Summary of the ALITC program:
The Another Link in the Chain program forms bonds and relationships between current midshipmen and members of the 50-year class counterpart throughout the four years on the Yard and beyond. The midshipmen are buoyed and encouraged by the physical presence and moral support of the senior Alumni, and members of the 50-year class counterpart enjoy working with the current midshipmen in their development of Navy and Marine officers.
Beginning in 2000, a formal program was established when the Class of 1950, in celebration of their 50th anniversary of graduation, presented gold Ensign/2nd Lt bars inscribed ’50-’00 to the newly commissioned officers of the Class of 2000. In the ten years of developing the program and the tradition, many events have been added to deepen the relationship between the Brigade of Midshipmen and the Alumni Class.
“Our participation in these events is a rare privilege. Every minute we spend with these great young people is a treasure,” declared Colonel Bill Hamel ’57, USMCR (Ret.), the Another Link in the Chain coordinator for his Class.
Forging Links in the Chain
Binding and bonding classes through the generations is critical to carrying on the history and traditions of the Naval Academy and its Alumni. From Induction Day to Commissioning and beyond, the 50-year counterpart Class becomes a part of the Naval Academy experience for the Brigade.
A verse of “The Laws of the Navy” reads:
Upon one link in the cable,
Dependeth the might of the chain.
Who knows when thou mayest be tested,
So live that thou bearest the strain.