Our visit to Annapolis and the beautiful and inspiring campus of the United States Naval Academy was awe inspiring with many fond memories will be cherished for years to come.
Retirement Ceremony of Captain Suzanne Lesko
Following our photo shoot of the Retirement Ceremony of Captain Suzanne Lesko on January 14th at the Naval Academy, we had a strong desire to see and take in the sights, sounds and people of this wonderful academy. We were very happy to hear the Academy provides tours on the half hour.
For those waiting to see photos from this ceremony and a blog about the ceremony, hopefully this will be coming after photos are selected and vetted by Suzanne.
So, I packed up my camera, and we dressed with all the warm clothes we had brought only to find out we were still very cold most of the time. You can see from the photos we had down parkas, layers of clothing, gloves, ski beanies and more. I purchased special gloves for photographers which allows the thumb and index finger to be exposed while shooting. My finger tips froze nearly off. So much for being from Denver Colorado and camping out in the Rocky Mountains in sub zero weather.
What is the United States Naval Academy? In their touring brochure it says…
The USNA Mission
To develop Midshipmen morally, mentally and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor and loyalty in order to graduate leaders who are dedicated to a career of naval service and have potential for future development in mind and character to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government.
The academy is surrounded by Spa Creek on the East, Severn River on the north and Dorsey Creek one the West and is about 32 miles east of Washington DC.
The Academy Tour
Our tour lasted about 2 hours and was led by a very capable and knowledgeable tour guide who truly enjoyed her job and had tremendous respect for the campus and its history.
The tour started at the Gate 3 entrance and one of our first stops was the statue of the GOAT and the conversations about the history and meaning of the GOAT and the true competition there is between Army and Navy especially regarding the football games.
We then met a couple fine looking cadets who spent a little time with us as the tour guide asked them a few questions.
Our next stop was the Dahlgren Hall which was a great place to see ship and aircraft memorabilia. Hanging above the second deck is a model of the Wright B-1 Flyer. You can see my FISHEYE photo here…
Next up was a stop at the Midway and Submarine Monument.
A short walk in the frigid January weather in Maryland to the Bancroft HALL. The Bancroft Hall is the largest dormitory in the U.S. This dormitory is nearly totally self contained with sleeping quarters, barbershops, dining, etc. A very impressive building which even my FISHEYE lens could NOT do justice.
We then walked to the Mexican Monument and the tour guide gave us a very interesting discussion on the Herndon Monument.
The Herndon Monument
A 21 foot tall grey granite obelisk erected in memory of Captain William Lewis Herndon who decided to courageously go down with his ship to see his men, September 12, 1857. The cadets use this monument for climbing competitions with and without “grease”, with the objective of the first one or team to the TOP wins. There is even a book called: The Herndon Climb… A history of the United States Navel Academy’s Greatest Tradition by Rear Adm. James R. McNeal.
The Main Chapel
Next up was our visit to the Main Chapel. The chapel was dedicated in 1908 and conducts Catholic and Protestant services and are open to the public. We even went to a service on Sunday Morning.
Ward Hall
Crypt of John Paul Jones
Following our visit to the beautiful chapel we visited the Crypt of John Paul Jones, one of the greatest Revolutionary War Naval heroes who is enshrined beneath the chapel.
1845 Coffee Shop
Last up, it was time to warm up and get one of the cups of coffee I ever had at the 1845 Coffee shop. We were told by the tour guide that President Lincoln entered the campus on that very gate right by the coffee shop.
My takeaways
What are my main takeaways after visiting this beautiful campus? I was inspired and humbled, and cold. The cadets in their perfectly fit and ironed garments. Their dedication and obvious excitement about their career path was ever inspiring. I think of my father and all the veterans who served and continue to serve this great nation.
I recommend to any and all to visit this campus
Personal Disclaimer: I am a photographer and blogger, not a journalist nor editorialist. I write with my soul. Any information given in my blogs may be my opinion and may contain errors and omissions.