Midn. 3/C Naomi May works on board USS Nassau during summer training. Naval Academy Commandant of Midshipmen Capt. Matthew Klunder spoke to the Board of Visitors Sept. 14 about the importance of such training to the development of future officers. USNA photo by MCSN Patrick Green.

‘‘Every minute of every day is utilized to the fullest to get them where they need to be, to be developed as our future Navy and Marine Corps officers and to lead our country in the future,” said Klunder.

The program begins during Plebe Summer with basic introductions to seamanship, navigation, leadership and damage control and continues into the academic year as the Plebes prepare for their first summer cruise experience.

According to Klunder, the ability to provide Midshipmen with the practical application during the summer of the intellectual concepts they learned in classes throughout the year, is something the Academy’s senior leadership takes pride in.

‘‘There are core academic requirements, but there’s also that piece where we get them out to the Fleet,” he said. ‘‘This is something that distinguishes us from other institutions around this country. We truly are developing leaders.”

The summer training program is increasingly successful as more Midshipmen are able to participate. Nearly 1,100 third and first class Midshipmen went on summer cruises in 2009. 1,000 second class Midshipmen attended summer training in both 2008 and 2009, up from only 284 in 2007.

The Midshipmen spend their first summer cruise out in the Fleet with enlisted personnel, learning more about the jobs of the Sailors and Marines they will eventually lead. They return to the Academy, having had that Fleet exposure, and begin training to assume leadership positions within the Brigade.

As second class Midshipmen, they spend the summer learning about multiple warfare missions of the Navy and Marine Corps and get ready to make their commitment to active duty service early in the school year.

During this time, they will take over junior leadership positions within the Brigade, study leadership theory and application, and play an active role in the day-to-day function of their companies.

The focus during this year shifts from learning about the Navy and Marine Corps to understanding joint operations with other services. Some Midshipmen are given the opportunity to spend a semester at another U.S. service academy.

Summer training for the first class Midshipmen allows them to experience firsthand the roles they will undertake as junior officers. They stand watch with junior officers and witness the daily operations of a division within their chosen warfare area.

The academic year brings new challenges as the first class Midshipmen take on senior leadership roles within their companies and the Brigade.

‘‘Now, they truly are ready to be leaders,” said Klunder. ‘‘We’re just fine-tuning all those leadership skills and getting them ready for the Fleet.”

First class Midshipmen focus on preparing for different warfare community requirements such as flight screening and service assignment interviews. They also participate in cultural immersion opportunities and studies overseas to broaden their knowledge and understanding of foreign cultures.

‘‘The Midshipmen put their hearts and souls into this every single day,” Klunder said. ‘‘They’re here to serve their country, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”