US Naval Academy Fire Department

The meeting focused heavily on equity and inclusion within the association, spurred by a recent incident involving an alumnus making global headlines via Facebook Live comments. Discussions emphasized the necessity of actively engaging younger, more diverse alumni classes from the 21st century to ensure the association's future health, as the average alumni age is increasing. Strategic planning initiatives, including Plan 2020, which originated from a 2009-2010 survey, were referenced as frameworks for these efforts. Several alumni leaders and distinguished graduates who are actively engaged in promoting change and maintaining tradition in the face of societal challenges were recognized.

The event included an orientation for midshipmen regarding their future with the Basic School (TBS), covering evaluation processes and expectations for the next year and a half as they compete for a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). This was followed by an awards ceremony to present ten awards to deserving midshipmen about to be commissioned into the United States Marine Corps. Remarks were also made detailing the rigorous nature of the TBS course, emphasizing character, competence, and confidence building, and thanking the families for their support.

The event recognized four graduates of the Naval Academy with the 2013 Distinguished Graduate Award Medal from the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association. The proceedings included the introduction of previous award recipients, an invocation, and remarks highlighting the legacy and contributions of distinguished graduates in military service, industry, policy, and technology. A significant portion focused on the biography and career achievements of Roger E. Tetral, Class of 1963, detailing his service, professional success, and contributions to naval nuclear technology and corporate leadership. The ceremony also referenced the pairing of the Class of 1963 with the graduating Class of 2013, discussing traditions like the passing of class rings and swords to the new generation of warriors.

This document details the Class of 2023 Commissioning Ceremony. Key segments included an explanation of academic regalia colors and symbolism, acknowledgments to faculty, staff, mentors, and various supporting groups including the Blue Angels and the Naval Academy band. The ceremony featured remarks from Vice Admiral Sean S. Buck, Superintendent of the Naval Academy, and Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, who congratulated the new officers and referenced historical parallels with the Class of 1923 navigating post-WWI challenges. Attendees were advised on security protocols for the event, including post-ceremony hat toss procedures and lost item retrieval.

This report, "Educating Midshipmen for the Future Fleet," from the Academic Program Executive Review Group (AERG) to the Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy, assesses the effectiveness and efficiency of the Academy's academic program in preparing graduates for the Naval Service and provides recommendations for academic policies and objectives for the first 20-30 years of the 21st Century. The report identifies six key areas of focus: strengthening the connection to the Fleet, refining the core curriculum's purpose and content, fostering critical and creative thinking, developing regional and language expertise, promoting teaching excellence and assessment, and integrating institutional constituencies. The overarching goal is to produce broadly educated midshipmen who are critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and capable officers prepared for future command and service, emphasizing continuous collaboration between the Academy and the Navy and Marine Corps.