KINGS POINT, N.Y., April 14, 2025 — April 4th was an historic day for the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), as U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy made his inaugural visit to the Kings Point campus.

Following a formal welcome by Superintendent Vice Admiral Joanna Nunan and Deputy Superintendent Rear Admiral David Wulf at Wiley Hall, Secretary Duffy began the afternoon with a private meeting in the Astronaut Elliot M. See, Jr. Room. Discussions focused on the Academy’s strategic initiatives, infrastructure, and the continued development of the Nation’s maritime leaders.

The tour began at Samuels Hall, where Secretary Duffy received a briefing on the building’s renovation progress from Interim Director of Facilities and Infrastructure Dave Hance, followed by a hands-on demonstration of the Full Mission Bridge Simulator by Captain Sean Tortora.

Next, Secretary Duffy visited the Mariners’ Memorial Chapel. Secretary Duffy also toured the Academy’s smaller chapels and met with midshipmen who represent the Academy’s active chapel community.

A brief stop at Cleveland Hall offered a glimpse into barracks life, before returning to Wiley Hall for a roundtable discussion with the Student Advisory Board. There, Secretary Duffy engaged directly with midshipmen, discussing campus infrastructure, curriculum, careers and commissioning.

The visit continued with tours of the Schuyler Otis Bland Library and the Steam, Diesel, and Welding Labs located in Fulton and Gibbs Halls. Acting Provost Captain James Zatwarnicki, Professor Paul Santamauro, and Captain Anthony Nigro provided an overview of the Academy’s academic and technical training resources.

Later in the day, Secretary Duffy joined by Congressman Tom Suozzi, spoke with members of the press at the War Memorial, where they discussed the state of the facilities on campus and the importance of investing in the Academy to better train the next generation of merchant mariners.

Afterward, he met with General Randall Reed, Commander of U.S. Transportation Command, before attending the evening’s main event–the Class of 2025 Battle Standard Dinner, an annual event that honors the 142 USMMA Cadet-Midshipmen who gave their lives during World War II, as well as graduates who died in service during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

In his remarks, Secretary Duffy received enthusiastic applause after pledging his full support for the Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine, and efforts to strengthen American shipbuilding in the face of global competition and growing threats. He said, “I know that all of you, maybe before this night didn’t know me or probably didn’t think about me, but I promise you that have been thinking about all of you—because this Academy has been neglected for far too long. He stressed, “We’re going to turn this around; we’re going to invest the money that you all deserve.” He added, “stay tuned,” because “the President cares about shipbuilding and he cares about mariners.”

Reflecting on the day’s events, Vice Admiral Nunan said, “We were deeply honored to welcome Secretary Duffy to Kings Point. His commitment to our mission and his time with our midshipmen underscore the Department’s dedication to the future of the Academy and our value to the American people.”