USCGA TRADITIONS: HIDING THE CHAIN

On the US Coast Guard Academy grounds you can find massive links to a chain displayed in front of Waeche Hall.

These chains that were once part of a 75 ton chain drawn all the way across the Hudson River to keep ships from attacking the rebel fort at West Point, New York during the Revolutionary War.

During the Homecoming Week football game, it is tradition that the 4th cadets hide the chain on Academy grounds 24 hours before the game. The chain has been hidden in the Thames River, the Superintendent’s garden, and even under the 50 yard line of the football field. The 2nd class cadets have to find the chain by halftime of the football game. If they cannot find the chain, they reward 4th class with one week of modified carry on.