Herndon Climb: a USNA Tradition!

Every year, the Plebe class conquers this challenge to end their Plebe year!

Two of my USNA Plebes are in this picture! (In fact, one of them sent me this photo). He and his classmates climbed up the Herndon monument in a little over two hours to end their Plebe year on May 13th! Congratulations to the US Naval Academy Class of 2029!

Every year, after Sea Trials, Plebes take this formidable challenge building a human pyramid to remove the “dixie-cup” hat placed on top of the grease-covered monument and replace it with a upperclassman’s hat. After successfully completing the Herndon climb, the freshmen are no longer called Plebes, but instead they are now “fourth class midshipmen.”

I thought I would take a few minutes to explore this tradition further. I hope one day to help you become one of the Plebes climbing up to the top!

The Herndon Monument is named for Commander William Lewis Herndon, 1813-1857, who possessed the qualities of discipline, teamwork and courage that midshipmen hope to achieve in the Naval Academy journey. In his command of the SS Central America, Commander Herndon was home-bound with gold miners from California when his ship encountered a three-day hurricane off the coast of North Carolina. All women and children and many of the men aboard were saved through the Commander's efforts. Herndon went down with his ship after a gallant effort to save it, its sailors and passengers. A monument was erected on the Yard at the Naval Academy in his honor shortly after his death.

The monument stands at an impressive height of 21 feet and is coated with approximately 200 pounds of vegetable shortening for the climb by upperclassmen. Times for the climb started to be noted in the late 1950's with the first recorded time for scaling the Herndon monument achieved by the Class of 1962, who completed the challenge in just 12 minutes. In contrast, the Class of 1972 set the record for the fastest ascent, managing to reach the top in a remarkable 1 minute and 30 seconds, notably without the presence of a grease coating! On the other hand, the Class of 1998 holds the record for the longest time, taking an extensive 4 hours, 5 minutes, and 17 seconds, as the 'dixie cup' was glued and taped to the top of the monument. The Class of 2029 took an impressive 2 hours, 17 minutes, and 36 seconds, replacing their dixie-cup hat with an upperclassman's cover.

After Sea Trials, the "Iron Company" is honored with the responsibility of leading the Plebes in their charge towards the monument. This prestigious company is recognized as the top performer in Sea Trials, demonstrating exceptional endurance and spirit throughout the grueling fourteen-hour event.

On the day of the Herndon Climb, Plebes are required to remove their shoes prior to the starting the climb. Over the years, thousands of these athletic shoes have been donated by the Plebe classes to various charities through the Midshipman Action Group.

The Herndon Climb is a great tradition! For more that 65 years, recorded times for the completion has been "bragging rights" shared across classes. This year's Class of 2029 will be one of them 'bragging' about their success. Like you, I look forward to the 'next' climb in 2027 and beyond!

[I would welcome a chance to discuss details with you. I offer coaching services to pace and prepare you (and your parents!) for the entire Academy application process . . . including counseling and coaching to support your journey to 'Herndon'! Contact me at chris@cbbrechin.com and/or 503.515.7406 -- my contact form is here]