COMMISSIONING WEEK / GRADUATION
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Commissioning Week is that one final, big Yard Event. Perhaps, the most memorable event in your MID’s and your Family’s Life!. In the past, Commissioning Week has normally begun on the Friday prior to or preceding the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend in late May. This week will involve around either a normal week or be split over a 2-week period. Commissioning Week will begin with the PLEBE Recognition Ceremony also known as the PLEBE Assault on the Herndon Monument, or just simply Herndon, and will terminate with the Graduation and Commissioning Swearing-In Ceremonies several days later. However, since the Data and/or Information presented herein is subject to change, please remember to be sure to check with your MID, and the Information Packet received from the Yard, to ensure that you have the correct Times and Itinerary for the Events scheduled during this Week. YARD,
AND/OR USNA AA,
WILL HAVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING HOUSE LISTINGS THAT MAY BE RENTED
FOR COMMISSIONING WEEK FESTIVITIES
- IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THIS
LISTING BE INSPECTED AND SELECTIONS MADE AND SECURED NTL FIRSTIE PARENTS’
WEEKEND The Events that are scheduled to occur during that period known as Commissioning Week, which include Noon Meal Formations in Tecumseh Court throughout the week, as well as visits to the U. S. Naval Ships, at anchor, in the Bay, are too numerous to mention. Remember that the key to a successful Commissioning Week is for you to Plan Ahead and Be Organized - Be prepared for anything! Then, in this way, you, your Family, Relatives, and Friends will be able to sit back and enjoy this very special week a whole lot more. Therefore, if it is at all possible, try to arrive a few days early to the Yard, so that you will have that extra time to settle in. Also, review the Yard’s Schedule against your Plan Of Action, so that you can deal with any of those last minutes changes. Of course, also ensure that you will be able to relax in -- THE CALM
BEFORE THE STORM ! PREPARATION
Again, whatever you can prepare ahead of time and bring with you will be a big help considering all of the other things that you will be worrying about and trying to ensure that everything happens according to your plan. The following information is provided as guidance. It is up to you to adjust, or modify as necessary, to meet your Family’s needs. Meals/Food Plan all of your Meals, as well as where you may be going to eat, as far ahead of time as possible. While Annapolis has many good restaurants, many of them do not take reservations. Also, order any Graduation Cakes, or Special Foods, well in advance of this Event. In addition, most of the local Grocery Stores or Supermarkets that offer Party Trays and Bakery Cakes, may even deliver. Traffic Remember that Annapolis is almost always busy with activities other than those put on by the Yard. As such, parking is very limited, especially in downtown areas. Very few of the residents whose Home you may be utilizing for the Week, has off-street parking. Also, do be careful where and how long you do park when downtown. Ticketing and Towing are the rule, NOT the exception! Consider parking at the Navy/Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. You can park all day for approximately $4.00 and take a Shuttle to the Yard, or downtown. In addition, many of the hotels offer Shuttles as well. In any case, be prepared for large Traffic Jams and considerable delays in trying to navigate around Annapolis this week. Tickets Remember that Tickets are required for a large number of the Events that will be occurring during Commissioning Week. Check the Information that has been provided to you, both by your MID and the Yard; annotate those which you wish to attend that you will require Tickets. Have your MID obtain them as soon as possible. Also, the policy regarding Graduation Tickets changes periodically. MIDs will now be allowed as many Tickets as they require provided that they turn in their number by the established Deadline. However, in case of inclement Weather, remember that only 4 Tickets will be issued to each MID. Plan accordingly! Events Remember to be sure and tell every one that is going to be in your Party, what functions that they will be going to and when, as well as where everyone will meet before and after the Event, what the plan is if anyone gets separated, and what the appropriate dress will be for each Event. Also, discuss with your MID as to which Events that you MID will be attending, those that you will be attending, and those that you and your MID will be attending together. Details Select a special place in the Navy/Marine Corps Memorial Stadium to meet with your MID and your Party after Graduation for the traditional pinning on of Boards and Bars. Ensure that all in your Party know where this location is, and, if possible, conduct a Dry Run.
