arrived with the swearing in of the new 'Dant. Personal contact was not limited last summer and the only evolution DS missed was the C-Course as he was in ISO due to the Plebe Hack.

I am sure the last real PS occurred in 80's or maybe the 70's or 90's....
 
Hi, my DS is heading to USNA C/O 26. Does anyone know about the Midshipman Parent Pass or MPP? Not exactly sure what it is, but I saw that phrase somewhere and I think it provides access to buy stuff at the midshipman store. Anyway, how does one get this pass?
 
Lynn3194 said:
Hi, my DS is heading to USNA C/O 26. Does anyone know about the Midshipman Parent Pass or MPP? Not exactly sure what it is, but I saw that phrase somewhere and I think it provides access to buy stuff at the midshipman store. Anyway, how does one get this pass?
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Unless it is something new we did not receive or hear of an MPP last year (DS 25.) The only two cards we have are the Mid store patron card and DBIDS card. We received a temporary DBIDS card until we went to get our actual card which is good for three years, the temp is only good for a year. Hopefully if this is something that exists someone with knowledge of it will weigh in shortly. Best of luck to your soon to be Plebe!
 
RE: The "Midshipman Parent Pass"
I have always heard it referred to as a Midshipmen Store Card. It simply says "Midshipmen Store" and "Authorized Patron" at the top.
They used to say the name of the Midshipman (your son or daughter) who "sponsors" you on the back, but now they are fairly nondescript, with just your name, a bar code, a number, and a date of expiration.

There should be two (2) paper temporary cards in the Permit To Report package sent to your Plebe-to-be, which you can use as soon as you get there. You can get a more permanent card later, by visiting the office on the second level, past the restrooms.

Please do buy stuff when you're there, as 100% of the profits go to the Brigade of Midshipmen. Think about Christmas presents, too. :)
 
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THParent said:
There should be two (2) paper temporary cards in the Permit To Report package sent to your Plebe-to-be, which you can use as soon as you get there.
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Hmmm, I haven't found that yet. I thought a copy of the PTR was the Golden Ticket to enter the hallowed grounds of the MidStore and that we could get our hard card inside.
 
LST271 said:
Hmmm, I haven't found that yet. I thought a copy of the PTR was the Golden Ticket to enter the hallowed grounds of the MidStore and that we could get our hard card inside.
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You may be right, there. Everything seems to be a little lax on The Yard during the days preceding, including, and following I-Day, because of all the new parents wandering around. They are very helpful in the Mid Store and will find a way to take your money with a smile. You will not be turned away, I assure you. ;)
 
There is one item on PTR checklist page2 - Department of the Navy Local Population ID Card/Base Access Pass Registration (SECNAV 5512/1). I think that’s for parents’ access ID. It also has Pass & ID office address on the checklist.
 
Never fear - sweaty parents with slightly dazed and apprehensive but proud looks in their eyes are easily identifiable in the Mid Store and all other Yard venues on Induction Day. If the store pass isn’t apparent anywhere, just have a copy of the PTR Letter and practice saying, “I’m the parent of a new plebe.”

Nothing will impede you from joyously leaving bundles of money at the Mid Store.
 
Thank you for all the great responses. 😊 That’s exactly what I was referring to, I couldn’t recall the correct terminology but if there’s anything I do well is shop and I want to be fully ready to go at the Midshipman Store! So excited for next week!
 
There is a facebook group I am part of - USNA 2026 BLB Parents - and one of the moderators did an I Day presentation. If you are a parent of a 2026 you can join the group and watch the recording. Anyhow, in that presentation, he said that you sign up for the USNA Alumni Association and that triggers creation of your Midstore card, which will be available for pickup on I Day. I can't say if that is true or not, but I don't have reason to doubt him.

BTW, "sign up" does not mean you have to become a member ($), You just have to create an account at usna.com (not edu!). See www.usna.com/ptr. That is also where you can sign up for the USNA AA picnic on I Day (Mission BBQ). Also note that if you become a member ($), then you get access to the USNA AA photo program which is apparently quite good.

Also, finally, "BLB" in the facebook group name means "Blind leading the Blind" :) . So take all this information that I just gave you as just that.
 

I've been checking periodically, and this was finally posted to the plebe summer site at usna.edu. It is the co 2026 schedule...​

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I-DAY Schedule of Events​

0630Commence processing for the incoming class (Alumni Hall).
0730-1730USNA (Midshipman) Store open.
0800Colors Ceremony (music provided by band at Worden Field Gazebo).
0800-1700Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center Gift Shop open.
0900-1400Parents and Guest Expo Begins at Hospital Point with multiple vendors
0930-1500Naval Academy Tours & Information available (Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center).
1000-1400Yard Patrol Craft tours (Dewey Seawall).
1100-1400Alumni Association/USNA Foundation Welcome Aboard Picnic (Hospital Point)
1435-1500Band Concert, inside Alumni Hall.
1430-1600Parents' Briefing in Alumni Hall (Superintendent, Commandant, Academic Dean and Provost, Athletic Director) Doors open 1430, brief begins at 1500
1725Band Concert (T-Court) and procession to seats.
1800 Oath of Office Ceremony in Tecumseh Court (inclement weather, in Alumni Hall).
1830-1915Incoming class meet with parents in designated areas/Personal swearing-in ceremonies
1915Evening meal formation (Stribling Walk) with Band support.
 
My DS (C/O '25) will be on the Yard as he preps for his Block 2 YP cruise. He is "excited" to watch the I-day activities from the other side. I asked if he would be sucked into any PS details and he said no just have to follow UOD which will be Summer Whites.
 
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