Mission: "Educate and graduate merchant marine officers and leaders of honor and integrity who serve the maritime industry and armed forces and contribute to the economic, defense, and homeland security interests of the United States"
- situated on Long Island's north shore
- about 20 miles east of NYC
- extensive waterfront access with over 100 ships and small crafts
- 4 year co-educational academy
The United States Merchant Marine Academy was dedicated in September 30, 1943 by president Franklin D. Roosevelt. Roosevelt stated, "the Academy serves the Merchant Marine as West Point serves the Army and Annapolis the Navy." Originally established with the intent to devote all resources to support efforts during WWII, the academy proved itself successful at meeting the demands of the nation in conflict and was transformed from a wartime curriculum to a four year college level program. The purpose of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is to "ensure that such people are available to the nation as shipboard officers and as leaders in the transportation field who will meet the challenges of the present and the future." It was made a permanent institution by Congress in 1945 where graduates will receive a bachelor of science degree. In 1974, Kings Point was the first federal service academy to accept women students. Today, the academy is operated by the Federal Government's Maritime Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
In a time of national emergency, the U.S. merchant marine becomes very vital as their ships are responsible for delivering goods and military supplies overseas to our forces and allies. The merchant marine is also responsible for shoreside activities like managing "vessels; ports and terminals where cargo is handled; yards for ship repair; services like marine insurance underwriters, ship chartering firms, admiralty lawyers, engineering and research companies; and...intermodal systems of trucks and railroads to distribute goods around the country."
Fun Facts: Each career option after graduation receives about 1/3 of the graduating class members - They're all equal!
In a time of national emergency, the U.S. merchant marine becomes very vital as their ships are responsible for delivering goods and military supplies overseas to our forces and allies. The merchant marine is also responsible for shoreside activities like managing "vessels; ports and terminals where cargo is handled; yards for ship repair; services like marine insurance underwriters, ship chartering firms, admiralty lawyers, engineering and research companies; and...intermodal systems of trucks and railroads to distribute goods around the country."
Students, called midshipmen, are instilled with traits of leadership, discipline and dedication required for a career that typically includes service at sea, maritime employment ashore, and serving as a commissioned officer in a reserve component of their choice of branch within the U.S. armed forces. With a smaller student body population than both West Point and Annapolis, Kings Point contains about 950 midshipmen. Midshipmen focus on one of two areas of ship transport: marine transportation (navigation, cargo) or marine engineering (engines, supporting functions). Unlike other academies, graduates have to fulfill their service obligation by providing annual proof of employment in a variety of occupations that are pre-approved. They can choose between working as a licensed officer on U.S. flagged merchant vessels, as civilians in the maritime industry, or as active duty officers in any branch of the U.S. armed forces. However, graduates much maintain their U.S. Coast Guard issues merchant marine officer's license for a minimum of 6 years.
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