The Most Valuable Thing We Carry Is Our Commitment.

Our classrooms are 900 feet long and 5,000 miles at sea.

We don’t carry a weapon. We carry 120,000 tons of them.

We are trained on the latest navigation equipment. And the oldest.

Everything we learn in this classroom will be on the test.

We are the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

The United States Merchant Marine Academy, one of the five federal service academies, educates and graduates leaders who are committed to serving American national security and critical economic interests. As licensed Merchant Marine Officers and commissioned officers in the Armed Forces, graduates of the academy are essential for securing the country’s commerce in peacetime and delivering our warfighters, weapons, and military supplies during conflict. Due to their elite training and real-world experience, graduates are ready to go on day one in service of American military strength and economic power.

The Facts

For 75 years, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy has prepared leaders of exemplary character, skill and commitment to serve America’s marine transportation and defense needs in peace and war.

1943
Founding year of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
360
Days of training at sea are required to graduate from the Academy
5
Years of service on a U.S. Flag vessel or on active duty military
8
Years of service as an officer in any reserve unit of the armed forces following graduation
80%
USMMA graduates that make up the U.S. Navy Strategic Sealift Officers Program

Recent Developments

Merchant Mariner Shortage Has Gotten Worse, but a Partial Solution Is Available 

In 2018, I testified as part of a panel of military leaders who gave the House Armed Services Committee the concerning news that the nation did not have enough licensed merchant marine officers to sustain movement…

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China’s Fleet Strength Stresses Value of USMMA Pipeline for SSO Force 

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Meet the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Class of 2026 

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