Midn. 1⁄C Ian Mcmenamin stares at a group of Plebes from the Class of 2012. U.S. Navy photo by MC2(AW⁄SW) Tommy Gilligan.

Induction Day, or I-Day, was the first day of Plebe Summer, the six-week process of transforming civilians into Midshipmen. During this day-long event, Plebes cycled through 19 different stations ranging from medical examinations to uniform issue.

Station 1, the initial entry point, served as the Plebes’ introduction to military life. The prospective Midshipmen met an ensign or second lieutenant at the desk for check-in, and the training began immediately.

‘‘This is where they first learn to say ‘sir, yes sir’ or ‘ma’am, yes ma’am,’” said Lt. Bralyn Cathey, I-Day Coordinator.

Following a green tape line, the newly-reported Plebes wound their way through Alumni Hall like a maze, where they received the basic sea bag of uniforms, fresh military haircuts, and a copy of Reef Points, the official handbook of the Brigade of Midshipmen.

Throughout I-Day, the Plebes were expected to read Reef Points during any down time. The book provides basic information on the mission and history of the Naval Academy; moral, mental and physical development; military rank; basic seamanship; and more. Throughout Plebe Summer, Midshipmen are tested on information in Reef Points, which serves as the foundation for the educations as Navy and Marine Corps officers.

‘‘If [the Plebes] know that thing from cover to cover then it will alleviate lots of stress for the upcoming academic year,” said Cathey.

From the moment the prospective Plebes arrived at the Naval Academy’s Alumni Hall for I-Day in-processing, they were under the leadership of junior officers and senior Midshipmen. For hundreds of parents, much of the day was spent peering through the windows, watching from a distance.

‘‘This is the point where [the parents] need to let them go,” said Cathey. ‘‘We are here to help build and motivate them...not to tear them down.”

While the Plebes went through in-processing, parents attended an orientation with Naval Academy Superintended Vice Adm. Jeffrey L. Fowler and other academy officials, including the Commandant of Midshipmen, Athletic Director, Academic Dean, Command Master Chief, and the director of the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership.

I-Day culminated with the oath of office ceremony in Tecumseh Court. Parents and Plebes were then reunited briefly to say their goodbyes. Parents will have the opportunity see their sons and daughters again during Plebe Parents’ Weekend, August 8 – 10.

The Class of 2012 includes 69 prior enlisted Sailors and Marines, and 14 international students. More than 10,960 young men and women from across the country applied for a spot in the Class of 2012.