Daniel Maxian of New Hope recently graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, N.Y.
Maxian earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission in the U.S. armed forces. He also earned a Merchant Marine officer license, qualifying him to serve as an officer on any ship in the U.S. Flag Merchant Marine.
The United States Merchant Marine Academy is a federal service academy that educates and graduates licensed Merchant Marine officers. In addition to the rigorous academic and physical requirements for admission, applicants must be nominated by their congressman or senator.
All USMMA graduates incur an obligation to serve the United States. The U.S. Flag Merchant Marine – manned exclusively by American mariners – is essential for securing the country’s commerce in peacetime and delivering warfighters, weapons, and military supplies in times of conflict. The majority of “Kings Pointers” serve for eight years as Navy reservists in the Strategic Sealift Officer Program while working aboard U.S. flag vessels; others will serve on active duty in the nation’s armed forces.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Class of 2020 midshipmen returned to USMMA for three weeks in June to prepare for and take their US Coast Guard license exam, four days of tests which midshipmen must pass in order to graduate. This year, the graduation ceremony was held at the War Memorial Monument where the names of the cadets and graduates who died during World War II are remembered.
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