ANNAPOLIS, MD – "On the strength of one link in the cable dependeth the might of the chain; who knows when thou mayest be tested? So live that thou bearest the strain!” Graduates from the Class of 2026 will receive this message from their 50-year Another Link in the Chain (ALINC) alums, in addition to their gold Ensign (Navy) or 2nd Lieutenant (Marine Corps) insignia bars, which each commissioned officer will have the class years inscribed on with “76-26.”

Distinguished members, selected by their Class of 1976 peers, will have the honor of presenting these bars to America's newest leaders in the Fleet and the Marine Corps. While it may appear to be a simple gesture of handing the class a part of their uniform, it solidifies a 50-year bond between the two classes as 2026 proudly enters the ranks of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.

Members of the class of 1976 who will hand bars to the class of 2026:

2021 Distinguished Graduate VADM Derwood “DC” Curtis, USN (Ret.)
CDR Robert H. Dixon, USN (Ret.)
CDR Nick L. Flacco, USN (Ret.)
CAPT Frank A. Inzirillo, USN (Ret.)
CAPT William H. Kneller, USN (Ret.)
LCDR Calvin P. Langford, USN (Ret.)
CAPT Mark C. Nesselrode, USN (Ret.)
Mr. Bruce Petit
Mr. Edward P. Riehl
CDR Mark S. Rupprecht, USN (Ret.)
CAPT Kevin F. Stone, USN (Ret.)
CAPT Gregory M. Vaughn, USN (Ret.)

The Class of 2026 has cultivated a relationship with the Class of 1976 since their Induction Day in 2022, and through shared experiences and camaraderie over the past four years, alumni from 1976 have engaged in various milestone events alongside the midshipmen. Events such as the Herndon Climb, Sea Trials, the Ring Dance and, of course, the Bonds of Gold Ceremony—a special event showing and representing the true physical bonding of the medal of class rings donated by the Class of 1976. The gold from these donated rings has contributed to the rings now worn proudly by the Class of 2026.

Those bonds will be on full display Friday, 22 May 2026, when the Class of 2026 takes their oath to defend the Constitution of the United States. In that moment, they formally commit to support and defend the Constitution, bear true faith and allegiance and faithfully discharge the duties of their office, marking their transition from midshipmen to commissioned military officers and reinforcing the responsibility they now carry to serve and lead.

The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and the United States Naval Academy Foundation are two independent, not-for-profit non-stock Maryland corporations operating as an integrated organization in support of the Naval Academy and its mission with more than 69,000 members, 77 active alumni classes, and 102 chapters around the world. For more information, visit www.usna.com.

BZ 1976-2026!

Wednesday in Navy Varsity Athletics

Tuesday in Navy Varsity Athletics

USNA Class of 1976 to Present Distinct Gift to Class of 2026