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On the yard, usna ship selection 2023.

By Bill the Goat on March 7, 2023

While there are many milestones throughout a midshipman’s time at USNA, few are quite as exciting and woo-hoo worthy as the Annual Ship Selection Night. This special ceremony for Firsties (or midshipmen seniors) occurs near the end of January/beginning of February (this year it was February 2nd). It’s a time when midshipmen can start to see how all of their hard work at the Academy is paying off. Friends and family come watch from the seats of the auditorium. On stage, there is a large board that lists all of the ships for midshipmen to pick the one they want to join after graduation and commissioning in May.

Picking and Choosing Your Ship

It’s not exactly that simple though. Midshipmen must earn the right to pick, and the order in which they are able to approach that big board is determined by their overall order of merit (OOM), their rank within the Brigade and a number derived from several factors: academics, conduct, aptitude and physical readiness. Since each Firstie goes in order of this OOH number, they can only choose from the ships that remain during their turn. Once their name is called, they head up to the stage and pluck the placard from the large board showing all of the billeted positions.

The U.S. Navy ship lists are organized by homeport. First Tour Division Officers can pick from stateside homeports or Forward Deployed Fleets, which are international ports. There are many things  midshipmen consider when selecting a ship. In addition to deciding the location of port, midshipmen must determine which type of ship they want to pursue; there are Guided Missile Cruisers (CG), Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG), Amphibious Assault Ships (LHA/LHD), Landing Platforms Docks (LPD), Dock Landing Ships (LSD) and Amphibious Command Ships (LCC).

To help make this decision easier, midshipmen weigh different factors, including the newness of a ship, the platform’s mission and a number of other factors. The size of the ship matters too. Some opt for a smaller CG or DDG instead of an LHD at first. Since they’re not guaranteed their first spot, the midshipmen must be ready to accept their second or third choices. 

Related: Ship Selection Night

Service Assignments First

In November of their final year, Firsties receive their service assignments in Bancroft Hall (the dorm) from a range of 24 career choices in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. They can enter up to six service assignment preferences, and about 93 percent of first class midshipmen in the Class of 2023 received their first or second assignment preference. The USNA website notes, “Assignments are based on specific requirements provided to the Naval Academy by Department of the Navy leadership and consider both a midshipman’s aptitude and preference for a particular assignment. The Naval Academy endeavors to match personal preferences with aptitude and ability, placing midshipmen in the community best suited to their strengths to set them up for successful careers of naval service.” This year, 1,000 plus first class midshipmen received their service assignments. Of these, 300 were assigned to become surface warfare officers (SWO).

Back to the Board

The board is a mix of colors, representing different commissions, based on the selections midshipmen made in November. There are red, white, blue, green, and yellow placards. The white placards are for conventional SWO, and SWO engineering duty officer (EDO) selectees only. A yellow placard can be picked by a Conventional SWO, SWO (nuclear) and SWO EDO selectees. A green placard is available to those assigned  to the information warfare community. Only SWO (nuclear) selectees, who will attend Navy nuclear power training after earning their surface warfare pin, can pick a red placard. Blue placards, called “blue chips,” are highly coveted; they represent a direct invitation from a ship’s commanding officer for those that did well during Summer Cruise to join that command after graduation. 

There are some selections that are especially celebrated. For instance, when the first midshipman chooses a ship that’s in the international homeport of either Japan or Spain, they receive ceremonial tokens from the visiting officers who cover those areas.

One midshipman said, "It's an opportunity for us to pick our future family and the culture we want to be a part of as every ship has a different community.” Another notes, "Ship Selection is one of the only chances where a naval officer of any community can guarantee for themselves their future duty station with all the options laid out before them and it's a once in a lifetime opportunity that requires a lot of research, planning, and comes with a huge reward!”

Related: Want to watch the USNA Ship Selection from 2022? View the video here .

