The complete coverage of Climbing Herndon - US Naval Academy, Annapolis

The Naval Academy Class of 2012 May 18th scaled the Herndon Monument in one hour, 14 minutes and 38 seconds, at which point a freshman removed the plebe hat that had been taped to the top of the lard-slathered granite obelisk and replaced it with a midshipman's hat.

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Midshipman 4th Class Schyler Widman, 19, of Jackson Hole, Wyo., accomplished the feat, which is an annual rite of passage for plebes.

US Naval Academy Annapolis-656, originally uploaded by Boys in the Sun.

Here's what everybody has been waiting for. Hundreds of Navy "plebes" in the sun climbing the historical Herndon monument to complete their freshman year. Enjoy!

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Climbing The Herndon Monument - US Naval Academy Annapolis

A first-year student at the U.S. Naval Academy has succeeded in the annual tradition of placing a cap atop the 21-foot-high Herndon Monument.

Schyler Widman, 19, of Jackson Hole, Wyo., put the cap on the monument in 1 hour, 14 minutes and 38 seconds on Monday. The obelisk is greased with 200 pounds of lard for the challenge.

Midshipmen traditionally end their "plebe" year by removing a cap and placing another one on top of the monument.

It's believed the tradition began in 1907.