KINGS POINT, N.Y., April 8, 2013 - The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) announced that Captain George E. Edenfield, Head of the Department of Marine Transportation, has received a federal appointment from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to serve in the Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC). He will present the viewpoint of maritime educators at the federal marine academy as it relates to the training, qualification, licensing, certification and fitness of seamen in the merchant marine. The committee advises the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, through the Commandant and U.S. Coast Guard, on matters of quality, skill level and credentialing of seamen in the merchant marine.

“I am very proud that Capt. Edenfield will have a voice on such an important federal committee,” said Rear Admiral Helis, Ph.D., superintendent of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.  “By sharing his expertise, he will make a significant contribution toward the education and training of countless professional mariners, resulting in safer and more efficient navigation today and in the future.”

Edenfield is currently the head of the Department of Marine Transportation at the Academy at USMMA and has over thirty years of experience in all facets of the maritime industry, both ashore and afloat. Edenfield began his career as a deck officer after graduating from the USMMA in 1979 before assuming shore-side management positions with Prudential Lines, Inc. and Maritime Overseas Corporation. In 1990, he returned to sea and sailed with OSG Bulk Ships and Sabine Transportation Company in deck officer positions up through Master. In 2003, he joined the faculty at the Academy.

Edenfield has continued to sail actively during more than 30 sea trials for General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. In addition to holding an unlimited Masters License, Captain Edenfield holds an M.A. in Transportation and Logistics Management from American Military University.

This appointment is a significant honor for the USMMA whose mission it is to graduate and educate licensed merchant mariners and leaders of exemplarity character that will serve America’s marine transportation and defense needs in peace and war.