Elfreth Leads Bipartisan CODEL to U.S. Naval Academy

ANNAPOLIS, MD - Yesterday, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, a member of the Naval Academy Board of Visitors, and the representative of the U.S. Naval Academy in the House of Representatives, led a bipartisan group of colleagues on a full-day Congressional Delegation trip to the United States Naval Academy. The group included Representatives Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), Wesley Bell (D-MO-01), Nick LaLota (R-NY-01), and Don Davis (D-NC-01).

The CODEL included a meeting with the Superintendent, lunch at King Hall, opportunities for members to meet with midshipmen from their respective district, and a tour of school grounds focused on the academy's infrastructure needs.

"I've had the privilege of representing the Academy and our midshipmen since my time in the Maryland State Senate, and I am proud to represent them in the House of Representatives and as a member of the USNA Board of Visitors. It was incredibly special to bring my colleagues to Annapolis to see first-hand the world-class Naval Academy, tour their exceptional grounds, and meet their talented midshipmen," said Congresswoman Elfreth. "Together, we brainstormed and identified ways we can support the Academy's mission in Congress, which includes addressing the pressing renovation needs at the world's largest dormitory, Bancroft Hall, as well as addressing the Academy's infrastructure and flooding challenges."

"From world-class academics to hands-on training and a deep commitment to service, the United States Naval Academy is shaping officers who will be ready to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex global security environment," said Rep. Bell. "As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I'm proud to support the investments needed to ensure future midshipmen have the resources, facilities, and training required to keep our Navy strong."

Congresswoman Kiggans said, "The United States Naval Academy represents the very best of our nation. As a Navy veteran and Naval Academy Mom, I know the role this prestigious institution serves in developing young men and women into leaders of character prepared to serve in our military. I appreciated the opportunity to meet with Academy leadership, tour campus facilities, and engage with midshipmen, including those from Virginia's Second District. Seeing firsthand the education, training, and innovation taking place at USNA, especially in areas like cyber and infrastructure, reinforces the critical role the Academy plays in strengthening our national security. I look forward to continuing to support its mission and the next generation of military leaders."

Prior to serving in Congress, Elfreth represented Annapolis and the U.S. Naval Academy for six years in the Maryland State Senate. In Elfreth's first year in Congress, she visited every major military installation in the state of Maryland, beginning with the U.S. Naval Academy. The state-wide tour culminated in her 2025 Maryland Defense Report. In last year's NDAA, Elfreth secured significant provisions of the Naval Academy, including $86 million for the U.S. Naval Academy's Storm Water Management Facilities, ensuring a strategy for the Naval Academy to address sea level rise, and prohibiting a second golf course at environmentally sensitive Greenbury Point.

Officially established in 1845, the U.S. Naval Academy is one of five United States Service Academies. As the undergraduate college of the U.S. Naval Service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Naval Academy students are midshipmen on active duty in the U.S. Navy. Midshipmen attend the Academy for four years, graduating with bachelor of science degrees and commissions as ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. Naval Academy graduates serve at least five years in the Navy or Marine Corps.

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