KINGS POINT, N.Y., September 30, 2022 - Today, midshipmen, faculty, and staff of the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point took time to celebrate the Academy’s 79^th birthday by sharing a birthday cake.

Rear Admiral Susan Dunlap, Deputy Superintendent (performing the duties of the Superintendent), Rear Admiral John Ballard, Dean and Provost, Captain Mikel Stroud, Commandant of Midshipmen and Laila Linares, (Acting) Chief of Staff joined the Regiment of Midshipmen in recalling the rich history of the Academy. First Class Midshipman Dante Spina, Regimental Public Affairs Officer, brought the regiment to attention and read a statement by Rear Admiral Ann Phillips, USN (Retired), Maritime Administrator.

“On behalf of the Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration, it is with great pleasure that I extend sincerest congratulations and warmest wishes on the occasion of the 79th Anniversary of the dedication of our Academy on September 30, 1943."

You are to the U.S. Merchant Marine what West Point is to the Army and Annapolis is to the Navy. Your 'Deeds not Words' tradition was born from WWII Mariners’ courage and selfless sense of duty,” said Phillips.

Click here for entire statement: 79^th Anniversary Message from U.S. Maritime Administrator

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The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, located in Kings Point, N.Y., educates and graduates merchant mariners and leaders of exemplary character who will serve America’s maritime transportation and defense needs in peace and war. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is administered by the Maritime Administration under the auspices of the Department of Transportation.