US Naval Academy freshmen completed their Herndon Monument Climb, marking the end of their freshman year.

The US Naval Academy's Class of 2028 completed their Herndon Monument Climb on May 14, marking the end of their freshman year. The tradition involves midshipmen climbing a 21-foot greased monument to swap a white plebe hat for an upperclassman's cover. This climb coincides with the 14-hour Sea Trials, a test of teamwork and endurance. Augustus Russo, a member of the class, set a time of 2 minutes, 27.31 seconds, which is average for the climb.