USNA Class of 1959
Motto: "Rise and Shine with `59"

General: The class of 1959 entered USNA on 27 June 1955. Additional members continued to arrive over the summer until the class grew to a total of approximately 1200.

798 classmates graduated on 3 June 1959. 639 entered the Navy, 58 became U.S. Marine Corps officers, 83 entered the U.S. Air Force, 6 entered the Army, 4 foreign nationals returned to their home nations and 8 were not physically qualified for commission in the military.

Class members served in the armed forces during the Cold War - the sustained buildup of the military strength of the U.S. to combat the power of the Soviet Union which included the Cuban missile crisis and the Vietnam conflict. The Cold War was one of endurance and lasted nearly 40 years. In some respects, the long conflict is similar to the situation that faces the class of 2009 with the war on terrorism.

During their time in the military, 31 members of the class were selected for Flag rank with 2 reaching the level of four star Admiral. One flag officer was Marine Corps, and four were Air Force. Thirty-six members who graduated in the class died while serving on active duty. The last class member retired from military service in November 1994.

Several members of the class subsequently served the nation in high positions in our government to include: National Security Advisor to the President of the United States; Assistant Secretary of State; Assistant Secretary of Commerce; Assistant Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency. Many were successful in private business serving as Chief Executive officers of various companies and corporations.

One class member represented the United States in the 1960 Olympics and one member was selected as the 18^th Academy graduate to be elected into the College Football Hall of Fame.

USNA days: During our years at the academy, a variety of unique events occurred. A record heat wave covered the East coast of the United States during July and August which caused plebe summer to be a traumatic and dramatic time. Although plebe summer was somewhat different than is experienced today, it served the same purpose of beginning to forge the bonds among classmates that have continued to grow over nearly 50 years. In July 1955 the class participated in a history making event when Adm. Arleigh Burke, USN was sworn in as Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) in Annapolis. He was the first CNO ever to take the oath of office outside of Washington, DC, and the class provided the formation for his military review. The President of the United States and Commander-in-Chief, General Dwight D. Eisenhower visited the Academy during our time as midshipmen.

The appearance of the Yard began to change significantly in 1957 when the landfill needed to expand the grounds was initiated. Subsequently, following our graduation, the 7^th and 8^th wings of Bancroft Hall, Chauvenet and Michelson Halls, the Nimitz library and other facilities were built on that new ground which was previously water area part of the Severn River. The Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium was built during that period also with the first game played in the facility in September 1959 shortly after the class graduated. During our years, a small stadium was in the Yard.

The U.S. Navy was also changing during our four years as midshipmen. Nuclear power as a propulsion system for ships began to be installed in submarines. Missiles began to replace or supplement guns as weapons systems on ships, and the angled deck super aircraft carrier was introduced. The USS FORRESTAL CVA-59 was the first of the new super carriers and was chosen as the center piece of the class of 59 crest and is prominently displayed on the class ring.

Service time: Members of the class of 59 filled a productive thirty-five year span in the service. The changes initiated in the Navy during our midshipmen days continued during our military career. Nuclear power was extended to surface ships when the USS LONG BEACH CGN-9 was commissioned in September 1961. A member of the class implemented the order to "post the watch" as the first officer of the deck when the ship went into full service. Many classmates saw action in Vietnam, at sea, in the air, and on the ground. Other class members served as commanding officers of nuclear submarines and surface ships including the super aircraft carriers. Class members who chose the Marine Corps, the Air Force and the Army also distinguished themselves in numerous command positions. Some flag officers served as battle group commanders with ships of the "modern" navy comprising the assigned ships. This was the Navy that played a key role in the defeat of communism and the winning of the Cold War. President Ronald Reagan described the Cold War as the most important war ever won, perhaps the most important victory in modern history.

Support to the Naval Academy: The Class of 1959 has generously provided the following: Alumni Hall Plaza and park area; the refurbishment of the Chancellery area of the chapel and restoration of the Chapel altar; 19^th Company sponsor; 36 chairs in Alumni Hall in memory of graduated classmates lost on active duty. Annually, a watch is presented to the outstanding lineman on the football team in the name of a class member; several lockers in the football dressing room are named in honor of classmates. In celebration of the 50^th reunion in 2009, the class is helping to upgrade the Columbarium of the Naval Academy. Class members have served as Candidate Guidance Officers in the Blue and Gold program and recommended students who were admitted to and graduated from USNA. Some have served in the Alumni Association as nationally elected officers.

Class organization: The management of all class activities is directed by an Executive Committee which consists of five members with elections every two years. Some members have served multiple terms for extended periods on the committee. Approximately 50 classmates have filled officer leadership positions on the committee since it was established.

At graduation, permanent "honorary" class officers were elected for identification purposes. Vice Admiral Francis R. Donovan, USN (Ret) is the class president who serves as the class spokesman and participates in a collaborative role with the Executive Committee.

Service to the nation and the Academy have been the hallmarks of the class of 1959.