Naval Academy Midshipmen’s 20th annual arrival in August

For the last 20 years, Freeport residents and people from neighboring communities have welcomed the arrival of midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. for the traditional annual visit to Freeport — as a part of the Academy’s Squadron Training Program. The trip is an opportunity for midshipmen to test their martime skills learned at the academy and for Freeporters, an opportunity to interact with the men and women who will become future naval officers.
Local families and military veterans, particularly Navy vets spend the afternoons inspecting the sailboats under the guidance of the midshipmen while pleasure boaters, jet skiers and fishermen ply the surrounding waters. Each boat can accommodate up to 10 sailors. Most midshipmen are ages 20 to 26 from different parts of the United States.
The arrival of Midshipmen into Freeport has become a much-anticipated tradition. The midshipmen are expected to make their way to Nautical Mile and dock at the Esplanade on Aug. 9 and sail back to Maryland on Aug. 12.
“We are very happy to have the Navy back here,” Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy said. “I have a special place in my heart for them since I am an ex-sailor. Seeing them brings back some of the best memories of my life, [while in the] United States Navy.”
On Aug. 11 the village will host a barbecue at the Freeport Recreation Center for them and by Sunday afternoon the sailors are back on their boats preparing for their trip to Annapolis.

Nicole Alcindor is an intern at the Herald.