USNA Superintendent

06/22/2026

🫡🇺🇸 Today, we welcomed CAPT Clinton Cornell and his wife, CAPT Jodie Cornell, to the Yard as he assumed duties as the 92nd Commandant of Midshipmen.

The Commandant bears one of the most important responsibilities at the Naval Academy, leading the development of the Brigade of Midshipmen in character, conduct, discipline, military training, and professional readiness. As the senior officer responsible for the daily military and moral development of our midshipmen, the Commandant helps shape the future officers who will lead sailors and Marines around the globe.

CAPT Cornell returns to Annapolis with an extraordinary record of leadership and service. A Naval Academy graduate, former Brigade Battalion Commander, Naval Academy Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, swim team captain, and distinguished Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer, he has led with courage, humility, and excellence throughout a career dedicated to our Nation.

I also want to recognize CAPT Austin Jackson for his outstanding service as Interim Commandant. His steady leadership, unwavering commitment to the Brigade, and willingness to answer the call during a pivotal period ensured continuity, stability, and continued mission success.

Please join me in welcoming CAPT Cornell and his family back to Annapolis. I know he will build upon the strong foundation of those who came before him as we continue our mission of developing leaders prepared to serve as warfighters in the Navy and Marine Corps.⚓️🇺🇸

Welcome aboard, Commandant.

06/21/2026

To all of the Fathers, Grandfathers, Stepfathers, and father figures who have helped shape our Midshipmen, Happy Father’s Day! 🇺🇸⚓️

Behind every Midshipman standing tall in Bancroft Hall is someone who spent years teaching lessons that don’t appear in any textbook.
You taught them to shake hands firmly, keep their word, show up on time, finish what they started, and do the right thing when no one was watching. You showed them that leadership is earned, responsibility matters, and that service to others is one of life’s highest callings.

Long before they took the Oath of Office, many of them learned what commitment looked like by watching you.

And personally, I thank my own Dad, whose example of hard work, humility, and service helped shape the man and Marine I became. I also celebrate the privilege of being a father to our two American Vikings, Ryker and Torben, who inspire me every day. 🇺🇸🇩🇰⚔️

We salute all Dads behind the Mission. 🫡⚓️






06/20/2026

Leadership Lessons & Legacy. ⚓️🇺🇸

Inspiring to join our midshipmen at the Gettysburg Leadership Encounter, where the timeless lessons of one of our nation’s most consequential battles challenged us to think deeply about leadership, decision-making, and service.🦅🔱

Bringing together our outstanding Naval Academy leadership faculty, midshipmen selected for our first-semester leadership positions, and varsity team captains created a powerful opportunity to learn from history and from one another. The lessons of Gettysburg remain as relevant today as ever as we develop the next generation of warfighters.

This is just one example of the immersive leadership development opportunities our future warriors gain by earning a place at the United States Naval Academy.
#1 Public School for a reason. 👊🇺🇸

Thank you to Colonel (Ret.) Douds, USMC, for his PHD level Gettysburg leadership historical lessons. None better.

Many thanks to the great class of 1977 for sponsoring this year as link in the chain with 2027! Your Legacy & connection with our future leaders matter! We salute you! 🫡

Also, Huge thank you to our incredible leadership staff led by Colonel Maria "MJ" Pallotta, USMCR (Ret.), our Director of the Center for Experiential Leadership Development (ELD). Well done Team!

06/18/2026

It was an honor to represent the Naval Academy during today’s White House ceremony posthumously recognizing Colonel John Ripley (ret), USMC, a 1962 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, with the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Vietnam.

Generations of midshipmen know the legend of “Ripley at the Bridge.” His near-impossible demolition of the D**g Ha Bridge on April 2, 1972, depicted in a powerful diorama at the Naval Academy, has long been part of the way we teach our midshipmen courage, ingenuity, and leadership under fire.

From the halls of Annapolis to the battlefields of Vietnam, Colonel Ripley embodied the values of duty, honor, and sacrifice. His courage, leadership, and selfless service represent the very best of our Academy, our Naval Service, and our Nation.

His legacy reminds us that character is revealed when the stakes are highest. May his example continue to inspire generations of midshipmen to answer the call, lead from the front, and serve with courage when America needs them most.

06/18/2026

Sea Trials = Grit, Moto, Teamwork & Fun! ⚓️💪🇺🇸

Summer Seminar third block almost complete. Our last, rising high school senior Summer Seminar for this year. Many will prove they have what it takes to earn a spot in the USNA Class of 2031!

Over 17,000 high performing high school candidates will apply for only 1100 spots at USNA, the #1 Ranked Public School. We look forward to welcoming these outstanding young men and women next year that choose to serve something bigger than self. Respect!

06/16/2026

Summer Seminar morning Physical Fitness with Sun rising over Severn! 💪⚓️☀️

06/16/2026

Up in the morning with the rising sun. ☀️⚓

Summer Seminar Block 3 started the day the right way as the sun rose over the Severn at 0600. Motivating to join our midshipmen for morning PEP and watch them lead by example while mentoring the next generation of Naval Academy Mids.

Our Summer Seminar candidates were crushing it. Their energy, determination, and willingness to embrace challenges were on full display, and I was equally proud of our midshipmen who demonstrated the leadership, professionalism, and teamwork that define the Brigade of Midshipmen.

To our future Class of 2031 teammates: well done. You have taken an important step on your journey to serve something greater than self. 🫡🇺🇸

Now go finish your candidate application! Keep training! Keep challenging yourself! And importantly, be sure to enjoy your senior year as you continue to prepare your mind, body, and character for a purposeful journey ahead.

See you on the Yard in summer of 2027! ⚓️🦅🇺🇸

06/16/2026

06/15/2026

USNA hits the NASCAR Track! ⚓️🇺🇸

This weekend, the Naval Academy took its mission to the track. The Naval Academy and our Navy Racing team were represented by the No. 02 car at Pocono Raceway with Ryan Ellis behind the wheel, showcasing what happens when precision, performance, and teamwork come together at speed.

Motorsports and the military are cut from the same cloth; We share a similar DNA. Elite engineering, technical mastery, disciplined ex*****on, and the ability to make critical decisions in real time. Those are exactly the qualities we develop every day at the Naval Academy. 💪

At USNA, Mids design, engineer, and build a small, formula-style race car and then race it against other university teams. Now that’s a class! 🔱🏎️

If you’re driven by engineering, technology, competition, or solving complex problems, there’s a path at USNA for you. Imagine applying that passion to designing systems that matter, leading high-performing teams, and taking on challenges where the stakes are real.

Applications for the Class of 2031 are here. The only question is, are you ready to lead? ⚓️🇺🇸

06/14/2026

Happy 251st Birthday to the U.S. Army!

For 251 years, Soldiers have served our nation with courage, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment. From the United States Naval Academy, we honor the Army’s legacy and the generations of Soldiers who have defended the freedoms we share.

We are proud to stand alongside our Army teammates in service to the nation. ⚓🤝