The annual Herndon Monument Climb at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, took place on Wednesday, with plebes from the Class of 2027 participating in this challenging event. The plebes worked together to scale the 21-foot obelisk covered in vegetable shortening to replace a plebe “Dixie cup” with an upperclassman’s more formal hat. This tradition marks the completion of the plebe year, and once the climb is complete, the plebes are referred to as fourth class midshipmen. It is believed that the person who gets the hat to the top of the monument will be the first admiral in the class.
During the event, plebes endured rainy weather as they linked arms around the monument’s base to build a pyramid, clearing grease from the surface and enduring a constant soaking spray from hoses. After approximately two hours, one plebe managed to get close enough to place the upperclassman’s hat near the pinnacle of the obelisk. However, in an unusual turn of events, the Dixie cup hat remained in place despite the plebe’s efforts. The plebes quickly regrouped and continued their climb, eventually succeeding in knocking down the upperclassman’s hat and replacing the Dixie cup.
The climax of the event came when plebe Ben Leisegang, a 20-year-old from Rancho Santa Margarita, California and a member of the 4th Company, successfully placed the upperclassman’s hat atop the Herndon Monument. Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Yvette M. Davids congratulated the class for their teamwork and resilience, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving their goals. This tradition, which began in 1940, has evolved over the years, with upperclassmen adding challenges such as greasing the monument to increase the difficulty.
The history of the Herndon Monument Climb dates back to 1940, with the placement of an officer’s cap atop the obelisk seven years later to signify the completion of the plebe year. The event has witnessed various modifications and challenges over the years, with upperclassmen introducing elements like greasing the monument to make the climb more challenging. While records of the exact times taken by each class to scale the monument are incomplete, the shortest time is believed to be 1 minute and 30 seconds in 1969, while the longest was over four hours in 1995 when the Dixie cup was glued down by upperclassmen.
The Herndon Monument Climb serves as a symbolic rite of passage for plebes at the U.S. Naval Academy, marking the transition from plebe to fourth class midshipman. It is a test of teamwork, endurance, and determination, with the ultimate goal of placing an upperclassman’s hat atop the obelisk to signify their accomplishment. As the Class of 2027 celebrated their successful completion of the climb, they were reminded of the legacy they carry as future naval officers. The event serves as a reminder of the traditions and values that define the U.S. Naval Academy and the dedication required to succeed in their future military careers.
