2014 Naval Academy graduation ceremonies
Commissioning day at the United States Naval Academy is steeped in history and tradition. The class of 2014 paraded into the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium and a few hours later 1,068 Navy and Marine Corps officers were commissioned into the armed services. Around 30,000 family members and friends attended as their young men and women receive their diplomas and they rejoiced in the own unique ways.
- The procession of the graduating midshipmen. United States Naval Academy Graduation and Commissioning Ceremonies held at the Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun.
- Midshipman 3rd class Jonathan Furseth watches his fellow midshipman during graduation. Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun
- Midshipman Shawn Reed gets ready for graduation as he walks inside the Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun
- Midshipman Justin Chock, center, and fellow graduates during the graduation ceremonies. About 30,000 people attended the ceremony to celebrate the graduation of 1,068 midshipmen, who were commissioned as Navy ensigns and Marine Corps second lieutenants after four years in Annapolis. Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun
- U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel encouraged the newest group of Navy and Marine Corps officers to form personal relationships with members of their units and stay humble as they serve in a time of transition for the military. Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun
- The ceremonial fly over by the Navy Blue Angels during the United States Naval Academy Graduation and Commissioning Ceremonies held at the Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun.
- Midshipman Christopher Junghans of Dunkirk, MD celebrates after receiving his diploma. Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun
- Midshipmen toss their hats into the air during the ceremonial hat toss to end the graduation ceremonies. Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun
- Keegan Clifford,8, of Severna Park collected eight midshipman hats after the hat toss. The newly commissioned Navy and Marine Corps officers toss their hats into the air upon the conclusion of the graduation ceremonies. Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun
- Captain Paul Lluy takes pictures of his son Ryan Lluy who is graduating today. The Lluy family were part of the 30,000 spectators on hand to watch the commissioning ceremony. Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun
By Pamela Wood, The Baltimore Sun
U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel encouraged the newest group of Navy and Marine Corps officers to form personal relationships with members of their units and stay humble as they serve in a time of transition for the military.
Speaking at the Naval Academy graduation and commissioning ceremony at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis on Friday, Hagel addressed the Class of 2014 for about 19 minutes, emphasizing the importance of their leadership to the fleet.
As the military comes out of 13 years of war – the longest in history, Hagel said – the new officers will shape the military’s future, he said.
In order to be successful leaders, Hagel offered three pieces of advice: forge bonds with the people you lead, understand people with different perspectives and practice humility as you lead.
pwood@baltsun.com
twitter.com/pwoodreporter