Alex Hooker

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Alex Hooker, a 2019 graduate of Webster City High School, was inducted into the Naval Academy Class of 2023 Thursday, June 27, and will begin six challenging weeks of basic midshipman training as part of Plebe Summer.

He is the son of Terry and Michelle Hooker of Webster City.

Approximately 1, 200 candidates are selected each year for the Academy’s “plebe” or freshman class, and each student is required to participate in Plebe Summer. Last year, the Naval Academy received over 16,000 applications for the Class of 2022.

During this time, plebes have no access to television, movies, the internet or music, and restricted access to cell phones. They are only permitted to make three calls during the six weeks of Plebe Summer.

Officials said the pressure and rigor of Plebe Summer is carefully designed to help plebes prepare for their first academic year at the Naval Academy and the four years of challenge that awaits them.

As the summer progresses, the new midshipmen rapidly assimilate basic skills in seamanship, navigation, damage control, sailing and handling yard patrol craft. Plebes also learn infantry drill and how to shoot 9mm pistols and M-16 rifles.

Other daily traning sessions involve moral, mental, physical or professional development and team-building skills. Activities include swimming, martial arts, basic rock climbing, obstacle, endurance and confidence courses designed to develop physical, mental and team-building skills. Forty hours are devoted to instruction of infanctry frill and five formal parades.

Upon graduate from the Naval Academy, midshipmen can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in a choice of 25 different subject majors and go on to serve at least five years of service as commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps.