KINGS POINT, N.Y., April 3, 2024 -Today, maritime professionals and hiring managers from close to 40 companies, federal agencies, and maritime-related organizations participated in the United States Merchant Marine Academy’s (USMMA) annual spring career fair, known as the Shipping-Out Fair, held in O’Hara Hall.

Company representatives expressed a strong desire to hire USMMA graduates. Captain Rob Hughes, ’97, Chief Commercial Officer of McAllister Towing and Transportation said, “the industry's future is brighter today than it was when I graduated from school; there is no shortage of opportunities right at this moment.” He added, “When we look at the talented and diverse merchant marine officers from Kings Point, we are confident that these graduates will serve with honor and distinction. Our nation desperately needs its mariners to serve the economic and defense interests of the United States. McAllister is confident that we can find competent deck officers and engineers to answer the call and reflect the best traditions of deeds, not words, on the waterfront.”

Although the fair targets the Class of 2024, the entire Regiment of Midshipmen was welcome to participate in the event, which was coordinated by the Department of Professional Development and Career Services under the direction of Captain Ian Jones.

The Academy maintains near 100 percent job placement annually. Dr. Susan Comilang, Acting Provost, was extremely pleased by the number of participants offering obligation-fulfilling employment.