KINGS POINT, N.Y., July 9, 2018 – Plebe candidates at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point achieved an important milestone over the weekend, finishing the first half of their summer training. The Class of 2022 began the 17-day orientation period known as Indoctrination, or Indoc, on June 29, and were allowed to celebrate the occasion with their first phone call home yesterday.

The candidates have been busy learning the basics of maritime and regimental life at USMMA since their arrival. The training so far has emphasized military discipline, teamwork, physical fitness, basic seamanship, and an introduction to college-level academics. They have experienced weapons familiarization firing, Waterfront safety, Sexual Assault Response and Prevention training, Honor training and an introduction to U.S. Coast Guard Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), just to name a few.

“The plebe candidates have distinguished themselves as highly motivated and determined in the first half of Indoctrination,” said Captain Mike Stroud, Merchant Marine Academy Commandant. While they may have had a brief respite yesterday, the second half of Indoc will hold many more challenges as the Class of 2022 prepares to enter the Regiment of Midshipmen later in the summer.

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