Plan to arrive at the Navy/Marine Corps Memorial Stadium as early as possible on Graduation Day. Parking Lot opens at 0730 Hours (7:30 AM). Consider having a Tailgate Breakfast and plan a Tailgate Party afterwards to allow for Traffic to dissipate. If possible, try to be in your Seats prior to the March-On which will take place before the Fly-Over by the Blue Angels. Handicapped Seating is available, if needed. Weather Be prepared for Hot, Humid Weather in Annapolis; bring Sun Protection and comfortable Clothing and Shoes; also, plan on wearing a Hat. REMEMBER
THAT FORMAL EVENTS WILL REQUIRE DRESSY
CLOTHES TYPICAL
SCHEDULE
GENERAL
The group of important Events that comprise Commissioning Week, will occur, at varying times, depending upon the Yard’s Administration, prior to and/or after the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend. The following is a typical Commissioning Week Schedule that has been compiled, over time, from other Commissioning Week Schedules. However, it must be pointed out and stressed that the actual Schedule, Dates, and/or Times are subject to Change Without Notice. SPPA highly recommends that you refer to the Schedule that you have received in the Mail, from the Yard sometime in April, or check with your MID regarding these Events, or utilize the INTERNET at http://www.nadn.navy.mil, to access the Public Affairs Office (PAO) in the Yard: FIRST
DAY
The Second Class Ring Dance will be held in the evening beginning at 2030 Hours (8:30 PM) and normally after the conduct of the PLEBE Recognition Ceremony. In addition, the Third and Fourth Classes may also attend and participate in this Dance. TYPICAL SCHEDULE: 2030-2400 Ring Dance Dahlgren Hall SECOND
DAY
A Continental Breakfast will be available in King Hall, beginning at 0800 Hours (8:00 AM). Baccalaureate Services will also be held that morning -- check the Schedule that you will receive in April of your MID’s FIRSTIE Academic Year. In addition, a Gospel Choir Concert, in Mahan Hall, will be held in the early evening hours. Also, there will be receptions for those MIDs who have elected to become Naval Surface Warfare Officers (SWO), as well as for those MIDs who have selected the Marine Corps (USMC). TYPICAL SCHEDULE: 0830-0930 Catholic Baccalaureate Service Chapel 0830-0930 Protestant Communion Service Chapel 0830-1030 Orthodox Baccalaureate Service Chapel 1000-1045 USNA Band Concert Gazebo 1015-1115 Jewish Baccalaureate Service Chapel 1045-1145 Protestant Baccalaureate Service Chapel 1600-1730 Gospel Choir Concert Mahan Hall 1700-1930 SWO
Reception TBD 1700-1930 USMC
Reception TBD THIRD
DAY
There will be a Dedication Parade, held at Worden Field to recognize the excellence of the Faculty. The Academic Departments will sponsor open houses during the afternoon, and the PLEBE Recognition Ceremony - the Herndon Monument Climb, may also be held this day and will begin in mid-afternoon. Also, the USNA Alumni Association will sponsor a Family Picnic in the afternoon, at Alumni House, which is located on King George Street a few blocks from the Yard exiting from Gate 1. In addition, a Glee Club Concert, in Alumni Hall, will be held in the early evening hours (Time to be announced);. There may be Family cruises onboard the Yard Patrol Craft (YP) from 1200 Hours (12:00 Noon) until approximately 1400 Hours (2:00 PM), and also visits to any of the US Naval Ships, at Anchor, in the Bay. TYPICAL SCHEDULE: 1100 Dedication Parade Worden Field 1400 PLEBE Recognition
Ceremony Herndon Monument Alumni
Association Family Picnic Alumni House 2030 USNA
Glee Club Concert Alumni Hall FOURTH
DAY
