Midshipman Jason Jamal Williams, the son of Randolph and Essie Williams, participated in Acceptance Day ceremonies at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.

The colorful annual event marks the official “acceptance” of the class of 2009 into the ranks of the Academy’s Regiment of Midshipmen.

A graduate of McIntosh High School, Midshipman
Williams, with some 271 other plebes, was administered the Academy oath by Vice Admiral Joseph D. Stewart, the institution’s superintendent. The members of the Class of 2009 were additionally sworn into the U.S. Naval Reserve.

Midshipman Williams was nominated to attend the Academy by Senator Saxby Chambliss.

The plebe class reported to the Academy on July 8 for a two-week indoctrination program. Since then, the Class of 2009 has been involved in academic and regimental education and training. Williams is a member of the academy’s basketball team.

The Academy is operated by the Maritime Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation.