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

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 Harold E. Shear Maritime Administrator

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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.

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US Department of Transportation Administrator 400 Seventh Street, S W Washington. D C 20590 Maritime Administration TO THE CLASS OF 1984 In 1980, members of Congress nominated 2,892 young men and women for the entering class of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Of that group, just 347, or 12 percent, received appointments. Four years of demanding training, both at sea and ashore, followed. Not all were able to meet the challenges embodied in the Academy's strict regimen and high academic standards. But we at the Maritime Administration are extremely proud of you who succeeded, and that encompasses only 70 percent of those who started out. You have earned our admiration and respect. You deserve the opportunity to use the skills and knowledge you worked so hard to acquire. These are not the best of times for the American merchant marine or, for that matter, the maritime industry worldwide. However, we are working to change that. In the next several years, the American merchant marine will benefit from the infusion of a number of large, efficient new vessels. We need more such ships to restore America to its proper maritime posture. Another advance was made earlier this year when President Reagan signed into law the Shipping Act of 1984. The regulatory reforms it contains will help provide U.S.-flag ships with a fair chance to compete for international cargoes. Just as you in your careers will be building upon your impressive accomplishments at the Academy, so too are we at the Maritime Administration determined to work for a better future. No one can guarantee smooth sailing ahead, but we will persevere until we have reached our goals. You have successfully met the challenges which confronted you during the past four years, and I am confident you will rise to those which lie ahead. I extend to each of you in the Class of 1984 my congratulations and best wishes for the future. Sincerely H.ETT SHEAR Maritime Administrator