The Blue Angels will also be practicing, and that practice can be viewed from Dewey Field from 1145 Hours (11:45 AM) through 1345 Hours (1:45 PM). In addition, the Color Parade practice will be held at Worden Field (Time to be announced). Depending upon which Regiment your MID is in, you will be invited to a Class Reception at Buchanan House, the living quarters of the Superintendent. The First Regiment (Companies 1-15) will meet at 1700 Hours (5:00 PM), while the Second Regiment (Companies 16-30) will have the opportunity to meet in King Hall and have Dinner. In addition, a Glee Choir Concert, in Alumni Hall, will be held at 2030 Hours (8:30 PM), and the N Dance will be held in Hubbard Hall for our Varsity N Winners at 2100 Hours (9:00 PM). TYPICAL SCHEDULE: 1000-1045 USNA
Band Concert 1145-1345 Blue Angels Arrival / Circle / Practice 1700-2000 Superintendent's Reception Buchanan House 1st Regiment And Guests 1700-2000 2nd Regiment And Guests - Dinner King Hall 2030 USNA
Glee Club Concert Alumni Hall FIFTH
DAY
A Graduation Rehearsal will take place at Alumni Hall in the morning, beginning at 0915 Hours (9:15 AM). Then, the Blue Angels! Be prepared for an interesting afternoon of Naval Flight Activities from 1300 Hours (1:00 PM) to ??? In late afternoon, the Second Regiment (Companies 16 - 30) will meet at 1700 Hours (5:00 PM) for their Class Reception at Buchanan House, while the First Regiment (Companies 1-15) will have the opportunity to meet in King Hall and have Dinner. In addition, the Drum And Bugle Corps Concert, as well as the Electric Brigade Concerts will also be held this evening, and the Graduation Ball will be held in Dahlgren Hall at 2030 Hours (8:30 PM). TYPICAL SCHEDULE: 0915- Graduation
Rehearsal Alumni Hall 1330-1400 Drum & Bugle Corps Performance 1400-1600 Blue Angels 45-Minute
Show Severn River 1700-2000 2nd Regiment And Guests Buchanan House Attend
Superintendent's Reception 1700-2000 1st Regiment And Guests - Dinner King Hall Electric
Brigade Concert 2030-2400 Graduation
Ball - Midshipmen/Guests Dahlgren Hall SIXTH
DAY
The Color Parade will be held at Worden Field at 1100 Hours (11:00 AM), the Prizes and Awards Ceremony will be held in Alumni Hall at 1430 Hours (2:30 PM), and the Farewell Ball will be held in Dahlgren Hall at 2030 Hours (8:30 PM). TYPICAL SCHEDULE: 1100 Color Parade Worden Field 1430-1530 Prizes/Awards Ceremony Alumni Hall 2030-2400 Farewell Ball - Midshipmen/Guests Dahlgren Hall SEVENTH DAY
Graduation and Commissioning Day! Gates at the Navy/Marine Corps Memorial Stadium will open at approximately 0730 Hours (7:30 AM), with the procession of Graduates, or March-On, beginning at 0915 Hours (9:15 AM). The Graduation Ceremony will normally begin at 1000 Hours (10:00 AM). BE PREPARED, IN CASE OF FOUL WEATHER, FOR GRADUATION
AND COMMISSIONING CEREMONIES TO BE HELD IN ALUMNI HALL, WHERE SEATING WILL BE LIMITED TYPICAL SCHEDULE: 0915- Procession
Of Graduating Midshipmen Navy/Marine Corps Memorial Stadium 1000- Graduation / Commissioning
Ceremonies Navy/Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
For all of YOU involved with GRADUATION and COMMISSIONING - E N J O Y ! SUGGESTIONS
GENERAL
The following is some additional Information and Suggestions. Tips that have been compiled over the past few Years of our SPPA Members attending their MID’s Commissionings: SUGGESTION / TIPS
Plan to arrive one Day ahead, if possible, to settle in and check your surroundings, as well as to check on last minute details and prepare last minute Meals Check to see if your Living Quarters have Blankets -- Weather has been known to turn Cool, rather than always be Hot and Humid Plan as many Meals as possible ahead of time; many dishes, casseroles, etc., can be frozen at Home and transported in a Cooler to Annapolis; do not forget to make plans for soda, beer, wine, whatever Inquire as to availability of Grills -- if one is available where you will be staying, determine if it is charcoal or gas-powered Ordering of special Graduation Cakes and most foods should be accomplished well in advance of arriving at Annapolis If you plan to eat out in Restaurants, check out reservation status, many Restaurants will ONLY operate on a first come