In 1912, 1st Lt. Alfred Cunningham reported to Annapolis’s nearby aviation camp for duty, marking the birth of Marine Corps aviation. It was another 81 years before a woman was selected as the first female Marine to attend Naval aviation training, who paved the way for Capt. Andrea Neagle ’06.

Thousands gathered on the Delaware River on 15 September to launch homemade human-powered flying machines and hope they would fly. The Mids had a team of five (13th Company) who spent weekends at a sponsor’s home in Annapolis building the machine out of wood, shrink wrap and pool noodles, what they refer to as “linear flotation devices.” They produced a sub that should fly after being shoved off the 30-foot pier in Philadelphia. We wonder if they flew or dove … these pics tell the full tale.

Every year we make spirited buttons for all the Navy fans to don for the Army-Navy Game, but this year we would like your help. If you submit the winning design, you will win two tickets to the game, two tailgate tickets and two seats on our bus. Download the instructions here and get to sketching.

Cameron Combado may only be four, but he is ready to attend the Naval Academy. His two brothers do, and clearly they have influenced him. Cameron’s grandmother has sewn miniature versions of every uniform his brothers’ have, from white works to parade dress. Here are some pics to go with the latest Shipmate article with Cameron looking sharp around the Academy.

In the world of football fight songs, Yahoo Sports decided “Anchors Aweigh” was the best … along with Army’s “Brave Old Army Team” because “they represent the true spirit of college football: teamwork, loyalty and hard work.” We’re ok with sharing.

Every year, prospective students and nervous admissions staffers await the publication of the influential U.S. News & World Reports college rankings. This year, the Naval Academy was ranked the top public liberal arts college.

While the Naval Academy is not known for its arts curriculum, we still get accolades for design from time to time. The latest is from the Bleacher Report. We are #7 out of 50 2012 team schedule posters, designed by Mark Leddy in the Sports Information Department at the Naval Academy Athletic Association.

In a sea of bulldogs, tigers and random livestock, Bill the Goat stands out in the minds of Sports Illustrated editors as one of the best real animal mascots. It must be his calm and cool demeanor on the sidelines and snazzy outfits.

The San Diego SACC occurred in late August with over 300 candidates (alums from all service academies) in attendance. The companies were thrilled to have such an outstanding pool of potential employees. If your company is hiring, or you are considering a transition in the next step of your career, the upcoming SACC is in San Antonio, TX, from 15-16 November.

The Wounded Warrior Sailing Regatta held on 8 September in Annapolis was an incredible day for several wounded warriors who found themselves in 15-knot winds sailing Freedom 20s for the first time in their lives. The Boeing-organized event was hosted at the downtown National Sailing Center & Hall of Fame dock where the USNA band played. Wounded warriors were escorted down the dock to the Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) and welcomed by their fellow crew, the USNA Sailing Team. See the images here.

Another school year has begun, but this year has been like no other so far as we travelled en masse to Ireland for the season opener against our old rivals, Notre Dame, whom we have played against since 1914 … (read more)

Join us at this year's 4th Annual John Ripley Memorial Race, a 5K road race through downtown Annapolis. Each November the event honors the legacy of leadership and valor of one of USNA’s Distinguished Graduates, Col. John Ripley ’62, USMC (Ret.), honors our veterans and raises funds for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.

Mission BBQ near Annapolis opened on the anniversary of 9/11 with honoring America’s heroes in mind. Every day at noon they put everything aside to sing the national anthem, have free sandwiches for emergency responders on Tuesdays and raise money for Wounded Warrior Project. Bill Kraus is one of the owners and is the father of a midshipman. Service knows many forms.