Reporting for Duty

After graduation and commissioning, the midshipmen report to their selected ship and begin work at their first command that will set the trajectory for their naval careers.

Midshipmen can take pride in the time that led them to this point in February. They’re not ready to rest on any laurels, though. They can now prepare to join their assigned ship and heed the next call to serve. While it may be the end of their USNA career, it’s just the beginning of their U.S. Navy career.

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Service assignment spotlight: navy submarines.

Oct 15, 2023 7:30:00 AM

Each year, the U.S. Naval Academy graduates about 1,000 midshipmen. After four years of tireless dedication to the mental, physical and moral missions of the Academy, these intrepid young women and men are ready to take on the next level of responsibility and further their military careers with USNA service assignments in the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marine Corps. This blog series explores the various career paths they can pursue in the U.S. Naval Fleet, including as surface warfare officers (SWOs), nuclear power—surface, naval aviation, submarine warfare, naval special warfare and with the U.S. Marine Corps, among others. Here, we’ll dive into the world of Navy submarines.

A Great Adventure

In the Class of 2023, 136 midshipmen were assigned to Navy submarine commissions. These officers will embark on a great adventure, working with many of the best leaders in the military and operating some of the most cutting-edge technology available. Ultimately, they’re training to take charge of one of the critical arms of the Fleet and will be responsible for vessels worth about $1.5 billion. Those selected to lead nuclear submarines are of the highest caliber. As their site explains, “Submarine Officers work to understand and destroy America’s peer adversaries! Their job demands technical prowess, confidence and competence.” 

As you’d expect, submarines are designed for secretive missions, and thus the officer must ensure information stays classified to protect our national security. Not only are they required to maintain this secrecy, but they must also be ready to do jobs most people can’t even fathom. This is where mental acuity, physical prowess and sheer determination make the difference.

Related: 120th Submarine Birthday Ball

Training First

Navy submariners understand the importance of thorough training. Since all of the U.S. Navy’s submarines are nuclear powered, newly commissioned ensigns learn the intricacies of nuclear propulsion by attending the Nuclear Power School in Charleston, South Carolina, for a six month session. They will  continue their training in either Charleston or Ballston Spa, New York, where the two nuclear reactor prototypes are located. Following this, they attend Navy Submarine School in New London, Connecticut, for the ten-week Submarine Officers Basic Course. Then they’re off to the open ocean, where they’ll complete their first tour of duty on an attack, ballistic missile or guided missile submarine over the course of about 36 months.

These are all critical milestones on the way towards earning the gold dolphins and designation as a Navy submarine officer, widely considered to be some of the most well respected and trained officers in the Navy. From the beginning, junior officers jump in head first. They’re immediately responsible for leading small divisions of about ten to twenty sailors with roles in essential areas of operations, including engineering, weapons and communications. They stand watch and train hard to qualify as engineering officer of the watch, diving officer of the watch and officer of the deck. They are also the trusted leaders who devise and deploy secret missions that protect our country. 

As they gain more responsibility, these nuclear submarine officers take on important wide-ranging duties, as they oversee everything related to driving, powering, arming and operating the Navy’s Fleet of attack, ballistic missile and guided missile submarines. Submarines can be as large as surface ships, but since they contain so much equipment, their personnel counts are much smaller with between 120 - 140 sailors. Thus, all must be able to multitask well, and each day is very different.

World Travelers

The roles of the submarine can vary. Since they travel places so many vessels can’t, they can traverse the world while maintaining near autonomy, tackling challenges simply not possible for other vessels. For instance, they can surface through the ice at the North Pole and handle Arctic conditions. They also surface at ports all around the world, including Norway, Australia, Japan and more. They have home ports at bases from San Diego, California, to Norfolk, Virginia, to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. “The submarine force is the last bastion of Master and Commander in the fleet,” notes their site. As you might imagine, this working environment engenders a real esprit de corps and strong sense of camaraderie and respect.

