In photos: Naval Academy freshmen complete Herndon Monument climb - All Photos

In photos: Naval Academy freshmen complete Herndon Monument climb - All Photos

Naval Academy freshmen work together to complete the annual Herndon Monument climb at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on May 14, 2025. The freshmen climb the 21-foot, lard-greased monument to knock off a "dixie cup" hat and replace it with an upperclassman's hat.

Naval Academy class of 2028 completes Herndon Climb

A cannon went off. A series of young men yelled. Rain came pouring down, soaking them to the bone.

U.S. Naval Academy plebe class completes long standing tradition

The Naval Academy's freshman class participated in the Herndon Monument Climb on Wednesday.

Plebes no more! Class of 2028 caps Herndon Monument

The rain made the annual Herndon Monument Climb even more slippery Wednesday morning.

Plebes no more! Midshipman Class of 2028 completes Herndon Monument Climb

Augustus Russo and the class of 2028 finished this year's climb in 2 hours, 27 minutes, and 31 seconds.

Naval Academy Class of 2028 completes Herndon Climb

The Naval Academy Class of 2028 completed the annual Herndon monument climb in a time of 2:27:31 and are “Plebes no more!” Midshipman 4/C Aug.us Russo, 20, from 20th Company, removes the dixie cup hat, replaces it with an upperclassman’s cover to complete the challenge and then takes the expressway down from the top. The Naval Academy Class of 2028 completed the annual Herndon monument climb in a time of 2:27:31 and are “Plebes no more!” (Paul W…