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

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He hired a rowboat and, while I sat in the stern eating bananas, rowed all up and down the docks. And to me there came a feeling of release, of great freedom. Under the figure- heads of ships we passed -figureheads repre- senting women, and warriors, and goddesses. One ship had a red and yellow dragon for a figurehead, I mind. There was scrollwork about the ships' bows, in gold and bright colors. And some of the ships' names were in gold lettering. There was a scent of tar, of cordage, of brine. Sails hung to dry flapped gently in a little breeze. Men high on masts called to one another, in words unintelligible to me. And as we passed under the bow of one great ship a sailor seated beneath her boom called down to me, Hey, shipmate! How about one of them bananas? I tossed him one. He caught it, peeled it with a quick jerk, and crammed it whole into his mouth. Ship- mate! A sailor had called me Shipmate ! Ah, I cannot tell you how it was that I felt then! -Bill Adams 87

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 A sure sign o a good seaman is the roving eye. The man whose eyes rove is always a good observer. Ttye first thing to look for in a seaman or navigator is the eye, then the hand. » 86

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PRESIDENT Bill Clinton THE WHITE HOUSE Washington March 28, 1995 Congratulations to the Class of 1995, United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point. We pay special tribute in 1995 to those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation some fifty years ago. And as we remember our military forces, the contributions of the U.S. merchant marine must not be forgotten. Our nation is reminded of the heroism and dangers those mariners suffered to preserve the freedom of this nation and of the world. The U.S. merchant marine lost more men proportionately than the Army, Navy, and Air Force -- their losses were second only to the U.S. Marines. America's merchant marine and civilian seafarers have put themselves at risk to support our armed forces throughout our history. Among them have been many fine Kings Point graduates, as well as cadets sailing in harm's way during shipboard training. As Kings Point alumni, you join a proud tradition of leadership in the American merchant marine. Just this past fall, the U.S. merchant marine played a pivotal role in pro- viding outstanding support for the preparation and execution of the beginning phase of Operation Support Democracy in Haiti. As your President, I continue to support a strong American presence -- for our nation's security and also for the sake of international trade. Best wishes as you begin what I know will be a rewarding and exciting career.