KINGS POINT, N.Y.,  November 20, 2015 – Midshipmen from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) had the opportunity to attend the 6th Annual Maritime Risk Symposium at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey earlier this week.

The symposium entitled “Risk in the Western Hemisphere and Southern Border Approaches” included speakers who discussed, “transnational threats and maritime challenges to the Marine Transportation System (MTS) and U.S. national security over the next ten years, specifically focusing on: (1) Combating Networks; (2) Securing Borders; and (3) Safeguarding Commerce.”

The midshipmen were privileged to hear first-hand from experts including, U.S. Coast Guard Commandant, Adm. Paul F. Zukunft, U.S. Maritime Adminitration, Deputy Maritime Administrator, Michael J. Rodriguez, and Royal Navy Rear Adm. (ret.) Christopher J. Parry, CBE, Author of “Super Highway: Sea Power in the 21st Century,” among others.

The trip was organized by Midshipman 2nd Class, Sara Pisarski who said, “I would like to thank Capt. Moskoff for offering us the opportunity to attend the Symposium. It was extremely informational, we learned more about maritime security and the new risks that are being caused by some nations.”   She added, “Many people think celestial navigation is outdated. However it isn’t, because if someone were to knock out our satellites we would have to rely strictly on celestial navigation.”

Other participants included Midshipmen 1st Class Pamlanye, Pappas, Downs, Meyer, and Keyes, and Midshipmen 3rd Class Moore, Perri, Stromback, and Marino.