The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point graduated 214 officers into the military and merchant marine during a celebration on June 23.
The class included 56 graduates sworn in as active-duty officers in the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, according to a news release from the academy. The remaining 158 graduates will serve as Navy reservists in the Strategic Sealift Officer Program while pursuing careers in the maritime industry.
Gen. Eric Smith, the 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps, administered the commissioning oath, and Rear Adm. Michael E. Platt, commander of the First Coast Guard District, administered the merchant mariner oath.
Keynote speaker Jake Sullivan, national security advisor for the Biden administration, told the 3,000 people assembled for the graduation that the U.S. Merchant Marine plays a vital role in an increasingly dangerous world.
“You have much to be proud of and the path you have chosen is a tremendously honorable one. As soon-to-be ensigns and second lieutenants, assistant engineers and third mates, you will crew ships that are essential to our nation’s security,” Sullivan said. “You’ll spend a large part of your life at sea so your fellow Americans can live safely at home.
“In the Atlantic, you are making sure that ammunition reaches Ukrainian soldiers fighting for their freedom,” Sullivan continued. “In the Pacific, you are deterring aggression and upholding freedom of navigation. In the Red Sea … you’re facing down unprecedented attacks against international trade in one of the most vital waterways in the world.”
USMMA graduates leave the academy with a Bachelor of Science degree and an unlimited merchant marine officer license from the Coast Guard, the release said. They can choose to work in the merchant marine for five years while also serving in the reserves or spending five years of active duty.