First-year students at the U.S. Naval Academy are set to participate in the annual Herndon Monument Climb, a tradition that signifies the end of their plebe year and is seen as a precursor to career success. The Class of 2027 will work together to scale the 21-foot obelisk covered in vegetable shortening, with the goal of replacing a white plebe “Dixie cup” hat with an upperclassman’s hat. After completing the climb, they will transition from plebes to fourth class midshipmen. It is believed that the individual who successfully gets the hat to the top of the monument will be the first admiral in the class. The climb, which began in 1940, has evolved over the years, with upperclassmen first adding grease to the monument in 1949 to increase the difficulty of the task. The tradition of placing the Dixie cup hat atop the monument before the climb was introduced in 1962.
While records detailing the time it took each class to complete the climb are incomplete, it is believed that the shortest time recorded was 1 minute and 30 seconds in 1969, a year in which the monument was not greased. The longest time taken to complete the climb was over four hours in 1995, a year where the upperclassmen glued down the Dixie cup. The Herndon Monument Climb has become a highly anticipated event at the U.S. Naval Academy, as it symbolizes the overcoming of challenges and the transition from plebe status to becoming more seasoned midshipmen. The climb has played a significant role in shaping the camaraderie and teamwork among the students, as they work together to achieve a common goal of reaching the top of the monument.
The Herndon Monument Climb has a rich history, dating back to 1940, with the placement of an officer’s cap on top of the obelisk to symbolize conquering the plebe year introduced seven years later. The event has become a rite of passage for first-year students at the Naval Academy, signifying the completion of their initial year of training and preparation for future roles within the Navy. The tradition of smearing grease on the monument by upperclassmen adds an element of challenge and excitement to the climb, testing the physical and mental resilience of the participants. The climb has served as a way for students to bond, overcome obstacles, and demonstrate their dedication to the core values of the Naval Academy.
As the Class of 2027 prepares to take on the Herndon Monument Climb, they are following in the footsteps of countless classes before them who have experienced this challenging and rewarding tradition. The climb serves as a reminder of the dedication, perseverance, and teamwork required to succeed in the demanding environment of the Naval Academy and the military at large. While the climb itself may only last for a short period, the lessons learned and memories created during the event will likely stay with the students throughout their careers. The Herndon Monument Climb is not only a physical challenge but also a symbolic representation of the transformation from plebe to midshipman and the growth that occurs during the formative years at the Naval Academy.
