KINGS POINT, N.Y., October 31, 2016 — On Tuesday, the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) welcomed Lieutenant Commander Michelle M. Schopp, Chief, International Resident Training, of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Training Center Yorktown and 40 international maritime officers representing 27 countries.  LCDR Schopp, and instructors,  LT Justin Valentino and LT Jason Harris from the International Maritime Officers School in Yorktown, VA, were welcomed aboard by USMMA’s USCG Liaison, LT Joseph Castro, ’08.

Castro, who formally trained under Schopp in 2013 as a Marine Casualty Investigator, said,   “It was an honor to welcome the USCG and international maritime officers to my alma mater. These tours provide an exciting opportunity to exchange best practices and strengthen international trade partnerships. I was especially pleased to represent both the USCG and the Academy to such an impressive group of global maritime leaders.”

The group attended a presentation by Dr. David Palmer, PhD., Interim Academic Dean and CAPT Gene Albert, Head, Department of Professional Development and Career Services. They learned more about the Academy’s curriculum and the many ways Kings Pointers serve our Nation after graduation.  Later, they visited the American Merchant Marine Museum, where Dr. Josh Smith, PhD, discussed America’s unique maritime history and the rich history of USMMA.