Deployment Time

Most subs are stationed for long periods of time in their home ports to conduct National Tasking training. Then they often go on deployments for three or six months at a time, a shorter period than surface ships since they have less space to store supplies and the nature of their duties requires shorter trips. Generally, ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) have a three month patrol and fast-attack or guided missile submarines (SSN/SSGN) have a six month deployment. A submarine officer will be with their submarine for three years, and will then be on shore duty for two to three years. They will rotate like this throughout their career.

State-of-the-Art Vessels

U.S. Navy nuclear submarines are state-of-the-art. In fact, they’re some of the most advanced, secretive vessels in the entire U.S. Naval Fleet and in the world, successfully completing missions with stealth technology and advanced warfare capabilities, and mastering conflict engagement and deterrence. Here are the three types of vessels:

• Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBN): Known as "Boomers," these play a critical role in national security with strategic nuclear deterrence. Built to operate underwater for months on end, SSBN submariners must be able to work well together in any scenario. While they can use torpedoes for their own defense, their collective work for our country is invaluable. 
• Attack Submarines (SSN): There are three classes: the Los Angeles, Seawolf and Virginia. They handle seek-and-destroy missions on enemy ships and subs, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare, covert troop insertion, mine and anti-mine operations and other important roles. These sleek and stealthy subs also use Tomahawk cruise missiles to strike targets from far away.

Guided Missile Submarines (SSGN): These were designed to complement the powerful cruiser and destroyer guided-missile platforms with a stealth component.

We’re excited to be the launching pad for so many successful U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps careers. The midshipmen that study here today will be tomorrow’s exceptional leaders, maintaining our military’s reputation as the most powerful in the world. Did you know you can support these future Navy submariners with more than just your Go Navy Beat Army spirit (although that is highly encouraged)? Every time you take a USNA Tour , dine in our Yard restaurants, or shop at the Midshipmen Store, USNA Gift Shop or at Navyonline.com , you’re helping to support the midshipmen as they prepare to take on more responsibilities. These proceeds fund the extracurricular activities like cultural arts, theater, music, club sports and more that they love so well. So come visit or shop online and support those who support our freedom. To them we say, “Full Speed Ahead!”

Topics: Midshipmen USNA Graduate Commissioning Naval Academy Midshipmen USNA Midshipmen

Written by Bill the Goat

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Navy Football class of 2023 seniors receive service assignments

The Naval Academy football team’s 25 seniors received their service assignments Thursday. (Navy Football/Facebook)

The Naval Academy football team’s 25 seniors received their service assignments Thursday.

They will commission as ensigns in the U.S. Navy or as 2nd lieutenants in the U.S. Marine Corps upon graduation in 2023, Navy Athletics announced in a news release .

The service assignments are as follows:

Joshua Adams: Marine Corps Ground

Terrell Adams: Marine Corps Ground

John Amell: Surface Warfare

Derek Atwaters: Surface Warfare

John Brand: Submarines

Daniel Davies: Meteorology and Oceanography

Kip Frankland: Navy Pilot

Christian Hutchinson: Information Professional

Zachary Kuhlman: Navy Pilot

Brandon Madison: Submarines

John Marshall: Information Professional

Mike Mauai: Surface Warfare

Maasai Maynor: Marine Corps Ground

Brandon Moore: Surface Warfare

Michael Naze: Marine Corps Ground

Bijan Nichols: Submarines

Joseph Petti: Marine Corps Ground

Jacobi Rice Jr.: Naval Intelligence

Taylor Robinson: Marine Corps Ground

Jamie Romo: Navy Pilot

Nicolas Rowan: Surface Warfare

Max Sandlin: Marine Corps Pilot

Trent Shiraki: Surface Warfare Nuclear

Nicholas Straw: Navy Pilot

Mark Walker: Marine Corps Ground

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• Service Academy Discussion
• Naval Academy - USNA

Company Assignments USNA 2023

• Thread starter illesq
• Start date Jun 8, 2019
• Jun 8, 2019

Has anyone in the Class of 2023 received their company assignment? If not, historically, when are company designations assigned and how are we advised - email, letter or portal?  

