A Few Good Cambridge Midshipmen

By Alex Benda

Despite its short history and small graduating classes, Cambridge has an unprecedented number of young men attending the world-renowned U.S. Naval Academy.

Ten thousand apply. Twelve hundred are accepted. One thousand will graduate. This is the United States Naval Academy (USNA), the place where America’s best and brightest are transformed into Naval officers for the United States Navy. Over the last three years, Cambridge has sent three graduates to the Academy, an admirable feat for a number of reasons. John Owens, James Reagan, and Mike Miersma are these three remarkable individuals who had the excellent academic record, superior physical fitness, and unmatched moral fiber crucial to thrive at the Academy, a place where success is almost impossible.

To fully appreciate these young men’s achievement, it is first necessary to understand the USNA and its high standards for both applicants and students. Located in the heart of historic Annapolis, Maryland, the United States Naval Academy was founded in 1845, making it the second oldest service academy in America. Acceptance into the USNA is especially competitive, due to the strict requirements applicants must pass to be considered for acceptance. The Academy requires candidates to obtain a congressional nomination and pass a strenuous physical fitness test. High academic accomplishment throughout high school and flawless police records are crucial as well.

Once accepted, students, known as “Midshipmen”, receive a $250,000-$300,000 education in return for 5 years minimum active service in the United States Navy after graduation.

The path they tread is extraordinarily difficult, however, starting from day one’s “Induction Day.” The freshmen (referred to as “Plebes”) begin the year in late June, kicking off their naval experience with “Plebe Summer,” which serves to teach the new Midshipmen military conduct. This six weeks is the hardest of their lives. They face instense physical and psychological challenges. If successful, they reach peak physical fitness and are instilled with unshakeable Navy pride. The Plebe Summer weeds out the weak from the strong, usually 80-100 Plebes drop out before completing the grueling training period. Our graduates have all passed this first test, but the summer work marks the beginning of a long, strenous four years at the USNA. Graduates Owens, Reagan, and Miersma exemplify many admirable virtues deserving recognition

These men work incredibly hard every single day. From stripping and waxing their floors to military parades on Warden Field, they toil, striving for perfection. Every privilege these Midshipmen earn is paid for twice over in hours of labor, both academic and physical.

Immediately following graduation, all midshipmen are commissioned into the United States Navy. Owens, a junior, and Miersma, a freshman both plan on attending flight school after graduation, adding at least three years to their five-year commitment in the Navy. Reagan, a sophomore, means to enter into specialized, highly competitive Navy S.E.A.L. training known as B.U.D.S., which upon completion will require him a minimum of nine years active service in the United States Navy. Owens, Reagan, and Miersma attend the Naval Academy because they want to defend our country, believing they can make a difference.

Also, they serve as examples of moral character to their peers, leading by the example learned from their experiences at Cambridge; they are beacons showing other Midshipmen how a Christian should act and live daily. Owens, Reagan, and Miersma’s success at the Academy is remarkable, and the Cambridge community can learn from their work ethic and honorable character. They truly have raised the bar for Cambridge graduates, and we wish them the best of luck in their bright futures.