The beautiful and historic Main Chapel at the center of the Yard – and its landmark dome that can be seen throughout the greater Annapolis area – are symbolic of the vital role that moral and spiritual guidance plays in developing the Brigade of Midshipmen into naval officers. It is often the site of weddings and memorials. Regular chapel services are open to the public.
John Paul Jones has been recognized as the first Navy American War Hero, due to his great influence and leadership in the establishment of our Navy, as well as his role in the success of our War of Independence.
His remains were interred into a crypt beneath the Naval Academy Chapel in 1906 in a ceremony presided over by President Theodore Roosevelt. From his death in 1792 until then, his remains had been in a grave in France, where he died.
Named after former Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft, Bancroft Hall — or more affectionately, Mother “B,” — is the largest academic dormitory in the United States, with 1,700 rooms, 33 acres of floor space, and 4.8 miles of corridors. It is a small city, offering typical dorm services, as well as a gym, bank, uniform store, and dentist. The more than 4,400 midshipmen attending the United States Naval Academy call it home all four years. It features a beautiful rotunda with stairs leading up to Memorial Hall, which is an homage to USNA alumni lost while serving the U.S. These two spots, as well as a typical midshipmen room, are open for the public to tour.
Prepare for goosebumps. Each weekday at noon in the spring and fall (if weather permits), the entire Brigade of Midshipmen assembles in Tamanend Court outside of Bancroft Hall. They perform their roll call just prior to lunch. Each battalion leader calls out their number and “all present and accounted for.” Then there’s a rousing “Anchors Aweigh” and the Marines’ Hymn “The Halls of Montezuma,” played by the Naval Academy band, and the emotionally riveting sight of more than 4,400 midshipmen marching in formation into Bancroft Hall for lunch. It’s less than ten minutes long, but it will change your entire day.
This beautiful monument and active navigational point on the water’s edge is dedicated to the safe return of all submariners and honors those lost at sea. The USNA Class of 1945 erected the Triton Light in 1959. The landmark features a globe with water collected by the U.S.S. Triton from the twenty-two seas they traversed during the first submerged circumnavigation of the world in 1960.
Made to represent Tamanend, a peaceful Delaware chief who stands watch over the Brigade of Midshipmen. The statue represents the second version of Tamanend, hence its nickname “Tamanend 2.0.”
The original statue (minus the “brains” and “heart” enshrined in the bronze 2.0) resides within the Visitor Center. Known as “Lord of Football Games and Exams,” many midshipmen toss pennies his way to proffer his favor.
The Academy Seal in front is made of brass taken from torpedos from the U.S.S. Washington. Don’t step on it though - it’s purported to bring bad luck!
During the early parts of the 20th century, the airplane was just starting its flight as the most powerful battleships ever to float were still under construction. Although much of the naval senior leadership still believed in the power of the battle fleet, visionaries in naval aviation saw the potential of this new technology. Most of the first naval aviators conducted their training right on the banks of the Severn River across from the Naval Academy, and they used aircraft identical to our replica of one of the earliest naval aircraft built by the Wright Brothers. Come see this fascinating piece of technology from 1911.
There’s no time like springtime on the Yard. As the flowers and plants bloom back to life, the Noon Meal Formation...
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(Revamped for 2024)
Every spring, an extraordinary event draws around 4,000 expectant spectators to Annapolis for "a...
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Commissioning Week is fast approaching! Taking place between May 17th and May 25th this year, this time of reflection,...
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