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Naval Academy's class of 2027 climbed, and conquered

Midshipman Ben Leisegang, from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, capped off the Herndon Climb for the class of 2027 today. This year's plebes completed the climb of the slippery monument in 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 11 seconds.

By: Travis Case

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Midshipman Ben Leisegang, from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, capped off the Herndon Climb for the class of 2027 today.

🏆Capper MIDN 4/C Ben Leisegang, 4th Company, from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, at the moment of victory during today's rainy and cold Herndon Climb🌨
@@City_of_RSM #victory #plebe pic.twitter.com/3hrUaJen1k
— U.S. Naval Academy (@NavalAcademy) May 15, 2024

This year's plebes, now midshipmen, completed the climb of the slippery monument in 2 hours, 19 minutes and 11 seconds

Another Herndon Climb complete! 2 hrs. 19 min. 11 sec. capped by MIDN Ben Leisegang from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. from 4th company. #classof2027 #plebes #teamwork pic.twitter.com/1RkiybmgkT
— U.S. Naval Academy (@NavalAcademy) May 15, 2024

This beats last year's time by roughly 13 minutes. The class of 2026 finished in approximately two hours and 32 minutes. This is the fastest completion in five years.

Dating back to 1940, the climb is a tradition and source of pride for every class that walks through the doors at the Naval Academy.