If you know anything about US naval tradition, then you are likely aware of the Herndon Climb, a rite of passage where the freshmen class at the Naval Academy form a human pyramid around an obelisk covered in lard in order to reach its summit. Exhausted, soaked and dressed only in their skivvies, both men and women embark upon the grueling multi-hour exercise under a punishing midday sun, demonstrating their determination and team building skills, and representing the class’ transition from plebes to mid-shipmen, thereby symbolically ending their first year at the academy.