‘Plebe Summer’ for Reczek

Nathan Reczek, a graduate of Farragut High School, was inducted into the Naval Academy Class of 2026 Thursday, June 30, and has begun six challenging weeks of basic midshipman training as part of “Plebe Summer.”

About 1,200 candidates are selected 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 more than 16,000 applications for the Class of 2026.

“During this time, plebes have no access to television, movies, the Internet and music and also have restricted access to cellphones. They are only permitted to make three calls during the six weeks of Plebe Summer,” a Naval Academy Public Affairs Office press release stated.

“... 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,” the release added.