r
Hunter draws a comparison between the transformations from Naval School in 1845, to its conversion to Naval Academy in 1849 using his own assessments of disciplinary records, education standards, and the addition of summer cruises. The distinctions among the two methods of schooling naval leaders shine through. Most remarkable of these changes was the age range of men being trained as officers. During the Naval School era, students where often older, with prior sea experience; however, the Naval Academy era switched enrollment to young men, often teenagers, who had no experience as seamen. Hunter's in depth look at the Naval Academy provides a strong understanding of the professional changes that needed to occur during this time in Annapolis.
r