United States Merchant Marine Academy - Midships Yearbook (Kings Point, NY)

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Elizabeth H. Dole Secretary Of Transportation

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THE VICE PRESIDENT WAS HIN GTON June 18, 1984 To the Class of 1984 U. S. Merchant Marine Academy King's Point, New York I am delighted to be able to wish you Godspeed as you achieve a passage in life so significant that the entire nation joins your family and friends in admiration. You will find a whole new reason for mature humility in the Merchant Marine. As when you entered the Academy, you'll be starting over. You'll be earning your way every day, building a career in service to a country that is not only very proud of you but also very demanding of you. This is a healthy process which you should anticipate with confidence. The nation's highest trust is being put into your hands. You may be surprised by the substantial weight of your trusteeship. But you will see yourself step up and carry responsibility with honor and competence. Honor and duty are in the core of your daily life----- you know it, and your country knows it. You will find no loss of individuality in upholding the great and proven tradition of the American Merchant Marine----indeed you will find tremendous opportunity in being one of those talented few whose grasp of fact and principle will cause others to invite you to help shape the future of our nation. Leadership is not just something you feel; it is something you are. You stand on the threshold of our nation's destiny with the tools to help build a stronger country. Give your best to your country, and the country will reward you with years rich in achievement and satisfaction. You are each the standard by which the world will measure what the words Merchant Marine really mean. I know you'll like the standard you set. We are very, very proud of you. With hearty best wishes,

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THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590 Among the most rewarding facets of my role as Secretary of Transportation are my relationships with young people, especially those in our service academies. A year ago, for the first time, I had the privilege of speaking at the Commencement and saying bon voyage to the June 1983 graduates of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. I am equally honored and especially pleased to extend best wishes and heartiest congratulations to the Kings Point Class of 1984. This Yearbook records many memorable events and the happiest of occasions for you and the Academy—a major milestone long to be cherished and mutually shared. You have met Kings Point's demanding academic, technological and military standards. By instilling in each of you a desire for learning and the need for dedication, excellence, and devotion to duty, this outstanding educational institution has prepared you well. You launch your careers as a new generation of licensed and commissioned officers well equipped to advance maritime technology and management techniques well beyond those of the computer and container revoloutions. This Administration is committed to the promotion and improvement of the U.S. merchant marine. We hope that you, now as'Kings Point Alumni, will share in and support our endeavors, which are of such paramount importance to America. Good luck and Godspeed.