A Fort Thomas native and Villa Madonna high school graduate is in the midst of a rigorous training program for one of the most prestigious military academies in the world.
Dominic Martin was inducted into the Naval Academy Class of 2026 on June 30. Martin is set to begin basic midshipmen training as part of the Naval Academy’s “Plebe Summer,” or freshman class.
Each year, approximately 1,200 candidates are selected for the class. Last year, the Naval Academy received over 16,000 applications for the Class of 2026.
Throughout the six-week training, freshmen have no access to television, movies, internet, music or cell phones. Freshmen are only permitted to make three calls during the six weeks of training.
Plebe Summer is carefully designed to help the freshman prepare for their first academic year at the Naval Academy.
As the summer progresses, the freshman accumulate basic skills in seamanship, navigation, damage control, sailing, and handling yard patrol craft. They also learn infantry drills and how to shoot 9mm pistols and M-16 rifles.
Other daily training sessions involve moral, mental, physical, and professional development. Activities include swimming, martial arts, basic rock climbing, and obstacle, endurance, and confidence courses designed to develop physical, mental, and team-building skills.
Founded in 1845, the U.S. Naval Academy today is a prestigious four-year service academy that prepares midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically to be professional officers in the naval service. More than 4,400 men and women representing every state in the U.S. and several foreign countries make up the student body, known as the Brigade of Midshipmen.
