Naval Academy Plebes Climb Herndon Monument

The Naval Academy's freshman class are reaching new heights.

On Tuesday afternoon, approximately 1,000 plebes climbed the 21-foot Herndon Monument—located near the —to retrieve a plebe hat that upperclassmen had place on top of it, organizers said.

After reaching the pinnacle, the freshmen replaced the hat with a midshipman's hat, according to a news release.

Prior to the climb, there was a ceremony commemorating the accomplishments of the class.