Class of 2013 Signs Commitment to Naval Service

U.S. Navy photo by Midshipman 1st Class Ivan Dysa

Members of the Class of 2013 share a laugh during a ceremonial dinner in King Hall Aug. 23 after commiting to five years of service upon graduation from the Naval Academy.

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The Naval Academy Class of 2013 celebrated their commitment to five years of naval service Aug. 23 at a ceremonial dinner held in King Hall.

At the beginning of each academic year, the second class midshipmen sign the paperwork ensuring their obligated service upon graduation and retake the Oath of Office.

The Class of 2013 signed their paperwork Aug. 20 in Laboon Hall. At this time, the midshipmen also signed the Honor Scroll which is displayed in a glass case in Mitscher Hall. The scroll outlines how much money a midshipman's education costs and what they will have to pay back if they leave service before graduation.

Commandant of Midshipmen Capt. Robert Clark issued the Oath of Office to the midshipmen before the keynote speaker, retired Vice Adm. William Earner (USNA 1963), addressed the midshipmen and guests, including other members of the Class of 1963.

“This evening serves to emphasize that your class and ours are linked by common experience, common values, and common ethics even though we are fifty years apart,” said Earner.

He went on to encourage the midshipmen to build on their leadership skills, to find the good leaders around them and learn from their example.

“Leadership is an art you would do well to nurture, one you must develop if you are to fulfill your commitment successfully,” said Earner.

Earner congratulated the midshipmen on their choice to commit to military service and urged them to continue learning from their experiences at the Naval Academy and throughout their careers.

“Lessons are to be learned in everything you do,” he said. “Your choice tonight, your commitment to naval service, has many ramifications and will demand that you learn much and reflect on the role of every little bit of that learning in your quest to fulfill your goals.

“You are our legacy,” said Earner. “We salute you and we welcome you as you forge the next link in the chain.”