KINGS POINT, N.Y., July 20, 2015 – In their last week of Indoctrination, the Class of 2019 was introduced to The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Honor System.  Managed by the Regimental Honor Board and enforced by the Regiment of Midshipmen, it is one of the most significant traditions of USMMA.  Superintendent, Rear Admiral James A. Helis, Ph.D., said, “Leadership and service both have honor as a core component.  These fundamental principles are central to the Academy experience, and the formal introduction to the Honor System is a culminating element of our Plebe Candidates’ indoctrination.”

The Academy’s Plebe Candidates attended classes that introduced the concept of honor and explained how the Honor System is relevant in their lives as future midshipmen.  They became familiar with the rules and procedures of the Honor System including participation in a mock trial that allowed plebe candidates to envision a process in which an individual accused of an honor violation is judged by nine-person jury comprised of five classmates and four midshipmen officers. 

Captain Reed Bonadonna, Ph.D., Director of Ethics, explained, “Honor is a matter of shared values among peers.  The Academy Honor System reflects this by giving the midshipmen considerable responsibility and authority in the honor process, probably more than they exercise in any other aspect of Academy life.  The injunction of the Honor Code is meant to be an introduction to the larger ethical and professional obligations that they will assume as graduates.”

Regimental Honor Board Vice Chairman Midshipman Woodrow Buck, First Class, administered the Honor Oath to each plebe candidate, who avowed, “I, do solemnly swear or affirm to live by the honor code of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, which states that, ‘A midshipman will not lie, cheat, or steal.’ I understand that the Honor Code must be upheld by each member of the Regiment at all times. I vow to live by and uphold the code in all my actions, whether on Academy grounds or away. Honor is at the foundation of this Academy, deeply imbedded into its history. I faithfully pledge from this point forward, to define my life’s course by honor.  So help me God.”

As a reminder of their commitment, Midshipman Buck gave each plebe candidate a USMMA Honor Coin. “These honor coins were handed out to the candidates of the Class of 2019, not as a reward for completing the honor education of their indoctrination, but as a challenge to live up to the standards of the midshipmen who have come before them- many of whom have given their lives for our nation” said Midshipman Buck. “These honor coins are a reminder to live with integrity from within, to show courage in their actions, respect for others, and maintain service above self.”

The Academy Honor Coin was designed by Aaron N. Seesan, `03 during his term as Regimental Honor Board Chairman.  On one side of the coin are the words “A Midshipman Will Not Lie, Cheat, or Steal.”  On the other side are the original Academy Core Values of Integrity, Courage, Respect, and Service, and the words, “May Your Life Course be Defined by Honor.” This coin is now distributed in his honor, 1LT Aaron Seesan, USA, who was mortally wounded in action on 22 May 2005 near Mosul, Iraq.