KINGS POINT, N.Y., May, 28, 2019 – Yesterday, the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) completed a week-long trifecta of events that honor maritime history and the sacrifices of veterans. National Maritime Day, Fleet Week, and Memorial Day which occur within days of each other always make the final days of May very busy at Kings Point.

On Wednesday, May 22^nd, the Academy observed National Maritime Day, marking the occasion with a midday ceremony to honor deceased merchant mariners. At the ceremony, the Regiment of Midshipmen, along with staff and faculty, paid special tribute to Kings Pointers who made the ultimate sacrifice, by placing a wreath at the USMMA War Memorial.

Professor Raymond Mathewson, USMMA's Senior Mariner, read President Trump's National Maritime Day Proclamation. "During times of war, merchant mariners courageously sail into combat zones to provide sealift for the Department of Defense, carrying weapons and supplies to America’s fighting forces. In every conflict, United States citizen mariners have answered the call to duty and risked their lives. Some have sadly made the ultimate sacrifice for their country."

Later that day, all-hands gathered at the waterfront for a welcome ceremony to celebrate the arrival of USS Tornado – PC 14, a Cyclone-class patrol coastal ship from Mayport, Florida, which was tied-up at Kings Point for the duration of Fleet Week NYC 2019. 

During the ceremony that also honored USMMA’s licensed mariners, guest speaker Michael Morris, Director of Total Force Management at Military Sealift Command, spoke of the importance not only of the day, but of the Academy - especially in the rapidly changing maritime industry.

Thursday through Sunday the Academy hosted visits of the campus, the American Merchant Marine Museum, the Mariners’ Memorial Chapel and the USS Tornado – PC 14. Groups included; the US Naval Sea Cadets, Girl Scouts of Nassau County, Boys Scouts of Queens, NYPD Explorers, Great Neck Vigilant Fire Department, The Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade Committee, and Great Neck Synagogue, among others. In all, close to1,500 guests visited the vessel while she was at Kings Point.

The week wrapped up on Monday, Memorial Day, when the USMMA Regimental Band, Regiment of Midshipmen and Regimental Color Guard, accompanied by officers and crew of the USS Tornado – PC 14, marched in the Great Neck Memorial Day parade. After the parade they assembled at the Village Green to participate in a ceremony that honored those who gave their lives protecting our freedom.

Following the Great Neck observances, the color guard, band, regiment and crew of the USS Tornado – PC 14 joined Rear Admiral Jack Buono, Superintendent, who served as the Grand Marshal of The Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade, which is billed as “the largest Memorial Day parade in the country.” The contingent was cheered as they marched along the 1.5-mile route by thousands of well-wishers who thanked them for their service.

Click here for photos: USMMA Wraps Up a Busy Week