The U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2018 received their service assignments Nov. 16, informing them of the warfare communities in which they will serve as commissioned officers in the Navy and Marine Corps.

A major milestone in their career at the academy, 1,053 first-class midshipmen opened letters containing the information that will define their lives in the fleet. This year, 99 percent of the midshipmen received either their first or second choice of assignments.

Midshipman 1st Class Legare Augenstein, of 12th Company, chose submarines. Unlike the rest of their classmates, the 136 midshipmen joining the submarine community had already been notified of their appointment to the community.

"I was beyond excited when I found out last month," said Augenstein. "I've been working for this for well over a year, knowing I wanted to go submarines. So when I was told right after my interview with Adm. James Caldwell, I was absolutely euphoric. Today I'm here with my company mates for support and to celebrate all the hard work we've put in for this."

Lt. Sean Heenan, 12th Company officer, shared his excitement for the midshipmen in his company.

"Each company does this a little different; here in 12th company we're going to call them up, give them a certificate and read out what community they'll be serving in," said Heenan. "They'll also get a cupcake with their service assignment on it to enjoy, as well as a t-shirt that they'll wear this evening to the big celebration."

Of the 251 midshipmen selected to become Marines, 183 will serve as ground officers and 68 will serve as pilots or flight officers.

Also from 12th Company, Midshipman 1st Class Mckenna Niemer made the decision to become a Marine after learning the roles and responsibilities of a Marine Corps officer.

"I've had a lot of Marine mentors; they've been wonderful people and have changed my life for the better," said Niemer. "I'm going to go to the community I want to be in, with the people I want to be with and do exactly what I've dreamed about doing for so long. I'm so excited."

For Midshipman 1st Class Luke Redito, of 17th Company, a member of the Student Unmanned Aerial Systems Flight Team, selecting Navy Pilot was an easy choice.

"It's such a huge relief," said Redito. "I've worked really hard for this from day one and it's such a great feeling to see it all come together."

The Naval Academy endeavors to match personal preferences with aptitude and ability, placing midshipmen in the community best suited to their strengths so as to set them up for successful careers in the Navy and Marine Corps.

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