Naval Academy Questions Answered

Each year, thousands of people step through the gates of the U.S. Naval Academy for the first time.

Some arrive with dreams of becoming officers. Others come to cheer on the midshipmen, visit a son or daughter, or simply explore one of America's most historic campuses.

No matter why you're here, the questions usually start right away.

How hard is it to get in? Where do the mids live? What's the story behind Bill the Goat? And what exactly is that famous monument everyone climbs?

We've gathered answers to some of the questions visitors ask most often so you can get a behind-the-scenes look and spend less time wondering and more time enjoying everything the Academy has to offer.

Where Is the U.S. Naval Academy?

The Naval Academy is located at 52 King George Street in historic Annapolis, Maryland, just steps from City Dock.

Most visitors enter through Gate 1 at the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center, where official tours begin and helpful exhibits introduce the Academy's history and mission.

For easy pedestrian access, head to the Visitor Center at Gate 1, near Randall and Prince George Streets. If you’re starting at the Annapolis City Dock, you’re just a block away! If you're driving, the Noah Hillman Garage is one of the most convenient public parking options, followed by a short walk to the Visitor Center.

Visitors ages 18 and older should remember to bring a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, Enhanced Driver's License, U.S. Passport, or other approved credential for entry.

Why Is Bill the Goat the Navy Mascot?

Few mascots have a story as colorful as Bill the Goat.

Today's Bill is the latest (number 37!) in a long line of beloved Academy mascots dating back well over a century. One of the earliest legends tells of sailors who brought the hide of a beloved shipboard goat ashore after the animal died. When they unexpectedly carried it onto the field during a Navy football game, the crowd erupted with laughter, and Navy won.

Whether legend or history, goats soon became inseparable from Navy Athletics. By 1893, a live sea-goat named El Cid appeared at the Army-Navy Game, cementing the tradition that continues today.

The Navy mascot has become one of the Academy's most recognizable symbols, delighting fans at games, ceremonies, and special events throughout the year.

What's the Herndon Climb?

Ask almost any graduate about their favorite Academy tradition, and the Herndon Climb is likely to come up.

Each spring, the 21-foot Herndon Monument is coated with grease by Third Class upperclassmen before members of the plebe class work together to replace the traditional "Dixie cup" hat at the top with an upper-class cover, signalling the end of their Plebe Year.

The challenge is messy, difficult, and unforgettable.

More importantly, it demonstrates one of the Academy's central lessons: success comes through teamwork, not individual effort.

A long-standing tradition even suggests the midshipman who completes the climb may reach flag rank first. That prognostication still remains just a prediction, but this person does receive a pair of shoulder boards to commemorate the achievement.

Where Do Midshipmen Live?

Unlike many colleges, all Naval Academy midshipmen live together in one enormous building: Bancroft Hall. This building is home to about 4,500 men and women.

Known affectionately as "Mother B," it's one of the largest dormitories in the world, with 33 acres of floor space and 4.8 miles of passageways connecting living spaces, classrooms, administrative offices, athletic facilities, laundry rooms, a post office, and much more.

Living together helps strengthen the sense of community and teamwork that defines Academy life.

Where Do Midshipmen Eat?

King Hall, located inside Bancroft Hall, serves as the Brigade's dining facility.

Named after Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King, it serves approximately 13,500 meals each day with remarkable efficiency. Midshipmen gather here not only to eat but also to reinforce military customs and build camaraderie throughout the academic year.

Meals like buffalo chicken sandwiches with cheddar muncher tater tots, hamburgers, mac and cheese, tacos, burritos, and “Flapsticks” (sausage on a stick dipped in blueberry batter and baked, served with butter and syrup) are perennial favorites, with all meals rigorously designed and served to support the health and fitness needs of a Brigade in training.

What Is the Navy Oath?

One of the most meaningful moments for every incoming plebe happens on Induction Day.

After arriving on the Yard and beginning the transformation into midshipmen, members of the incoming class take the Navy oath, formally committing themselves to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.

For many families, it's one of the most emotional moments of the entire Academy experience and marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey of leadership and service.

How Competitive Is Admission?

The Academy is consistently recognized among the nation's top military colleges, and admission reflects that level of excellence.

Admission is highly competitive. Applicants must excel academically, demonstrate leadership, remain physically fit, secure a nomination from their U.S.Representative or one of their two U.S. Senators, and complete several additional requirements before receiving an appointment.

Preparation often begins years before applying.

What Is NABSD?

Behind many of the experiences visitors enjoy is the Naval Academy Business Services Division (NABSD).

NABSD operates restaurants, retail stores (USNA Gift Shop, Navyonline.com), USNA tours, and hospitality services. Best of all, proceeds from these operations help fund programs that enhance life for the Brigade.

Support from visitors provides opportunities in music, theater, cultural arts, club sports, and other experiences that help develop well-rounded future officers.

Can Anyone Shop on the Yard?

Some retail locations, such as the Midshipmen Store, are reserved for eligible patrons including midshipmen, alumni, faculty, staff, and certain affiliated groups.

Everyone, however, is welcome to visit the USNA Gift Shop or shop online at Navyonline.com, where purchases directly support the Brigade while allowing you to take home a little Navy pride.

The Best Way to Learn? Come See for Yourself.

There's only so much you can learn from reading.

The best way to experience the Naval Academy is to walk the Yard yourself and immerse yourself in its spirit and history. Join an official tour, admire the historic Chapel, enjoy lunch at The Alley Restaurant in the Naval Academy Club or coffee at 1845 Coffee, and discover firsthand why the Academy continues to rank among America's most respected institutions and the premier U.S. service academies.

Whether you're considering applying, supporting a midshipman, or simply exploring one of our nation's most treasured campuses, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for the people, traditions, and values that make the Naval Academy unlike anywhere else.

And with every visit, meal, tour, and purchase, you'll also be helping today's Brigade build the teamwork, leadership, and lifelong friendships that prepare them to serve our country for generations to come. Come see it for yourself, and Go Navy!

On The Yard