Last year they sent out the email with company assignments and your plebe summer address 6 days before I-Day.  

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U.S. Naval Academy Service Assignment Day [Image 1 of 5]

ANNAPOLIS, MD, UNITED STATES

Photo by stacy godfrey  , united states naval academy.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Nov. 16, 2023) U.S. Naval Academy Commandant of Midshipmen Col. James P. McDounough celebrates with the class of 2024 midshipmen from the 3rd Company receiving their service assignment. Upon graduation and commissioning in May, 74 percent will commission as U.S. Navy ensigns and 26 percent will commission as U.S. Marine Corps second lieutenants. As the undergraduate college of our country’s naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey)

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Watch CBS News

The long struggle to free Evan Gershkovich from a Moscow prison

By Lesley Stahl

Updated on: March 24, 2024 / 11:02 AM EDT / CBS News

On March 29, 2023, Evan Gershkovich was on assignment in Russia when he was arrested by security forces and accused of being a spy , a charge vigorously denied by Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal, and the U.S. government.

Look around the Wall Street Journal offices in Manhattan, and you'll see Gershkovich, the hostage, everywhere – on buttons, cards, shirts, and screens that stop you in your tracks.

Emma Tucker, the Journal's editor-in-chief, said that – unlike the Iran hostage situation, when the U.S. government told families to avoid publicity and let the government quietly negotiate – her instinct was to draw attention to Gershkovich's detainment. "Because it was so clearly outrageous," she said. "He was accredited. He was doing his job. He had done nothing wrong. My sense of justice was offended by what had happened."

Gershkovich was the first reporter to be taken into custody like this since the Cold War.

When asked why him, Tucker replied, "It's very hard to know. Is it because he works for the Wall Street Journal, which is a recognizable, famous American title? Is it because he's of Russian heritage? I wish I knew."

What is known is that Gershkovich is being held in a Stalin-era prison in Moscow. His pre-trial detention has been extended several times. Court appearances have been few but jarring.

"It was horrible," Tucker said, of seeing Gershkovich in court. "There's something so dehumanizing about those glass cages. I was surprised at the shock I felt at seeing it. So, goodness only knows what his parents felt when they saw it. So yes, it was a shock. At the same time, he was standing tall. He looked defiant. He smiled. So, mixed emotions."

In her apartment, where her younger brother would crash on the couch, Danielle Gershkovich said his calling was never in question. "I think he was born to be a journalist," she said. "He, I think, had always been seeking a life of adventure. And his travel, his writing. Working at the Wall Street Journal as a Russia correspondent was his absolute dream job."

Children of Soviet emigres who spoke Russian at home, Danielle and Evan have always been close. Hearing that he was in custody was shattering.

"I got a call from my mom," she said. "And it's just, my stomach fell out, you know? Your heart stops. It's so hard to believe that something like that is actually real. And I remember my mom and I discussing the morning after: 'Is that really Evan, that photo that came out?' We didn't want to admit for a moment that that was him."

Stahl asked, "Did you think [detention] was a possibility? Russia a year ago had already become dangerous. Other news organizations were pulling reporters out."

"I would say my whole family was nervous," Danielle replied. "He would always remind us, he's an accredited journalist."

And, therefore, (supposedly) safe. "It's very unprecedented," Danielle said.

Of course, what was unprecedented has become almost routine under Russian President Vladimir Putin. Gershkovich is the latest American pawn on Putin's geopolitical chessboard against the West.

Marine veteran Paul Whelan has been jailed in Russia for five years; Russian-American ballerina Ksenia Karelina was arrested in January, accused of treason for helping Ukraine; and basketball star Brittney Griner , imprisoned for nine months on drug charges, was finally freed in an exchange for a notorious arms dealer known as the "Merchant of Death."

