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xiii Foreword * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * In 1845, Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft set out to create an academy that would provide the United States with a naval o≈cer corps unmatched by any seafaring nation. Bancroft envisioned these o≈cers as men whose sense of duty, honor, loyalty, and character would be unparalleled. This guiding spirit of the Naval Academy remains unchanged to this day; the Academy serves as both the repository of the Navy’s core values and the benchmark of its unflagging moral and military leadership to this great nation . It stands as the very soul of the United States Navy. In this history of the last fifty years of the Naval Academy, Dr. Gelfand explores both the events and people that have shaped the Academy’s midshipmen and the future of the Navy. He adeptly discusses the Academy’s attempts to continually transform itself in the recognition that ‘‘change is inevitable and forthcoming.’’ Change at an institution as large as the Academy takes both dedication and patience. The analysis o√ered regarding the inclusion of minorities and women into the Brigade of Midshipmen provides a critical examination of areas in which Annapolis will continue to improve. As Dr. Gelfand writes in his concluding remarks, administrators have ‘‘fulfilled their charge and obligation to lead the Academy through fundamental alterations in the institution ’s culture.’’ This change will continue as long as dedicated sailors and marines administer and attend Annapolis. Since its inception, Annapolis has endeavored to train the best and brightest in America. The Academy is in a position to bring together midshipmen from every economic background, race, religion, and region of our country. These students are drawn to the Academy to pursue academic excellence, xiv * Foreword athletic prowess, and military service. The Academy is able to take all these students and develop within them the ideal that strength of character is a goal above all others. It is in this way that the Academy is able to strengthen not only the Navy but society as a whole. A man I love and admire, Vice Admiral William P. Lawrence, once said that the Academy‘‘mustgraduatespecialpersons—o≈cerswhowillplacetheinterestsof the country and the welfare and safety of their subordinates above their own.’’ The values and mission of the Naval Academy have never been more imperative than today. The threat posed by global terror demands that our armed forces be guided by the best of the best, sailors and marines who will carry the torch of American values wherever they are needed. We can only succeed in building a free world if our men and women in uniform conduct themselves with a level of honor and integrity that shines through the walls of dishonor and hypocrisy inherent in tyrannical governments. Theodore Roosevelt once said, ‘‘To educate a person in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.’’ It is my belief that any institution of higher education can produce students who demonstrate excellence in academics or athletics; it takes amazing dedication to graduate students who possess excellence of character as well. These timeless ideals—duty, honor, loyalty, and strength of character—that the Naval Academy engenders are critical if we are to help develop citizens capable of the highest responsibilities in both military and civilian life. Annapolis will continue to serve as the mental, moral, and physical training ground for America ’s present and future leaders. As a graduate of the Naval Academy, I have experienced firsthand the dedication of faculty, coaches, and students to the ideals of the Navy. The values I learned in my plebe summer and internalized during my time at Annapolis have stayed with me throughout my life. They have served as an ever-present polestar, showing and occasionally reminding me of the path of honor through the darkness. God grants us all the privilege of having our character tested. The tests come frequently, as often in peace as in war, as often in private as in public. It is my great pleasure that others will now be able to understand the rich history and unique mission of the Academy and the service it provides to this great nation. This text adds a critical volume to the literature about the Navy and Annapolis itself. I would like to thank Dr. Gelfand for his e√orts in creating a wonderfully engaging and accessible history of this treasured institution. Senator John McCain ...

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