Statement from the Maritime Administrator on the 75th Anniversary of the United States Merchant Marine Academy

My Fellow Kings Pointers:

It is a great honor for me to extend my personal congratulations to all Kings Pointers and Friends of the Academy on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the dedication of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy on September 30, 1943.

Our Academy was born at a tumultuous time in world history, and "We'll Deliver!" was more than lyrics in a song – it was reality. While we scrambled to gain our sea legs as an institution, one hundred and forty-two Cadets gave their last full measure in service to our country, and many others were killed after graduating while serving as ship's officers. Some 6,000 officers graduated during the war – almost all of them tested under fire. Our "Deeds not Words" motto was born from their example of courage and selfless sense of duty.

Our Midshipmen have been integral to every armed conflict since those early days of World War II, ensuring our armed forces were swiftly transported and reliably sustained far from our shores. Commercial maritime shipping energized our development as a nation, and today, U.S.-flagged vessels crewed by Kings Point-trained and educated merchant mariners keep a stake in our waterborne supply chains.

Over the years, we've built a world-class reputation for producing the finest mariners and leaders who have served in peace and war in every theater and in every ocean. Our distinctive approach to sea-going education continues to be a hallmark of our success. That tradition is ours to carry forth today in all that we do. In many ways, the economic and national security challenges that we face today are as daunting as those dark days of 1943; and our graduates have never been in greater demand.

The past seven and a half decades have witnessed our school evolve to meet the needs of our industry, and the introduction of 21st century technologies. As we enter our 76th year of service to our Nation, more change is on the horizon as we strive to remain relevant to our Nation and the maritime industry. Constant through it all remains our core values of Respect, Honor and Service – lived every day by every member of the Kings Point family. We ARE Kings Point!

Happy Anniversary Mariners!

Yours aye,
Mark H. Buzby '79
Maritime Administrator


This email was sent to sajanram.shrestha@blogger.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: U.S. Maritime Administration · 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE · Washington, DC 20590 · 800-99-MARAD GovDelivery logo

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