ANNAPOLIS, Md. — After four years of hard work, Friday was graduation day for more than 1,000 United States Naval Academy Midshipmen: 760 of the graduates became Navy Ensigns, while 258 became Marine Corps 2nd Lieutenants.
The newly commissioned officers will serve at least five years.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told the Class of '24: "Leadership isn't just about what you do, it's about who you are."
Austin continued: "What comes next is not a drill. You will lead sailors and Marines through tension and uncertainty. Your teammates will look to you for leadership, for grace under pressure, for calm under fire. And you will be ready."
Since 1845, about 91,000 Midshipmen have graduated from the Naval Academy.
RELATED: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to undergo procedure at Walter Reed, will transfer power to deputy
Hours after the ceremony, it was announced that Austin will undergo a medical procedure at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Friday evening and will transfer power temporarily to his deputy, Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder said in a statement.
Austin will transfer authority to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks while he is indisposed, the Pentagon said.