Dear Kings Point Community:

Today we celebrate National Maritime Day, recognizing the enduring importance of America’s Merchant Mariners, the U.S. Merchant Marine, and the U.S. maritime industry—the men and women who keep our country moving, secure, and connected to the world.

At the United States Merchant Marine Academy, we take great pride in our mission to educate and graduate the next generation of maritime leaders who will serve the economic and strategic interests of the United States. Long before the founding of our Nation, American Merchant Mariners carried supplies, sustained the fight for independence, and played a vital role in laying the foundation of the United States.

For more than 80 years, Kings Pointers have followed in the footsteps of these brave patriots, serving aboard U.S.-flagged vessels around the globe and continuing this proud tradition.

On this National Maritime Day, I want to especially recognize the faculty and staff across our campus who have served our Nation as professional mariners. Your support of military operations, your experience at sea, your dedication to the maritime profession, and your continued commitment to educating and mentoring future generations are an essential part of what makes this Academy so strong.

As our Nation commits to restoring maritime dominance, the role of the U.S. Merchant Marine has never been more important. Operating in a dynamic and increasingly contested global environment, the U.S. Merchant Marine and the US maritime industry ensure our country remains resilient, economically strong, and globally connected.

At Kings Point, we are also very proud to serve as the home of the American Merchant Marine Museum, which preserves and honors the extraordinary service and sacrifice of generations of American mariners, who carried commerce across the seas, sustained the lifelines of our Nation “in Peace and War," and ensured the United States remained connected to the world.

We are proud of our legacy. We honor those who came before us especially those who gave their “last full measure of devotion” and we recognize our responsibility to prepare those who will carry that mission forward. 

We are proud of our maritime heritage and grateful to all who continue to stand the watch in service to the U.S. Merchant Marine and maritime industry. Everyone at Kings Point contributes to this mission every day, no matter your role, you support the strength, resilience, and security of our Nation.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, today is especially significant. It is an opportunity to reflect on the indispensable role of the American Merchant Marine, and to take pride in that legacy by celebrating the contributions we make every day.

Happy National Maritime Day!

Acta Non Verba,

RADM A. J. Ceraolo, USMS

Superintendent