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

Page 32 text:

Captain John G. Stein, U.S.M.S. Commandant of Cadets This year in which you are graduating is a particu- larly auspicious one, the seventy-fifth Anniversary of the establishment of this Academy. You now join a long line of men that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters, who for three-quar- ters of a century have been a part of the American heritage. We have been shipmates for a short voyage. During this period we have managed to only slightly chip away some of the scale. However, here and there some bright metal is showing through. With the help of the Midshipmen to follow we shall be able to pre- vent the bright-work from tarnishing and further the gains made. The voyage ahead will be against the tide, however as in all such situations the strength lessens and eventually we have slack water. We shall continue to strive to increase the scope of our activities. In addition to the planned physical facilities, I would expect that there will be opportuni- ties for greater participation in athletics, social affairs and other areas in which students may fulfill their interests and abilities. We should strive to be recognized in extra-curricular 28

Page 31 text:

An Inspiration A FUTURE ACADEMY At this point in time the Massachusetts Maritime Academy is on the verge of a change. The school-ship era is coming to a close and is giving way to a modern concept of scientific under- standing and scholastic excellence. Already the wheels of pro- duction are in motion and are generating an expanding learning facility. High caliber, competent, and educated seamen are re- quired to meet the demands of a modern merchant marine and this will be the goal of the new Academy. It will be equipped to train young men in the humanities, as well as producing high- ly competent seamen qualified to take our ships to sea. The modern shipping industry requires open minds and men who are qualified to accept positions of leadership in the industry. The industry must operate with a high degree of efficiency and must be ready to adapt to new concepts in future operations. The goal of the future academy will be to provide needed personnel. Adequate buildings, laboratories, dormatories, classrooms, and recreational facilities are soon to be constructed at the existing location. A more intensified and complete program of study is under development. The long popular idea of wooden ships and iron men has given way to iron ships and competent sailors; but this will soon give way to the idea of modern ships and pro- gressive leaders. All of this fresh planning and organization is aimed toward producing the best qualified nautical personnel for our future merchant marine as well as toward the develop- ment of educated and well rounded citizens. 27

Page 33 text:

activities to help us gain the prestige and status that rightfully belongs to an institution such as this. Obtaining a license as Third Mate or Engineer is not enough. Leadership must be emphasized in our pro- gram in order that our graduates may ascend to posi- tions of command and management. Competence, un- derstanding and character are most important traits. Learning, together with participation in activities of interest will help develop our students into leaders. Graduates attaining high positions will cast an aura of competency on the Academy, as will the developing of leaders reflect on our graduates. During the long night watches you may reflect upon your days at the Academy, and when you become settled you should remember that only through the efforts of the Academy have you gained so much. Therefore as Alumni you should help in whatever way possible for you. As the Academy grows in stature and prestige, so will all of those who have passed through. Admiral Mahan wrote, Historically, good men with poor ships are better than poor men with good ships. May you all make good a true course. . .