A United States Service Academy Information Night is scheduled for April 30, 2025, announced Representative Chris Smith of Manchester. The event will take place from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Colts Neck, NJ. It aims to provide guidance for high school and college students, along with parents, counselors, or teachers, from the Fourth Congressional District interested in competing for a nomination to a U.S. Service Academy.
Due to base security constraints, advanced registration is necessary. Interested parties can register online or contact Smith’s office. The session will offer details essential for those aiming for a congressional nomination, which is a requirement for four of the five U.S. Service Academies, excluding the Coast Guard Academy.
Smith emphasized the academies’ role, stating, “Each institution plays an integral role in training young men and women to become tomorrow’s military leaders and affords them a collegiate education opportunity of the highest quality that is free of financial obligation, provided the student graduates and fulfills his or her service obligation.” The academies include the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and Coast Guard Academy.
Participation is open to citizens between the ages 17 to 22, or 17 to 25 for the Merchant Marine Academy, who reside in New Jersey’s Fourth Congressional District and meet specific criteria. Smith remarked, “Over the years, I’ve had the honor and privilege of nominating many outstanding young men and women for acceptance into our nation’s military academies. These courageous members of our community have stepped up in tremendous ways to preserve our fundamental freedoms and defend our great nation.”
For those interested in attending the information night, details on required documentation for base access and registration can be obtained by contacting Smith’s Toms River Office. Residents in numerous municipalities within Ocean County and Monmouth County are eligible to attend.
