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

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A HISTORY OF SERVICE...

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THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT STATE HOUSE. BOSTON CHRISTIAN A. HERTER GOVE RNOR I I It is a great pleasure to convey the official congratulations of the Commonwealth to the seniors of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, May I also extend my own heartfelt best wishes to all of them on the eve of their graduation. Since its inception, the Academy, a pioneer in the field of training well-qualified officers for the Merchant Marine, has sent forth many vigorous sons who have attained high places in various fields of endeavor, both in state and nation, I know that the 1955 graduates will carry the sober and heavy responsi- bilities of the present era with maturity, intelligence and courage. you! May the future be bright and happy for all of Sincerely yours. %

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Over a century has passed since our country began to look to the sea for her livelihood. In 1891, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to provide the Merchant Marine with trained officers. In this year the Massachusetts Nau- tical School, forerunner of the present day Massachusetts 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 6f the sea, these men went on to serve their country well i n peace and in war. In 1909 a new ship, the barkentine Ranger later renamed the Nantucket , succeeded in the tradition which by now was somewhat world renowned. The Nancy made many world cruises plant- ing the seeds of friendship in the many ports she touched. Then the modern age was upon us. It was the age of industrialization hasten- ed to a climax by the first World War. When it was over, there followed an interim of desolation and depression. De- spite attempts to abolish the school the proud canvas of the old Nantucket for two more decades continued to cross the oceans of the world. When there was the increasing demand for Merchant Officers, our school established a shore base at Hy- annis and shortened the course. After the war, the authorities length- ened the course to three years and a col- lege degree 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 Acade- my was moved to Buzzards Bay where the ship was berthed. Plans are now being drawn up for the enlargement of the facil- ities 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 to uphold the traditions of Massachusetts as a state of seafarers.