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

Forgotten Heroes of The Revolutionary War

Source: Maritime Executive

July 5, 2018

The Merchant Marine’s role in U.S. military history dates back to 1775, and merchant mariners have played a key role in every major U.S. conflict since. Prior to declaring independence, the 13 Colonies had established a small 31-ship navy…

USNS Trenton Transfers Rescued Mariners

Source: U.S. Navy Public Affairs

June 17, 2018

The Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport USNS Trenton (T-EPF 5) with ship-master Susan Orsini, a graduate of the USMMA, conducted a rescue at sea for 41 people off the coast of the island of Lampedusa, Italy.

Commencement Address by Secretary Mattis at U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Source: U.S. Department of Defense

June 16, 2018

Secretary of Defense James Mattis delivers the 2018 commencement address to graduates of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.