First-year midshipmen of the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2029 scaled the greased Herndon Monument on May 13, 2024 [5].
The annual event serves as a critical rite of passage for "plebes," testing the resilience and teamwork of students as they conclude their first year [1, 2].
The Herndon Monument is a granite obelisk standing six metres tall [1]. To increase the difficulty of the climb, the Academy applies over 90 litres of vegetable oil to the surface of the stone [1]. This creates a slippery barrier that forces the midshipmen to rely on one another to reach the top.
Reports on the exact time required to complete the climb vary slightly between sources. One report said the Class of 2029 finished the task in two hours, 17 minutes, and 36 seconds [4]. Another report said a time of two hours, 19 minutes, and 11 seconds [3].
The tradition takes place in Annapolis, Maryland [2]. It is designed to push the students physically and mentally, a symbolic transition from their status as plebes to upperclassmen [1, 2].
“The Herndon Monument is a granite obelisk standing six metres tall.”
The Herndon Monument climb is more than a physical challenge; it is a psychological exercise in collective problem-solving. By forcing students to overcome a nearly impossible physical barrier through cooperation, the Naval Academy reinforces the military necessity of teamwork and leadership under stress before the midshipmen advance in their training.
