Two Minute Brief: Traditions of the U.S. Naval Academy

Located thirty-three miles east of Washington DC, the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis is the second oldest service academy in the nation. Steeped in centuries of tradition, it upholds the highest standards of honor, character and duty.

Five years later, the school changed its name to the United States Naval Academy.

Officially becoming the second service academy in the nation, the school adopted a four-year program that incorporated at-sea training with classroom learning – a format that still serves as the basis of today’s much more sophisticated and modernized curriculum.

As the school grew and developed, so, too, did its many traditions…

In 1866, the now famous “Tecumseh” was erected in the Yard.

Originally the figurehead of the USS Delaware, the statue was replaced with the current bronze version in 1930.

Throughout the decades, decorating it in “war paint” for special events such as the Army-Navy game has become a time-honored tradition.

Near the turn of the 20th Century, the school’s current mascot – Bill the Goat – was introduced.

Making his first appearance at the fourth annual Army-Navy game, the tradition of bedecking a live goat in Navy colors quickly grew into an essential part of all future games.

Near the turn of the 20th Century, the school’s current mascot – Bill the Goat – was introduced.

Making his first appearance at the fourth annual Army-Navy game, the tradition of bedecking a live goat in Navy colors quickly grew into an essential part of all future games.

Today, the United States Naval Academy’s original 10-acre campus has expanded to 338 acres… While the student body has grown from a class of just 50 midshipmen to a brigade of more than 4,500 men and women.

And while it will continue to evolve in the future, it’s history and traditions and will always remain a crucial part of its identity.

[SaltiDawg]

It was my Class that set the Herndon Monument record of 1 Min 30 Secs in 1962!
*s/ Retired 24 Year US Navy Submariner - USNA Class of 1965 - Former Enlisted Man*

[christianlloydgarcia]

philippine navy enlisted can enter the naval academy??

[hairetikos]

Lol... what a fucking joke. I type in a quote from a WW2 British Naval Officer "It takes three years to build a ship; it takes three centuries to build a tradition." and I get this American tripe.

[fleetcenturion]

I know it's supposed to be 2 minutes, but you left out quite a bit. First, that statue isn't actually Tecumseh. Second, the goat, as well as the Army's mule before it, were both stolen.

[sulaimansaleh]

Please any help to join
I'm girl from Africa Ghana
Please help me