Navy Midshipman Haruka J. Earney, son of Yuriva and Dean I. Earney of Oak Harbor, Wash., recently completed ‘Plebe’ Summer at the U.S. Navy Academy.
Plebe Summer began on Induction Day, June 27th and concluded after seven challenging weeks of basic midshipman training.
The pressure and rigor of Plebe Summer is carefully designed to help “plebes” prepare for their first academic year at the Naval Academy and the four years of challenges leading to graduation and commisioning as a Navy or Marine Corps Officer. Plebe Summer is run by upper-class midshipmen who are specially trained in their leadership roles to effectively develop plebes into successful midshipmen.
Plebe Summer activities include swimming, martial arts, basic rock climbing, obstacle, endurance and confidence courses designed to develop physical, mental and team-building skills, as well as 40 training hours devoted to the instruction of infantry drill and formal parades.
Throughout the summer, new midshipmen rapidly gain general knowledge of seamanship, navigation, damage control, sailing and handling yard patrol craft. Plebes also learn how to use 9mm pistols and M-16 rifles.
Approximately 1, 200 candidates are selected each year for the Academy’s plebe or freshman class, and each student is required to participate in Plebe Summer. This year the Naval Academy received over 17, 500 applications for the Class of 2017.
Earney is a 2013 graduate of Oak Harbor High School of Oak Harbor, Wash.