The McNitt Award is named in honor of Rear Admiral Robert McNitt. Rear
Admiral McNitt graduated from the Naval Academy in 1938, and his lifetime
commitment to Naval Academy sailing began as a Midshipman. He was Captain
of the Academy’s first Intercollegiate Sailing Team. He served as Executive Officer
of the submarine BARB during the Second World War, and was awarded two
Silver Stars for gallantry in action. BARB’s exploits, which included sinking over
80,000 tons of enemy shipping, were chronicled by his Skipper, RADM Eugene
Fluckey, in the book Thunder Below. RADM McNitt later served as
Superintendent of the Naval Post Graduate School. After retirement he served as
the Academy’s Dean of Admissions for twelve years. He was a member and past
Chairman of the Fales Committee, and served as a Trustee of the Naval Academy
Sailing Foundation. He was the author of the definitive text about the Naval
Academy’s Sailing Program – Sailing At The US Naval Academy. He lived an
inspiring life, and we will miss his influence.
The RADM McNitt Award is presented to midshipmen demonstrating exemplary
leadership while participating in the SAILTRAMID summer cruise. Recipients’
performance in seamanship, navigation, leadership, and sailing skills set them
apart from their contemporaries during their cruise block.