Senoia’s Thrift Graduates U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

William Thrift of Senoia recently graduated from the prestigious United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, NY.  Thrift 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 one of five U.S. federal service academies. It educates and graduates licensed Merchant Marine officers to serve the nation during peace and war. 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 our nation’s armed forces.

By virtue of their elite training and real-world experience, graduates are ready to go on day one in service of American military strength and economic power. As part of his four year education,  Thrift spent one year training as a cadet aboard ocean going vessels. 

Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll, delivering the commencement address, told the graduates: “All of you on this field are what keep our Army and the joint force moving around the world, and you are more important now than ever before.” Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, whose department oversees the Academy, introduced Secretary Driscoll and reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding the USMMA’s infrastructure and strengthening America’s broader maritime capabilities.

Dedicated during WWII, USMMA has since served the nation in both peace and war.  Learn more at www.WeAreTheUSMMA.com

For more information about the Academy, visit https://www.usmma.edu/.