Massachusetts Maritime Academy - Muster Yearbook (Buzzards Bay, MA)

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— HISTORY OF THE ACADEMY- Almost a century has passed since our country began to look to the sea for her liveli- hood. In the year of 1891, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts became one of the first states in the nation to provide the Merchant Marine with able officers. In this year the Mass. Nautical School, fore-runner of the present day Mass. Maritime Academy, was established. Her first training ship was the bark Enterprise which for 16 years served as the instrument which helped to train young men in their future profession. Thoroughly familiar with the ways of the sea, these men went on to serve their country well in peace and in war. In 1909 a new ship, the barkentine Ranger later renamed the Nantucket, suc- ceeded in the tradition which by now was somewhat world renown. The Nancy made many world cruises planting the seeds of friendship in the many ports she touched.. Then the modern age was upon us. It was an age of industrialization hastened to a climax by the first World War. When it was over there followed an interim of desolation and depression. Despite attempts to abolish the school the proud canvas of the old Nan- tucket for two more decades continued to cross the oceans of the world. Then there was Pearl Harbor. A black cloud encircled the world and — war again. To keep pace with the increasing demand for Merchant Officers our school established a shore base at Hyan- nis and shortened the course. After the war the authorities lengthened the courses to three years and a college de- gree was awarded to graduates. The Massachusetts Maritime Academy, as it was now called, in 1948 acquired the gunboat Charleston. In an effort to bring ship and school together the Academy was moved to Buzzards Bay where the ship was berthed. Plans are now being drawn up for the enlargement of facilities at the State Pier. It is our sincere belief that so long as America maintains its Merchant Marine the Academy will produce the finest of officers to uphold the traditions of Massachusetts as a state of seafarers.

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SUPERINTENDENT REAR ADMIRAL JULIAN D. WILSON USN (RETIRED) After a long and distinguished service in the navy, Admiral Wilson was appointed Superintendent in 1949. Since his arrival he has earned the respect and admiration of all connected with the Academy. His interest in our social and athletic endeavors as well as our academic activities has shown itself in the position the Academy now holds in the maritime and educational fields.