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Operational Status: Open

Our Fleet

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) maintains a versatile and expansive waterfront fleet that serves as a fundamental training platform for its Midshipmen. Overseen by the Department of Waterfront Operations and Training, these vessels ensure Midshipmen gain invaluable hands-on experience in ship handling, engineering, navigation, and towing operations. The primary training vessels are moored in Hague Basin alongside Mallory Pier.

Primary Training Vessels

Kings Pointer

T/V Kings Pointer: Serving as the Academy's 176-foot flagship vessel, "The Pointer" arrived at USMMA in 2013 after being acquired by the Maritime Administration in 2012. Originally named the Liberty Star, the ship was built in 1980 for NASA and was used to recover Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters from the Atlantic Ocean. It displaces 1,052 tons and is powered by two 12-cylinder EMD engines that deliver a combined 2,900 horsepower, allowing for a service speed of 12 knots. The flagship is highly maneuverable, featuring two 7-foot controllable pitch propellers, a stern water jet thruster, and a bow tunnel thruster powered by Detroit Diesels. 

Elizabeth Anne

T/V Elizabeth Anne: Donated by the Vane Brothers Co. in 2014, this 60-foot, 200-gross-ton tugboat was originally built in 1980 and formally known as the Mr. Wade. It is powered by twin Detroit Diesel Engines rebuilt in 2023, delivering a combined 800 horsepower. Recent maintenance upgrades include new radars, a chart plotter, AIS, an auto pilot system, and rudder angle indicators. The tugboat is heavily utilized by the USMMA Tug Club to introduce Midshipmen to the towing industry and help them fulfill the requirements for their USCG Towing Officer Assessment Record (TOAR).

Students riding the T/V 142.

T/V 142: A former USCG 41' Utility Boat, is named in memory of the 142 Midshipmen that gave their lives in service to our Country during the Second World War.  She can often be seen with midshipmen at the helm maneuvering  in Hague Basin while learning the finer points of twin screw vessel operations.

The Power Squadron Fleet

The Power Squadron is a waterfront club that operates a large fleet of motorized vessels manned, maintained, and commanded by Midshipmen crews. These vessels are used throughout the week and on weekends for training, fishing competitions, cruises, and the transport of athletic teams. The current Power Squadron fleet includes:

Power Squadron

  • Elizabeth Anne (60' Tugboat) 
  • Gryphon (42' Magnacraft) 
  • Afishionado (31' Tiara) 
  • T/V 142 (41' Utility Boat)
  • Charlie Lima (30' Grady White) 
  • Water Hazard (25' Pursuit)
  • Gemini (36' Intrepid)
  • Blue Marble (42' Custom Catamaran)

Learn more about the Power Squadron 

Varsity Sailing Fleet

The USMMA Varsity Offshore Sailing Team boasts one of the largest and newest collegiate offshore fleets in the nation. This is largely facilitated by the United States Merchant Marine Sailing Foundation, which supports the donation of large offshore sailboats to the team. The current offshore fleet includes a Mills 41, a J44, a IC37, and a fleet of J70s.

Learn more about the Varsity Sailing Fleet

Sail boats with yellow and blue striped sails.

Last updated: Thursday, April 16, 2026

Applications for the Class of 2031 open on 1 May 2026

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