Top, a member of the Sea Trials staff observes Plebes in the ‘‘Wet and Sandy” station, dedicated to Medal of Honor recipient Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who threw himself on an enemy grenade. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Tom Gilligan Bottom, U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Jeffrey L. Fowler presents the Iron Company trophy to Midn. 2⁄C R. Sam Long, 20th Company Sea Trials Commander, in honor of 20th Company’s performance. U.S. Navy photo by MCSR Patrick James Green

Based on the Navy’s recruit training exercise, Battle Stations, and Marine Corps’ recruit training evolution, the Crucible, Sea Trials is a day-long event comprised of 30 separate stations, designed to reinforce teamwork, perseverance and commitment.

‘‘This year’s Sea Trials staff was dedicated to making Sea Trials an experience that would overwhelm the Plebes with both physical and mental challenges,” explained Midn. 1⁄C Brian Geisen, Sea Trials Commander. ‘‘Our vision was to give the Plebes the kind of culminating experience that Battle Stations and the Crucible are. This event was meant to be a challenge in which the Plebes would strive as a unit to overcome.”

The Midshipman Sea Trials staff aimed to bring the Fleet to the Academy, dedicating each of the stations to significant military figures.

The training objectives were designed to force the Plebes to work together. One station was dedicated to Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Nathaniel Leoncio, who lost his leg after an IED explosion in Iraq and continued to provide medical care to his Marine platoon, earning the Bronze Star for his actions. In that scenario, the Plebes navigated mud-filled trenches, barbed wire, and a wall to transport an ‘‘injured” classmate via stretcher to medical attention.

‘‘Some stations were able to really tie [the themes] into the physical aspect,” said Midn. 4⁄C Blake Taylor. ‘‘On the whole I liked it. It was a great experience.”

The Plebes of 20th Company took the honors of Iron Company for their overall performance.

After triumphing over Sea Trials, the Class of 2011 tackled Herndon. The event began with Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Jeffrey L. Fowler presenting the Iron Company trophy to Midn. 2nd Class R. Sam Long, 20th Company Sea Trials Commander.

The Class of 2001 completed the Herndon Climb in 2:35:59, when Midn. 4⁄C Gregory Reichel of 11th Company replaced the traditional plebe cover with Midn. 4⁄C Kristen Dickmann’s Midshipman cover, paying tribute to their fallen classmate.