Naval Academy Holds Annual Sea Trials
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Tuesday, the Naval Academy plebes tackled their biggest obstacle to date: completing their 14-hour Sea Trials all in one day.
Tracey Leong has the story.
These are the most challenging tests plebes will undergo during their time at the Naval Academy---testing their mental strength, teamwork and physical toughness.
The Sea Trials is a rite of passage for these fourth class midshipmen, pushing through obstacles---some modeled after minefields---and utilizing core and upper body strength covered in mud. A year of rigorous training culminates on this one day.
"Use everything that we learned our plebe year to actually help us and relate it to real life experiences," said Morgan Andrew Richards.
A highly anticipated event pushing these midshipmen to their limits---not only mentally but also physically.
It's the last hurrah for these freshmen.
"It's so long," said Ingrid Boyum. "I think just making sure that we are staying positive and encouraging each other during the entire thing."
It's not uncommon for these plebes to get tired and when they feel like giving up, they turn to their teammate for support.
"I see them working hard and I think `I can't quit on my people. I can't quit on my team,'" Richards said.
Solidifying the midshipmen's bonds by land and sea, a course of endurance for these elite men and women.
"That's the key. It's not about yourself. It's about you pushing me; I'm pushing you," said US Navy Chief Nigel Bryant. "You don't want to let the team down."
The upper class led the plebes through the obstacles providing encouragement and direction, all in preparation for the future.
"Well, hopefully, my career in the Navy will be like a marathon. It will come with ups and downs and I'll be able to look to my fellow officers," Boyum said.
More than 800 plebes from the class of 2018 participated in Tuesday's physical evaluation, also known as Sea Trials.
And they won't have a lot of time to rest. Next week will be the famous Herndon Monument climb.
