Herndon through the years
080515-N-8963G-005 ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 15, 2008) The U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2011 voted to place fallen shipmate Midshipman 4th Class Kristen Dickmann's cover on top of Herndon Monument to honor her memory. The Class of 2011 completed in the 101st annual Herndon Climb in 2:35:59. Plebes, or midshipmen 4th class, must use teamwork, strategy and communication to climb the 21-foot-tall monument and replace the traditional plebe cover at the top with a midshipman's cover. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Patrick Gordon (Released)
070517-N-0593C-002 ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 17, 2007) – Naval Academy freshmen, or “plebes,” sprint toward the Herndon Monument for the annual Herndon Climb. The midshipmen must use teamwork, strategy and communication to climb to the top of the 21-foot statue and replace the traditional plebe cover with a midshipman’s cover. The Herndon Climb symbolizes the successful completion of freshman year. Midshipman 4th Class Jamie Schrock, from Detroit, reached the top in 1:32:42. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael Croft (RELEASED)
060518-N-5390M-002 Annapolis, Md. (May 18, 2006) - U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Rodney P. Rempt, left, and Commandant Capt. Bruce Grooms, right, congratulate Midshipman 4th Class Brian Richards at the 99th annual Herndon Climb. At the firing of cannons, the class of midshipmen works together in their attempt to climb to the top of the 21-foot gray obelisk covered in more than 200 pounds of lard and retrieve a white plebe dixie-cup hat. According to legend, the plebe who replaces the white hat with a midshipman's cover will become the first member of the class to become an Admiral. Richards reached the top in 1:14:15. U.S. Navy photo by Kenneth J. Mierzejewski (RELEASED)
050519-N-1026O-119 U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md. (May 19, 2005) - United States Naval Academy Freshmen scale the Herndon Monument, a 21-foot gray obelisk covered in more than 200 pounds of lard, marking the end of their first year of training. At the firing of cannons, the class of “plebes” works together in their attempt to climb to the top and retrieve a white plebe "dixie-cup" hat as thousands of spectators watch. According to legend, the plebe who replaces the white hat with a midshipman’s cover will become the first member of the class to become an Admiral. U.S. Navy photo by Shannon O'Connor (RELEASED)
040520-N-9693M-025 U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md. (May 20, 2004) - Midshipman Fourth Class Philip Johnson places a Midshipman's combination cover on top of Herndon Monument while wearing the prized "Plebe" dixie-cup cover. The monument was smeared with 100lbs of lard as part of a rite of passage. "Plebes" must scale the monument to remove a dixie-cup cover from the top and replace it with a Midshipman combination cover. Johnson held the honor of being the Midshipman to complete both tasks and was awarded a plaque displaying an Admiral's shoulder board. The Midshipmen were also hosed down during the event that teaches them much about their own abilities and limitations as well as the advantages of working as a team. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Damon J. Moritz. (RELEASED)
030519-N-5319A-007 Annapolis, Md., (May 19, 2003) -- Daniel Shea, a United States Naval Academy freshman from Lakehurst N.Y., signals from atop the Herndon Monument, a 21-foot obelisk covered with more than 200 lbs. of lard. A tradition conducted at the end of each year’s class graduation at the U.S. Naval Academy, the “plebes” climb to the top of the Herndon Monument, signifying the end of their 1st year of training. U.S. Navy Photograph by Photographers Mate 1st Class Brien Aho. (RELEASED)