Welcome to the commissioning website for Midshipman Thomas Fotter, United States Naval Academy Class of 2026. This site contains important information for family and friends attending the commissioning ceremony.

Commissioning Week at the United States Naval Academy is a momentous occasion that marks the transition from midshipman to officer. This website will help you plan your visit and ensure you have all the information needed to celebrate this significant milestone.

Please review all sections carefully, especially the USNA Information section regarding entry requirements and the Transportation & Lodging section for accommodation details.

Join us in celebrating this special occasion as Thomas Fotter receives his commission and gets ready to head off to flight school.

Date: Thursday May 22, 1530-1730

Location: United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. Specific address provided on request.

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Commissioning Week at the Naval Academy is a multi-day celebration featuring various events and activities. The specific schedule for 2026 will be announced closer to the date.

Commissioning Week Events:

• Monday, May 18, 2026 - Color Parade Practice (6:00 AM): Brigade practice for the Color Parade
• Tuesday, May 19, 2026 - Blue Angels Practice & Gate Closures:
  • 10:45 AM - Route 450 Bridge closes to vehicular traffic
  • 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM - USNA gates closed to incoming vehicular traffic
  • 2:00 PM - Blue Angels Flight Rehearsal over the Severn River
  • 4:00 PM - Gates and Route 450 Bridge reopen
• Wednesday, May 20, 2026 - Blue Angels Demonstration & Gate Closures:
  • 10:45 AM - Route 450 Bridge closes to vehicular traffic (weather alternative)
  • 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM - USNA gates closed to incoming vehicular traffic
  • 2:00 PM - Blue Angels Flight Demonstration over the Severn River
  • 4:00 PM - Gates and Route 450 Bridge reopen
  • 7:30 PM - Graduation Ball at Dahlgren Hall
• Thursday, May 21, 2026 - Color Parade (11:00 AM): A formal parade showcasing the Brigade of Midshipmen on Worden Field
• Friday, May 22, 2026 - Graduation Day:
  • 6:30 AM - Parking gates open at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
  • 7:00 AM - All stadium gates and concessions open to guests
  • 9:00 AM - Class of 2026 Procession
  • 10:00 AM - Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony
  • 10:04 AM - Blue Angels Graduation Fly-By
  • During ceremony - Oath of Office: New officers take their oath to serve in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps
  • End of ceremony - Hat Toss: The iconic moment when newly commissioned officers toss their midshipman covers
  • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM - Graduation photos and swearing-in ceremonies

Important Notes About Gate Closures:

• During Blue Angels practice and demonstration days, Route 450 Bridge and USNA gates will be closed to vehicular traffic for approximately 5 hours
• Plan to arrive early or wait until after the demonstrations to visit the Academy
• The Route 450 Bridge will be open to pedestrian and bicycle traffic from 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM during these closures

Graduation Ticket Information

Based on Class of 2025 ticket allocations, each graduating midshipman is typically eligible for:

• 6x Outdoor Reserved Section Tickets (tan): Reserved seating arranged by company on the same side of the stadium as the midshipmen on the field
• 1x Outdoor Graduation Info Card (white): Allows unlimited guests to enter the stadium and sit in open "overflow" sections (no individual tickets required for overflow seating)
• 4x Indoor Graduation Tickets (orange): For indoor ceremony if needed due to weather
• 5x Superintendent's Reception Tickets (various colors): Admits the midshipman and 4 guests to the Superintendent's Reception. Times are scheduled by company

Note: Ticket allocations and policies are subject to change. Specific information for Class of 2026 will be provided by the Naval Academy closer to Commissioning Week.

Detailed schedule, ticket information, and additional event details will be posted here as they become available from the Naval Academy.

Accommodations

The U.S. Naval Academy is located in the beautiful and historic capital of Maryland, the City of Annapolis — where the Severn River meets the Chesapeake Bay. This waterfront town, with its charming brick streets and commanding Maryland State House, offers a wide and exciting variety of places to stay.

Book Early: Commissioning Week is a busy time in Annapolis! We recommend booking your accommodations as early as possible, especially for major events like Commissioning Week, which includes the Herndon Monument Climb, Blue Angels Flight Demonstration, and Graduation.