basis at this time - they will NOT accept Reservations Think about hosting an Officers’ Club Brunch after Sunday Services -- a good way to celebrate with Relatives, etc., who may not be able to attend Graduation Ceremonies and Festivities -- have your MID check out O-Club Requirements and Prices - now is not too early Be prepared for parking problems for most Yard Events - where possible, utilize the Shuttle Bus from the Navy/Marine Corps Memorial Stadium; also, be prepared for numerous traffic jams, before and after most Yard Events If you scheduled to be in the Yard for an evening Event, you may NOT be able to leave and return in time -- take your Clothing and change in a Restroom -- also, for most afternoon Events, bring a Picnic Lunch and spend time along the Sea Wall Each MID will receive 4 Tickets to the Color Parade for Bleacher Seating -- however, there is always plenty of standing room on the Parade Grounds Make sure that your MID purchases all required Tickets well in advance for any Events requiring same, that you plan on attending Make sure that you have an early,
firm count for Baccalaureate Services, Graduation, etc., in order that your MID can secure the extra Tickets from
other MIDs who
may not have many Family, or Friends, coming to these Events Be prepared for Hot, Humid Weather; bring Sun Screen, comfortable Shoes, and cool, casual Clothes for the day time; be sure everyone has the right Clothes, including a Hat for Sun Protection Have your MID pack some of his/her unneeded belongings early and ship them Home early; also, try to ship any remaining unneeded belongings Home if/when someone leaves Annapolis in an empty Car. You will be surprised at what comes out of that Room Some Things of Interest: ¨ PLEBE Climbing of Herndon, approximately 1400 Hours (2:00) in the afternoon, 4 Days prior to Graduation Day, Herndon Monument, Chapel Area ¨ Naval Review and Blue Angels Flight Demonstration, approximately 1300 Hours (1:00), in the afternoon three days prior to Graduation Day, Robert Crown Sailing Area. Your MID, his/her Date, and his/her immediate Family are invited to the Superintendent’s Garden Party. Check the Schedule for when your MID’s Day will be -- First Half of Brigade (Companies 1 through 15) attend one evening and Second Half of Brigade (Companies 16 through 30) attend the other evening Your MID, his/her Family, and all Guests are invited to the Graduation and Farewell Balls -- Dress is Forma,l or dressiest best Remember to include your MID’s Sponsoring Family, wherever possible Ensure that your MID’s Service Dress Whites are clean and ready to wear Remind your MID to procure that Ensign‘s or 2nd Lieutenant’s Kit before the MID Store runs out -- also that Sword and Case -- Also, remember that Marine Corps and Navy Swords are different Plan to arrive early at the Navy/Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on Graduation Day - prior to 0800 (8:00 AM). Plan a Tailgate Breakfast for all who are in your Party before and a similar one for after Graduation to let traffic thin out. Also, do an early checkout, or dry run, of your assigned Steating and ensure that everyone in your Party knows what Gate to enter Your MID will receive as many Tickets as asked for provided the Number is turned in at the required Cut-Off Date for Graduation Seating. If it Rains, then the Brigade Activity Center is then the focus; and there are only 4 Tickets available for Seating. Additional Tickets, if necessary, may be obtained for TV viewing. If you still require more Tickets, get your MID on it soonest, bugging Classmates who may have extras Handicapped Seating is also available -- Check with the Handling Office, 410-293-2145 Be in your Seats prior to March-On, between 0900 - 0930 (9:15 - 9:30 AM) - Blue Angels Fly-Over is shortly after the MIDs take their Seats Have a special place selected to meet with your MID after Graduation in the Stadium for the traditional pinning on of Boards and Bars -- Ensure that all in your Party know where to meet in case separations occur -- Ensure that your MID also knows Also, remember that sometime during this period after Graduation, your MID must report to his/her Company Officer somewhere in the Parking Lot to pick up papers and checks Do NOT forget that SILVER DOLLAR
