Class of '06 lives up to expectations

Annapolis Trident ^ | 9/9/05 | Martha Thorn

[Valin]

When the Class of '06 entered the Naval Academy on June 28, 2002, academy leaders expressed confidence in the new midshipmen.

At the oath of office ceremony, the class was told, "You are ready for a great adventure. Each one (of you) has the ability to graduate in four years. You must continue to live every day with honor. Follow our rules and regulations and you will succeed here."

The class consisted of almost 1,215 plebes selected from more than 12,000 applicants. The plebes included more than 190 women, nearly 300 minorities and seven foreign nationals.

When the Class of '05 had entered the academy the year before, many members of that class had thought the wars were over. The Class of '06 had no such illusion.

The first class to enter since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, this class knew about the country's involvement in Afghanistan and the War on Terrorism.

In their Plebe Parents' Weekend booklet, the class was praised for its commitment to the nation and for taking the first steps toward becoming not only military leaders, but also leaders of our nation.

"As the first generation in many years to begin this journey during a time of war, there is a greater devotion to the nation and liberties so dear to us all," said the book.

This year families and friends of the Class of '06 are returning to the academy to celebrate another parents' weekend. In May, the class will be graduating and its members will be fulfilling their destiny as Navy and Marine Corps officers.

Their Plebe Parents' Weekend booklet said that their Plebe Summer was "unlike any (summer) you have ever known." The same might be said of their years at the academy and the years ahead.

During the past three years, the class has proven up to the challenge. Now, they're beginning their final year of preparation before they go to the fleet where new challenges will await them.

First, however, they can bask in the sunlight of their success, first during First Class Parents' Weekend and latter during Commissioning Week and graduation.

[One Proud Dad]

Go Navy. My son loves it there.

[Valin]

Why?

[skimask]

My son is 2002 graduate of the Naval Academy who chose The Marines, and you wont find a prouder father anywhere. Those young men and women who attend our military academies give us hope that there are still leaders among America's youth. May God bless them and protect them all.

[expatguy]

I can think of several reasons. One being a little thing called allegiance.

There was a time in our not so distant past when allegiance trumped diversity and political correctness.

Does a foreign national owe an allegiance to the United States of America?

I really can't think of many countries off hand that are that stupid.

An American Expat in Southeast Asia

[A.A. Cunningham]

If we allow a domestic enemy of the United States like Jimmy Carter to attend Canoe U then allowing a few select foreigners from amongst our allies to attend is no problem.

[Old Seadog]

Go Navy

[Santiago de la Vega]

Plebes?

I thought USNA attendees were midshipmen.

[A.A. Cunningham]

Plebes are freshmen.