Naval Academy to virtually commission midshipmen after Commissioning Week canceled due to coronaviru

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Naval Academy to virtually commission midshipmen after Commissioning Week canceled due to coronavirus concerns

By Selene San Felice

Capital Gazette |

Apr 22, 2020 | 1:54 PM

After canceling commissioning week activities, the Naval Academy announced it will virtually commission midshipmen in the Class of 2020.

In a letter to the Naval Academy community Friday, Vice Adm. Sean Buck wrote that he decided to pursue a virtual ceremony after consulting Gov. Larry Hogan, Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley, the Chief of Naval Operations and current Acting Secretary of the Navy.

“While everyone shared their disappointment of not having an in-person event to celebrate this milestone, all were in unanimous agreement,” Buck wrote. “More guidance is forthcoming on how we will make this ceremony as unique and as personal as possible.”

The virtual ceremony will happen on May 22, according to academy spokeswoman Cmdr. Alana Garas. The video, which Garas said will have recorded and live segments, will be available on Watchstadium and through options via television streaming services.

Buck also encouraged Class of 2020 graduates to conduct private swearing-in ceremonies and share them with the academy. Private swearings-in would occur if there is an officer in the home of the graduating midshipman who is able to perform the duty in person using the same script used at the ceremony, Garas said.

“The Class of 2020 is being commissioned in truly historic and uncertain times," Buck wrote, "and as throughout our history during peace and war, our nation and our Navy turn to the Naval Academy to produce graduates to lead and serve the nation.”