KINGS POINT, NEW YORK, June 18, 2012 - The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) graduated 219 new American leaders of honor, excellence and service today as part of its Class of 2012 commencement ceremony. Captain Mark Kelly, Class of ’86 and a former NASA astronaut, gave the commencement address before a crowd of more than 2,000 graduates, family members and representatives from the federal government, Armed Forces and maritime industry.
“However today’s graduates choose to continue serving their country, I’m certain that Captain Kelly’s remarkable life story will be an inspiration to them all,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “I am extremely proud of these new leaders who will serve our nation with honor and a commitment to excellence.”

The congressionally-nominated graduates received a Bachelor of Science Degree and government-issued merchant marine officer license that will help ensure a steady stream of merchant marine officers to support the nation’s economic and security interests.

This year’s graduates represent 37 states and the four foreign countries of South Korea, Malaysia, Panama and Singapore. Unlike students at other federal academies, the USMMA graduates have the option of joining the Naval Reserves and working in the seagoing merchant marine and transportation industry, or applying for active duty in any of the Armed Forces. Based on Academy estimates, 21 percent of the 2012 graduates will serve in active military duty and more than 67 percent will be employed on board commercial and navy ships.

“There is currently a significant shortage of marine engineers in this country and also around the world,” said Dr. Kumar, acting superintendent and academic dean at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. “With this graduating class, more than half are graduating as marine engineers. As a federal academy, we are constantly adjusting our curriculum to meet the changing needs of the maritime industry and provide the most qualified merchant marine officers to meet our country’s needs in both war and peace.”