The Parent Journey at the Naval Academy

Jul 08, 2025

As a parent of a Naval Academy midshipman, you're embarking on a journey that's unique & difficult. It's a rollercoaster ride filled with pride, anxiety, joy, and sometimes, uncertainty. But here's the most important thing to remember: your experience is the right experience.

This article was derived from an incredible podcast I recorded with USNA Super Dad, Karl Smith. If you want to listen / watch the conversation you can do so here:
YouTube
Apple Podcasts

The Unique Journey of a Naval Academy Parent

When Karl's son Noah entered the Naval Academy in 2016, he had no idea what to expect. Like many parents, he was caught up in a whirlwind of emotions - pride, excitement, and yes, a fair bit of anxiety. But as he's learned through his experiences with both Noah at the Naval Academy and his daughter Kate at the Air Force Academy, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to being a service academy parent.

Embracing the Ups and Downs

The journey of a Naval Academy parent parallels that of the midshipmen themselves. There are moments of absolute elation - seeing your child captain a boat during Fleet Week, watching them play on a college football field for the first time, or witnessing them perform with the orchestra. But there are also moments of intense worry and stress.

He remembers vividly the day Noah called to tell him that he'd been put into the honor system. For 36 hours, they were in a state of panic, fearing it could be the end of his Academy journey. But as with many challenges at the Academy, it turned out to be a misunderstanding that was quickly resolved.

Finding Your Support System

One of the most crucial things he's learned is the importance of finding your support system. During Noah's plebe summer, a fellow parent reached out to him on Facebook messenger. She held his virtual hand through those challenging six weeks, offering advice, reassurance, and a listening ear. This act of kindness made an immense difference in his experience.

Navigating the Unique Aspects of the Naval Academy

The Naval Academy experience is distinct from other service academies in many ways. For instance, the Naval Academy truly embraces parents, making them feel part of the experience. From the picnic at Hospital Point on I-Day to the Blue Angels flying overhead, the Academy creates memorable moments for parents too.

Taking Advantage of Parent Involvement

His advice to Naval Academy parents? Take advantage of every opportunity to be involved. Attend parents' weekends, go to the Herndon climb, and seize every chance to visit the Yard. These experiences not only allow you to support your midshipman but also help you connect with other parents and fully appreciate the unique culture of the Academy.

Recognizing Individual Journeys

It's crucial to remember that while all midshipmen wear the same uniform, each of them is on their own unique journey. Some may have dreamed of attending the Academy their entire lives, while others might be there for different reasons - and that's okay.

The mission of the Naval Academy is to develop midshipmen, not to find people who are already dedicated to a career of naval service. Your child's reason for being at the Academy is valid, whatever it may be. What matters is how they navigate their experience and grow throughout their time there.

Avoiding Comparisons

It's easy to get caught up in comparing your child's experience to others, especially with the prevalence of social media. But remember, what you see online is often a highlight reel. For every midshipman who's having the time of their life, there's another who's struggling. Both experiences are valid and part of the growth process.

Embracing Your Unique Experience

As you navigate this journey, remember that there's no "right" way to be a Naval Academy parent. Whether you attend every home football game or prefer to support from afar, whether you're deeply involved in parent clubs or choose a more hands-off approach, your experience is the right experience.

The key is to find what works for you and your midshipman. Be proud of your child's journey, support them in the ways that feel authentic to you, and don't be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.

Remember, you're not just raising a college student - you're supporting a future naval officer. It's a challenging journey, but an incredibly rewarding one. Embrace it, learn from it, and most importantly, don't forget to enjoy it. Before you know it, you'll be watching your midshipman throw their cover in the air at graduation, ready to embark on their naval career.

Your experience as a Naval Academy parent is unique, valid, and important. Embrace it, cherish it, and know that you're part of a community that understands and supports you every step of the way.

Watch the interview on YouTube here

Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts here

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Founder of Academy Insider and Podcast Host Grant Vermeer

Grant Vermeer is the founder of Academy Insider and the host of The Academy Insider podcast. He was a recruited athlete which brought him to Annapolis where he was a four-year member of the varsity basketball team.

He was a cyber operations major and commissioned into the Cryptologic Warfare Community. He was stationed at Fort Meade and supported the Subsurface Direct Support mission.

He separated from the Navy in 2023 and now owns The Vermeer Group, a residential real estate company that specializes in serving the United States Naval Academy community with nationwide consulting and connection.