Despite midshipmen returning to campus this semester, the Naval Academy will see major changes.

The Naval Academy is a place of longheld traditions. The Herndon Climb is a plebe tradition dating back to at least 1962, the National Anthem plays every morning at the same time, statues and monuments are sprinkled across campus. But even a place such as this—that holds tradition so dear—is faced with a year of decisions and changes due to COVID-19.

With the decision to have the Brigade return in full on the Naval Academy in time for the fall semester, plebes have already arrived on campus and upperclassmen are beginning their return the end of this month. Plebes came to campus over a four-day period at the end of June and start of July to start their Plebe Summer. While originally being scheduled to begin on June 25, the start of Plebe Summer moved to June 29 and was quickly followed by a 14-day period for all of the new cadets to self-quarantine in the attempt to mitigate the potential spread of the novel coronavirus. Meanwhile upperclassmen were allowed to start moving back to campus on July 20. Once everyone has returned, they will be tested, and then asked to self-quarantine for two weeks as well. Classes will then be ready to begin around mid-August.

“We cannot develop leaders for our nation’s military services online.”

Class structure will undoubtedly look different. Plans are still up for discussion, but the current idea is that classes will be both in-person and online. In classrooms, mids will be spread six feet apart. Masks will be mandatory in class and in hallways if six feet of distance isn't attainable. Eating spaces will be expanded with tents, allowing the students to eat spaced apart.

Superintendent Vice Admiral Sean Buck is reluctant to force midshipmen to continue their classes solely online after completing the spring semester virtually.  "We cannot develop leaders for our nation's military services online," he said.

He has already planned changes to traditions, too. Plebe Parents Weekend, a yearly weekend dedicated for parents to visit their newly inducted midshipmen, has been postponed indefinitely and will likely be virtual. Time has already been set aside to allow plebes to virtually meet with their parents the weekend the event was originally scheduled (August 8).

In addition, the academy, which is familiar with locals and tourists due to its many museums and storied history, will still be closed to visitors. John Paul Jones' crypt will likely not see many visitors this fall or students on field trips. Public tours, the visitors' center, and the gift shop are all closed for the timebeing.

While the Patriot League (the sports division the Naval Academy competes in) has decided to forego fall sports, the Naval Academy—being "unique in their environments and their missions within higher education"—is allowed to still schedule fall sports games based on what Vice Admiral Buck decides is safe.

For cancellation updates, check here. The page is frequently updated with this and other information about coronavirus-related changes on campus.

What do you think about the changes on the Naval Academy? Let us know in the comments!