KINGS POINT, N.Y., June 7, 2016- Today, the United States Merchant Marine Academy's (USMMA) Class of 2016 is 100% complete for passing U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) license exams.  All midshipmen that needed retake part of the exams passed on their first attempt.

“These are the best results we have seen in years, with the highest first time pass rate for deck since 1981 and the highest for engine since 2010,” said Superintendent Rear Adm. James A. Helis, USMS.  “For the first time in memory, no Midshipmen were required to retake the full exam.”

“The Class of 2016 has raised the bar for all future classes,” said Helis, congratulating the midshipmen and their families. He thanked Interim Dean Capt. Dave Palmer, Marine Transportation Chair Capt. Bill Lindman, Marine Engineering Chair Capt. Joe Poliseno, and all the faculty who supported the licensing preparations and enabled the Class of 2016 to reach this milestone.

By Cmdr. Benjamin Benson