Image: USMMA
The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, N.Y., performed its 87th graduation workouts on Saturday, June 17, graduating 212 new Merchant Marine and Military Officers of the Class of 2023.
The keynote speaker, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, delivered an inspiring message that emphasised the important significance of USMMA graduates to the American economic system and nationwide safety. The viewers included relations and visitors of the graduating class, distinguished guests representing the federal authorities, senior officers from the U.S. navy, executives from the maritime trade, neighborhood leaders, alumni, school and workers.
“Perhaps the most important advantage we have over our competitors, is you—your talent, your training, and the responsibility we place in you to lead—all of which will serve you well as you enter a complex world,” Hicks informed the Class of 2023. “They will help you navigate an operating environment that’s challenging, complicated, and contested. In the face of friction and fog, I know you—our newest ensigns and second lieutenants, active-duty and reserve—will be America’s saving grace… just like your predecessors.”
Hicks concluded her remarks with, “I know for a fact that the sense of camaraderie—the formidable bonds that you’ve made and the trust you have built with one another—have been defining parts of your experience here at the academy. That’s no mistake. That’s a feature of your education. And you will soon see how important that value is and how far it will take you. And how it’s meant to bring out the best in you. So, when crises occur, step up. Be a leader. And take care of your people.”
Others who addressed the graduates had been John E. Putnam, General Counsel, U.S. Department of Transportation, Rear Admiral Ann C. Phillips, U.S. Navy, Ret., Maritime Administrator; and Captain Andrea Morrison, Distinguished Alumna Speaker, a 2010 graduate of USMMA who turned the primary and solely feminine offshore mooring grasp on the planet.
This 12 months’s graduation additionally marked the primary commencement below the management of Academy Superintendent, Vice Admiral Joanna M. Nunan, who turned the Academy’s 14th superintendent, in December.
In Nunan’s remarks to the graduates, she applauded members of the regiment who’ve been guided by the ideas of “Respect, Honor and Service.’” She mentioned, “they – and you, Class of 2023 – embody the character, dedication, and self-reliance that form the spirit of Acta Non Verba.”
Valedictorian Nathaniel Johnson of Gig Harbor, Wash., was launched to the dais by Academic Dean and Provost Rear Admiral John R. Ballard, Ph.D., who famous that Johnson had accomplished USMMA’s rigorous tutorial program with a formidable 3.914 grade level common.
Each USMMA Class of 2023 graduate acquired a Bachelor of Science diploma along with a vast U.S. Coast Guard service provider mariners license and a navy fee. In trade for his or her training, every has the choice of crusing as a Merchant Marine Officer whereas serving within the Navy Reserve or coming into lively navy obligation.
Every graduate took the United States Coast Guard Merchant Marine License Oath, which was administered by Captain Zeita Merchant, Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York. They additionally took the Commissioning Oath, which was administered by Deputy Secretary Hicks, making them officers in the usmilitary.
Of the 212 midshipmen who graduated on Saturday, 57 are coming into lively obligation; 10 graduates had been commissioned into the Army, 23 had been commissioned into the Navy, 3 had been commissioned into the Air Force, 11 had been commissioned into the Marine Corps, and 10 had been commissioned into the Coast Guard.