-- Tape 1 into your ENSIGN’s
or 2ND LIEUTENANT’s Cover
for either, to give out for that First Salute It is YARD Tradition that each newly commissioned Officer present a Silver
Dollar to the 1st Person to rendering a Salute to the new Officer; Silver
Dollar is to be full-size Silver Dollar; no Susan B Anthony, or quarter-sized
Alloy Dollar Coin; Coin to be one with some significance, usually minted in
Commissioning Year, or Officer's Birth Year Anniversary, or other significant
Event – Coin purchaseable at any Coin Shop, or on eBay
-- Restraint recommended in purchasing, since prices vary greatly with
Quality and Grade; do not want to give away valuable Collector Coin –
New, or Uncirculated, Coins available
directly from US Mint, at www.catalog.usmint.gov,
or Coin Shops. Following
identifies available Coins; prices will vary depending upon Market Value and
Demand: MORGAN - Minted from 1878 to 1904 in Philadelphia (No Mint Mark), New
Orleans (O Mint Mark), and San Francisco (S Mint Mark) PEACE - Minted
from 1921 to 1935; not many minted IKE (EISENHOWER) - Minted from 1971 to 1978 SUSAN B ANTHONY - Minted from 1979 to 1981 SACAGAWEA - Minted from 2000 to Present SILVER EAGLE - Minted
from 1986 to Present, contain 1 ounce of pure Silver GOLD - US Mint
started producing Gold Bullion Coins in 1986; available in 1/10, 1/4, 1/2,
and 1 ounces PLATINUM - Same as Gold Bullion Coins
PROOF SET – From Year that MID was born; another method of recognizing
that 1st Salute; may introduce Coin Collecting, which can be very profitable
over time, even to passive Collector(s) Assign 1 Person to be responsible for and keeping track of your ENSIGN’s, or 2ND LIEUTENANT’s, Cover and Insignia -- Also, know who will help with the pinning on of same If possible, have someone go down onto the Stadium Floor for the Hat Toss -- You may get lucky and capture a MID’s Cover for a Home Memento of this experience Bring plenty of Kleenex, Film or extra Camcorder Batteries, Coolers, light Raincoats, and plenty of $$$ -- Think about borrowing, or renting, a Camcorder Arrange to acquire a Video Copy of the Annapolis Capital Newspaper which will be covering Commissioning Week -- They will be doing a feature about the Yard everyday Prepare a Map to your Residence in the Annapolis Area and give it to all who may attend -- Include that Phone Number; tell everyone who will be involved what all of the plans are - where you will be staying, what will be attended, Seating in the Stadium, Meeting Places, etc. -- Plan ahead and keep all informed of any Changes Know what your MID Plans on doing and where he/she will be while you and yours are doing your thing If there is to be a Wedding, it is too late for this Year -- all Naval Academy Chapel Weddings must be planned a Year in Advance Remember -- Plan Ahead -- Be Prepared - HAVE A GREAT
TIME ENJOY THIS
TIME YOU WILL
NEVER FORGET IT!!! ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
If you are NOT a FIRSTIE Family and have the spare time, go to the Yard and attend as many of the Commissioning Week Festivities as you possibly can. It will help you in planning for your Year. Lodging may be difficult, but there are always last minute cancellations; every Year, there are more Rooms in the Annapolis Area than the last Year. Most will begin accepting Reservations 9 Months ahead of any Yard Event -- Some will even go beyond a Year. Also, you can call the Maryland Reservation
Center: 800-654-9303, for help if you
have NO favorite place to stay,
or are having trouble finding a place to stay. |
