# 97814 - 1993 James Carter Platinum Plated Medal Cover
US Naval Academy Opened
The Continental Navy was founded during the American Revolutionary War to battle the Royal Navy at sea. And in 1783, Revolutionary naval hero John Paul Jones first proposed that America establish a school to train midshipmen. But after the war ended, the navy was demobilized to save money.
Though Congress wouldn’t create a formal academy, that didn’t mean others didn’t create their own. There were smaller naval academies in Philadelphia, New York City, Norfolk, and Boston. In fact, in September 1842, an American brig left the Brooklyn Naval Yard with teenage naval apprentices on board. The young men were undisciplined and schemed to mutiny the ship. The story was national news and led many to doubt the idea of sending young recruits out on the boats.
Initially, students attended for five years – spending the first and last years in the classroom and the others at sea. In 1850, the school was renamed the United States Naval Academy. Students now attend school for four years, spending their summers at sea.
USNA graduates have participated in every major US conflict since the Mexican-American War.
Click here to visit the US Naval Academy’s website.
US Naval Academy Opened
The Continental Navy was founded during the American Revolutionary War to battle the Royal Navy at sea. And in 1783, Revolutionary naval hero John Paul Jones first proposed that America establish a school to train midshipmen. But after the war ended, the navy was demobilized to save money.
Though Congress wouldn’t create a formal academy, that didn’t mean others didn’t create their own. There were smaller naval academies in Philadelphia, New York City, Norfolk, and Boston. In fact, in September 1842, an American brig left the Brooklyn Naval Yard with teenage naval apprentices on board. The young men were undisciplined and schemed to mutiny the ship. The story was national news and led many to doubt the idea of sending young recruits out on the boats.
Initially, students attended for five years – spending the first and last years in the classroom and the others at sea. In 1850, the school was renamed the United States Naval Academy. Students now attend school for four years, spending their summers at sea.
USNA graduates have participated in every major US conflict since the Mexican-American War.
Click here to visit the US Naval Academy’s website.