"In The News," a Quarterly Update from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy: June 2013

U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Names U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Advisory Board

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced the appointment of seven members to the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Advisory Board.   The USMMA Advisory Board serves as an independent body whose purpose is to examine the course of instruction and management at the Academy and advise the USMMA Superintendent and Maritime Administrator to ensure the best possible educational atmosphere for all midshipmen. Click here for full story.

Academy to Benefit from Generous Alumni Gifts

As this Academic year comes to a close, the United States Merchant Marine Academy acknowledges its alumni for several generous gifts. The Class of 1962, in honor of its 50th Reunion established “The Class of 1962 Fund for Midshipmen Professional and Leadership Development” and has committed at least $75,000 per year for the next 5 years to this Fund.  This generous gift will be used to fund both on and off-campus activities for Midshipmen that will enhance the professional and leadership training already provided by the Academy.  Examples of such activities include sending Midshipmen to professional conferences, arranging for presentations by distinguished marine professional speakers and providing courses on the essentials of leadership.  Click here for full story.

Academy Construction Updates

As part of the Academy’s Capital Improvement Plan, there are several major construction projects underway.  New piles at Mallory Pier have been installed allowing contractors to enter the next phase of construction, which includes dismantling the wooden pier and replacing it with laying pre-cast pier decking on the piles. Click here for full story.

JUST-IN --We have added a new web feature that includes pictures showcasing the progress being made by the Capital Improvement Program. Check it out under  About Us - Facilities.

Midshipman Hoffman Receives the Department of Energy's "Excellence in Energy Award"

On Thursday, April 23, 2013, Midshipman Haven Hoffman received the U.S. Department of Energy’s Excellence in Energy Award for his independent study entitled “Solar-Hydrogen Home and Feasibility of Photovoltaic Technology in Marine Applications,” which promotes alternative power and energy efficiency. The award was presented by Daniel Howett from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory during the Class of 2013 Marine Engineering Systems Capstone Presentations, before an audience of midshipmen, professors, and industry professionals. Click here for full story.

USMMA Receives USCG Approval for Cadet Deck and Engine Programs Through July 2018

The United States Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) has reapproved the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) cadet deck and engine programs effective July 1, 2013 to July 31, 2018. The USCG stamp of approval affirms that the Academy’s mariner licensing programs meet all applicable requirements as they relate to the training, qualification, licensing, certification and fitness of seamen in the merchant marine and are in compliance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), as amended. This is a significant achievement for the USMMA whose mission is to educate and graduate licensed merchant mariners and leaders of exemplary character who will serve America’s marine transportation and defense needs in peace and war. Click here for full story.

Captain George E. Edenfield Appointed to Serve on Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee 

The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) announced that Captain George E. Edenfield, head of the Department of Marine Transportation, has received a federal appointment from Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitano, to serve in the Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC). Click here for full story.

Midshipman Holtzworth Presents Winning Paper at Connecticut Maritime Association’s Shipping 2013 Conference

Midshipman Ian Holtzworth took first prize in the Student Research Papers Competition for his paper “The OBO: A Bridge between Supply and Demand Fundamentalists and Those Ushering in the ‘Eco Age'” at the Connecticut Maritime Association’s annual Trade Show and Conference, Shipping 2013. Click here for full story.