NavyInstallation guide

U.S. Naval Academy

Annapolis, Maryland · United States. Mission, community context and official resources for your next step.

LocationAnnapolis, Maryland
Country / territoryUnited States
Map categoryNavy
Sources reviewed2026-09-30

U.S. Naval Academy at a glance

The U.S. Naval Academy is the naval service's undergraduate academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Its public mission develops midshipmen intellectually, physically and ethically for leadership and naval service. Academic and professional education are combined with military development and at-sea summer training, giving the campus an education-centered identity within the Navy's wider installation network.

Naval Support Activity Annapolis provides material, personnel and logistical support for the academy, including small craft, equipment and facilities used in midshipman training. That support activity is across the Severn River from the academy itself. The academy began as the Naval School on the former Fort Severn site and expanded as naval technology and education evolved. Its waterfront campus is in Anne Arundel County on the Severn River near Chesapeake Bay.

Also searched as: USNA, United States Naval Academy.

Sources: U.S. Naval Academy: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview

Mission and major activities

  • Educates and develops midshipmen for naval leadership.
  • Combines academic study with professional military training.

Sources: U.S. Naval Academy: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview

History and identity

The academy was founded in 1845 by Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft as the Naval School at the former Fort Severn.

Sources: U.S. Naval Academy: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview

Location and community

The academy is in Annapolis on the Severn River near Chesapeake Bay in Anne Arundel County.

Sources: U.S. Naval Academy: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview

Before you arrive

Planning for this location

Distinguish the academy campus from NSA Annapolis across the Severn River when identifying the actual destination.

Use these questions with your sponsor or gaining organization. They are a starting point for planning, including assignments, courses and training periods that differ from a routine permanent change of station.

  1. Confirm the organization, duration and reporting instructions shown on your orders. Ask which office handles your arrival.
  2. Clarify lodging and housing arrangements before booking. Ask about availability, required approvals and how to handle a late arrival.
  3. Before choosing a home, compare the commute, lease terms, school needs and your household budget. Ask the housing office about the options that apply to your situation.
  4. Coordinate household goods and personal travel with the appropriate transportation office. Keep orders, receipts and important family records together.
  5. Make a short list of contacts for medical care, schools, childcare and family support, where applicable to your assignment.

Official PCS planning resources   Housing allowance information

Sources: U.S. Naval Academy: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview

Resources for service members and families

Start with the official resources for U.S. Naval Academy and ask which services your household can use. For a training site, rotational location or Reserve component assignment, confirm arrangements with your unit rather than assuming the services of a large residential installation are available.

Housing and family support

Find housing, relocation assistance, childcare and school liaison contacts for the correct installation or support community.

Find official contacts

Spouse employment

Review federal spouse hiring guidance and ask the local family support office about employment resources.

Review spouse hiring guidance

Health care and benefits

Locate VA facilities near the community where you plan to live after service. Confirm your eligibility and appointments with the provider.

Find VA locations

Relocation checklist

Prepare questions about paperwork, household goods and family needs with official moving resources.

Plan the move

From this mission to your next career

The mission at U.S. Naval Academy suggests the following areas to consider when describing your experience. These are LockLeed career suggestions based on the public mission, not a list of vacancies or qualifications held by everyone assigned here.

EducationLeadership developmentTraining supportMarine operations

Write down the equipment, systems, processes and teams you personally supported. Add a specific result you can discuss publicly, then match that evidence to the civilian role you want. Keep operational details and sensitive information out of your application.

Translate your experience

Turn your MOS, AFSC or rating into civilian job titles and resume language. Adjust the result to reflect your actual work.

Use the MOS translator

Prepare your resume

Build a clear resume around skills, outcomes, credentials and the roles you want next.

Open Resume Studio

Plan your transition

Organize your separation timeline and discuss official requirements with your transition counselor.

Open the separation planner

Find federal opportunities

Search current announcements and read the location, hiring path and qualifications in each posting.

Search USAJOBS

Official transition resources   Explore SkillBridge programs

Frequently asked questions

Where is U.S. Naval Academy?

U.S. Naval Academy is listed in this guide at Annapolis, Maryland, United States. The map point is approximate. For arrival and reporting information, use official resources and your orders.

What is U.S. Naval Academy known for?

Educates and develops midshipmen for naval leadership. Combines academic study with professional military training.

What should I confirm before arriving?

Distinguish the academy campus from NSA Annapolis across the Severn River when identifying the actual destination.

How can I prepare for a civilian career from here?

Start with your own military occupation and experience. Use the MOS translator, resume builder and separation planner, and discuss your timeline with the official transition counselor. LockLeed helps candidates pursue direct-hire civilian roles at no cost to the candidate.

Sources and editorial notes

Installation facts above are drawn from the official sources below. Career suggestions and planning questions are LockLeed editorial guidance. Use official offices for current policies, eligibility and arrangements.

  1. U.S. Naval Academy: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overviewSupports: overview, mission, local context, planning note, history
Shared planning and career resources

Reviewed 2026-09-30. This independent guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense. Map points are approximate and are not routing or reporting instructions.