Naval Plebes Climb Greasy Pole [VIDEO]

From the Washington Post:

On Monday afternoon several hundred Navy plebes worked together to scale a 21-foot obelisk slicked with lard on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. It is a thrilling event. This is an annual tradition. Plebes, at the end of their first year at the academy, must replace an underclassman’s “dixie cup” hat at the top of the monument with an upperclassman’s hat. Only then can they begin their summer.

Hit the link for many more photos.

Come for the skin, stay for the touching anecdote about the plebe who reached the top. https://t.co/cDBBnNfjzy

— Dan Zak (@MrDanZak) May 24, 2016