121011-N-OA833-002 (24401310884)

121011-N-OA833-002

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Oct. 11, 2012) The United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. was founded in 1845 by Secretary of the Navy, George Bancroft. As the undergraduate college of the naval service, the U.S. Naval Academy strives to accomplish its mission to develop midshipmen "morally, mentally, and physically." Upon graduation, Midshipmen are commissioned as Navy ensigns and Marine Corps second lieutenants. The U.S. Navy has a 237-year heritage of defending freedom and projecting and protecting U.S. interests around the globe. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad Runge/Released)