United States Merchant Marine Academy

The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA or Kings Point) is a federal service academy that trains officers for the United States Merchant Marine, the United States Armed Forces, and the maritime industry. It is located in Kings Point, New York, and is one of the five federal service academies.

History

The Academy was established in 1943 during World War II to address the urgent need for merchant marine officers to support wartime logistics. During the war, midshipmen trained at Kings Point served aboard merchant ships transporting vital supplies across dangerous waters. Over 140 USMMA midshipmen lost their lives in service, making the Academy unique in having a battle standard.

Since World War II, the Academy has continued to produce graduates who serve in both the civilian maritime industry and the military. Kings Point alumni have supported U.S. operations in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, and global humanitarian missions.

Academics

The USMMA grants a Bachelor of Science degree upon completion of a four-year program.

Areas of study include:

Marine engineering

Navigation

Logistics and intermodal transportation

Marine transportation

Maritime law and business

Graduates also earn a U.S. Coast Guard license as a merchant marine officer.

Military and Maritime Service

Graduates incur a service obligation.

They must:

Serve at least five years in the U.S. Merchant Marine or the maritime industry, and

Maintain their Coast Guard license, and

Serve eight years in the United States Armed Forces Reserve, or serve five years on active duty if they choose a direct military commission.

This dual civilian-military service requirement ensures that graduates support both national defense and commercial shipping.

Admissions

Admission to the USMMA requires a congressional nomination (similar to the Army, Navy, and Air Force Academies), along with academic achievement, physical fitness, and leadership potential.