Parent Plebe Weekend
On August 9 - 12, 2002, at the end of Plebe Summer, the parents and other
family members gather at the yard for a long-awaited visit with their
newly-minted midshipman Plebe. The Plebes have liberty for part of each day to
spend off the yard with their loved ones.
Orioles game at Camden Yard - On August 6 and 7, the Plebes (half of the
companies each nite), attended the baseball game vs the Minnesota Twins. While
we weren't allowed any contact yet, we were there to view the Plebes arrive and
enjoy themselves at the game - and see Camden Yard for ourselves for the first
time.
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The Plebes arrive at the ballpark
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They marched in by company
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John's the third from the left
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The USNA color guard arrives on the field
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A USNA brass quintet played a stirring version of the national anthem ...
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... while the color guard presented the colors.
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Plebe alert in the upper deck!
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Many of the Plebes deserted their seats during the game in pursuit of hot dogs and other gourmet food they hadn't seen in 6 weeks.
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Thursday August 8 - Early registration day
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Dahlgren Hall had many displays of Midshipman life, and each company had a banner hanging. John's company was Bravo (Platoon 4)
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Jan poses at the King's Hall (mess hall) display. Note the Navy peanut butter, milk, ketchup, etc.
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John was assistant squad leader that day, and was busy studying his rates for the day during the noon formation.
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While we had no contact with the Plebes that day, we watched them at various times while going about their business in the Yard.
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The Drum and Bugle Corp plays
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Tecumseh was decorated for the weekend
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Jan and Mac
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Doug and Mac
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We got to go to water polo practice and see John and his teamates scrimmage
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Friday "0-Dark" am - PEP( Physical Exercise Program) - Every morning
before the sun comes up (6 am), the Plebes go through 90 minutes of strength and
conditioning exercises. On Friday, parents were invited (at 5:15 am) to watch
the last PEP session. Hundreds of sit-ups, leg raises, squats ensued to the
applause of the crowd - all led by a "sadistic" marine who cheerfully barked out
the exercises as the Plebes shouted out the repetitions.
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The field was empty and lighted when we arrived
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Company B was the first to arrive (each platoon lined up in one line streching across the entire width of the field)
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Company B all present and accounted for (note the "B" guidon flag)
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First they warmed up by stretching while waiting for the other companies to arrive
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More stretching
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John is the one in the back with his arms stretched over his head
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Next they jog in a circle around their yard line
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Later, the sun rose while the Plebes were out on their half mile intervals run outside the field
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Scenes
from the Yard - Two dress parades, several meal formations, church services,
brunch at the officer's club, briefings from the Commandant and "Super" - just
some of the activites we enjoyed while awaiting liberty for the Plebes.
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John stands at attention during noon formation
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Studying his rates again.
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Part of the port brigade
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The Drum and Bugle Corps
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The official photographer was always present to record events - we'll get video tapes later this year
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The crowd assembles for the first dress parade
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The left side of the parade grounds
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Here they come!
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Company B arrives
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Pretty sharp looking!
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Ready for inspection
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From the left - the band, Company A, Company B, etc.
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The band marches in
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The color guard
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Passing in review
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The "Super's quintet" entertained us while we awaited the briefing by the Superintendent
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Refreshments were readied for a reception following the briefing
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The "Super" again at the reaffirmation ceremony and parade
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Another day, another dress parade
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Hands up, they take the oath again, just as they did 6 weeks earlier
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Mac, John, and Jan
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Love those dress whites!
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John and Dad
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Mac
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Just had to have another picture in his dress whites
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The state of the art track facility
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Mac, Jan and John stroll down Preble walk
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One of the classroom buildings - Mahan Hall
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Mac and John
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John is standing in the alcove area donated by the Class of 1972 (our friend Dave Orr's class)
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The plaque in the alcove
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Looking from the Yard toward Gate 3
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Leaving the chapel
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Looking away from the Chapel
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Herndon awaits!
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The Chapel entrance
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John and Jan
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