Herndon II

This Mid got his hands on the cover and loosened the tape before the whole stack-o-Mids went tumbling down.

Kevin starts climbing the pile.

Here's Kevin moving up to the 4th story.

Looking good.

Kevin carefully gets into position without slipping or crushing Mids below.

One mid tries to push Kevin higher.

Here's another view. (USNA photo)

Kevin gets close.

He makes it around the corner and gets closer still....

... before his support structure crumbles and down he goes.

For some reason, the roar of the crowd was deafening.

Piling on.

Mid Daniel Knott is literally hanging from the cover, which is held in place by the tape. 

After several minutes of tension, he's able to rip the Dixie cup off, and places a cover on the monument. This picture is taken at the exact moment the Class of 2005 become "Plebes-no-more." 

The Herndon climb seemed totally impossible before -- and during -- the event. But after a massive display of teamwork, resourcefulness, energy, stamina, brute strength and agility, they did it. The climb took 2 hours, 7 minutes and 41 seconds. 

The tradition is that the Mid who actually places the cover on Herndon will be first in his class to make Admiral. Here, Knott is presented with framed Admiral's shoulder boards by Superintendent Ryan. 

Kevin's grandma and Mom are very impressed with the Mids.

Kevin took a shower, and called us from his room.

Kevin emerges from Bancroft Hall refreshed and ready to get back to his leave.