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

Page 17 text:

Vice President J. Danforth Quayle Washington, DC Vice President ★ ★ % ★ ★ Members of the United States Merchant Marine Class of 1991: For the past four years, the Merchant Marine Academy has taught you your stuff, sharpened your leadership skills, and helped shape your character. These are skills and values important in fulfilling your responsibility as future leaders protecting this nation's economic and security needs. You are now part of the Merchant Marine Academy's rich heritage, and you have every right to be proud of your accomplishment and confident in your future. The education you have received and the friendships you have formed will last a lifetime. Now the long years of preparation are over; your career is just beginning. Yours will be a career with many challenges requiring sacrifice and a high standard of dedication few are willing to give. On behalf of a grateful nation, let me be the first to extend America's appreciation for choosing a career which will contribute to our standard of living and protect our most cherished values: freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. During world conflict, the Merchant Marine Academy has met our country's needs by providing leaders at sea. Today, its graduates contribute significantly to the world's efforts in the Middle East to secure peace and stability. The post-cold war world is uncertain, and we will continue to need your contributions to make it a fitting place for all free people to live in peace. Good luck, and God bless you.

Page 16 text:

President Washington, DC George H. Bush President Congratulations to the members of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy's Class of 1991 on successfully completing four years of arduous study and training at sea. Kings Point has a well-deserved reputation for the scope and depth of its curricula and the high calibre of its graduates, and I salute you for your part in upholding that legacy. America's civilian seafarers have played an important part in promoting our Nation's economic growth, and history shows clearly how important their work has been to the preservation of freedom worldwide. The American Merchant Marine was a lifeline to our military forces in World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Today, its support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm again underscores the importance of sealift capability to a credible and effective military. As you leave Kings Point, you join the ranks of America's seafaring professionals. The disci- pline, leadership skills, and dedication you have developed during the past four years will serve as a strong foundation for your continued success. I commend each one of you on this outstanding achievement and send best wishes for the future. 4

Page 18 text:

Transportation Secretary It is a pleasure to congratulate the Class of 1991 of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. You join a distinguished group of Kings Point alumni, superbly qualified to serve as officers in our merchant marine and armed services, or pursue managerial careers in the American maritime community. During your tenure at Kings Point, you were provided with a carefully balanced program of academic instruction, military training and sea experience which honed your individual talents and capabilities. The contributions of the American merchant marine, including Kings Point undergraduates and alumni, to the victory of the coalition forces in the Persian Gulf deserve our nation's gratitude. You already are a part of America's proud maritime heritage, and I know that you will continue the spirit of comradeship, loyalty and dedication as you work toward fulfilling your goals and aspirations. Samuel Skinner 6