Where to Stay:

• Area Hotels: Browse and book area hotels
• Bed & Breakfasts: Browse and book area B&Bs

Getting to Annapolis

• By Air: Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Airport is approximately 30 miles from Annapolis
• By Train: Amtrak service is available to nearby Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
• By Car: Annapolis is easily accessible via major highways

Local Transportation

• Uber and Lyft services available throughout Annapolis
• Taxi services
• Downtown Annapolis is very walkable - many hotels are within walking distance of the Academy

Visitor Center Information:
Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center
52 King George Street, Annapolis, MD 21402
Phone: 410.293.TOUR (8687)
Hours: 7 Days a Week, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Gate Hours and Visitor Access

General Public Visiting Hours:

• March 1 - October 31: 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• November 1 - February 28: 5:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Gate 1 - Main Visitor Access:

• Pedestrian Entry (Visitor Access Center):
  • Friday-Saturday: 5:00 AM - 2:00 AM
  • Sunday: 5:00 AM - 11:59 PM
  • Monday-Thursday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Vehicle Entry: Daily 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (authorized personnel only)

Gate 8: Open 24/7 for authorized vehicles and credentialed personnel

Important Access Information

• Vehicle Access: General public visitors must walk onto the installation via Gate 1. Vehicle access is restricted to DOD credentialed personnel (CAC holders, military ID, retirees, dependents).
• Security Screening: All visitors may undergo ID and bag checks and be screened through a magnetometer. Random searches may be conducted.
• Special Events: For sporting events or concerts after visiting hours, you may walk through the Visitor Control Center with a valid REAL ID and event information.
• Foreign Visitors: Non-U.S. citizens are not authorized general access to USNA tours. Immediate families of international midshipmen must coordinate access through USNA.
• Parking: Several public parking garages and metered street parking are available in downtown Annapolis.

Pass & ID Office

Location: Inside Visitor Control Center (VCC) at Gate 1
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM (closed federal holidays)
Phone: (410) 293-5762

Questions? Contact NSA Annapolis Public Affairs: nsaa-pao@us.navy.mil

Annapolis, Maryland's capital, is a historic city with much to offer visitors. Take advantage of your time here to explore this beautiful waterfront town.

Things to Do in Annapolis

• Historic Downtown: Walk the brick streets lined with shops, restaurants, and colonial-era architecture
• Naval Academy Museum: Explore the history of the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Navy
• Maryland State House: The oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use and a National Historic Landmark
• Waterfront Activities: Harbor tours, boat rentals, and waterfront dining along the Chesapeake Bay
• City Dock: The heart of Annapolis's waterfront with shops, restaurants, and historic sites
• Historic Homes: Tour 18th-century homes including the William Paca House and Hammond-Harwood House
• Shopping: Unique boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops throughout downtown
• Dining: Fresh seafood, waterfront restaurants, and diverse culinary options

Naval Academy Tours

During your visit, consider taking a guided tour of the Naval Academy to get a behind-the-scenes look at midshipman life and the Academy's rich history. Tours depart from the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center.

Popular Tour Options:

• Historical Walking Tour: 90-minute guided tour visiting all historical highlights, learning about admissions, and the midshipman experience. Tours depart daily from the Visitor Center.
• GEM Car Tour (Ride the Yard): 75-minute tour in a comfortable five-passenger electric vehicle covering the "gems" of the Naval Academy. Note: GEM cars are not air-conditioned, consider weather conditions.
• Anchors Aweigh Music Tour: Learn about the history of "Anchors Aweigh" and enjoy a musical-themed walking tour ending with a performance from the Naval Academy Band (dates vary).

Tour Information:

• Tours can be booked online in advance or purchased in person at the Visitor Center
• Book tickets at: Naval Academy Tourism Tickets
• Visitor Center: 52 King George Street, Annapolis, MD 21402
• Phone: 410.293.TOUR (8687)
• Hours: 7 Days a Week, 9 AM - 5 PM

Weather and What to Bring

Annapolis in May typically has pleasant spring weather, though it can be variable:

• Temperature: Average highs in the 70s°F (low 20s°C), with cooler mornings and evenings
• Recommended Attire: Layers are helpful; bring both light clothing and a jacket
• Rain Gear: Spring showers are possible, so bring an umbrella or rain jacket
• Comfortable Shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking on brick streets and at the Academy
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen and sunglasses for outdoor ceremonies

For more information about visiting Annapolis, visit:
Naval Academy Tourism