Nick Campbell, a graduate of Allentown High School, was inducted into the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2023 on June 27 and has started six weeks of basic midshipman training as part of Plebe Summer at the academy in Annapolis, Md.
Approximately 1,200 candidates are selected each year for the academy’s “plebe” or freshman class, and each student is required to participate in Plebe Summer. Last year the academy received more than 16,000 applications for the Class of 2022, according to a press release.
During Plebe Summer, plebes have no access to television, movies, the internet or music, and restricted access to cell phones. They are only permitted to make three calls during the six weeks of Plebe Summer, according to the press release.
Plebe Summer is designed to help plebes prepare for their first academic year at the academy and the four years of challenge which awaits them, according to the press release.
As the summer progresses, the new midshipmen assimilate basic skills in seamanship, navigation, damage control, sailing and handling yard patrol craft. Plebes also learn infantry drill and how to shoot 9 mm pistols and M-16 rifles.
Other daily training sessions involve moral, mental, physical or professional development and team-building skills. Activities include swimming, martial arts and basic rock climbing, and obstacle, endurance and confidence courses designed to develop physical, mental and team-building skills.
The U.S. Naval Academy was founded in 1845. More than 4,400 men and women representing every state in the United States and several foreign countries make up the student body, known as the Brigade of Midshipmen, according to the press release.