WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) New York District and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) have entered into a long-term agreement for the revitalization and modernization of USMMA’s campus located in Kings Point, New York. The initial 10-year agreement was signed on April 11th during a ceremony at USMMA by Brig. Gen. John Lloyd for USACE and VADM Joanna Nunan for USMMA. 

The announcement follows President Trump’s executive order to restore America’s maritime dominance. Secretary Duffy visited the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy earlier this month to tour the campus and deliver a keynote address to the midshipmen.  

“Merchant marine cadets have answered the call to serve our country, and it’s our duty to deliver an institution worthy of their sacrifice,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “Our mariners are critical to President Trump’s agenda to make American shipbuilding great again, and more importantly protecting our national security.”

“The health of the maritime industry is of vital national security and economic interest, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is proud to lend our team’s expertise to these revitalization efforts at USMMA,” said Brig. Gen. John Lloyd, USACE North Atlantic Division commander and division engineer. “The future mariner leaders who come through this campus will be charged with protecting our nation’s critical interests, and it is imperative their education is supported by world-class facilities and infrastructure equipped for the modern learning environment.” 

“We are looking forward to rehabilitating and modernizing the campus infrastructure at the USMMA,” said Col. Alexander Young, Commander USACE New York District. “It is necessary to ensure current and future generations of Midshipman receive a first-class education. We hope this partnership will serve as a building block for additional collaboration both short and long-term. I’d like to thank all of our partners at every level for their tremendous support.”   

“With fire, steel, and stone, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will bring to life the determination and spirit the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy has shown for more than 80 years,” said VADM Joanna Nunan, Superintendent USMMA. “We are excited for the future, yet we will always see in it a reflection of our glorious past.” 

Additional Background: 

USMMA: One of the Nation’s five Federal service Academies. Located along the scenic north shore of Long Island, the Academy educates and graduates leaders of exemplary character who serve the economic and national security interests of the United States as merchant marine officers and commissioned officers in the U.S. armed forces. Most of the facilities at USMMA date back to the Academy’s founding in the early 1940s, have not been modernized since, and are not conducive to the immersive training and demanding coursework today’s Midshipmen are required to complete.  

About the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District: 

 
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District is responsible for a diverse range of engineering projects and services in the New York and New Jersey region. This includes managing water resources, improving public spaces, conducting environmental restoration, and providing critical infrastructure development. Through these initiatives, the New York District plays a vital role in enhancing community resilience, supporting economic growth, and preserving cultural and historical landmarks in the region.