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last yr.

Naval Academy Freshmen Conquer Greased Herndon Monument in Annual Tradition

Class of 2027 completes the challenging climb, marking their transition to upperclassmen and continuing a ritual dating back to 1950.

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Members of U.S. Naval Academy's first year class climb the Herndon Monument, a 21-foot granite obelisk coated with a thick layer of vegetable shortening, in a ritual marking the end of their plebe year in Annapolis, Maryland, U.S., May 15, 2024.
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Overview

  • The Herndon Monument Climb involves scaling a 21-foot obelisk covered in vegetable shortening.
  • The tradition signifies the end of the plebe year and the start of their journey as upperclassmen.
  • This year's climb was completed in 2 hours and 19 minutes, faster than last year's time.
  • The first person to place the upperclassman's hat is believed to become the first admiral of the class.
  • The event honors Commander William Lewis Herndon, who died in 1857.