KINGS POINT, N.Y., May 11, 2017 – CAPT Mikel “Mike” Stroud, USMS, was installed as Commandant of Midshipmen at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) during a ceremony on Barney Square this afternoon.

In front of the Regiment of Midshipmen, faculty and staff, RADM James A. Helis, USMS, announced, “I am pleased and honored to announce that I have selected Captain Mikel Stroud to serve as the Commandant of Midshipmen at the United States Merchant Marine Academy.” Admiral Helis congratulated Stroud and thanked him for his distinguished service as Acting Commandant of Midshipmen, since October 2016.

After taking the Oath of Office for United States Maritime Service, CAPT Stroud said, “I am very honored and excited to have been selected for the position Commandant of Midshipmen.  I look forward to working with the midshipmen, staff, & faculty as we work together to create men and women of exemplary character.”

Prior to serving at Kings Point, Stroud was a member of the Commandant’s staff and assistant football coach at the State University of New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler.  Stroud served with distinction as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.  His career included challenging command and staff positions and multiple deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and other hostile areas. His full bio is available by clicking: CAPT Mikel E. Stroud, Commandant of Midshipmen.