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

Page 13 text:

 I Kings Pointers graduate as well-rounded mer- chant marine officers, capable of assuming the responsibilities of operating U.S. flag merchant ships, supervising work in shipyards, or helping to run a shipping company. Midshipman at Kings Point are trained in all aspects of the maritime industry. Engineers re- ceive licenses as third assistant engineers, steam and motor vessels, of any horsepower. They are also trained in other aspects of engineering, such as welding and machine shop operation. Elec- tives include such topics as marine gas turbines, electronics, and machine design. Deck midship- men receive a license as a third mate, any ton- nage, on any ocean. They receive additional training in maritime law and marine transporta- tion. Electives include such topics as tanker op- erations, oil pollution control, and small vessel operations. nine

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

Page 14 text:

“Because the Navy shares life and death, attack and victory, with the men of the United States Merchant Marine, we are fully aware of their contribution to the victory which must come.” Admiral Ernest J. King “Every man in this Allied command is quick to express his admiration for the loyalty, courage, and fortitude of the of- ficers and men of the Merchant Marine. We count upon their efficiency and their utter devotion to duty as we do our own; they have never failed us yet and in all the struggles yet to come we know that they will never be deterred by any danger, hardship, or privation. When final victory is ours there is no organiza- tion that will share its credit more deser- vedly than the Merchant Marine.” General Dwight D. Eisenhower “The men and women who build our ships, the men who sail them, are making it possible to transport fighting men and supplies to wherever they are needed to face the enemy. The Army is deeply in- debted to these men and women for their uncreasing effort to do everything in their power to hasten the day of victo- ry.” General George C. Marshall “They have brought us our life-blood and they have paid for it with some of their own . . . When their ships were not blown out from under them by bombs and torpedoes, they have delivered their cargoes to us who needed them so badly.” General Douglass MacArthur Just as this was true in World War II, so it is also true today. A strong Mer- chant Marine is essential to the defense of our country. Merchant ships owned by private individuals or corporations as well as ships of the Military Sealift Command carry the troops and supplies that are needed to maintain the alert de- fense of our nation. ten