Traditionally, new third-class midshipmen become "Youngsters" when they sight the chapel dome upon returning from their summer cruise.

In 1940, the Chapel underwent remodeling which doubled the seating capacity to 2,500, to accommodate a larger brigade of midshipmen.

[4] In 2009, nearly seventy years after the 1940 renovation and expansion, the chapel underwent an extensive restoration that included the repair of decades-long deterioration.

On January 26, 1913, the remains of John Paul Jones were interred in the crypt beneath the Brigade Chapel, inside a sarcophagus made of 21 short tons (19 t) of black and white Italian marble with bronze fittings.

[6][7][8] In the deck around the crypt are inscribed the names of his ships: Bonhomme Richard, Alliance, Serapis, Ariel, Alfred, Providence, and Ranger.