2005 CLASS CREST
S • T • O • R • Y
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In the fall, members of the Class of 2005 were given that long awaited opportunity of buying a class crest and trying on a sample class ring. Trying on a class ring for the first time is a proud moment for most midshipmen. Long before this opportunity presents itself, the class must design its own crest to be displayed on its class ring, as well as other class memorabilia. This year, the Class of 2005 is in the initial stages of production of its class ring and will receive the final product in the spring of Second Class Year. The class ring, a symbol of loyalty to the Naval Academy and one’s class, is something one will proudly wear for years to come. Adorned with a distinctive class crest on one side, and the Academy crest on the other, the coveted class ring links midshipmen to all those who have gone before them and shared in the Academy experience.
Designing the Class of 2005 crest took a lot of teamwork and ingenuity on behalf of a 60-member ring and crest committee, ring manufacturers, and USNA faculty. The committee is composed of midshipmen from the Class of 2005, with two members from each of the 30 companies on the Yard. Selected by his peers, Midshipman Third Class Owen-Miguel Kavanagh is serving as chairman of the committee.
The design process began early Fourth Class Year with midshipmen of the Class of 2005 submitting original artwork for suggested designs of the class crest. Thereafter, a handful of designs were selected by the committee to be professionally drawn by competing ring manufacturers. This year, three companies competed: Intergold, Herff-Jones, and Jostens. Reproductions of the original artwork were provided by each company and returned to the committee for review. The committee carefully selected a favorite sketch and returned it to each of the manufacturers for production of a three-dimensional interpretation of the artwork. Subsequently, three newly manufactured class rings with the selected Class of 2005 crest were returned to the class committee for review. At this point, the Class of 2005 in its entirety was given the opportunity to look at the three rings and vote for a favorite. The majority of the class voted, the final selection was made, and Jostens was selected manufacturer of the midshipmen’s favorite ring. The original design is based on artwork drawn by Midshipman Third Class Alfred Traylor.
As mentioned, each class designs a crest significant to its Academy experience and its future naval service. When the preliminary design phase began in November 2001 shortly after the September 11th attacks, the 2005 Class crest depicted pictures of the Twin Towers and Pentagon. This was a strong reminder of the terrorist attacks and the subsequent War on Terrorism defining their time at the Academy. They later shed this design for the more traditional Navy symbols.
The final crest design depicts all the insignia related to being an officer in the naval service. The official U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy officer swords pictured beneath each of the eagle’s wings are traditional symbols of a commissioned officer. In the backdrop of the crest is the national ensign, which flies on every commissioned vessel of the U.S. Navy. The fouled (rope- or chain-entwined) anchor, so common in our Navy’s designs and insignia, is a symbol approximately 500 years old with origins in British traditions adopted by our naval service.1 The eagle holding the fouled anchor symbolizes American strength and freedom and our visions for the future. An F/A-18 jet, a submarine parting the waves, and a destroyer are also pictured, representing three warfare communities. Next to the fouled anchor is a star resting on the globe, on the East Coast of the USA, reminding each class member the origin of his or her military education in Annapolis. Lastly is the large star above the eagle’s head. This represents the Polaris compass star of navigation and seamanship.
A class motto is a staple for many class crests. The Class of 2005 originally proposed a motto “Vigor in Adversity,” in reference to the terrorist attacks. Later the motto evolved to “Carpe Diem” noteworthy of the 100-year anniversary of the Class of 1905’s motto. The committee decided against this theme, instead using their own idea, “Ambulare Cum Honore,” translated from Latin: “To Walk With Honor.”
Displayed on the crest opposite the class year is the year 1955, referencing a 50-year link between the classes. Sponsoring the younger class, through their actions, ’55ers provide guidance and inspiration for the midshipmen during their four years at the Academy. After their reaffirmation ceremony at the end of Plebe Summer, ’55ers presented the “honor coin” to the Class of 2005. At the end of Sea Trials, the Class of 1955 purchased the first set of anchors for the young class to wear on their right collars, at the completion of Plebe Year. At graduation day, the Class of 1955 will present the Class of 2005 with their first ensign or second lieutenant bars. We believe that this is the first time in the Academy’s history that a 50-year link was used in a class crest, binding Alumni together through the “Another Link in the Chain” program.
Once the class receives its rings in the spring of Second Class Year, they will follow the tradition and wear it home during spring break. Upon return from break, the midshipmen cannot wear their rings until the ring dance, where the ring is dipped in water from the seven seas.
While at the Academy, midshipmen wear their class rings with the inboard side displaying their class crest because their individual class is closest to their heart. Following graduation, members of the Class of 2005 will wear their class ring with the Naval Academy crest inboard, closest to their heart, as their focus changes to their naval service.
When members of the Class of 2005 finally get to wear their coveted class ring, it will not only be a proud moment, but for the rest of their lives they will be reminded of the valuable lessons, core values, and leadership skills they learned while at the U.S. Naval Academy.