USNA Midshipmen Begin Fleet Orientation Weekend at Naval Station Norfolk
11 April 2021
Naval Station Norfolk --
180 midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy (USNA) visited Naval Station Norfolk, April 10-11. This is the first of several fleet orientation weekends in April which will introduce more than 500 midshipmen to the surface and amphibious warfare force.
“This time is very important for our future naval leaders and the fleet,” said Rear Adm. Brendan McLane, commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic. “A midshipmen return to the Norfolk waterfront allows them to meet ships and crews, which will guide their future careers in the Navy. Our mission is to make this an informative and inspiring experience for our midshipmen.”
Prior to the global pandemic outbreak in 2020, midshipmen spent a week in the surface, aviation, and amphibious warfare areas each summer. Due to COVID-19 mitigations, this training was postponed in 2020 to prevent possible spread. This year, midshipmen are able to travel safely bubble-to-bubble for the fleet orientation.
“I am pleased that midshipmen will have the opportunity to visit the Norfolk waterfront,” said U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria. “As a midshipman, interaction like this with fleet units was one of the most valuable parts of my training, which gave me valuable perspective on my future career as a Surface Warfare Officer.”
For the first weekend, midshipmen visited the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96). Destroyer Squadron 28 also hosted a junior officer roundtable, allowing midshipmen to ask questions about the fleet.
“At the end of the visits, midshipmen are better prepared to make the best career selection on their journey to becoming a naval officer,” said Capt. James Kenny, the commodore of Destroyer Squadron 28. “Regardless of which community these midshipmen ultimately select, the exposure to all facets of the Navy and Marine Corps team makes them better and more well-rounded officers.”
SURFLANT mans, trains and equips assigned surface forces and shore activities, ensuring a capable force for conducting prompt and sustained operations in support of United States national interests. The SURFLANT force is composed of 76 ships and 31 shore commands.
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