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

Page 11 text:

Shipyards in the past have produced thousands of U.S. flag vessels, ranging from Liberty and Victory ships to stately passenger liners. The decline of the American merchant marine has reduced the number and output of the shipyards. Federal aid to the American merchant marine helps bolster U.S. flag shipping and the shipbuilding industry. These two industries, in turn, help bolster the U.S. economy. seven

Page 10 text:

In order to have an effective U.S. flag merchant fleet, we must possess the abil- ity to build and maintain the finest ves- sels afloat. Essential to this is a strong network of shipyards located in major U.S. ports. Thomas Jefferson recognized the importance to a maritime nation of building its own ships: “ . . . Placing as a reserve with a foreign nation, or in a foreign shipyard, the carpenters, blacksmiths, caulkers, sailmakers, and the vessels of a nation, would be a singu- lar commerical combination. We must, therefore, build them for our- selves . . . .” American shipyards are important to the economy and well being of the United States for many reasons. Ship- yards employ thousands of workers in many different capacities. Their liveli- hood is dependent upon U.S. shipping companies placing orders for new ships. Manufacturers of marine machinery and fittings are able to produce the finest machinery available, but without the shipyards producing vessels for potential buyers, this industry might collapse. Shipyards produce the naval vessels that are vital to the defense of our nation. Our navy is second to none and possesses the finest warships afloat. Shipyards also maintain both merchant and naval ves- sels in top shape, enabling them to oper- ate safely and efficiently. SIX

Page 12 text:

In order to safely and skillfully navi- gate our ships, competent crews must be trained. Federal support for the training of American merchant marine officers dates back to an Act of Congress signed by President Grant in 1874. Shipping companies and the maritime unions also provide training for merchant seamen. The United States Merchant Marine Academy is the most important source for future merchant marine officers, as well as for leaders in the maritime indus- try. Kings Point graduates serve as mas- ters and chief engineers on many U.S. flag ships. Many shipping companies, shipyards, and other maritime-related industries have Kings Pointers in top level management positions. The United States Merchant Marine Academy was authorized by the Mer- chant Marine Act of 1936. Its mission is to impart to outstanding young men and women the academic background, train- ing, motivation, and ambition to serve as officers in the American merchant marine and as leaders in our nation’s maritime industry. The record of Kings Point graduates proves that the academy is achieving its mission, and must con- tinue to operate in order to have an effec- tive U.S. flag merchant marine, which is so vital to our livelihood and well being. eight