Naval Academy Sees 166th Graduating Class

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- From jets to hats, Naval Academy tradition soared high in Annapolis.

Alex DeMetrick reports its' a happy end to four years of hard work.

This is the 166th class to graduate. It was hard for the Naval Academy's 2016 graduates not to smile.

"It has been a ride, that's for sure. Been ups and downs, hard work, late nights, but it's been good," said graduate Susan Funk.

"There's always adversity but if you know where to look and know who you can trust, you can get through this place," said graduate Nicholas Palermo.

And Friday, 1,076 Midshipmen made the walk out, securing an education that didn't just come out of books.

"It definitely taught me that friendship and leadership go a long way," said graduate Angela Carandang.

"It's an ending and a beginning," said graduate Matthew Miller. "I get to start my life. It's pretty cool."

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter shook everyone's hand and diplomas were held high for families to see.

As of right now, the Navy has 788 new ensigns and the Marines 265 new second lieutenants. From here, most of the graduates are assigned duty stations or go on to advanced training.