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

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“Surface Effect Ship.” This ship rides on downward thrusting jets of air causing the ship to rise above the surface of the water or land on a cushion of air, enabling it to travel at high speeds. “Barge Carrier.” Designed to shorten the turnaround time, this vessel would moor at a specially designed terminal where it would submerge so that barges could be floated off and others on. And now, all eyes must look to the future. For therein lies the key to man’s greatness. With ever expanding tech- nological achievements showing the way, mankind has been brought to the threshold of the second great age of discov- ery and exploration. Already giant rockets have blazed trails through the fantasyland of outer space in a determined effort to learn more of the universe about us. Here on earth, where the great continents lie conquered and exploited, this thirst for knowledge has turned man’s thoughts to the sea. Here is the frontier, the last great uncharted and unexplored region known to man. And great it is. Covering more than three-quarters of the earth s sur- face, the oceans contain an abundance of food and minerals so vast they are beyond comprehension. And what is this challenge for the. future of the seas? Soon great civilizations will turn to the sea, to live in underwater cities free from the wrath of the elements. Here new avenues of farming, industry and trade will develop. Huge atomic submarines will take the place of our liners and bulk carriers and curious looking sea trains will replace railroads as main arteries of commerce. Yes, this is the challenge ahead. Already it is being met. Deep diving bathyscaphes are currently engaged in under- water exploration and the mapping of the unknown areas of ocean bottoms. Atomic submarines are here now and are constantly being improved upon. Ahead lies adventure and discovery.

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AD MINI FACULTY