Classmates,
Just following up on the information passed during the Annual Class Meeting Zoom call about the last two Another Link in the Chain events this year – Sea Trials (May 12-13) and Herndon (May 14th).
Please let us know if you are interested in participating either, or both, of the events.
The pressing one is Sea Trials. I apologize for the quick turnaround on Sea Trials, but we have become aware of the need for the Class of 2025 to order T-shirts very soon for those who wish to attend the event. Read the gouge below:
CALLING ALL INTERESTED PARTIES!! CLASS OF 2028 SEA TRIALS
Our class has been invited to observe our Another Link In the Chain, the Class of ‘28’s, Sea Trials, May 12-13th.
Please let me know by the end of Friday, March 28th, if you wish to participate [observe, cheer on] any of the Sea Trials events. If you do, please let me know what size shirt you need as we those attending will be able to get t-shirts commemorating the day. They will be in sizes SM, M, L, XL, and XXL. My e-mail is v19b78@yahoo.com.
Sea Trials is modeled from the Marine Corps Boot Camp’s “Crucible”. It is 14 hours of rigorous physical and mental challenges during the Academy’s annual Sea Trials training exercise as part of the culmination of their plebe (freshman) year. This event is NOT open to the public. It is a “capstone” event for the Plebes and serves as a leadership challenge for the upper class. Sea Trials is led by Academy upper class and provides a final physical and mental challenge to the plebes, designed to test their teamwork and to reinforce their bonds as a company and class.
At the end of Sea Trials, the company of plebes who demonstrated the top unit performance through endurance and spirit during the entire course will be recognized with the “Iron Company” award during a brief presentation.
Attached is the schedule of events. Not noted, there is an “opening ceremony” on May the 12th. The actual events start at 0500 on May 13th. As you can see from the attached there are six “station” of activities spread out between the Naval Station and the Yard through which Battalions are rotated. There is something done at Miller and Farragut Fields from 0300-0500 (The “Dark Phase.”). I suspect that it is organizing and spreading final gouge.
Bob Novak and I are getting with the 2025 Midn who is XO for the operation to discuss it in more detail. We’ll pass on the gouge to those who wish to observe. Before you ask, no you cannot participate in the events- BUTyou might want to cheer on your old company.
Here’s a link to a video done by CNN of the Class of 2021’s Sea Trials: A Look Inside The U.S. Naval Academy’s Sea Trials – YouTube.
HERNDON CLIMB
Oh yes, HERNDON CLIMB is being held the next day on May 14th. It begins at 0800 and lasts until “whenever.” Joe Stanik has agreed to coordinate the event. Please let Joe and me know if you are interested in attending. Joe’s e-mail is joseph.stanik@gmail.com. We’ll have some “front row seats” reserved for our class.
Semper Fi and Launchin’ Spot Four,
Vince [Balderrama]
Class Scribe and ALITC Lead