Commissioning Week (CW) Guide
Commissioning Week is one of the most meaningful and unforgettable times at the United States Naval Academy—a week filled with pride, celebration, and once-in-a-lifetime moments as your Midshipman becomes a commissioned officer.
Families and friends travel from all over the country to be part of this milestone, and Annapolis comes alive with energy, events, and emotion.
It’s a busy, exciting, and often overwhelming week—having a comfortable, well-located home base makes all the difference.
What to Expect
Commissioning Week is packed with events, ceremonies, and celebrations. While schedules vary slightly each year, you can expect:
A full calendar of official Academy events
Superintendent’s (Supe’s) Reception – Sunday through Tuesday- Farragut House Gardens
Academic Awards Ceremony – Monday morning - on the yard
Glee Club Performance – Tuesday evening (tickets required)- Main Chapel
Blue Angels Practice Show – Tuesday afternoon - Severn River
Blue Angels Performance – Wednesday afternoon - Severn River
Graduation Ball – Wednesday evening- Dahlgren Hall
Color Parade – Thursday mid morning - Worden Field
Commissioning Ceremony – Friday morning gates open at 6:30 am, 9 am procession, 10 am graduation
There will be a lot happening—often at the same time—so planning ahead is key.
Blue Angels Tip (Don’t Miss This)
The Blue Angels show is one of the highlights of the week.
Watch the practice show on Tuesday and the main show on Wednesday
Take the stadium shuttle to Hospital Point for one of the best viewing areas
Arrive early—spots fill quickly
Bring:
Blanket
Cooler with food and drinks
Sunscreen
Stadium chairs (available at The Goat Getaway)
There are also food trucks on-site, making it a fun, relaxed experience.
Getting around annapolis
Traffic during Commissioning Week is very heavy.
Allow extra time for everything
Downtown parking is limited—Hillman Garage is your best option
Consider parking at the stadium and using the shuttle system
Walking is often the easiest way to get around
Staying close to the United States Naval Academy makes logistics significantly easier.
Plan Ahead for Dining
Restaurants book up quickly during Commissioning Week.
Make reservations 3–4 months in advance
Plan a mix of:
Celebration dinners
Casual meals
Consider takeout or dining at home to simplify your schedule
Many families appreciate having a home where they can gather without the stress of crowded restaurants.
Hosting Family + Friends
Commissioning Week often means larger groups and celebrations.
Invite family and friends early
Share your Midshipman’s milestone—it’s a huge accomplishment
Your Midshipman may want to celebrate with:
Family
Sponsors
Friends
Having a space where everyone can gather comfortably makes the experience more relaxed and meaningful.
How to make the most of the week
Don’t try to do everything—prioritize what matters most
Build in time to simply be together
Expect emotions—this is a major life transition
Take photos, but also be present
If your Firstie wants to host a celebration:
Start planning early
Consider:
Caterers
Bakery for cakes
Rentals (tents, tables, chairs)
Great nights to host at your rental:
Monday or Tuesday evening
Favorite local vendors:
Absolute Party Rentals (tents, tables, chairs)
D&J Bakery (cakes, cookies)
Pro Tip:
Plan a family-only meal after the Commissioning Ceremony—a perfect way to celebrate and unwind after a long week.
Fun Idea: Guest Welcome Bags
Put together small gift bags for your guests:
Clear bags (required for stadium entry)
Class challenge coin- purchase from the class parent groups on Facebook
Water bottle
It’s a fun, memorable touch your guests will love.
What to Wear
Supe’s Reception: Sunday dress, jackets for men
Yard Events: Smart casual
Graduation Ball: Formal dresses, Suit or tux for men
Commissioning Ceremony: Dress + light sweater, slacks and button down or golf shirt for men and jacket
Color Parade: Casual (grass seating—no heels)
Blue Angels: Casual
Glee Club Concert: Church attire
Comfortable shoes are a must—there’s a lot of walking!
Dos and don’ts
✅ Do:
Bring a clear bag for the ceremony
Wear sunscreen and bring a rain poncho
Carry REAL ID at all times
Plan to arrive very early (2+ hours before gates open)
Expect long security lines to enter the stadium
Choose a designated meeting spot after the ceremony for pictures
Bring extra water for your Midshipman
Charge phones and cameras in advance
Take lots of photos
❌ Don’t:
Bring large bags, purses, or camera bags
Bring prohibited items (umbrellas, etc.)
Wait until the last minute for tickets or planning
The Meaning Behind the Week
Commissioning Week is more than a series of events—it’s the culmination of years of hard work, growth, and dedication.
It’s a time to:
Celebrate your Midshipman’s achievement
Reflect on the journey
Look ahead to what’s next
These are moments your family will remember forever.
After the ceremony
After the Commissioning Ceremony, many families:
Celebrate with a special meal
Host a gathering
Spend quiet time together before departures
Having a comfortable place to return to allows you to fully enjoy this time without rushing.
Planning Your commissioning week Stay?
Where you stay during Commissioning Week matters more than ever.
The Goat Getaway offers a spacious, thoughtfully designed home just minutes from the United States Naval Academy—perfect for hosting family, gathering with friends, and celebrating this incredible milestone together.
With multiple living areas, a fully stocked kitchen, and space to spread out, it’s designed to make a busy week feel easy and enjoyable.
We’re always happy to help as you plan your stay—feel free to reach out anytime.
