Academy Observes National Maritime Day, Memorial Day and Hosts 2023 College Sailing National Championship

KINGS POINT, N.Y., June 6, 2023 – The month of May ended on a high note, as the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point hosted its annual Maritime Day Observance, Midshipman Appreciation Day, marched in two Memorial Day Parades and hosted the 2023 College Sailing National Championship.

On Monday, May 22nd, the Academy observed National Maritime Day, marking the occasion by honoring USMMA’s Merchant Mariners and by laying a wreath at the War Memorial for those who died serving our country. As an FDNY Fireboat saluted from Long Island, Sound Second Class Midshipman Brendon Welch, read President Biden’s National Maritime Day Proclamation, which specifically mentions USMMA," My Administration remains steadfast in its support of the Merchant Marine as well as the Jones Act, which ensures American workers see the benefits of our domestic maritime industry. We are also making historic investments to improve our maritime supply chains by making it easier, faster, cheaper, cleaner, and safer for ships to get in and out of our ports.  We are strengthening our support for licensed Merchant Marine Officers, including requesting $196 million in my 2024 Budget to upgrade the United States Merchant Marine Academy’s campus, expand training, and help prevent sexual assault and support survivors — because every person at the Academy deserves to feel safe and have their contributions fully valued.”

After the formal ceremony, the Academy community turned its attention to its future mariners, the Regiment of Midshipmen, by hosting Midshipman Appreciation Day. The event which provided a short break from studying for exams, included a barbeque, music and activities on Barney Square. 

On Tuesday, May 23rd, USMMA’s Department of Waterfront Operations and Training, led by Mr. Rich Cain, kicked off the 11-day 2023 College Sailing National Championship. The Academy welcomed 89 of America’s best college sailing teams to Kings Point. Despite a few delays waiting for optimal wind conditions, the weather could not have been better. Competitors and spectators were overwhelmingly complimentary of the facilities, attention to detail and welcoming atmosphere. During live coverage of the event, announcers Gloria Kevlicute and Spencer Kriegstein, echoed their sentiments. Kevlicute said, “We have a stunning view of the city, of the water. From our booth it feels like the boats are just feet away from us.”  Kriegstein added, “Kings Point is one of the really premier venues, in our sport, and that is why we are so lucky to be here.”

To top things off, on Monday, May 29th, the USMMA Regimental Band. “George M. Cohan’s Own,” and Regiment of Midshipmen honored those who paid the ultimate sacrifice by marching in two parades. After the Great Neck Memorial Day parade and wreath-laying ceremony, they traveled a little further east to join Vice Admiral Joanna M. Nunan, Superintendent, who was honored as the Grand Marshal of the Little-Neck Douglaston Memorial Day Parade. Admiral Nunan said, “it was such an honor to be chosen as Grand Marshal of one of the oldest and largest Memorial Day Parades in the United States. To be part of an event that honors those who gave the last full measure of devotion while serving in our military and merchant marine, and to have the regiment participate, is something I will never forget.”

Click for related photos: What a Week at USMMA! | U.S. Merchant Marine Academy