U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Steven Myers The NA-44 sailboat Gallant, crewed by midshipmen from the U. S. Naval Academy Offshore Sail Training Squadron, prepares to moor at the Mystic River park. The Offshore Sail Training Squadron is a summer training option for midshipmen that exposes them to seamanship and navigation, life on the sea, and small-unit leadership.

Four NA-44 sailboats crewed by midshipmen arrived at Mystic River Park, concluding a nonstop, 300-nautical mile sail from Annapolis, Md. They later berthed at Mystic Seaport, and departed July 12.

The NA-44's were welcomed by water fountains from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Auxiliary and Mystic Fire Department vessels. Local families provided lodging for the crews and their skippers. Highlights of the visit included a picnic, a tour of a Virginia-class attack submarine at Submarine Base New London, and other social events.

Weekend visitors to Mystic Seaport, were welcomed to tour a USNA offshore sailing vessel on the Seaport grounds, and to meet the midshipmen who crew them.

The Offshore Sail Training Squadron is a summer training option for midshipmen that exposes them to seamanship and navigation, life on the sea, and small-unit leadership. Third Class Midshipmen (beginning their second year at the academy) have the opportunity to be crew members, while first class and second class (seniors and juniors) midshipmen serve as skippers or executive officers.

The Naval Academy provides a four-year undergraduate education for 4,400 midshipmen to prepare them to be professional officers in the naval service. Upon graduation, midshipmen are awarded a Bachelor of Science degree and receive a commission either as an ensign in the U.S. Navy or a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, where they serve at least five years as leaders of sailors and Marines.