Naval Academy freshmen complete the Herndon Monument greased climb, marking the end of their first year as plebes and transition to Midshipmen 4th Class.

Naval Academy freshmen participate in the annual greased climb of the Herndon Monument, marking the end of their first year as plebes. Members of the US Naval Academy's first-year class attempt to climb a 21-foot granite obelisk, named after William Lewis Herndon, to replace a white plebe hat with an upperclassman's hat. This rite of passage signifies their graduation to Midshipmen 4th Class.