Mt. Lebanon grads begin Plebe Summer at Naval Academy
Alex Tecza and Eli Heidenreich of Mt. Lebanon were inducted into the Naval Academy Class of 2026 on June 30 and began six weeks of basic midshipman training as part of their Plebe Summer.
Approximately 1,200 candidates are elected each year for the Academy’s “plebe” or freshman class, and each student is required to participate in Plebe Summer. Last year, the Naval Academy received over 16,000 applications for the Class of 2026.
During the summer, plebes have no access to television, movies, the internet and music. They also have restricted access to cellphones. They are only permitted to make three calls during the six-week period.
The pressure and rigor of Plebe Summer is designed to help the freshmen prepare for their first academic year at the Naval Academy and the four years ahead.
As the summer progresses, plebes rapidly assimilate basic skills in seamanship, navigation, damage control, sailing and handling yard patrol craft. They also learn infantry drill and how to shoot 9mm pistols and M-16 rifles.