KINGS POINT, N.Y., Sep. 2, 2023 – Today, during a formal ceremony at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, 270 members of the Class of 2027 were sworn in as midshipmen in the U.S. Navy Reserve (USNR). The Navy oath was administered by Rear Admiral Jeffrey S. Spivey, Deputy Commander, Military Sealift Command.

As graduates, most of the class will serve as Strategic Sealift Officers (SSOs). The SSO Program provides the capability for emergency crewing and shore-side support of Military Sealift Command’s Surge Sealift Fleet and the Ready Reserve Force in times of national defense or emergency.

Before administering the oath, Spivey congratulated the future officers on their progress and highlighted their important role in keeping our Nation safe and secure.

After the official ceremony, Rear Adm. Spivey, alongside Vice Admiral Joanna M. Nunan, Superintendent and Commander Drew McCarthy, Commandant of Midshipmen (Acting), served as Reviewing Officer for the formal parade. Spivey said, “Today was a historic day for their plebes and their families. Their parents got to witness their swearing-in to the United States Navy Reserve, service to the Navy, service to the Nation, and our great maritime history. The US Merchant Marine Academy plays a vital role in that journey.”

USMMA is the only federal service academy where graduates earn three graduation credentials – a Bachelor of Science Degree, a commission as an officer in the uniformed services of the United States, and a U.S. Coast Guard License as a Third Mate or Third Assistant Engineer.

As part of their service obligation, graduates of USMMA serve five years on active duty in the military or sail five years as officers in the U.S. Merchant Marine and eight years in the reserves. USMMA is the single largest commissioning source for USNR Strategic Sealift Officers; ensuring a steady stream of leaders and merchant marine officers to support the Nation’s economic and security interests.

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The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, located in Kings Point, N.Y, educates and graduates leaders of exemplary character who are inspired to serve the national security, marine transportation, and economic needs of the United States as licensed Merchant Marine Officers and commissioned officers in the Armed Forces. President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the Academy, which was established under the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1943. It is administered by the Maritime Administration under the auspices of the Department of Transportation.

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