First-year midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2029 scaled the greased Herndon Monument in Annapolis, Maryland, on Wednesday, May 13, 2024 [1, 2, 3].
The event serves as a celebrated rite of passage for the students. It marks the official conclusion of plebe training and emphasizes the necessity of teamwork and cooperation to overcome a difficult physical challenge [1, 3].
The midshipmen faced a monument coated in grease, making the climb a battle against gravity. To succeed, the plebes must work together to lift and support one another until every member of the class has reached the top. This tradition reinforces the idea that no individual can complete the task alone [1].
Reports on the total time required to complete the climb vary slightly between sources. One report said the Class of 2029 finished the ascent in two hours, 17 minutes, and 36 seconds [2]. Another report said the duration was two hours, 19 minutes, and 11 seconds [3].
The Herndon Climb is an annual tradition at the academy in Maryland. The process involves the entire first-year class working in unison to conquer the obelisk, a task that requires strategic planning and physical endurance [1, 2].
“The event serves as a celebrated rite of passage for the students.”
The Herndon Climb is more than a physical feat; it is a psychological tool used by the U.S. Naval Academy to transition midshipmen from individual competitors to a cohesive unit. By forcing the Class of 2029 to overcome a nearly impossible physical barrier through collective effort, the academy instills a culture of interdependence that is critical for military leadership and operational success.
