One of the great traditions at the U.S. Naval Academy is the ceremony during which the first-class midshipmen (aka “Firsties” or seniors anywhere else) receive their service selections. Selection is based on a class rank and preference; midshipmen state their top six service preferences early during their senior year, then wait to find out which warfare community they will join after graduation. On November 20, 2014, Firsties all received envelopes holding the certificate that bore their assignments.
Take a look a this section of the team video shown at the Naval Academy Men’s Swim and Dive banquet. The video is dedicated to the seven seniors who are about to be commissioned as Ensigns and then head into the fleet for training. The photos come from the moment each Midshipman received his Service Selection; what follows are images of what the future Ensign’s assignment will look like.
Service Selection, United States Naval Academy Class of 2015
Cole Palmer – Navy Pilot
Billy Draves – Naval Flight Officer
Kevin Stoddard – Exposive Ordnance Disposal
Joe Esposito – Navy Pilot
Daniel Bowden – Navy Pilot
Riley Mita – Navy Pilot
Dain Bomberger – Navy SEAL
Cole, so proud of you for keeping your goals in front of you! Never let anything stand in the way of accomplishing your dreams! Love you!
Great video.
To think you all accomplished these demanding assignments while getting up for morning swim practice, makes me proud to put on the cap and goggles and share the chlorine with heroes like you.
Thank you for your service and protecting us and our country’s freedoms!
Cole we are very proud of you! You are a hero for sure. You are in our prayers! Awesome! Congrats!
what about the firstie women??
God Bless you all! You are heroes!
Cool video! 🙂
Congratulations, graduating seniors! I wish you good luck and a safe return as you set off to represent our country!