Herndon Climb, other USNA rituals changing

Sea Trials will be closed to parents and sponsors

By EARL KELLY, Staff Writer

Published 01/17/08

To reduce the possibility of injuries during the annual rite of climbing the Herndon Monument, the Naval Academy may limit the number of freshmen allowed to participate in scaling the grease-covered obelisk.

The Herndon Climb is but one of the academy's spring festivities that is being reviewed, and some will be curtailed or even eliminated.

"Similar to how our Navy looks at all traditions in the fleet, we are evaluating the Herndon Monument Climb to ensure the event remains a valid part of our heritage but it is conducted with professionalism, respect, and most important, safety in mind," academy spokesman...

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USNA Changes Herndon - January 31, 2008

This is just one of many changes at the Academy for the sake of eliminating tradition. As the parent of a midshipman in his third year, I have a unique line of communications into the Brigade. What comes from our mids is much different than the press releases, public letters and speeches given by the Superintendent and Commandant. The new administration at the Academy has been a disappointment to some parents of upperclassmen. Sure this is a military institution and it is customary to report that everything is fine. We see the military and national administrations do it constantly. But I believe there is an innate blind-spot and ultimate liability to this autocratic method that erodes support from we who observe and think. Stop with the unnecessary changes and the whitewash and get my kid graduated with no additional stress.

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Richard R. - Deltona, FL - Karma: Bad

USNA Changes-Herndon - January 27, 2008

Who would ever imagine that the political correctness would move in this direction? The Superintendent and Madame Commandant have lost touch with the young leaders they have been given the privilege to lead. Please don't water down the training in exchange for anticipated safety; especially when there has not been a reported injury. Remember the phrase, "The less we sweat in training, the more we bleed in combat." Another phrase that comes to mind is, "train as you fight." Has the Madame Commandant or the Superintendent heard of these phrases or even tried to embrace either of these training principles? When we hear of recommendations like changing the last line of the alma mater from "Beat Army" to "Stand with Army," it is of no surprise that the Herndon tradition is either being eliminated or watered down. The only saving grace is that the position of Superintendent and Commandant are not tenured. Let us all hope that their replacements roll back the changes to traditions that were changed or eliminated, bring back the warrior spirit, and give these young leaders back the opportunity to fail without repercussions.

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Thomas T. - Bedford, TX - Karma: Bad