ANNAPOLIS, Md. — In a generation accustomed to binge watching, selfie posts and streamed music, more than 1,100 plebes endured a demanding summer without any of it.
After noon meal formation Friday, the Naval Academy class of 2019 reunited with their families for the first time in six weeks.
“It’s definitely great to be able to get a good hug from mom and dad again,” says Erin McShane, fighting back tears in her eyes.
Plebe Summer began July 1 with 1,191 plebes. All but 13 made it to the end.
“We’ve noticed lower and lower attrition rates over the years,” says Cmdr. John Schofield.
“I think that’s a credit to our admissions process that we’re finding the right men and women who really want to be here, who really want embrace the training and the rigors of being a Naval Academy Midshipman,” he says.
Denny McShane, of Arkansas, was quick to find his daughter.
“It’s quite obvious to me she’s growing up right in front of us,” he says. “These six weeks are a lot more than six weeks in that respect.”
During the summer, each plebe does more than 3,000 push-ups and sit-ups and runs more than 100 miles.
“The whole idea of Plebe Summer is breaking down the individualism and building them back up as members of a team,” Schofield says.
