<p>To officially kick off this mornings graduation, the Blue Angels in six F/A-18 Hornets performed their traditional “flyover” to kick-off the 157th ceremony.</p>
<p>The Class of 2007, 1028 midshipmen in all, marched onto the field at Navy-Marine Corps stadium. Out of that number, 98 midshipmen were graduating with distinction. The top graduates included Douglas Marsh an aeronautical engineering major; Joseph Hess, a political science major; and, Christopher Marsh, a systems engineering major.</p>
<p>The Call to Honors was given by CAPT Margaret D. Klein 81, USN, Commandant of Midshipmen. The USNA Glee Club accompanied by the USNA Band sang the National Anthem. The invocation was given by CAPT Peter W. McGeory, CHC, USN, Command Chaplain.</p>
<p>VADM Rodney P. Rempt, Superintendent and The Honorable Donald C. Winter, Secretary of the Navy made remarks and introductions. </p>
<p>VADM Rempt recognized the Class of 1957 and the distinguished members who would be presenting a special gift to their 50 year counterpart. </p>
<p>Secretary of Defense, Dr. Robert M. Gates gave the graduation address. He addressed the midshipmen, their family and friends and the Naval Academy faculty and staff members; offering encouraging words to the new graduating class.</p>
<p>The conferral of degrees was done by VADM Rempt and Dr. William C. Miller '62, Academic Dean and Provost. </p>
<p>Of the 1028, 213 were sworn in as 2nd Lieutenants for the U.S. Marine Corps and 791 were sworn is as Ensigns into the U.S. Navy. Administering the oath of office for the Marine Corps was General Robert Magnus, USMC, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps who welcomed those commissioned as 2nd Lieutenants to the Corps. Administering the oath of office for the Navy was Admiral Michael Mullen, USN, Chief of Naval Operations. Four midshipmen were commissioned into the Air Force as 2nd Lieutenants; two into the Army as 2nd Lieutenant; two into the Coast Guard as Ensigns; six graduating, but not commissioned and ten foreign officers.</p>
<p>Dr. Miller gave the recognition of Academic Achievement. Secretary of Defense Gates, Vice Admiral Rempt and Captain Klein presented the diplomas.</p>
<p>Eight members of the Class of 1957 were on hand to present each graduating midshipmen with their first set of gold Ensign (Navy) or 2nd Lieutenant (Marine Corps) insignia bars.</p>
<p>Ensign Brady A. Beauchamp, USN, president of the Class of 2007 stepped up to the podium and asked Secretary of Defense Gates to join him. Beauchamp presented him with a special gift - a USNA jacket, on behalf of the class. He also recognized three individuals as honorary graduates: Navy Football Head Coach Paul Johnson, Gunnery Sgt. Eillis Covington, USMC; and, CAPT Joseph S. Groah, USMC. He also recognized one of their own classmates, MIDN Jennifer Powers - In Memoriam. He took a moment to address his class and reflect on their past four years and the opportunities and challenges ahead.</p>
<p>VADM Rempt congratulated the Class of 2007 Youve done it you achieved what you set out to do." </p>
<p>He said to each graduating midshipman be courageous and stay committed to their faith, family and your service to the Nation. On behalf of the Naval Academy, he wished them much happiness and success in their endeavors. With that he invited everyone to join the USNA Glee Club, accompanied by the USNA Band, to sing Navy Blue and Gold.</p>
<p>CAPT Klein introduced MIDN 2/C Erik Westland, USN, president of the Class of 2008. Westland asked for members of the Class of 2008, 2009 and 2010 to stand and requested three cheers “for those about to leave us”. Ensign Beauchamp, returned to the stage and requested three cheers “for those they leave behind”. On the third cheer, the Class of 2007 tossed their hats into the air. </p>
<p>The “hat toss”, now a traditional ending to the graduation and commissioning ceremonies at all of the service academies, originated at the Naval Academy in 1912. This along with the cannon salute is a symbolic end to the four-year program at Annapolis.</p>