US Merchant Marine Academy to modernise New York training facilities

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) New York District and the US Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) have entered into a long-term agreement for the revitalization and modernization of USMMA’s campus located in Kings Point, New York.

The announcement follows President Trump’s executive order to restore America’s maritime dominance. Secretary Duffy visited the US Merchant Marine Academy earlier this month to tour the campus and deliver a keynote address to the midshipmen.

“Merchant marine cadets have answered the call to serve our country, and it’s our duty to deliver an institution worthy of their sacrifice,” said Duffy. “Our mariners are critical to President Trump’s agenda to make American shipbuilding great again, and more importantly protecting our national security.”

USMMA is one of the nation’s five federal service academies. Located along the north shore of Long Island, most of the facilities at USMMA date back to the academy’s founding in the early 1940s, and have not been modernized since.

"[USMMA's facilities] are not conducive to the immersive training and demanding coursework today’s midshipmen are required to complete," said the Department of Transportation.