USNA Bell Ringing Ceremony Celebrates Wins Over Army

The bell-ringing ceremony recognizes the varsity sports that defeated Army during the semester.

Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk rings the Enterprise Bell

From the bridge of the famed World War II aircraft carrier, the Enterprise Bell has been a part of the Naval Academy tradition since 1950. The late Admiral Harry W. Hill, then superintendent, was instrumental in bringing the "E" Bell to Annapolis. It is rung when when Navy scores a majority of victories over Army in any one of the three sports seasons.

Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Ted Carter rings the Gokokuji Bell

The Gokokuji Bell is an exact replica of the 1456 casting brought to this country by Commodore Matthew C. Perry following his expedition to Japan in 1854. The original bell, donated to the Naval Academy by Perry's widow, was returned by the Navy to the people of Okinawa in 1987. Like the original bell, the replica is rung to celebrate football victories over Army.

Both bells are stationed in front of Bancroft Hall.

See more photos on the USNA Flickr site.