Former world chess champion Garry Kasparov, who fled Russia in 2013, is one of Putin's most fervent critics. When asked if he fears for his life, he replied, "Would it help?"

Kasparov was recently named by the Kremlin to its registry of people it considers to be terrorists and extremists . He calls it "a badge of honor."  

Stahl asked, "Putin just gets stronger and stronger, it seems, rather than the other way, which you predicted once that he would be on the downswing?"

"Putin's strength is very much result of [the West's] weakness," Kasparov replied. "Any sign of indecisiveness, any sign of hesitation feeds Putin with power. Because [he'll say], 'Ha, ha, yes, I can do this, I can do that. Nothing will happen.'"

He believes there is no chance that Gershkovich would be acquitted of charges. "Putin treats Gershkovich as money or weapons," he said. "This is one of the tools of him staying in power. So, he'll be negotiating."

WEB EXTRA:  Garry Kasparov on how Western indecisiveness emboldens Putin (YouTube Video)

Putin himself has made that clear. He said he was open to a prisoner swap involving Gershkovich, Whelan, and a deal for opposition leader Alexey Navalny right before he died in a Russian prison last month .

•  Arrest of Wall Street Journal reporter in Russia likely "approved at the highest levels," ex-U.S. ambassador says
• Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich's latest appeal denied by Russia court
• Russian court extends Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich's detention by 3 months

Roger Carstens, the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, said, "What I can tell you is that the United States has been negotiating with the Russians." He did not deny that a swap was in the works, and it fell apart when Navalny died. "We had a strong offer that went at the end of last year," Carstens said. "The Russians rejected it. I was rather disappointed, but it might not have been entirely a huge surprise. But our goal now is to keep working with partners, allies, and to find that combination that's going to allow us to solve it."

Stahl asked, "How many Americans are being held hostage in the world?"

"My numbers at one point were over 50," said Carstens. "They're now down in-between 20 and 30. We always hesitate to give out an exact number for various reasons. In the last three years, the Biden-Harris administration has brought back 46 Americans that were wrongfully detained or held hostage. It's a team effort; it's members of U.S. government, members on Capitol Hill, non-profits, NGOs, allies, partners, and even members of the media that all seem to work together to bring those people home."

Carstens reiterated that Evan Gershkovich has never worked for the U.S. government. "He's not a spy; he's a journalist," he said. "And journalism should not be a crime."

Gershkovich spends 23 hours a day in his cell. Wall Street Journal editor-in-chief Emma Tucker says he's allowed to send and receive letters, as long as they're in Russian. She described Gershkovich as "a resilient character. He's an extrovert, he's a people person."

And his health? "I think his health is okay; his mom looks very closely whenever there are shots of him [on TV]," Tucker said. "I think there's limits to how much exercise he can do. I can only imagine what the food is like. But he's meditating. He's practicing and getting ever better at Russian. He's reading in Russian."

And he even managed, from prison, to deliver something very special to his sister, Danielle: Flowers, which arrived for International Women's Day on March 8. "He's always thinking about us, and finding ways to make us smile," Danielle said.

Stahl said, "From the minute I walked in here, your eyes keep watering. It's hard for you to talk about, or not? Maybe it helps you?"

"Maybe it's that bittersweet moment where I'm looking at his photos," Danielle said. "I wish I didn't have to do this, but talking about my brother is always … it makes me smile. I miss him so much."

      For more info:

• Evan Gershkovich, The Wall Street Journal

       Story produced by Gabriel Falcon. Editor: Ed Givnish. 

      See also: 

• Husband of U.S. journalist Alsu Kurmasheva detained in Russia: "I'm not going to give up" ("Sunday Morning")
• Evan Gershkovich
• Vladimir Putin

One of America's most recognized and experienced broadcast journalists, Lesley Stahl has been a "60 Minutes" correspondent since 1991.

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